Printing apparatus and printing method

Abstract

There is a need for technology that can easily adjust the impact point of liquids with low visibility. [Solution] The print control unit 402 of the printing apparatus 1 according to this disclosure controls the printing of at least one of the following: printing of a first test pattern for adjusting the impact position of the first ink on the medium; and printing of a second test pattern for adjusting the impact position of the second ink, which is less visible than the first ink, on the medium. The first test pattern includes a plurality of patterns printed by changing the set value of the adjustment item for adjusting the impact position of the first ink by a first change amount, and the second test pattern includes a plurality of patterns printed by changing the set value of the adjustment item for adjusting the impact position of the second ink by a second change amount. The second change amount is greater than the first change amount.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] This disclosure relates to a printing apparatus and a printing method. [Background technology]

[0002] A technology is known for printing images onto a medium by not only ejecting color ink, but also by ejecting a functional liquid having a predetermined function to assist in the formation of an image using the color ink. In this regard, Patent Document 1 discloses a technology that suppresses ink bleeding and improves the water resistance of the recorded material by ejecting a processing liquid that insolubilizes the dye in the ink onto the medium. Furthermore, this document discloses that because such a processing liquid is transparent, it is difficult to visually confirm the density pattern, which is a test pattern used to determine ejection defects, etc. [Prior art documents] [Patent Documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 10-230627 [Overview of the Initiative] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0004] As mentioned in the above-mentioned literature, if the discharged liquid has low visibility, verification using test patterns is not easy. In particular, in this case, it is not easy to adjust the impact position of the liquid in the medium using test patterns. Therefore, there is a need for a technology that can easily adjust the impact position of liquids with low visibility. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] The printing apparatus according to this disclosure includes a print head unit having a plurality of first nozzles capable of ejecting a first ink onto a medium, and a plurality of second nozzles capable of ejecting a second ink less visible than the first ink onto the medium, and a print control unit that controls printing using the print head unit, wherein the print control unit controls printing of at least one of the following: printing of a first test pattern for adjusting the landing position of the first ink ejected from the first nozzles onto the medium, and printing of a second test pattern for adjusting the landing position of the second ink ejected from the second nozzles onto the medium, wherein the first test pattern includes a plurality of patterns printed by changing the set value of an adjustment item for adjusting the landing position of the first ink by a first change amount, and the second test pattern includes a plurality of patterns printed by changing the set value of the adjustment item for adjusting the landing position of the second ink by a second change amount, wherein the second change amount is greater than the first change amount.

[0006] The printing method according to the present disclosure includes a printing apparatus having a print head unit having a plurality of first nozzles capable of ejecting a first ink onto a medium and a plurality of second nozzles capable of ejecting a second ink less visible than the first ink onto the medium, and printing at least one of the following test patterns: printing a first test pattern for adjusting the impact position of the first ink ejected from the first nozzles onto the medium, and printing a second test pattern for adjusting the impact position of the second ink ejected from the second nozzles onto the medium, wherein the first test pattern includes a plurality of patterns printed by changing the setting value of an adjustment item for adjusting the impact position of the first ink by a first change amount, and the second test pattern includes a plurality of patterns printed by changing the setting value of the adjustment item for adjusting the impact position of the second ink by a second change amount, wherein the second change amount is greater than the first change amount. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0007] [Figure 1]It is a schematic diagram showing the schematic configuration of the printing apparatus according to the embodiment. [Figure 2] It is a schematic diagram showing the head unit. [Figure 3] It is a table showing the liquid discharged from each liquid discharge head. [Figure 4] It is a block diagram showing a configuration example of the control unit according to Embodiment 1. [Figure 5] It is a schematic diagram showing an example of the first test pattern. [Figure 6] It is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of the partial pattern included in the test pattern. [Figure 7] It is a schematic diagram showing an example of the second test pattern. [Figure 8] It is a schematic diagram showing another example of the second test pattern. [Figure 9] It is a flowchart showing an example of the operation flow of the printing apparatus according to Embodiment 1. [Figure 10] It is a block diagram showing a configuration example of the control unit according to Embodiment 2. [Figure 11] It is a flowchart showing an example of the operation flow of the printing apparatus according to Embodiment 2. [Figure 12] It is a schematic diagram showing an example of a test pattern for adjusting the landing position of the ink in the conveyance direction of the medium.

Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0008] Hereinafter, embodiments will be described with reference to the drawings. For clarity of explanation, the following description and drawings are appropriately omitted and simplified. Also, in each drawing, the same elements are denoted by the same reference numerals, and redundant explanations are omitted as necessary. Further, in each figure, X, Y, and Z represent three mutually orthogonal spatial axes. In this specification, the directions along these axes are referred to as the X direction, Y direction, and Z direction. The direction in which the arrow in each figure points is defined as the positive (+) direction, and the opposite direction of the arrow is defined as the negative (-) direction. Also, for the directions of the three spatial axes that are not limited to the positive and negative directions, they are described as the X-axis direction, Y-axis direction, and Z-axis direction.

[0009] (Embodiment 1) FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of a printing apparatus 1 according to Embodiment 1. As shown in FIG. 1, the printing apparatus 1 includes a head unit U for discharging a liquid, conveys a medium S in the X-axis direction, and reciprocates the head unit U in the Y-axis direction while discharging the liquid in the +Z direction from the head unit U toward the medium S to perform printing, that is, a so-called serial printer. The head unit U is a specific example of a printing head unit. In this embodiment, the medium S is, as an example, a fabric. Therefore, the printing apparatus 1 is a printing machine for printing on fabric. However, as the medium S, any material such as recording paper or a resin film can be used in addition to the fabric. Also, the liquid discharged by the printing apparatus 1 is roughly classified into a color ink containing a coloring material and a functional liquid. The color ink is a colored liquid having some coloring material such as a dye and a pigment. The functional liquid is also referred to as a functional ink. Here, the functional liquid refers to a colorless liquid (transparent liquid) having a predetermined function for assisting the formation of an image by the color ink. More specifically, the functional liquid is a liquid that acts with the color ink to improve the quality of the image formed on the medium compared to the case where the functional liquid is not used. In this embodiment, as an example, the head unit U discharges a penetration liquid, which is a functional liquid having a function of promoting the penetration of the color ink into the medium S.

[0010] Such a printing apparatus 1 comprises a head unit U, a liquid reservoir 3, a control unit 4, a transport mechanism 5 for feeding out the medium S, and a moving mechanism 6.

[0011] The head unit U has multiple liquid discharge heads H1, as shown in Figure 2. U ~H9 U H1 L ~H9 L It is equipped with the following. Hereafter, when these liquid discharge heads are referred to without particular distinction, they will simply be called liquid discharge heads H. Note that the number and arrangement of liquid discharge heads H in the head unit U is merely an example, and any configuration can be adopted for the head unit U.

[0012] The liquid dispensing head H dispenses liquid supplied from the liquid storage unit 3 as droplets in the +Z direction. The liquid storage unit 3 individually stores multiple types of liquids with different colors and components that are dispensed from the liquid dispensing head H.

[0013] As shown in Figure 4, the control unit 4 is, for example, a computer equipped with a processor 400 and memory 410. The control unit 4 is electrically connected to the liquid ejection head H and other components via external wiring (not shown). Typically, the control unit 4 comprehensively controls each element of the printing apparatus 1, namely the liquid ejection head H, transport mechanism 5, moving mechanism 6, etc., according to print image data acquired from an external device such as a personal computer.

[0014] The conveying mechanism 5 conveys the medium S in the X-axis direction and has conveying rollers 5a. That is, the conveying mechanism 5 conveys the medium S in the X-axis direction by the rotation of the conveying rollers 5a. The conveying rollers 5a are rotated by the drive of a conveying motor (not shown). The control unit 4 controls the conveying of the medium S by controlling the drive of this conveying motor. Note that the conveying mechanism 5 that conveys the medium S is not limited to one equipped with conveying rollers 5a, but may, for example, convey the medium S by a belt or a drum.

[0015] The moving mechanism 6 is a mechanism for reciprocating the head unit U in the Y-axis direction and comprises a carriage 7 and a conveyor belt 8. The carriage 7 holds the head unit U. The carriage 7 is fixed to the conveyor belt 8. The conveyor belt 8 is an endless belt installed along the Y-axis direction. The conveyor belt 8 is rotated by the drive of a conveyor motor (not shown). The control unit 4 controls the drive of this conveyor motor to rotate the conveyor belt 8, thereby moving the head unit U back and forth in the Y-axis direction together with the carriage 7. The carriage 7 may also be configured to mount the liquid storage unit 3 together with the liquid discharge head H.

[0016] Multiple liquid ejection heads H mounted on the head unit U perform an ejection operation under the control of the control unit 4, ejecting liquid supplied from the liquid storage unit 3 as droplets in the +Z direction from each of the multiple nozzles. This ejection operation by the liquid ejection heads H is performed in parallel with the transport of the medium S by the transport mechanism 5 and the reciprocating movement of the liquid ejection heads H by the moving mechanism 6, thereby coating the medium S with liquid and forming an image on the medium S, in other words, printing is performed.

[0017] In this embodiment, as an example, so-called bidirectional printing is performed. Hereafter, moving the head unit U once in the Y-axis direction will be referred to as one pass. In bidirectional printing, the printing device 1 performs a +Y direction printing process in which it discharges liquid while moving the head unit U in the +Y direction to form a partial image on the medium S corresponding to the bandwidth of the first pass. Next, the printing device 1 performs a movement process in which it moves the medium S in the X-axis direction by the bandwidth, and then performs a -Y direction printing process in which it discharges liquid while moving the head unit U in the -Y direction to form a partial image on the medium S corresponding to the bandwidth of the second pass. Thereafter, the printing device 1 repeats the +Y direction printing process and the -Y direction printing process until an image is formed on the medium S. Note that in bidirectional printing, the movement process may be performed after the +Y direction printing process and the -Y direction printing process are performed, or the movement process may be performed after the +Y direction printing process and the -Y direction printing process are each performed multiple times.

[0018] Next, a configuration example of the head unit U will be specifically described. FIG. 2 is a schematic view of the head unit U seen in the -Z direction. Note that each direction of the head unit U will be described based on the directions when mounted on the printing apparatus 1, that is, the X-axis direction, the Y-axis direction, and the Z-axis direction.

[0019] The head unit U has a pair of liquid ejection heads composed of two liquid ejection heads H arranged along the X-axis, which are arranged at a predetermined interval along the Y-axis. In FIG. 2, the liquid ejection head H located in the upper stage of the head unit U is sequentially the liquid ejection head H1 U ~H9 U in the -Y direction, and the liquid ejection head H located in the lower stage of the head unit U is sequentially the liquid ejection head H1 L ~H9 L in the -Y direction. Therefore, in FIG. 2, for example, the liquid ejection head H1 U and the liquid ejection head H1 L constitute the above-described pair of liquid ejection heads.

[0020] In the configuration shown in FIG. 2, each liquid ejection head H has four head chips Hc arranged in a staggered manner along the X-axis direction. Here, the plurality of head chips Hc being arranged in a staggered manner along the X-axis direction means arranging the head chips Hc arranged in parallel in the X-axis direction by alternately shifting them in the Y-axis direction. That is, columns of head chips Hc arranged along the X-axis are arranged in two columns along the Y-axis, and the two columns of head chips Hc are arranged by shifting them in the X-axis direction. By arranging the plurality of head chips Hc in a staggered manner along the X-axis direction like this, the nozzle rows of two head chips Hc are partially overlapped in the X-axis direction, and a continuous row of nozzles is formed across the X-axis direction.

[0021] The head tip Hc is equipped with two rows of nozzles capable of dispensing liquid. Each nozzle row is arranged in a single line along the X-axis. Each nozzle row is spaced apart from the others along the Y-axis. In Figure 2, the two nozzle rows are referred to as nozzle row La and nozzle row Lb in the -Y direction. Nozzle rows La and Lb are offset from each other by half a nozzle pitch, or so-called half-pitch, along the X-axis. In other words, the nozzles constituting nozzle row La and nozzle row Lb are arranged in a staggered pattern along the X-axis.

[0022] In this embodiment, as an example, one nozzle row La of each of the four head tips Hc contained in one liquid dispensing head H dispenses the same type of liquid, while the other nozzle row Lb of each of the four head tips Hc contained in one liquid dispensing head H dispenses a different type of liquid than the liquid dispensed by nozzle row La.

[0023] Figure 3 is a table showing the liquids dispensed from each liquid dispensing head H. Since the combination of two liquids dispensed by each of the four head tips Hc contained within a single liquid dispensing head H is the same, the table in Figure 3 omits the individual head tip Hc entries. As shown in Figure 3, the following liquids are dispensed from each liquid dispensing head H.

[0024] Liquid dispensing head H1 U and liquid dispensing head H1 L In this setup, each nozzle row La ejects yellow ink, and each nozzle row Lb ejects orange ink. Liquid dispensing head H2 U and liquid discharge head H2 L In this setup, each nozzle row La ejects red ink, and each nozzle row Lb ejects blue ink. Liquid dispensing head H3 U and liquid dispensing head H3 L In this setup, each nozzle row La ejects gray ink, and each nozzle row Lb ejects either magenta ink or crimson ink. Liquid dispensing head H4 Uand liquid dispensing head H4 L In this setup, each nozzle row La ejects cyan ink, and each nozzle row Lb ejects black ink. Liquid dispensing head H5 U and liquid dispensing head H5 L In this system, each nozzle row La and each nozzle row Lb dispense a permeable liquid, which is a functional liquid. Liquid dispensing head H6 U and liquid dispensing head H6 L In this setup, each nozzle row La ejects black ink, and each nozzle row Lb ejects cyan ink. Liquid dispensing head H7 U and liquid dispensing head H7 L In this setup, each nozzle row La ejects magenta ink or crimson ink, and each nozzle row Lb ejects gray ink. Liquid dispensing head H8 U and liquid dispensing head H8 L In this setup, each nozzle row La ejects blue ink, and each nozzle row Lb ejects red ink. Liquid dispensing head H9 U and liquid dispensing head H9 L In this setup, each nozzle row La ejects orange ink, and each nozzle row Lb ejects yellow ink. Thus, in this embodiment, a row of nozzles for discharging permeable liquid is arranged in the center in the Y-axis direction, and the types of liquids discharged from each row of nozzles have a line-symmetric relationship with respect to the X-axis. However, these are merely examples, and the types of liquids discharged from each liquid discharge head H are not limited to the combinations described above.

[0025] Incidentally, deviations in the impact position of the discharged liquid medium S affect the quality of the image formed on the medium S; therefore, the impact position of the discharged liquid medium S needs to be appropriately adjusted. For this reason, in this embodiment, the printing device 1 prints a test pattern in order to adjust the impact position. The process of printing the test pattern for adjusting the impact position will be described in detail below.

[0026] Figure 4 is a block diagram showing an example configuration of the control unit 4, focusing on the process related to adjusting the impact point. As shown in Figure 4, the control unit 4 has a processor 400 and a memory 410. Thus, the control unit 4 has the functionality of a computer.

[0027] Memory 410 is composed of, for example, a combination of volatile memory and non-volatile memory. Memory 410 is used to store programs executed by the processor 400, and data used for various processes.

[0028] The processor 400 reads a program from the memory 410 and executes it. This enables the processor 400 to implement the functions of the input receiving unit 401 and the print control unit 402, which will be described later. The processor 400 may be, for example, a microprocessor, an MPU (Micro Processor Unit), or a CPU (Central Processing Unit). The processor 400 may include multiple processors.

[0029] The input receiving unit 401 receives input from the user. The input receiving unit 401 may also receive input to select whether to adjust the landing position of the first ink or the second ink, as described later. The input receiving unit 401 may also receive input to determine a setting value for controlling the landing position of the ink. The input receiving unit 401 receives user input via any input device. The input device may be, for example, a terminal device such as a smartphone, tablet, or personal computer that is communicatively connected to the printing device 1. Alternatively, the input device may be an operation panel provided on the printing device 1.

[0030] The print control unit 402 performs various controls related to printing. Specifically, the print control unit 402 controls printing using the head unit U. The head unit U has a plurality of first nozzles capable of ejecting a first ink onto the medium S, and a plurality of second nozzles capable of ejecting a second ink that is less visible than the first ink onto the medium S. In this embodiment, the color ink corresponds to the first ink described above, and the nozzles constituting the nozzle row La or Lb that ejects the color ink correspond to the first nozzles described above. Also, the transparent penetrant corresponds to the second ink described above, and the nozzles constituting the nozzle row La or Lb that ejects the penetrant correspond to the second nozzles described above. Hereinafter, the first ink will also be referred to as high-visibility ink, and the second ink will also be referred to as low-visibility ink. The first ink (high-visibility ink) may be defined as a liquid having a color whose color difference from the color of the medium S on which the test pattern described later is printed is greater than or equal to a predetermined threshold. Similarly, the second ink (low-visibility ink) may be defined as a liquid having a color whose color difference from the color of the medium S on which the test pattern described later is printed is less than a predetermined threshold. Note that the color whose color difference from the color of the medium S is less than a predetermined threshold also includes colorless.

[0031] In this embodiment, the print control unit 402 executes control to print a test pattern for adjusting the positional relationship between the liquid impact position in the +Y direction printing process and the liquid impact position in the -Y direction printing process of bidirectional printing. Specifically, the print control unit 402 controls the printing of either the first test pattern or the second test pattern, as described later, onto the medium S. The color of the medium S on which the test pattern is printed is, for example, white.

[0032] Figure 5 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a first test pattern, which is a test pattern used to adjust the impact position of the first ink (high-visibility ink) described above. The print control unit 402 controls the printing of the first test pattern PA for adjusting the impact position of the first ink ejected from the first nozzle on the medium S. As shown in Figure 5, the first test pattern PA includes multiple patterns Pa0 to Pa10. Hereafter, patterns Pa0 to Pa10 will be referred to as patterns Pax without special distinction. Pattern Pax may also be referred to as partial patterns. In Figure 5, as an example, the first test pattern PA includes 11 patterns Pax, but the first test pattern PA may include multiple patterns Pax, and the number of patterns Pax is not limited to 11. In the first test pattern PA, each pattern Pax is arranged apart from each other. The first test pattern PA also includes index values ​​Ia0 to Ia10 that indicate how much the setting value used to print each pattern Pax deviates from a predetermined reference value. In other words, the index values ​​Ia0 to Ia10 represent the degree of change from a predetermined reference value for the setting value used. Patterns Pa0 to Pa10 are patterns printed by changing the setting value of the adjustment item for adjusting the impact position of the first ink by a first change amount. That is, each pattern Pax is a pattern printed using a different value as the setting value of the adjustment item for adjusting the impact position. Hereafter, when index values ​​Ia0 to Ia10 are referred to without particular distinction, they will be called index value Iax. The index value Iax corresponding to pattern Pax is printed near that pattern Pax. Specifically, in Figure 5, as an example, the index value Iax is placed above or below pattern Pax.

[0033] Figure 6 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of a sub-pattern included in the test pattern. As shown in Figure 6, the sub-pattern, i.e., pattern Pax, is composed of a first patch Q1, a second patch Q2, and a third patch Q3. In this embodiment, as an example, the first patch Q1 and the second patch Q2 are printed on the medium S in the +Y direction printing process of bidirectional printing, and the third patch Q3 is printed on the medium S in the -Y direction printing process of bidirectional printing. However, conversely, the first patch Q1 and the second patch Q2 may be printed on the medium S in the -Y direction printing process, and the third patch Q3 may be printed on the medium S in the +Y direction printing process. The print control unit 402 changes the setting value used when printing the third patch Q3 for each sub-pattern. This causes the position of the third patch Q3 to shift in the Y-axis direction. An appropriate setting value is one that enables printing such that the third patch Q3 is positioned in the center of the gap between the first patch Q1 and the second patch Q2, as shown in pattern Pa0 in Figure 5. Specifically, the print control unit 402 may print multiple partial patterns on the medium S by changing the liquid discharge timing for printing the third patch Q3 by a first change amount, or it may print multiple partial patterns on the medium S by changing the movement speed of the head unit U when printing the third patch Q3 by a first change amount. In other words, the setting value of the adjustment item described above for adjusting the impact position may be a setting value for adjusting the discharge timing, or a setting value for adjusting the movement speed of the head unit U (carriage 7). Note that instead of the third patch Q3, the positions of the first patch Q1 and the second patch Q2 may be shifted for each partial pattern.

[0034] As shown in Figure 5, the print control unit 402 controls the print control unit 402 as described above, and multiple patterns Pax with different positions of the third patch Q3 are printed as the first test pattern PA. If the set value is not appropriate, the position of the third patch Q3 will be shifted from the center of the gap between the first patch Q1 and the second patch Q2. As a result, as shown in patterns Pa1 to Pa10, an overlapping region C1, where the third patch Q3 overlaps with the first patch Q1 or the second patch Q2 and is printed more densely, and a blank region C2, which is the gap between the third patch Q3 and the first patch Q1 or the second patch Q2, are formed on the medium S. As shown in patterns Pa1 to Pa10, the width in the Y-axis direction of the overlapping region C1 and the blank region C2 differs for each pattern Pax.

[0035] As described above, the index value Iax represents the degree of change from a predetermined reference value for the setting used to print pattern Pax. More specifically, the index value Iax indicates how many times a predetermined unit amount the change in the setting from a predetermined reference value is. Here, the unit amount used for the index value Iax is the change in the setting that changes the liquid's impact position by a predetermined first distance (e.g., 42 micrometers). As shown in Figure 5, the first test pattern PA contains multiple patterns Pax with index values ​​Iax differing by 2 each time. Therefore, for every 2 increase in the index value Iax, the liquid's impact position moves by twice the predetermined first distance in the +Y direction. Similarly, for every 2 decrease in the index value Iax, the liquid's impact position moves by twice the predetermined first distance in the -Y direction. Thus, the first test pattern PA can also be said to contain multiple patterns printed with the impact position of the first ink shifted by a first displacement (specifically, twice the first distance) each time. More specifically, the first test pattern PA can also be described as including multiple patterns in which, for some patches (for example, the third patch Q3 in Figure 6), the impact position of the first ink is shifted by a first displacement (specifically, twice the first distance) by a certain amount.

[0036] In the example shown in Figure 5, some sub-patterns of the first test pattern PA are printed on the upper row, while other sub-patterns are printed on the lower row. However, it is not necessary for them to be printed on multiple rows. Nevertheless, it is preferable that each sub-pattern be arranged so that the corresponding index values ​​(setpoints) are in ascending or descending order, as shown in Figure 5.

[0037] When adjusting the landing position of the first ink (high-visibility ink), for example, the user visually inspects the print result of the first test pattern as shown in Figure 5 and instructs the printing device 1 to use an appropriate setting value. Specifically, based on the print result of the first test pattern, the user identifies an index value that enables printing such that the position of the third patch Q3 is located in the center of the gap between the first patch Q1 and the second patch Q2. The user then instructs the printing device 1 to perform printing with the setting value corresponding to the identified index value. This adjusts the setting value used when ejecting the first ink. More specifically, in this embodiment, as an example, the setting value for ejecting the first ink in the -Y direction printing process is adjusted. In the example shown in Figure 5, appropriate printing is achieved in pattern Pa0 where the index value is "0", but naturally, such results are not always obtained. That is, for example, appropriate printing may be achieved in pattern Pa2 where the index value is "+4", or in pattern Pa8 where the index value is "-6". Furthermore, a partial pattern intermediate between two partial patterns printed as the first test pattern PA may correspond to appropriate printing. For example, a value intermediate between the setting value of pattern Pa2 and the setting value of pattern Pa3 may achieve appropriate printing. For this reason, the index value identified based on the printing result of the first test pattern for determining the setting value only needs to be an integer multiple of the unit amount mentioned above, and may even be an index value not printed on the test pattern. For example, in the example above, the index value identified based on the printing result of the first test pattern is "+5". In other words, the setting value can be adjusted using the unit amount used for the index value Iax. As mentioned above, the unit amount used for the index value Iax is the amount of change in the setting value that changes the impact position of the liquid by a predetermined first distance. For this reason, in this embodiment, the setting value for the first ink is determined using the predetermined first distance as the unit for adjusting the impact position of the first ink.

[0038] Next, we will describe the test pattern used to adjust the impact position of the second ink (low-visibility liquid) mentioned above. Figure 7 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a second test pattern, which is a test pattern used to adjust the impact position of the second ink (low-visibility liquid). The print control unit 402 controls the printing of the second test pattern PB for adjusting the impact position of the second ink ejected from the second nozzle on the medium S.

[0039] The following details the differences between the second test pattern PB and the first test pattern PA, omitting explanations that are the same as those for the first test pattern PA as appropriate. As mentioned above, the first test pattern PA includes multiple pattern Pax printed by changing the setting value of the adjustment item for adjusting the impact position of the first ink by a first change amount. In contrast, the second test pattern PB includes multiple patterns (multiple pattern Pbx described later) printed by changing the setting value of the adjustment item for adjusting the impact position of the second ink by a second change amount. More specifically, the first test pattern PA includes multiple pattern Pax printed by changing the setting value of the adjustment item for adjusting the impact position of the first ink by a first change amount, and some patches (for example, the third patch Q3 in Figure 6) are printed. In contrast, the second test pattern PB includes multiple pattern Pbx printed by changing the setting value of the adjustment item for adjusting the impact position of the second ink by a second change amount. Here, the adjustment items set when printing the first test pattern PA are the same as those set when printing the second test pattern PB, but the amount of change when printing partial patterns differs between the first test pattern PA and the second test pattern PB. Specifically, the second amount of change mentioned above is larger than the first amount of change mentioned above.

[0040] In the case of the first ink (high-visibility ink), the contrast of the overlapping area C1 or blank area C2 with respect to the background is high, so even if the difference in width of the overlapping area C1 or blank area C2 for each partial pattern is small, it is easy to distinguish the differences between partial patterns. In contrast, in the case of the second ink (low-visibility ink), the contrast of the overlapping area C1 or blank area C2 with respect to the background is smaller than that of the high-visibility ink, so if the difference in width of the overlapping area C1 or blank area C2 for each partial pattern is small, it is difficult to distinguish the differences between partial patterns. Therefore, in this embodiment, as described above, when adjusting the landing position of the second ink, the print control unit 402 prints a second test pattern PB composed of multiple partial patterns with a larger amount of change than the first test pattern PA used to adjust the landing position of the first ink. This makes it easy to adjust the landing position of the second ink (low-visibility ink). However, with high-visibility ink, errors in the landing position have a significant impact on image quality. Therefore, for high-visibility inks, it is necessary to adjust the point of impact with high precision. However, since low-visibility inks have lower visibility than high-visibility inks, the impact of errors in the point of impact on image quality is relatively small. For this reason, the same level of precision in adjusting the point of impact is not required for low-visibility inks as for high-visibility inks. Thus, this embodiment can be said to provide a test pattern suitable for adjusting the point of impact of low-visibility inks.

[0041] As shown in Figure 7, the second test pattern PB used to adjust the impact position of the second ink (low-visibility ink) includes multiple patterns Pb0 to Pb10. Hereafter, when patterns Pb0 to Pb10 are not specifically distinguished, they will be referred to as pattern Pbx. Pattern Pbx is also referred to as a partial pattern. In the example shown in Figure 7, pattern Pbx is printed using low-visibility ink on top of a background image D printed on a medium S using color ink such as black ink. The background image D is an image in which color ink is ejected uniformly over a predetermined area. More specifically, the background image D is an image printed with a predetermined amount of ink ejection per unit area (for example, 50% of the maximum ejection amount). When transparent ink (low-visibility ink) is superimposed on the background image D, the area of ​​the background image D in which the ink is superimposed becomes darker in color than the area of ​​the background image D in which the ink is not superimposed. This phenomenon becomes more pronounced when transparent ink is further superimposed. As a result, as shown in Figure 7, multiple visible patterns Pbx are formed on the medium S. It is thought that the above phenomenon occurs because when transparent ink is superimposed on the background image D, the color ink in the superimposed area bleeds, and the dot size of the color ink increases, making it darker. In the example shown in Figure 7, the second test pattern PB includes the background image D and multiple patterns Pbx printed on the background image D, but the background image D may be omitted if the patterns Pbx are visible even without the background image D.

[0042] In Figure 7, as an example, the second test pattern PB contains 11 patterns Pbx, but the second test pattern PB may contain multiple patterns Pbx, and the number of patterns Pbx is not limited to 11. In the second test pattern PB as well, each pattern Pbx is placed apart from the others. In the example shown in Figure 7, the patterns Pbx are arranged in the second test pattern PB in the same way as in the first test pattern PA, but the number and arrangement of sub-patterns do not necessarily have to be the same for the first and second test patterns.

[0043] The partial pattern that makes up the second test pattern, namely pattern Pbx, is also composed of a first patch Q1, a second patch Q2, and a third patch Q3, as shown in Figure 6, similar to pattern Pax. The first patch Q1, the second patch Q2, and the third patch Q3 that make up pattern Pbx are printed using the same printing method as the first test pattern PA, except that the ink used for printing is different.

[0044] Under the control of the print control unit 402, as shown in Figure 7, multiple patterns Pbx with different positions of the third patch Q3 are printed as the second test pattern PB. As a result, as shown in patterns Pb1 to Pb10, overlapping areas C1, where the third patch Q3 overlaps with the first patch Q1 or the second patch Q2 and is printed more densely, and blank areas C2, which are the gaps between the third patch Q3 and the first patch Q1 or the second patch Q2, are formed on the medium S. As shown in patterns Pb1 to Pb10, the width in the Y-axis direction of the overlapping area C1 and the blank area C2 differs for each pattern Pbx. However, in the second test pattern PB, the amount of change in each sub-pattern is greater than in the first test pattern PA, so the change in the width in the Y-axis direction of the overlapping area C1 and the blank area C2 is greater than in the first test pattern. Therefore, although the visibility of the sub-patterns themselves is inferior to that of the first test pattern PA, it is easy to grasp the differences between the sub-patterns.

[0045] As described above, patterns Pb0 to Pb10 are printed by changing the setting value of the adjustment item used to adjust the landing position of the second ink by a 2-unit change. The second test pattern PB also includes index values ​​Ib0 to Ib10 that indicate how much the setting value used to print each pattern Pbx deviates from a predetermined reference value. Hereafter, when index values ​​Ib0 to Ib10 are referred to without special distinction, they will be called index values ​​Ibx. In the second test pattern PB as well, the index value Ibx corresponding to pattern Pbx is printed near that pattern Pbx.

[0046] The index value Ibx represents the degree of change from a predetermined reference value for the setting used to print pattern Pbx. More specifically, like the index value Iax, the index value Ibx indicates how many times a predetermined unit amount the change in the setting from a predetermined reference value is. In the example shown in Figure 7, the unit amount used for index value Ibx is the same as the unit amount used for index value Iax. Therefore, the unit amount used for index value Ibx is also the amount of change in the setting that changes the liquid's impact position by a predetermined first distance (e.g., 42 micrometers). As shown in Figure 7, the second test pattern PB differs from the first test pattern PA shown in Figure 5 in that it contains multiple patterns Pbx with index value Ibx values ​​that differ by 4 each time. Therefore, for every 4 increase in the index value Ibx, the liquid's impact position moves by 4 times the predetermined first distance in the +Y direction. Similarly, for every 4 decrease in the index value Ibx, the liquid's impact position moves by 4 times the predetermined first distance in the -Y direction. Therefore, the second test pattern PB can also be said to include multiple patterns in which the landing position of the second ink is shifted by a second amount (specifically, four times the first distance) each time. More specifically, the second test pattern can also be said to include multiple patterns in which, for some patches (for example, the third patch Q3 in Figure 6), the landing position of the second ink is shifted by a second amount (specifically, four times the first distance) each time. In the example shown in Figure 7, the unit quantity used for the index value Ibx is the same as the unit quantity used for the index value Iax, but as will be discussed later, the unit quantity used for the index value Ibx may be different from the unit quantity used for the index value Iax.

[0047] In the example shown in Figure 7, some sub-patterns of the second test pattern PB are printed on the upper line, while other sub-patterns are printed on the lower line. However, it is not necessary for them to be printed on multiple lines. Nevertheless, it is preferable that each sub-pattern be arranged so that the corresponding index values ​​(setpoints) are in ascending or descending order, as shown in Figure 7.

[0048] When adjusting the landing position of the second ink (low-visibility ink), for example, the user visually inspects the print result of the second test pattern PB, as shown in Figure 7, and instructs the printer 1 to use an appropriate setting. Specifically, based on the print result of the second test pattern PB, the user identifies an index value that enables printing such that the position of the third patch Q3 is centered in the gap between the first patch Q1 and the second patch Q2. The user then instructs the printer 1 to perform printing with the setting value corresponding to the identified index value. This adjusts the setting value used when ejecting the second ink. More specifically, in this embodiment, as an example, the setting value for ejecting the second ink in the -Y direction printing process is adjusted. In the example shown in Figure 7, appropriate printing is achieved in pattern Pa0 where the index value is "0," but as with the explanation for the first test pattern, such results are not always guaranteed. Also, the intermediate sub-pattern between the two sub-patterns printed as the second test pattern PB may correspond to appropriate printing. The index value identified based on the print result of the second test pattern PB for determining the setting value can be any integer multiple of the unit amount mentioned above, and may be an index value not printed on the test pattern. For example, the index value identified based on the print result of the second test pattern may be "+1", "+2", "+3", "-1", "-2", "-3", etc. In other words, the setting value can be adjusted using the unit amount used for the index value Ibx. In the example shown in Figure 7, as mentioned above, the unit amount used for the index value Ibx is the amount of change in the setting value that changes the liquid's impact position by a predetermined first distance. Therefore, in this example, the setting value for the second ink is determined using the predetermined first distance as the unit for adjusting the impact position of the second ink. For this reason, in the example above, the unit for adjusting the impact positions of both the first and second inks is the same: the first distance. In other words, in this case, the input receiving unit 401 accepts the first and second inputs using the predetermined first distance as the unit for adjusting the impact positions of the first and second inks.Here, the first input is used to determine the setting value for the impact position adjustment item for the first ink, and is input by the user after the first test pattern PA has been printed. The second input is used to determine the setting value for the impact position adjustment item for the second ink, and is input by the user after the second test pattern PB has been printed.

[0049] By making the unit for adjusting the landing position of the second ink (low-visibility ink) the same as the unit for adjusting the landing position of the first ink (high-visibility ink), the processing can be simplified compared to when the unit for adjusting the landing position of the second ink is different from that of the first ink. For example, it becomes easier to unify the processing for adjusting the landing position of the first ink and the second ink, such as the processing of the user interface that accepts input for determining the setting value and the processing of reflecting the setting value in the printing device 1. Furthermore, the amount of memory required to realize these processes can also be reduced. Therefore, manufacturing costs can be reduced. In addition, by making the unit for adjusting the landing position of the second ink the same as that of the first ink, fine adjustment of the landing position of the second ink becomes possible, just as with the first ink.

[0050] When the input receiving unit 401 receives a first input, the print control unit 402 determines the setting value to be used when printing with the first ink, according to the first input. Specifically, the print control unit 402 sets the setting value corresponding to the index value specified in the first input as the setting value to be used when printing with the first ink. Then, the print control unit 402 controls printing with the first ink using this setting value determined according to the first input. Similarly, when the input receiving unit 401 receives a second input, the print control unit 402 determines the setting value to be used when printing with the second ink, according to the second input. Specifically, the print control unit 402 sets the setting value corresponding to the index value specified in the second input as the setting value to be used when printing with the second ink. Then, the print control unit 402 controls printing with the second ink using this setting value determined according to the second input.

[0051] The unit for adjusting the impact position of the second ink (low-visibility ink) may differ from the unit for adjusting the impact position of the first ink (high-visibility ink). Specifically, the unit for adjusting the impact position of the second ink may be larger than the unit for adjusting the impact position of the first ink. In this case, the print control unit 402 may print the pattern shown in Figure 5 as the first test pattern, and print the second test pattern PB shown in Figure 8 instead of the test pattern shown in Figure 7 as the second test pattern. The second test pattern PB in Figure 8, like the second test pattern PB in Figure 7, includes multiple patterns Pbx (patterns Pb0 to Pb10) printed by changing the setting value of the adjustment item for adjusting the impact position of the second ink by a 2-unit change. However, the index value Ibx (index value Ib0 to Ib10) associated with each pattern Pbx in the second test pattern PB in Figure 8 is different from that of the second test pattern PB in Figure 7.

[0052] The index value Ibx shown in the second test pattern PB in Figure 8 also indicates how many times a predetermined unit amount the change in the set value from a predetermined reference value is. However, in the example shown in Figure 8, the unit amount used for the index value Ibx is different from the unit amount used for the index value Iax. Specifically, in the example shown in Figure 8, the unit amount used for the index value Ibx is the change in the set value that changes the liquid's impact position by a predetermined second distance. Here, the second distance is, for example, twice the first distance (e.g., 42 micrometers). Therefore, for every 2 increase in the index value Ibx, the liquid's impact position moves in the +Y direction by twice the predetermined second distance, or four times the predetermined first distance. Similarly, for every 2 decrease in the index value Ibx, the liquid's impact position moves in the -Y direction by twice the predetermined second distance, or four times the predetermined first distance.

[0053] In the example shown in Figure 8, a predetermined second distance is used as the unit for adjusting the impact position of the second ink, and the setting value for the second ink is determined accordingly. Therefore, in this example, the unit for adjusting the impact position of the first ink is the first distance, while the unit for adjusting the impact position of the second ink is the second distance, which is larger than the first distance. In other words, in this case, the input receiving unit 401 receives a first input to determine the setting value for the impact position adjustment item for the first ink, using a predetermined first distance as the unit for adjusting the impact position of the first ink. The input receiving unit 401 also receives a second input to determine the setting value for the impact position adjustment item for the second ink, using a predetermined second distance as the unit for adjusting the impact position of the second ink. As a result, the impact position of the second ink (low-visibility ink) is adjusted in a larger unit than the unit for adjusting the impact position of the first ink (high-visibility ink).

[0054] By making the adjustment unit for the impact position of the second ink (low-visibility ink) larger than that for the first ink (high-visibility ink), it becomes possible to adjust the impact position in units that correspond to the amount of change in the partial pattern in the second test pattern. Therefore, the total number of candidate input values ​​that the user inputs into the printer 1 to determine the setting value can be reduced. In other words, the user only needs to select from a small number of options rather than having to choose the appropriate candidate from a large number of options, thus improving user convenience.

[0055] Next, we will explain the operation flow of the printer 1 regarding the adjustment of setting values. Figure 9 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation flow of the printer 1 regarding the adjustment of setting values. The operation flow of the printer 1 will be explained below with reference to Figure 9.

[0056] In step S100, the input receiving unit 401 receives input from the user specifying the ink to be adjusted for the impact position.

[0057] Next, in step S101, the print control unit 402 determines whether the target of the impact position adjustment is a predetermined ink. Here, the predetermined ink is the second ink (low visibility ink) described above, and in this embodiment, it is specifically a penetrating liquid. If the target of the impact position adjustment is not the predetermined ink, that is, if the target of the impact position adjustment is the first ink (high visibility ink), the process proceeds to step S102. On the other hand, if the target of the impact position adjustment is the predetermined ink, that is, if the target of the impact position adjustment is the second ink (low visibility ink), the process proceeds to step S103.

[0058] If the process proceeds to step S102, the print control unit 402 prints the first test pattern PA described above onto the medium S. Conversely, if the process proceeds to step S103, the print control unit 402 prints the second test pattern PB described above onto the medium S. In step S100, both the first ink and the second ink may be specified as targets for adjusting the impact position. In this case, the print control unit 402 prints both the first test pattern PA and the second test pattern PB onto the medium S. Once the test patterns are printed, the process proceeds to step S104.

[0059] In step S104, the input receiving unit 401 receives input from the user who has confirmed the test pattern to determine the set value.

[0060] Next, in step S105, the print control unit 402 determines a setting value for the ejection of the ink to be adjusted, according to the input received in step S104. In other words, thereafter, when printing any image using that ink, the print control unit 402 ejects the ink according to the determined setting value.

[0061] Embodiment 1 has been described above. According to this embodiment, when adjusting the impact position of the second ink (low-visibility ink), a second test pattern is printed which is composed of multiple sub-patterns with a larger amount of variation than the first test pattern used to adjust the impact position of the first ink (high-visibility ink). As a result, even when the target of adjustment is the second ink (low-visibility ink), the impact position can be easily adjusted.

[0062] Furthermore, in this embodiment, a specific example of the second ink (low-visibility ink) was a penetrating liquid. Since the penetrating liquid is a functional liquid that reacts with the color ink, it is sufficient for it to be dispensed to cover an area somewhat wider than the area where the color ink lands, and it does not require the same precise adjustment of the landing position as the color ink. For this reason, if the second ink (low-visibility ink) is a penetrating liquid, even if the landing position of the second ink is adjusted using the above-described technology, it can be said that there is virtually no adverse effect on image quality.

[0063] In this embodiment, a penetrating liquid was given as a specific example of the second ink (low-visibility ink), but the second ink may be any other transparent functional liquid. Furthermore, the second ink only needs to be an ink that is low in visibility when dispensed onto the medium S, and does not necessarily have to be a transparent liquid. For example, the second ink may be a colored liquid whose color difference from a predetermined medium S color (e.g., white) is less than a predetermined threshold.

[0064] (Embodiment 2) The visibility of an ink is affected by the color difference between the medium S and the ink. Therefore, in the embodiment described above, if the color of the medium S on which the test pattern is printed is unknown, there is a risk of applying the first or second test pattern to an unsuitable ink. Accordingly, this embodiment describes a technique that makes it possible to select a test pattern suitable for an ink by determining whether the ink to be adjusted for impact position is a high-visibility ink or a low-visibility ink based on the color of the medium S.

[0065] Figure 10 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of the control unit 4a according to this embodiment. In this embodiment, the printing apparatus 1 differs from Embodiment 1 in that the control unit 4 is replaced by the control unit 4a. The control unit 4a differs from the control unit 4 shown in Figure 4 in that it further includes an information acquisition unit 403 and a visibility determination unit 404. The functions of the information acquisition unit 403 and the visibility determination unit 404 are also realized, for example, by the processor 400 reading and executing a program from the memory 410. The differences from Embodiment 1 will be explained below, and explanations of configurations or processes that overlap with Embodiment 1 will be omitted as appropriate.

[0066] The information acquisition unit 403 acquires media information of the medium S on which the test pattern is printed. The media information can be any information that identifies the color of the medium S, and is not limited to information that directly indicates the color of the medium S, but may also be information that indirectly indicates the color of the medium S. For example, if the identification information of the medium and the color information of the medium are associated and stored in the memory 410 or the like, the information acquisition unit 403 may acquire the identification information of the medium S as media information. The information acquisition unit 403 may also acquire media information input by the user, i.e., media information received by the input reception unit 401, or it may acquire color information of the medium S detected by a sensor (e.g., a scanner or camera) that is communicatively connected to the printing device 1.

[0067] The visibility determination unit 404 determines whether the target ink, which is the ink whose impact position is to be adjusted, is a first ink (high visibility ink) or a second ink (low visibility ink) by comparing the color of the target ink with the color of the medium S identified from the medium information acquired by the information acquisition unit 403. For example, the visibility determination unit 404 determines that the target ink is a first ink (high visibility ink) if the color difference between the color of the target ink and the color of the medium S is greater than or equal to a predetermined threshold. Conversely, the visibility determination unit 404 determines that the target ink is a second ink (low visibility ink) if the color difference between the color of the target ink and the color of the medium S is less than a predetermined threshold. The color information of each ink that the printing device 1 can eject is stored in advance in the memory 410, etc., and the visibility determination unit 404 identifies the color of the target ink by referring to the pre-stored color information of the target ink. Furthermore, while color difference is defined by, for example, the distance in a color space using the L*a*b* color system, it may also be defined by the distance in a color space using the RGB color system, or other methods.

[0068] In this embodiment, if the visibility determination unit 404 determines that the target ink corresponds to the first ink (high visibility ink), the print control unit 402 uses the target ink to print the first test pattern onto the medium S described above. Conversely, if the visibility determination unit 404 determines that the target ink corresponds to the second ink (low visibility ink), the print control unit 402 uses the target ink to print the second test pattern onto the medium S described above.

[0069] Next, the operation flow of the printing apparatus 1 according to this embodiment will be described. Figure 11 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation flow of the printing apparatus 1 according to Embodiment 2. The differences from the flowchart shown in Figure 9 will be explained below, and redundant explanations will be omitted as appropriate. The flowchart shown in Figure 11 differs from the flowchart shown in Figure 9 in that step S101 in Figure 9 is replaced by steps S200 and S201.

[0070] In this embodiment, in step S100, when the input receiving unit 401 receives input from the user specifying the ink to be adjusted for the impact position (i.e., the target ink), the process proceeds to step S200.

[0071] In step S200, the information acquisition unit 403 acquires media information of the medium S. That is, the information acquisition unit 403 acquires information to identify the color of the medium S. After step S200, the process moves on to step S201.

[0072] In step S201, the visibility determination unit 404 determines whether the target ink specified in step S100 is a first ink (high visibility ink) or a second ink (low visibility ink) based on the color of the target ink and the color of the medium S identified in step S200. If the target ink has a small color difference with the medium S, that is, if the color difference between the color of the target ink and the color of the medium S identified in step S200 is less than the threshold, the target ink is determined to be a second ink (low visibility ink). In this case, the process proceeds to step S103. On the other hand, if the target ink has a large color difference with the medium S, that is, if the color difference between the color of the target ink and the color of the medium S is greater than or equal to the threshold, the target ink is determined to be a first ink (high visibility ink). In this case, the process proceeds to step S102. The processing after proceeding to step S102 or step S103 is the same as the flowchart shown in Figure 9, so the explanation is omitted.

[0073] Embodiment 2 has been described above. According to this embodiment, it is determined whether the target ink is a high-visibility ink or a low-visibility ink based on the color of the medium S on which the test pattern is printed. Therefore, even if the color of the medium S on which the test pattern is printed is unknown in advance, the first test pattern and the second test pattern can be used appropriately. For this reason, the second test pattern can be appropriately applied even to inks whose visibility is significantly dependent on the color of the medium S, such as opaque inks.

[0074] Although Embodiment 1 and Embodiment 2 have been described above, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, and can be modified as appropriate without departing from the spirit of the invention. For example, in the embodiments described above, the user visually confirmed the print result of the first test pattern or the second test pattern and made inputs to determine appropriate setting values. However, appropriate setting values ​​may also be determined by performing computer image analysis processing on an image obtained by scanning the medium on which the test pattern is printed using a scanner or the like. For this reason, in this disclosure, visibility may mean not only whether or not it is easily visible to the human eye, but also whether or not it is easily detectable by a sensor.

[0075] Furthermore, in the embodiment described above, the print control unit 402 used two types of test patterns (a first test pattern and a second test pattern) for adjusting the ink landing position in the direction of movement of the head unit U (Y-axis direction). However, the print control unit 402 may also use two types of test patterns for adjusting the ink landing position in the direction of transport of the medium S (X-axis direction). For example, the print control unit 402 may print a test pattern PC as shown in Figure 12 as a test pattern for adjusting the ink landing position in the direction of transport of the medium S (X-axis direction).

[0076] Figure 12 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a test pattern for adjusting the ink landing position in the transport direction (X-axis direction) of the medium S. As shown in Figure 12, the test pattern PC includes multiple patterns Pc0 to Pc4. Hereafter, patterns Pc0 to Pc4 will be referred to as patterns Pcx without any particular distinction. In Figure 12, as an example, the test pattern PC includes five patterns Pcx, but it is sufficient to include multiple patterns Pcx, and the number of patterns Pcx is not limited to five.

[0077] Pattern Pcx consists of a first patch R1 and a second patch R2. Here, the first patch R1 is a patch printed during the first movement of the head unit U, and the second patch R2 is a patch printed during the second movement of the head unit U. Here, the second movement occurs after the transport of the medium S, which takes place after the first movement. Note that the first patch R1 may be a patch printed by one of two adjacent head tips Hc included in the liquid ejection head H, and the second patch R2 may be a patch printed by the other. The print control unit 402 prints multiple patterns Pcx with shifted positions of the second patch R2 by changing the number of nozzles used when printing the second patch R2. More specifically, the print control unit 402 prints various patterns Pcx by changing how many nozzles from the end of the nozzle row in the X-axis direction are left unused for each pattern Pcx. As a result, patterns Pcx with overlapping areas C1 or blank areas C2 of various widths are printed. The print control unit 402 prints test patterns by changing the amount of displacement of the second patch R2 for each pattern Pcx, depending on whether the target of the impact position adjustment is the first ink (high-visibility ink) or the second ink (low-visibility ink). That is, when the target of the impact position adjustment is the first ink (high-visibility ink), the print control unit 402 prints multiple patterns by shifting the impact position of the first ink for the second patch R2 by a first displacement amount. Also, when the target of the impact position adjustment is the second ink (low-visibility ink), the print control unit 402 prints multiple patterns by shifting the impact position of the second ink for the second patch R2 by a second displacement amount, which is larger than the first displacement amount. In the above example, the setting value for the adjustment item for adjusting the impact position in the X-axis direction is the number of nozzles that are not used during printing, but the transport amount of the medium S may be used as the setting value for the adjustment item for adjusting the impact position in the X-axis direction. In this case, multiple patterns Pcx may be printed so that they are aligned along the X-axis.

[0078] Furthermore, in this disclosure, a program includes a set of instructions (or software code) that, when loaded into a computer, cause the computer to perform one or more of the functions described in the embodiments. A program may be stored on a non-temporary computer-readable medium or a physical storage medium. Examples, but not limited to, include random-access memory (RAM), read-only memory (ROM), flash memory, solid-state drive (SSD) or other memory technologies, CD-ROM, digital versatile disk (DVD), Blu-ray® disc or other optical disc storage, magnetic cassette, magnetic tape, magnetic disk storage or other magnetic storage devices. A program may be transmitted over a temporary computer-readable medium or a communication medium. Examples, but not limited to, include temporary computer-readable medium or a communication medium that includes electrical, optical, acoustic or other forms of propagating signals.

[0079] Some or all of the above embodiments and modifications may also be described as follows, but are not limited to the following: (Note 1) A print head unit having a plurality of first nozzles capable of ejecting a first ink onto a medium, and a plurality of second nozzles capable of ejecting a second ink that is less visible than the first ink onto the medium, A print control unit that controls printing using the print head unit, It has, The print control unit controls the printing of at least one of the following: printing a first test pattern for adjusting the landing position of the first ink ejected from the first nozzle in the medium, and printing a second test pattern for adjusting the landing position of the second ink ejected from the second nozzle in the medium. The first test pattern includes a plurality of patterns printed by changing the setting value of an adjustment item for adjusting the landing position of the first ink by a first change amount, The second test pattern includes a plurality of patterns printed by changing the setting value of the adjustment item for adjusting the impact position of the second ink by a second change amount, The second change is greater than the first change. Printing device. (Note 2) The second ink is a penetrant that promotes the penetration of the first ink into the medium. The printing apparatus described in Appendix 1. (Note 3) The second ink is transparent. The printing apparatus described in Appendix 1 or 2. (Note 4) An information acquisition unit that acquires media information which is information that identifies the color of the aforementioned medium, A visibility determination unit determines whether the target ink, which is the ink whose impact position is to be adjusted, corresponds to the first ink or the second ink by comparing the color of the target ink with the color of the medium identified from the medium information. It has, If the print control unit determines that the target ink corresponds to the first ink, it prints the first test pattern onto the medium; if it determines that the target ink corresponds to the second ink, it prints the second test pattern onto the medium. A printing apparatus as described in any one of the items 1 to 3 of the appendix. (Note 5) The device has an input receiving unit that receives a first input for determining a setting value for the adjustment item for the first ink, and a second input for determining a setting value for the adjustment item for the second ink, with a predetermined distance as the unit for adjusting the impact positions of the first and second inks. The print control unit controls printing with the first ink using a set value determined according to the first input, and controls printing with the second ink using a set value determined according to the second input. A printing apparatus as described in any one of the items 1 to 4 of the appendix. (Note 6) The device has an input receiving unit that receives a first input for determining a setting value for the adjustment item for the first ink, with a predetermined first distance as the unit for adjusting the impact position of the first ink, and a second input for determining a setting value for the adjustment item for the second ink, with a predetermined second distance as the unit for adjusting the impact position of the second ink. The print control unit controls printing with the first ink using a setting value determined according to the first input, and controls printing with the second ink using a setting value determined according to the second input. The second distance is greater than the first distance. A printing apparatus as described in any one of the items 1 to 4 of the appendix. (Note 7) A printing apparatus having a print head unit comprising a plurality of first nozzles capable of ejecting a first ink onto a medium, and a plurality of second nozzles capable of ejecting a second ink less visible than the first ink onto the medium, Printing at least one of the following test patterns: a first test pattern for adjusting the impact position of the first ink ejected from the first nozzle in the medium, and a second test pattern for adjusting the impact position of the second ink ejected from the second nozzle in the medium. The first test pattern includes a plurality of patterns printed by changing the setting value of an adjustment item for adjusting the landing position of the first ink by a first change amount, The second test pattern includes a plurality of patterns printed by changing the setting value of the adjustment item for adjusting the impact position of the second ink by a second change amount, The second change is greater than the first change. Printing method. [Explanation of symbols]

[0080] 1…Printing device, 3…Liquid storage unit, 4…Control unit, 4a…Control unit, 5…Transport mechanism, 5a…Transport roller, 6…Moving mechanism, 7…Carriage, 8…Transport belt, 400…Processor, 401…Input reception unit, 402…Printing control unit, 403…Information acquisition unit, 404…Visibility determination unit, 410…Memory, C1…Duplicate area, C2…Blank area, D…Background image, H…Liquid ejection head, Hc…Head tip, Iax…Index value, Ibx…Index value, La…Nozzle row, Lb…Nozzle row, PA…First test pattern, Pax…Pattern, PB…Second test pattern, Pbx…Pattern, PC…Test pattern, Pcx…Pattern, Q1…First patch, Q2…Second patch, Q3…Third patch, R1…First patch, R2…Second patch, S…Media, U…Head unit

Claims

1. A print head unit having a plurality of first nozzles capable of ejecting a first ink onto a medium, and a plurality of second nozzles capable of ejecting a second ink that is less visible than the first ink onto the medium, A print control unit that controls printing using the print head unit, It has, The print control unit controls the printing of at least one of the following: printing a first test pattern for adjusting the landing position of the first ink ejected from the first nozzle in the medium, and printing a second test pattern for adjusting the landing position of the second ink ejected from the second nozzle in the medium. The first test pattern includes a plurality of patterns printed by changing the setting value of an adjustment item for adjusting the landing position of the first ink by a first change amount, The second test pattern includes a plurality of patterns printed by changing the setting value of the adjustment item for adjusting the landing position of the second ink by a second change amount, The second change is greater than the first change. Printing device.

2. The second ink is a penetrant that promotes the penetration of the first ink into the medium. The printing apparatus according to claim 1.

3. The second ink is transparent. The printing apparatus according to claim 1 or 2.

4. An information acquisition unit that acquires media information which is information that identifies the color of the aforementioned medium, A visibility determination unit determines whether the target ink, which is the ink to be adjusted for the impact position, corresponds to the first ink or the second ink by comparing the color of the target ink with the color of the medium identified from the medium information. It has, If the print control unit determines that the target ink corresponds to the first ink, it prints the first test pattern onto the medium; if it determines that the target ink corresponds to the second ink, it prints the second test pattern onto the medium. The printing apparatus according to claim 1.

5. The device has an input receiving unit that receives a first input for determining a setting value for the adjustment item for the first ink, and a second input for determining a setting value for the adjustment item for the second ink, with a predetermined distance as the unit for adjusting the impact positions of the first and second inks. The print control unit controls printing with the first ink using a set value determined according to the first input, and controls printing with the second ink using a set value determined according to the second input. The printing apparatus according to claim 1.

6. The device has an input receiving unit that receives a first input for determining a setting value for the adjustment item for the first ink, with a predetermined first distance as the unit for adjusting the impact position of the first ink, and a second input for determining a setting value for the adjustment item for the second ink, with a predetermined second distance as the unit for adjusting the impact position of the second ink. The print control unit controls printing with the first ink using a setting value determined according to the first input, and controls printing with the second ink using a setting value determined according to the second input. The second distance is greater than the first distance. The printing apparatus according to claim 1.

7. A printing apparatus having a print head unit comprising a plurality of first nozzles capable of ejecting a first ink onto a medium, and a plurality of second nozzles capable of ejecting a second ink less visible than the first ink onto the medium, Printing at least one of the following test patterns: a first test pattern for adjusting the impact position of the first ink ejected from the first nozzle in the medium, and a second test pattern for adjusting the impact position of the second ink ejected from the second nozzle in the medium. The first test pattern includes a plurality of patterns printed by changing the setting value of an adjustment item for adjusting the landing position of the first ink by a first change amount, The second test pattern includes a plurality of patterns printed by changing the setting value of the adjustment item for adjusting the landing position of the second ink by a second change amount, The second change is greater than the first change. Printing method.

Images