Printer, control method, and control program

Abstract

The present invention provides a printer, control method, and control program that contribute to suppressing ink bleeding, shortening printing time, or both. [Solution] The printer comprises a first head that ejects first ink, a second head that ejects second ink, and a control unit. The control unit performs a specific printing process based on receiving a specific printing instruction that specifies ejecting second ink from the second head at a second resolution. In the specific printing process, the control unit ejects first ink from the first head based on the second resolution. The control unit ejects second ink from the second head at a second resolution.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a printer, a control method, and a control program.

Background Art

[0002] The image forming apparatus described in Patent Document 1 includes one ink discharge head, another ink discharge head, and a control unit. The one ink discharge head discharges one ink. The other ink discharge head discharges another ink.

[0003] The control unit causes the one ink discharge head to discharge the one ink. A single ink layer is formed by the discharged one ink. The control unit causes the other ink discharge head to discharge the other ink onto the single ink layer. Another ink layer is formed by the discharged other ink. An image is formed by the single ink layer and the other ink layer.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] If the time from when the one ink is discharged to when the other ink is discharged is short, the discharged other ink may land on the single ink layer before the single ink layer dries. If the discharged other ink lands on the single ink layer before the single ink layer dries, ink bleeding may occur.

[0006] If the time from when the one ink is discharged to when the other ink is discharged is long, the printing time until an image is formed may become long.

[0007] The object of the present invention is to provide a printer, a control method, and a control program that contribute to suppressing ink bleeding, shortening printing time, or both suppressing ink bleeding and shortening printing time. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] A printer according to a first aspect of the present invention comprises a first head for ejecting first ink, a second head for ejecting second ink, and a control unit, wherein the control unit performs a specific printing process based on receiving a specific printing instruction that specifies ejecting the second ink from the second head at a second resolution, and in the specific printing process, the control unit performs a first specific ejection process for ejecting the first ink from the first head and a second specific ejection process for ejecting the second ink from the second head at a second resolution, based on the second resolution.

[0009] According to the first embodiment, the first ink is ejected from the first head based on the second resolution. Therefore, the printer contributes to suppressing ink bleeding, shortening printing time, or both suppressing ink bleeding and shortening printing time.

[0010] Based on receiving the specific printing instruction that further specifies ejecting the first ink from the first head at a first ejection amount, the control unit may, in the first specific ejection process, eject the first ink from the first head based on the second resolution by performing the first division process for the first layer, which ejects the first ink from the first head at a first division amount for the first layer that is less than the first ejection amount, and the first division process for the second layer, which ejects the first ink from the first head at a first division amount for the second layer that is less than the first ejection amount, in the order of the first division process for the first layer and the first division process for the second layer.

[0011] Since the first division amount of the second layer is less than the first ejection amount, the ejected first ink dries more easily compared to a configuration where the first ink is ejected from the first head at the first ejection amount during the first division process of the second layer. Therefore, the printer contributes to suppressing ink bleeding.

[0012] The control unit may, in the first division process of the second layer, eject the first ink from the first head with a first division amount of the second layer which is the difference between the first ejection amount and the first division amount of the first layer.

[0013] Since the first division amount of the second layer is the difference between the first ejection amount and the first division amount of the first layer, the sum of the first division amounts of the first layer and the second layer equals the first ejection amount. In other words, in the first specific ejection process, the first ink is ejected from the first head at an amount equal to the ejection amount specified by the specific print instruction. Therefore, the printer contributes to suppressing deviations between the total ejection amount of the first ink and the ejection amount specified by the specific print instruction.

[0014] The control unit may, in the first division process of the second layer, eject the first ink from the first head with a first division amount of the second layer that exceeds the first division amount of the first layer.

[0015] If the initial ink volume of the first layer is large, the ejected first ink may not adhere well to the media. Since the initial ink volume of the first layer is less than or equal to the initial ink volume of the second layer, the printer helps to suppress the deterioration of adhesion to the media.

[0016] The control unit may perform the first division process of the second layer and the second specific discharge process in parallel.

[0017] Compared to configurations where the first splitting process and the second specific ejection process for the second layer are not performed in parallel, this printer contributes to reducing printing time.

[0018] The control unit may, in the first division process of the second layer, eject the first ink from the first head at a first division resolution of the second layer that is a natural number multiple of the minimum resolution.

[0019] The total number of passes for the first splitting process and the second specific ejection process of the second layer tends to decrease. Therefore, the printer contributes to shortening the printing time.

[0020] Based on receiving the specific print instruction which includes information regarding the suppression of ink bleeding, the control unit may, in the second specific ejection process, perform the second division process for the first layer in which the second ink is ejected from the second head, and the second division process for the second layer in which the second ink is ejected from the second head, in the order of the second division process for the first layer and the second division process for the second layer, thereby ejecting the second ink from the second head at the second resolution.

[0021] Since the second specific ejection process is divided into the second division process of the first layer and the second division process of the second layer, the ejected second ink dries more easily compared to a configuration where the second ink is ejected without division using the total ejection volume of the second division process of the first layer and the second division process of the second layer. Therefore, the printer contributes to suppressing ink bleeding.

[0022] The control unit may, in the second division process of the first layer, eject the second ink from the second head at a second division resolution of the first layer that is lower than the second resolution, and the control unit may, in the second division process of the second layer, eject the second ink from the second head at a second division resolution of the second layer that is lower than the second resolution.

[0023] Since the second specific ejection process is divided into the second splitting process of the first layer and the second splitting process of the second layer, the ejected second ink dries more easily. Therefore, the printer contributes to suppressing ink bleeding.

[0024] The control unit, based on receiving the specific print instruction that further specifies discharging the first ink from the first head at a first discharge amount, in the first specific discharge process, performs, in the order of the first-layer first division process and the second-layer first division process, the first-layer first division process of discharging the first ink from the first head at a first-layer first division amount which is a discharge amount less than the first discharge amount, and the second-layer first division process of discharging the first ink from the first head at a second-layer first division amount which is a discharge amount less than the first discharge amount, so as to discharge the first ink from the first head based on the second resolution, and the control unit may perform the second-layer first division process and the first-layer second division process in parallel based on receiving the specific print instruction that includes information related to shortening of print time.

[0025] The printer contributes to shortening print time compared to a configuration in which the second-layer first division process and the first-layer second division process are not performed in parallel.

[0026] The control unit may perform the first specific discharge process and the second specific discharge process in the order of the first specific discharge process and the second specific discharge process.

[0027] The printer contributes to forming an image on a print medium by a specific print process.

[0028] The control unit may perform the second-layer first division process after performing the first-layer first division process and the second specific discharge process in parallel or in the order of the first-layer first division process and the second specific discharge process, or may perform the second-layer first division process and the second specific discharge process in parallel or in the order of the second specific discharge process and the second-layer first division process after performing the first-layer first division process.

[0029] The first ink is also discharged on the same plane as the discharged second ink. Therefore, the printer contributes to improving the color developability of the discharged first ink.

[0030] The printer is equipped with a third head that ejects a third ink, and the control unit further performs a third specific ejection process in which the third ink is ejected from the third head during the specific printing process, and the control unit may perform the first division process of the second layer and the third specific ejection process in parallel, or in the order of the first division process of the second layer and the third specific ejection process.

[0031] Since the first specific ejection process is divided into the first layer's first division process and the second layer's first division process, the ejected first ink dries easily. The third ink is easily ejected on top of the dried first ink. Therefore, the printer contributes to suppressing ink bleeding.

[0032] The control unit may perform the first division process of the second layer and the third specific ejection process in parallel, and in the first division process of the second layer, the control unit may eject the first ink from the first head at the first division resolution of the second layer, and in the third specific ejection process, the control unit may eject the third ink from the third head at a third resolution which is a natural number multiple of the minimum resolution.

[0033] The total number of passes for the second layer's first splitting process and the third specific ejection process tends to decrease. Therefore, the printer contributes to shortening the printing time.

[0034] In the first division process of the second layer, the control unit may, in the non-ejection region where the second ink is not ejected from the second head by the second specific ejection process, eject the first ink from the first head to an adjacent region adjacent to the boundary between the ejection region where the second ink is ejected from the second head by the second specific ejection process and the non-ejection region, with a reduced ejection amount less than the first division amount of the second layer based on the first division resolution of the second layer; or eject the first ink from the first head to the reduced region, which is the adjacent region based on the first division resolution of the second layer, with the first division amount of the second layer; or eject the first ink from the first head to the reduced region with the reduced ejection amount.

[0035] The printer helps to suppress ink bleeding at the boundaries.

[0036] The control unit may, in the first division process of the second layer, eject the first ink from the first head to the adjacent region such that the amount ejected per unit area decreases as you move from the outer edge of the adjacent region toward the boundary.

[0037] The printer helps to suppress ink bleeding at the boundaries.

[0038] The control unit performs a test print process based on receiving a test instruction specifying a test print, and in the test print process, the control unit may perform the specific print process using a plurality of test patterns including a test pattern in which the reduced discharge amount is a first amount and a test pattern in which the reduced discharge amount is a second amount, or it may perform the specific print process using a plurality of test patterns including a test pattern in which the area of ​​the reduced region is a first area and a test pattern in which the area of ​​the reduced region is a second area, or it may perform the specific print process using a plurality of test patterns including a test pattern in which the reduced discharge amount is a first amount and the area of ​​the reduced region is a first area, and a test pattern in which the reduced discharge amount is a second amount and the area of ​​the reduced region is a second area.

[0039] The printer helps to show the user the differences in image quality of each of the multiple test patterns.

[0040] The control unit may perform the first specific discharge process and the second specific discharge process in the order of the second specific discharge process followed by the first specific discharge process.

[0041] A printer contributes to forming an image on a transfer medium through a specific printing process.

[0042] The control unit may perform a normal printing process based on receiving a normal printing instruction that specifies ejecting the second ink from the second head at the second resolution, which is different from the specific printing instruction. In the normal printing process, the control unit may perform a first normal ejection process in which the first ink is ejected from the first head, and a second normal ejection process in which the second ink is ejected from the second head at the second resolution, without regard to the second resolution.

[0043] The printer contributes to processing differently depending on whether it receives a standard print command or a specific print command.

[0044] A control method according to a second aspect of the present invention is a control method for a printer having a first head for ejecting first ink and a second head for ejecting second ink, comprising a specific printing process that is executed based on the receipt of a specific printing instruction specifying that the second ink be ejected from the second head at a second resolution, wherein the specific printing process includes a first specific ejection process that ejects the first ink from the first head based on the second resolution, and a second specific ejection process that ejects the second ink from the second head at the second resolution.

[0045] The second embodiment contributes to the same advantages as the first embodiment.

[0046] A control program according to a third aspect of the present invention is characterized in that, upon receiving a specific print instruction from a computer that controls a printer equipped with a first head for ejecting first ink and a second head for ejecting second ink, the computer executes a specific print process, and in the specific print process, executes a first specific ejection process for ejecting the first ink from the first head and a second specific ejection process for ejecting the second ink from the second head at the second resolution, based on the second resolution.

[0047] The third embodiment contributes to the same advantages as the first embodiment. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0048] [Figure 1] This is a plan view of printer 1, seen from above. [Figure 2] This is a side view of printer 1, seen from the right. [Figure 3] This is a bottom view of carriage 2, seen from below. [Figure 4] This is a diagram illustrating W-export scanning at a resolution of 300 dpi. [Figure 5] This is a diagram illustrating W-export scanning at a resolution of 600 dpi. [Figure 6] This is a diagram illustrating W-export scanning at a resolution of 1200 dpi. [Figure 7] This is a block diagram showing the electrical configuration of printer 1. [Figure 8] This is a diagram showing the print settings in PS. [Figure 9] This figure shows the interlace table T1. [Figure 10] This figure shows the interlacing information F. [Figure 11] This is a flowchart of the main process. [Figure 12] This is a flowchart of the main process. [Figure 13] This is a diagram showing the print settings for PS1. [Figure 14] This is a diagram showing the print settings for PS2. [Figure 15] This is a diagram showing the print settings for PS3. [Figure 16] This diagram shows the interlacing information for F1. [Figure 17] This figure shows the interlacing information F2. [Figure 18] This figure shows the interlacing information F3. [Figure 19] This diagram shows the printing flow based on interlacing information F1. [Figure 20] This diagram shows the print flow based on interlacing information F2. [Figure 21] This diagram shows the print flow based on interlacing information F3. [Figure 22] This figure shows the interlacing information F4. [Figure 23] This is a flowchart of the main process. [Figure 24] This figure shows the interlacing information F4. [Figure 25] This is a diagram showing the print settings in PS. [Figure 26] This is a flowchart of the main process. [Figure 27] This is a flowchart of the main process. [Figure 28] This is a diagram showing the print settings for PS5. [Figure 29] This is a diagram showing the print settings for PS6. [Figure 30] This diagram shows the interlacing information F5. [Figure 31] This figure shows the interlacing information F6. [Figure 32] This diagram shows the print flow based on interlacing information F5. [Figure 33] This diagram shows the print flow based on interlacing information F6. [Figure 34] This figure shows the interlacing information F7. [Figure 35] This is a plan view of the medium M, illustrating the region where the ink layer is formed. [Figure 36] This is a diagram showing the print settings in PS. [Figure 37] This is a diagram showing the discharge volume table T2. [Figure 38] This is a flowchart of the main process. [Figure 39] This is a flowchart of the main process. [Figure 40] This is a flowchart of the main process. [Figure 41] This is a flowchart of the main process. [Figure 42] This is a diagram showing the print settings for PS8. [Figure 43]This figure shows the interlacing information F8. [Figure 44] This is a plan view of medium M on which multiple test patterns are printed. [Figure 45] This diagram shows the print flow based on interlacing information F8. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0049] A printer 1 according to the first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In Figure 1, the left, right, down, and up directions are the left, right, front, and rear of the printer 1, respectively. In Figure 2, the left, right, down, and up directions are the front, rear, down, and up of the printer 1, respectively.

[0050] Referring to Figures 1 and 2, the schematic configuration of printer 1 will be described. Printer 1 is an inkjet printer. Printer 1 performs printing on medium M.

[0051] In the first embodiment, the medium M is a printing medium. The medium M is a cloth, paper, etc. The medium M is, for example, a T-shirt.

[0052] Printer 1 includes a platen transport mechanism 11, a platen 7, a head transport mechanism 12, and a plurality of heads 10.

[0053] The platen transport mechanism 11 comprises a pair of guide rails 111 and 112 and a support base 8 shown in Figure 2. The pair of guide rails 111 and 112 each extend in the front-rear direction. The pair of guide rails 111 and 112 are aligned with each other in the left-right direction. The pair of guide rails 111 and 112 are fixed to the frame of the printer 1.

[0054] The support base 8 shown in Figure 2 is supported by a pair of guide rails 111 and 112. The support base 8 moves in the front-rear direction along the pair of guide rails 111 and 112. A platen 7 is attached to the upper end of the support base 8.

[0055] As indicated by arrow Y2, the platen transport mechanism 11 transports the platen 7 in the front-rear direction via the support base 8, driven by the sub-scanning motor 14 shown in Figure 7. Therefore, the front-rear direction of the printer 1 is the sub-scanning direction.

[0056] The platen 7 has a plate-like shape. The platen 7 extends in the front-to-back and left-to-right directions. A mounting surface 71 is formed on the upper surface of the platen 7. The medium M is set on the platen 7 by placing it on the mounting surface 71.

[0057] The head transport mechanism 12 comprises a pair of guide rails 121 and 122 and a carriage 2. The pair of guide rails 121 and 122 each extend in the left-right direction. The pair of guide rails 121 and 122 are aligned with each other in the front-back direction. The pair of guide rails 121 and 122 are fixed to the frame of the printer 1.

[0058] The carriage 2 has a plate-like shape. The carriage 2 extends in the front-rear and left-right directions. The carriage 2 is supported by a pair of guide rails 121 and 122. The carriage 2 moves in the left-right direction along the pair of guide rails 121 and 122. Multiple heads 10 are mounted on the carriage 2.

[0059] As indicated by arrow Y1, the head transport mechanism 12 transports multiple heads 10 in the left-right direction via the carriage 2, driven by the main scanning motor 13 shown in Figure 7. Therefore, the left-right direction of the printer 1 is the main scanning direction.

[0060] The multiple heads 10 have a rectangular parallelepiped shape. In the first embodiment, the multiple heads 10 include a white head 3, a color head 4, and a post-processing head 5. The white head 3, color head 4, and post-processing head 5 are arranged in a line from front to back in the order of color head 4, post-processing head 5, and white head 3.

[0061] The lower surfaces of the white head 3, color head 4, and post-processing head 5 are positioned above the mounting surface 71 of the platen 7. The lower surfaces of the white head 3, color head 4, and post-processing head 5 are exposed downwards through openings provided in the carriage 2.

[0062] Referring to Figure 3, the detailed structure of head 10 will be explained. Multiple nozzle rows N31, N32, N33, and N34 are formed on the lower surface of the white head 3. The multiple nozzle rows N31 to N34 are arranged from left to right in the order of nozzle row N31, N32, N33, and N34.

[0063] Each of the nozzle rows N31 to N34 of the white head 3 has multiple nozzles 31. The multiple nozzles 31 are openings. The multiple nozzles 31 are arranged in a single row in the front-to-back direction in each of the nozzle rows N31 to N34. The multiple nozzles 31 may be arranged in multiple rows in the front-to-back direction in each of the nozzle rows N31 to N34. The number of multiple nozzles 31 in nozzle row N31, the number of multiple nozzles 31 in nozzle row N32, the number of multiple nozzles 31 in nozzle row N33, and the number of multiple nozzles 31 in nozzle row N34 are substantially equal to each other.

[0064] White ink is supplied to the white print head 3 from the white ink container. The white ink forms the background of the color image or represents the white areas in the color image.

[0065] The white print head 3 ejects the supplied white ink from each of the multiple nozzles 31 in nozzle rows N31 to N34.

[0066] Multiple nozzle rows N41, N42, N43, and N44 are formed on the underside of the color head 4. The multiple nozzle rows N41 to N44 are arranged from left to right in the order of nozzle row N41, N42, N43, and N44.

[0067] Each of the nozzle rows N41 to N44 of the color head 4 has multiple nozzles 41. The multiple nozzles 41 are openings. The multiple nozzles 41 are arranged in a single row in the front-to-back direction in each of the nozzle rows N41 to N44. However, the multiple nozzles 41 may be arranged in multiple rows in the front-to-back direction in each of the nozzle rows N41 to N44. The number of multiple nozzles 41 in nozzle row N41, the number of multiple nozzles 41 in nozzle row N42, the number of multiple nozzles 41 in nozzle row N43, and the number of multiple nozzles 41 in nozzle row N44 are substantially equal to each other.

[0068] The color head 4 is supplied with color ink from multiple color ink containers. The color ink forms a color image. The color ink consists of four colors, for example, cyan, magenta, yellow, and black.

[0069] In the first embodiment, the color head 4 ejects the supplied cyan color ink from a plurality of nozzles 41 in nozzle row N41. The color head 4 ejects the supplied magenta color ink from a plurality of nozzles 41 in nozzle row N42. The color head 4 ejects the supplied yellow color ink from a plurality of nozzles 41 in nozzle row N43. The color head 4 ejects the supplied black color ink from a plurality of nozzles 41 in nozzle row N44.

[0070] Multiple nozzle rows N51, N52, N53, and N54 are formed on the underside of the post-processing head 5. The multiple nozzle rows N51 to N54 are arranged from left to right in the order of nozzle row N51, N52, N53, and N54.

[0071] Each of the multiple nozzle rows N51 to N54 of the post-processing head 5 has multiple nozzles 51. The multiple nozzles 51 are openings. The multiple nozzles 51 are arranged in a single row in the front-to-back direction in each of the multiple nozzle rows N51 to N54. The multiple nozzles 51 may be arranged in multiple rows in the front-to-back direction in each of the multiple nozzle rows N51 to N54. The number of multiple nozzles 51 in nozzle row N51, the number of multiple nozzles 51 in nozzle row N52, the number of multiple nozzles 51 in nozzle row N53, and the number of multiple nozzles 51 in nozzle row N54 are substantially equal to each other.

[0072] The post-processing head 5 is supplied with post-processing liquid from a post-processing liquid container. The post-processing liquid is, for example, a coating liquid. The post-processing liquid protects the color image. The post-processing liquid improves the glossiness of the color image. The post-processing liquid is an aqueous solution containing a resin emulsion, an aqueous solution containing a crosslinking agent, etc.

[0073] The post-treatment head 5 discharges the supplied post-treatment liquid from multiple nozzles 51 in nozzle rows N51 and N52. In the first embodiment, nozzle rows N53 and N54 are not used. The post-treatment head 5 may discharge the supplied post-treatment liquid from multiple nozzles 51 in nozzle rows N53 and N54.

[0074] The nozzle pitch D [inch] represents the distance between the centers of adjacent pairs of nozzles 31 in the front-to-back direction, the distance between the centers of adjacent pairs of nozzles 41 in the front-to-back direction, and the distance between the centers of adjacent pairs of nozzles 51 in the front-to-back direction. The nozzle pitch D is not limited to a specific size. In the first embodiment, the nozzle pitch D is 1 / 300 inch. That is, for example, in a nozzle row N31, the density of multiple nozzles 31 in the front-to-back direction is 300 dpi.

[0075] In the following, the term "ink" will be used to refer collectively to white ink, colored ink, and post-treatment solution, or to any other term not specifically.

[0076] Referring to Figures 1 and 2, the printing operation of printer 1 will be explained. As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the platen 7 is transported in the front-rear direction between the front end position P11 and the rear end position P12 by the platen transport mechanism 11. At the front end position P11, the platen 7 is positioned in front of the color head 4. At the rear end position P12, the platen 7 is positioned behind the white head 3. For example, with the platen 7 positioned at the front end position P11, the printing medium M is set on the platen 7.

[0077] As shown in Figure 1, the head 10 is transported horizontally by the head transport mechanism 12 between the left end position P21 and the right end position P22. At the left end position P21, the head 10 is positioned to the left of the platen 7. At the right end position P22, the head 10 is positioned to the right of the platen 7.

[0078] As indicated by arrows Y1 and Y2, in a plan view, the movement paths of the multiple heads 10 and the movement path of the platen 7 intersect with each other. When the multiple heads 10 and the platen 7 are positioned in the region where the movement paths of the multiple heads 10 and the movement path of the platen 7 intersect in a plan view, at least one of the lower surfaces of the white head 3, the color head 4, or the post-processing head 5 and the mounting surface 71 of the platen 7 face each other in the vertical direction with the medium M in between. Hereinafter, the state in which at least one of the lower surfaces of the white head 3, the color head 4, or the post-processing head 5 and the mounting surface 71 of the platen 7 face each other in the vertical direction with the medium M in between will be referred to as the "facing state".

[0079] In the facing configuration, the ejection scan in which white ink is ejected from the nozzle 31 to the white head 3 while it is being transported in the left-right direction is called "W-ejection scan". In the facing configuration, the ejection scan in which color ink is ejected from the nozzle 41 to the color head 4 while it is being transported in the left-right direction is called "C-ejection scan". In the facing configuration, the ejection scan in which post-processing liquid is ejected from the nozzle 51 to the post-processing head 5 while it is being transported in the left-right direction is called "P-ejection scan". When W-ejection scan, C-ejection scan, and P-ejection scan are referred to collectively, or when none of them are specified, it is called "head 10 ejection scan".

[0080] The movement of the platen 7 in the forward and backward direction is called "sub-scanning of the platen 7". The distance traveled by the platen 7 in one sub-scan in the forward and backward direction is called the "sub-scan distance". One sub-scan of the platen 7 refers to the number of sub-scans of the platen 7 performed between the ejection scans of the head 10 in consecutive passes.

[0081] During printing, the printer 1 repeatedly performs ejection scanning of the head 10 and sub-scanning of the platen 7 over a predetermined sub-scanning distance.

[0082] A white layer is formed on the medium M by W-ejection scanning. The white layer is composed of white ink that lands on the medium M. The white layer constitutes the background or white areas of the color image.

[0083] In medium M, a color layer is formed on the white layer by C-eject scanning. The color layer is composed of color inks that land on medium M. The color layer constitutes a color image.

[0084] A post-processing layer is formed on the medium M by P-discharge scanning. The post-processing layer is composed of a post-processing solution that lands on the medium M. The post-processing layer improves the glossiness of the color image or protects the color image.

[0085] Printer 1 forms each layer on the medium M through printing operations and performs printing on the medium M. Hereafter, the process in which the printing operation is performed, that is, the process in which the ejection scan of the head 10 and the sub-scan of the platen 7 are repeated, will be referred to as the "ejection process".

[0086] The primary scan resolution and secondary scan resolution are defined. The primary scan resolution is the resolution in the primary scan direction, i.e., the left-right direction, indicated by arrow Y1 in Figure 1. The primary scan resolution is determined by the ejection interval in the ejection scan of head 10. In the first embodiment, the primary scan resolution is 1200 dpi.

[0087] The sub-scan resolution is the resolution in the sub-scan direction, i.e., the forward / backward direction, as indicated by arrow Y2 in Figure 1. The sub-scan resolution depends on the nozzle pitch D and the sub-scan distance of the platen 7. As the nozzle pitch D decreases, the sub-scan resolution increases. As the sub-scan distance of the platen 7 decreases, the sub-scan resolution increases.

[0088] Hereinafter, the sub-scan resolution will simply be referred to as "resolution." The minimum resolution printable by the head 10 will be referred to as the "minimum resolution." The minimum resolution is 1 / nozzle pitch D. In the first embodiment, the minimum resolution is 1 / (1 / 300)dpi, that is, 300dpi.

[0089] In the following, the resolution corresponding to the white head 3 will be referred to as "W-resolution," the resolution corresponding to the color head 4 as "C-resolution," and the resolution corresponding to the post-processing head 5 as "P-resolution."

[0090] The number of passes is defined. The number of passes is the number of times the head 10 performs an ejection scan. For example, assuming that the head 10 performs one one-way ejection scan from one of the leftmost position P21 and the rightmost position P22 to the other, the number of passes is 1. For example, assuming that the ejection scan of the head 10 performs one round-trip ejection scan from one of the leftmost position P21 and the rightmost position P22 to the other, the number of passes is 2.

[0091] In a printed image, within the range of nozzle pitch D, lines extending in the main scanning direction are aligned in the sub-scanning direction. Hereafter, the number of passes required to form one line extending in the main scanning direction within the range of nozzle pitch D will be referred to as the "unit pass count." A printed image is formed by the number of unit passes equal to the number of lines. The fewer the unit pass count, the shorter the printing time. Hereafter, the number of passes, i.e., 1 pass, 2 passes, etc., refers to the unit pass count. Below, the general outline of the unit pass count will be explained with reference to Figures 4 to 6.

[0092] Referring to Figure 4, we will explain an example of a W-extrusion scanning process with a minimum resolution of 300 dpi, assuming that the number of unit passes is 1. In Figure 4, we will use nozzle row N31 as an example. In Figure 4, for the sake of simplicity, we will assume that nozzle row N31 is composed of two nozzles 31. The same applies to Figures 5 and 6. In Figure 4, position P31 indicates the position of nozzle row N31 in the front-to-back direction, at the center position of the two nozzles 31.

[0093] With the nozzle row N31 positioned at position P31, white ink is ejected from the two nozzles 31 as the nozzle row N31 moves from one side to the other in the left-right direction. The white ink is ejected onto two lines L31 along the movement path of the two nozzles 31. The distance between the two lines L31 is equal to the nozzle pitch D, or 1 / 300 inch. Therefore, when the W-ejection scan is performed in one pass, the W-resolution becomes the minimum resolution, i.e., 300 dpi.

[0094] In order to perform ejection scanning of head 10 at the minimum resolution, it can be said that one-pass ejection scanning of head 10 is necessary.

[0095] Referring to Figure 5, we will describe an example where W-extrusion scanning is performed at a resolution of 600 dpi, which is twice the minimum resolution, as an example of a unit pass count of 2 passes. In Figure 5, positions P61 and P62 indicate the positions of the nozzle row N31 in the front-to-back direction, at the center positions of the two nozzles 31, respectively.

[0096] With the nozzle row N31 positioned at position P61, white ink is ejected from the two nozzles 31 as the nozzle row N31 moves from one side to the other in the left-right direction. The white ink is ejected onto two lines L61 along the movement path of the two nozzles 31. The distance between the two lines L61 is equal to the nozzle pitch D, or 1 / 300 inch.

[0097] After the first pass of the W-discharge scan, the medium M moves forward relative to the nozzle row N31 by a sub-scan distance D6. For convenience, Figure 5 shows the state where the position of the medium M in the front-to-back direction is fixed, and the nozzle row N31 moves backward from position P61 to position P62 by a sub-scan distance D6. The sub-scan distance D6 is half the nozzle pitch D, or 1 / 600 inch.

[0098] With the nozzle row N31 positioned at position P62, white ink is ejected from the two nozzles 31 as the nozzle row N31 moves from one side to the other in the left-right direction. The white ink is ejected onto two lines L62 along the movement path of the two nozzles 31. The distance between the two lines L62 is equal to the nozzle pitch D, or 1 / 300 inch.

[0099] Since the sub-scanning distance D6 is half the nozzle pitch D, or 1 / 600 inch, the distance between adjacent lines L61 and L62 in the front-to-back direction is equal to half the nozzle pitch D, or 1 / 600 inch. Therefore, if the W-export scan is performed in two passes with the sub-scanning distance D6 being half the nozzle pitch D, or 1 / 600 inch, the W-resolution will be twice the minimum resolution, or 600 dpi.

[0100] In order to perform ejection scanning of head 10 at twice the minimum resolution, it can be said that two ejection scans of head 10 are necessary, with the sub-scanning distance D6 set to half the nozzle pitch D, i.e., 1 / 600 inch.

[0101] Note that white ink does not necessarily have to be dispensed from the same nozzle 31 to lines L61 and L62. White ink may be dispensed from one nozzle 31 included in nozzle row N31 to line L61, and from another nozzle 31 included in nozzle row N31 to line L62. The same applies to lines L121, L122, L123, and L124 shown in Figure 6 and described later.

[0102] Referring to Figure 6, we will describe an example where W-extrusion scanning is performed at a resolution of 1200 dpi, which is four times the minimum resolution, as an example with four unit passes. In Figure 6, positions P121, P122, P123, and P124 indicate the positions of the nozzle row N31 in the front-to-back direction, at the center positions of two nozzles 31, respectively.

[0103] With the nozzle row N31 positioned at position P121, white ink is ejected from the two nozzles 31 as the nozzle row N31 moves from one side to the other in the left-right direction. The white ink is ejected onto two lines L121 along the movement path of the two nozzles 31. The distance between the two lines L121 is equal to the nozzle pitch D, or 1 / 300 inch.

[0104] After the first pass of the W-discharge scan, the medium M moves forward relative to the nozzle row N31 by a sub-scan distance D12. For convenience, Figure 6 shows the state where the position of the medium M in the front-to-back direction is fixed, and the nozzle row N31 moves backward from position P121 to position P122 by a sub-scan distance D12. The same applies from position P122 to position P123, and from position P123 to position P124. The sub-scan distance D12 is 1 / 4 of the nozzle pitch D, or 1 / 1200 inch.

[0105] With the nozzle row N31 positioned at position P122, white ink is ejected from the two nozzles 31 as the nozzle row N31 moves from one side to the other in the left-right direction. The white ink is ejected onto two lines L122 along the movement path of the two nozzles 31. The distance between the two lines L122 is equal to the nozzle pitch D, or 1 / 300 inch.

[0106] After the second pass of the W-discharge scan, the medium M moves forward a sub-scan distance D12 relative to the nozzle row N31. That is, the nozzle row N31 is positioned at position P123.

[0107] With the nozzle row N31 positioned at position P123, white ink is ejected from the two nozzles 31 as the nozzle row N31 moves from one side to the other in the left-right direction. The white ink is ejected onto two lines L123 along the movement path of the two nozzles 31. The distance between the two lines L123 is equal to the nozzle pitch D, or 1 / 300 inch.

[0108] After the third pass of the W-discharge scan, the medium M moves forward by a sub-scan distance D12 relative to the nozzle row N31. That is, the nozzle row N31 is positioned at position P124.

[0109] With the nozzle row N31 positioned at position P124, white ink is ejected from the two nozzles 31 as the nozzle row N31 moves from one side to the other in the left-right direction. The white ink is ejected onto two lines L124 along the movement path of the two nozzles 31. The distance between the two lines L124 is equal to the nozzle pitch D, or 1 / 300 inch.

[0110] Since the sub-scanning distance D12 is 1 / 4 of the nozzle pitch D, or 1 / 1200 inch, the distance between adjacent lines L121, L122, L123, and L124 in the front-to-back direction is equal to 1 / 4 of the nozzle pitch D, or 1 / 1200 inch. Therefore, if the W-export scan is performed in 4 passes with the sub-scanning distance D12 being 1 / 4 of the nozzle pitch D, or 1 / 1200 inch, the W-resolution will be 4 times the minimum resolution, or 1200 dpi.

[0111] In order to perform ejection scanning of head 10 at a resolution four times the minimum resolution, it can be said that four ejection scans of head 10 are necessary, with the sub-scanning distance D12 being 1 / 4 of the nozzle pitch D, or 1 / 1200 inch.

[0112] Let N be a natural number. In order to perform ejection scanning of head 10 at a resolution N times the minimum resolution, the sub-scanning distance is set to 1 / N of the nozzle pitch D, and N ejection scans of head 10 are required.

[0113] The ink ejection volume is defined. The ink ejection volume is the total amount of ink assuming that the head 10 performs one or more ejection scans at a predetermined resolution within the range of nozzle pitch D. The total ink volume is the sum of the maximum amount of ink of the same color that can be ejected from multiple nozzles in one or more nozzle rows of the head 10 in all ejection scans of one or more passes.

[0114] In the following, the ink discharge volume of white ink will be referred to as "W-discharge volume," the ink discharge volume of color ink will be referred to as "C-discharge volume," and the ink discharge volume of post-treatment solution will be referred to as "P-discharge volume."

[0115] For example, at a W-resolution of 1200 dpi, the W-discharge amount is the sum of the amounts of white ink discharged from all of the multiple nozzles 31 in nozzle row N31 in all four passes of the W-discharge scan. In the first embodiment, the W-discharge amount is set to "400%" assuming that white ink is discharged from all of the nozzles 31 in nozzle rows N31 to N34 at a W-resolution of 1200 dpi. At a W-resolution of 1200 dpi, the W-discharge amount is set to 100% assuming that white ink is discharged from all of the multiple nozzles 31 only in nozzle row N31 out of nozzle rows N31 to N34.

[0116] Assuming that at a resolution of 1200 dpi, cyan color ink is ejected from all of the multiple nozzles 41 in nozzle row N41, magenta color ink is ejected from all of the multiple nozzles 41 in nozzle row N42, yellow color ink is ejected from all of the multiple nozzles 41 in nozzle row N43, and black color ink is ejected from all of the multiple nozzles 41 in nozzle row N44, the C-ejection rate will be 100%.

[0117] At a P-resolution of 300 dpi, assuming that post-treatment liquid is discharged from all of the multiple nozzles 51 in nozzle rows N51 and N52, the P-discharge rate will be 50%.

[0118] Referring to Figure 7, the electrical configuration of printer 1 will be described. Printer 1 includes a CPU 91, flash memory 92, and RAM 93. The CPU 91, flash memory 92, and RAM 93 are electrically connected to each other.

[0119] CPU91 controls printer 1. CPU91 functions as a processor.

[0120] The flash memory 92 is a non-volatile memory. The flash memory 92 stores various types of data. For example, the flash memory 92 stores programs, print settings PS shown in Figure 8 (described later), interlace table T1 shown in Figure 9 (described later), and interlace information F shown in Figure 10 (described later).

[0121] The program consists of computer-readable instructions. The program is executed by the CPU 91. When the program is executed by the CPU 91, it instructs the CPU 91 to perform various processes. The program includes a control program for executing the main process described later, as shown in Figures 11 and 12.

[0122] RAM93 temporarily stores various types of data. These types of data include flags used in the main process, and data acquired, identified, calculated, generated, set, or determined during the main process.

[0123] The CPU 91 is electrically connected to the main scanning motor 13, the sub-scanning motor 14, the white head drive unit 30, the color head drive unit 40, the post-processing head drive unit 50, the display 97, and the operation unit 98.

[0124] The main scanning motor 13, under the control of the CPU 91, transports multiple heads 10 in the left-right direction together with the carriage 2.

[0125] The sub-scanning motor 14, under the control of the CPU 91, transports the platen 7 in the front-rear direction together with the support base 8.

[0126] The white head drive unit 30 is, for example, a heating element or a piezoelectric element. The white head drive unit 30 is provided in correspondence with each of the multiple nozzles 31. The white head drive unit 30 selectively ejects white ink from the multiple nozzles 31 to the white head 3 under the control of the CPU 91.

[0127] The color head drive unit 40 is, for example, a heating element or a piezoelectric element. The color head drive unit 40 is provided in correspondence with each of the multiple nozzles 41. The color head drive unit 40 selectively ejects color ink from the multiple nozzles 41 to the color head 4 under the control of the CPU 91.

[0128] The post-processing head drive unit 50 is, for example, a heating element or a piezoelectric element. The post-processing head drive unit 50 is provided in correspondence with each of the multiple nozzles 51. The post-processing head drive unit 50 selectively discharges the post-processing liquid from the multiple nozzles 51 to the post-processing head 5 under the control of the CPU 91.

[0129] The display 97 displays various screens under the control of the CPU 91. The operation unit 98 is the user interface. The operation unit 98 is, for example, a button or a touch panel. The operation unit 98 outputs signals to the CPU 91 in response to user operations.

[0130] For example, the control unit 98 accepts print setting input operations and print start operations. Print setting input operations and print start operations are operations performed by the user, respectively.

[0131] The print settings input operation is the operation of inputting the print settings PS to printer 1.

[0132] The print start operation is the operation to input a print command to printer 1 in order to perform a print operation using printer 1. The print command specifies the print settings (PS) and the image data to be printed.

[0133] Referring to Figure 8, the print setting PS in the first embodiment will be explained. The print setting PS specifies whether the individual setting is ON or OFF. Individual setting ON indicates that the W-eject scan and C-eject scan will not be performed in parallel with each other, the W-eject scan and P-eject scan will not be performed in parallel with each other, the C-eject scan and P-eject scan will not be performed in parallel with each other, and the W-eject scan, C-eject scan and P-eject scan will not be performed in parallel with each other. Individual setting OFF indicates that the W-eject scan and C-eject scan may be performed in parallel with each other, the W-eject scan and P-eject scan may be performed in parallel with each other, the C-eject scan and P-eject scan may be performed in parallel with each other, or the W-eject scan, C-eject scan and P-eject scan may be performed in parallel with each other.

[0134] The print settings (PS) specify the ink ejection amount and resolution depending on the type of ink layer, i.e., whether it is a white layer, a color layer, or a post-processing layer. The print settings (PS) specify the W-ejection amount as, for example, 200%, 400%, 600%, or 800%. The print settings (PS) specify the C-ejection amount as, for example, 100%. The print settings (PS) specify the P-ejection amount as, for example, 50%, 100%, or 200%.

[0135] Print settings PS: W - Resolution is not specified. Print settings PS: C - Resolution is set to 1200dpi. Print settings PS: P - Resolution is not specified.

[0136] In the following, the W-discharge amount specified by the print settings PS will be referred to as "W-specified amount". The C-discharge amount specified by the print settings PS will be referred to as "C-specified amount". The P-discharge amount specified by the print settings PS will be referred to as "P-specified amount". The C-resolution specified by the print settings PS will be referred to as "C-specified resolution".

[0137] The color-compatible ejection rate is defined. The color-compatible ejection rate is the W-export rate based on the C-specified resolution. In other words, the color-compatible ejection rate is the W-export rate assuming that the W-resolution is the C-specified resolution. In the first embodiment, since the C-specified resolution is a fixed value of 1200 dpi, the color-compatible ejection rate is a fixed value of 400%. If the C-specified resolution were 600 dpi, the color-compatible ejection rate would be 200%.

[0138] Referring to Figure 9, the interlacing table T1 is described. The interlacing table T1 specifies the resolution and the number of unit passes according to the W-discharge rate. The interlacing table T1 specifies the resolution and the number of unit passes according to the C-discharge rate. The interlacing table T1 specifies the resolution and the number of unit passes according to the P-discharge rate. In the interlacing table T1, the resolution and the number of passes determined according to the ink discharge rate are determined according to the size of the nozzle pitch D shown in Figure 3.

[0139] In the first embodiment, a W-discharge rate of 100%, a C-discharge rate of 25%, and a P-discharge rate of 50% correspond to a resolution of 300 dpi and one pass. A W-discharge rate of 200%, a C-discharge rate of 50%, and a P-discharge rate of 100% correspond to a resolution of 600 dpi and two passes. A W-discharge rate of 400%, a C-discharge rate of 100%, and a P-discharge rate of 200% correspond to a resolution of 1200 dpi and four passes.

[0140] Furthermore, a W-extrusion rate of 600% supports a resolution of 1200 dpi and 6 passes. A W-extrusion rate of 800% supports a resolution of 1200 dpi and 8 passes.

[0141] Refer to Figure 10 to explain the interlace information F. Interlace information F is generated based on the contents of the print settings PS shown in Figure 8. Interlace information F specifies the type of ejection scan of the head 10 performed in the ejection process for each ejection scan. For each ejection scan, interlace information F specifies the ink ejection amount, resolution, and number of unit passes.

[0142] Referring to Figures 11 and 12, the main processing in the first embodiment will be described. When power is turned on to the printer 1, the CPU 91 reads a control program from the flash memory 92 and executes the main processing. In the main processing, the editing of the print settings PS and the printing operation are controlled.

[0143] CPU91 determines whether it has received the print setting input operation (S11). Based on the determination that the print setting input operation has been received (S11: YES), CPU91 moves on to the process in S12. Based on the determination that the print setting input operation has not been received (S11: NO), CPU91 moves on to the determination in S21.

[0144] In the S12 process, the CPU 91 performs the print settings process (S12). In the print settings process, the CPU 91 edits the print settings PS according to the print settings input operation. The CPU 91 stores the edited print settings PS in the flash memory 92. The CPU 91 then proceeds to the decision in S21.

[0145] Refer to Figure 13, and as a specific example, explain print setting PS1. Print setting PS1 specifies ON as an individual setting. Print setting PS1 specifies 600% as the W-specified amount. Print setting PS1 specifies 100% as the C-specified amount. Print setting PS1 specifies 50% as the P-specified amount.

[0146] For print settings, PS1 should be set to C - 1200dpi as the specified resolution.

[0147] Referring to Figure 14, we will explain print settings PS2 as a specific example. Print settings PS2 is set to OFF as an individual setting. Print settings PS2 is set to 200% as the W-specified amount. Print settings PS2 is set to 100% as the C-specified amount. Print settings PS2 is set to 50% as the P-specified amount.

[0148] For PS2 print settings, specify 1200dpi as the resolution (C).

[0149] Refer to Figure 15, and as a specific example, explain print setting PS3. Print setting PS3 is set to OFF as an individual setting. Print setting PS3 is set to 600% as W-specified amount. Print setting PS3 is set to 100% as C-specified amount. Print setting PS3 is set to 50% as P-specified amount.

[0150] The PS3 print settings specify 1200dpi as the designated resolution (C). In other words, the PS3 print settings are the same as the PS1 print settings, except for individual settings.

[0151] As shown in Figure 11, in the decision of S21, the CPU 91 determines whether it has received a print command (S21). Based on the determination that it has not received a print command (S21: NO), the CPU 91 returns to the decision of S11. Based on the determination that it has received a print command (S21: YES), the CPU 91 moves to the process of S22.

[0152] In the S22 process, the CPU 91 receives the print settings PS specified by the print command from the flash memory 92 (S22).

[0153] In the following, a print instruction that specifies color ink ejection from color head 4 at C-resolution and specifies a print setting PS with individual settings turned ON is referred to as a "normal print instruction." A print instruction that specifies color ink ejection from color head 4 at C-resolution and specifies a print setting PS with individual settings turned OFF is referred to as a "specific print instruction."

[0154] CPU91 refers to the received print settings (PS) and determines whether individual settings are turned ON (S31). In other words, CPU91 determines whether the received print command is a normal print command.

[0155] For example, in print setting PS1 shown in Figure 13, individual settings are ON. Based on the fact that individual settings are ON, meaning that the received print instruction is determined to be a normal print instruction (S31: YES), the CPU 91 moves the process to S32.

[0156] In the processing of S32, the CPU 91 specifies W-discard scanning for the first discarding process in the interlace information F (S32). The CPU 91 specifies C-discard scanning for the second discarding process in the interlace information F (S32). The CPU 91 specifies P-discard scanning for the third discarding process in the interlace information F (S32).

[0157] The CPU 91 refers to the interlace table T1 shown in Figure 9 and specifies the ink ejection amount, resolution, and number of unit passes that have not yet been specified in the interlace information F (S61). The CPU 91 then proceeds to the decision shown in S71 in Figure 12.

[0158] For example, in the print setting PS1 shown in Figure 13, the CPU 91 generates the interlace information F1 shown in Figure 16 through processing in S32 and S61.

[0159] As shown in Figure 16, the processing in S32 results in the interlacing information F1 specifying W-discard scanning for the first discarding process, C-discard scanning for the second discarding process, and P-discard scanning for the third discarding process.

[0160] In the S61 process, the interlace information F1 specifies a W-discharge amount of 600% as per the print setting PS1 shown in Figure 13. The W-discharge amount is specified independently of the C-specified resolution as per the print setting PS1 shown in Figure 13. The W-resolution and W-pass count refer to the interlace table T1 shown in Figure 9, respectively, and a resolution of 1200 dpi and 6 passes are specified, corresponding to a W-specified amount of 600%. The W-resolution and W-pass count are specified independently of the C-specified resolution as per the print setting PS1 shown in Figure 13.

[0161] In the S61 process, the interlace information F1 specifies 100% of the C-specified amount according to the print setting PS1 shown in Figure 13 for the C-discharge amount. The C-specified resolution of 1200 dpi according to the print setting PS1 shown in Figure 13 is specified for the C-resolution. The interlace table T1 shown in Figure 9 is referenced for the number of C-passes, and 4 passes corresponding to 100% C-discharge amount are specified.

[0162] In the S61 process, the interlace information F1 specifies a P-discharge amount of 50% according to the print setting PS1 shown in Figure 13 for P-discharge amount. For P-resolution and P-pass count, the interlace table T1 shown in Figure 9 is referenced, and a resolution of 300 dpi and 1 pass are specified, corresponding to a P-discharge amount of 50%.

[0163] In interlacing information F1, the total number of unit passes in the first, second, and third ejection processes is 6 passes + 4 passes + 1 pass. Therefore, the total number of unit passes in the first, second, and third ejection processes is 11 passes.

[0164] For example, in print settings PS2 shown in Figure 14 and print settings PS3 shown in Figure 15, the individual setting is OFF. As shown in Figure 11, in the judgment of S31, based on the determination that the individual setting is OFF, that is, that the received print instruction is a specific print instruction (S31: NO), the CPU 91 moves the process to the judgment of S41.

[0165] In S41, CPU91 determines whether the W-specified amount is greater than 400% of the color-compatible output amount (S41).

[0166] For example, in print setting PS2 shown in Figure 14, W-specified amount of 200% is less than or equal to the color-compatible ejection amount of 400%. Based on the determination that the W-specified amount is less than or equal to the color-compatible ejection amount (S41:NO), CPU91 moves the process to S42.

[0167] In the processing of S42, the CPU 91 specifies W-discharge scanning and C-discharge scanning for the first discharge process in the interlace information F (S42). The CPU 91 also specifies P-discharge scanning for the second discharge process in the interlace information F (S42).

[0168] The CPU 91 refers to the interlace table T1 shown in Figure 9 and specifies the ink ejection amount, resolution, and number of unit passes that have not yet been specified in the interlace information F (S61). The CPU 91 then proceeds to the decision shown in S71 in Figure 12.

[0169] For example, in the print setting PS2 shown in Figure 14, the CPU 91 generates the interlace information F2 shown in Figure 17 through processing in S42 and S61.

[0170] As shown in Figure 17, the processing in S32 specifies W-discharge scanning and C-discharge scanning for the first discharge process in the interlace information F2. P-discharge scanning is specified for the second discharge process. Discharge scanning of head 10 is not specified for the third discharge process.

[0171] In the S61 process, the interlace information F2 specifies 100% C-specified amount for C-ejection amount according to the print settings PS2 shown in Figure 14 for C-specified amount. For C-resolution, it specifies 1200 dpi C-specified resolution according to the print settings PS2 shown in Figure 14 for C-specified resolution. For the number of C-passes, the interlace table T1 shown in Figure 9 is referenced, and 4 passes corresponding to 100% C-ejection amount are specified.

[0172] As a result of the S61 process, the interlace information F2 specifies 200% of the W-discharge amount as shown in the print setting PS2 in Figure 14 for W-specified amount. The W-resolution is set to 1200 dpi, the same as the C-resolution. In other words, the W-resolution is specified based on the C-specified resolution as shown in the print setting PS2. The W-pass count is set to 4 passes, the same as the C-pass count.

[0173] In the S61 process, the interlace information F2 specifies a P-discharge amount of 50% according to the print setting PS2 shown in Figure 14 for P-discharge amount. For P-resolution and P-pass count, the interlace table T1 shown in Figure 9 is referenced, and a resolution of 300 dpi and 1 pass are specified, corresponding to a P-discharge amount of 50%.

[0174] In interlacing information F2, the total number of unit passes in the first and second ejection processes is 4 passes + 1 pass. Therefore, the total number of unit passes in the first and second ejection processes is 5 passes.

[0175] For example, in print setting PS3 shown in Figure 15, the W-specified amount of 600% is greater than the color-compatible ejection amount of 400%. As shown in Figure 11, based on the determination in S41 that the W-specified amount is greater than the color-compatible ejection amount (S41: YES), the CPU 91 moves the process to the process in S51.

[0176] In the processing of S51, the CPU 91 specifies W-discard scanning for the first discarding process in the interlace information F (S51). The CPU 91 specifies C-discard scanning and W-color discard scanning for the second discarding process in the interlace information F (S51). The CPU 91 specifies P-discard scanning for the third discarding process in the interlace information F (S51).

[0177] In the following, the W-discharge amount specified in the W-discharge scan of the first discharge process will be referred to as the "W-discharge amount of the first layer." The W-discharge amount specified in the W-discharge scan of the second discharge process will be referred to as the "W-discharge amount of the second layer."

[0178] In the interlacing information F, CPU91 specifies the amount obtained by subtracting the color-compatible output amount of 400% from the W-specified amount as the W-output amount for the first layer (S52). Since the W-output amount for the first layer is the amount obtained by subtracting the color-compatible output amount from the W-specified amount, it is less than the W-specified amount.

[0179] CPU91 specifies a color-compatible output of 400% for the W-output amount of the second layer in the interlace information F (S53). In other words, the W-output amount of the second layer is the difference between the W-specified amount and the W-output amount of the first layer. Since the W-specified amount is greater than the color-compatible output amount, the W-output amount of the second layer is less than the W-specified amount.

[0180] The CPU 91 refers to the interlace table T1 shown in Figure 9 and specifies the ink ejection amount, resolution, and number of unit passes that have not yet been specified in the interlace information F (S61). The CPU 91 then proceeds to the decision shown in S71 in Figure 12.

[0181] For example, in the print settings PS3 shown in Figure 15, the CPU 91 generates the interlace information F3 shown in Figure 18 through processing S51-S53 and S61.

[0182] As shown in Figure 18, the S51 process specifies W-discharge scanning for the first discharge process in the interlaced information F3. For the second discharge process, W-discharge scanning and C-discharge scanning are specified. For the third discharge process, P-discharge scanning is specified.

[0183] In the following, the W-resolution specified in the W-discharge scan of the first ejection process is referred to as the "W-resolution of the first layer." The number of unit passes specified in the W-discharge scan of the first ejection process is referred to as the "number of W-passes of the first layer."

[0184] In the W-discharge scan of the second ejection process, the specified W-resolution is called the "W-resolution of the second layer." In the W-discharge scan of the second ejection process, the specified number of unit passes is called the "number of W-passes of the second layer."

[0185] As a result of the S52 processing, the interlace information F3 specifies 200% as the W-ejection amount for the first layer, which is obtained by subtracting the color-compatible ejection amount of 400% from the W-specified amount of 600%. Since the color-compatible ejection amount is the W-ejection amount based on the C-specified resolution specified in the print settings PS3, the W-ejection amount for the first layer is specified based on the C-specified resolution specified in the print settings PS3.

[0186] Due to the S53 processing, the interlaced information F3 specifies a color-compatible ejection rate of 400% for the second layer's W-ejection rate. In other words, the second layer's W-ejection rate is determined based on the C-specified resolution in the print settings PS3. The second layer's W-ejection rate of 400% exceeds the first layer's W-ejection rate of 200%.

[0187] In the S61 process, the interlace information F3 specifies 100% C-specified amount for C-ejection amount, as shown in print settings PS3 in Figure 15, for C-ejection amount. The C-specified resolution of 1200 dpi, as shown in print settings PS3 in Figure 15, is specified for C-resolution. The interlace table T1 shown in Figure 9 is referenced for the number of C-passes, and 4 passes corresponding to 100% C-ejection amount are specified.

[0188] In the S61 process, the interlacing information F3 specifies a resolution that is a natural number multiple of the minimum resolution of 300 dpi for the W-resolution of the second layer. In the first embodiment, a resolution of 1200 dpi, which is four times the minimum resolution of 300 dpi, is specified for the W-resolution of the second layer. The W-resolution of 1200 dpi for the second layer is equal to the C-resolution of 1200 dpi. The number of W-passes for the second layer is specified as 4 passes, the same as the number of C-passes.

[0189] In the S61 process, the interlace information F3 specifies a P-discharge amount of 50% as per the print setting PS3 shown in Figure 15 for P-discharge amount. For P-resolution and P-pass count, the interlace table T1 shown in Figure 9 is referenced, and a resolution of 300 dpi and 1 pass are specified, corresponding to a P-discharge amount of 50%.

[0190] In the S61 process, the interlace information F3 references the interlace table T1 shown in Figure 9 for the W-resolution and the number of W-passes for the first layer, respectively, specifying a W-resolution of 600 dpi and 2 passes corresponding to a W-export rate of 200% for the first layer.

[0191] In interlacing information F3, the total number of unit passes in the first, second, and third ejection processes is 2 passes + 4 passes + 1 pass. Therefore, the total number of unit passes in the first, second, and third ejection processes is 7 passes.

[0192] As shown in Figure 12, in the decision made in S71, the CPU 91 determines whether the number of ejection processes is 2 based on the interlace information F (S71).

[0193] For example, in the interlacing information F2 shown in Figure 17, two ejection processes are specified. Based on the determination that the number of ejection processes is two (S71: YES), the CPU 91 moves the process to the process in S81.

[0194] For example, in the interlacing information F1 shown in Figure 16 or the interlacing information F3 shown in Figure 18, three ejection processes are specified. Based on the determination that the number of ejection processes is three (S71:NO), the CPU 91 moves the process to the process in S91.

[0195] In the following, "ON" for printhead 10 indicates that printhead 10 will perform print-out scanning. "OFF" for printhead 10 indicates that printhead 10 will not perform print-out scanning. Not performing print-out scanning means that no ink is ejected from printhead 10.

[0196] In the process of S81, the CPU 91 transports the platen 7 shown in Figure 2 backward from the front end position P11 to the rear end position P12 (S81).

[0197] The CPU 91 specifies ON or OFF for W-eject scanning in RAM 93 based on the interlacing information F (S82). The CPU 91 specifies ON or OFF for C-eject scanning in RAM 93 based on the interlacing information F (S82). The CPU 91 specifies ON or OFF for P-eject scanning in RAM 93 based on the interlacing information F (S82).

[0198] The CPU 91 performs the first ejection process (S83). In the first ejection process (S83), the CPU 91 repeatedly performs the ejection scan of the head 10 and the sub-scan of the platen 7 from back to front, based on whether the ejection scan of the head 10 was turned ON or OFF in the process of S82.

[0199] The CPU 91 specifies ON or OFF for W-eject scanning in RAM 93 based on the interlacing information F (S84). The CPU 91 specifies ON or OFF for C-eject scanning in RAM 93 based on the interlacing information F (S84). The CPU 91 specifies ON or OFF for P-eject scanning in RAM 93 based on the interlacing information F (S84).

[0200] The CPU 91 performs the second ejection process (S85). In the second ejection process (S85), the CPU 91 repeats the ejection scan of the head 10 and the sub-scan of the platen 7 from front to back, based on whether the ejection scan of the head 10 was turned ON or OFF in the process of S84.

[0201] The CPU 91 moves the platen 7 forward to the front end position P11 (S86). The CPU 91 returns to the decision shown in S11 in Figure 11.

[0202] An example of the processing S81 to S86, which is performed based on the interlacing information F2 shown in Figure 17, is explained below. In the interlacing information F2, in the processing of S82, ON is specified for W-discharge scanning. ON is specified for C-discharge scanning. OFF is specified for P-discharge scanning.

[0203] In the first ejection process (S83), the W-ejection scan and C-ejection scan, along with a sub-scan of the platen 7 from rear to front, are repeated. The W-ejection scan and C-ejection scan are performed in parallel.

[0204] W-eject scanning is performed with a W-eject amount of 200% and a W-resolution of 1200 dpi for the first layer. C-eject scanning is performed with a C-eject amount of 100% and a C-resolution of 1200 dpi. W-eject scanning is performed based on the C-specified resolution in the print settings PS2. The number of unit passes for both W-eject scanning and C-eject scanning is 4 passes.

[0205] Since the white head 3 is located behind the color head 4, that is, upstream in the direction of travel of the platen 7, in the first discharge process (S83), as shown in state ST21 in Figure 20, a white layer W2 is formed on the medium M, and a color layer C2 is formed on the white layer W2.

[0206] In the S84 process, OFF is specified for W-discharge scanning. OFF is specified for C-discharge scanning. ON is specified for P-discharge scanning.

[0207] In the second ejection process (S85), P-ejection scanning and sub-scanning of the platen 7 from front to back are repeated. P-ejection scanning is performed with a P-ejection amount of 50% and a P-resolution of 300 dpi. The number of unit passes for P-ejection scanning is 1 pass.

[0208] As shown in state ST22 in Figure 20, a post-processing layer P2 is formed on the color layer C2 in the medium M.

[0209] As shown in Figure 12, in the process of S91, the CPU 91 specifies ON or OFF for W-eject scanning in RAM 93 based on the interlacing information F (S91). The CPU 91 specifies ON or OFF for C-eject scanning in RAM 93 based on the interlacing information F (S91). The CPU 91 specifies ON or OFF for P-eject scanning in RAM 93 based on the interlacing information F (S91).

[0210] The CPU 91 performs the first ejection process (S92). In the first ejection process (S92), the CPU 91 repeatedly performs the ejection scan of the head 10 and the sub-scan of the platen 7 from front to back, based on whether the ejection scan of the head 10 is ON or OFF in the process of S91.

[0211] The CPU 91 specifies ON or OFF for W-eject scanning in RAM 93 based on the interlacing information F (S93). The CPU 91 specifies ON or OFF for C-eject scanning in RAM 93 based on the interlacing information F (S93). The CPU 91 specifies ON or OFF for P-eject scanning in RAM 93 based on the interlacing information F (S93).

[0212] The CPU 91 performs the second ejection process (S94). In the second ejection process (S94), the CPU 91 repeats the ejection scan of the head 10 and the sub-scan of the platen 7 from back to front, based on whether the ejection scan of the head 10 was turned ON or OFF in the process of S93.

[0213] The CPU 91 specifies ON or OFF for W-eject scanning in RAM 93 based on the interlacing information F (S95). The CPU 91 specifies ON or OFF for C-eject scanning in RAM 93 based on the interlacing information F (S95). The CPU 91 specifies ON or OFF for P-eject scanning in RAM 93 based on the interlacing information F (S95).

[0214] The CPU 91 performs the third ejection process (S96). In the third ejection process (S96), the CPU 91 repeats the ejection scan of the head 10 and the sub-scan of the platen 7 from front to back, based on whether the ejection scan of the head 10 was turned ON or OFF in the process of S95.

[0215] The CPU 91 moves the platen 7 forward to the front end position P11 (S97). The CPU 91 returns to the decision shown in S11 in Figure 11.

[0216] An example of the processing in S91-S97, which is performed based on the interlacing information F1 shown in Figure 16, is explained below. In the interlacing information F1, in the processing of S91, ON is specified for W-discharge scanning, OFF is specified for C-discharge scanning, and OFF is specified for P-discharge scanning.

[0217] In the first ejection process (S92), W-ejection scanning and sub-scanning of the platen 7 from front to back are repeated. W-ejection scanning is performed at a W-ejection amount of 600% and a W-resolution of 1200 dpi, without being based on the C-specified resolution specified in the print setting PS1. The number of unit passes for W-ejection scanning is 6 passes.

[0218] In the first discharge process (S92), a white layer W1 is formed on the medium M, as shown in state ST11 in Figure 19.

[0219] In the S93 process, W-discharge scanning is set to OFF. C-discharge scanning is set to ON. P-discharge scanning is set to OFF.

[0220] In the second ejection process (S94), the C-ejection scan and the sub-scan of the platen 7 from rear to front are repeated. The C-ejection scan is performed with a C-ejection amount of 100% and a C-resolution of 1200 dpi. The number of unit passes for the C-ejection scan is 4 passes.

[0221] In the second ejection process (S94), as shown in state ST12 in Figure 19, a color layer C1 is formed on the white layer W1 in the medium M.

[0222] In the S95 process, OFF is specified for W-discharge scanning. OFF is specified for C-discharge scanning. ON is specified for P-discharge scanning.

[0223] In the third ejection process (S96), the P-ejection scan and the sub-scan of the platen 7 from front to back are repeated. The P-ejection scan is performed with a P-ejection amount of 50% and a P-resolution of 300 dpi. The number of unit passes for the P-ejection scan is 1 pass.

[0224] In the third ejection process (S96), as shown in state ST13 in Figure 19, a post-processing layer P1 is formed on the color layer C1 in the medium M.

[0225] An example of the processing in S91-S97, which is performed based on the interlacing information F3 shown in Figure 18, is explained below. In the interlacing information F3, in the processing of S91, ON is specified for W-discharge scanning, OFF is specified for C-discharge scanning, and OFF is specified for P-discharge scanning.

[0226] In the first ejection process (S92), W-ejection scanning and sub-scanning of the platen 7 from front to back are repeated. W-ejection scanning is performed with a W-ejection amount of 200% for the first layer and a W-resolution of 600 dpi for the first layer. W-ejection scanning is performed based on the C-specified resolution in the print settings PS3. The number of unit passes for W-ejection scanning is 2 passes.

[0227] In the first discharge process (S92), a white layer W31 is formed on the medium M, as shown in state ST31 in Figure 21.

[0228] In the S93 process, ON is specified for W-discharge scanning. ON is specified for C-discharge scanning. OFF is specified for P-discharge scanning.

[0229] In the second ejection process (S94), the W-ejection scan and C-ejection scan, along with the sub-scan of the platen 7 from rear to front, are repeated. In other words, the W-ejection scan and C-ejection scan are performed in parallel.

[0230] W-eject scanning is performed with a W-eject amount of 400% and a W-resolution of 1200 dpi for the second layer. C-eject scanning is performed with a C-eject amount of 100% and a C-resolution of 1200 dpi. W-eject scanning is performed based on the C-specified resolution set in the print settings PS3. The number of unit passes for both W-eject scanning and C-eject scanning is 4 passes.

[0231] Since the white head 3 is located behind the color head 4, that is, upstream in the direction of travel of the platen 7, in the second discharge process (S94), as shown in state ST32 in Figure 21, a white layer W32 is formed on the white layer W31 in the medium M, and a color layer C3 is formed on the white layer W32.

[0232] In the S95 process, OFF is specified for W-discharge scanning. OFF is specified for C-discharge scanning. ON is specified for P-discharge scanning.

[0233] In the third ejection process (S96), the P-ejection scan and the sub-scan of the platen 7 from front to back are repeated. The P-ejection scan is performed with a P-ejection amount of 50% and a P-resolution of 300 dpi. The number of unit passes for the P-ejection scan is 1 pass.

[0234] In the third ejection process (S96), as shown in state ST33 in Figure 21, a post-processing layer P3 is formed on the color layer C3 in the medium M.

[0235] The main effects of the first embodiment will be described below. The first embodiment also produces effects other than those described below. The present invention is not limited to the effects described below.

[0236] In the first embodiment, a specific print instruction specifies that color ink should be ejected from the color head 4 at a C-specified resolution. Based on the acceptance of the specific print instruction (S21:YES), the CPU 91 performs the process in S83 or S94. In the process in S83, the CPU 91 ejects white ink from the white head 3 at a C-specified resolution using a W-eject scan, and ejects color ink from the color head 4 at a C-specified resolution using a C-eject scan. In the process in S94, the CPU 91 ejects white ink from the white head 3 at a C-specified resolution using a W-eject scan, and ejects color ink from the color head 4 at a C-specified resolution using a C-eject scan.

[0237] For example, in a configuration where white ink is not ejected from the white head 3 based on the specified resolution (C) during W-eject scanning, the total number of unit passes is 11, as shown in Figure 16. Since white ink is ejected from the white head 3 based on the specified resolution (C) during W-eject scanning, the total number of unit passes becomes 7, as shown in Figure 18. The number of unit passes decreases by 4, from 11 to 7. Therefore, printer 1 contributes to shortening the printing time.

[0238] In the first embodiment, since the amount of W ejected in the second layer is less than the specified amount of W, the ejected white ink dries more easily compared to a configuration in which the specified amount of white ink is ejected from the white head 3 during the W ejection scan in the second ejection process (S94). Therefore, the printer 1 contributes to suppressing ink bleeding.

[0239] In the first embodiment, the W-ejection amount of the second layer is the difference between the W-specified amount and the W-ejection amount of the first layer, so the sum of the W-ejection amounts of the first and second layers is equal to the W-specified amount. In other words, in both the first ejection process (S92) and the second ejection process (S94), white ink is ejected from the white head 3 at a W-ejection amount equal to the W-specified amount. Therefore, the printer 1 contributes to suppressing deviations between the W-ejection amount of the first and second layers and the W-ejection amount.

[0240] For example, in a configuration where the first ejection process (S92) is performed with the pretreatment solution applied to the medium M, if the amount of W ejected in the first layer is large, the pretreatment solution may not function properly, and the white ink may not adhere well to the medium M. In the first embodiment, since the amount of W ejected in the first layer is less than or equal to the amount of W ejected in the second layer, the printer 1 contributes to suppressing deterioration of adhesion to the medium M.

[0241] In the first embodiment, the CPU 91 performs W-eject scanning and C-eject scanning in parallel during the second ejection process (S94). Therefore, the printer 1 contributes to shortening the printing time compared to a configuration in which W-eject scanning for forming the white layer W32 and C-eject scanning are not performed in parallel.

[0242] In configurations where the W-resolution of the second layer is not a natural number multiple of the minimum resolution, the least common multiple of the W-resolution and C-resolution of the second layer becomes the resolution other than the W-resolution and C-resolution of the second layer. Therefore, the number of passes required depends on the least common multiple of the resolutions other than the W-resolution and C-resolution of the second layer. In the first embodiment, the W-resolution of the second layer is a natural number multiple of the minimum resolution. Therefore, the total number of passes for the W-ejection scan and C-ejection scan to form the white layer W32 tends to decrease. Thus, printer 1 contributes to shortening the printing time.

[0243] In the first embodiment, the CPU 91 performs W-ejection scanning and C-ejection scanning in the order of W-ejection scanning followed by C-ejection scanning. A color layer is formed on the white layer. Thus, the printer 1 contributes to forming an image on the printing medium as the medium M.

[0244] Controlling the print using specific printing instructions may be undesirable in some situations. For example, reducing the number of passes may cause ink bleeding. Reducing the number of passes may also cause banding. Increasing the ink layer may increase the transport time of platen 7 due to multiple ejection processes.

[0245] In the first embodiment, a normal print instruction specifies that color ink should be ejected from the color head 4 at a resolution of C-specified. A normal print instruction is different from a specific print instruction. Specifically, a specific print instruction specifies ON in the individual settings. A normal print instruction specifies OFF in the individual settings.

[0246] Based on the acceptance of a normal print command (S21:YES), CPU91 performs the processes S92 and S94. In the S92 process, CPU91 ejects white ink from the white head 3 in the W-ejection process, without regard to the C-specified resolution. In the S94 process, CPU91 ejects color ink from the color head 4 in the C-ejection scan at the C-specified resolution. Thus, printer 1 contributes to different processing depending on whether it accepts a normal print command or a specific print command. The user can choose to input either a normal print command or a specific print command to printer 1 depending on the situation.

[0247] A modified version of the first embodiment will now be described. The print setting PS may specify ON or OFF for the ink bleeding suppression setting. The print setting PS may also specify ON or OFF for the print time reduction setting. If the received specific print instruction includes information on ink bleeding suppression and information on print time reduction, and print setting PS3 is specified, the CPU 91 may generate interlace information F4 shown in Figure 22 instead of interlace information F3.

[0248] When information regarding ink bleeding suppression is included in a specific print instruction, it means that the ink bleeding suppression setting is set to ON in the print settings (PS). When information regarding reduction of print time is included in a specific print instruction, it means that the reduction of print time is set to ON in the print settings (PS).

[0249] In interlacing information F4, W-discard scanning is specified for the first discarding process. W-discard scanning and C-discard scanning are specified for the second discarding process. C-discard scanning is specified for the third discarding process. P-discard scanning is specified for the fourth discarding process.

[0250] If the print time reduction setting is turned OFF, C-eject scanning does not need to be specified for the second ejection process. C-eject scanning may be specified for the fourth ejection process, and P-eject scanning may be specified for the fifth ejection process.

[0251] In the following, the specified C-discharge amount in the second discharge process's C-discharge scan is referred to as the "C-discharge amount of the first layer." The specified C-resolution in the second discharge process's C-discharge scan is referred to as the "C-resolution of the first layer." The specified number of unit passes in the second discharge process's C-discharge scan is referred to as the "number of C-passes of the first layer."

[0252] In the third ejection process's C-ejection scan, the specified C-ejection amount is called the "second layer C-ejection amount." In the third ejection process's C-ejection scan, the specified C-resolution is called the "second layer C-resolution." In the third ejection process's C-ejection scan, the specified number of unit passes is called the "second layer C-pass count."

[0253] In interlacing information F4, the C-discharge amount for the first layer is set to half the amount of the specified C-amount (100%), i.e., 50%. The C-discharge amount for the second layer is set to half the amount of the specified C-amount (100%), i.e., 50%.

[0254] In interlace information F4, the C-resolution and C-pass count for the first layer refer to the interlace table T1 shown in Figure 9, respectively, specifying a resolution of 600 dpi and 2 passes corresponding to a C-discharge rate of 50% for the first layer. In other words, in interlace information F4, a resolution lower than the C-specified resolution of 1200 dpi specified in print setting PS3 is specified for the C-resolution of the first layer. A C-resolution of 600% for the first layer is half the resolution of the C-specified resolution of 1200 dpi specified in print setting PS3.

[0255] In interlacing information F4, the C-resolution and C-pass count for the second layer refer to the interlacing table T1 shown in Figure 9, respectively, specifying a resolution of 600 dpi and 2 passes corresponding to a C-discharge rate of 50% for the second layer. In other words, in interlacing information F4, a resolution lower than the C-specified resolution of 1200 dpi specified in print setting PS3 is specified for the second layer's C-resolution. A C-resolution of 600% for the second layer is half the resolution of the C-specified resolution of 1200 dpi specified in print setting PS3.

[0256] In interlacing information F4, the W-resolution of the second layer is set to the same resolution as the C-resolution of the first layer, 600 dpi.

[0257] In interlacing information F4, the number of W-passes for the second layer is set to 2, the same as the number of C-passes for the first layer.

[0258] In the interlacing information F4, the interlacing table T1 shown in Figure 9 is referenced, and the W-extrusion amount for the second layer is set to 200%, corresponding to the W-resolution of the second layer (600 dpi) and the number of W-passes for the second layer (2 passes).

[0259] In interlace information F4, the W-ejection amount for the first layer is set to 400%, which is the W-specified amount of 600% specified in the print setting PS3 minus the W-ejection amount of 200% for the second layer.

[0260] In the interlacing information F4, the interlacing table T1 shown in Figure 9 is referenced for both the W-resolution and the number of W-passes of the first layer, specifying a resolution of 1200 dpi and 4 passes corresponding to a W-export rate of 400% for the first layer.

[0261] In the interlace information F4, the P-ejection amount is set to 50% of the P-specified amount specified in the print setting PS3. For the P-resolution and P-pass count, the interlace table T1 shown in Figure 9 is referenced, and a P-resolution of 300 dpi and 1 pass are specified, corresponding to a P-ejection amount of 50%.

[0262] In interlacing information F4, the total number of unit passes in the first, second, third, and fourth ejection processes is 4 passes + 2 passes + 2 passes + 1 pass. In other words, the total number of unit passes in the first, second, third, and fourth ejection processes is 9 passes.

[0263] With reference to Figure 23, the main processing in the configuration where the interlace information F4 shown in Figure 22 is generated will be described. In the following, among the main processing shown in Figure 22, parts different from the main processing shown in Figure 12 will be described. The main processing shown in Figure 22 differs from the main processing shown in Figure 12 in that the processing of S981 and the processing of S982 are performed between the processing of S96 and the processing of S97.

[0264] After the processing of S96, the CPU 91 designates ON or OFF for the W-ejection scan in the RAM 93 based on the interlace information F (S981). The CPU 91 designates ON or OFF for the C-ejection scan in the RAM 93 based on the interlace information F (S981). The CPU 91 designates ON or OFF for the P-ejection scan in the RAM 93 based on the interlace information F (S981).

[0265] The CPU 91 performs the fourth ejection processing (S982). In the fourth ejection processing (S982), the CPU 91 repeats the ejection scan of the head 10 and the sub-scan of the platen 7 from the rear to the front based on the ON or OFF state of the ejection scan of the head 10 in the processing of S981. The CPU 91 conveys the platen 7 to the front end position P11 (S97).

[0266] For example, in the interlace information F4 shown in Figure 22, ON is designated for the W-ejection scan in the processing of S91. OFF is designated for the C-ejection scan. OFF is designated for the P-ejection scan.

[0267] In the first ejection processing (S92), the W-ejection scan and the sub-scan of the platen 7 from the front to the rear are repeated. The W-ejection scan is performed with a W-ejection amount of 400% for the first layer and a W-resolution of 1200 dpi for the first layer. The W-ejection scan is performed based on the C-specified resolution according to the print setting PS3. The number of unit passes for the W-ejection scan is 4 passes.

[0268] In the first ejection processing (S92), a white layer W41 is formed on the medium M as shown in state ST41 of Figure 24.

[0269] In interlacing information F4, during processing S93, W-discharge scanning is specified as ON. C-discharge scanning is specified as ON. P-discharge scanning is specified as OFF.

[0270] In the second ejection process (S94), the W-ejection scan and C-ejection scan, along with the sub-scan of the platen 7 from rear to front, are repeated. In other words, the W-ejection scan and C-ejection scan are performed in parallel.

[0271] W-eject scanning is performed with a W-eject amount of 200% and a W-resolution of 600 dpi for the second layer. C-eject scanning is performed with a C-eject amount of 50% and a C-resolution of 600 dpi for the first layer. W-eject scanning is performed based on the C-specified resolution set in the print settings PS3. The number of unit passes for both W-eject scanning and C-eject scanning is 2 passes.

[0272] Since the white head 3 is located behind the color head 4, that is, upstream in the direction of travel of the platen 7, in the second discharge process (S94), as shown in state ST42 in Figure 24, a white layer W42 is formed on the white layer W41 in the medium M, and a color layer C41 is formed on the white layer W42.

[0273] In interlacing information F4, during processing S95, W-discharge scanning is set to OFF. C-discharge scanning is set to ON. P-discharge scanning is set to OFF.

[0274] In the third ejection process (S96), the C-ejection scan and the sub-scan of the platen 7 from front to back are repeated. The C-ejection scan is performed with a C-ejection amount of 50% for the second layer and a C-resolution of 600 dpi for the second layer. The number of unit passes for the C-ejection scan is 2 passes.

[0275] In the third ejection process (S96), as shown in state ST43 in Figure 24, a color layer C42 is formed on the color layer C41 in the medium M.

[0276] In interlacing information F4, during the processing of S981, OFF is specified for W-discharge scanning. OFF is specified for C-discharge scanning. ON is specified for P-discharge scanning.

[0277] In the fourth ejection process (S982), the P-ejection scan and the sub-scan of the platen 7 from rear to front are repeated. The P-ejection scan is performed with a P-ejection amount of 50% and a P-resolution of 300 dpi. The number of unit passes for the P-ejection scan is 1 pass.

[0278] In the fourth ejection process (S982), as shown in state ST44 in Figure 24, a post-processing layer P4 is formed on the color layer C42 in the medium M.

[0279] Based on its determination that the received print instruction contains information regarding the suppression of ink bleeding, the CPU 91 performs processes S94 and S96 in the order of S94 and S96, thereby ejecting color ink from the color head 4 at C-resolution. The CPU 91 ejects color ink from the color head 4 during the C-eject scan in the second ejection process (S94). The CPU 91 ejects color ink from the color head 4 during the C-eject scan in the third ejection process (S95).

[0280] Since the C-ejection scan is divided into a second ejection process (S94) and a third ejection process (S96), the ejected color ink dries more easily compared to a configuration where the total ejection amount of the first and second layers of C-ejection is used to eject the color ink without division. Therefore, printer 1 contributes to suppressing ink bleeding.

[0281] The C-resolution of the first layer is lower than the C-specified resolution. The C-resolution of the second layer is lower than the C-specified resolution. Furthermore, since the C-ejection scan is divided into a second ejection process (S94) and a third ejection process (S96), the ejected color ink dries more easily. Therefore, printer 1 contributes to suppressing ink bleeding.

[0282] Based on determining that the received specific print instruction includes information relating to reduction of printing time, the CPU 91 performs the W-ejection scan and the C-ejection scan in parallel in the second ejection process (S94). Accordingly, the printer 1 contributes to reduction of printing time as compared with a configuration in which the W-ejection scan in the second ejection process (S94) and the C-ejection scan in the second ejection process (S94) are not performed in parallel.

[0283] A second embodiment will be described. In the second embodiment, the printer 1 shown in FIG. 1 and FIG. 2 is used. Note that, in the second embodiment, the post-processing head 5 is not used among the printer 1 shown in FIG. 1 and FIG. 2. Therefore, in the second embodiment, the post-processing head 5 may be omitted from the printer 1 shown in FIG. 1 and FIG. 2.

[0284] In the second embodiment, DTF printing is performed by the printer 1 shown in FIG. 1 and FIG. 2, an oven, and a heat press machine. DTF printing is Direct To Film printing. DTF printing is a type of printing method for forming a color image on a transfer target medium.

[0285] The transfer target medium is a fabric, paper, or the like. The transfer target medium is, for example, a T-shirt. The transfer target medium corresponds to the medium M of the first embodiment, that is, a print medium.

[0286] DTF printing includes an image forming step, a powder application step, a baking step, and a transfer step. The image forming step, the powder application step, the baking step, and the transfer step are performed in the order of the image forming step, the powder application step, the baking step, and the transfer step.

[0287] In the image forming step, a color image is formed on the medium M by executing later-described main processing shown in FIG. 26 and FIG. 27 in the printer 1. While the medium M is a print medium in the first embodiment, the medium M is a transfer medium in the second embodiment. The transfer medium is, for example, a film.

[0288] In the image formation process, a color layer is formed on the medium M. A white layer is formed on the color layer in the medium M.

[0289] In medium M, a black layer is formed on the white layer. The black layer is composed of black ink that lands on medium M.

[0290] In medium M, a white layer is formed on top of the black layer. In a color image, the white layer becomes the surface layer.

[0291] In the following, the white layer between the color layer and the black layer will be referred to as the "first white layer." The white layer on top of the black layer, i.e., the surface white layer, will be referred to as the "second white layer."

[0292] In the powder coating process, adhesive powder is applied to the color image formed on the medium M, that is, the second white layer, to form an adhesive layer.

[0293] During the baking process, the oven melts the adhesive layer that has formed on the color image, specifically on the second white layer.

[0294] In the transfer process, the medium M is heat-pressed onto the transfer medium via a molten adhesive layer using a heat press machine. The color image is transferred from medium M to the transfer medium by the heat press. In the color image transferred to the transfer medium, the color layer becomes the surface layer.

[0295] Referring to Figure 25, the print settings PS in the second embodiment will be described. The print settings PS specifies whether individual settings are ON or OFF.

[0296] The print settings (PS) specify the ink ejection amount and resolution depending on the type of ink layer, i.e., whether it is the second white layer, the first white layer, or a color layer. For the first white layer, the print settings (PS) specify a W-ejection amount of 100%, 200%, or 400%. For the second white layer, the print settings (PS) specify a W-ejection amount of 100%, 200%, or 400%. For the C-ejection amount, the print settings (PS) specify 100%. For the K-ejection amount, the print settings (PS) specify 100%.

[0297] The print settings in PS do not specify a W-resolution for the first white layer. The print settings in PS do not specify a W-resolution for the second white layer. The print settings in PS specify 1200dpi as the C-resolution. The print settings in PS specify 1200dpi as the K-resolution.

[0298] In the following, the W-ejection amount corresponding to the first white layer specified by the print settings PS will be referred to as the "first layer W-specified amount". The W-ejection amount corresponding to the second white layer specified by the print settings PS will be referred to as the "second layer W-specified amount". The C-resolution specified by the print settings PS will be referred to as the "C-specified resolution". The K-ejection amount specified by the print settings PS will be referred to as the "K-specified amount". The K-resolution specified by the print settings PS will be referred to as the "K-specified resolution".

[0299] Referring to Figures 26 and 27, the main processing in the second embodiment will be described. For the main processing in the second embodiment that is the same as the main processing in the first embodiment, the same step numbers as in the first embodiment will be used, and the explanation will be omitted or simplified.

[0300] In the process shown in Figure 26, S12, the CPU 91 performs the print settings process (S12).

[0301] Refer to Figure 28, and we will explain the print setting PS5 as a specific example. Print setting PS5 is set to ON as an individual setting.

[0302] Print settings PS5 specify 200% as the W (W) amount for the first layer. Print settings PS5 specify 200% as the W (W) amount for the second layer. Print settings PS5 specify 100% as the C (C) amount. Print settings PS6 specify 100% as the K (K) amount.

[0303] Print settings PS5 specify 1200dpi as the C-specified resolution. Print settings PS5 specify 1200dpi as the K-specified resolution. Note that print settings PS5 do not specify the W-resolution corresponding to the first white layer. Print settings PS5 do not specify the W-resolution corresponding to the second white layer.

[0304] Refer to Figure 29, and as a specific example, we will explain print setting PS6. Print setting PS6 is set to OFF as an individual setting.

[0305] Print settings PS6: Specify 200% for the W (W) amount of the first layer. Print settings PS6: Specify 200% for the W (W) amount of the second layer. Print settings PS6: Specify 100% for the C (C) amount. Print settings PS6: Specify 100% for the K (K) amount.

[0306] Print setting PS6 specifies 1200dpi as the C-specified resolution. Print setting PS5 specifies 1200dpi as the K-specified resolution. Note that print setting PS6 does not specify the W-resolution corresponding to the first white layer. Print setting PS6 does not specify the W-resolution corresponding to the second white layer. In other words, print setting PS6 has the same settings as print setting PS5 except for individual settings.

[0307] For example, in the print settings PS5 shown in Figure 28, individual settings are ON. Based on the fact that individual settings are ON, meaning that the received print command is determined to be a normal print command (S31: YES), the CPU 91 moves the process to S101.

[0308] In the S101 process, the CPU 91 specifies C-eject scan for the first ejection process in the interlace information F (S101). The CPU 91 specifies W-eject scan for the second ejection process in the interlace information F (S101). The CPU 91 specifies K-eject scan for the third ejection process in the interlace information F (S101). K-eject scan is a C-eject scan in which the black color ink is ejected, and the ejection of cyan, magenta, and yellow color inks is prohibited. The CPU 91 specifies W-eject scan for the fourth ejection process in the interlace information F (S101).

[0309] The CPU 91 refers to the interlace table T1 shown in Figure 9 and specifies the ink ejection amount, resolution, and number of unit passes that have not yet been specified in the interlace information F (S61). The CPU 91 then proceeds to the decision shown in S110 in Figure 27.

[0310] For example, in print setting PS5 shown in Figure 28, CPU91 generates interlace information F5 shown in Figure 30 through processing S101 and S61.

[0311] As shown in Figure 30, the S101 process results in the interlaced information F5 specifying C-discard scanning for the first discarding process, W-discard scanning for the second discarding process, K-discard scanning for the third discarding process, and W-discard scanning for the fourth discarding process.

[0312] In the following, the specified W-discharge amount in the W-discharge scan of the second discharge process is referred to as the "W-discharge amount of the first layer." The specified W-resolution in the W-discharge scan of the second discharge process is referred to as the "W-resolution of the first layer." The specified number of unit passes in the W-discharge scan of the second discharge process is referred to as the "number of W-passes of the first layer."

[0313] The C-discharge amount corresponding to K-discharge scanning is called "K-discharge amount." The C-resolution corresponding to K-discharge scanning is called "K-resolution." The number of unit passes corresponding to K-discharge scanning is called "number of K-passes."

[0314] In the W-discharge scan of the fourth ejection process, the specified W-discharge amount is called the "W-discharge amount of the second layer." In the W-discharge scan of the fourth ejection process, the specified W-resolution is called the "W-resolution of the second layer." In the W-discharge scan of the fourth ejection process, the specified number of unit passes is called the "number of W-passes of the second layer."

[0315] As a result of the S101 process, the interlace information F5 specifies 100% C-specified amount for C-ejection amount, as shown in print setting PS5 in Figure 28, for C-ejection amount. 1200 dpi C-specified resolution, as shown in print setting PS5 in Figure 28, is specified for C-resolution. The interlace table T1 shown in Figure 9 is referenced for the number of C-passes, and 4 passes corresponding to 100% C-ejection amount are specified.

[0316] As a result of the S101 process, the interlace information F5 specifies 200% of the W-discharge amount for the first layer, as determined by the print settings PS5 shown in Figure 28. The W-discharge amount for the first layer is specified without regard to the C-specified resolution, as determined by the print settings PS5 shown in Figure 28. The W-resolution and W-pass count for the first layer refer to the interlace table T1 shown in Figure 9, respectively, specifying a resolution of 600 dpi and 2 passes, corresponding to a W-discharge amount of 200% for the first layer. The W-resolution and W-pass count for the first layer are specified without regard to the C-specified resolution, as determined by the print settings PS5 shown in Figure 28.

[0317] Processing in S101 results in the interlace information F5 specifying 100% for K-discharge amount according to the print settings PS5 shown in Figure 28. The K-resolution is specified as 1200 dpi according to the print settings PS5 shown in Figure 28. For the number of K-passes, the interlace table T1 shown in Figure 9 is referenced, and 4 passes corresponding to a K-discharge amount of 100%, i.e., a C-discharge amount of 100%, are specified.

[0318] As a result of the S101 process, the interlace information F5 specifies 200% of the W-discharge amount for the second layer, as determined by the print settings PS5 shown in Figure 28. The W-discharge amount for the second layer is specified without regard to the C-specified resolution, as determined by the print settings PS5 shown in Figure 28. The W-resolution and W-pass count for the second layer refer to the interlace table T1 shown in Figure 9, respectively, specifying a resolution of 600 dpi and 2 passes, corresponding to a W-discharge amount of 200% for the second layer. The W-resolution and W-pass count for the second layer are specified without regard to the C-specified resolution, as determined by the print settings PS5 shown in Figure 28.

[0319] In interlacing information F5, the total number of unit passes in the first, second, third, and fourth ejection processes is 4 passes + 2 passes + 4 passes + 2 passes. In other words, the total number of unit passes in the first, second, third, and fourth ejection processes is 12 passes.

[0320] For example, in print setting PS6 shown in Figure 29, individual settings are OFF. As shown in Figure 26, in the judgment of S31, based on the determination that individual settings are OFF, that is, that the received print instruction is a specific print instruction (S31: NO), the CPU 91 moves the process to the process of S102.

[0321] In the processing of S102, the CPU 91 specifies W-discard scanning and C-discard scanning for the first discarding process in the interlacing information F (S102). The CPU 91 specifies K-discard scanning for the second discarding process in the interlacing information F (S102). The CPU 91 specifies W-discard scanning for the third discarding process in the interlacing information F (S102).

[0322] The CPU 91 refers to the interlace table T1 shown in Figure 9 and specifies the ink ejection amount, resolution, and number of unit passes that have not yet been specified in the interlace information F (S61). The CPU 91 then proceeds to the decision shown in S110 in Figure 27.

[0323] For example, in print setting PS6 shown in Figure 29, CPU91 generates interlace information F6 shown in Figure 31 through processing S102 and S61.

[0324] As shown in Figure 31, the S102 process specifies that the interlaced information F6 will use W-discard scanning and C-discard scanning for the first discarding process. K-discard scanning is specified for the second discarding process. W-discard scanning is specified for the third discarding process.

[0325] In the following, the specified W-discharge amount in the first W-discharge scan of the first ejection process is referred to as the "W-discharge amount of the first layer." The specified W-resolution in the first W-discharge scan of the first ejection process is referred to as the "W-resolution of the first layer." The specified number of unit passes in the first W-discharge scan of the first ejection process is referred to as the "number of W-passes of the first layer."

[0326] In the W-discharge scan of the third ejection process, the specified W-discharge amount is called the "W-discharge amount of the second layer." In the W-discharge scan of the third ejection process, the specified W-resolution is called the "W-resolution of the second layer." In the W-discharge scan of the third ejection process, the specified number of unit passes is called the "number of W-passes of the second layer."

[0327] As a result of the S61 process, the interlace information F6 specifies 100% C-specified amount for C-ejection amount according to the print settings PS6 shown in Figure 29 for C-specified amount. For C-resolution, it specifies 1200 dpi C-specified resolution according to the print settings PS6 shown in Figure 29 for C-specified resolution. For the number of C-passes, the interlace table T1 shown in Figure 9 is referenced, and 4 passes corresponding to 100% C-ejection amount are specified.

[0328] As a result of the S61 processing, the interlace information F6 specifies the first layer's W-extrusion amount as 200% of the first layer's W-specified amount as shown in the print setting PS6 in Figure 29. The first layer's W-resolution is set to 1200 dpi, the same as the C-resolution. In other words, the first layer's W-resolution is specified based on the C-specified resolution as shown in the print setting PS6. The first layer's W-pass count is set to 4 passes, the same as the C-pass count.

[0329] In the S61 process, the interlace information F6 specifies 100% K-specified amount for K-discharge amount according to the print settings PS6 shown in Figure 29. For K-resolution, it specifies 1200 dpi K-specified resolution according to the print settings PS6 shown in Figure 29. For K-pass count, the interlace table T1 shown in Figure 9 is referenced, and 4 passes corresponding to 100% K-discharge amount, i.e., 100% C-discharge amount, are specified.

[0330] As a result of the S61 process, the interlace information F6 specifies 200% of the second layer's W-discharge amount, as determined by the print setting PS6 shown in Figure 29, for the second layer's W-discharge amount. The second layer's W-resolution and the number of W-passes refer to the interlace table T1 shown in Figure 9, respectively, specifying a resolution of 600 dpi and 2 passes, corresponding to a second layer's W-discharge amount of 200%.

[0331] In interlacing information F6, the total number of unit passes in the first, second, and third ejection processes is 4 passes + 4 passes + 2 passes. Therefore, the total number of unit passes in the first, second, and third ejection processes is 10 passes.

[0332] As shown in Figure 27, in the decision made in S110, the CPU 91 determines whether the number of ejection processes is 4 based on the interlace information F (S110).

[0333] For example, in the interlacing information F5 shown in Figure 30, four ejection processes are specified. Based on the determination that the number of ejection processes is four (S110:YES), the CPU 91 moves the process to the process in S111.

[0334] For example, in the interlacing information F6 shown in Figure 31, three ejection processes are specified. Based on the determination that the number of ejection processes is three (S110:NO), the CPU 91 moves the process to the process in S121.

[0335] In the processing of S111, CPU91 specifies OFF for W-eject scanning in interlace information F (S111). CPU91 specifies ON for C-eject scanning in interlace information F (S111).

[0336] The CPU 91 performs the first ejection process (S112). In the first ejection process (S112), the CPU 91 repeats the C-ejection scan and the sub-scan of the platen 7 from front to back, based on whether the ejection scan of the head 10 was ON or OFF in the process of S111.

[0337] For example, in the interlaced information F5 shown in Figure 30, the C-eject scan in the first ejection process (S112) is performed with a C-eject amount of 100% and a C-resolution of 1200 dpi. The number of unit passes for the C-eject scan is 4 passes.

[0338] In the first ejection process (S112), a color layer C5 is formed on the medium M, as shown in state ST51 in Figure 32.

[0339] In the processing of S113, CPU91 specifies ON for W-eject scanning in interlace information F (S113). CPU91 specifies OFF for C-eject scanning in interlace information F (S113).

[0340] The CPU 91 performs the second ejection process (S114). In the second ejection process (S114), the CPU 91 repeats the W-ejection scan and the sub-scan of the platen 7 from back to front, based on whether the ejection scan of the head 10 was turned ON or OFF in the process of S113.

[0341] For example, in the interlaced information F5 shown in Figure 30, the W-ejection scan in the second ejection process (S114) is performed with a W-ejection amount of 200% for the first layer and a W-resolution of 600 dpi for the first layer. The number of unit passes for the W-ejection scan is 2 passes.

[0342] In the second ejection process (S114), as shown in state ST52 in Figure 32, a white layer W51 is formed on the color layer C5 in the medium M.

[0343] In the processing of S115, CPU91 specifies OFF for W-eject scanning in interlace information F (S115). CPU91 specifies ON for C-eject scanning in interlace information F (S115).

[0344] The CPU 91 performs the third ejection process (S116). In the third ejection process (S116), the CPU 91 repeats C-ejection scanning and sub-scanning of the platen 7 from front to back, based on whether the ejection scan of the head 10 was ON or OFF in the process of S115. Note that the C-ejection scan in the third ejection process (S116) refers to K-ejection scanning.

[0345] For example, in the interlaced information F5 shown in Figure 30, the K-eject scan in the third ejection process (S116) is performed with a K-eject amount of 100% and a K-resolution of 1200 dpi. The number of unit passes for the K-eject scan is 4 passes.

[0346] In the third discharge process (S116), as shown in state ST53 in Figure 32, a black layer K5 is formed on the white layer W51 in the medium M.

[0347] In the processing of S117, CPU91 specifies ON for W-eject scanning in interlace information F (S117). CPU91 also specifies OFF for C-eject scanning in interlace information F (S117).

[0348] The CPU 91 performs the fourth ejection process (S118). In the fourth ejection process (S118), the CPU 91 repeats the W-ejection scan and the sub-scan of the platen 7 from back to front, based on whether the ejection scan of the head 10 was turned ON or OFF in the process of S117.

[0349] For example, in the interlaced information F5 shown in Figure 30, the W-ejection scan in the fourth ejection process (S118) is performed with a W-ejection amount of 200% and a W-resolution of 600 dpi for the second layer. The number of unit passes for the W-ejection scan is 2 passes.

[0350] In the fourth discharge process (S118), as shown in state ST54 in Figure 32, a white layer W52 is formed on the black layer K5 in the medium M.

[0351] The CPU 91 transports the platen 7 forward to the front end position P11 (S119). The CPU 91 returns to the decision shown in S11 in Figure 26.

[0352] As shown in Figure 27, in the process of S121, the CPU 91 specifies ON for W-eject scanning in the interlace information F (S121). The CPU 91 also specifies ON for C-eject scanning in the interlace information F (S121).

[0353] The CPU 91 performs the first ejection process (S122). In the first ejection process (S122), the CPU 91 repeatedly performs W-ejection scanning and C-ejection scanning, respectively, and a sub-scan of the platen 7 from front to back, based on whether the ejection scan of the head 10 was ON or OFF in the process of S121. The W-ejection scanning and C-ejection scanning are performed in parallel.

[0354] For example, in the interlace information F6 shown in Figure 31, the W-eject scan in the first ejection process (S122) is performed with a W-ejection amount of 200% and a W-resolution of 1200 dpi for the first layer. The W-eject scan is performed based on the C-specified resolution specified in the print setting PS6. The C-eject scan in the first ejection process (S122) is performed with a C-ejection amount of 100% and a C-resolution of 1200 dpi. The number of unit passes for both the W-eject scan and the C-eject scan is 4 passes.

[0355] Since the color head 4 is located in front of the white head 3, that is, upstream in the direction of travel of the platen 7, in the first discharge process (S122), as shown in state ST61 in Figure 33, the color layer C6 is formed on the medium M, and the white layer W61 is formed on the color layer C6.

[0356] In the processing of S123, CPU91 specifies OFF for W-eject scanning in interlace information F (S123). CPU91 specifies ON for C-eject scanning in interlace information F (S123).

[0357] The CPU 91 performs the second ejection process (S124). In the second ejection process (S124), the CPU 91 repeats C-ejection scanning and sub-scanning of the platen 7 from rear to front, based on whether the ejection scan of the head 10 was ON or OFF in the process of S123. Note that the C-ejection scan in the second ejection process (S124) refers to K-ejection scanning.

[0358] For example, in the interlaced information F6 shown in Figure 31, the K-ejection scan in the second ejection process (S124) is performed with a K-ejection amount of 100% and a K-resolution of 1200 dpi. The number of unit passes for the K-ejection scan is 4 passes.

[0359] In the second discharge process (S124), as shown in state ST62 in Figure 33, a black layer K6 is formed on the white layer W61 in the medium M.

[0360] In the processing of S125, CPU91 specifies ON for W-eject scanning in interlace information F (S125). CPU91 also specifies OFF for C-eject scanning in interlace information F (S125).

[0361] The CPU 91 performs the third ejection process (S126). In the third ejection process (S126), the CPU 91 repeats the W-ejection scan and the sub-scan of the platen 7 from front to back, based on whether the ejection scan of the head 10 was turned ON or OFF in the process of S125.

[0362] For example, in the interlaced information F6 shown in Figure 31, the W-ejection scan in the third ejection process (S126) is performed with the second W-ejection amount at 200% and the second W-resolution at 600 dpi. The number of unit passes for the W-ejection scan is 2 passes.

[0363] In the third discharge process (S126), as shown in state ST63 in Figure 33, a white layer W62 is formed on the black layer K6 in the medium M.

[0364] The CPU 91 transports the platen 7 forward to the front end position P11 (S127). The CPU 91 returns to the decision shown in S11 in Figure 26.

[0365] For example, in print setting PS6 shown in Figure 29, the CPU 91 may generate interlace information F7 shown in Figure 34 instead of interlace information F6 shown in Figure 31 by processing S102 and S61.

[0366] As shown in Figure 34, the processing in S102 results in the interlacing information F7 specifying C-discharge scanning for the first discharge process. For the second discharge process, W-discharge scanning and K-discharge scanning are specified. For the third discharge process, W-discharge scanning is specified.

[0367] As a result of the S61 process, the interlace information F7 specifies 100% C-specified amount for the first layer's C-export amount according to the print settings PS6 shown in Figure 29. For C-resolution, it specifies 1200 dpi, the C-specified resolution according to the print settings PS6 shown in Figure 29. For the number of C-passes, the interlace table T1 shown in Figure 9 is referenced, and 4 passes corresponding to a C-export amount of 100% are specified.

[0368] In the S61 process, the interlace information F7 specifies 100% K-specified amount for K-discharge amount according to the print settings PS6 shown in Figure 29. For K-resolution, it specifies 1200 dpi K-specified resolution according to the print settings PS6 shown in Figure 29. For K-pass count, the interlace table T1 shown in Figure 9 is referenced, and 4 passes corresponding to 100% K-discharge amount, i.e., 100% C-discharge amount, are specified.

[0369] As a result of the S61 process, the interlace information F7 specifies 200% of the W-discharge amount for the first layer, as shown in the print settings PS6 in Figure 29. The W-resolution for the first layer is set to 1200 dpi, the same as the K-resolution. In other words, the W-resolution for the first layer is set based on the K-specified resolution in the print settings PS6. The number of W-passes for the first layer is set to 4 passes, the same as the number of K-passes.

[0370] As a result of the S61 process, the interlace information F7 specifies a W-discharge amount of 200% for the second layer, as determined by the print setting PS6 shown in Figure 29. The W-resolution and W-pass count for the second layer refer to the interlace table T1 shown in Figure 9, respectively, specifying a resolution of 600 dpi and 2 passes, corresponding to a W-discharge amount of 200% for the second layer.

[0371] In interlacing information F6, the total number of unit passes in the first, second, and third ejection processes is 4 passes + 4 passes + 2 passes. Therefore, the total number of unit passes in the first, second, and third ejection processes is 10 passes.

[0372] In interlacing information F7, CPU91 should modify S121 and S123 from the main processing shown in Figure 27. Specifically, CPU91 should turn on W-eject scanning and turn off C-eject scanning in processing S121. In processing S123, CPU91 should turn on W-eject scanning and turn on C-eject scanning.

[0373] The main effects of the second embodiment will now be described. The second embodiment also produces effects other than those described below. The present invention is not limited to the effects described below. Of the effects of the second embodiment, those described in the first embodiment will be omitted or simplified in the description.

[0374] For example, in a configuration where white ink is not ejected from the white head 3 based on the specified resolution (C) during W-eject scanning, the total number of unit passes is 12, as shown in Figure 30. Since white ink is ejected from the white head 3 based on the specified resolution (C) during W-eject scanning, the total number of unit passes becomes 10, as shown in Figure 31. The number of unit passes decreases by 2, from 12 to 10. Therefore, printer 1 contributes to shortening the printing time.

[0375] In the second embodiment, the CPU 91 performs W-eject scanning and C-eject scanning in the order of C-eject scanning followed by W-eject scanning. A white layer is formed on the color layer. Thus, the printer 1 contributes to forming an image on the transfer medium as the medium M.

[0376] A third embodiment will now be described. In the third embodiment, the printer 1 shown in Figures 1 and 2 is used. In the third embodiment, the medium M is a printing medium, as in the first embodiment.

[0377] The color region R1, enhancement region R2, and reduction region R3 are defined as shown in Figure 35.

[0378] Color region R1 is the region in medium M where the color layer is formed within the region where the white layer is formed. In other words, color region R1 is the region in medium M where color ink is ejected from the color head 4 by the ejection scan of the color head 4 during the ejection process.

[0379] The color region R1 includes the outer edge R11. The shape of the outer edge R11 is annular. In the third embodiment, the shape of the outer edge R11 is rectangular.

[0380] The reinforced region R2 is the region in the medium M where the white layer is formed, excluding the color region R1, that is, the region where the color layer is not formed. In other words, the reinforced region R2 is the region in the medium M where, during the ejection process, color ink is not ejected from the color head 4 by the ejection scanning of the color head 4. Since the white layer is the background for the color image, that is, the background for the color layer, the color region R1 is surrounded by the reinforced region R2. The reinforced region R2 extends from the outer edge R11 of the color region R1 in a direction away from the color region R1 when viewed from above. In other words, the outer edge R11 of the color region R1 is the boundary between the color region R1 and the reinforced region R2.

[0381] The reinforced region R2 includes the outer edge R21. The shape of the outer edge R21 is annular. In the third embodiment, the shape of the outer edge R21 is rectangular.

[0382] The reduction region R3 is included in the enhancement region R2. In other words, the reduction region R3 is part of the enhancement region R2. The reduction region R3 is adjacent to the outer edge R11 of the color region R1. The reduction region R3 extends from the outer edge R11 of the color region R1 in a direction away from the color region R1 in a plan view.

[0383] The reduction region R3 includes an outer edge R31. In a plan view, the outer edge R31 of the reduction region R3 is located between the outer edge R11 of the color region R1 and the outer edge R21 of the reinforcement region R2. The shape of the outer edge R31 is annular. In the third embodiment, the shape of the outer edge R31 is rectangular. In a plan view, the shape of the outer edge R31 of the reduction region R3 is similar to the shape of the outer edge R11 of the color region R1 in a plan view.

[0384] In the third embodiment, after a white layer is formed in the color region R1 and the reinforcement region R2, a further white layer is formed in the reinforcement region R2 to improve the white color development of the reinforcement region R2.

[0385] In the following, the white layer formed in the reinforcement region R2 to improve the white color development of the reinforcement region R2 will be referred to as the "second white layer." The white layer between the second white layer and the medium M will be referred to as the "first white layer."

[0386] In W-eject scanning, the amount of W ejected into the color region R1 to form the first white layer is called the "first layer W ejection amount." In W-eject scanning, the amount of W ejected into the reinforcement region R2 to form the first white layer is called the "first layer W reinforcement amount." In W-eject scanning, the amount of W ejected into the reinforcement region R2 to form the second white layer is called the "second layer W reinforcement amount."

[0387] Referring to Figure 36, the print settings PS in the third embodiment will be explained. The print settings PS specify the ink ejection amount and resolution depending on the type of ink layer, that is, whether it is the first white layer, the second white layer, a color layer, or a post-processing layer.

[0388] Print settings PS specify 200% or 400% as the W-ejection amount for the first white layer. Print settings PS specify 0%, 100%, 200%, or 400% as the W-ejection amount for the second white layer. Print settings PS specify 100% as the C-ejection amount. Print settings PS specify 50%, 100%, or 200% as the P-ejection amount.

[0389] The print settings in PS do not specify a W-resolution for the first white layer. The print settings in PS do not specify a W-resolution for the second white layer. The print settings in PS specify 1200dpi as the C-resolution. The print settings in PS specify 300dpi, 600dpi, or 1200dpi as the P-resolution.

[0390] Print settings (PS) may also specify whether individual settings are ON or OFF.

[0391] In the following, the P-resolution specified by the print settings (PS) will be referred to as the "P-specified resolution."

[0392] Refer to Figure 37 to explain the ejection amount table T2. The ejection amount table T2 is stored in the flash memory 92. The ejection amount table T2 defines the relationship between the P-resolution and the W-ejection amount that can be performed in parallel with the P-ejection scan at the corresponding P-resolution. For example, a P-resolution of 300 dpi is associated with 100% as the W-ejection amount that can be performed in parallel with the P-ejection scan at a resolution of 300 dpi.

[0393] Referring to Figures 38 to 41, the main processing in the third embodiment will be explained. For the main processing in the third embodiment that is the same as the main processing in the first embodiment, the same step numbers as in the first embodiment will be used, and the explanation will be omitted or simplified.

[0394] In the process shown in Figure 38, S12, the CPU 91 performs the print settings process (S12).

[0395] Referring to Figure 42, we will explain print setting PS8 as a specific example. Print setting PS8 specifies 400% as the W-specified amount for the first layer. Print setting PS8 specifies 200% as the W-specified amount for the second layer. Print setting PS8 specifies 100% as the C-specified amount. Print setting PS8 specifies 50% as the P-specified amount.

[0396] Print settings PS8 specify 1200dpi as the C-specified resolution. Print settings PS8 specify 300dpi as the P-specified resolution.

[0397] As shown in Figure 39, the CPU 91 calculates "A" as the sum of the W-specified amount for the first layer and the W-specified amount for the second layer (S201). For example, in the print setting PS8 shown in Figure 42, "A" is the sum of the W-specified amount of 400% and the W-specified amount of the second layer of 200%, which is 600%.

[0398] CPU91 determines whether "A" is greater than the maximum discharge rate (S202). The maximum discharge rate is the maximum W-specified amount for the first layer that can be specified in the print setting PS shown in Figure 36. In the third embodiment, the maximum discharge rate is 400%.

[0399] Based on the determination that "A" is not greater than the maximum discharge amount (S202:NO), CPU91 moves the processing to S203.

[0400] In the processing of S203, the CPU 91 specifies W-discharge scanning and C-discharge scanning for the first discharge process in the interlace information F (S203). The CPU 91 also specifies P-discharge scanning for the second discharge process in the interlace information F (S203).

[0401] CPU91 specifies "A" for W-discharge amount in interlace information F (S204). CPU91 then moves the processing to S61 shown in Figure 40.

[0402] The CPU 91 refers to the interlace table T1 shown in Figure 9 and specifies the ink ejection amount, resolution, and number of unit passes that have not yet been specified in the interlace information F (S61). The CPU 91 then proceeds to the decision shown in S251 in Figure 41.

[0403] For example, in the print setting PS8 shown in Figure 42, "A" is 600%, which is more than the maximum ejection rate of 400%. Based on the determination that "A" exceeds the maximum ejection rate (S202:YES), CPU91 moves the process to S211.

[0404] In the processing of S211, the CPU 91 specifies W-discharge scanning and C-discharge scanning for the first discharge process in the interlace information F (S211). The CPU 91 also specifies W-discharge scanning and P-discharge scanning for the second discharge process in the interlace information F (S211).

[0405] CPU91 calculates "B" as the difference between "A" and the maximum ejection rate of 400% (S212). For example, in the print setting PS8 shown in Figure 42, "B" is the difference of 200% between "A" (600%) and the maximum ejection rate of 400%.

[0406] The CPU 91 refers to the ejection amount table T2 shown in Figure 37 and calculates the W-ejection amount that can be performed in parallel with the P-ejection scan at the P-specified resolution as "C" (S213). For example, in the print setting PS8 shown in Figure 42, the P-specified resolution is 300 dpi, so "C" refers to the ejection amount table T2 shown in Figure 37 and becomes a W-ejection amount of 100% corresponding to a P-resolution of 300%.

[0407] CPU91 determines if "C" is less than half of "A" (S214).

[0408] Based on the determination that "C" is not less than half of "A" (S214: NO), CPU91 moves the process to S215.

[0409] In processing S215, CPU91 specifies half of "A" as the W-enhancement amount for the first layer (S215).

[0410] CPU91 specifies half of "A" as the W-enhancement amount for the second layer (S216). CPU91 then moves the process to S61, as shown in Figure 40.

[0411] The CPU 91 refers to the interlace table T1 shown in Figure 9 and specifies the ink ejection amount, resolution, and number of unit passes that have not yet been specified in the interlace information F (S61). The CPU 91 then proceeds to the decision shown in S251 in Figure 41.

[0412] For example, in the print setting PS8 shown in Figure 42, "C" is 100% and half of "A" is 300%, so "C" is less than half of "A". Based on the determination that "C" is less than half of "A" (S214: YES), CPU 91 proceeds to the decision shown in S221 in Figure 40.

[0413] As shown in Figure 40, the CPU 91 determines whether "C" is smaller than "B" (S221).

[0414] For example, in the print setting PS8 shown in Figure 42, "C" is 100% and "B" is 200%, so "C" is smaller than "B". Based on the determination that "C" is smaller than "B" (S221: YES), CPU 91 moves the processing to the decision in S222.

[0415] CPU91 determines if the P-specified resolution is equal to the minimum resolution of 300 dpi (S222).

[0416] For example, in the print setting PS8 shown in Figure 42, the P-specified resolution is 300dpi, which is equal to the minimum resolution of 300dpi. Based on the determination that the P-specified resolution is equal to the minimum resolution of 300dpi (S222:YES), CPU91 moves the processing to S223.

[0417] The CPU 91 refers to the ejection amount table T2 shown in Figure 27 and calculates the W-ejection amount that can be performed in parallel with the P-ejection scan at a P-resolution one step higher than the P-specified resolution as "D" (S223). For example, in the print setting PS8 shown in Figure 42, increasing the P-specified resolution from 300% by one step results in 600 dpi. Therefore, "D" is a W-ejection amount of 200% corresponding to the P-resolution of 600%. Note that "increasing the P-resolution by one step from the P-specified resolution" means changing the P-resolution to the next largest resolution among the multiple P-resolutions that can be set in the print setting PS shown in Figure 36.

[0418] CPU91 determines if "D" is less than half of "A" (S224).

[0419] Based on the determination that "D" is not less than half of "A" (S224: NO), CPU91 moves the process to S225. Furthermore, based on the determination that "C" is not less than "B" (S221: NO), CPU91 moves the process to S225. Based on the determination that the P-specified resolution is not equal to the minimum resolution (S222: NO), CPU91 moves the process to S225.

[0420] In processing S225, CPU91 specifies the difference between "A" and "C" for the W-enhancement amount of the first layer in interlace information F (S225).

[0421] CPU91 specifies "C" for the W-enhancement amount of the second layer in the interlacing information F (S226). CPU91 then moves the processing to S61.

[0422] The CPU 91 refers to the interlace table T1 shown in Figure 9 and specifies the ink ejection amount, resolution, and number of unit passes that have not yet been specified in the interlace information F (S61). The CPU 91 then proceeds to the decision shown in S251 in Figure 41.

[0423] For example, in the print setting PS8 shown in Figure 42, "D" is 200% and "A" is 600%, so "D" is less than half of "A" (300%). Based on the determination that "D" is less than half of "A" (S224: YES), CPU 91 moves the process to S231.

[0424] In the interlacing information F, CPU91 specifies the difference between "A" and "D" as the W-enhancement amount for the first layer (S231). For example, in the print setting PS8 shown in Figure 42, "A" is 600% and "D" is 200%, so in the interlacing information F8 shown in Figure 43, the W-enhancement amount for the first layer is the difference between "A" and "D", which is 400%.

[0425] CPU91 specifies "D" as the W-enhancement amount for the second layer in interlace information F (S232). For example, in print setting PS8 shown in Figure 42, "D" is 200%, so in interlace information F8 shown in Figure 43, the W-enhancement amount for the first layer becomes 200%.

[0426] The CPU 91 refers to the interlace table T1 shown in Figure 9 and specifies the ink ejection amount, resolution, and number of unit passes that have not yet been specified in the interlace information F (S61). The CPU 91 then proceeds to the decision shown in S251 in Figure 41.

[0427] In the S61 process, the interlace information F8 specifies 400% of the W-specified amount for the first layer as the W-export amount for the first layer. The W-resolution and W-pass count for the first layer refer to the interlace table T1 shown in Figure 9, respectively, and a resolution of 1200 dpi and 4 passes are specified, corresponding to the W-specified amount of 400% for the first layer.

[0428] As a result of the processing in S61, the interlace information F8 specifies 100% of the C-specified amount according to the print settings PS8 shown in Figure 42 for the C-discharge amount. The C-specified resolution of 1200 dpi according to the print settings PS8 shown in Figure 42 is specified for the C-resolution. The interlace table T1 shown in Figure 9 is referenced for the number of C-passes, and 4 passes corresponding to 100% C-discharge amount are specified.

[0429] In the S61 process, the interlacing information F8 references the interlacing table T1 shown in Figure 9 for the W-resolution and W-pass count of the second layer, respectively, specifying a resolution of 600 dpi and 2 passes, which correspond to a W-enhancement of 200% for the second layer.

[0430] As a result of the S61 process, the interlace information F8 specifies 50% of the P-specified amount according to the print setting PS8 shown in Figure 42 for the P-extrusion amount. The P-resolution is set to 600 dpi, the same resolution as the W-resolution of the second layer. The number of P-passes is set to 2 passes, the same as the number of W-passes of the second layer.

[0431] According to interlacing information F8, the total number of unit passes in the first and second ejection processes is 4 passes + 2 passes. In other words, the total number of unit passes in the first and second ejection processes is 6 passes.

[0432] As shown in Figure 41, in the determination of S251, the CPU 91 determines whether the print instruction received in the process of S21 shown in Figure 40 is a test instruction specifying a test print (S251). The test print targets the test image data described later. Based on the determination that it is not a test instruction (S251: NO), the CPU 91 moves the process to the process of S252. Based on the determination that it is a test instruction (S251: YES), the CPU 91 moves the process to the process of S253.

[0433] In the S252 process, the CPU 91 specifies the reduction area and the reduction discharge amount (S252). The CPU 91 then moves the process to the S81 process.

[0434] The reduced area is the area of ​​the reduction region R3. In the third embodiment, the reduced area corresponds to the length from the outer edge R11 of the color region R1 to the outer edge R31 of the reduction region R3.

[0435] The reduced discharge amount is the amount of W-enhancement in the second layer in the reduction region R3. The reduced discharge amount is less than the amount of W-enhancement in the second layer.

[0436] As the W-resolution of the second layer decreases, the printing time shortens, meaning that the time between the formation of the color layer and the formation of the second white layer is reduced. Therefore, as the W-resolution of the second layer decreases, ink bleeding is more likely to occur at the boundary between the color layer and the second white layer.

[0437] The reduction area is specified based on the W-resolution of the second layer. For example, the reduction area is specified to increase as the W-resolution of the second layer decreases. In other words, the reduction area is specified so that ink bleeding becomes less likely as the W-resolution of the second layer decreases.

[0438] The reduced ejection amount is specified based on the W-resolution of the second layer. For example, the reduced ejection amount is specified to increase as the W-resolution of the second layer decreases. In other words, the reduced ejection amount is specified so that ink bleeding is less likely to occur as the W-resolution of the second layer decreases.

[0439] In the S253 process, CPU91 creates test image data containing multiple test patterns (S253). CPU91 then moves the processing to the S81 process.

[0440] As shown in Figure 44, the multiple test patterns include the first test pattern PT1, the second test pattern PT2, the third test pattern PT3, and the fourth test pattern PT4.

[0441] The first test pattern PT1 uses a first-order discharge amount and a first-order area. The second test pattern PT2 uses a second-order discharge amount and a first-order area. The third test pattern PT3 uses a first-order discharge amount and a second-order area. The fourth test pattern PT4 uses a second-order discharge amount and a second-order area.

[0442] In Figure 44, in reduction region R3, the larger the spacing of the diagonal lines, the smaller the reduction in discharge volume. The second volume is less than the first volume. The second area is larger than the first area.

[0443] An example of the processing S81 to S86 performed based on the interlacing information F8 shown in Figure 43 is described below. In the interlacing information F8, in the processing of S82, ON is specified for W-eject scanning. ON is specified for C-eject scanning. OFF is specified for P-eject scanning.

[0444] In the first ejection process (S83), W-ejection scanning and C-ejection scanning, along with a sub-scan of the platen 7 from rear to front, are repeated. W-ejection scanning and C-ejection scanning are performed in parallel.

[0445] W-eject scanning is performed in the color region R1 with a first layer W-ejection amount of 400% and a first layer W-resolution of 1200 dpi. W-eject scanning is performed in the reinforced region R2 with a first layer W-enhancement amount of 400% and a first layer W-resolution of 1200 dpi. C-eject scanning is performed with a C-ejection amount of 100% and a C-resolution of 1200 dpi. W-eject scanning is performed based on the C-specified resolution set in print setting PS8. The number of unit passes for both W-eject scanning and C-eject scanning is 4 passes.

[0446] Since the white head 3 is located behind the color head 4, that is, upstream in the direction of travel of the platen 7, in the first ejection process (S83), as shown in state ST81 in Figure 45, a white layer W81A is formed in the color region R1, a white layer W81B is formed in the reinforcement region R2 on the medium M, and a color layer C8 is formed on the white layer W81A.

[0447] After processing in S83, the CPU 91 transports the platen 7 shown in Figure 2 to the rear end position P12 (S831).

[0448] In the S84 process, W-discharge scanning is set to ON. C-discharge scanning is set to OFF. P-discharge scanning is set to ON.

[0449] After processing in S85, the CPU 91 performs a second ejection process instead of processing in S85 (S851). In the second ejection process (S851), the CPU 91 repeatedly performs an ejection scan of the head 10 and a sub-scan of the platen 7 from back to front, based on whether the ejection scan of the head 10 was turned ON or OFF in processing in S84.

[0450] In the second ejection process (S851), the W-ejection scan and P-ejection scan, along with the sub-scan of the platen 7 from rear to front, are repeated. The W-ejection scan and P-ejection scan are performed in parallel.

[0451] W-eject scanning is performed in reinforced region R2 with a second layer W-reinforcement amount of 200% and a second layer W-resolution of 600 dpi. P-eject scanning is performed with a P-ejection amount of 50% and a P-resolution of 600 dpi. W-eject scanning is performed based on the P-specified resolution set in print setting PS8. The number of unit passes for both W-eject scanning and P-eject scanning is 2 passes.

[0452] Since the white head 3 is located behind the post-processing head 5, that is, upstream in the direction of travel of the platen 7, in the second discharge process (S851), as shown in state ST82 in Figure 45, the white layer W82 is formed on the white layer W81B in the medium M, and the post-processing layer P8 is formed on the white layer W82 and the color layer C8.

[0453] The height H1 at the outer edge R11 of the color area R1 within the second white layer W82, and the height H2 at the outer edge R31 of the reduction area R3 within the second white layer W82, correspond to the amount of ink ejected per unit area, respectively. Height H1 is lower than height H2. In other words, in W-eject scanning, white ink is ejected from the white head 3 into the reduction area R3 in such a way that the amount of ink ejected per unit area decreases as you move from the outer edge R31 towards the outer edge R11 of the color area R1. For example, in W-eject scanning, in the main scanning direction, i.e., the left-right direction, the frequency of white ink ejection from the white head 3 decreases as you move from the outer edge R31 of the reduction area R3 towards the outer edge R11 of the color area R1.

[0454] The main effects of the third embodiment will now be described. The third embodiment also produces effects other than those described below. The present invention is not limited to the effects described below. Of the effects of the third embodiment, those described in the first or second embodiment will be omitted or simplified in the description.

[0455] Based on receiving a specific print command (S21:YES), CPU91 performs the process in S83 or the process in S83. In the process in S83, CPU91 ejects white ink from the white head 3 based on the specified resolution in the W-eject scan, and ejects color ink from the color head 4 at the specified resolution in the C-eject scan. Thus, printer 1 contributes to reducing the printing time.

[0456] In the third embodiment, the CPU 91 performs W-discharge scanning and C-discharge scanning in parallel during the first discharge process (S82), and then performs W-discharge scanning during the second discharge process (S84). During the second discharge process (S84), white ink is discharged on the same plane as the color ink discharged during the first discharge process (S82). Therefore, the printer 1 contributes to improving the color development of the discharged white ink.

[0457] In the third embodiment, the CPU 91 performs W-ejection scanning and P-ejection scanning in parallel during the second ejection process (S84). Since the W-ejection scanning is divided into the first ejection process (S82) and the second ejection process (S84), the ejected white ink dries easily. The post-treatment liquid is easily ejected onto the dried white ink. Therefore, the printer 1 contributes to suppressing ink bleeding.

[0458] In the third embodiment, the P-resolution is a natural number multiple of the minimum resolution. Therefore, the total number of passes for the W-ejection scan and the P-ejection scan to form the white layer W82 tends to decrease. Thus, printer 1 contributes to shortening the printing time.

[0459] Since the color layer and the second white layer are located on the same plane, ink bleeding is likely to occur at the boundary between the color layer and the second white layer, that is, at the boundary between the color area R1 and the reinforced area R2. In the third embodiment, the CPU 91 ejects white ink from the white head 3 to the reduced area R3 with a reduced ejection amount during the W-ejection scan in the second ejection process (S84). Therefore, the printer 1 contributes to suppressing ink bleeding at the boundary between the color area R1 and the reinforced area R2.

[0460] During the second ejection process (S84), the CPU 91 ejects white ink from the white head 3 into the reduced area R3 in a W-ejection scan such that the amount ejected per unit area decreases as it moves from the outer edge R31 of the reduced area R3 towards the outer edge R11 of the color area R1. Therefore, the printer 1 contributes to suppressing ink bleeding at the boundary between the color area R1 and the enhanced area R2.

[0461] Based on receiving a test instruction specifying a test print (S251:YES), CPU91 prints multiple test patterns onto medium M. Thus, printer1 contributes to showing the user the differences in image quality of each of the multiple test patterns.

[0462] A modified example of the third embodiment will now be described. Three dispensing processes may be performed. In the first dispensing process, a W-dispensing scan may be performed. In the second dispensing scan, a C-dispensing scan may be performed. In the third dispensing scan, a W-dispensing scan and a P-dispensing scan may be performed in parallel.

[0463] In the first discharge process, W-discharge scanning and C-discharge scanning may be performed in parallel. In the second discharge scan, W-discharge scanning may be performed. In the third discharge process, P-discharge scanning may be performed.

[0464] The reduction region R3 may have a constant area regardless of the W-resolution of the second layer. The reduction region R3 corresponds to the "adjacent region" of the present invention.

[0465] The reduced discharge amount may be equal to the second W-discharge amount, regardless of the W-resolution of the second layer.

[0466] Multiple test patterns may omit the first test pattern PT1 and the second test pattern PT2. Multiple test patterns may omit the first test pattern PT1 and the third test pattern PT3. Multiple test patterns may omit the first test pattern PT1 and the fourth test pattern PT4.

[0467] In the first, second, and third embodiments, the CPU 91 may change the processing order to the extent that no inconsistencies occur.

[0468] Instead of the CPU91, a microcomputer, ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuits), FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array), etc., may be used as the processor. The main processing may be distributed among multiple processors.

[0469] Non-temporary storage media such as flash memory 92 can be any storage medium capable of retaining information regardless of the storage period. Non-temporary storage media do not necessarily include temporary storage media. Temporary storage media are, for example, transmitted signals. The control program may be downloaded, for example, from a server connected to a network (not shown), i.e., transmitted as a transmission signal, and stored in flash memory 92. In this case, the control program only needs to be stored on a non-temporary storage medium such as an HDD provided in the server.

[0470] In the first, second, and third embodiments, the white ink corresponds to the "first ink" of the present invention. The white head 3 corresponds to the "first head" of the present invention. The color ink corresponds to the "second ink" of the present invention. The color head 4 corresponds to the "second head" of the present invention.

[0471] CPU91 corresponds to the "control unit" or "computer" of this invention. C-Specified resolution corresponds to the "second resolution".

[0472] In the first embodiment, the process S94 shown in Figure 12 corresponds to the "specific printing process," "first specific ejection process," and "second specific ejection process" of the present invention. The process S92 shown in Figure 12 or the process S92 shown in Figure 23 corresponds to the "first division process of the first layer" of the present invention. The process S94 shown in Figure 12 or the process S94 shown in Figure 23 corresponds to the "first division process of the second layer" of the present invention. The process S94 shown in Figure 23 corresponds to the "second division process of the first layer" of the present invention. The process S96 shown in Figure 23 corresponds to the "second division process of the second layer" of the present invention.

[0473] The processes S92 and S93 shown in Figure 12 correspond to the "normal printing process" of the present invention. The process S92 shown in Figure 12 corresponds to the "first normal ejection process" of the present invention. The process S94 shown in Figure 12 corresponds to the "second normal ejection process" of the present invention.

[0474] In the second embodiment, the process S122 shown in Figure 27 corresponds to the "first specific discharge process" and the "second specific discharge process" of the present invention.

[0475] In the third embodiment, the process S83 shown in Figure 41 corresponds to the "first specific discharge process" and the "second specific discharge process" of the present invention. The post-processing liquid corresponds to the "third ink" of the present invention. The post-processing head 5 corresponds to the "third head" of the present invention. The process S84 shown in Figure 41 corresponds to the "third specific discharge process" of the present invention.

[0476] The reinforcement region R2 corresponds to the "non-ejection region" of the present invention. The color region R1 corresponds to the "ejection region" of the present invention. The processes S81 to S851 shown in Figure 41 correspond to the "test printing process" of the present invention.

[0477] The interpretation of "based on" is explained below. For example, "operation X is performed based on parameter A" means that if parameter A is parameter A1, operation X is performed in mode X1, and if parameter A is changed from parameter A1 to parameter A2 under conditions where conditions other than parameter A are fixed, operation X is performed in mode X2, which is the changed mode from mode X1. For example, in the first, second, or third embodiment of the present invention, "first specific ejection process that ejects the first ink from the first head based on the second resolution" means that if the first specific ejection process is performed under conditions where only the magnitude of the second resolution is different, under conditions where conditions other than the second resolution are fixed, the manner in which the first ink is ejected from the first head by the first specific ejection process is different. "The manner in which the first ink is ejected from the first head by the first specific ejection process is different" means, for example, that the resolution at which the first ink is ejected from the first head by the first specific ejection process is different. "The manner in which the first ink is ejected from the first head by the first specific ejection process is different" means, for example, that the amount of ink ejected from the first head by the first specific ejection process is different. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0478] 1. Printer 3 White Head 4 color heads 5. Post-processing head 91 CPU

Claims

1. The first head that ejects the first ink, The second head that ejects the second ink, Control unit and Equipped with, The control unit, Based on the receipt of a specific print instruction specifying that the second ink should be ejected from the second head at a second resolution, a specific print process is performed. The control unit, in the specific printing process, Based on the second resolution, a first specific ejection process is performed to eject the first ink from the first head, A second specific ejection process in which the second ink is ejected from the second head at the second resolution, A printer characterized by performing the following actions.

2. The control unit, Based on the receipt of the specific printing instruction that further specifies that the first ink should be ejected from the first head at a first ejection amount, in the first specific ejection process, A first division process for the first layer, in which the first ink is ejected from the first head with a first division amount of the first layer which is less than the first ejection amount, The first division process of the second layer involves ejecting the first ink from the first head with a first division amount of the second layer that is less than the first ejection amount. The first division process of the first layer and the first division process of the second layer are performed in that order, thereby ejecting the first ink from the first head based on the second resolution. The printer according to feature 1.

3. In the first division process of the second layer, the control unit performs the following: The first ink is ejected from the first head at the first division amount of the second layer, which is the difference between the first ejection amount and the first division amount of the first layer. The printer according to feature 2.

4. In the first division process of the second layer, the control unit performs the following: The first ink is ejected from the first head with a first division amount for the second layer that exceeds the first division amount for the first layer. The printer according to feature 2.

5. The control unit, The first division process of the second layer and the second specific discharge process are performed in parallel. The printer according to feature 2.

6. In the first division process of the second layer, the control unit performs the following: The first ink is ejected from the first head at a second layer first division resolution that is a natural number multiple of the minimum resolution. The printer according to feature 5.

7. Based on receiving the specific printing instruction which includes information regarding the suppression of ink bleeding, the control unit performs the second specific ejection process as follows: The second splitting process of the first layer, in which the second ink is ejected from the second head, The second layer of the second division process involves ejecting the second ink from the second head. The second ink is ejected from the second head at the second resolution by performing the second division process of the first layer and the second division process of the second layer in that order. The printer according to feature 1.

8. In the second division process of the first layer, the control unit performs the following: The second ink is ejected from the second head at a second division resolution of the first layer that is lower than the second resolution. In the second division process of the second layer, the control unit performs the following: The second ink is ejected from the second head at a second split resolution of the second layer, which is lower than the second resolution. The printer according to feature 7.

9. The control unit, Based on the receipt of the specific printing instruction that further specifies that the first ink should be ejected from the first head at a first ejection amount, in the first specific ejection process, A first division process for the first layer, in which the first ink is ejected from the first head with a first division amount of the first layer which is less than the first ejection amount, The first division process of the second layer involves ejecting the first ink from the first head with a first division amount of the second layer that is less than the first ejection amount. By performing the first division process of the first layer and the first division process of the second layer in that order, the first ink is ejected from the first head based on the second resolution. The control unit, Based on the receipt of the specific print instruction containing information regarding the reduction of printing time, the first division process of the second layer and the second division process of the first layer are performed in parallel. The printer according to feature 7.

10. The control unit, The first specific discharge process and the second specific discharge process are performed in the order of the first specific discharge process followed by the second specific discharge process. The printer according to feature 1.

11. The control unit, The first division process of the first layer and the second specific discharge process are performed in parallel, or the first division process of the first layer is performed first, followed by the second specific discharge process, and then the first division process of the second layer is performed. Alternatively, after performing the first division process of the first layer, the first division process of the second layer and the second specific discharge process may be performed in parallel, or in the order of the second specific discharge process followed by the first division process of the second layer. The printer according to feature 2.

12. Equipped with a third head that ejects a third ink, The control unit, in the specific printing process, Further, a third specific ejection process is performed to eject the third ink from the third head. The control unit, The first division process of the second layer and the third specific discharge process are performed in parallel, or in the order of the first division process of the second layer followed by the third specific discharge process. The printer according to feature 11.

13. The control unit, The first division process of the second layer and the third specific discharge process are performed in parallel. In the first division process of the second layer, the control unit performs the following: The first ink is ejected from the first head at the first division resolution of the second layer. The control unit, in the third specific discharge process, The third ink is ejected from the third head at a third resolution, which is a natural number multiple of the minimum resolution. The printer according to feature 12.

14. In the first division process of the second layer, the control unit performs the following: In the non-ejection region where the second ink is not ejected from the second head by the second specific ejection process, the first ink is ejected from the first head in an adjacent region adjacent to the boundary between the ejection region where the second ink is ejected from the second head by the second specific ejection process and the non-ejection region, with a reduced ejection amount less than the first division amount of the second layer based on the first division resolution of the second layer. Based on the first division resolution of the second layer, the first ink is ejected from the first head into the adjacent reduction region with the first division amount of the second layer, or Alternatively, the first ink is ejected from the first head to the reduction area at the reduced ejection amount. The printer according to feature 2.

15. In the first division process of the second layer, the control unit performs the following: The first ink is ejected from the first head into the adjacent region such that the amount ejected per unit area decreases as you move from the outer edge of the adjacent region toward the boundary. The printer according to feature 14.

16. The control unit, Based on the receipt of a test instruction specifying a test print, the test print process is performed. The control unit, in the test printing process, The specific printing process is performed using a plurality of test patterns, including a test pattern in which the reduced discharge amount is set to a first amount and a test pattern in which the reduced discharge amount is set to a second amount. The specific printing process is performed using a plurality of test patterns, including a test pattern in which the area of ​​the reduction region is the first area and a test pattern in which the area of ​​the reduction region is the second area. Alternatively, the specific printing process is performed using a plurality of test patterns, including a test pattern in which the reduced discharge amount is set to a first amount and the area of ​​the reduced region to a first area, and a test pattern in which the reduced discharge amount is set to a second amount and the area of ​​the reduced region to a second area. The printer according to feature 14.

17. The control unit, The first specific discharge process and the second specific discharge process are performed in the order of the second specific discharge process followed by the first specific discharge process. The printer according to feature 1.

18. The control unit, An instruction specifying that the second ink should be ejected from the second head at the second resolution, and based on the receipt of a normal print instruction different from the specific print instruction, a normal print process is performed. The control unit, in the normal printing process, A first normal ejection process that ejects the first ink from the first head without relying on the second resolution, A second normal ejection process in which the second ink is ejected from the second head at the second resolution, A printer according to any one of claims 1 to 17, characterized by performing the following:

19. The first head that ejects the first ink, The second head that ejects the second ink and A method for controlling a printer equipped with, The system includes a specific printing process that is executed based on the receipt of a specific printing instruction specifying that the second ink should be ejected from the second head at a second resolution, The aforementioned specific printing process is: Based on the second resolution, a first specific ejection process is performed to eject the first ink from the first head, A second specific ejection process in which the second ink is ejected from the second head at the second resolution, A control method characterized by including

20. The first head that ejects the first ink, The second head that ejects the second ink and A computer that controls a printer equipped with the following features: Based on the receipt of a specific print instruction specifying that the second ink should be ejected from the second head at the second resolution, the specific print process is executed. In the aforementioned computer, in the aforementioned specific printing process, Based on the second resolution, a first specific ejection process is performed to eject the first ink from the first head, A second specific ejection process in which the second ink is ejected from the second head at the second resolution, A control program characterized by causing the execution of a specific action.

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