Control device, control method, and program

Abstract

To provide a technique for highly accurately performing processing for adjusting deviation between a recording position of ink for forming a stereoscopic image and a recording position of color ink.SOLUTION: A pattern image in which a printing region of a first recording material for forming a stereoscopic image and a printing region of a colored second recording material are overlapped or shifted is printed on a printing medium by using the first recording material and the second recording material. Then, processing for adjusting deviation between a recording position of the first recording material and a recording position of the second recording material is performed.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to techniques for forming stereoscopic images. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventionally, in image forming devices for forming three-dimensional images, a technique has been proposed in which a foam-promoting ink is applied to the surface of a medium with a foam layer and then heated to cause foaming in that area, resulting in a three-dimensional print. In inkjet and other printing devices (so-called full-line inkjet printers in which the width of the ink ejection head is equal to the maximum printing width), misalignment of the ink landing position can occur due to recording head replacement, vibration during device transportation, and other factors. To resolve this, registration adjustment (hereinafter simply referred to as "registration adjustment") is performed, which detects the misalignment and adjusts the ejection timing of the recording head based on the detected misalignment. Patent Document 1 discloses a method for reading a printed material in which areas where clear toner and color toner are printed overlapping and areas where they are not overlapping are gradually shifted, and then calculating and correcting the amount of registration misalignment of the clear toner from the density values ​​obtained. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2011-170318 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] However, there are cases where the amount of misregistration calculated based on density values ​​cannot be used to adjust registration with high accuracy. The present invention provides a technology for performing a process to adjust the misregistration between the printing positions of inks for forming a three-dimensional image and the printing positions of color inks with high accuracy. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] One aspect of the present invention is characterized by comprising a printing control means for printing a pattern image on a printing medium using a first recording material for forming a three-dimensional image and a colored second recording material, in which the printing area of ​​the first recording material and the printing area of ​​the second recording material are overlapped or shifted, and a processing means for performing processing to adjust the shift between the recording position of the first recording material and the recording position of the second recording material. [Effects of the Invention]

[0006] According to the present invention, it is possible to perform processing for adjusting the deviation between the printing positions of ink for forming a three-dimensional image and the printing positions of color inks with high precision. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0007] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of an image forming system. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an example of the control configuration of the image forming system 200. [Figure 3] 1A and 1B are diagrams schematically illustrating an example of a medium with a foam layer and a foam-promoting ink. [Figure 4] 4 is a flowchart of the operation of the image forming system 200. [Figure 5] 10 is a flowchart showing details of the process in step S401. [Figure 6] 10 is a flowchart showing details of the process in step S402. [Figure 7] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a pattern image for adjusting a foaming-accelerating ink registration. [Figure 8] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of a UI screen. [Figure 9] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing another example of a pattern image for adjusting a foaming-accelerating ink registration. [Figure 10] 10 is a flowchart showing details of the process in step S402. [Figure 11] 10 is a flowchart of a process performed by the image forming apparatus 100 when a medium with a foam layer is loaded into the image forming apparatus 100. [Figure 12]4 is a flowchart of the operation of the image forming apparatus 100. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0008] Hereinafter, embodiments will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Note that the following embodiments do not limit the scope of the invention claimed. Although multiple features are described in the embodiments, not all of these multiple features are necessarily essential to the invention, and multiple features may be combined arbitrarily. Furthermore, in the accompanying drawings, the same reference numerals are used to designate the same or similar components, and redundant explanations will be omitted.

[0009] [First embodiment] First, an example of the configuration of an image forming system including an image forming apparatus capable of forming images (including characters) and foamed portions on a print medium such as paper using a foam-promoting ink, which is an example of a first recording material, and color ink, which is an example of a second recording material, will be described with reference to Fig. 1. The image forming system according to this embodiment is an image forming system that forms images / foamed portions on continuous paper (hereinafter referred to as roll paper) on which continuous image formation / foamed portion formation is possible. As shown in Fig. 1, the image forming system according to this embodiment includes a paper feeder 103, an image forming apparatus 100, a paper discharger 104, a control PC (personal computer) 114, and a UI (user interface) operation panel 101.

[0010] First, we will explain the paper feeder 103. The paper feeder 103 is a device that supplies roll paper 110 to the image forming apparatus 100. The paper feeder 103 rotates the paper tube of the roll paper 110 in the direction of the arrow around a rotation axis 112, and transports the roll paper 110 wound around the paper tube toward the image forming apparatus 100 at a constant speed via an oblique light correction device 109 and multiple rollers (transport rollers, paper feed rollers, etc.).

[0011] Next, the paper discharge device 104 will be described. The paper discharge device 104 is a device that takes up roll paper 110, which has been transported from the image forming apparatus 100, in the direction of the arrow around the paper tube of the roll paper 110. In the paper discharge device 104, for example, as shown in Fig. 1, the roll paper 110 is wound around the paper tube of a rotating shaft 113 and held in a roll shape. The paper discharge device 104 rotates the paper tube around the rotating shaft 113, and the roll paper 110 that has been transported onto the paper tube is wound up as a printed matter at a constant speed via multiple rollers (e.g., transport rollers, paper discharge rollers).

[0012] Before printing begins, roll paper 110 is passed from paper feeder 103 through image forming apparatus 100 to paper discharge device 104. First, roll paper 110 is set in paper feeder 103. The leading edge of roll paper 110 then passes over oblique light correction device 109, under ink ejection head 102, under drying device 105, over cooling devices 107 and 108, and under color detection device 106 and height detection device 115, before being wound around the paper core of paper discharge device 104.

[0013] Next, the image forming apparatus 100 will be described. The ink ejection head 102 includes an expansion-accelerating ink element array that ejects expansion-accelerating ink, and a colored ink element array that ejects colored inks such as black (K), cyan (C), magenta (M), and yellow (Y), which are colored liquids containing coloring materials. The expansion-accelerating ink element array and the colored ink element array are arranged in parallel in the transport direction of the roll paper 110.

[0014] The drying device 105 is provided downstream of the ink ejection head 102 in the transport direction of the roll paper 110, and dries the roll paper 110 on which images and foamed portions have been formed using color inks and foam-promoting inks. The cooling devices 107 and 108 are provided downstream of the drying device 105 in the transport direction of the roll paper 110, and cool the roll paper 110.

[0015] The color detection device 106 is located downstream of the cooling devices 107 and 108 in the transport direction of the roll paper 110. The color detection device 106 has, for example, a color sensor arranged facing the roll paper 110. The color detection device 106 uses the color sensor to detect the "areas of each color ink on the roll paper 110" as the "color ink print areas."

[0016] The height detection device 115 is located downstream of the color detection device 106 in the transport direction of the roll paper 110. The height detection device 115 has, for example, an ultrasonic sensor installed facing the roll paper 110. The height detection device 115 uses the ultrasonic sensor to detect the height of the convex parts on the roll paper 110, and detects areas where the detected height is equal to or greater than a specified value as "areas of foamed parts printed on the roll paper 110 using foam-promoting ink (printed areas of foam-promoting ink)."

[0017] Next, the control PC 114 will be described. The control PC 114 is a computer device that performs processing in response to user operations on the UI operation panel 101. For example, after the roll paper 110 has been fed into the image forming system 100, the user operates the UI operation panel 101 to submit a print job to the control PC 114. When the user then presses the print start button displayed on the UI operation panel 101, the control PC 114 instructs the image forming apparatus 100 to start printing based on the print job. In response to this instruction, the image forming apparatus 100 controls the paper feeder 103, the image forming apparatus 100, and the paper discharger 104 to form an image and a foam portion on the roll paper 110.

[0018] Next, an example of the control configuration of the image forming system 200 according to this embodiment will be described with reference to the block diagram of Fig. 2. Fig. 2 shows the configuration related to the formation of an image and a foaming section in the configuration shown in Fig. 1.

[0019] The paper transport unit 201 is a transport mechanism for the roll paper 111 inside the image forming apparatus 100. For example, the paper transport unit 201 transports the roll paper 111 transported from the paper feed control unit 208 to the image forming unit 202 using multiple rollers, and transports the roll paper 111 that has passed through the image forming unit 202 to the take-up control unit 209.

[0020] The image forming unit 202 controls the ink ejection head 102 based on the input print data, and forms an image and a foam portion on the roll paper 111 supplied from the paper feed control unit 208 .

[0021] The communication unit 203 has a communication control card such as a LAN (Local Area Network) card, and transmits and receives various data to and from external devices (such as personal computers) connected to a communication network such as a LAN or WAN (Wide Area Network).

[0022] The control unit 204 includes, for example, a processor such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit), a volatile memory such as RAM (Random Access Memory), etc. The processor executes various processes using computer programs and data stored in the volatile memory. As a result, the processor controls the operation of the entire image forming system, and also executes or controls various processes described as processes performed by the image forming system.

[0023] The storage unit 205 is a non-volatile memory such as a non-volatile semiconductor memory (so-called flash memory) or an HDD (Hard Disk Drive). The storage unit 205 stores an operating system (OS), computer programs executed by the control unit 204 (various programs including system programs and processing programs), and various data required for executing the computer programs. The computer programs and data stored in the storage unit 205 are loaded into the volatile memory as appropriate under the control of the control unit 204 and become the subject of processing by the processor. Note that the control unit 204 and the storage unit 205 may be separate devices from the image forming apparatus 100, as long as a control device and a storage device are connected to the image forming apparatus 100.

[0024] The operation display unit 206 has a display unit 206a and an operation unit 206b. The display unit 206a is, for example, a liquid crystal display (LCD) with a touch panel. The display unit 206a displays the processing results by the control unit 204 using images, text, etc., and accepts user operations on the screen displayed on the LCD. The operation unit 206b has various operation keys such as a numeric keypad and a start key, and accepts various input operations by the user.

[0025] The operation display unit 206 can be operated by the user to set the setting information related to the print job (such as the paper to be used, printing speed, number of prints, number of copies, print length, print weight, print diameter, etc.) when executing a print job, for example.

[0026] The inspection unit 207 controls the color detection device 106 and uses a color sensor to detect the "color ink print area." The inspection unit 207 also controls the height detection device 115 and uses an ultrasonic sensor to detect the height of the convex portions on the roll paper 110, and detects the area where the detected height is equal to or greater than a specified value as the "foaming-accelerating ink print area."

[0027] The paper feed control unit 208 controls the operation of the paper feed device 103 to supply the roll paper 110 to the image forming apparatus 100. The winding control unit 209 controls the operation of the paper discharge device 104 to wind up the roll paper 110 transported from the image forming apparatus 100.

[0028] The fixing unit 210 controls the drying device 105, the cooling device 107, and the cooling device 108, and dries and then cools the roll paper 110 on which an image or foamed portion is formed using color ink or foam-promoting ink, thereby fixing the image or foamed portion to the roll paper 110.

[0029] A user operates an external device to generate a print job and input setting information for the print job (setting information such as paper to be used, print speed, number of prints, number of copies, print length, print weight, print diameter, and number of rolls to be delivered). The external device then generates a job ticket including the print job and the print settings in response to the user's operation, and transmits the job ticket to image forming system 200. Control unit 204 receives the job ticket transmitted from the external device via communication unit 203. Note that the user may input the setting information by operating operation display unit 206.

[0030] The image forming apparatus 100 controls the paper feeder 103 and paper discharger 104 based on the job ticket to transport and take up the roll paper 110 , and also forms images and foam portions on the roll paper 110 .

[0031] Next, the medium with a foam layer and the expansion-promoting ink will be described. Figure 3 is a diagram showing a schematic diagram of an example of the medium with a foam layer and the expansion-promoting ink. The medium with a foam layer 30 has a substrate 31 and a "foam layer 32 containing foam particles 33 that expand when heated" provided on the substrate 31.

[0032] The substrate 31 functions as a support for supporting the foam layer 32. The type of the substrate 31 is not particularly limited. For example, it may be paper made of ordinary natural pulp; kenaf paper; a plastic film sheet made of polypropylene, polyethylene, polyester, or the like; or so-called synthetic paper or nonwoven fabric made from synthetic fiber, synthetic pulp, or synthetic resin film.

[0033] The foamed layer 32 is a layer provided on at least one surface of the substrate 31 and contains foamed particles 33 and a binder resin 34. The foamed particles 33 are heat-expandable microcapsules having a capsule-shaped shell layer 35 containing a thermoplastic resin and a volatile material 36 encapsulated in the shell layer 35. When heat is applied to the foamed particles 33, the thermoplastic resin constituting the shell layer 35 softens and the volatile material 36 encapsulated in the shell layer 35 vaporizes, causing a volume expansion. As a result, the foamed particles 33 expand like a balloon.

[0034] Examples of the thermoplastic resin contained in the shell layer 35 include polystyrene, styrene-acrylic acid ester copolymer, polyamide resin, polyacrylic acid ester, polyvinylidene chloride, polyacrylonitrile, polymethyl methacrylate, vinylidene chloride-acrylonitrile, methacrylic acid ester-acrylic acid copolymer, vinylidene chloride-acrylic acid copolymer, and vinylidene chloride-acrylic acid ester copolymer.

[0035] Examples of the volatile material 36 include low-molecular-weight hydrocarbons such as ethane, ethylene, propane, propene, n-butane, isobutane, n-pentane, isopentane, neopentane, n-hexane, heptane, and petroleum ether; chlorofluorocarbons such as CClF, CClF, CClF, and CClF-CClF; and tetraalkylsilanes such as tetramethylsilane, trimethylethylsilane, trimethylisopropylsilane, and trimethyl-n-propylsilane. Among these, the volatile material 36 is preferably a hydrocarbon having a molecular weight of 120 or less. There is no particular lower limit on the molecular weight of the volatile material 36 (hydrocarbon), but it is preferably 50 or more. The content of the expanded particles 33 in the foam layer 32 is preferably 5% by mass or more and 95% by mass or less, based on the total mass of the foam layer 32.

[0036] The foam layer 32 contains a binder resin 34 to enhance adhesion to the substrate 31. The binder resin 34 plays an important role in preventing the foam layer 32 from peeling from the substrate 31 when the foam particles 33 in the foam layer 32 are expanded by heat. The binder resin 34 containing a water-insoluble resin makes the binder resin 34 less likely to be dissolved by the water in the foaming-promoting ink 37, thereby preventing a decrease in adhesion between the foam layer 32 and the substrate 31 due to the foaming-promoting ink 37. Furthermore, for the same reason, even if an aqueous ink containing water is applied to the recording medium, a decrease in adhesion between the foam layer 32 and the substrate 31 can be prevented. Here, a water-insoluble resin refers to a resin in which 95% or more by mass remains when immersed in warm water at 80°C for two hours. The water-insoluble resin is preferably at least one selected from the group consisting of acrylic resins and urethane resins. Furthermore, the water-insoluble resin is preferably at least one selected from the group consisting of an acrylic resin having no ester groups and a urethane resin having no ester groups. The water-insoluble resin is preferably a non-water-absorbent resin. The content of the water-insoluble resin in the foam layer 32 is preferably 10% by mass or more and 95% by mass or less, based on the total mass of the foam layer 32. The foam layer 32 may contain a water-soluble resin in addition to the water-insoluble resin, as long as the content is within a range that can prevent the foam layer 32 from peeling from the substrate 31 when the expanded beads 33 in the foam layer 32 are expanded by heat. The glass transition temperature of the binder resin 34 is preferably -10°C or more and 30°C or less. By setting the glass transition temperature of the binder resin 34 within the above range, the binder resin 34 can be prevented from interfering with the expansion of the expanded beads 33.

[0037] The mass ratio of the expanded beads 33 to the binder resin 34 is preferably expanded beads:binder resin = 5:95 to 90:10. By setting the mass ratio of the expanded beads 33 to the binder resin 34 within the above range, it is possible to improve both the expandability of the expanded beads 33 and the binding ability of the binder resin 34 to the substrate 31. The foam layer 32 may further contain components such as pigments, antioxidants, dyes, surfactants, etc., within the range that does not impair the expandability.

[0038] The expansion-promoting ink 37 contains a foaming-promoting component that lowers the foaming initiation temperature of the expanded beads 33. When the foaming-promoting ink 37 containing the foaming-promoting component is applied to the foam layer 32 of the media 30 with the foam layer 32 by a method such as ejection or application using an inkjet system, the thermoplastic resin contained in the shell layer 35 of the expanded beads 33 can be softened. As a result, it is presumed that the foaming initiation temperature and maximum foaming temperature of the expanded beads 33 can be shifted to lower temperatures.

[0039] The expansion-promoting component may be any compound that is capable of softening the thermoplastic resin contained in the shell layer 35 of the expanded beads 33 and does not have a hydroxyl group, and may be appropriately selected depending on the type of thermoplastic resin. Examples include 2-pyrrolidone, dimethyl sulfoxide, N,N-dimethylformamide, and N-methyl-2-pyrrolidone. The boiling point of the expansion-promoting component, which does not have a hydroxyl group, is preferably higher than the temperature at which the foamed layer 32 is heated. Since the boiling point of this compound is higher than the temperature at which the foamed layer 32 is heated, the compound is less likely to vaporize even when the foamed layer 32 is heated, and can contribute to softening the thermoplastic resin of the shell layer 35 of the expanded beads 33. The content of the expansion-promoting component, which does not have a hydroxyl group, is preferably 10% by mass or more and 70% by mass or less, based on the total mass of the expansion-promoting ink 37.

[0040] In this embodiment, the image forming system 200 uses foaming-accelerating ink and color inks to print and output a pattern image on roll paper 110, which is a foam-layered medium, in which the printing area of ​​the foaming-accelerating ink and the printing area of ​​the color ink are offset. The user checks the pattern image printed on the roll paper 110 and operates the UI operation panel 101 to specify the amount of offset between the printing position of the foaming-accelerating ink and the printing position of the color ink. The image forming system 200 then performs processing (foaming-accelerating ink registration adjustment) to adjust the offset between the printing position of the foaming-accelerating ink and the printing position of the color ink based on the specified amount of offset. The operation of this image forming system 200 will be described with reference to the flowchart in FIG. 4.

[0041] In step S400, the control unit 204 acquires an instruction to execute foaming-promoting ink registration adjustment input in response to a user operation. For example, the user operates the UI operation panel 101 or the operation display unit 206 to input an instruction to execute foaming-promoting ink registration adjustment.

[0042] In step S401, color ink registration adjustment is performed under the control of the control unit 204. Color ink registration adjustment is a process for adjusting the landing positions of color inks. Details of the process in step S401 will be described later.

[0043] In step S402, foaming-promoting ink registration adjustment is performed under the control of the control unit 204. Foaming-promoting ink registration adjustment is a process for adjusting the landing positions of the color ink and the foaming-promoting ink. Details of the process in step S402 will be described later.

[0044] Next, the details of the processing in step S401 above will be explained with reference to the flowchart in Fig. 5. In step S500, the control unit 204 reads out the color ink registration adjustment pattern image stored in the memory unit 205. The control unit 204 then controls the paper feed control unit 208, paper transport unit 201, image forming unit 202, winding control unit 209, and fixing unit 210 to print the read-out color ink registration adjustment pattern image onto the roll paper 110.

[0045] In step S501, under the control of the control unit 204, the inspection unit 207 detects the print area of ​​each color ink in the color ink registration adjustment pattern image printed on the roll paper 110 in step S500.

[0046] In step S502, the control unit 204 calculates the amount of misalignment between the area of ​​each color ink in the color ink registration adjustment pattern image and the printing area of ​​that color ink detected in step S501.

[0047] In step S503, the control unit 204 adjusts the head positions of the color inks using the deviation amounts calculated for each color ink in step S502. Since the processing in step S503 is a well-known technique, detailed description of this processing will be omitted.

[0048] Next, the details of the process in step S402 above will be described with reference to the flowchart in Fig. 6. In step S600, the control unit 204 reads out a pattern image for foaming-accelerating ink registration adjustment stored in the storage unit 205. An example of the pattern image for foaming-accelerating ink registration adjustment is shown in Fig. 7(a).

[0049] The area indicated by reference number 700 indicates a printing area to be printed with color ink (color ink printing area), and the area indicated by reference number 701 indicates a printing area to be printed with foaming-promoting ink (foaming-promoting ink printing area).

[0050] In the foaming-promoting ink registration adjustment pattern image of Figure 7(a), nine foaming-promoting ink printing areas are arranged at equal intervals. The positions of the first, second, third, and fourth color ink printing areas from the left are shifted 4 mm, 3 mm, 2 mm, and 1 mm to the left relative to the positions of the first, second, third, and fourth foaming-promoting ink printing areas, respectively. The position of the fifth color ink printing area from the left is the same as the fifth foaming-promoting ink printing area from the left. The positions of the sixth, seventh, eighth, and ninth color ink printing areas from the left are shifted 1 mm, 2 mm, 3 mm, and 4 mm to the right relative to the positions of the sixth, seventh, eighth, and ninth foaming-promoting ink printing areas, respectively.

[0051] The purpose of the foaming-promoting ink registration adjustment pattern image is to let the user recognize the offset between the color ink printing area and the foaming-promoting ink printing area. Therefore, the number of foaming-promoting ink printing areas and color ink printing areas, and the amount of offset, are not limited to specific values.

[0052] Another example of a pattern image for foaming-promoting ink registration adjustment is shown in FIG. 7(b). In the pattern image for foaming-promoting ink registration adjustment in FIG. 7(b), nine foaming-promoting ink printing areas are arranged at equal intervals. The positions of the first, second, third, and fourth color ink printing areas from the left are shifted 4 mm, 3 mm, 2 mm, and 1 mm toward the front relative to the positions of the first, second, third, and fourth foaming-promoting ink printing areas, respectively. The position of the fifth color ink printing area from the left is the same as the fifth foaming-promoting ink printing area from the left. The positions of the sixth, seventh, eighth, and ninth color ink printing areas from the left are shifted 1 mm, 2 mm, 3 mm, and 4 mm toward the back relative to the positions of the sixth, seventh, eighth, and ninth foaming-promoting ink printing areas, respectively.

[0053] Whether it is the pattern image for foaming-promoting ink registration adjustment in FIG. 7(a) or the pattern image for foaming-promoting ink registration adjustment in FIG. 7(b), each foaming-promoting ink printed area / color ink printed area is assigned a unique number from 1 to 9. Note that, as long as each foaming-promoting ink printed area / color ink printed area can be identified, a number other than a number may be assigned. Furthermore, the direction in which the color ink printed area is shifted is not limited to only left and right (x direction) or only front and back (y direction), but may also be a combination of left and right and front and back.

[0054] The control unit 204 then controls (printing control) the paper feed control unit 208, paper transport unit 201, image forming unit 202, winding control unit 209, and fixing unit 210 to print the read-out pattern image for foaming-promoting ink registration adjustment on the roll paper 110. Note that the image forming apparatus 100 prints an image (foamed portion) in the foaming-promoting ink printing area of ​​the foaming-promoting ink registration adjustment pattern image using foaming-promoting ink, and then prints an image in the color ink printing area using color inks.

[0055] In step S601, the control unit 204 controls the control PC 114 to display the UI screen shown in FIG. 8 on the UI operation panel 101. When the user operates the UI screen to display options for the amount of displacement in the x direction of the foaming-accelerating ink printing area, a list 800 containing a list of these options is displayed, allowing the user to select a desired amount of displacement from the list. Furthermore, when the user designates an area 801 on the UI screen, a list containing options for the amount of displacement in the y direction of the foaming-accelerating ink printing area is displayed, allowing the user to select a desired amount of displacement from the list. Note that the method for specifying the amount of displacement is not limited to a specific method; for example, the user may directly input a numerical value indicating the amount of displacement.

[0056] Button 802 is a button for instructing printing of a pattern image for further adjustment, and button 803 is a button for instructing the process of ending registration adjustment after adjusting the head position of the foaming-promoting ink using the deviation amount set on this UI screen.

[0057] When the user operates the UI operation panel 101 to select button 802 or button 803, the process proceeds to step S602. In step S602, the control unit 204 adjusts the head position of the foaming-accelerating ink using the amount of deviation set in response to user operation on the UI screen. Adjusting the head position of the foaming-accelerating ink is a well-known technique, so a detailed description of this process will be omitted.

[0058] In step S603, the control unit 204 determines whether or not the button 802 is pressed. If the result of this determination is that the button 802 is pressed, the process proceeds to step S600, and if the button 802 is not pressed, the process according to the flowchart in FIG. 6 ends.

[0059] In this embodiment, an example of a configuration is described in which a first recording material for forming a three-dimensional image and a colored second recording material are used to print a pattern image on a printing medium in which the printing area of ​​the first recording material is shifted from the printing area of ​​the second recording material, and processing is performed to adjust the shift between the recording position of the first recording material and the recording position of the second recording material according to an adjustment amount specified in response to user operation based on the printing medium.

[0060] <Modification> Another example of a pattern image for foaming-promoting ink registration adjustment is shown in Figure 9(a). In the pattern image 900 for foaming-promoting ink registration adjustment, area 901 is a foaming-promoting ink printing area. Furthermore, in the pattern image 900 for foaming-promoting ink registration adjustment, scale 902 is a color ink printing area that is positioned so as to overlap with area 901, and indicates indexes at each position shifted vertically and horizontally from the center of area 901 as the origin. Note that the indexes are not limited to numerical values, and instead of scale 902, any information (design) indicating each position shifted vertically and / or horizontally from the center of area 901 as the origin may be used. Figure 9(b) is a diagram showing the pattern image for foaming-promoting ink registration adjustment of Figure 9(a) as viewed diagonally from above and to the side.

[0061] [Second embodiment] In the following embodiments, including this embodiment, differences from the first embodiment will be described, and unless otherwise specified below, they will be considered to be the same as the first embodiment. In the first embodiment, the head position of the foaming-accelerating ink was adjusted using a deviation amount specified by the user. In contrast, in this embodiment, the deviation amount is calculated from the print result of the foaming-accelerating ink registration adjustment pattern image without user operation, and the head position of the foaming-accelerating ink is adjusted using the calculated deviation amount.

[0062] In this embodiment, in step S402 above, processing is performed according to the flowchart in Fig. 10. In Fig. 10, processing steps that are the same as those shown in Fig. 6 are assigned the same step numbers as those processing steps, and descriptions of those processing steps will be omitted.

[0063] In step S1000, the inspection unit 207 controls the color detection device 106 and uses a color sensor to detect the "color ink print area" formed by printing in step S600 from the roll paper 110. The inspection unit 207 also controls the height detection device 115 and uses an ultrasonic sensor to detect the height of the convex portions on the roll paper 110, and detects the area where the detected height is equal to or greater than a specified value as the "foaming-accelerating ink print area."

[0064] In step S1001, the control unit 204 determines the difference in position between the "color ink printing area" detected in step S1000 and the "foaming-accelerating ink printing area" detected in step S1000 as the amount of deviation. In step S602, the control unit 204 adjusts the head position of the foaming-accelerating ink using the amount of deviation determined in step S1001, in the same manner as in the first embodiment.

[0065] [Third embodiment] The process performed by image forming apparatus 100 when a medium with a foam layer is loaded into image forming apparatus 100 will be described with reference to the flowchart in Fig. 11. In Fig. 11, the same process steps as those shown in Fig. 4 are assigned the same step numbers as those steps, and the description of those process steps will be omitted.

[0066] In step S1100, the control unit 204 displays a screen on the UI operation panel 101 that allows the user to select whether or not to perform foaming-promoting ink registration adjustment. In step S1101, if the control unit 204 detects a user operation on the screen and the user operation is an input of an instruction to perform foaming-promoting ink registration adjustment, the process proceeds to step S401. On the other hand, if the control unit 204 detects a user operation on the screen and the user operation is not an input of an instruction to perform foaming-promoting ink registration adjustment, the process according to the flowchart in FIG. 11 ends.

[0067] [Fourth embodiment] The operation of the image forming apparatus 100 according to this embodiment will be described with reference to the flowchart in Fig. 12. In Fig. 12, the same processing steps as those shown in Fig. 4 are assigned the same step numbers as those steps, and the description of those processing steps will be omitted.

[0068] In step S1201, the control unit 204 determines whether an execution history indicating that color ink registration adjustment has been performed is stored in the storage unit 205. If the result of this determination is that an execution history indicating that color ink registration adjustment has been performed is stored in the storage unit 205, the process skips step S401 and proceeds to step S402. On the other hand, if the result of this determination is that an execution history indicating that color ink registration adjustment has been performed is not stored in the storage unit 205, the process proceeds to step S401. Note that in this embodiment, the control unit 204 stores an execution history indicating that color ink registration adjustment has been performed in the storage unit 205 in the process of step S401.

[0069] In step S401, control unit 204 may store the execution history in storage unit 205 together with a timestamp indicating the current date and time. In this case, even if it is determined in step S1201 that an execution history is stored in storage unit 205, if the elapsed time from the date and time indicated by the timestamp of the execution history to the current date and time is equal to or greater than a specified time, the process proceeds to step S401. On the other hand, if it is determined in step S1201 that the elapsed time from the date and time indicated by the timestamp of the execution history stored in storage unit 205 to the current date and time is less than the specified time, the process skips step S401 and proceeds to step S402. In addition, if it is determined in step S1201 that an execution history is not stored in storage unit 205, the process proceeds to step S401.

[0070] In the above embodiments, examples of forming a three-dimensional image using a foaming-promoting ink and a medium having a foam layer have been described, but the method of forming a three-dimensional image is not limited to these examples. For example, a three-dimensional image may be formed using ink that hardens when exposed to light such as ultraviolet light or heat. Furthermore, an electrophotographic method using toner may be used instead of an inkjet recording method.

[0071] The numerical values, processing timing, processing order, processing subject, data (information) configuration / acquisition method / sending destination / sending source / storage location, etc. used in the above embodiment are given as examples to provide a concrete explanation, and are not intended to be limited to these examples.

[0072] In addition, some or all of the embodiments described above may be used in appropriate combination, and some or all of the embodiments described above may be selectively used.

[0073] (Other embodiments) The present invention can also be realized by supplying a program that realizes one or more functions of the above-described embodiments to a system or device via a network or a storage medium, and having one or more processors in the computer of the system or device read and execute the program. It can also be realized by a circuit (e.g., ASIC) that realizes one or more functions.

[0074] The invention of this specification includes the following control device, control method, and program. (Item 1) a print control means for printing, on a printing medium, a pattern image in which a printing area of ​​the first recording material and a printing area of ​​the second recording material are overlapped or shifted, using a first recording material for forming a three-dimensional image and a colored second recording material; a processing means for performing processing to adjust a deviation between the recording position of the first recording material and the recording position of the second recording material; A control device comprising: (Item 2) The printing control means 2. The control device according to item 1, wherein the control device causes the printing area of ​​the second recording material to print, on the printing medium, pattern images that are shifted by different amounts relative to the printing area of ​​the first recording material. (Item 3) The printing control means The control device described in item 1 is characterized in that a pattern image is printed on a printing medium, with information indicating each position shifted vertically and / or horizontally from the center of the printing area of ​​the first recording material as the origin, as the printing area of ​​the second recording material. (Item 4) The processing means The processing is performed according to the adjustment amount designated in response to a user operation. 4. The control device according to any one of items 1 to 3, (Item 5) The processing means The processing is performed according to the amount of deviation between the print area of ​​the first recording material and the print area of ​​the second recording material read from the print medium. 4. The control device according to any one of items 1 to 3, (Item 6) The control device described in any one of items 1 to 5, characterized in that the printing control means and the processing means operate when a media with a foam layer is loaded into the image forming device and an instruction to perform the processing is input in response to a user operation. (Item 7) 7. The control device according to any one of items 1 to 6, wherein the head position for the second recording material is adjusted before the printing. (Item 8) moreover, 8. The control device according to any one of items 1 to 7, further comprising a control means for controlling the adjustment of the head position of the second recording material in accordance with the execution history of the adjustment of the head position of the second recording material. (Item 9) Item 9. The control device according to item 8, wherein the control means does not adjust the head position of the second recording material when the execution history is stored, and adjusts the head position of the second recording material when the execution history is not stored. (Item 10) The control device described in item 8 is characterized in that the control means does not adjust the head position of the second recording material if the elapsed time from the date and time indicated by the timestamp in the execution history to the current date and time is less than a specified time, and adjusts the head position of the second recording material if the elapsed time is equal to or greater than the specified time. (Item 11) 11. The control device according to any one of items 1 to 10, wherein the first recording material is a foaming-accelerating ink, and the second recording material is a color ink. (Item 12) 11. The control device according to any one of items 1 to 10, wherein the first recording material is ink that hardens when exposed to ultraviolet light, and the second recording material is color ink. (Item 13) 13. A program for causing a computer to function as the control device according to any one of items 1 to 12. (Item 14) A control method for a control device, comprising: a print control step in which a print control means of the control device uses a first recording material for forming a three-dimensional image and a colored second recording material to print a pattern image on a printing medium in which the printing area of ​​the first recording material and the printing area of ​​the second recording material are overlapped or shifted; a processing step in which a processing means of the control device performs processing to adjust a deviation between the recording position of the first recording material and the recording position of the second recording material; A control method for a control device, comprising:

[0075] The invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various changes and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Accordingly, the following claims are appended to apprise the public of the scope of the invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0076] 200: Image forming system 201: Paper conveying section 202: Image forming section 203: Communication section 204: Control section 205: Storage section 206: Operation display section 206a: Display section 206b: Operation section 207: Inspection section 208: Paper feed control section 209: Winding control section 210: Fixing section

Claims

1. a print control means for printing, on a printing medium, a pattern image in which a printing area of ​​the first recording material and a printing area of ​​the second recording material are overlapped or shifted, using a first recording material for forming a three-dimensional image and a colored second recording material; a processing means for performing processing to adjust a deviation between the recording position of the first recording material and the recording position of the second recording material; A control device comprising:

2. The printing control means 2. The control device according to claim 1, wherein pattern images are printed on the printing medium such that the printing area of ​​the second recording material is shifted by different amounts relative to the printing area of ​​the first recording material.

3. The printing control means The control device described in claim 1, characterized in that a pattern image is printed on a printing medium, with information indicating each position shifted vertically and / or horizontally from the center of the printing area of ​​the first recording material as the origin, as the printing area of ​​the second recording material.

4. The processing means The processing is performed according to the adjustment amount designated in response to a user operation.

2. The control device according to claim 1.

5. The processing means The processing is performed according to the amount of deviation between the print area of ​​the first recording material and the print area of ​​the second recording material read from the print medium.

2. The control device according to claim 1.

6. The control device according to claim 1, characterized in that the printing control means and the processing means operate when a medium with a foam layer is loaded into the image forming device and an instruction to perform the processing is input in response to a user operation.

7. 2. The control device according to claim 1, wherein the head position for the second recording material is adjusted before the printing.

8. moreover, 2. The control device according to claim 1, further comprising a control unit that controls the adjustment of the head position for the second recording material in accordance with an execution history of the adjustment of the head position for the second recording material.

9. 9. The control device according to claim 8, wherein the control means does not adjust the head position of the second recording material when the execution history is stored, and adjusts the head position of the second recording material when the execution history is not stored.

10. The control device according to claim 8, characterized in that the control means does not adjust the head position of the second recording material if the elapsed time from the date and time indicated by the timestamp in the execution history to the current date and time is less than a specified time, and adjusts the head position of the second recording material if the elapsed time is equal to or greater than the specified time.

11. 2. The control device according to claim 1, wherein the first recording material is a foaming-accelerating ink, and the second recording material is a color ink.

12. 2. The control device according to claim 1, wherein the first recording material is ink that hardens when exposed to ultraviolet light, and the second recording material is color ink.

13. A program for causing a computer to function as the control device according to any one of claims 1 to 12.

14. A control method for a control device, comprising: a print control step in which a print control means of the control device uses a first recording material for forming a three-dimensional image and a colored second recording material to print a pattern image on a printing medium in which a printing area of ​​the first recording material and a printing area of ​​the second recording material are overlapped or shifted; a processing step in which a processing means of the control device performs processing to adjust a deviation between the recording position of the first recording material and the recording position of the second recording material; A control method for a control device, comprising:

Images