Printing apparatus, control method, and storage medium

Abstract

To accurately perform registration adjustment of color ink whose optical density cannot be detected by an optical sensor.SOLUTION: According to an aspect of the present invention, there is provided a print head configured to print a plurality of adjustment patterns on a print medium, each of the plurality of adjustment patterns including a first pattern printed with a first ink and a second pattern printed with a second ink over the first pattern, the plurality of adjustment patterns having different optical densities depending on a relative print position shift amount between the first pattern and the second pattern, and an optical sensor configured to measure optical characteristics of the plurality of adjustment patterns, the optical sensor including: Wherein the first ink has an absorption wavelength region detectable at a necessary S / N ratio in a wavelength band detectable by the optical sensor, and the second ink does not have the absorption wavelength region, and a determination unit configured to determine a correction value of an ejection timing of the second ink.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 6

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a printing apparatus, a control method, and a program, and more particularly to a technique for aligning the landing position of ink droplets in an inkjet printer. [Background technology]

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a technique for aligning the landing positions of ink droplets between reciprocating scans of a print head in an inkjet printing apparatus and for aligning the landing positions of ink droplets between multiple print heads. Specifically, the technique involves forming multiple patterns on the print head, measuring the optical characteristics of each of the multiple patterns, and determining the appropriate ejection timing to align the landing positions between two prints (first print and second print) to be aligned. This process is called "registration adjustment (processing)." The multiple patterns used in registration adjustment are patterns formed by the first print and the second print, and are formed according to multiple offset amounts of the relative landing positions of the first print and the second print, and each exhibits optical characteristics corresponding to the multiple offset amounts.

[0003] Furthermore, Patent Document 2 discloses a technique for adjusting the registration of a transparent liquid, the optical characteristics of which are difficult to measure. Specifically, it discloses a technique for adjusting the registration of a transparent liquid based on information on the difference in smoothness of each of a plurality of formed patterns. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 10-329381 [Patent Document 2] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2016-221834 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] In Patent Document 1, an optical sensor is used as an optical property measuring means for measuring the optical properties of each of a plurality of patterns. In measuring the optical properties, the optical density is detected based on the brightness of the reflected light after the ink absorbs light irradiated from the light emitting section of the optical sensor. Therefore, when using colored inks whose optical density cannot be detected, there is a risk that registration adjustment will not be performed correctly.

[0006] Furthermore, in Patent Document 2, if the smoothness of each of the multiple patterns is the same, there is a risk that the accuracy of registration adjustment will decrease.

[0007] In view of the above-mentioned problems, the present disclosure has an object to perform accurate registration adjustment for color inks whose optical densities cannot be detected by optical sensors. DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] One embodiment of the present invention is a recording device comprising: a recording head that ejects ink, the ink including a first ink and a second ink, and that records on a recording medium a plurality of adjustment patterns consisting of a first pattern printed with the first ink and a second pattern printed with the second ink overlaid on the first pattern, the plurality of adjustment patterns each having a different optical density depending on the amount of shift in the relative printing position between the first pattern and the second pattern; an optical sensor that measures the optical characteristics of the plurality of adjustment patterns, the first ink having an absorption wavelength range that can be detected with a required S / N ratio in the wavelength band detectable by the optical sensor, and the second ink not having such absorption wavelength range; and a determination means that determines a correction value for the ejection timing of the second ink relative to the first ink based on the plurality of adjustment patterns recorded by the recording head. [Effects of the Invention]

[0009] According to the present disclosure, it is possible to perform registration adjustment with high precision for color inks whose optical densities cannot be detected by an optical sensor. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0010] [Figure 1] Perspective view of a recording device [Figure 2] 1 is a cross-sectional view showing a schematic configuration of a main part of a recording device; [Figure 3] Schematic diagram showing the nozzle surface of a recording head [Figure 4] Schematic diagram of an optical sensor [Figure 5] Block diagram showing the configuration of the control system of the recording device [Figure 6] FIG. 10 is a diagram for explaining a registration adjustment pattern in the first embodiment; [Figure 7] Flowchart of registration adjustment processing in the first embodiment [Figure 8] Flowchart of manual registration adjustment processing in the second embodiment [Figure 9] Schematic diagram showing the GUI for setting registration adjustment values DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0011] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Note that the following embodiments are not intended to limit the present disclosure more than necessary, and not all combinations of features described in the embodiments are necessarily essential as solutions to the present disclosure. Furthermore, the relative positions, shapes, and the like of the components described in the following embodiments are merely examples, and are not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure to only those.

[0012] In the following description, a recording apparatus using an inkjet recording method will be described as an example. The recording apparatus may be, for example, a single-function printer having only a recording function, or a multi-function printer having multiple functions such as a recording function, a fax function, and a scanner function. Alternatively, the recording apparatus may be a manufacturing apparatus for manufacturing color filters, electronic devices, optical devices, microstructures, etc. using a predetermined recording method.

[0013] Furthermore, "recording" does not only refer to the formation of meaningful information such as letters and figures, but also includes both meaningful and insignificant information. Furthermore, it broadly includes the formation of images, patterns, designs, structures, etc. on a recording medium, or the processing of the medium, regardless of whether they are visible to humans. "Recording medium" includes not only paper, which is used in general recording devices, but also cloth, plastic film, metal plates, glass, ceramics, resin, wood, leather, and other materials that can accept ink.

[0014] [First embodiment] <Basic configuration of recording device> FIG. 1 is a diagram showing the basic configuration of an inkjet printing apparatus (hereinafter referred to as a printing apparatus) 100 according to this embodiment.

[0015] 1A is a diagram showing a state in which a fixing unit 300 and a paper discharge guide section (described later) are set to a recording position (also referred to as a home position). The state of the recording device 100 in which the fixing unit 300 and the paper discharge guide section are in the recording position as shown in FIG. 1A is referred to as a recording state.

[0016] 1(b) is a diagram showing a state in which the fixing unit 300 and the paper discharge guide 600 are pushed up to the retracted position. The state of the recording device 100 in which the fixing unit 300 and the paper discharge guide are in the retracted position as shown in FIG. 1(b) is referred to as a non-recording state.

[0017] The user can use the operation unit (in this embodiment, various switches provided on the operation panel 28, etc.) to input various settings for the recording device 100, such as specifying the size of the recording medium and setting the roll type.

[0018] In this specification, when facing the side where the recorded recording medium is discharged, the direction from the left side to the right side of the recording device is referred to as the X direction, the direction from the back side (rear side) of the recording device to the front side (front side), and the direction from the bottom side to the top side of the recording device is referred to as the Z direction. As such, the X direction, Y direction, and Z direction are directions from one side to the other and are perpendicular to each other. In this specification, when a direction goes from one side to the other, a "+" (plus) is added, and when a direction goes from the other side to the one side, a "-" (minus) is added.

[0019] <Configuration of the main parts of the recording device> FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view showing a schematic configuration of the main part of the recording device 100. As shown in FIG.

[0020] Fig. 2(a) is a diagram showing the state when both the fixing unit and the paper discharge guide unit are in the recording position. Fig. 2(b) is a diagram showing the state when both the fixing unit and the paper discharge guide unit are in the retracted position. In Fig. 2(a), the recording device 100 includes a paper feed unit 200 for supplying the recording medium 1 from a roll-shaped recording medium 10 on which the recording medium 1 is wound, and a recording unit 382 for recording an image on the recording medium 1. The recording device 100 also includes a winding unit 520 for winding up the recording medium 1 recorded by the recording unit 382.

[0021] When loading the roll-shaped recording medium 10, as shown in FIG. 2(b), the recording device 100 is placed in a state where the fixing unit 300 and the paper discharge guide section 600 are open, and the roll-shaped recording medium 10 is loaded into the recording device 100 in this state. As will be described later, when both the fixing unit 300 and the paper discharge guide section 600 are in their upper retracted positions, the user's field of view and working area are sufficiently secured, allowing the user to easily load the roll-shaped recording medium 10. Furthermore, when the recording medium 1 is transported to the paper discharge guide section 600, the fixing unit 300 is always retracted to its upper retracted position. This prevents the recording medium 1 from hitting the fixing unit 300 and causing a paper jam.

[0022] 2(a), when the paper discharge guide section 600 is in the closed state, the recording medium 1 pulled out from the roll-shaped recording medium 10 set in the paper feed section 200 passes through the conveying section 380 and reaches the recording section 382, ​​where an image is recorded. The recorded recording medium 1 is discharged toward the paper discharge guide section 600 and is dried and fixed in the fixing unit 300. In addition, by setting a take-up roll in the take-up section 520, the discharged recording medium 1 can be taken up into a roll.

[0023] More specifically, the recording medium 1 drawn from the roll recording medium 10 set in the paper feed unit 200 is transported through a transport unit 380 to a recording unit 382 capable of recording an image. The recording unit 382 records an image on the recording medium 1 by ejecting ink from a recording head 8. The recording head 8 ejects ink from the nozzles using ejection energy generating elements such as electrothermal conversion elements (heaters) and piezoelectric elements. When an electrothermal conversion element is used, the heat generated causes the ink to foam, and the foaming energy is used to eject the ink from the nozzles.

[0024] The recording method of the recording head 8 and the recording unit 382 is not limited to the inkjet method. The driving method of the recording head 8 may be a serial scan method or a full line method. In the case of the serial scan method, an image is recorded in the scanning area of ​​the recording head 8 by the transport operation of the recording medium 1 and the scanning of the recording head 8 in a direction intersecting the transport direction of the recording medium 1. In the case of the full line method, an elongated recording head 8 extending in a direction intersecting the transport direction of the recording medium 1 is used, and an image is recorded while the recording medium 1 is continuously transported.

[0025] The recording medium 1 on which the recording has been performed is dried and fixed in a fixing unit 300. As an example of the fixing unit 300, a fixing unit that dries the recording medium 1 by blowing hot air onto the recording medium 1 is known. After the ink has been dried and fixed, the recording medium 1 is wound into a roll by a winding device in which a winding section 520 is disposed.

[0026] <Moving mechanism for the fixing unit and paper ejection guide> The moving mechanism of the fixing unit 300 and the paper discharge guide section 600 will be described below with reference to FIGS. 2(a) and 2(b).

[0027] In FIG. 2(a), the fixing unit 300 blows warm air onto the recording medium 1 to dry the recorded ink. The paper discharge guide section 600 has a support surface that supports the recording medium 1 from below and guides the transport of the recording medium 1. The paper discharge guide section 600 is rotatably supported by a paper discharge guide shaft 600b on the device main body. In other words, the paper discharge guide section 600 rotates counterclockwise from the state shown in FIG. 2(a) to the state shown in FIG. 2(b). The paper discharge guide section 600 is positioned so as to face the fixing unit 300.

[0028] The first link 310 and the second link 320, which are means for moving the fixing unit 300, have one end rotatably supported by the apparatus main body 50 and the other end rotatably supported by the fixing unit 300. These two links form a parallel link mechanism. The above link configuration is similarly arranged at both ends of the fixing unit 300 in the longitudinal direction (X direction). In other words, two links are arranged on one side, for a total of four links on both sides.

[0029] <Recording head configuration> 3 shows the nozzle surface 34 of the recording head 8 according to this embodiment. The recording head 8 is equipped with a nozzle row 33K that ejects black ink, a nozzle row 33C that ejects cyan ink, a nozzle row 33M that ejects magenta ink, a nozzle row 33Y that ejects yellow ink, and a nozzle row 33W that ejects white ink. In this specification, black is represented as K, cyan as C, magenta as M, yellow as Y, and white as W.

[0030] In the recording head 8, these nozzle arrays are arranged in the order of nozzle arrays 33K, 33C, 33M, 33Y, and 33W from left to right in the X direction. These nozzle arrays 33K, 33C, 33M, 33Y, and 33W are configured by 1280 nozzles 30 that eject each ink, arranged in the Y direction (arrangement direction) at a density of 1200 dpi. In this embodiment, the amount of ink ejected at one time from one nozzle 30 is approximately 4.5 pl.

[0031] These nozzle rows 33K, 33C, 33M, 33Y, and 33W are connected to ink tanks (not shown) that store the corresponding inks, and are supplied with ink. The print head 8 and ink tanks used in this embodiment may be integrally configured, or may be separable from each other. Regarding the reference numerals assigned to nozzle rows, if there is no particular need to distinguish them by color, they will be referred to as nozzle row 33. The same rules regarding the reference numerals apply to other components.

[0032] Each nozzle of the print head 8 is provided with an energy generating element (hereinafter also referred to as a print element) that generates ejection energy for ejecting ink from the nozzle. In this embodiment, this energy generating element is an electrothermal transducer that locally heats the ink to cause film boiling, and ejects the ink using the resulting pressure. However, the print element is not limited to an electrothermal transducer, and an electromechanical transducer can also be used.

[0033] <Optical sensor> Fig. 4(a) is a schematic diagram of the optical sensor, and Fig. 4(b) is a diagram showing the detection spot. The optical sensor 400 is fixedly mounted on the carriage 22 so that its measurement region in the Y direction is located downstream in the +Y direction from the multiple nozzle rows provided in the recording head 8. The lower surface 400a of the optical sensor 400 coincides with the nozzle surface 34 in the Z direction, or is located downstream of the nozzle surface 34 in the +Z direction.

[0034] The optical sensor 400 includes a light-emitting unit 401 realized by a visible LED such as red, green, or blue, and a light-receiving unit 402 realized by a photodiode. The optical sensor 400 has at least one light source color. The light-emitting unit 401 and the light-receiving unit 402 are provided on a lower surface 400a of the optical sensor 400. The light-emitting unit 401 irradiates light onto the recording medium 1, and the light-receiving unit 402 receives the light reflected by the recording medium 1. Therefore, in the optical sensor 400, light 403 irradiated from the light-emitting unit 401 is diffused by the recording medium 1, and this reflected light 404 is received by the light-receiving unit 402. The spot diameter of the detection spot 410 formed by the light 403 irradiated from the light-emitting unit 401 and diffused by the recording medium 1 is, for example, approximately 3 mm in diameter.

[0035] The light receiving unit 402 transmits a detection signal of the received reflected light 404, such as an analog signal, to a control circuit on an electrical board of the recording device 100 via a flexible cable (not shown) or the like. This analog signal is converted to a digital signal by an analog-to-digital converter (A / D converter) in the control circuit. When detecting the optical characteristics of the adjustment pattern (described later), the recording medium 1 is transported in the Y direction and the carriage 22, to which the optical sensor 400 is attached, moves in the X direction alternately. As a result, the optical sensor 400 detects the optical density of the image recorded on the recording medium 1 as optical reflectance, synchronized with the timing based on a position signal obtained by an encoder (not shown).

[0036] The measurement error of optical sensor 400 is determined based on the detection results obtained by recording a plurality of adjustment patterns, each consisting of a reference pattern and a shift pattern, on recording medium 1 using the first ink and detecting the recorded plurality of adjustment patterns using optical sensor 400. Specifically, the difference in optical density between the highest and lowest optical densities of the plurality of adjustment patterns is greater than the measurement error of optical sensor 400.

[0037] Similarly, the measurement error of optical sensor 400 is determined based on the detection results of recording a plurality of adjustment patterns, each consisting of a reference pattern and a shift pattern, on recording medium 1 using the second ink and detecting the recorded plurality of adjustment patterns using optical sensor 400. Specifically, the difference in optical density between the highest and lowest optical densities of the plurality of adjustment patterns is equal to or less than the measurement error of optical sensor 400.

[0038] <Recording system configuration> The configuration of the control system of the recording apparatus will be explained below with reference to Fig. 5. Fig. 5 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the control system of the recording apparatus.

[0039] The control unit 2, which performs overall control of the recording device 100, includes a central processing unit (CPU) 500, a ROM 501, a RAM 502, and a memory 503. The CPU 500 controls the operation of each component of the recording device 100 and processes input image data based on various programs. The ROM 501 functions as a memory for storing various control and image data processing programs executed by the CPU 500. The RAM 502 temporarily stores various data used to control the recording device 100. The memory 503 stores various data such as mask patterns and adjustment patterns, which will be described later. The control unit 2 also includes an input / output port 504, which is connected to an interface circuit 505 via the input / output port 504, and which is connected to the host device 3 via the interface circuit 505. The control unit 2 is also connected via the input / output port 504 to a user-operable operation panel 28, a motor driver 506, a head driver 510, a drive circuit 511, the fixing unit 300, various sensors, and the like.

[0040] A user inputs a job including image data and print setting information to the recording apparatus 100 via the host device 3, and inputs various information to the recording apparatus via the host device 3 and the operation panel 28. The control unit 2 is also connected to a motor driver 506 via an input / output port 504, and controls the driving of a paper feed motor 507, a transport motor 508, and a nip release motor 509 via this motor driver 506. The paper feed motor 507 is a drive source for the paper feed unit 200 that feeds the recording medium 1. The transport motor 508 is a drive source for transport means such as the transport roller pair 280 that transports the recording medium 1 fed by the paper feed unit 200 to the recording unit 382. The nip release motor 509 is a drive source for the drive force that releases the nip of the transport roller pair 280.

[0041] The control unit 2 is also connected to a head driver 510 via an input / output port 504, and controls the print head 8 to eject ink via the head driver 510. Furthermore, the control unit 2 controls the driving of a heater 512 of the print head 8 via a drive circuit 511.

[0042] In the control unit 2, the CPU 500 converts image data input from the host device 3 into print data and stores it in the RAM 502. Specifically, when the CPU 500 acquires image data in bitmap format represented by 8-bit, 256-value information (0 to 255) for each of RGB, it converts this image data into multi-value data represented by K, C, M, Y, and W used for printing. This color conversion process generates multi-value data represented by 8-bit, 256-value information (0 to 255) that defines the gradation of each ink of K, C, M, Y, and W in each pixel group made up of multiple pixels.

[0043] Next, the multi-value data represented by K, C, M, Y, and W is quantized to generate quantized data (binary data) represented by 1-bit binary information (1, 0) that determines whether or not to eject each of the K, C, M, Y, and W inks for each pixel. Note that 1 indicates ejection, and 0 indicates non-ejection. Various known quantization methods, such as error diffusion, dithering, and indexing, can be used for this quantization process. A distribution process is then performed to distribute the quantized data across multiple scans of the print head 8 over the unit area. This distribution process generates print data represented by 1-bit binary information (1, 0) that determines whether or not to eject each of the K, C, M, Y, and W inks for each pixel during each of the multiple scans over the unit area of ​​the print medium 1. This distribution process is performed using a mask pattern that corresponds to multiple scans and determines whether or not to allow ink ejection for each pixel. Furthermore, the generation of such recording data is not limited to being performed by the control unit 2, but may also be performed by the host device 3, or some of the processing may be performed by the host device 3 and the remaining processing may be performed by the control unit 2.

[0044] The recording device 100 is also provided with a first set sensor 330 that detects that the fixing unit 300 has been set to the recording position. Similarly, the recording device 100 is also provided with a second set sensor 530 that detects that the paper discharge guide section 600 has been set to the recording position. Furthermore, the recording device 100 is also provided with a third set sensor 230 that detects that the roll-shaped recording medium 10 has been set in the recording device 100.

[0045] The recording device 100 also includes a paper feed sensor 513 that detects the feeding of the recording medium 1, a nip release sensor 290 that detects the release of the nip between the pair of conveying rollers 280, and a paper sensor 295 that detects the edge of the recording medium 1. The nip release sensor 290 is, for example, a photosensor, and has a light-emitting element and a light-receiving element. It can detect that the pair of conveying rollers 280 has been released by detecting that the received light is blocked when the nip is released.

[0046] <Ink> Next, the K, C, M, Y, and W inks used in this embodiment will be described. These inks contain solid components that record images and volatile liquid components. Examples of solid components include coloring materials such as pigments and dyes, while examples of liquid components include water and water-soluble organic solvents. Each ink contains water-soluble resin microparticles that bond the coloring material to the recording medium 1 and improve the abrasion resistance (fixability) of the recorded image. Furthermore, various surfactants, antifoaming agents, preservatives, antifungal agents, and the like can be added as needed to impart desired properties.

[0047] The color inks (K, C, M, Y) of this embodiment contain water-soluble resin particles that adhere the colorant to the recording medium 1 and improve the scratch resistance (fixability) of the recorded image. The resin particles melt when heated, and a heater (such as the fixing unit 300) forms a film of the resin particles and dries the solvent contained in the ink. In this embodiment, the resin particles are polymer particles that exist in a dispersed state in water. The polymer particles that exist in a dispersed state in water may also be in the form of resin particles obtained by homopolymerizing or copolymerizing multiple types of monomers having dissociable groups, i.e., a so-called self-dispersing resin particle dispersion.

[0048] The color inks contain a surfactant. The surfactant is a penetrant that improves the permeability of the color inks into the inkjet recording medium 1. In this embodiment, the surface tension of each color ink is adjusted to 30 dyn / cm or less, and the difference in surface tension between the color inks is adjusted to within 2 dyn / cm. Specifically, the surface tension of each color ink is set to approximately 28 to 30 dyn / cm.

[0049] Furthermore, the color ink preferably has a pH of 7.0 or higher and 10.0 or lower to prevent impurities from eluting from components in contact with the ink in the recording device 100 or the recording head 8, deterioration of the materials constituting those components, and a decrease in the solubility of the pigment dispersion resin in the ink. The color inks used in this embodiment use anionic colorants. Therefore, the pH of each color ink is stable on the alkaline side, with a value of 8.5 to 9.5.

[0050] The white ink of this embodiment contains a white colorant as a colorant. Titanium oxide particles can be suitably used as the white colorant for the white ink. Titanium oxide is classified into rutile, anatase, and brookite types based on its crystal structure. Of these, rutile type titanium oxide, which has low photocatalytic activity, is preferred. Methods for producing titanium oxide include the sulfuric acid method and the chlorine method. From the perspective of ink stability, the content (mass %) of titanium oxide particles in the ink is preferably 5% by mass or more and 20% by mass or less, based on the total mass of the ink.

[0051] The zeta potential of titanium oxide particles in pure water is preferably 0 mV or higher. The zeta potential is an index showing the charge state of the titanium oxide particle surface and can be measured by electrophoretic light scattering. When the amount of positive charge on the titanium oxide particle surface is greater than the amount of negative charge, the titanium oxide particles are more likely to adsorb to a resin having anionic groups, improving the dispersion stability of the titanium oxide. Furthermore, to avoid excessive consumption of the anionic groups of the resin and a lack of charge repulsion between the titanium oxide particles, the zeta potential is preferably 40 mV or lower.

[0052] In addition to titanium oxide particles, hollow resin particles can also be used as the white colorant for white ink. Examples of such resin particles include MH5055 (manufactured by Zeon Corporation), Ropeake OP-62, OP-84J, OP-91, HP-1055, HP-91, and ULTRA (all manufactured by Rohm and Haas), which contain units derived from styrene and acrylic. Other examples include crosslinked resin particles containing units derived from styrene and acrylic, such as SX-863(A), 864(B), 866(A), 866(B), and 868 (manufactured by JSR), Ropeake ULTRA E, and ULTRA DUAL (manufactured by Rohm and Haas).

[0053] Although the white ink is mainly composed of the above-mentioned white coloring material, it may contain other coloring materials to the extent that the whiteness is not impaired in order to adjust the slight white color that is visible in reflected light, etc.

[0054] Next, the fluorescent ink used in this embodiment will be described. In this embodiment, a fluorescent ink is used that is prepared by mixing a dispersion having fluorescent properties, a solvent, and an activator. The fluorescent dispersion used in this embodiment is a dispersion having fluorescent properties. Examples include NKW-3207E (fluorescent pink aqueous dispersion: Nippon Kinko Kagaku Co., Ltd.) and NKW-3205E (fluorescent yellow aqueous dispersion: Nippon Kinko Kagaku Co., Ltd.), but any dispersion having fluorescent properties will do.

[0055] The fluorescent dispersion is dispersed in a known solvent and surfactant to produce an ink. The fluorescent dispersion may be dispersed in any suitable manner. For example, a fluorescent dispersion dispersed with a surfactant or a resin-dispersed fluorescent dispersion dispersed with a dispersion resin can be used. It is also possible to combine fluorescent dispersions dispersed in different ways. The surfactant may be anionic, nonionic, cationic, or amphoteric surfactant. Any water-soluble or water-dispersible resin can be used as the dispersion resin. Among these, a dispersion resin with a weight-average molecular weight of 1,000 to 100,000, preferably 3,000 to 50,000, is preferred. The solvent is preferably an aqueous medium containing, for example, water and a water-soluble organic solvent.

[0056] <Recording Media> The recording device in this embodiment records on a low-permeability recording medium that is difficult for water to penetrate. As mentioned above, a low-permeability recording medium refers to a medium that has no or very little water absorption. Therefore, if an aqueous ink that does not contain organic solvents is used, the aqueous ink will be repelled and image recording will not be possible. On the other hand, low-permeability recording media have excellent water resistance and weather resistance, making them suitable as media for recording materials intended for outdoor use. Typically, a recording medium with a water contact angle of 45° or more, preferably 60° or more, at 25°C is used.

[0057] Low-permeability recording media include recording media coated with plastic, i.e., recording media with a plastic layer formed on the outermost surface of the substrate, recording media without an ink-receiving layer formed on the substrate, and sheets, films, banners, etc. of glass, YUPO, plastic, etc. Examples of the aforementioned coated plastics include polyvinyl chloride, polyethylene terephthalate, polycarbonate, polystyrene, polyurethane, polyethylene, polypropylene, etc. These low-permeability recording media are excellent in water resistance, light resistance, and abrasion resistance, and are therefore generally used when recording materials for outdoor exhibition.

[0058] One example of a method for evaluating the permeability of a recording medium is the Bristow method described in JAPAN TAPPI Paper and Pulp Test Method No. 51, "Test Method for Liquid Absorbency of Paper and Paperboard." The Bristow method measurement method is briefly described below. First, a predetermined amount of ink is poured into a holding container with a predetermined-sized opening slit, and the ink is brought into contact with a recording medium, which has been processed into a strip and wrapped around a disk, through the slit. Next, while keeping the position of the holding container fixed, the disk is rotated, and the area (length) of the ink band transferred to the recording medium is measured. From this ink band area, the amount of ink transferred per unit area per second (ml m-2) can be calculated. In this embodiment, a recording medium with an ink transfer amount (water absorption amount) of less than 10 ml m-2 in 30 msec1 / 2 using the Bristow method is considered to have low permeability.

[0059] <Specific adjustment method> First, the adjustment patterns used in this embodiment will be described. Note that the adjustment patterns described below are examples of adjustment patterns to which this embodiment can be applied, and different adjustment patterns can be set as appropriate taking other factors into consideration.

[0060] FIG. 6A is a diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of a registration adjustment pattern used for detecting optical density by the optical sensor 400 of this embodiment.

[0061] As shown in FIG. 6A, the registration adjustment pattern is configured such that a rectangular pattern of i pixels by n pixels is periodically repeated in the main scanning direction for each blank area of ​​m pixels. The shift pattern 602 is printed with its printing position shifted by a predetermined number of pixels a relative to the reference pattern 601. The printing resolution and amount of shift when printing these registration adjustment patterns can be determined according to the printing resolution of the printing device 100. In this embodiment, the printing resolution when printing the registration adjustment patterns is assumed to be 1200 dpi. For convenience of explanation, the reference pattern and the shift pattern are shown shifted vertically in FIG. 6A. However, in reality, the two patterns (reference pattern 601 and shift pattern 602) are printed overlapping each other (see FIG. 6B). More specifically, the reference pattern is printed overlapping the shift pattern shifted by a predetermined number of pixels a in the main scanning direction. In this case, the shift pattern is printed on top of the reference pattern. A time for drying the printed pattern (referred to as drying time) may be provided between printing the reference pattern and printing the shift pattern. By providing a drying time, it is possible to further reduce density reduction due to color mixing of the inks. The drying time may be changed depending on the characteristics of the ink (referred to as first ink, which is K ink in this example) used to print the reference pattern 601, the characteristics of the ink (referred to as second ink, which is W ink in this example) used to print the shift pattern, or the characteristics of the print medium 1.

[0062] The nozzle arrays used to print the reference pattern and the shift pattern are determined by the combination of ink colors in the nozzle arrays to be adjusted. For example, a nozzle array (e.g., nozzle array 33K) containing ink with an absorption wavelength band (also called an absorption wavelength region) detectable with a required S / N ratio in the wavelength band (visible light region) detectable by the optical sensor 400 is determined as the reference nozzle array, and the reference pattern is printed using the reference nozzle array. Then, a nozzle array (e.g., nozzle array 33W containing W ink) containing ink that does not contain an absorption wavelength band detectable with a required S / N ratio in the wavelength band (visible light region) detectable by the optical sensor 400 is used to print the shift pattern. The combination of nozzle arrays is not limited to this, and any appropriate combination may be used. For ink that does not contain an absorption wavelength band detectable with a required S / N ratio in the wavelength band (visible light region) detectable by the optical sensor 400, fluorescent ink or an ink color that does not absorb the wavelength of light emitted from the light-emitting unit and makes it difficult to detect optical density may be selected. For example, magenta ink may be used when the light source color of the light-emitting unit is red.

[0063] Examples of inks that are difficult to detect optical density include white ink, which does not absorb light emitted from the light-emitting unit, magenta ink when the light source color emitted from the light-emitting unit is red, and fluorescent ink, which emits light as soon as it absorbs the light emitted from the light-emitting unit.

[0064] FIG. 6(b) shows a configuration in which multiple registration adjustment patterns shown in FIG. 6(a) are arranged in the main scanning direction. In this case, the registration adjustment pattern group 610 shown in FIG. 6(b) is printed while varying the shift amount a of the shift pattern from −3 pixels to +3 pixels. That is, as can be seen from FIG. 6(b), when the shift amount is 0, the reference pattern and the shift pattern are printed overlapping. On the other hand, as the shift amount increases, the deviation between the reference pattern and the shift pattern increases, resulting in a wider reference pattern revealed on the printing medium. Note that, for convenience, FIG. 6(b) shows a case in which the deviation between the reference pattern and the shift pattern is small when the shift amount is 0. However, when the registration adjustment patterns are actually printed, the position where the deviation between the reference pattern and the shift pattern is small will vary depending on various conditions. Details will be described later, but based on the value of the shift amount a corresponding to the position with the least shift, a correction value for the ejection timing when ejecting ink for the ink that does not have a detectable absorption wavelength band, as mentioned above, is calculated (S704 in Figure 7).

[0065] When the amount of shift between the printing positions of the reference pattern and the shift pattern changes, the ink area ratio of the reference pattern on the printing medium changes as shown in FIG. 6(b).

[0066] FIG. 6(c) shows the (optical) reflectance measurement results 620 obtained when the optical sensor 400 measures each of the shift patterns shown in FIG. 6(b). Note that optical density is inversely proportional to reflectance. The smaller the misalignment between the registration adjustment patterns actually printed on the recording medium, the larger the area of ​​the reference pattern printed with ink whose density can be detected by the optical sensor 400 that is hidden by the shift pattern printed with ink whose density cannot be detected by the optical sensor 400, resulting in a lower optical density. In other words, the higher the reflectance of a shift pattern, the less misalignment there is with the reference pattern. Therefore, the value of the position shift amount a when the optical density of the registration adjustment pattern is lowest (when the reflectance is highest) can be selectively determined as the registration adjustment value.

[0067] The number of registration adjustment patterns to be printed on the recording medium and the amount of shift can be determined based on the adjustment range required by the mechanical tolerance of the device and the unit of shift in the printing position. In other words, they can be determined based on the accuracy of the registration adjustment process. The printing area on the recording medium where the registration adjustment patterns are printed can be determined based on the size of the detection area of ​​the optical sensor 400, the width of the area printable in a single printing scan, and the size of the registration adjustment pattern group and the printable area on the recording medium 1. For example, it is preferable to make the size of a registration adjustment pattern, consisting of a reference pattern and a shift pattern, corresponding to one shift amount larger than the spot diameter of the optical sensor 400. In Figure 6(b), the area delimited by the dotted line corresponds to the width of one registration adjustment pattern in the X direction, and this width should be larger than the spot diameter of the optical sensor. This prevents the optical sensor from reading the paper white portion of the recording medium or adjacent registration adjustment patterns, enabling more accurate detection of the optical density of each pattern. The registration adjustment patterns can also be printed by scanning the print head 8 multiple times. Specifically, the reference pattern is printed by scanning the print head 8 multiple times without feeding the print medium 1, and then the shifted pattern is printed by scanning the print head 8 multiple times without feeding the print medium 1. The more scans there are during printing, the more the density reduction due to ink mixture can be reduced, so the number of scans when printing the reference pattern and the number of scans when printing the shifted pattern may each be increased as necessary. Furthermore, the number of scans when printing the reference pattern and the number of scans when printing the shifted pattern may each be changed depending on the characteristics of the first ink, the characteristics of the second ink, or the characteristics of the print medium 1.

[0068] A correction value is determined based on the position shift amount a thus determined. The registration adjustment value is a value that indicates the amount of correction for the ink ejection timing, and the ejection timing of ink whose optical density cannot be detected by the optical sensor 400 is controlled based on this correction value.

[0069] 7 is a flowchart of a process (referred to as a registration adjustment process) executed when performing registration adjustment using a white recording medium in this embodiment. This registration adjustment process is performed by, for example, reading a program stored in ROM 501 into RAM 502 and having CPU 500 control each unit in accordance with the read program.

[0070] First, in step S701, the CPU 500 adjusts the light intensity of the optical sensor 400 using the white portion of the recording medium 1. For simplicity, "step S~" will be abbreviated to "S~" hereinafter.

[0071] In S702, the CPU 500 uses the recording unit 382 to record the registration adjustment patterns as shown in FIGS.

[0072] In S703, the CPU 500 uses the optical sensor 400 to read the registration adjustment pattern recorded in S702.

[0073] In S704, the CPU 500 determines a correction value based on the detection result of the reading in S703. Specifically, the value at which the optical density is lowest (the reflectance is highest) within a predetermined range of position shift amount a (in this example, −3 to +3) is determined as the registration adjustment value, and the correction value is calculated based on the determined registration adjustment value. Note that, although the embodiment shows an example in which the correction value for the ejection timing of the second ink relative to the first ink is determined based on the position shift amount a of the registration adjustment pattern at which the optical density is lowest, this embodiment is not limited to this example. Depending on the combination of the first ink and the second ink, it is also possible to determine the correction value for the ejection timing of the second ink relative to the first ink based on the position shift amount a of the registration adjustment pattern at which the optical density is highest.

[0074] In S705, the CPU 500 stores the correction value calculated in S704 in the RAM 502. Thereafter, the correction value stored or set in this step is used to perform registration adjustment for ink whose density cannot be detected by the optical sensor 400 (white ink in this example).

[0075] In S706, the CPU 500 feeds the registration adjustment pattern to the image fixing unit so as to prevent smearing with the ink used to print the registration adjustment pattern.

[0076] In S707, the CPU 500 fixes the registration adjustment pattern on the recording medium using the fixing unit 300. After this step, the registration adjustment process ends.

[0077] Here, the nozzle row 33K is used as the reference nozzle row, and a white recording medium is used as the recording medium whose color is not the same as the black ink ejected from the nozzle row 33K, but the color of the recording medium 1 is not limited to white. Any color different from the color of the ink ejected from the reference nozzle row can be used as the color of the recording medium 1.

[0078] <Effects of this embodiment> As described above, according to this embodiment, it is possible to control the ejection timing of ink whose optical density cannot be detected by an optical sensor, thereby enabling accurate registration adjustment of that ink.

[0079] [Second embodiment] According to the first embodiment, it is possible to accurately perform registration adjustment for color inks whose optical density cannot be detected by an optical sensor using an optical sensor, but it is also possible to perform registration adjustment using the registration adjustment pattern described in the first embodiment without using an optical sensor. Therefore, in the following embodiment, a form in which an optical sensor is not used will be described. Note that the following mainly describes the differences from the first embodiment, and explanations of content common to the first embodiment will be omitted as appropriate.

[0080] 8 is a flowchart of the process (referred to as manual registration adjustment process) executed when the user manually performs registration adjustment using a recording medium in this embodiment. This manual registration adjustment process is performed by, for example, reading a program stored in ROM 501 into RAM 502 and having CPU 500 control each unit in accordance with the read program. The following describes the procedure that starts when the user selects registration adjustment via operation panel 28.

[0081] When the user selects to perform registration adjustment of the recording head 8 via the operation panel 28, first, in S801, the CPU 500 presents content urging the user to set the rolled recording medium 10 in the recording device 100. The content of this step may be presented by displaying a GUI or a message on the operation panel 28, or by outputting a sound. After checking the content presented in this step, the user sets the rolled recording medium 10 in the recording device 100.

[0082] 9 is a specific example of a UI display (GUI screen) displayed on the operation panel 28. Using various switches and the like provided on the operation panel 28, the user can input various settings for the recording device 100, such as specifying the size of the recording medium and setting the roll type.

[0083] 9A shows a GUI screen displayed on the operation panel 28. This screen displays the "Type of Roll Paper" 901 set in the recording device 100, as well as other items such as "Hot Air Temperature of Ink Fixing Unit" 902, "Height of Recording Head" 903, "Maintenance" 904, and "Remaining Ink" 905. Other items displayed include "Paper Cut" 906, "Print History" 907, "Other Settings" 908, and "Troubleshooting" 909. The user can select any of these items and send commands to the recording device 100. Note that the layout of the GUI screen and the various setting items are simply shown for the purpose of explanation and are not limited to these.

[0084] When the user performs registration adjustment, the user selects (presses) "Maintenance" 904 on the GUI screen shown in Fig. 9(a). This causes the GUI screen displayed on the operation panel 28 to transition to the maintenance screen shown in Fig. 9(b). This maintenance screen displays items such as "Test pattern printing" 911, "Head cleaning" 912, "Head position adjustment" 913, and "Paper feed adjustment" 914.

[0085] When the user selects (presses) the "head position adjustment" 913 on the maintenance screen, the CPU 500 reads out a registration adjustment pattern from the various patterns stored in the memory 503 in S802.

[0086] In S803, the CPU 500 starts heating the fixing unit 300 so that the fixing unit 300 reaches a predetermined fixing temperature.

[0087] In S804, the CPU 500 determines whether the fixing unit 300 has reached a temperature at which fixing is possible. If the determination result in this step is true, the process proceeds to S806. On the other hand, if the determination result in this step is false, the process proceeds to S805.

[0088] In S805, the CPU 500 continues heating the fixing unit 300.

[0089] In S806, the CPU 500 uses the recording unit 382 to record the registration adjustment pattern read from the memory 503. After the registration adjustment pattern has been recorded in this step, the CPU 500 stops heating the fixing unit 300.

[0090] In S807, the CPU 500 determines whether the temperature of the fixing unit 300 has dropped below a predetermined temperature. If the determination result in this step is true, the process proceeds to S808. On the other hand, if the determination result in this step is false, the process proceeds to S809.

[0091] In S808, the CPU 500 waits for a predetermined time. This step allows the temperature of the fixing unit 300 to drop.

[0092] In S809, the CPU 500 displays a message on the operation panel 28 saying, "Please open the ink fixing unit," to prompt the user to lift the fixing unit 300. In this embodiment, after recording the registration adjustment pattern, the recording surface of the recording medium is dried by the fixing unit 300. The primary purpose of this is to prevent the recording surface of the output recording medium from being soiled with ink when the user touches it. Depending on the type of recording medium, it may be possible to visually check the offset amount a without drying it by the fixing unit 300, and fixing by the fixing unit 300 is not essential. Therefore, a method may be adopted in which the drying by the fixing unit 300 is not performed in order to reduce the waiting time for the temperature to drop after heating the fixing unit 300 to a temperature at which fixing is possible. In other words, after recording the registration adjustment pattern (S806), it is possible to skip the processes of S807 and S808 and simply display a message on the operation panel 28 saying, "Please open the ink fixing unit" in S809 to prompt the user to lift the fixing unit 300.

[0093] When it is detected that the ink fixing unit 300 has been opened by the user, in S810 the CPU 500 displays the pop-up screen shown in FIG. 9C on the operation panel 28. FIG. 9C shows a screen that is displayed on the operation panel 28 when it is detected that the user, who saw the message displayed in S809 after recording the adjustment pattern (S806), has lifted the fixing unit 300. This pop-up screen is superimposed on the maintenance screen. As shown in FIG. 9C, a first pop-up screen 921 and a second pop-up screen 923 are displayed, which allow the user to select a registration adjustment value from +3 to -3 as the shift amount a. The second pop-up screen 923 has a "rewind" button 924 for rewinding the recording medium 1 and a "feed" button 925 for feeding the recording medium 1 in the winding direction. The user can select either "rewind" or "feed" by pressing these buttons.

[0094] After the registration adjustment pattern recording operation is complete, the user opens the ink fixing unit and visually checks the recorded registration adjustment pattern. Then, using the same method as in the first embodiment (see FIG. 6(b)), the appropriate registration adjustment value (a value in the range of -3 to +3) is selectively determined from the shift amount a of the registration adjustment pattern group. At this time, if the user presses the "rewind" button, the recording medium can be rewound, and as a result, the registration adjustment pattern can be returned to a position on the support member that is easy for the user to visually check.

[0095] After visually determining the appropriate shift amount a for each adjustment pattern within the range of +3 to -3, the user inputs information about the appropriate adjustment value via the first pop-up screen 921 and presses the "OK" button 922. At this time, the user inputs the shift amount for the pattern in which the reference pattern and the shift pattern overlap with the least shift. In S811, the CPU 500 accepts this information input by the user.

[0096] In S812, the CPU 500 stores the registration adjustment value information acquired in S811 in the memory 108. Note that, similar to the first embodiment, a correction value for the ejection timing of the W ink relative to the K ink is determined based on the registration adjustment value stored in this step.

[0097] In S813, the CPU 500 displays a message on the operation panel 28 saying "Please lower the fixing unit." Upon seeing this message, the user returns the fixing unit 300 to the recording position. Upon detecting that the fixing unit 300 has reached the recording position, the manual registration adjustment process ends. Thereafter, the ink ejection timing of each nozzle array is controlled based on the adjustment values ​​stored or set by the manual registration adjustment process.

[0098] In the above description, the fixing unit 300 is lifted up to visually check the adjustment pattern, but the configuration of the recording apparatus 100 to which this embodiment can be applied is not limited to this. For example, if the fixing unit 300 is transparent, there is no need to lift or lower the fixing unit 300.

[0099] <Effects of this embodiment> As described above, according to this embodiment, even if the recording device does not have an optical sensor, it is possible to perform registration adjustment using the adjustment pattern described in the first embodiment by inputting the results of the user's visual inspection.

[0100] [Other embodiments] The present disclosure 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.

[0101] [Technical Features of the Present Disclosure] The present disclosure includes the following configurations.

[0102] (Configuration 1) A recording device characterized by comprising: a recording head that ejects ink, the ink including a first ink and a second ink, and records on a recording medium a plurality of adjustment patterns consisting of a first pattern printed with the first ink and a second pattern printed with the second ink overlaid on the first pattern, the plurality of adjustment patterns each having a different optical density depending on the amount of shift in the relative printing position between the first pattern and the second pattern; an optical sensor that measures the optical characteristics of the plurality of adjustment patterns, the first ink having an absorption wavelength range that can be detected with a required S / N ratio in the wavelength band detectable by the optical sensor, and the second ink not having such absorption wavelength range; and a determination means that determines a correction value for the ejection timing of the second ink relative to the first ink based on the plurality of adjustment patterns recorded by the recording head. (Configuration 2) The recording device according to configuration 1, further comprising a transport means for transporting the recording medium in a transport direction. (Configuration 3) The recording apparatus according to configuration 1 or 2, wherein the determining unit determines the correction value based on the detection result of the plurality of adjustment patterns by the optical sensor. (Configuration 4) A recording device described in any one of configurations 1 to 3, characterized in that the detection results are optical densities of each of the plurality of adjustment patterns, and the determination means determines the correction value based on the shift amount of the lowest or highest optical densities among the plurality of adjustment patterns. (Configuration 5) A recording device according to any one of configurations 1 to 4, further comprising an operation unit for presenting information to a user or for the user to input information, wherein the determination means determines the correction value based on the user's input via the operation unit. (Configuration 6) The recording device according to any one of configurations 1 to 5, wherein after the first pattern is recorded, the second pattern is recorded after a predetermined drying time has elapsed. (Configuration 7) The recording device according to any one of configurations 1 to 6, wherein the predetermined drying time can be changed according to the characteristics of the first ink, the characteristics of the second ink, or the characteristics of the recording medium. (Configuration 8) The recording device according to any one of configurations 1 to 7, wherein the number of scans when recording the first pattern and the number of scans when recording the second pattern are both increased. (Configuration 9) A recording device according to any one of configurations 1 to 8, characterized in that the number of scans when recording the first pattern and the number of scans when recording the second pattern can each be changed according to the characteristics of the first ink, the characteristics of the second ink, or the characteristics of the recording medium. (Configuration 10) A recording device described in any one of configurations 1 to 9, characterized in that the length of the first pattern in a direction perpendicular to the transport direction and the length of the second pattern in a direction perpendicular to the transport direction are each larger than the spot diameter of the optical sensor. (Configuration 11) A recording device described in any one of configurations 1 to 10, characterized in that the length of the first pattern in the transport direction and the length of the second pattern in the transport direction are each larger than the spot diameter of the optical sensor. (Configuration 12) A recording device described in any one of configurations 1 to 11, characterized in that the measurement error of the optical sensor is determined based on the detection results of recording a plurality of adjustment patterns consisting of the first pattern and the second pattern on a recording medium using the first ink and detecting the plurality of adjustment patterns using the optical sensor, and the difference in optical density between the highest optical density and the lowest optical density among the plurality of adjustment patterns is greater than the measurement error. (Configuration 13) A recording device described in any one of configurations 1 to 12, characterized in that the measurement error of the optical sensor is determined based on the detection results of recording a plurality of adjustment patterns consisting of the first pattern and the second pattern on a recording medium using the second ink and detecting the plurality of adjustment patterns using the optical sensor, and the difference in optical density between the highest optical density and the lowest optical density among the plurality of adjustment patterns is less than the measurement error. (Configuration 14) The recording device according to any one of configurations 1 to 13, wherein the light source color of the optical sensor is at least one color. (Configuration 15) A recording device according to any one of configurations 1 to 14, characterized in that the color of the first ink and the color of the recording medium are different, and the color of the second ink and the color of the recording medium are the same. (Configuration 16) The recording apparatus according to any one of configurations 1 to 15, wherein the second ink is a white ink or a fluorescent ink. (Control method) A control method for a recording device having a recording head that ejects ink, the ink including a first ink and a second ink, and that records on a recording medium a plurality of adjustment patterns consisting of a first pattern printed with the first ink and a second pattern printed with the second ink overlaid on the first pattern, the plurality of adjustment patterns each having a different optical density depending on the amount of shift in the relative printing position between the first pattern and the second pattern, and an optical sensor that measures the optical characteristics of the plurality of adjustment patterns, the first ink having an absorption wavelength range that can be detected with a required S / N ratio in the wavelength band detectable by the optical sensor, and the second ink not having such absorption wavelength range, the control method comprising a determination step of determining a correction value for the ejection timing of the second ink relative to the first ink based on the plurality of adjustment patterns recorded by the recording head. (Program) A method for controlling a recording device having a recording head that ejects ink, the ink including a first ink and a second ink, and that records on a recording medium a plurality of adjustment patterns consisting of a first pattern printed with the first ink and a second pattern printed with the second ink overlaid on the first pattern, the plurality of adjustment patterns each having a different optical density depending on the amount of shift in the relative printing position between the first pattern and the second pattern, and an optical sensor that measures the optical characteristics of the plurality of adjustment patterns, the first ink having an absorption wavelength range that can be detected with a required S / N ratio in a wavelength band detectable by the optical sensor, and the second ink not having such absorption wavelength range, the program for causing a computer to execute the control method, the method comprising: a determination step of determining a correction value for the ejection timing of the second ink relative to the first ink based on the plurality of adjustment patterns recorded by the recording head.

Claims

1. a recording head that ejects ink, the ink including a first ink and a second ink, and records on a recording medium a plurality of adjustment patterns, each of which is composed of a first pattern recorded with the first ink and a second pattern recorded with the second ink and superimposed on the first pattern, the plurality of adjustment patterns having different optical densities according to the amount of shift in the relative recording positions of the first pattern and the second pattern; an optical sensor that measures optical characteristics of the plurality of adjustment patterns, wherein the first ink has an absorption wavelength range that can be detected with a required S / N ratio within a wavelength band that can be detected by the optical sensor, and the second ink does not have the absorption wavelength range; a determination unit that determines a correction value for the ejection timing of the second ink relative to the first ink based on the plurality of adjustment patterns recorded by the recording head; having A recording device characterized by:

2. Further, the recording medium is conveyed in a conveying direction by a conveying means.

2. The recording apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the recording apparatus is a recording medium.

3. the determining means determines the correction value based on the detection results of the plurality of adjustment patterns by the optical sensor.

3. The recording apparatus according to claim 2.

4. the detection results are optical densities of the plurality of adjustment patterns, the determining unit determines the correction value based on the shift amount of the lowest or highest optical density among the plurality of optical densities corresponding to the plurality of adjustment patterns.

4. The recording apparatus according to claim 3.

5. further comprising an operation unit for presenting information to a user and for the user to input information; the determining means determines the correction value based on a user input via the operation unit.

3. The recording apparatus according to claim 2.

6. After the first pattern is recorded, the second pattern is recorded after a predetermined drying time has elapsed.

6. The recording apparatus according to claim 3 or 5.

7. The predetermined drying time can be changed depending on the characteristics of the first ink, the characteristics of the second ink, or the characteristics of the recording medium.

7. The recording apparatus according to claim 6.

8. increasing the number of scans when recording the first pattern and the number of scans when recording the second pattern; 8. The recording apparatus according to claim 7,

9. the number of scans when recording the first pattern and the number of scans when recording the second pattern can be changed according to the characteristics of the first ink, the characteristics of the second ink, or the characteristics of the recording medium; 9. The recording apparatus according to claim 8.

10. a length of the first pattern in a direction perpendicular to the transport direction and a length of the second pattern in a direction perpendicular to the transport direction are each greater than a spot diameter of the optical sensor; 10. The recording apparatus according to claim 9.

11. a length of the first pattern in the transport direction and a length of the second pattern in the transport direction are each greater than a spot diameter of the optical sensor; 10. The recording apparatus according to claim 9.

12. a measurement error of the optical sensor is determined based on a detection result obtained by recording a plurality of adjustment patterns, each consisting of the first pattern and the second pattern, on a recording medium using the first ink and detecting the plurality of adjustment patterns with the optical sensor, and the difference in optical density between the highest optical density and the lowest optical density among the optical densities of the plurality of adjustment patterns is larger than the measurement error; 11. The recording apparatus according to claim 10.

13. a measurement error of the optical sensor is determined based on a detection result obtained by recording a plurality of adjustment patterns, each consisting of the first pattern and the second pattern, on a recording medium using the second ink and detecting the plurality of adjustment patterns with the optical sensor, and a difference in optical density between the highest optical density and the lowest optical density among the optical densities of the plurality of adjustment patterns is equal to or less than the measurement error; 12. The recording apparatus according to claim 11.

14. The light source color of the optical sensor is at least one color.

13. The recording apparatus according to claim 12.

15. The color of the first ink is different from the color of the recording medium, The color of the second ink is the same as the color of the recording medium.

14. The recording apparatus according to claim 13.

16. the second ink is a white ink or a fluorescent ink; 15. The recording apparatus according to claim 14.

17. a recording head that ejects ink, the ink including a first ink and a second ink, and records on a recording medium a plurality of adjustment patterns, each of which is composed of a first pattern recorded with the first ink and a second pattern recorded with the second ink and superimposed on the first pattern, the plurality of adjustment patterns having different optical densities according to the amount of shift in the relative recording positions of the first pattern and the second pattern; an optical sensor that measures optical characteristics of the plurality of adjustment patterns, wherein the first ink has an absorption wavelength range that can be detected with a required S / N ratio within a wavelength band that can be detected by the optical sensor, and the second ink does not have the absorption wavelength range; A method for controlling a recording device comprising: a determination step of determining a correction value for the ejection timing of the second ink relative to the first ink based on the plurality of adjustment patterns printed by the print head; A control method comprising:

18. A program for causing a computer to execute the method according to claim 17.

Images