Image printing apparatus and control method thereof

Abstract

To efficiently perform double-sided recording using a transparent film.SOLUTION: An image recording apparatus includes reception means for receiving a job, conveyance means for conveying a transparent film, recording means for recording an image on the transparent film on the basis of the job, and control means for controlling the conveyance means and the recording means. The reception means receives a first job including a first image to be observed from a first surface of the transparent film when recorded, and a second job including a second image to be observed from a second surface of the transparent film when recorded. The control means causes the recording means to record a first image while causing the transport means to transport the transparent film in a first direction, causes the transport means to transport the transparent film in a second direction opposite to the first direction after completion of the recording of the first image, and causes the recording means to record a second image in a region where the first image is recorded while causing the transport means to transport the transparent film in the first direction.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 9

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an image recording device. [Background technology]

[0002] There are double-sided recording sheets that have an image recorded on the attached surface (adhesive surface) when attached to a transparent member (such as a glass window). There are various methods for manufacturing double-sided recording sheets, but Patent Documents 1 and 2 disclose methods for creating double-sided printed cards by recording only on one side of a transparent sheet. Specifically, a double-sided recording sheet is created by sequentially recording a mirror image of a first image, a background image, and a real image of a second image on a transparent sheet. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 1-174494 [Patent Document 2] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2010-247351 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] Incidentally, in order to mass-produce image-recorded products, a technique of recording images on roll paper (a recording medium wound in a roll) is sometimes used. In particular, one recording format for roll paper is a format in which images are continuously recorded on the roll paper using a line head and then the roll paper is wound up again into a roll (roll-to-roll).

[0005] A single set of line heads includes, for example, heads for each of the following colors: black (K), cyan (C), magenta (M), and yellow (Y). However, because the paper is continuous in roll-to-roll recording, there is a problem in that double-sided (front and back) printing cannot be performed in a single transport when using a single set of line heads.

[0006] The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and has as its object to provide a technique for efficiently performing double-sided recording using transparent film. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, an image recording apparatus according to the present invention has the following configuration: a receiving means for receiving the job; a conveying means for conveying the transparent film; a recording means for recording an image on the transparent film based on the job; a control means for controlling the transport means and the recording means; Equipped with the receiving means receives a first job including a first image that will be observed from a first side of the transparent film when recorded, and a second job including a second image that will be observed from a second side of the transparent film that is opposite to the first side when recorded, The control means causes the recording means to record the first image while the conveying means conveys the transparent film in a first direction, and after recording of the first image is completed, causes the conveying means to convey the transparent film in a second direction opposite to the first direction, and causes the recording means to record the second image in the area where the first image was recorded while the conveying means conveys the transparent film in the first direction. [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a technique for efficiently performing double-sided recording using a transparent film. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a transport path of roll paper in the image recording system. [Figure 2]FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of a recording apparatus. [Figure 3] 10 is a flowchart of the controller unit. [Figure 4] 3 is a flowchart of the engine unit. [Figure 5] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of a screen displayed on an operation panel. [Figure 6] 10A and 10B are diagrams illustrating processing of front and back mixed image data. [Figure 7] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a conveying path immediately after back side recording is performed. [Figure 8] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a transport path immediately after rewinding is performed. [Figure 9] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a transport path immediately after performing front surface recording. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0010] 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.

[0011] (First embodiment) As a first embodiment of an image recording device according to the present invention, an inkjet recording device that uses a line head to continuously record images on roll paper and then rewinds the paper into a roll (roll-to-roll) will be described below as an example.

[0012] In the following description, a transparent material (such as transparent film) is assumed as the recording medium on which an image is recorded, but will be referred to as paper or roll paper below. The term "double-sided recording" refers to image recording in which different images are observed when viewed from both sides (front and back) of the recording medium (transparent film). In particular, the following description will discuss a form in which "double-sided recording" is achieved by recording multiple images (on the front and back) in the same area on one side of the recording medium using pigment ink.

[0013] <System configuration> 1 is a diagram illustrating the transport path of roll paper in an image recording system in standby mode. As described above, the image recording device is assumed to perform roll-to-roll recording. The system includes a paper feeder 10, a recording device (a first recording unit 23 and a second recording unit 24), and a winding device 17.

[0014] On the right side of Figure 1 is shown a paper feeder 10, on which roll paper, or paper in roll form, is installed. In this example, for example, a 1000 m long roll paper is installed. A splice unit 11 is provided downstream (for example, 1 m) from this. When the user wants to change the paper, they cut the paper at this splice unit, replace the paper in the paper feeder, and splice the remaining paper to the rear end of the cut paper with splice tape. This makes it possible to change the paper simply by passing the new roll paper from the paper feeder to the splice position 11. The roll paper is transported by the part nipped by rollers in the main transport unit 12 and sub-transport unit 15.

[0015] A recording unit (first recording unit 23) for white (W) recording and a recording unit (second recording unit 24) for color (YMCK) recording are arranged downstream of the main transport unit 12. The first recording unit 23 includes a sensor 19, a white head 20, and a white fixing unit 21. The white head 20, which is a line head, is provided with two line heads: one for white primer ink (WP) to promote the fixing of the subsequently recorded white ink, and the other for white ink (W). The white head 20 records a white image by ejecting primer ink and white ink onto paper transported in the recording paper transport direction 18. As will be described in detail later, when recording with the white head 20, a sensor 19 reads a mark on the paper surface and records at that position, allowing for alignment.

[0016] Here, it is assumed that a white image is printed as the background image for each of the back image and front image described later, but other colors may be used, or it may not be a single color. The white image may be a solid image covering the entire printing area (excluding eye marks described later) or a solid image covering a partial area. For example, the partial area may be an area in the back image and front image where at least one color of ink is printed.

[0017] Here, eye marks are recorded in alignment when printing with the white head 20 for subsequent color recording. This makes it possible to align the image recording performed by the first recording unit 23 and second recording unit 24, which are separated from each other, and to align the front and back sides, as described below. After recording is completed, the white fixing unit 21 dries and cools the ink ejected onto the paper. The dryer is equipped with a heater and a fan to perform the drying. After drying, a cooler equipped with a fan cools the paper, which has been warmed by drying, and the ink ejected onto the paper. After cooling, the area on the paper recorded by the first recording unit 23 is further transported toward the second recording unit 24.

[0018] The second recording unit 24 includes a sensor 22, a color head 13, and a color fixing unit 14. As described above, the sensor 22 reads the eye marks recorded on the paper surface with white ink. The color head 13, which is a line head, records a color image on the white image by ejecting ink onto the paper transported in the recording direction 18 in accordance with the position where the eye marks were read. The color head 13 includes five heads: primer (P), black (K), cyan (C), magenta (M), and yellow (Y), which can be driven separately. Each color head has multiple nozzles arranged in a direction intersecting the paper transport direction.

[0019] In this embodiment, it is assumed that the white head 20 and the color head 13 use thermal elements that convert electrical energy into thermal energy, but piezoelectric elements may also be used. Furthermore, other recording methods such as electrophotography may be used instead of inkjet printing. Furthermore, if white printing is not required (for example, in the case of "reverse printing" described below or when printing on white paper), only color image printing may be performed.

[0020] After recording, the color fixing unit 14 dries and cools the color inks ejected onto the paper. The dryer is equipped with a heater and fan, just like the white dryer, to perform drying. After drying, a cooler equipped with a fan cools the paper, which has been warmed by drying, and the ink ejected onto the paper. After cooling, the transported paper passes through the sub-transport unit 15 and is connected to the winding device 17, where it is wound around the winding device. When removing the finished product (printed material) from the winding device after recording is complete, the cutting unit 16 cuts the paper at the user's instruction and removes the finished product. Then, the leading edge of the paper that remains on the recording device side after cutting is attached to the winding device with tape or the like, in preparation for the next recording.

[0021] Note that the conveyance path is shown in a simplified manner in Figure 1. For example, in reality, the paper may be conveyed leftward during recording, then downward, and then rightward again during drying and cooling, and then downward (a conveyance path that forms a large S shape). Also, dancer rollers may be placed between the paper feeder 10, main conveyance unit 12, sub-conveyance unit 15, and winding device 17 to prevent the paper from being affected by slack. Furthermore, the main conveyance unit 12, sub-conveyance unit 15, etc. may be placed in different locations, or may not be placed at all in some cases.

[0022] <Outline of double-sided recording operation> In the normal printing of "white image + color image," eye marks are recorded in white ink. Then, during color printing, the eye marks printed in white ink are read to determine their positions and minimize the misalignment between the white image and the color image.

[0023] On the other hand, as will be described in detail later, during double-sided recording in this embodiment, an image for the back side is recorded first (hereinafter referred to as "back side recording"), and then the paper is rewound and an image for the front side (front surface) is recorded (hereinafter referred to as "front side recording") on the image recorded on the back side. In other words, "color image (back side) + white image + color image (back side)" is recorded. Therefore, during back side recording, only the color image is recorded without recording the white image. At this time, as will be described in detail later, the second recording unit 24 also records eye marks (described later with reference to FIG. 6(d)) for alignment during the subsequent front side recording. Since only the color image is recorded, the sensor 22 is not used. During front side recording, the eye marks recorded during back side recording are used, so the first recording unit 23 does not record eye marks in the white image.

[0024] That is, in the case of double-sided recording operation as in this embodiment, if color printing is performed first, the eye marks will be printed in color ink. Therefore, if single-sided recording operation and double-sided recording operation are mixed, the sensor adjustment value for reading the eye marks may need to be switched. Therefore, to prevent the sensor adjustment value from being switched, only the eye marks may be recorded as white images by the first recording unit 23 during the initial backside recording. In this case, the second recording unit 24 records a color image aligned with the position of the eye marks. In this case, during backside recording, the sensor 22 is used to perform recording aligned with the eye marks. Then, during frontside recording, the first recording unit 23 records a white image aligned with the eye marks, and then the second recording unit 24 records a color image aligned with the eye marks. This makes it possible to align the front and backside images.

[0025] <Configuration of recording device> 2 is a diagram showing the configuration of the recording device (first recording unit 23 and second recording unit 24). The recording device is mainly composed of a print engine unit 200 that controls the print engine, and a controller unit 100 that controls the entire recording device. A print controller 202 controls various mechanisms of the print engine unit 200 according to instructions from a main controller 101 of the controller unit 100.

[0026] In the controller unit 100, a main controller 101 including a CPU controls the entire printing apparatus in accordance with programs and various parameters stored in a ROM 106, using a RAM 105 as a work area.

[0027] For example, when the main controller 101 recognizes input of a recording job from the host device 300 via the host I / F 102 , it displays the input recording job on the operation panel 103 .

[0028] When main controller 101 detects that a record execution button on operation panel 103 has been pressed, it instructs image processing unit 107 to execute image processing. Image processing unit 107 performs predetermined image processing on the job (image data) in the order described below, in accordance with the instruction from main controller 101. Then, main controller 101 transmits the image data that has undergone image processing to print engine unit 200 via print engine I / F 104.

[0029] The recording device may acquire image data from a connected external storage device (such as a USB memory). Operation panel 103 is a mechanism that allows the user to input and output data to and from the recording device. The user can use operation panel 103 to instruct recording execution and paper feed operations, set a recording mode, and view information about the recording device. The user can also use operation panel 103 to instruct the front and back sides of the double-sided recording operation (described later) and whether or not to perform mirror reversal (mirror surface) processing. Operation panel 103 may be configured to accept user instructions via a touch panel, for example, or via a mouse, keyboard, or the like.

[0030] In the print engine unit 200, a print controller 202 configured with a CPU and the like controls various mechanisms of the recording device using a RAM 204 as a work area in accordance with programs and various parameters stored in a ROM 203. When the print controller 202 receives various commands and image data via a controller I / F 201, it temporarily stores them in the RAM 204.

[0031] The print controller 202 controls the image processing controller 205 to convert the stored image data into print data in a format usable by the heads 13 (white head 20, color heads 13) for printing. When the print data is generated, the print controller 202 sends the print data to the heads 13 via the head I / F 206, causing the heads 13 to perform printing. At this time, the print controller 202 drives the feed device 10, main transport unit 12, sub-transport unit 15, and winding device 17 shown in FIG. 1 via the transport control unit 207 to transport the paper. Similarly, the print controller 202 drives the color fixing unit 14 and white fixing unit 21 shown in FIG. 1 via the fixing control unit 211 to drive the heater and fan of the dryer and the fan of the cooler.

[0032] The print controller 202 also controls the timing of ink ejection from the head 13 and aligns the position based on signals from sensors 19 and 20. In accordance with instructions from the print controller 202, the color head 13 and white head 20 perform printing operations in conjunction with the paper transport operation, and printing processing is carried out. The color head 13 and white head 20 can be configured to be able to move up and down. For example, they are lowered near the paper when printing, but can be raised up during maintenance, etc. The head carriage control unit 208 controls the position of the head 13 depending on the operating state of the printing device, such as the maintenance state or printing state.

[0033] The ink supply control unit 209 controls the ink supply unit (not shown) so that the pressure of the ink supplied to the head 13 falls within an appropriate range. The maintenance control unit 210 performs maintenance operations on the color head 13 and the white head 20. For example, the maintenance control unit 210 moves a maintenance unit directly below the raised head 13 and controls head maintenance operations such as capping and wiping.

[0034] <Device Operation> Fig. 3 is a flowchart of the controller unit. The processing program shown in Fig. 3 and the like is stored in the ROM 106 of the controller unit 100 shown in Fig. 2, and is loaded into the RAM and executed by the main controller 101. When a recording job is input from the host device 300, the main controller 101 recognizes the recording job and displays an execution screen on the operation panel 103 for setting the time of recording and for starting recording.

[0035] Fig. 5 is a diagram showing an example of a screen displayed on the operation panel. The four jobs shown as examples in Fig. 5(a) and Fig. 5(b) are the same except for the order in which the user inputs the jobs from the host device. The screen displayed on the operation panel 103 displays the job number (job No.) and the name of the input job (file name, etc.). Details will be described later, but the display of "double-sided printing" shown in Fig. 5 indicates that the job in question is intended for double-sided printing.

[0036] In FIG. 5(a), numbers are assigned in the order in which the user submits jobs. Here, an example is shown in which four jobs with file names "Job 1," "Job 2," "Job 3," and "Job 4" are entered in that order. When the user inputs various settings displayed on the screen and presses the "Record" button, recording begins in S100. That is, the main controller 101 determines to start recording by detecting that the "Record" button has been pressed via the operation panel 103.

[0037] In S101, the main controller 101 notifies the print engine unit 200 to start recording. In S102, the main controller 101 executes a process to determine whether or not there is a job to be recorded. If it is determined in S102 that there is no job (all jobs have been processed), the process proceeds to S103. If it is determined in S102 that there is a job, the process proceeds to S105.

[0038] In S103, the main controller 101 notifies the print engine unit 200 of the end of recording, and the process proceeds to S104. Thereafter, in S104, the main controller 101 ends the recording process.

[0039] In S105, the main controller 101 determines whether or not the job requires double-sided recording. If it is determined that the job does not require double-sided recording, the process proceeds to S106. If it is determined that the job requires double-sided recording, the process proceeds to S107. Details of the determination of whether or not the job requires double-sided recording will be described below with reference to FIGS. 5 and 6.

[0040] 6 is a diagram illustrating image processing for front-side and back-side mixed image data. Front-side and back-side mixed image data is data (mixed job) in which front-side image data (white image + color image) and back-side image data (color image) are mixed, and is similar to the data used in double-sided recording in a "roll to cut" recording device or a "cut sheet" recording device.

[0041] For example, the front and back mixed image data shown in FIG. 6(a) is shown as "Job 1" No. 1 in FIG. 5(a). In other words, the front and back mixed image data includes multiple page images, with the page images of odd-numbered pages being front-side images and the page images of even-numbered pages being back-side images. As described above, in a "roll-to-roll" recording device, after recording the back-side image, it is necessary to rewind the paper and record the front-side image again with the line head. Therefore, in order to record efficiently (with one rewind), a process is required to separate the back-side image data to be recorded before rewinding and the front-side image data to be recorded after rewinding (front and back image data separation process).

[0042] Therefore, first, only the data of even-numbered pages (back side data) is extracted, as in the back side image data shown in Figure 6(b), and this is the data to be recorded first. Next, only the data of odd-numbered pages (front side data) is extracted, as in the front side image data shown in Figure 6(c). In this way, the mixed front and back side image data of Figure 6(a) is divided into back side image data (Figure 6(b)) and front side image data (Figure 6(c)).

[0043] In FIG. 5(a), for job No. 1, "Job 1," the processing content is specified as "double-sided printing, odd-numbered front, even-numbered back." This specifies that "Job 1" is a job that requires double-sided printing, with odd-numbered pages printing front-side images and even-numbered pages printing back-side images. Also, for job No. 2, "Job 2," the processing content is specified as "double-sided printing, odd-numbered back, even-numbered front." This specifies that "Job 2" is a job that requires double-sided printing, with odd-numbered pages printing back-side images and even-numbered pages printing front-side images.

[0044] On the other hand, for job No. 3, "Job 3," "Double-sided printing, rear" is specified as the processing content. This specifies that "Job 3" is a job that requires double-sided printing, but is a job that consists only of images on the rear side. Also, for job No. 4, "Job 4," "Double-sided printing, front" is specified as the processing content. This specifies that "Job 4" is a job that requires double-sided printing, but is a job that consists only of images on the front side. In other words, "Job 3" is data equivalent to the rear side image data shown in Figure 6(b), and "Job 4" is data equivalent to the front side image data shown in Figure 6(c).

[0045] However, to perform double-sided printing based on jobs such as "Job 3" and "Job 4," it is necessary to associate these jobs so that they are printed consecutively. For this reason, Figure 5(a) provides a "Related No." for specifying the job number of a related job. The "Related No." text box becomes available for input when "Double-sided printing back" or "Double-sided printing back" is specified as the processing content, and the user enters the job number of the related job.

[0046] In Figure 5(a), jobs No. 1 and No. 2 contain mixed front and back image data, so the text box is grayed out and they do not require the specification of a "Related No." On the other hand, "4" is entered as the "Related No." for No. 3 "Job 3," and "3" is entered as the "Related No." for No. 4 "Job 4," linking the two jobs. This linking makes it possible to record on the back side of "Job 3," then rewind and record on the front side of "Job 4."

[0047] As described above, the processing options in FIG. 5 ("double-sided recording odd-numbered front, even-numbered back," "double-sided recording odd-numbered back, even-numbered front," "double-sided recording back," and "double-sided recording front") all indicate the designation of double-sided recording operation. If double-sided recording is not required, the user will select "single-sided recording," not shown. Here, single-sided recording refers to a recording operation that performs normal recording (recording only the image visible from the front side). In this embodiment, when double-sided recording operation is selected as the processing option on the screen (FIG. 5), the main controller 101 determines in S105 that double-sided recording operation is required.

[0048] In S106, the main controller 101 performs predetermined image processing on the single-sided image data and transmits the single-sided image data to the print engine unit 200.

[0049] In S107, the main controller 101 determines whether the job is only for the back side or the front side. If it is determined in S107 that the job is only for the back side or the front side, the process proceeds to S108. If it is determined that the job is not only for the back side or the front side, the process proceeds to S113.

[0050] In this embodiment, when "double-sided printing, back side" or "double-sided printing, front side" is selected as the processing content on the screen (FIG. 5), the main controller 101 determines in S107 that the job is only for back or front sides. In other words, when the back side image data shown in FIG. 6(b) or the front side image data shown in FIG. 6(c) is input as the job, the main controller 101 determines that the job is only for back or front sides. On the other hand, when "double-sided printing, odd number front, even number back" or "double-sided printing, odd number back, even number front" is selected as the processing content on the screen (FIG. 5), the main controller 101 determines that the job is not only for back or front sides in S107. In other words, when the front and back mixed image data shown in FIG. 6(a) is input as the job, the main controller 101 determines that the job is not only for back or front sides.

[0051] In S108, the main controller 101 determines whether or not there is a related job. If it is determined in S108 that there is no related job, the process proceeds to S109. On the other hand, if it is determined in S108 that there is a related job, the process proceeds to S110. In this embodiment, it is determined that there is a related job when another job is specified as the related job on the screen (FIG. 5).

[0052] In S109, the main controller 101 executes error processing for the absence of a related job. That is, since no related job is specified despite the job being either front or back, the main controller 101 notifies the user that double-sided recording is not possible. Then, this job is skipped without being processed, and the process proceeds to S102 to process the next job.

[0053] In S110, the main controller 101 compares the page counts of the related jobs to determine whether they match. That is, this check is performed because if the page counts differ, there is a possibility that the related job has been specified incorrectly. If the page count comparison result is NG, the process proceeds to S111. If the page count comparison result is OK (match), the process proceeds to S112. Note that in this embodiment, the case where the page counts of the related jobs match is described as OK, but similar to "roll to cut" and "cut paper" printers, it may also be determined as OK if the page count is off by one sheet. Furthermore, even if the result is NG, the process may proceed to S112 based on, for example, a user's operation on the operation panel.

[0054] In S111, the main controller 101 executes error processing for the incorrect page count. For example, the job processing is skipped so that recording corresponding to this job and related jobs is not performed. Note that it is also possible to have the user re-enter the related jobs via the operation panel.

[0055] In this embodiment, the determinations in S108 and S110 are made after recording has been performed. However, similar determinations may also be made at the start of recording or before the start of recording. For example, a page count comparison may be made when the user enters an entry in the "Related No." text box on the screen (FIG. 5). If it is determined that the page counts are different, a confirmation screen indicating that the page counts are different may be displayed on the operation panel 103, prompting the user to select OK or NG. In this case, the main controller 101 evaluates the user's entry on the operation panel 103 and finally determines OK or NG in S110.

[0056] In S112, the main controller 101 acquires the front and back image data. Note that, while processing typically proceeds in order, starting with job No. 1, the order of acquisition may be changed. For example, in the four jobs shown in FIG. 5B, the double-sided printing result will not be complete unless No. 1 "Job 1" is processed consecutively with its related job No. 4 "Job 4." Therefore, it is preferable to change the processing order so that "Job 4" is acquired after "Job 1." That is, "Job 4" is processed before No. 2 "Job 2" and No. 3 "Job 3." Note that the system may be configured to process No. 1 "Job 1" and the related job No. 4 "Job 4" first, after No. 2 "Job 2" and No. 3 "Job 3" are processed.

[0057] S112 is provided to facilitate comparison with S113, which will be described later. S112 only requires preparing the image data to be processed in S114 and thereafter, and it is not necessary to acquire the address where the image data is stored, rather than the actual image data. Furthermore, the data processing in S114 and S117, which will be described later, may be configured to perform processing equivalent to S112.

[0058] In S113, the main controller 101 executes front and back image data division processing. That is, as described above, the main controller 101 divides the front and back mixed image data (FIG. 6(a)) into back image data and front image data.

[0059] In S114, the main controller 101 executes back-side image data processing to generate image data for back-side recording. In the back-side image data processing, in addition to predetermined image processing required for normal recording operations, image processing is also executed to modify the back-side image data shown in Fig. 6(b) to the back-side image data shown in Fig. 6(d) as necessary.

[0060] As will be described in detail later with reference to FIG. 9, if the back side image includes a character image, the back side image must be mirror-inverted and recorded to ensure that it appears correctly in the double-sided recording result (transparent film after double-sided recording processing). Therefore, the main controller 101 performs mirror-inversion processing when processing the back side image data. Note that, so that it is possible to handle back side images that have already been mirror-inverted, FIG. 5 includes a "mirror" checkbox for specifying whether or not mirror-inversion (mirror surface) processing is required. The main controller 101 performs mirror-inversion processing on the back side image data only when the "mirror surface" checkbox is checked. Note that for a job of mixed front and back side image data for which the "mirror surface" checkbox is checked, processing is performed only on the divided back side image data.

[0061] 5, one "mirror" checkbox is provided for each job, but two checkboxes may be provided so that the front and back sides can be specified separately. Also, a configuration may be adopted in which no checkboxes are provided and mirror reversal processing is always performed on the back side image data.

[0062] In S114, the main controller 101 also provides eye marks, as shown in FIG. 6(d) for example. Generally, the transport control unit 207 can determine the position on the paper where the image is recorded using an encoder (not shown), but deviations can occur using only an encoder. Therefore, as described above, eye marks are recorded and the positions are determined by detecting the eye marks with sensors 19 and 20, thereby enabling more precise alignment.

[0063] In S115, the main controller 101 transmits the image data for back-side recording generated in S114 to the print engine unit 200. In S116, the main controller 101 transmits a rewinding process notification to the print engine unit 200. As described above, in double-sided recording, rewinding is required for front-side recording after back-side recording. In S117, the main controller 101 executes front-side image data processing. This processing is the same data processing as in normal recording operation (single-sided recording). In S118, the main controller 101 transmits front-side image data to the print engine unit 200.

[0064] 4 is a flowchart of the engine unit for double-sided recording. As described above, double-sided recording involves sequentially performing back-side recording, rewinding, and front-side recording. The above-described S101 (a recording start notification from the main controller 101 to the print engine unit 200) triggers the start of the print engine unit 200's recording operation (S200).

[0065] In S201, the print controller 202 determines whether recording has ended. If a recording end notification has been sent in S103 of Fig. 3, recording has ended and the process proceeds to S206. If a recording end notification has not been sent, it is determined that recording has not ended and the process proceeds to S202.

[0066] In S202, the print controller 202 determines whether or not to perform rewinding processing. If a rewinding processing notification has been received in S116 of Fig. 3, the process proceeds to S203, and if not, the process proceeds to S204. In S203, the print controller 202 performs rewinding processing. After that, the process returns to S201.

[0067] In S204, the print controller 202 determines whether image data (front side image data or back side recording image data) has been received. If it is determined that image data has been received, the process proceeds to S205. If image data has not been received, the process returns to S201. In S205, the print controller 202 records the received image data.

[0068] <Example of double-sided printing> The state of the paper at each stage of backside recording (recording of a color image on the back side), rewinding, and frontside recording (recording of a white image and a color image on the front side) in a double-sided recording operation will be described below with reference to FIGS.

[0069] 7 is a simplified diagram of the transport path after the recording operation of the back side image data is completed. As described above, in the case of double-sided recording, back side recording is performed first. Then, back side recording is performed in the second recording unit 24 without using the first recording unit 23. Pre-recording paper 32 is rolled up in the paper feeder 10. Here, an example is shown in which the pre-recording paper 32 is a sticker, and in the cross section of the pre-recording paper 32, there is "glue" on "release paper" and "transparent film" on top of that.

[0070] The print controller 202 feeds the paper in a recording direction 18, and the color head 13 ejects ink of each color, P (primer), K (black), C (cyan), M (magenta), and Y (yellow), in that order, to record a back-side image on the paper. The paper on which the back-side image has been recorded then passes under a color fixing unit 14, where it is dried and cooled, and then wound around a winding device 17.

[0071] At this time, the back side of the recorded paper 31 shown by the hatched area exemplarily indicates the rolled up paper portion. In the recorded paper 33, P is recorded on the transparent film, which is the recording surface of the pre-recording paper 32 (which has three layers: release paper, glue, and transparent film), and then each color ink is recorded in the order K, C, M, and Y.

[0072] After the normal single-sided or double-sided recording operation is completed, the paper in the recorded area is completely wound up on the winding device 17, like a double-sided recorded paper 51, as shown in Fig. 9, which will be described later. However, there are cases where the user wants to be able to check the recorded side, and in that case the machine may be stopped so that the rear end of the recording section is slightly upstream.

[0073] Furthermore, after back-side recording, rewinding is required to perform front-side recording on the back-side-recorded paper. For this reason, in this embodiment, the stopping position of the rear end of the back-side recording paper after recording is set to a position between the color fixing unit 14 and the back-side-recorded paper 31. This makes it possible to reduce the amount of rewinding.

[0074] 8 is a diagram showing the transport path after rewinding is completed. As described above, in the case of double-sided printing data, a rewinding process is sent to the print engine unit 200 in S116 of FIG. 3, and the print controller 202 performs the rewinding process.

[0075] In Figure 8, the back-side recorded paper 31 in Figure 7 has been rewound into the paper feed device 10 and is shown as recorded paper 42. Since recorded paper 42 is simply recorded paper 33 that has been rewound onto the paper feed side, the ink overlap on recorded paper 42 does not change. When rewinding, it is advisable to rewind to a position upstream of the first recording unit 23 in order to stabilize transport for recording in the subsequent first recording unit 23.

[0076] 9 is a simplified diagram of the transport path after the front-side image data recording operation is completed. It also shows a recorded image 53 on the paper before the front-side image data recording, a recorded image 55 on the paper after the white image recording, and a recorded image 56 on the paper after the front-side image recording. Note that while the recorded images 53, 55, and 56 show the back-side color image, white image, and front-side color image separately, they are actually recorded overlapping each other.

[0077] The recorded image 53 is a top (recording surface) view of the recorded paper 42 in FIG. 8. A back-side color image (back-side recording image data) is recorded on the recorded image 53. When the front-side recording operation (recording of a white image + front-side color image) begins, the recorded image 53 is transported downstream from the paper feeder 10. As the recorded image 53 moves from the paper feeder 10 in the direction of the arrow indicated by the recording direction 18, an eye mark (the same as the eye mark in FIG. 6(d)) on the recorded image 53 passes under the sensor 19. The recorded image 53 exemplarily shows the position at the moment when the sensor 19 detects the eye mark (white eye mark detection 52). The print controller 202 reads this eye mark and controls the ejection timing of the white head 20 based on the detected position. As a result, the white image of the front-side image data shown in FIG. 6(c) is recorded on the recorded image 53.

[0078] As the paper advances further in the recording direction 18, the eye mark passes under the sensor 22. Recorded image 55 exemplarily shows the position at the moment when the sensor 22 detects the eye mark (color eye mark detection 54). A back color image and a white image are recorded in the recorded image 55. The print controller 202 reads the eye mark and controls the ejection timing of the color head 13 based on the detected position. This causes the color image of the front image data shown in FIG. 6(c) to be recorded on the recorded image 55. This makes it possible to record the front image in accordance with the recording position of the back image. A recorded image 56 has a back color image, a white image, and a front color image recorded.

[0079] The recorded paper 51 exemplarily shows the wound paper portion when the paper after the front surface image data has been recorded is wound up by the winding device 17. In other words, the recorded paper 51 shows the wound paper portion on which the white image and the front surface color image have been recorded on the recorded paper 42 in FIG.

[0080] A cross section of recorded paper 51 is shown as recorded paper 57. Recorded paper 57 has "P, K, C, M, Y color images on the back side," "WP, W white images," and "P, K, C, M, Y color images on the front side" recorded on a transparent film. Therefore, when the release paper is peeled off from recorded paper 51 and the paper is viewed from the front side (recorded side) and the back side (glue side), the overlapping order of the inks in front of the white ink will be different. This can lead to variations in color tone depending on the viewing direction. For example, if K is printed on top of C, C will be hidden by K when viewed from above, but C above K may be visible when viewed from below.

[0081] Therefore, to mitigate changes in color tone, etc., color processing may be performed on the front and back images by changing the control parameters or image processing. For example, image processing may be performed to prevent overlapping of C and K, or the C ejection amount may be reduced. In other words, image processing involving color overlap and / or ejection amount may be changed. Furthermore, in double-sided printing, repeated drying and cooling are performed during the fixing process (color fixing unit 14, white fixing unit 21), which may cause the paper to expand and contract, resulting in changes in the size of the printed image. Therefore, the paper expansion and contraction caused by the fixing process may be measured in advance, and a scaling process may be performed to change the size of the image during printing to offset the measured expansion and contraction.

[0082] As described above, according to the first embodiment, the image recording device sequentially performs backside recording (recording a backside color image), rewinding, and frontside recording (recording a white image and a frontside color image). This makes it possible to perform "double-sided recording" by recording an image on one side of the transparent film, which is the recording medium. In particular, when mixed front-side and back-side image data containing both backside and frontside images is input as a job, the image data is divided into backside image data and frontside image data, and then backside recording, rewinding, and frontside recording are sequentially performed.

[0083] The above control enables "double-sided recording" even in an image recording device (printer) that performs "roll-to-roll" image recording. In particular, it makes it possible to suitably process jobs with mixed front and back image data used in "double-sided recording" in "roll-to-cut" or "cut-sheet" printers.

[0084] The controller unit is also configured to input the back-side image data and front-side image data obtained by dividing the front-side and back-side mixed image data to the print engine unit as separate jobs, which means that the print engine unit does not need to store large amounts of data such as front-side and back-side mixed image data, thereby reducing the capacity of the storage device (such as RAM).

[0085] The disclosure of this specification includes the following image recording device, control method, and program. (Item 1) An image recording apparatus for recording an image on a transparent film based on a job, a receiving means for receiving the job; a conveying means for conveying the transparent film; a recording means for recording an image on the transparent film based on the job; a control means for controlling the transport means and the recording means; Equipped with the receiving means receives a first job including a first image that will be observed from a first side of the transparent film when recorded, and a second job including a second image that will be observed from a second side of the transparent film that is opposite to the first side when recorded, The control means causes the recording means to record the first image while causing the transport means to transport the transparent film in a first direction, and after the first image has been recorded, causes the transport means to transport the transparent film in a second direction opposite to the first direction, and causes the recording means to record the second image in the area where the first image has been recorded while causing the transport means to transport the transparent film in the first direction. An image recording device characterized by: (Item 2) the second job further includes a third image that forms a background of the first image when viewed from the first side and a background of the second image when viewed from the second side; the recording means includes a first recording means for recording the first image and the second image, and a second recording means for recording the third image; the second recording means is located upstream of the first recording means in the first direction, The control means causes the recording means to record the third image in the area where the first image has been recorded while causing the transport means to transport the transparent film in the first direction after completing the recording of the first image and before starting the recording of the second image. 2. The image recording device according to item 1, (Item 3) The control means records the mirror-inverted first image on the transparent film. 3. The image recording device according to item 1 or 2. (Item 4) When recording the first image on the transparent film, the control means also records an eye mark that can be used for alignment in recording the subsequent second image. 4. The image recording device according to any one of items 1 to 3, characterized in that: (Item 5) the receiving means includes a dividing means for dividing a mixed job in which the first image and the second image are mixed into the first job and the second job, The control means transmits the first job and the second job to the recording means separately and causes them to be recorded. 5. The image recording device according to any one of items 1 to 4, characterized in that: (Item 6) When the receiving unit receives another job between the first job and the second job, the receiving unit changes the job processing order so that the first job and the second job are processed consecutively. 6. The image recording device according to any one of items 1 to 5, (Item 7) further comprising image processing means for performing different image processing on the first image and the second image, The control means controls the recording means to record the first image and the second image that have been subjected to the image processing. 7. The image recording device according to any one of items 1 to 6, wherein: (Item 8) The image processing includes at least one of color processing and scaling processing. 8. The image recording device according to item 7, (Item 9) the first job includes a plurality of page images, and the second job includes a plurality of page images; The receiving means further receives an association between each page image of the first job and each page image of the second job. 9. The image recording device according to any one of items 1 to 8, wherein: (Item 10) The image processing device further includes a notification unit that notifies the user when the number of page images included in the first job does not match the number of page images included in the second job. 10. The image recording device according to item 9, (Item 11) 1. A method for controlling an image recording device that records an image on a transparent film based on a job, comprising: The image recording device a conveying means for conveying the transparent film; a recording means for recording an image on the transparent film based on the job; Equipped with The control method includes: a receiving step of receiving a first job including a first image that will be observed from a first side of the transparent film when recorded, and a second job including a second image that will be observed from a second side of the transparent film that is opposite to the first side when recorded; a first control step of causing the recording means to record the first image while causing the conveying means to convey the transparent film in a first direction; a second control step of causing the conveying means to convey the transparent film in a second direction opposite to the first direction after the first image has been recorded; a third control step of causing the recording means to record the second image in the area where the first image has been recorded while causing the transport means to transport the transparent film in the first direction; Contains A control method comprising: (Item 12) Item 12. A program for causing a computer to execute the control method according to Item 11.

[0086] (Other Examples) 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.The present invention can also be realized by a circuit (e.g., ASIC) that realizes one or more functions.

[0087] 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]

[0088] 10 paper feeder; 13 color head; 14 color fixing unit; 17 take-up device; 19 sensor; 20 white head; 21 white fixing unit; 22 sensor; 100 controller unit; 200 print engine unit

Claims

1. An image recording apparatus for recording an image on a transparent film based on a job, a receiving means for receiving the job; a conveying means for conveying the transparent film; a recording means for recording an image on the transparent film based on the job; a control means for controlling the transport means and the recording means; Equipped with the receiving means receives a first job including a first image that will be observed from a first side of the transparent film when recorded, and a second job including a second image that will be observed from a second side of the transparent film that is opposite to the first side when recorded, The control means causes the recording means to record the first image while causing the transport means to transport the transparent film in a first direction, and after the first image has been recorded, causes the transport means to transport the transparent film in a second direction opposite to the first direction, and causes the recording means to record the second image in the area where the first image has been recorded while causing the transport means to transport the transparent film in the first direction. An image recording device characterized by:

2. the second job further includes a third image that forms a background of the first image when viewed from the first side and a background of the second image when viewed from the second side; the recording means includes a first recording means for recording the first image and the second image, and a second recording means for recording the third image; the second recording means is located upstream of the first recording means in the first direction, The control means causes the recording means to record the third image in the area where the first image has been recorded while causing the transport means to transport the transparent film in the first direction after completing the recording of the first image and before starting to record the second image.

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

3. The control means records the mirror-inverted first image on the transparent film.

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

4. When recording the first image on the transparent film, the control means also records an eye mark that can be used for alignment in recording the subsequent second image.

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

5. the receiving unit includes a dividing unit that divides a mixed job in which the first image and the second image are mixed into the first job and the second job, The control means transmits the first job and the second job to the recording means separately and causes them to be recorded.

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

6. When the receiving unit receives another job between the first job and the second job, the receiving unit changes the job processing order so that the first job and the second job are processed consecutively.

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

7. further comprising image processing means for performing different image processing on the first image and the second image, The control means controls the recording means to record the first image and the second image that have been subjected to the image processing.

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

8. The image processing includes at least one of color processing and scaling processing.

8. The image recording apparatus according to claim 7,

9. the first job includes a plurality of page images, and the second job includes a plurality of page images; The receiving unit further receives an association between each page image of the first job and each page image of the second job.

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

10. The image forming apparatus further includes a notification unit that notifies the user when the number of page images included in the first job does not match the number of page images included in the second job.

10. The image recording device according to claim 9.

11. 1. A method for controlling an image recording device that records an image on a transparent film based on a job, comprising: The image recording device a conveying means for conveying the transparent film; a recording means for recording an image on the transparent film based on the job; Equipped with The control method includes: a receiving step of receiving a first job including a first image that will be observed from a first side of the transparent film when recorded, and a second job including a second image that will be observed from a second side of the transparent film that is opposite to the first side when recorded; a first control step of causing the recording means to record the first image while causing the conveying means to convey the transparent film in a first direction; a second control step of causing the transport means to transport the transparent film in a second direction opposite to the first direction after the first image has been recorded; a third control step of causing the recording means to record the second image in the area where the first image has been recorded while causing the transport means to transport the transparent film in the first direction; Contains A control method comprising:

12. A program for causing a computer to execute the control method according to claim 11.

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