Printing system, program, and printing characteristic adjustment method

Abstract

To accurately determine whether a test pattern included in an image from an imaging unit has no blur.SOLUTION: A medium includes: a test pattern; and a plurality of blur detection areas for detecting blur of an imaging unit, the plurality of blur detection areas including a first blur detection area and a second blur detection area in an imaging target area. The first blur detection area and the second blur detection area are mutually positioned so as to sandwich at least one of a straight line passing through the center of the imaging target area and the test pattern. A control unit acquires an image of the imaging target area from the imaging unit, detects whether or not there is blur in the first blur detection area included in the image, and whether or not there is blur in the second blur detection area included in the image, and determines that there is no blur in the test pattern included in the image when detecting that there is no blur in both the first blur detection area and the second blur detection area.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 7

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a printing system, a program, and a method for adjusting print characteristics, for capturing an image of a medium having a test pattern for adjusting print characteristics. [Background technology]

[0002] 2. Description of the Related Art Test patterns for adjusting the printing characteristics of printing devices such as inkjet printers are read by scanners. Patent Document 1 discloses a print correction method that generates print correction data by photographing a print correction test pattern printed by a printer with a digital camera. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2006-121486 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] If a shake occurs in the imaging unit, the test pattern included in the image from the imaging unit will also be blurred, which may make it impossible to use the test pattern included in the captured image. In particular, if a shake occurs in the imaging unit due to rotation or tilt, it is expected that the shake will not be properly detected because there will be areas in the image where the shake is large while there will also be areas where the shake is small. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] The printing system of the present invention comprises: a printing device including a recording head and forming a test pattern on a medium for adjusting printing characteristics; an imaging unit that images the medium; a control unit that causes the imaging unit to capture an image of an imaging target area including the test pattern, the printing device forms, on the medium, a plurality of blur detection areas for detecting blur of the imaging unit, the plurality of blur detection areas including a first blur detection area and a second blur detection area; the plurality of blur detection areas are included in the imaging target area of ​​the medium, the first blur detection area and the second blur detection area are located on opposite sides of at least one of a line passing through the center of the imaging target area and the test pattern, The control unit acquires an image of the imaging target area from the imaging unit, detects whether or not there is blur in the first blur detection area included in the image, and whether or not there is blur in the second blur detection area included in the image, and if it detects that there is no blur in both the first blur detection area and the second blur detection area, determines that there is no blur in the test pattern included in the image.

[0006] The program of the present invention is a program for determining blur of a test pattern included in an image acquired from an imaging unit that images a medium having a test pattern for adjusting print characteristics of a printing device equipped with a recording head, the program comprising: the medium has a plurality of shake detection areas for detecting shake of the imaging unit, the plurality of shake detection areas including a first shake detection area and a second shake detection area, in an imaging target area; the first blur detection area and the second blur detection area are located on opposite sides of at least one of a line passing through the center of the imaging target area and the test pattern, The program an acquisition function for acquiring an image of the imaging target area from the imaging unit; and a determination function for detecting whether or not there is blur in the first blur detection area included in the image and whether or not there is blur in the second blur detection area included in the image, and determining that there is no blur in the test pattern included in the image when it is detected that there is no blur in both the first blur detection area and the second blur detection area.

[0007] Furthermore, a print characteristic adjustment method of the present invention is a print characteristic adjustment method that includes capturing an image of a medium having an imaging target area including a test pattern for adjusting print characteristics of a printing device equipped with a recording head, and adjusting the print characteristics based on the test pattern included in the captured image obtained, the medium has a plurality of shake detection areas for detecting shake of the imaging unit, the plurality of shake detection areas including a first shake detection area and a second shake detection area, in the imaging target area; the first blur detection area and the second blur detection area are located on opposite sides of at least one of a line passing through the center of the imaging target area and the test pattern, The printing characteristic adjustment method includes: a first step of acquiring an image of the imaging target area from the imaging unit; a second step of detecting whether or not there is blur in the first blur detection area included in the image and whether or not there is blur in the second blur detection area included in the image, and acquiring the captured image when it is detected that there is no blur in both the first blur detection area and the second blur detection area; a third step of determining an adjustment value for adjusting the printing characteristics based on the test pattern included in the captured image; and a fourth step of adjusting the printing characteristics based on the adjustment value. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a diagram schematically illustrating an example of a printing system. [Figure 2] FIG. 1 is a diagram schematically illustrating an example of the configuration of a printing system. [Figure 3]FIG. 10 is a diagram schematically illustrating an example of a medium having a test pattern. [Figure 4] 4A to 4C are diagrams showing another example of an imaging target region. [Figure 5] 5A to 5D are diagrams schematically showing examples of blur detection areas. [Figure 6] FIG. 10 is a diagram schematically illustrating an example of the operation of an information terminal during imaging. [Figure 7] 10 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a printing characteristic adjustment process. [Figure 8] FIG. 8A is a diagram schematically showing an example of a case where an image captured by the imaging unit has a blur that rotates around a first blur detection area, and FIG. 8B is a diagram schematically showing an example of a case where an image captured by the imaging unit has a blur that rotates around a second blur detection area. [Figure 9] FIG. 9A is a diagram schematically showing an example of an image including a first test pattern, a first blur detection area, and a second blur detection area, and FIG. 9B is a diagram schematically showing an example of an image including a second test pattern, a second blur detection area, and a third blur detection area. [Figure 10] 5A to 5C are diagrams illustrating examples of adjustment of printing characteristics. [Figure 11] 10 is a flowchart schematically illustrating an example of an imaging control process. [Figure 12] 10A and 10B are diagrams illustrating a state in which an image captured by an imaging unit has a blur that rotates around a blur detection area in a comparative example. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0009] The following describes embodiments of the present invention. Of course, the following embodiments are merely examples of the present invention, and not all of the features shown in the embodiments are necessarily essential to the solution of the invention.

[0010] (1) Summary of the aspects included in the present invention: First, an overview of the aspects included in the present invention will be described with reference to the examples shown in Figures 1 to 12. Note that the figures in this application are diagrams showing schematic examples, and the magnifications in each direction shown in these figures may differ, and the figures may not be consistent with each other. Of course, each element of this aspect is not limited to the specific example indicated by the symbol. In the "Outline of the aspects included in the present invention," the words in parentheses indicate supplementary explanations for the immediately preceding words.

[0011] [Aspect 1] As illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2, a printing system SY1 according to one embodiment includes a printing device (e.g., printer 2) including a recording head 220, an imaging unit 120, and a control unit 110. The printing device (2) forms a print image PI0 including a test pattern TP0 for adjusting printing characteristics on a medium ME0. The imaging unit 120 captures an image of the medium ME0 having the test pattern TP0. The control unit 110 causes the imaging unit 120 to capture an image of an imaging target area AR0 (see FIG. 3) including the test pattern TP0. Here, the printing device (2) forms a plurality of blur detection areas BA0 on the medium ME0 for detecting blur of the imaging unit 120, the plurality of blur detection areas BA0 including a first blur detection area BA1 and a second blur detection area BA2. When the multiple blur detection areas BA0 are included in the imaging target area AR0, the first blur detection area BA1 and the second blur detection area BA2 are located on either side of at least one of a line (e.g., the axis of symmetry AX0) passing through the center CT1 of the imaging target area AR0 and the test pattern TP0. As shown in Fig. 7, the control unit 110 acquires an image IM1 of the imaging target area AR0 from the imaging unit 120, detects whether or not there is blur in the first blur detection area BA1 included in the image IM1, and whether or not there is blur in the second blur detection area BA2 included in the image IM1, and determines that there is no blur in the test pattern TP0 included in the image IM1 if it detects that there is no blur in both the first blur detection area BA1 and the second blur detection area BA2.

[0012] For example, even if no blur is detected in the first blur detection area BA1 in image IM1, if a blur occurs that rotates around the first blur detection area BA1, as shown in FIG. 8A, a blur will occur in the test pattern TP0 in image IM1. Because the first blur detection area BA1 and the second blur detection area BA2 are located on either side of the line (AX0) or the test pattern TP0, if a blur occurs that rotates around the first blur detection area BA1, a blur will be detected in the second blur detection area BA2 in image IM1, and it will not be determined that there is no blur in the test pattern TP0 in image IM1. Of course, even if no blur is detected in the second blur detection area BA2 in image IM1, as shown in FIG. 8B, it will not be determined that there is no blur in the test pattern TP0 in image IM1. The same applies when a blur occurs that tilts the imaging unit 120 around one of the blur detection areas (BA1, BA2). Therefore, the above aspect can provide a printing system that can accurately determine whether the test pattern included in the image from the imaging unit is blur-free.

[0013] There are various examples of the above-described aspects. Examples of printing characteristics include the density of the printed image, the landing position of the droplets, the transport amount of the medium, and the droplet ejection state of each nozzle. Examples of test patterns include a density pattern for adjusting the density of the printed image, a Bi-d adjustment pattern for performing Bi-d adjustment (bidirectional adjustment) to align the landing position of droplets on the forward and return paths, a transport amount adjustment pattern for adjusting the transport amount of the medium on which the printed image is formed, and a nozzle check pattern that shows the droplet ejection status of each nozzle of the recording head. Examples of the imaging target area include the entire medium, an area partitioned by a plurality of position detection patterns, and the like. The image acquired by the control unit from the imaging unit may be a captured image, or may be a frame constituting a moving image. The imaging unit may be located outside the printer or inside the printer. The control unit may be external to the printer or internal to the printer. In detecting whether or not there is blur in the blur detection area, "no blur in the blur detection area" means not only that no movement is observed in the blur detection area but also that the movement in the blur detection area is within an acceptable range, and "no blur in the test pattern" means not only that no movement is observed in the test pattern but also that the movement of the test pattern is within an acceptable range. In this application, the terms "first", "second", etc. are terms for distinguishing between elements among a plurality of elements having similarities, and do not imply any order. Of course, the above remarks also apply to the following aspects.

[0014] [Aspect 2] 5A, the plurality of blur detection areas BA0 may include readable code information BP1. If the control unit 110 can read the code information BP1 of the first blur detection area BA1 included in the image IM1, the control unit 110 may detect that there is no blur in the first blur detection area BA1 included in the image IM1. If the control unit 110 can read the code information BP1 of the second blur detection area BA2 included in the image IM1, the control unit 110 may detect that there is no blur in the second blur detection area BA2 included in the image IM1. In the above case, it is possible to provide a suitable example for accurately determining whether or not there is blur in the test pattern included in the image from the imaging unit.

[0015] [Aspect 3] 5A, identification information ID0 that can identify each of the blur detection areas BA0 may be embedded in the code information BP1. The control unit 110 may read the code information BP1 included in the image IM1, and may identify the test pattern TP0 to be read from the image IM1 based on the identification information ID0 embedded in the code information BP1. In the above case, a suitable example can be provided for identifying the test pattern to be read from the image.

[0016] [Aspect 4] 4C , the plurality of blur detection regions BA0 may include a third blur detection region BA3 that is spaced apart from the first blur detection region BA1 and the second blur detection region BA2. The control unit 110 may detect whether or not there is blur in the first blur detection region BA1 included in the image IM1, whether or not there is blur in the second blur detection region BA2 included in the image IM1, and whether or not there is blur in the third blur detection region BA3 included in the image IM1. The control unit 110 may determine that there is no blur in the test pattern TP0 included in the image IM1 if it detects that there is no blur in all of the first blur detection region BA1, the second blur detection region BA2, and the third blur detection region BA3. For example, if the imaging unit 120 tilts relative to the imaging target area AR0 such that the distance to the two blur detection areas (BA1, BA2) remains constant but the distance to the third blur detection area BA3 changes, blur will occur in the test pattern TP0 in the image IM1. In this case, even if no blur is detected in the two blur detection areas (BA1, BA2) in the image IM1, blur will be detected in the third blur detection area BA3 in the image IM1, and it will not be determined that there is no blur in the test pattern TP0 in the image IM1. Therefore, the above aspect can more accurately determine that there is no blur in the test pattern included in the image captured by the imaging unit. Here, the plurality of blur detection areas may include a fourth blur detection area, etc. Even in this case, the control unit may determine that there is no blur in the test pattern included in the image if it detects that there is no blur in all of the blur detection areas. These remarks also apply to the following aspects.

[0017] [Aspect 5] As illustrated in FIG. 4C , there may be a plurality of test patterns TP0. The plurality of blur detection areas BA0 may include a third blur detection area BA3. The plurality of test patterns TP0 may include a first test pattern TP1 located between the first blur detection area BA1 and the second blur detection area BA2, and a second test pattern TP2 located between the second blur detection area BA2 and the third blur detection area BA3. When the first blur detection area BA1 and the second blur detection area BA2 are included in the image IM1, as illustrated in FIG. 9A , the control unit 110 may detect whether or not there is blur in the first blur detection area BA1 included in the image IM1 and whether or not there is blur in the second blur detection area BA2 included in the image IM1. If the control unit 110 detects no blur in both the first blur detection area BA1 and the second blur detection area BA2, it may determine that there is no blur in the first test pattern TP1 included in the image IM1. 9B , when the second blur detection area BA2 and the third blur detection area BA3 are included in the image IM1, the control unit 110 may detect whether or not there is a blur in the second blur detection area BA2 included in the image IM1, and whether or not there is a blur in the third blur detection area BA3 included in the image IM1. If the control unit 110 detects that there is no blur in both the second blur detection area BA2 and the third blur detection area BA3, the control unit 110 may determine that there is no blur in the second test pattern TP2 included in the image IM1. 9A and 9B, multiple test patterns TP0 on medium ME0 can be captured separately, and it is possible to accurately determine whether each test pattern in the image is blur-free. Furthermore, because the second blur detection area BA2 is a common area for determining blur for both test patterns TP0, the number of blur detection areas can be reduced, and the consumption of medium and recording material (e.g., ink) can be reduced. Here, the plurality of test patterns may include a third test pattern, etc. This statement also applies to the following aspects.

[0018] [Aspect 6] 2, 7, and 11, a program PR0 according to one embodiment is a program PR0 for determining blur in an image IM1 acquired from an imaging unit 120 that images a medium ME0 having a test pattern TP0 for adjusting the printing characteristics of a printing device (2) equipped with a recording head 220. The program PR0 causes a computer (e.g., information terminal 1) to implement an acquisition function FU1 and a determination function FU2. The acquisition function FU1 acquires an image IM1 of the imaging target area AR0 from the imaging unit 120. The determination function FU2 detects whether or not there is blur in the first blur detection area BA1 included in the image IM1 and whether or not there is blur in the second blur detection area BA2 included in the image IM1. If it detects that there is no blur in both the first blur detection area BA1 and the second blur detection area BA2, the determination function FU2 determines that there is no blur in the test pattern TP0 included in the image IM1. The above aspect can provide a program that can accurately determine whether a test pattern included in an image from an imaging unit is blur-free.

[0019] [Aspect 7] 11, the image IM1 may be a frame FR0 repeatedly acquired from the imaging unit 120. The program PR0 may further cause the computer (1) to realize an imaging control function FU3 that acquires a captured image IM0 by causing the imaging unit 120 to capture an image of the imaging target area AR0 when imaging conditions, including conditions for determining that the test pattern TP0 included in the frame FR0 is not blurred, are satisfied as a trigger. In the above cases, the imaging of the imaging target area AR0 is triggered by the satisfaction of imaging conditions including conditions for determining that the test pattern TP0 included in the frame FR0 is not blurred, so blurring of the test pattern TP0 included in the captured image IM0 is suppressed. Therefore, the above aspect makes it possible to obtain a captured image in which blurring of the test pattern is precisely suppressed.

[0020] There are various examples of the above-described aspects. Acquiring a captured image may involve storing the captured image obtained from the imaging unit in memory, or may involve controlling a DMA (Direct Memory Access) controller to store the captured image in memory, etc. Storing in memory includes storing in RAM (Random Access Memory), storing in non-volatile memory, etc. A frame refers to an image represented by a signal output from an imaging unit for each frame period. Of course, the above remarks also apply to the following aspects.

[0021] [Aspect 8] In addition, one embodiment of a printing characteristic adjustment method is a method of imaging a medium ME0 having an imaging target area AR0 including a test pattern TP0 for adjusting the printing characteristics of a printing device (2) equipped with a recording head 220 using an imaging unit 120, and adjusting the printing characteristics based on the test pattern TP0 included in the obtained captured image IM0, and includes the following steps, as illustrated in Figures 7 and 11. (a1) A first step ST1 of acquiring an image IM1 of the imaging target area AR0 from the imaging unit 120. (a2) A second step ST2 of detecting whether or not there is blur in the first blur detection area BA1 included in the image IM1 and whether or not there is blur in the second blur detection area BA2 included in the image IM1, and acquiring the captured image IM0 when it is detected that there is no blur in both the first blur detection area BA1 and the second blur detection area BA2. (a3) A third step ST3 of determining adjustment values ​​(A1 to A3) for adjusting the printing characteristics based on the test pattern TP0 included in the captured image IM0. (a4) A fourth step ST4 of adjusting the printing characteristics based on the adjustment values ​​(for example, adjustment values ​​A1 to A3 illustrated in FIG. 10).

[0022] When no blur is detected in both the first blur detection area BA1 and the second blur detection area BA2, a captured image IM0 is acquired, thereby acquiring a captured image IM0 in which blur in the test pattern TP0 is accurately suppressed. Therefore, the above aspect can accurately determine that the test pattern included in the image captured by the imaging unit is free of blur, and can provide a print characteristic adjustment method that can accurately adjust print characteristics based on the test pattern in which blur is suppressed.

[0023] Furthermore, the above-described aspects are applicable to an information terminal including the above-described control unit, a control method for the information terminal, a computer-readable non-transitory medium on which the above-described program is recorded, a printing method implemented by the above-described printing system, a control program for the above-described printing system, a computer-readable non-transitory medium on which the control program is recorded, etc. Any of the above-described devices may be composed of multiple distributed parts.

[0024] (2) Example of imaging control program: Fig. 1 schematically illustrates a printing system SY1 including an information terminal 1 and a printer 2. Fig. 2 schematically illustrates the configuration of the printing system SY1. Fig. 3 schematically illustrates a medium ME0 having a test pattern TP0. Examples of information terminal 1 include mobile phones such as smartphones, tablet terminals, etc. Information terminal 1 may be composed of multiple devices separated so that they can communicate with each other, or it may be a stationary device with an imaging unit connected to it so that its position can be changed. Printer 2 is assumed to be an inkjet printer equipped with a recording head 220 capable of ejecting droplets 280. Of course, printer 2 may also be a thermal printer (including a thermal transfer printer) equipped with a thermal head as a recording head, an electrophotographic printer (e.g., a laser printer) equipped with a recording head that deposits toner on medium ME0, a three-dimensional printer, etc. Printer 2 may be composed of multiple devices separated so that they can communicate with each other.

[0025] The printer 2 can form a print image PI0 on the medium ME0, including a test pattern TP0 for adjusting the printing characteristics of the printer 2. The user US1 can adjust the printing characteristics of the printer 2 by capturing the test pattern TP0 with the information terminal 1 equipped with the imaging unit 120. When the user US1 captures the test pattern TP0 while holding the information terminal 1 in their hand, camera shake may occur. If the imaging unit 120 experiences shake, the test pattern TP0 included in the captured image IM0 may become blurred, potentially rendering the test pattern TP0 unusable. If the imaging unit 120 experiences shake due to rotation or tilt, some areas of the captured image IM0 may exhibit significant blur while others may exhibit less blur, potentially preventing proper detection of the blur. In this specific example, a medium ME0 having multiple blur detection areas BA0 is used along with the test pattern TP0. The printing system SY1 then determines whether or not the test pattern TP0 is blurred based on the multiple blur detection areas BA0 included in the image IM1 captured by the imaging unit 120, which is oriented toward the imaging target area AR0 of the medium ME0. This determination will be referred to as a blur determination. The image IM1 is a concept that includes the captured image IM0 and a frame FR0, which will be described later.

[0026] Even if the information terminal 1 is a stationary device rather than a portable device, blur determination may be performed if blur occurs due to vibrations caused by the operation of machinery installed near the information terminal 1, human contact, etc. Whether the information terminal 1 is portable or stationary, if the imaging unit 120 and control unit 110 are external to the printer 2, the printer 2 becomes one aspect of a printing device. The printer 2 may also include at least one of the imaging unit 120 and the control unit 110. Even if the printer 2 includes the imaging unit 120, there is a possibility that the imaging unit 120 may be blurred due to vibrations caused by the operation of pre- and post-processing machines installed near the printer 2, human contact, and the like. Therefore, if the printer 2 includes the imaging unit 120, the control unit 110 may perform blur detection. In this case, the control unit 110 may be located inside the printer 2, outside the printer 2, or located both inside and outside the printer 2. If the printer 2 includes the imaging unit 120 and the control unit 110, the printer 2 excluding the imaging unit 120 and the control unit 110 constitutes one aspect of a printing device.

[0027] The communication I / F (interface) 117 of the information terminal 1 can communicate with the communication I / F 230 of the printer 2. The information terminal 1 can send adjustment values ​​for printing characteristics and the like to the printer 2 via the communication I / Fs 117, 230. When the printer 2 receives the adjustment values, it stores the adjustment values ​​and adjusts the printing characteristics based on the adjustment values. Communication via the communication I / Fs 117, 230 may be wireless communication in accordance with wireless LAN (Local Area Network) standards, wired communication, or even network communication such as the Internet.

[0028] 2 includes a control unit 110, a storage unit 114, an operation unit 115, a display unit 116, a communication I / F 117, and an imaging unit 120. The information terminal 1 may also include sensors SS1 and SS2 connected to the control unit 110. The control unit 110 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 111, which is a processor, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 112, and a RAM (Random Access Memory) 113. The RAM 113 is an example of a memory for storing an image IM1 obtained from the imaging unit 120.

[0029] The storage unit 114 stores a program PR0 for capturing an image of a medium ME0 having a test pattern TP0, etc. A nonvolatile semiconductor memory such as a flash memory may be used for the storage unit 114. The storage unit 114 may be removably attached to the main body of the information terminal 1. The display unit 116 displays a screen corresponding to the display information based on the display information. A liquid crystal display panel or the like may be used for the display unit 116. The operation unit 115 may be a touch panel attached to the surface of the display unit 116, hard keys, etc. The display unit 116 displays a screen corresponding to the display information based on the display information.

[0030] The program PR0 causes the information terminal 1 to realize at least an acquisition function FU1 and a determination function FU2. In this case, the program PR0 can also be considered a blur determination program for determining blur in the test pattern TP0. As illustrated in FIG. 11, the program PR0 may also cause the information terminal 1 to realize an imaging control function FU3. In this case, the program PR0 can also be considered an imaging control program for imaging the medium ME0. The CPU 111 appropriately reads information stored in the storage unit 114 into the RAM 113 and executes the read program to perform various processes. The CPU 111 can execute processes corresponding to the above-mentioned functions (FU1 to FU3) by executing the program PR0 read into the RAM 113. As illustrated in FIG. 7, the information terminal 1 executing the program PR0 performs a first step ST1 of acquiring an image IM1, a second step ST2 of acquiring a captured image IM0, a third step ST3 of determining adjustment values, and a fourth step ST4 of adjusting printing characteristics. The computer-readable medium storing the program PR0 that causes a computer to realize the above-described functions (FU1 to FU3) is not limited to the storage unit 114, but may be a recording medium external to the information terminal 1.

[0031] The imaging unit 120 includes a lens 121, an AF (autofocus) unit 122, an image sensor 123, and the like. The image sensor 123 converts an image of light incident via the lens 121 and the AF unit 122 into an electrical signal. The image sensor 123 in this specific example outputs digital data corresponding to the electrical signal of each light receiving element. The digital data is stored in the RAM 113 as a frame FR0 or a captured image IM0. The image sensor 123 may be a CMOS (Complementary Metal-Oxide Semiconductor) image sensor, a CCD (Charge Coupled Devices) image sensor, or the like. When the user US1 points the imaging unit 120 at the medium ME0, the imaging unit 120 can capture an image of the medium ME0.

[0032] The sensors SS1 and SS2 can be used to determine whether the imaging conditions are met. For example, the sensor SS1 may be a speed sensor that measures the moving speed of the imaging unit 120, or an acceleration sensor that measures the acceleration of the imaging unit 120. In this case, the magnitude of blur in the captured image IM0 can be detected based on the measurement value from the sensor SS1. The sensor SS2 may also be a distance sensor that measures the distance from the imaging unit 120 to the medium ME0. In this case, the distance from the imaging unit 120 to the medium ME0 can be detected based on the measurement value from the sensor SS2.

[0033] The printer 2 ejects C (cyan) ink, M (magenta) ink, Y (yellow) ink, and K (black) ink as colorants from the recording head 220 as droplets 280 to form a print image PI0 corresponding to the print data. The recording head 220 has multiple nozzles Nc capable of ejecting C ink droplets onto the medium ME0, multiple nozzles Nm capable of ejecting M ink droplets onto the medium ME0, multiple nozzles Ny capable of ejecting Y ink droplets onto the medium ME0, and multiple nozzles Nk capable of ejecting K ink droplets onto the medium ME0. C, M, Y, and K ink are supplied to the recording head 220 from ink cartridges Cc, Cm, Cy, and Ck, respectively. The recording head 220 ejects C, M, Y, and K droplets 280 from the nozzles Nc, Nm, Ny, and Nk, respectively, under the control of the controller 210. When the droplets 280 land on the medium ME0, ink dots are formed on the medium ME0. The printer 2 also includes a drive unit that changes the relative positional relationship between the recording head 220 and the medium ME0 under the control of the controller 210, such as a transport unit 225 that transports the medium ME0 in a predetermined transport direction. As a result, a printed matter is obtained that has a pattern of ink dots on the medium ME0 as a print image PI0. The material of the medium ME0 is not particularly limited, and may be paper, fabric, resin, metal, or the like. The shape of the medium ME0 may be a two-dimensional cut shape, a roll, or a three-dimensional shape.

[0034] The medium ME0 shown in FIG. 3 has a test pattern TP0 including multiple individual patterns PA0, multiple position detection patterns MK0, and multiple blur detection areas BA0 that are spaced apart from one another. The test pattern TP0 may be a density pattern, a Bi-d adjustment pattern, a conveyance distance adjustment pattern, a nozzle check pattern, or the like. Each position detection pattern MK0 is located at a corner C0 of a rectangle that includes the test pattern TP0 on the medium ME0. When the position detection patterns MK0 are located at the four corners of the rectangle, the imaging target area AR0 including the test pattern TP0 becomes a rectangular area on the medium ME0 with each position detection pattern MK0 at its corner C0. In FIG. 3, the rectangular imaging target area AR0 with vertical sides S1 and S2 and horizontal sides S3 and S4 is indicated by a two-dot chain line. The position detection pattern MK0 may be a square-shaped ArUco marker, a triangular pattern, or the like, that has specific geometric characteristics. If there is no position detection pattern MK0 on the medium ME0, the medium ME0 itself becomes the imaging target area AR0. In this case, the medium ME0 is preferably cut like a cut sheet of paper, and is preferably, but not limited to, rectangular.

[0035] The multiple blur detection areas BA0 are arranged in the imaging target area AR0 to detect blur of the imaging unit 120, including the rotation and tilt of the imaging unit 120. Of the multiple blur detection areas BA0 shown in FIG. 3, the blur detection area above the test pattern TP0 will be referred to as the first blur detection area BA1, and the blur detection area below the test pattern TP0 will be referred to as the second blur detection area BA2. Note that which of the multiple blur detection areas BA0 corresponds to the first blur detection area BA1 or the second blur detection area BA2 is determined relatively. Therefore, it is possible to fit the blur detection area BA0 below the test pattern TP0 into the first blur detection area BA1, and the blur detection area BA0 above the test pattern TP0 into the second blur detection area BA2.

[0036] In the imaging target area AR0 shown in Figure 3, the first blur detection area BA1 and the second blur detection area BA2 are located on either side of the test pattern TP0. Here, an imaginary line L1 connecting the first blur detection area BA1 and the second blur detection area BA2 crosses the test pattern TP0. The fact that both detection areas (BA1, BA2) are located on either side of the test pattern TP0 means that both detection areas (BA1, BA2) are arranged in the imaging target area AR0 so that the aforementioned line L1 crosses the test pattern TP0.

[0037] FIG. 3 shows a symmetry axis AX1 along the horizontal sides S3 and S4 and a symmetry axis AX2 along the vertical sides S1 and S2 of the rectangular imaging target area AR0. The symmetry axis AX0 collectively refers to the symmetry axes AX1 and AX2 and refers to the axis oriented along the sides (S1 to S4) of the rectangle. The intersection of the symmetry axes AX1 and AX2 is the center CT1 of the imaging target area AR0. The first blur detection area BA1 and the second blur detection area BA2 are located on either side of the symmetry axis AX0, i.e., a straight line passing through the center CT1 of the imaging target area AR0. The fact that both detection areas (BA1, BA2) are located on either side of the symmetry axis AX0 means that both detection areas (BA1, BA2) are arranged in the imaging target area AR0 so that the above-mentioned line L1 intersects the symmetry axis AX0. The two detection areas (BA1, BA2) shown in FIG. 3 are located on either side of the symmetry axis AX1 and on either side of the symmetry axis AX2. The two detection areas (BA1, BA2) may not be positioned to sandwich the axis of symmetry AX2 between them, but may be positioned to sandwich the axis of symmetry AX1 between them. Also, the two detection areas (BA1, BA2) may not be positioned to sandwich the axis of symmetry AX1 between them, but may be positioned to sandwich the axis of symmetry AX2 between them. Either case is included in the fact that the two detection areas (BA1, BA2) are positioned to sandwich the axis of symmetry AX0 between them.

[0038] 4A to 4C show various examples of an imaging target area AR0 that includes a test pattern TP0 and multiple blur detection areas BA0. Of course, the imaging target area AR0 may also include a position detection pattern MK0. In the imaging target area AR0 shown in Fig. 4A, the line L1 connecting the first blur detection area BA1 and the second blur detection area BA2 does not cross the test pattern TP0, but crosses the axis of symmetry AX1 along the horizontal sides S3 and S4 shown in Fig. 3. Therefore, the two detection areas (BA1, BA2) shown in Fig. 4A are not positioned to sandwich the test pattern TP0 between them, and are positioned to sandwich the axis of symmetry AX1 between them. Note that the two detection areas (BA1, BA2) shown in Fig. 4A are not positioned to sandwich the axis of symmetry AX2 (see Fig. 3) between them.

[0039] In the imaging target area AR0 shown in Fig. 4B, the line L1 connecting the first blur detection area BA1 and the second blur detection area BA2 does not intersect the axis of symmetry AX0, but does intersect the test pattern TP0. Therefore, the two detection areas (BA1, BA2) shown in Fig. 4B are not positioned to sandwich the axis of symmetry AX0, but are positioned to sandwich the test pattern TP0.

[0040] The imaging target area AR0 shown in FIG. 4C includes multiple test patterns TP0 and a number of blur detection areas BA0 that is one more than the number of test patterns TP0. The multiple blur detection areas BA0 shown in FIG. 4C include a third blur detection area BA3 that is distant from the first blur detection area BA1 and the second blur detection area BA2. Arranged from top to bottom in the imaging target area AR0 shown in FIG. 4C are the first blur detection area BA1, the second blur detection area BA2, and the third blur detection area BA3. The multiple test patterns TP0 include a first test pattern TP1 that is located between the first blur detection area BA1 and the second blur detection area BA2, and a second test pattern TP2 that is located between the second blur detection area BA2 and the third blur detection area BA3. In the imaging target area AR0 shown in FIG. 4C, the line L1 connecting the first blur detection area BA1 and the second blur detection area BA2 crosses the first test pattern TP1 but not the second test pattern TP2. Therefore, the first blur detection area BA1 and the second blur detection area BA2 are not positioned to sandwich the second test pattern TP2 between them, but are positioned to sandwich the first test pattern TP1 between them. Also, the line L1 connecting the second blur detection area BA2 and the third blur detection area BA3 does not cross the first test pattern TP1, but crosses the second test pattern TP2. Therefore, the second blur detection area BA2 and the third blur detection area BA3 are not positioned to sandwich the first test pattern TP1 between them, but are positioned to sandwich the second test pattern TP2 between them.

[0041] Figures 5A to 5D schematically show various examples of blur detection area BA0. The elements (BP1 to BP4) shown in Figures 5A to 5D are not limited to monochrome images and may be color images. Furthermore, blur detection area BA0 may include elements different from the elements (BP1 to BP4) shown in Figures 5A to 5D. The blur detection area BA0 shown in FIG. 5A includes code information BP1 that can be read by the imaging unit 120 and the control unit 110. The code information BP1 may be a two-dimensional code as shown in FIG. 5A, a barcode, or the like. The control unit 110 can detect the presence or absence of blur in the blur detection area BA0 based on the code information BP1 included in the image IM1. For example, if the control unit 110 cannot read the code information BP1 included in the image IM1, it detects that there is blur in the blur detection area BA0 included in the image IM1. If the control unit 110 can read the code information BP1 included in the image IM1, it detects that there is no blur in the blur detection area BA0 included in the image IM1. The code information BP1 may contain embedded information including identification information ID0 that can identify each blur detection area BA0. The identification information ID0 may be a serial number, such as "No. 1" assigned to the first blur detection area BA1 and "No. 2" assigned to the second blur detection area BA2. The embedded information may include the model name of the printer 2, the date and time the test pattern TP0 was printed, information indicating which sheet of medium ME0 it is if there are multiple sheets, etc. The control unit 110 can read the code information BP1 included in the image IM1 and obtain the embedded information embedded in the code information BP1. The control unit 110 can identify the test pattern TP0 to be read from the image IM1 based on the identification information ID0 embedded in the code information BP1.

[0042] The blur detection area BA0 shown in FIG. 5B includes a ruled line pattern BP2 that can be read by the imaging unit 120 and the control unit 110. The ruled line pattern BP2 refers to a pattern including multiple ruled lines, and may be a grid pattern as shown in FIG. 5B or a geometric pattern. The control unit 110 can detect the presence or absence of blur in the blur detection area BA0 based on the ruled line pattern BP2 included in the image IM1. For example, the control unit 110 calculates the thickness of the ruled lines of the ruled line pattern BP2 included in the image IM1 based on the image IM1, and if the control unit 110 determines that the thickness of the ruled lines is within a predetermined range, it determines that there is no blur in the blur detection area BA0 included in the image IM1. If the control unit 110 determines that the thickness of the ruled lines is not within the predetermined range, it determines that there is blur in the blur detection area BA0 included in the image IM1.

[0043] The blur detection area BA0 shown in FIG. 5C includes a density pattern BP3 that can be read by the imaging unit 120 and the control unit 110. The density pattern BP3 refers to a pattern including a background color area where the background color of the medium ME0 is present and a non-background color area where the background color of the medium ME0 is not present. If the background color of the medium ME0 is white, the background color area can also be considered a white area. If the non-background color area is a black ink print area, the non-background color area can also be considered a black area. The density pattern BP3 may be a black-and-white pattern with multiple circular white areas within a rectangular black area, as shown in FIG. 5C, or a pattern in which a background color area surrounds a non-background color area of ​​a predetermined shape. The control unit 110 can detect the presence or absence of blur in the blur detection area BA0 based on the density pattern BP3 included in the image IM1. For example, the control unit 110 calculates the ratio Sw / (Sw+Sk) of the area Sw of the background color region to the total area (Sw+Sk) of the density pattern BP3 included in the image IM1 based on the image IM1, and if it determines that the ratio Sw / (Sw+Sk) is within a predetermined range, it detects that there is no blur in the blur detection region BA0 included in the image IM1. Instead of the ratio Sw / (Sw+Sk), the ratio Sk / (Sw+Sk) of the area Sk of the non-background color region to the total area (Sw+Sk) of the density pattern BP3 may be used. If the control unit 110 determines that the ratio Sw / (Sw+Sk) or the ratio Sk / (Sw+Sk) is not within the predetermined range, it detects that there is blur in the blur detection region BA0 included in the image IM1.

[0044] The blur detection area BA0 shown in FIG. 5D includes a character pattern BP4 that can be read by the imaging unit 120 and the control unit 110. The character pattern BP4 refers to a pattern containing multiple characters. The control unit 110 can detect the presence or absence of blur in the blur detection area BA0 based on the character pattern BP4 included in the image IM1. For example, if the control unit 110 cannot read the character pattern BP4 included in the image IM1 using OCR, it detects that the blur detection area BA0 included in the image IM1 is blurred. If the control unit 110 can read the character pattern BP4 included in the image IM1 using OCR, it detects that the blur detection area BA0 included in the image IM1 is not blurred. Here, OCR is an abbreviation for Optical Character Reader in terms of the device, and also for Optical Character Recognition in terms of optical character recognition. The character pattern BP4 may include identification information that identifies each blur detection area BA0, such as the model name of the printer 2, the printing date and time of the test pattern TP0, or information indicating the number of the medium ME0 if there are multiple sheets. The control unit 110 can identify the test pattern TP0 to be read from the image IM1 based on the identification information included in the character pattern BP4 included in the image IM1.

[0045] Next, an example of the operation of the information terminal 1 when capturing an image will be described with reference to Fig. 6. Normally, capturing an image is triggered by an operation on a shutter button included in the operation unit 115. Frames FR0 constituting the moving image VD0 are transferred from the image sensor 123 of the imaging unit 120 to the RAM 113 of the control unit 110 for each frame period. At this time, the CPU 111 may store the frames FR0 in the RAM 113, or a DMA controller (not shown) may store the frames FR0 in the RAM 113. Each frame FR0 represents a still image for each frame period, but may also contain information indicating a difference from the previous frame. Due to the processing capacity of the information terminal 1, each frame FR0 has a lower resolution than the captured image IM0. It can also be said that the frame FR0 has fewer pixels than the captured image IM0. The control unit 110 controls the AF unit 122 and the like based on the group of frames FR0. The control unit 110 may display each frame FR0 on the display unit 116.

[0046] When the user US1 presses or touches the shutter button, the operation unit 115 accepts the operation, and the operation unit 115 notifies the control unit 110 that the shutter button has been operated. The control unit 110 then issues an image capture instruction IS1 to the image capture unit 120, causing the image capture unit 120 to capture an image. A captured image IM0 generated by this image capture has a higher resolution than the frame FR0, and is stored in the RAM 113. Here again, the CPU 111 may perform the process of storing the captured image IM0 in the RAM 113, or a DMA controller (not shown) may perform the process of storing the captured image IM0 in the RAM 113. When the user US1 performs an operation to save the captured image IM0, the operation unit 115 accepts the operation and notifies the control unit 110 of a save instruction IS2. The control unit 110 then converts the captured image IM0 into a file FL0 format and saves it in the storage unit 114. That is, the storage unit 114 stores the file FL0. Examples of file formats include the JPEG (Joint Photographic Experts Group) format and bitmap format. The control unit 110 may accept settings such as the file format and the resolution of the captured image IM0 included in the file FL0 via the operation unit 115, and save the file FL0 in accordance with the settings in the storage unit 114. The control unit 110 may also automatically generate a file FL0 of the captured image IM0 and store it in the storage unit 114 when the captured image IM0 is stored in the RAM 113.

[0047] However, operating the buttons to capture an image may cause camera shake or the like. Furthermore, vibrations from the operation of machinery installed near the image capture unit 120, human contact, and the like may cause blurring of the image capture unit 120. If blurring occurs in the image capture unit 120, blurring may occur in the test pattern TP0 included in the image IM1 captured by the image capture unit 120, making it possible that the test pattern TP0 included in the captured image IM0 may become unusable. In particular, if blurring occurs in the image capture unit 120 due to rotation or tilting, it is expected that the blurring may not be properly detected because some areas of the image IM1 are significantly blurred while others are not.

[0048] For example, suppose the blur detection area is located at the center CT1 of the imaging target area AR0, and the test pattern TP0 is located in a position within the imaging target area AR0 that is offset from the center CT1. In this case, if the imaging unit 120 rotates or tilts around the center CT1, the movement of the blur detection area itself is small and therefore no blur of the imaging unit 120 is detected. However, the movement of the test pattern TP0, which is offset from the center CT1, is large. As a result, blur occurs in the test pattern TP0 included in the image IM1 captured by the imaging unit 120. In addition to the above examples, there are cases where blurring of the test pattern TP0 in the image IM1 occurs without detection of blurring of the imaging unit 120.

[0049] FIG. 12 schematically shows how the image IM1 captured by the imaging unit 120 in the comparative example has a rotating blur around the blur detection area BA0. FIG. 12 also shows the angle of view FA of the imaging unit 120. The angle of view FA refers to the imaging range. The test pattern TP0 is located at a position that includes the center CT1 of the imaging target area AR0 of the medium ME0, and the blur detection area BA0 is located outside the test pattern TP0. The arrows in FIG. 12 indicate the rotational movement around the blur detection area BA0. 12, when the imaging unit 120 rotates around the blur detection area BA0, the movement of the blur detection area BA0 itself is small, so no blur of the imaging unit 120 is detected. However, the movement of the test pattern TP0, which is displaced from the center of rotation, is large. As a result, blur occurs in the test pattern TP0 included in the image IM1. The same is true when the imaging unit 120 is tilted around the blur detection area BA0.

[0050] Therefore, the printing system SY1 of this specific example determines the blur of the test pattern TP0 based on multiple blur detection areas BA0 included in the image IM1 captured by the imaging unit 120 facing the imaging target area AR0 of the medium ME0 as shown in Figure 3. Then, the printing system SY1 adjusts the printing characteristics based on the test pattern TP0 included in the captured image IM0.

[0051] (3) Examples of print characteristic adjustment processing: FIG. 7 schematically illustrates an example of the printing characteristic adjustment process performed by the control unit 110. In the printing system SY1 shown in FIG. 3, the printing characteristic adjustment process is performed in the information terminal 1, but if the printer 2 is equipped with the control unit 110, the printing characteristic adjustment process is performed in the printer 2. Here, step S102 corresponds to the acquisition function FU1 and the first step ST1 of acquiring the image IM1. Steps S104 to S106 correspond to the determination function FU2. Steps S104 to S108 correspond to the second step ST2 of acquiring the captured image IM0. Step S110 corresponds to the third step ST3 of determining the adjustment value. Step S112 corresponds to the fourth step ST4 of adjusting the printing characteristics. Hereinafter, the word "step" may be omitted, and the step symbol may be shown in parentheses. The printing characteristic adjustment process begins, for example, when the control unit 110 receives an instruction to adjust the printing characteristics via the operation unit 115. The adjustment instruction may be given by operating the adjustment instruction area displayed after the program PR0 is started, by operating the shutter button, or by starting the program PR0.

[0052] When the print characteristic adjustment process begins and the user US1 points the imaging unit 120 toward the imaging target area AR0 of the medium ME0, the control unit 110 acquires an image IM1 of the imaging target area AR0 from the imaging unit 120 (S102). The image IM1 from the imaging unit 120 may be the frame FR0, but if the process of detecting the presence or absence of blur in the blur detection area BA0 takes time, it may be the captured image IM0. In the example shown in FIG. 7, it is assumed that the image IM1 is the captured image IM0. If the control unit 110 does not confirm that multiple blur detection areas BA0 are included in the angle of view FA of the imaging unit 120 (see FIGS. 8A and 8B), there is a possibility that one of the blur detection areas BA0 is not included in the captured image IM0. In this case, the blur detection area BA0 itself will not be detected from the captured image IM0 in the detection process later in S104, and the control unit 110 will simply determine that the test pattern TP0 is blurred in the determination process later in S106.

[0053] Furthermore, the control unit 110 may acquire a captured image IM0 by causing the imaging unit 120 to capture the imaging target area AR0 when imaging conditions, including a first condition that the imaging target area AR0 is included in the angle of view FA of the imaging unit 120, are satisfied as a trigger. As a result, multiple blur detection areas BA0 are included in the captured image IM0. The imaging conditions described above may be conditions in which at least additional conditions other than the first condition are satisfied. The additional conditions may be at least one of the following: a second condition that the amount of change in the relative positional relationship between the imaging unit 120 and the medium ME0 is less than or equal to a reference change amount; a third condition that the imaging unit 120 is within a predetermined range of direct facing with respect to the imaging target area AR0; a fourth condition that the amount of distortion indicating the distortion of the test pattern TP0 included in the frame FR0 is less than or equal to a reference distortion amount; a fifth condition that the amount of spacing corresponding to the spacing between the imaging unit 120 and the medium ME0 is less than or equal to a reference spacing amount; and a sixth condition that the amount of brightness indicating the brightness of the background color of the medium ME0 is greater than or equal to a reference brightness amount.

[0054] After acquiring the captured image IM0, the control unit 110 detects whether or not there is blur in each blur detection area BA0 included in the captured image IM0 based on the captured image IM0 (S104). When the imaging target area AR0 includes a first blur detection area BA1 and a second blur detection area BA2 as shown in FIG. 3, the control unit 110 detects whether or not there is blur in the first blur detection area BA1 included in the captured image IM0, and whether or not there is blur in the second blur detection area BA2 included in the captured image IM0. As described above, the control unit 110 may detect that there is blur in the first blur detection area BA1 if the first blur detection area BA1 itself is not detected in the captured image IM0. Furthermore, the control unit 110 may detect that there is blur in the second blur detection area BA2 if the second blur detection area BA2 itself is not detected in the captured image IM0.

[0055] 5A, when each blur detection area BA0 includes code information BP1, the control unit 110 determines that there is blur in the blur detection area BA0 in the captured image IM0 if it cannot read the code information BP1 in the captured image IM0, and determines that there is no blur in the blur detection area BA0 in the captured image IM0 if it can read the code information BP1 in the captured image IM0. 5B, when each blur detection area BA0 includes a ruled line pattern BP2, the control unit 110 calculates the thickness of the ruled lines of the ruled line pattern BP2 in the captured image IM0 based on the captured image IM0. If the control unit 110 determines that the thickness of the ruled lines is not within a predetermined range, it detects that there is a blur in the blur detection area BA0 in the captured image IM0, and if the control unit 110 determines that the thickness of the ruled lines is within the predetermined range, it detects that there is no blur in the blur detection area BA0 in the captured image IM0.

[0056] 5C, when each blur detection area BA0 includes a density pattern BP3, the control unit 110 calculates, based on the captured image IM0, the ratio Sw / (Sw+Sk) of the area Sw of the background color area in the density pattern BP3 included in the captured image IM0 to the total area (Sw+Sk) of the density pattern BP3. If the control unit 110 determines that the ratio Sw / (Sw+Sk) is not within a predetermined range, it detects that there is a blur in the blur detection area BA0 included in the captured image IM0. If the control unit 110 determines that the ratio Sw / (Sw+Sk) is within the predetermined range, it detects that there is no blur in the blur detection area BA0 included in the image IM1. The ratio Sk / (Sw+Sk) may be used instead of the ratio Sw / (Sw+Sk). As shown in FIG. 5D, when each blur detection area BA0 includes a character pattern BP4, if the control unit 110 cannot read the character pattern BP4 in the captured image IM0 using OCR, it detects that there is a blur in the blur detection area BA0 in the captured image IM0, and if the character pattern BP4 in the captured image IM0 can be read using OCR, it detects that there is no blur in the blur detection area BA0 in the captured image IM0.

[0057] 8A and 8B show a schematic example of the angle of view FA of the imaging unit 120 when rotation as a blur occurs. The angle of view FA corresponds to the image IM1 from the imaging unit 120, for example, the captured image IM0. FIG. 8A shows a schematic example of a captured image IM0 that experiences a blur that rotates around the first blur detection area BA1. In this case, the movement of the first blur detection area BA1 is small, so the control unit 110 detects that there is no blur in the first blur detection area BA1. However, the movement of the test pattern TP0, which is offset from the center of rotation, is large. Here, the first blur detection area BA1 and the second blur detection area BA2 sandwich the test pattern TP0, so the movement of the second blur detection area BA2 is larger than the movement of the test pattern TP0. Therefore, the control unit 110 detects that there is a blur in the second blur detection area BA2. Because the first blur detection area BA1 and the second blur detection area BA2 sandwich the axis of symmetry AX0, the movement of the second blur detection area BA2 appears large, and the control unit 110 detects that there is a blur in the second blur detection area BA2. The same applies when a blur occurs in the captured image IM0 that tilts the imaging unit 120 around the first blur detection area BA1.

[0058] FIG. 8B schematically illustrates an example in which blurring of the captured image IM0 occurs, such that the image rotates around the second blur detection area BA2. In this case, the movement of the second blur detection area BA2 is small, so the control unit 110 detects that there is no blur in the second blur detection area BA2. However, the movement of the test pattern TP0, which is offset from the center of rotation, is large. Here, the first blur detection area BA1 and the second blur detection area BA2 sandwich the test pattern TP0, so the movement of the first blur detection area BA1 is larger than the movement of the test pattern TP0. Therefore, the control unit 110 detects that there is blur in the first blur detection area BA1. The fact that the first blur detection area BA1 and the second blur detection area BA2 sandwich the axis of symmetry AX0 also makes the movement of the first blur detection area BA1 appear large, and blurring of the first blur detection area BA1 is detected. The same applies when blurring of the captured image IM0 occurs, such that the imaging unit 120 tilts around the second blur detection area BA2. When the imaging unit 120 moves in a parallel manner as a result of a shake, the movement of both shake detection areas (BA1, BA2) becomes large, which causes the control unit 110 to detect that there is a shake in both shake detection areas (BA1, BA2).

[0059] 4C, three blur detection areas BA0 included in the imaging target area AR0 may be included in the angle of view FA. In this case, the control unit 110 detects whether or not there is blur in the first blur detection area BA1 included in the captured image IM0, whether or not there is blur in the second blur detection area BA2 included in the captured image IM0, and whether or not there is blur in the third blur detection area BA3 included in the captured image IM0. The control unit 110 may detect that there is blur in the third blur detection area BA3 if the third blur detection area BA3 itself is not detected in the captured image IM0. For example, if a blur occurs in the imaging unit 120 such that the distance to the two blur detection areas (BA1, BA2) remains constant relative to the imaging target area AR0 while the distance to the third blur detection area BA3 changes, a blur will occur in the test pattern TP0 in the captured image IM0. In this case, even if no blur is detected in the two blur detection areas (BA1, BA2) in the captured image IM0, a blur will be detected in the third blur detection area BA3 in the captured image IM0, and it will be determined that there is a blur in the test pattern TP0 in the captured image IM0. Therefore, it is possible to more accurately determine whether or not there is a blur in the test pattern TP0 included in the captured image IM0. Incidentally, even when four or more blur detection areas BA0 are included in the angle of view FA, the control unit 110 only needs to detect whether or not there is blur in each of the blur detection areas BA0 included in the captured image IM0.

[0060] 9A and 9B, when the imaging target area AR0 includes multiple test patterns TP0, the user US1 may capture the multiple test patterns TP0 separately. Fig. 9A schematically illustrates an example in which an image IM1 from the imaging unit 120, for example, a captured image IM0, includes a first test pattern TP1, a first blur detection area BA1, and a second blur detection area BA2. Fig. 9B schematically illustrates an example in which an image IM1 from the imaging unit 120, for example, a captured image IM0, includes a second test pattern TP2, a second blur detection area BA2, and a third blur detection area BA3.

[0061] 9A, of the three blur detection areas BA0 included in the imaging target area AR0, the angle of view FA may not include the third blur detection area BA3 but may include the first blur detection area BA1 and the second blur detection area BA2. In this case, the control unit 110 only needs to detect whether or not there is blur in the first blur detection area BA1 included in the captured image IM0, and whether or not there is blur in the second blur detection area BA2 included in the captured image IM0. 9B, of the three blur detection areas BA0 included in the imaging target area AR0, the angle of view FA may not include the first blur detection area BA1 but may include the second blur detection area BA2 and the third blur detection area BA3. In this case, the control unit 110 only needs to detect whether or not there is blur in the second blur detection area BA2 included in the captured image IM0, and whether or not there is blur in the third blur detection area BA3 included in the captured image IM0.

[0062] After processing S104, the control unit 110 determines whether there is any blur in all of the blur detection areas BA0 for which the presence or absence of blur has been detected (S106). If there is no blur in all of the blur detection areas BA0 for which the presence or absence of blur has been detected, the control unit 110 determines that there is no blur in the test pattern TP0 included in the captured image IM0, and proceeds to processing S108. If there is blur in at least one of the blur detection areas BA0 for which the presence or absence of blur has been detected, the control unit 110 determines that there is blur in the test pattern TP0 included in the captured image IM0, and returns processing to S102. In this case, the control unit 110 again acquires an image IM1 of the imaging target area AR0 from the imaging unit 120, for example, the captured image IM0, detects the presence or absence of blur in each of the blur detection areas BA0, and determines the presence or absence of blur in the test pattern TP0.

[0063] For example, suppose that two blur detection areas BA0 are included in the imaging target area AR0 as shown in FIG. 3. In this case, if the control unit 110 detects no blur in both blur detection areas (BA1, BA2), it determines that there is no blur in the test pattern TP0 in the captured image IM0. On the other hand, if the control unit 110 detects blur in at least one of the blur detection areas (BA1, BA2), it determines that there is blur in the test pattern TP0 in the captured image IM0. As shown in FIG. 8A, if blur that rotates around the first blur detection area BA1 occurs in the captured image IM0, the control unit 110 detects that there is no blur in the first blur detection area BA1 but detects that there is blur in the second blur detection area BA2. As shown in FIG. 8B, if blur that rotates around the second blur detection area BA2 occurs in the captured image IM0, the control unit 110 detects that there is no blur in the second blur detection area BA2 but detects that there is blur in the first blur detection area BA1. In either case, the control unit 110 determines that there is blur in the test pattern TP0 in the captured image IM0. The same applies to the case where a blur occurs in the captured image IM0 such that the imaging unit 120 is tilted with one of the blur detection areas (BA1, BA2) as the base point.

[0064] 4C, it is assumed that three blur detection areas BA0 are included in the imaging target area AR0. In this case, if the control unit 110 detects that there is no blur in all of the blur detection areas (BA1, BA2, BA3), it determines that there is no blur in the test pattern TP0 in the captured image IM0, and if the control unit 110 detects that there is blur in at least one of the blur detection areas (BA1, BA2, BA3), it determines that there is blur in the test pattern TP0 in the captured image IM0.

[0065] 9A, assume that the angle of view FA does not include the third blur detection area BA3 but does include the first blur detection area BA1 and the second blur detection area BA2. In this case, if the control unit 110 detects that there is no blur in both blur detection areas (BA1, BA2), it determines that there is no blur in the first test pattern TP1 in the captured image IM0, and if it detects that there is blur in at least one of the blur detection areas (BA1, BA2), it determines that there is blur in the first test pattern TP1 in the captured image IM0. 9B, assume that the angle of view FA does not include the first blur detection area BA1 but does include the second blur detection area BA2 and the third blur detection area BA3. In this case, if the control unit 110 detects that there is no blur in both blur detection areas (BA2, BA3), it determines that there is no blur in the second test pattern TP2 in the captured image IM0, and if it detects that there is blur in at least one of the blur detection areas (BA2, BA3), it determines that there is blur in the second test pattern TP2 in the captured image IM0.

[0066] If there is no blur in the test pattern TP0 in the captured image IM0, the control unit 110 converts the captured image IM0 into the format of file FL0 and stores it in the storage unit 114 (S108). The storage process of S108 can be said to be a process of acquiring the captured image IM0 when it is detected that there is no blur in all of the blur detection areas BA0 in which the presence or absence of blur has been detected.

[0067] After saving the file FL0, the control unit 110 determines adjustment values ​​for adjusting the printing characteristics, for example, adjustment values ​​A1 to A3 shown in Fig. 10, based on the test pattern TP0 included in the captured image IM0 (S110). For example, the control unit 110 identifies the position of the test pattern TP0 to be read that is located between the blur detection areas BA0 in the captured image IM0 based on the captured image IM0, and determines the adjustment value based on the pixel value of the test pattern TP0 at that position. The determination and application of the adjustment values ​​will be described later.

[0068] As shown in FIG. 5A, if the blur detection area BA0 includes readable code information BP1 and the code information BP1 contains embedded identification information ID0 that identifies each blur detection area BA0, the control unit 110 can read the code information BP1 included in the captured image IM0. The control unit 110 may then acquire the embedded identification information ID0 in accordance with a predetermined decoding rule and identify the position of the test pattern TP0 to be read, which is located between the blur detection areas BA0 identified by the identification information ID0, based on the captured image IM0. If the code information BP1 contains the position of the test pattern TP0 to be read, the control unit 110 can identify the position of the test pattern TP0 to be read by decoding the code information BP1. As shown in FIG. 4C, if the captured image area AR0 includes multiple test patterns TP0, the code information BP1 may contain embedded identification information ID0, such as a serial number assigned to each test pattern TP0. In this case, the control unit 110 can identify the test pattern to be read from among the multiple test patterns TP0 by decrypting the code information BP1 and acquiring the identification information ID0.

[0069] As shown in FIG. 5D, if the blur detection area BA0 includes a readable character pattern BP4 and the character pattern BP4 includes identification information that identifies each blur detection area BA0, the control unit 110 can read the character pattern BP4 included in the captured image IM0 using OCR. The control unit 110 may then acquire the identification information included in the character pattern BP4 and identify the position of the test pattern TP0 to be read, which is located between the blur detection areas BA0 identified by the identification information, based on the captured image IM0. If the position of the test pattern TP0 to be read is included in the character pattern BP4, the control unit 110 can identify the position of the test pattern TP0 to be read by reading the character pattern BP4. As shown in FIG. 4C, if the captured image area AR0 includes multiple test patterns TP0, the character pattern BP4 may include identification information, such as a serial number assigned to each test pattern TP0. In this case, the control unit 110 can identify the test pattern to be read from among the multiple test patterns TP0 by acquiring the identification information from the character pattern BP4.

[0070] After determining the adjustment values, the control unit 110 adjusts the printing characteristics based on the adjustment values ​​(S112) and ends the printing characteristic adjustment process, allowing the printer 2 to print images in accordance with the adjustment values.

[0071] FIG. 10 shows a schematic example of the adjustment of printing characteristics. The density adjustment refers to setting an adjustment value A1 to match the density of the print image PI0 with the density of the input image. For example, as shown in FIG. 10, assume that the print image PI0 is darker than the input image. In this case, the output density of the individual pattern PA0 included in the test pattern TP0 is darker than the density of the individual pattern data DA1 used to form the individual pattern PA0. The control unit 110 can cause the printer 2 to perform density adjustment by, for example, setting an adjustment value A1 corresponding to the deviation of the output density of the individual pattern PA0 from the density of the individual pattern data DA1 in the controller 210 of the printer 2. Therefore, in S110 of FIG. 7, the control unit 110 acquires the adjustment value A1 for each individual pattern PA0 based on the pixel values ​​of the individual pattern PA0 included in the captured image IM0 and the individual pattern data DA1. In S112 of FIG. 7, the control unit 110 sets the adjustment value A1 in the controller 210. The controller 210 can adjust the density of the print image PI0 to that of the input image by reducing the output density of the individual pattern PA0 corresponding to the individual pattern data DA1 to the density of the individual pattern data DA1 in accordance with the adjustment value A1. Of course, even if the print image PI0 is lighter than the input image, the density of the print image PI0 can be adjusted to that of the input image by setting the adjustment value A1.

[0072] Bi-d adjustment refers to setting an adjustment value A2 to align the landing positions of droplets 280 on the forward pass with the landing positions of droplets 280 on the backward pass in the main scanning direction D1 when the printer 2 repeats main scanning and sub-scanning during printing. Here, the forward pass refers to a main scanning pass in which the recording head 220 moves in the forward direction D11, and the backward pass refers to a main scanning pass in which the recording head 220 moves in the backward direction D12. For example, as shown in FIG. 10 , the landing positions on the backward pass that should be aligned with the landing positions on the forward pass in the main scanning direction D1 are shifted in the forward direction D11 from the landing positions on the forward pass. In this case, the position of individual pattern PA0 formed on medium ME0 on the backward pass is shifted in the forward direction D11 from the position of individual pattern PA0 formed on medium ME0 on the forward pass. The control unit 110 can cause the printer 2 to perform Bi-d adjustment, for example, by setting an adjustment value A2 corresponding to the positional deviation of individual pattern PA0 in the controller 210 of the printer 2. Therefore, in S110 of FIG. 7, the control unit 110 acquires the above-mentioned adjustment value A2 based on the position of the individual pattern PA0 for the forward pass included in the captured image IM0 and the position of the individual pattern PA0 for the reverse pass included in the captured image IM0. The control unit 110 then sets the adjustment value A2 in the controller 210 in S112 of FIG. 7. The controller 210 can align the landing positions of the droplets 280 in the main scanning direction D1 between the forward pass and the reverse pass by delaying the ejection timing of the droplets 280 from the recording head 220 during the reverse pass in accordance with the adjustment value A2. Of course, even if the landing positions during the reverse pass that should be aligned with the landing positions during the forward pass in the main scanning direction D1 are shifted in the reverse direction D12 from the landing positions during the forward pass, setting the adjustment value A2 can align the landing positions of the droplets 280 in the main scanning direction D1 between the forward pass and the reverse pass.

[0073] PF adjustment, which is used to adjust the transport distance, refers to the setting of an adjustment value A3 to accurately adjust the transport distance of the medium ME0 during a sub-scan in the sub-scanning direction D2. The sub-scanning direction D2 refers to the direction in which the recording head 220 moves relative to the medium ME0. The transport direction in which the medium ME0 moves relative to the recording head 220 is opposite the sub-scanning direction D2. If the transport distance of the medium ME0 during a sub-scan is too large, gaps between band regions will appear, e.g., light streaks. If the transport distance of the medium ME0 during a sub-scan is too small, overlapping dots will appear between band regions, e.g., dark streaks. For example, as shown in FIG. 10, the spacing between the landing positions of droplets 280 between sub-scans in the sub-scanning direction D2 is assumed to be wider than the design width WB of the band region. In this case, the spacing between an individual pattern PA0 formed on the medium ME0 during a first pass and an individual pattern PA0 formed on the medium ME0 during the previous second pass will be wider than the width WB of the band region. The control unit 110 can cause the printer 2 to perform PF adjustment by setting, for example, an adjustment value A3 corresponding to the deviation in the spacing between the individual patterns PA0 relative to the width WB of the band area in the controller 210 of the printer 2. Therefore, in S110 of FIG. 7, the control unit 110 acquires the adjustment value A3 based on the position of the individual pattern PA0 in the captured image IM0 during the first pass and the position of the individual pattern PA0 in the captured image IM0 during the second pass. The control unit 110 then sets the adjustment value A3 in the controller 210 in S112 of FIG. 7. By reducing the transport amount of the medium ME0 during sub-scans in accordance with the adjustment value A3, the controller 210 can adjust the transport amount of the medium ME0 during sub-scans in the sub-scanning direction D2 so that it is neither too much nor too little. Of course, even if the distance between the landing positions of the droplets 280 between sub-scans in the sub-scanning direction D2 is narrower than the designed width WB of the band area, the setting of the adjustment value A3 can adjust the transport amount of the medium ME0 during sub-scans so that it is neither too much nor too little.

[0074] Because the multiple blur detection areas BA0 described above are included in the imaging target area AR0, even if blur occurs such that the image rotates or tilts around one of the blur detection areas (BA1, BA2), the blur is detected in one of the blur detection areas (BA1, BA2). This allows a determination that there is blur in the test pattern TP0 in the image IM1. Therefore, this specific example can accurately determine that there is no blur in the test pattern TP0 included in the image IM1 captured by the imaging unit 120. As a result, the user US1 can easily adjust various printing characteristics by capturing the test pattern TP0 with a portable information terminal 1, such as a camera-equipped mobile terminal.

[0075] Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 4C , when multiple test patterns TP0 are present in the imaging target area AR0, with the first test pattern TP1 located between the first blur detection area BA1 and the second blur detection area BA2, and the second test pattern TP2 located between the second blur detection area BA2 and the third blur detection area BA3, it is possible to accurately determine whether each test pattern TP0 in the image IM1 is blur-free. For example, it may be possible that there are too many print characteristic adjustment parameters to capture all test patterns TP0 in a single capture. In this case, by forming blur detection areas BA0 on the medium ME0 on both sides of each test pattern TP0, the test pattern TP0 can be captured in small batches. Here, by forming a common blur detection area BA0 on the medium ME0 that is included in both the first and second imaging ranges, the number of blur detection areas BA0 can be reduced. This reduces the consumption of recording material, such as ink, required to print the blur detection areas BA0. Furthermore, by reducing the area required to record the blur detection areas BA0, the consumption of the medium ME0 can also be reduced.

[0076] (4) Variation: The present invention can be embodied in various modifications. For example, the above-described processes can be changed as appropriate, such as by changing the order of the processes, etc. For example, in the print characteristic adjustment process of Fig. 7, the saving process of S108 can be performed after the process of S110 or S112. The image IM1 for detecting the presence or absence of blur in the blur detection area BA0 is not limited to the captured image IM0, but may be a frame FR0 repeatedly acquired from the imaging section 120.

[0077] FIG. 11 schematically illustrates an example of an imaging control process performed by the control unit 110. Here, step S202 corresponds to the acquisition function FU1 and the first step ST1 of acquiring the image IM1. Steps S204 to S206 correspond to the determination function FU2. Steps S204 to S206 and S210 correspond to the second step ST2 of acquiring the captured image IM0. Step S210 corresponds to the imaging control function FU3. The imaging control function FU3 acquires the captured image IM0 by causing the imaging unit 120 to capture the imaging target area AR0 when imaging conditions, including a no-blur determination condition for determining that the test pattern TP0 included in the frame FR0 is not blurred, are satisfied as a trigger. The program PR0 illustrated in FIG. 2 automatically causes the imaging unit 120 to capture an appropriate image of the test pattern TP0, thereby enabling the information terminal 1 to capture the appropriate image of the test pattern TP0. The information terminal 1 executing the program PR0 can be said to implement an auto-shutter system. The imaging control process starts when the control unit 110 receives an instruction to capture an image of the imaging target area AR0 via the operation unit 115. The imaging instruction may be an operation on the imaging instruction area displayed after the program PR0 is started, an operation on the shutter button, or an operation to start the program PR0.

[0078] When the print characteristic adjustment process starts, the control unit 110 determines whether a new frame FR0 has been transferred from the image sensor 123 to the RAM 113 (S202). The determination process of S202 is repeated until a new frame FR0 is transferred. The determination process of S202 can also be considered as a process of determining whether a new frame FR0 has been acquired from the imaging unit 120. When a new frame FR0 is transferred, the control unit 110 detects whether or not there is a blur in each blur detection area BA0 included in the frame FR0 based on the captured image IM0 (S204).

[0079] After processing S204, the control unit 110 determines whether the imaging conditions are met based on the detection results of whether or not there is blur in each blur detection area BA0 (S206). The imaging conditions include a no-shake determination condition that determines that there is no blur in the test pattern TP0 included in frame FR0. If the control unit 110 detects that there is no blur in all of the blur detection areas BA0 in frame FR0, it determines that there is no blur in the test pattern TP0 in frame FR0. In other words, the control unit 110 determines that the no-shake determination condition is met. If the imaging conditions including the no-shake determination condition are not met, the control unit 110 outputs guidance for meeting the imaging conditions, such as "Please make sure the camera does not shake" (S208), and the process returns to S206. As a result, the processes of S202 to S208 are repeated until the imaging conditions are met, and the control unit 110 repeatedly acquires frame FR0 from the imaging unit 120 and detects whether or not there is blur in each blur detection area BA0 in frame FR0. The guidance may be output as a display on the display unit 116 or as an audio output to an audio output unit (not shown).

[0080] The imaging condition may be a condition in which at least the no-blur determination condition and additional conditions other than the no-blur determination condition are satisfied. The additional conditions may be at least one of the following: a first condition that the imaging target area AR0 is included in the angle of view FA of the imaging unit 120; a second condition that the amount of change in the relative positional relationship between the imaging unit 120 and the medium ME0 is equal to or less than a reference change amount; a third condition that the imaging unit 120 is within a predetermined range facing the imaging target area AR0; a fourth condition that the amount of distortion indicating distortion of the test pattern TP0 included in the frame FR0 is equal to or less than a reference distortion amount; a fifth condition that the amount of spacing corresponding to the spacing between the imaging unit 120 and the medium ME0 is equal to or less than a reference spacing amount; and a sixth condition that the amount of brightness indicating brightness of the background color of the medium ME0 is equal to or greater than a reference brightness amount.

[0081] When the imaging conditions are satisfied, the control unit 110 acquires the captured image IM0 by causing the imaging unit 120 to capture an image of the imaging target area AR0 (S210). At this time, the CPU 111 may store the captured image IM0 from the image sensor 123 in the RAM 113, or the DMA controller may store the captured image IM0 from the image sensor 123 in the RAM 113. The captured image IM0 has a higher resolution than the frame FR0. As described above, the control unit 110 acquires the captured image IM0 by causing the imaging unit 120 to capture an image of the imaging target area AR0 using the satisfaction of the imaging conditions including the no-blur determination condition as a trigger.

[0082] After acquiring the captured image IM0, the control unit 110 determines whether or not to save the captured image IM0 as a file FL0 (S212). For example, when the operation unit 115 accepts an operation to save the captured image IM0, the control unit 110 converts the captured image IM0 into the format of file FL0 and saves it in the storage unit 114 (S214), and ends the print characteristic adjustment process. That is, the storage unit 114 stores the file FL0. When the operation unit 115 accepts an operation to discard the captured image IM0, the control unit 110 ends the print characteristic adjustment process without performing the save process of S214. Furthermore, in S212, the control unit 110 may determine whether the test pattern TP0 included in the captured image IM0 is appropriate for adjusting the printing characteristics. In this case, the control unit 110 may perform the saving process of S214 if it determines that the test pattern TP0 is appropriate, or may return the process to S202 if it determines that the test pattern TP0 is inappropriate. This is because even if the imaging conditions are met, there is a time lag until the actual imaging. Furthermore, the control unit 110 may perform the process of S214 without performing the determination process of S212, so that the storage of the captured image IM0 in RAM 113 is used as a trigger to automatically generate a file FL0 for the captured image IM0 and store it in the storage unit 114.

[0083] As described above, the imaging of the imaging target area AR0 is triggered by the satisfaction of the imaging conditions, including the no-blur determination condition, so that blurring of the test pattern TP0 included in the captured image IM0 is suppressed, thereby making it possible to obtain a captured image IM0 in which blurring of the test pattern TP0 is precisely suppressed.

[0084] (5) Conclusion: As described above, according to various aspects of the present invention, it is possible to provide a configuration that can accurately determine whether a test pattern included in an image captured by an imaging unit is free of blur. Of course, even in an aspect that consists only of the elements of the independent claims, the basic functions and effects described above can be obtained. Furthermore, it is possible to implement configurations in which the components disclosed in the above examples are substituted with each other or the combination is changed, or configurations in which the components disclosed in the publicly known techniques and the above examples are substituted with each other or the combination is changed, etc. The present invention also includes these configurations. [Explanation of symbols]

[0085] 1...information terminal, 2...printer, 110...controller, 111...CPU, 113...RAM, 114...storage unit, 115...operation unit, 116...display unit, 120...imaging unit, 123...image sensor, 210...controller, 220...recording head, A1 to A3...adjustment value, AR0...image target area, AX0, AX1, AX2...symmetry axis, BA0...blur detection area, BA1...first blur detection area, BA2...second blur detection area, BA3...third blur detection area, BP1...code information, BP2...ruled line pattern, BP3...density pattern, BP4...text Character pattern, C0...corner, CT1...center, FA...angle of view, FR0...frame, FU1...acquisition function, FU2...determination function, FU3...imaging control function, ID0...identification information, IM0...captured image, IM1...image, ME0...medium, MK0...position detection pattern, PA0...individual pattern, PI0...printed image, PR0...program, ST1...first process, ST2...second process, ST3...third process, ST4...fourth process, SY1...printing system, TP0...test pattern, TP1...first test pattern, TP2...second test pattern, VD0...video.

Claims

1. a printing device including a recording head and forming a test pattern on a medium for adjusting printing characteristics; an imaging unit that images the medium; a control unit that causes the imaging unit to capture an image of an imaging target area including the test pattern, the printing device forms, on the medium, a plurality of blur detection areas for detecting blur of the imaging unit, the plurality of blur detection areas including a first blur detection area and a second blur detection area; the plurality of blur detection areas are included in the imaging target area of ​​the medium, the first blur detection area and the second blur detection area are located on opposite sides of at least one of a line passing through the center of the imaging target area and the test pattern, the control unit acquires an image of the imaging target area from the imaging unit, detects whether or not there is blur in the first blur detection area included in the image, and whether or not there is blur in the second blur detection area included in the image, and determines that there is no blur in the test pattern included in the image when it detects that there is no blur in both the first blur detection area and the second blur detection area.

2. the plurality of shake detection areas include readable code information; 2. The printing system according to claim 1, wherein the control unit detects that there is no blur in the first blur detection area included in the image when the code information in the first blur detection area included in the image can be read, and detects that there is no blur in the second blur detection area included in the image when the code information in the second blur detection area included in the image can be read.

3. identification information that can identify each of the plurality of shake detection areas is embedded in the code information; The printing system according to claim 2 , wherein the control unit reads the code information included in the image, and identifies the test pattern to be read from the image based on the identification information embedded in the code information.

4. the plurality of shake detection areas include a third shake detection area that is spaced apart from the first shake detection area and the second shake detection area, 3. The printing system according to claim 1, wherein the control unit detects whether or not there is blur in the first blur detection area included in the image, whether or not there is blur in the second blur detection area included in the image, and whether or not there is blur in the third blur detection area included in the image, and determines that there is no blur in the test pattern included in the image when it detects that there is no blur in all of the first blur detection area, the second blur detection area, and the third blur detection area.

5. There are a plurality of said test patterns, the plurality of shake detection areas includes a third shake detection area, the plurality of test patterns include a first test pattern located between the first shake detection area and the second shake detection area, and a second test pattern located between the second shake detection area and the third shake detection area, The control unit when the first blur detection area and the second blur detection area are included in the image, detecting whether or not there is blur in the first blur detection area included in the image and whether or not there is blur in the second blur detection area included in the image, and determining that there is no blur in the first test pattern included in the image when it is detected that there is no blur in both the first blur detection area and the second blur detection area; 3. The printing system according to claim 1, wherein, when the second blur detection area and the third blur detection area are included in the image, it is detected whether or not there is blur in the second blur detection area included in the image, and whether or not there is blur in the third blur detection area included in the image, and when it is detected that there is no blur in both the second blur detection area and the third blur detection area, it is determined that there is no blur in the second test pattern included in the image.

6. 1. A program for determining blur of a test pattern included in an image acquired from an imaging unit that images a medium having a test pattern for adjusting print characteristics of a printing device equipped with a recording head, the program comprising: the medium has a plurality of shake detection areas for detecting shake of the imaging unit, the plurality of shake detection areas including a first shake detection area and a second shake detection area, in an imaging target area; the first blur detection area and the second blur detection area are located on opposite sides of at least one of a line passing through the center of the imaging target area and the test pattern, The program an acquisition function for acquiring an image of the imaging target area from the imaging unit; a determination function of detecting whether or not there is blur in the first blur detection area included in the image and whether or not there is blur in the second blur detection area included in the image, and determining that there is no blur in the test pattern included in the image when it is detected that there is no blur in both the first blur detection area and the second blur detection area.

7. the images are frames repeatedly acquired from the imaging unit, The program according to claim 6, further causing the computer to realize an imaging control function of acquiring an image by causing the imaging unit to capture an image of the imaging target area when imaging conditions including a condition for determining that the test pattern included in the frame is not blurred are satisfied as a trigger.

8. A printing characteristic adjustment method for adjusting printing characteristics of a printing device equipped with a recording head, comprising: capturing an image of a medium having an imaging target area including a test pattern for adjusting printing characteristics of the printing device using an imaging unit; and adjusting the printing characteristics based on the test pattern included in the captured image; the medium has a plurality of shake detection areas for detecting shake of the imaging unit, the plurality of shake detection areas including a first shake detection area and a second shake detection area, in the imaging target area; the first blur detection area and the second blur detection area are located on opposite sides of at least one of a line passing through the center of the imaging target area and the test pattern, The printing characteristic adjustment method includes: a first step of acquiring an image of the imaging target area from the imaging unit; a second step of detecting whether or not there is blur in the first blur detection area included in the image and whether or not there is blur in the second blur detection area included in the image, and acquiring the captured image when it is detected that there is no blur in both the first blur detection area and the second blur detection area; a third step of determining an adjustment value for adjusting the printing characteristics based on the test pattern included in the captured image; and a fourth step of adjusting the printing characteristics based on the adjustment value.

Images