Printing device and printing method

Abstract

To solve the problem that it is necessary to determine four corners of a pattern area by interpolation calculation or the other on the basis of information obtained as an extracted result of a pattern, which increases burdens of calculation.SOLUTION: A printing device comprises: a pattern correction part that changes a mutual positional relation between a plurality of divided first image data obtained by dividing first image data that express a first pattern formed on a cloth and generates corrected first image data in which four corners of the first image data are centers; a pattern extraction part that extracts, from second image data, a pattern area corresponding to a second pattern expressed by the corrected first image data, by comparing the corrected first image data with second image data generated by imaging the cloth; a printing image generation part that generates printing image data by arranging third image data that express an image which should be printed to be superimposed on the first pattern so that the data match an area in which centers of the pattern area are four corners thereof; and a printing control part that makes a printing part execute printing of the printing image data on the cloth.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a printing apparatus and a printing method. [Background technology]

[0002] There is known a technique for searching for candidates similar to features of a reference image obtained by photographing a non-defective product that serves as a model for the product, within an image to be inspected (see Patent Document 1). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] JP 2017-96750 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] Here, it is assumed that when a fabric with a pattern is used as a printing medium, the pattern is extracted from a captured image obtained by capturing an image of the fabric being transported. Such extraction is performed in order to generate printing data for coloring a picture according to the position and shape of the pattern. However, the information obtained as a result of extracting the pattern from the captured image is often limited information, such as only the central coordinates of the pattern. Therefore, in order to generate the printing data, it is necessary to further obtain the four corners of the pattern area by performing an interpolation calculation or the like based on the information obtained as a result of extracting the pattern, which results in a large computational burden. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] The printing device is Repeatedly along the conveying direction and a direction intersecting the conveying direction. The formed dough The abovethe first image data representing the first pattern is divided into a plurality of divided first image data pieces, and a pattern extraction unit extracts a pattern area corresponding to the second pattern represented by the corrected first image data from the second image data generated by the imaging unit by comparing the corrected first image data with the second image data generated by the imaging unit; a print image generation unit generates print image data by arranging third image data representing an image to be printed over the first pattern so as to fit into an area having the center of the extracted pattern area as its four corners; and a print control unit causes the printing unit to print the print image data on the fabric.

[0006] The printing device is Repeatedly along the conveying direction and a direction intersecting the conveying direction. The formed dough The above the image capturing unit capturing an image of the fabric conveyed by the image capturing unit; a printing unit printing on the fabric conveyed by the conveying unit; a pattern extraction unit extracting a pattern area corresponding to the first pattern from first image data representing the first pattern by comparing the second image data generated by capturing an image of the fabric by the image capturing unit; an image correction unit changing the relative positions of multiple divided third image data obtained by dividing third image data representing an image to be printed over the first pattern to generate corrected third image data centered on the four corners of the third image data; a print image generation unit generating print image data by positioning the corrected third image data to fit into an area whose four corners are the center of the extracted pattern area; and a print control unit causing the printing unit to print the print image data on the fabric.

[0007] The printing device includes a conveying unit that conveys a fabric on which a first pattern is formed in a conveying direction, an imaging unit that images the fabric conveyed by the conveying unit, a printing unit that prints on the fabric conveyed by the conveying unit, a pattern correction unit that generates a plurality of divided corrected first image data centered on each of the four corners of first image data by dividing corrected first image data by adding margin areas around the first image data expressing the first pattern, a pattern extraction unit that extracts a plurality of pattern areas from the second image data corresponding to patterns expressed by each of the plurality of divided corrected first image data by comparing the plurality of divided corrected first image data with second image data generated by imaging the fabric by the imaging unit, a print image generation unit that generates print image data by arranging third image data expressing an image to be printed over the first pattern so that it fits into an area with the center of the extracted pattern area as the four corners, and a print control unit that causes the printing unit to print the print image data on the fabric.

[0008] The printing method is as follows: Repeatedly along the conveying direction and a direction intersecting the conveying direction. The formed dough The above a conveying step of conveying the fabric in a conveying direction, an imaging step of imaging the fabric being conveyed, a pattern correction step of changing the relative positions of a plurality of divided first image data obtained by dividing first image data expressing the first pattern to generate corrected first image data whose centers are the four corners of the first image data, a pattern extraction step of extracting a pattern area corresponding to the second pattern expressed by the corrected first image data from the second image data by comparing the corrected first image data with second image data generated by imaging the fabric, a print image generation step of generating print image data by arranging third image data expressing an image to be printed over the first pattern so as to fit into an area whose four corners are the center of the extracted pattern area, and a printing step of printing the print image data on the fabric being conveyed. include .

[0009] The printing method is as follows: Repeatedly along the conveying direction and a direction intersecting the conveying direction. The formed dough The abovea conveying step of conveying the fabric in a conveying direction, an imaging step of imaging the fabric being conveyed, a pattern extracting step of extracting a pattern area corresponding to the first pattern from the second image data by comparing first image data expressing the first pattern with second image data generated by imaging the fabric, an image correcting step of generating corrected third image data whose centers are four corners of the third image data by changing a mutual positional relationship of a plurality of divided third image data obtained by dividing third image data expressing an image to be printed overlaid on the first pattern, a print image generating step of generating print image data by arranging the corrected third image data so as to fit into an area whose four corners are the center of the extracted pattern area, and a printing step of printing the print image data on the fabric being conveyed. include .

[0010] The printing method includes a conveying step of conveying a fabric on which a first pattern is formed in a conveying direction, an imaging step of imaging the conveyed fabric, a pattern correction step of dividing corrected first image data by adding a margin area around first image data expressing the first pattern to generate a plurality of divided corrected first image data centered on each of the four corners of the first image data, a pattern extraction step of extracting a plurality of pattern areas from the second image data corresponding to patterns expressed by the plurality of divided corrected first image data by comparing the plurality of divided corrected first image data with second image data generated by imaging the fabric, a print image generation step of generating print image data by arranging third image data expressing an image to be printed over the first pattern so as to fit into an area having the center of the extracted pattern area as one of the four corners, and a printing step of printing the print image data on the conveyed fabric. include . [Brief description of the drawings]

[0011] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a simplified configuration of a printing apparatus. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2A is a view showing the transported fabric and the configuration in the vicinity thereof from an upper-downward perspective, and FIG. 2B is a view showing a part of the configuration shown in FIG. 2A from an upstream-downstream perspective. [Diagram 3] 5 is a flowchart showing a printing process according to the first embodiment. [Figure 4] 11 is a flowchart showing details of step S100. [Diagram 5] 10A to 10C are diagrams for explaining a procedure for shifting divided data of pattern image data. [Figure 6] FIG. 4 is a diagram for explaining step S130 in the first embodiment using a specific example. [Figure 7] 5 is a diagram for explaining steps S140 and S150 of the first embodiment using a specific example. FIG. [Figure 8] 10 is a flowchart showing a printing process according to a second embodiment. [Figure 9] FIG. 11 is a diagram for explaining step S130 in the second embodiment using a specific example. [Figure 10] FIG. 11 is a diagram for explaining steps S145 and S150 of the second embodiment using a specific example. [Figure 11] 10 is a flowchart showing a printing process according to a third embodiment. [Figure 12] FIG. 11 is a diagram for explaining the third embodiment by way of a specific example. [Figure 13] FIG. 13 is a diagram for explaining a divided data shift in the second modified example. [Figure 14] FIG. 11 is a diagram for explaining step S130 in the second modified example. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0012] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. Note that each drawing is merely an example for explaining the present embodiment. Since each drawing is an example, the proportions and shapes may not be accurate, the drawings may not match each other, and some parts may be omitted.

[0013] 1.Device configuration: FIG. 1 shows a simplified configuration of a printing device 10 according to this embodiment. The printing device 10 executes a printing method. The printing device 10 includes a control unit 11, a display unit 13, an operation reception unit 14, an imaging unit 15, a transport unit 16, a printing unit 17, a storage unit 18, etc. The control unit 11 includes one or more ICs having a CPU 11a as a processor, a ROM 11b, a RAM 11c, etc., and other non-volatile memories, etc.

[0014] In the control unit 11, a processor, i.e., CPU 11a, executes arithmetic processing according to one or more programs 12 stored in ROM 11b or other memory, using RAM 11c or the like as a work area, thereby controlling the printing device 10. By following the programs 12, the control unit 11 functions as a pattern registration unit 12a, a pattern correction unit 12b, a pattern extraction unit 12c, an image correction unit 12d, a print image generation unit 12e, a print control unit 12f, and the like. Note that the processor is not limited to a single CPU, and may be configured to perform processing using multiple CPUs or a hardware circuit such as an ASIC, or may be configured to perform processing in cooperation with a CPU and a hardware circuit.

[0015] The display unit 13 is a means for displaying visual information, and is configured, for example, by a liquid crystal display, an organic electroluminescence display, or the like. The display unit 13 may be configured to include a display and a drive circuit for driving the display. The operation reception unit 14 is a means for receiving operations by a user, and is realized, for example, by a physical button, a touch panel, a mouse, a keyboard, or the like. Of course, the touch panel may be realized as one function of the display unit 13. The display unit 13 and the operation reception unit 14 may be part of the configuration of the printing device 10, or may be peripheral devices external to the printing device 10.

[0016] The transport unit 16 is a mechanism for transporting the print medium under the control of the control unit 11. In this embodiment, the print medium is assumed to be a fabric on which a three-dimensional pattern is formed by devising a weaving method of threads or fibers, such as a jacquard woven fabric or lace fabric. Some kind of pattern, or a group of patterns, is formed in a repeated pattern on the fabric. In the following, one or a group of patterns will be treated as one pattern.

[0017] Conveying unit 16 includes, for example, a pay-out roller that pays out the unprinted fabric wound in a roll downstream in the conveyance direction, a belt and rollers for further conveying the paid-out fabric, a take-up roller that re-winds the fabric after printing into a roll and collects it, a motor for rotating each roller and belt, etc. Hereinafter, the upstream and downstream of the conveying direction by conveying unit 16 will also be simply referred to as upstream and downstream.

[0018] The imaging unit 15 captures an image of the fabric being transported by the transport unit 16 under the control of the control unit 11. The imaging unit 15 includes a light source that illuminates the fabric, an imaging element that receives light reflected from the fabric, and generates and outputs image data as the imaging result.

[0019] The printing unit 17 prints on the fabric conveyed by the conveying unit 16 under the control of the control unit 11. The printing unit 17 is provided downstream of the imaging unit 15. The printing unit 17 prints on the fabric based on print image data sent from the control unit 11. The printing unit 17 can perform printing by ejecting ink of multiple colors such as cyan, magenta, yellow, black, etc., using an inkjet method. According to the inkjet method, the printing unit 17 prints on the fabric by ejecting dots of ink from nozzles (not shown) based on print image data that specifies dot-on or dot-off of each ink for each pixel.

[0020] The storage unit 18 is a storage means such as a non-volatile memory, a hard disk drive, etc. The storage unit 18 may be understood as a part of the control unit 11. The RAM 11c may be understood as a part of the storage unit 18.

[0021] The printing device 10 may be called a recording device, an image forming device, a printer, etc. The printing device 10 may be realized not only by a single independent device, but also by multiple devices connected to each other so as to be able to communicate with each other via a communication interface or a network. The printing device 10 made up of multiple devices may be called a printing system 10.

[0022] The printing system 10 includes, for example, a printer including an imaging unit 15, a transport unit 16, and a printing unit 17, and one or more information processing devices that function as the control unit 11. The information processing device is, for example, a personal computer (PC), a server, a smartphone, a tablet terminal, or a device having a processing capability equivalent thereto. In the printing system 10, a device that functions as the control unit 11 may be called an image processing device, a print control device, or the like. Of course, some of the devices that constitute the printing system 10 may also be considered as an invention.

[0023] Fig. 2A shows the transported fabric 30 and the structure around the fabric 30 from a perspective looking downward. In Fig. 2A, the pattern formed in advance on the fabric 30 is not shown. In Fig. 2A, the transport direction of the fabric 30 by the transport unit 16 is indicated by reference symbol D1. Reference symbol 22 denotes an endless belt 22 that is a part of the transport unit 16. The fabric 30 placed on the endless belt 22 is transported from upstream to downstream as the endless belt 22 rotates.

[0024] As shown in FIG. 2A, a carriage 20 is disposed above the endless belt 22. The carriage 20 is capable of reciprocating movement along a direction D2 that intersects with the conveying direction D1. Here, "intersect" means "orthogonal," but "orthogonal" may be understood to include not only strict orthogonal but also errors that occur during the manufacturing process of the product. The carriage 20 moves along a long guide member 21 in the direction D2. The direction D2 is also referred to as the main scanning direction of the carriage 20 and the print head 19. The direction D2 is also referred to as the width direction of the fabric 30.

[0025] The carriage 20 carries a print head 19. In other words, the print head 19 moves back and forth together with the carriage 20 in the width direction D2. The carriage 20 and print head 19 constitute the printing unit 17. Although not shown, the print head 19 has a plurality of nozzles opened on its lower surface facing the endless belt 22. The print head 19 ejects ink from the nozzles based on print image data while moving together with the carriage 20 in the width direction D2.

[0026] As shown in FIG. 2A, the imaging unit 15 is disposed at a predetermined position above the endless belt 22 and upstream of the carriage 20 and the print head 19. FIG. 2B shows a part of the configuration shown in FIG. 2A from a viewpoint facing from upstream to downstream. The imaging unit 15 has an imaging surface 15a on the lower surface facing the endless belt 22, and images the fabric 30 on the endless belt 22 through the imaging surface 15a. The imaging unit 15 is, for example, a line-scan type camera in which multiple imaging elements are arranged along the width direction D2 inside. The imaging unit 15 repeats imaging on a line-by-line basis through a lens and imaging elements (not shown) provided on the imaging surface 15a. In FIG. 2B, the imaging range of the imaging unit 15 in the width direction D2 is illustrated by a dashed line. The imaging unit 15 can image almost the entire range of the endless belt 22 in the width direction D2 by the function of the lens.

[0027] The configuration of the imaging unit 15 is not limited to the example shown in Figs. 2A and 2B. For example, a configuration may be adopted in which a plurality of imaging units 15 are arranged along the width direction D2 above the endless belt 22, and each of the plurality of imaging units 15 is responsible for imaging a portion of the entire range of the endless belt 22 in the width direction D2. Alternatively, the imaging unit 15 may be a line sensor configured by arranging a plurality of imaging elements over almost the entire range of the endless belt 22 in the width direction D2. Alternatively, the imaging unit 15 may be mounted on a carriage that is movable along the width direction D2, similar to the print head 19 being mounted on the carriage 20, and may be configured to image the endless belt 22 while moving in the width direction D2 by the carriage. Several embodiments of the printing method will be described below.

[0028] 2. First embodiment: FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing the printing process according to the first embodiment that is executed by the control unit 11 in accordance with the program 12. As shown in FIG. In step S100, the pattern registration unit 12a of the control unit 11 registers pattern image data expressing the pattern formed on the fabric 30 in the storage unit 18. The pattern image data corresponds to the "first image data", and step S100 corresponds to a registration process.

[0029] FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing the details of step S100. In step S102, the pattern registration unit 12a acquires basic image data expressing a pattern of the fabric 30. The fabric 30 is, for example, a woven fabric into which a single pattern designed by a designer is repeatedly woven. Therefore, the basic image data is image data expressing the single pattern that is generated in advance using a predetermined software for design or drafting. The pattern registration unit 12a inputs basic image data stored in a PC, for example, from an external PC of the printing device 10, in accordance with a user's operation, and stores the input basic image data in the storage unit 18.

[0030] In step S104, the pattern registration unit 12a acquires prescan data, which is image data generated by prescanning the fabric 30. Prescanning refers to reading or imaging performed prior to imaging of the fabric 30, which begins in step S110 described below. For example, the user causes a scanner external to the printing device 10 to scan the fabric 30 in advance. The pattern registration unit 12a then inputs the image data generated by this scanning from the scanner and stores it in the storage unit 18 as prescan data.

[0031] Alternatively, the prescan may be performed by the imaging unit 15. For example, the control unit 11 causes the conveying unit 16 to start conveying the fabric 30, and stops conveying the fabric 30 when the leading end of the fabric 30 reaches a position a predetermined distance downstream from the imaging unit 15. The leading end of the fabric 30 is the end portion facing downstream. The imaging unit 15 captures an image of the fabric 30 passing under the imaging unit 15 during conveyance, and the pattern registration unit 12a inputs image data generated by this imaging from the imaging unit 15 and stores the image data in the storage unit 18 as prescan data.

[0032] In step S106, the pattern registration unit 12a compares the basic image data acquired in step S102 with the pre-scan data acquired in step S104, and extracts a pattern area in the pre-scan data that corresponds to one pattern of the fabric 30. At this time, the pattern registration unit 12a uses an image recognition technique to extract an image area in the pre-scan data that has a higher similarity to the basic image data, and sets this image area as a pattern area.

[0033] Then, in step S108, the pattern registration unit 12a stores the image data corresponding to the pattern region extracted in step S106 as pattern image data in the storage unit 18. This completes the registration of the pattern image data. According to the explanation given in FIG. 4, the pattern image data is at least a part of the prescan data. However, the pattern registration unit 12a may simplify step S100 by registering the basic image data itself in the storage unit 18 as pattern image data.

[0034] In step S110, the pattern correction unit 12b performs a process on the pattern image data registered in step S100, changing the relative positions of the multiple divided pattern image data to convert them into corrected pattern image data with the four corners of the pattern image data at the center. The process on the pattern image data in step 110 is called "divided data shift." The divided pattern image data corresponds to "divided first image data," and the corrected pattern image data corresponds to "corrected first image data." Step S110 corresponds to the "pattern correction process."

[0035] With reference to FIG. 5, the procedure of shifting divided data for the pattern image data will be described. FIG. 5 illustrates the pattern image data 40 registered in step S100. The pattern represented by the pattern image data 40 corresponds to the "first pattern". The shape of the pattern image data 40 may be interpreted as a rectangle. In the example of FIG. 5, the pattern image data 40 represents a first pattern designed with a motif of a petal shape. Of course, such a pattern may be more complicated. In addition, the first pattern similar to the pattern image data 40 is repeatedly formed on the fabric 30 along the conveying direction D1 and the width direction D2. In this embodiment, the directions of each image data, such as the pattern image data, the captured image data, and the print image data, handled by the control unit 11 will also be described in correspondence with the conveying direction D1 and the width direction D2. In addition, the conveying direction D1 will be simply referred to as the vertical direction, and the width direction D2 as the horizontal direction.

[0036] The pattern correcting unit 12b divides the pattern image data 40 into two equal parts in both the vertical and horizontal directions, thereby dividing the pattern image data 40 into four divided pattern image data 40a, 40b, 40c, and 40d. The divided pattern image data 40a, 40b, 40c, and 40d each have one of the vertices 41a, 41b, 41c, and 41d at each of the four corners of the pattern image data 40. In the example of Fig. 5, the divided pattern image data 40a has the vertex 41a, the divided pattern image data 40b has the vertex 41b, the divided pattern image data 40c has the vertex 41c, and the divided pattern image data 40d has the vertex 41d.

[0037] The pattern correction unit 12b changes the relative positions of the divided pattern image data 40a, 40b, 40c, and 40d so that the vertices 41a, 41b, 41c, and 41d overlap at one point. The order of changing the positions does not necessarily need to be fixed, but according to FIG. 5, the pattern correction unit 12b first moves the set of divided pattern image data 40b and 40d that is at the end in the positive direction of the width direction D2 in the positional relationship of the divided pattern image data 40a, 40b, 40c, and 40d to the end position in the negative direction of the width direction D2. In other words, the positions of the set of divided pattern image data 40a and 40c and the set of divided pattern image data 40b and 40d are swapped. At this point, the vertices 41a and 41b overlap, and the vertices 41c and 41d overlap.

[0038] In this state of exchange, the pattern correction unit 12b further moves the set of divided pattern image data 40d, 40c located at the end in the upstream direction of the transport direction D1 to the end position in the downstream direction of the transport direction D1. That is, the positions of the set of divided pattern image data 40b, 40a and the set of divided pattern image data 40d, 40c are exchanged. As a result, corrected pattern image data 42 is generated with the center at the point 49 where the vertices 41a, 41b, 41c, and 41d overlap. As described above, if the pattern image data 40 is rectangular, the corrected pattern image data 42 is also rectangular. The pattern expressed by the corrected pattern image data 42 corresponds to the "second pattern". Note that the solid lines and dashed lines shown in the pattern image data 40 and the corrected pattern image data 42 in FIG. 5 for dividing the divided pattern image data 40a, 40b, 40c, and 40d do not actually exist, and it goes without saying that they do not constitute the first pattern or the second pattern.

[0039] In step S120, the control unit 11 causes the imaging unit 15 to start imaging the fabric 30 being transported by the transport unit 16 at a predetermined speed. That is, in step S120, the "transportation process" of the fabric 30 is started. Also, step S120 starts the "imaging process". Line-by-line image data generated by the imaging unit 15 by imaging the fabric 30 is output sequentially to the control unit 11. The control unit 11 acquires two-dimensional captured image data by sequentially saving the line-by-line image data from the imaging unit 15. The captured image data corresponds to the "second image data".

[0040] In step S130, the pattern extraction unit 12c compares the corrected pattern image data converted from the pattern image data by the divided data shift in step S110 with the captured image data generated by imaging in step S120, and extracts a pattern area corresponding to the second pattern expressed by the corrected pattern image data from the captured image data. Naturally, a plurality of first patterns are expressed side by side in the captured image data generated by imaging the fabric 30. Step S130 corresponds to a "pattern extraction step".

[0041] The pattern extraction unit 12c may use an image recognition technique to extract an image region having a similarity to the corrected pattern image data higher than a predetermined level as a pattern region. Specifically, the pattern extraction unit 12c extracts an edge of an image in the corrected pattern image data, and similarly extracts an edge of an image in the captured image data. Then, the pattern extraction unit 12c repeatedly compares the distribution of edges in the corrected pattern image data with the distribution of edges in the captured image data while shifting the position and while transforming the corrected pattern image data, and extracts a region in which the degree of agreement between the distributions of edges is evaluated as being higher than a predetermined level as one pattern region. Note that, similar to the process of step S130, in the above-mentioned step S106, the pattern registration unit 12a can extract a pattern region in the prescan data according to the degree of agreement between the distributions of edges of the images being compared.

[0042] Here, assuming that the width direction D2 is the X-axis and the transport direction D1 is the Y-axis, the coordinates of the captured image data are defined on a two-dimensional plane with orthogonal X- and Y-axes. Therefore, the process of extracting a pattern area from the captured image data is a process of identifying the coordinates of the pattern area in the captured image data. More specifically, the pattern extraction unit 12c acquires the center coordinates of an area in the captured image data that can be evaluated as one pattern area according to the degree of coincidence of the edge distribution as described above, as the extraction result of one pattern area. The pattern extraction unit 12c outputs the information on the center coordinates of the pattern area acquired as the extraction result to the print image generation unit 12e for the processes of steps S140 and S150.

[0043] A specific example of step S130 will be described with reference to FIG. 6. FIG. 6 illustrates a part of the captured image data 50. For reference, FIG. 6 also illustrates the corrected pattern image data 42. In the captured image data 50, a first pattern similar to the pattern image data 40 is repeatedly expressed along the conveying direction D1 and the width direction D2. Each rectangle shown by a dashed line in the captured image data 50 is a pattern area 51 corresponding to such a first pattern. On the other hand, each rectangle shown by a solid line in the captured image data 50 is a pattern area 52 corresponding to the second pattern expressed by the corrected pattern image data 42. That is, the pattern extraction unit 12c obtains information on the center coordinates of each pattern area 52 from multiple locations in the captured image data 50 by performing extraction based on the corrected pattern image data 42. In FIG. 6, the center coordinates of each pattern area 52 are indicated by black circles. As can be seen from FIG. 6, the center coordinates of each pattern area 52 correspond to the four corners of each pattern area 51.

[0044] In step S140, the print image generating unit 12e transforms the colored image data expressing the image to be printed over the first pattern so that it fits the shape of the area whose four corners are the center coordinates of the pattern area extracted in step S130. The colored image data corresponds to the "third image data." The colored image data is color image data generated in advance that expresses the color to be colored in one first pattern or the printing range of the color. The colored image data is stored in advance in, for example, the storage unit 18. Alternatively, the control unit 11 inputs the colored image data stored in a PC from, for example, a PC external to the printing device 10 in accordance with a user's operation, and stores the input colored image data in the storage unit 18.

[0045] In the captured image data, the center coordinates of each pattern area are ideally spaced at regular intervals along both the conveying direction D1 and the width direction D2. Also, the pattern area is ideally a rectangle with a predetermined length and width. However, there is a possibility that the fabric 30 being conveyed may be distorted or stretched (hereinafter, "distortion, etc."). Although not particularly depicted in FIG. 6 or in FIGS. 7, 9, 10, 12, and 14 described below, the spacing and arrangement direction, etc. of the center coordinates of multiple pattern areas extracted from the captured image data in step S130, etc., may also be arranged in a manner affected by such distortion, etc.

[0046] Therefore, the print image generating unit 12e transforms the shape of the colored image data to fit the shape of each area whose four corners are the center coordinates extracted in step S130. As a transformation method, for example, affine transformation including image enlargement, reduction, rotation, shearing, etc., and other transformation methods are used. Depending on the shape of the area whose four corners are the center coordinates extracted in step S130, the transformation process of step S140 may not be necessary.

[0047] In step S150, the print image generating unit 12e generates print image data by arranging the multiple colored image data that have been through step S140 in correspondence with an arrangement of areas in the captured image data whose four corners are the center coordinates extracted in step S130. The print image data is image data obtained by combining the multiple colored image data that have been through step S140, and is an image to be printed on the area of ​​the fabric 30 that has been imaged. Such steps S140 and S150 correspond to a "print image generating step" that generates print image data by arranging the third image data so that it matches the area whose four corners are the center of the extracted pattern area.

[0048] A specific example of steps S140 and S150 will be described with reference to FIG. 7. Reference numeral 60 denotes colored image data 60. In FIG. 7, the colored image data 60 is color image data that expresses the color to be overlaid on the first pattern designed with a petal motif. The colored image data 60 may be interpreted as an image having the same or almost the same size as the pattern image data 40 and the corrected pattern image data 42 in length and width. In FIG. 7, similarly to FIG. 6, the center coordinates extracted in step S130 are indicated by black circles. Reference numeral 61a denotes colored image data 61a obtained by deforming the colored image data 60 to fit the shape of one area (first area) having the center coordinates extracted in step S130 as its four corners. Similarly, reference numeral 61b denotes colored image data 61b obtained by deforming the colored image data 60 to fit the shape of one area (second area) adjacent to the first area in the width direction D2 and having the center coordinates extracted in step S130 as its four corners.

[0049] Reference numeral 61c denotes colored image data 61c obtained by deforming the colored image data 60 to fit the shape of one area (third area) adjacent to the second area in the width direction D2 and having the center coordinates extracted in step S130 as its four corners. The colored image data 61a, 61b, 61c, etc. are combined according to the positional relationship of the first area, second area, third area, etc. in the captured image data 50 to obtain the print image data 61. In FIG. 7, the boundaries of the colored image data 61a, 61b, 61c, etc. are partially indicated by dashed lines. The first area, second area, third area, etc. each correspond to the pattern area 51. In other words, the print image generating unit 12e arranges the colored image data 60 to fit the area having the center coordinates extracted in step S130 as its four corners, and as a result, the colored image data 60 can be arranged to fit the pattern area 51 expressing the first pattern.

[0050] As indicated by the dashed arrow in Fig. 3, after starting imaging of the fabric 30 in step S120, the control unit 11 repeats steps S130 to S150 according to the captured image data sequentially obtained from the imaging unit 15. That is, the control unit 11 executes step S130 for captured image data of a predetermined size sequentially obtained from the imaging unit 15, and executes steps S140 and S150 in response to the result of step S130. The print image data 61 shown in Fig. 7 may be understood as an example of print image data obtained as a result of one cycle of steps S130 to S150.

[0051] In step S160, the print control unit 12f starts printing the print image data generated in step S150 onto the fabric 30. That is, step S160 starts the "printing process." The print image generation unit 12e repeats steps S140 and S150 to sequentially generate print image data, and outputs the print image data to the print control unit 12f in the order in which they were generated. The print control unit 12f appropriately applies necessary processes, such as so-called color conversion processing and halftone processing, to the print image data acquired from the print image generation unit 12e to convert it into print image data in a format used for printing by the printing unit 17. The print control unit 12f may temporarily store the converted print image data in a buffer.

[0052] Then, the print control unit 12f transfers the converted print image data to the print unit 17, and at a predetermined timing when the position of the fabric 30, for which imaging was started in step S120, reaches under the print head 19, causes the print unit 17 to start printing by moving the carriage 20 and discharging ink from the print head 19 based on the print image data. As a result, the color images expressed by the individual color image data constituting the print image data are printed superimposed on the patterns on the fabric 30 in a form that matches the individual patterns.

[0053] The transport unit 16 is provided with an encoder that detects the amount of rotation of the rollers and belts that rotate for transport. The print control unit 12f calculates the transport distance of the fabric 30 according to the detection signal from the encoder. Therefore, the print control unit 12f can grasp the current position in the transport direction D1 of the fabric 30 where imaging was started in step S120, and can cause the print unit 17 to start printing on the fabric 30 when that position reaches under the print head 19.

[0054] After printing is started in step S160, the control unit 11 determines whether or not printing is to be ended (step S170). If printing is to be ended, the control unit 11 determines "Yes" and proceeds to end processing in step S180. The control unit 11 determines that printing is to be ended, for example, when an instruction to end printing is received from the user or when the transport of the planned length of fabric 30 is completed.

[0055] In the end process of step S180, the control unit 11 stops the imaging unit 15 from capturing images of the fabric 30. After the control unit 11 causes the printing unit 17 to execute printing based on the print image data generated in the final cycle of steps S130 to S150, the control unit 11 stops driving the conveying unit 16 and the printing unit 17, and ends the flowchart of Fig. 3. Of course, the control unit 11 may stop the conveying unit 16 after controlling necessary processes such as the collection of the fabric 30 by the winding roller.

[0056] 3. Second embodiment: Next, a second embodiment will be described. Fig. 8 is a flowchart showing the printing process according to the second embodiment executed by the control unit 11 in accordance with the program 12. The second embodiment differs from the first embodiment in that the divided data shift is executed on the colored image data rather than on the pattern image data. Compared to Fig. 3, the flowchart in Fig. 8 has step S115 instead of step S110 and step S145 instead of step S140. In the second embodiment, the description of the contents common to the first embodiment will be omitted.

[0057] In step S115, the image correcting unit 12d executes a divided data shift on the colored image data. That is, the colored image data is divided into a plurality of divided colored image data, and the relative positions of the divided colored image data are changed to convert the colored image data into corrected colored image data with the four corners of the colored image data being the center. The divided colored image data corresponds to the "divided third image data", and the corrected colored image data corresponds to the "corrected third image data". Step S115 corresponds to an "image correcting step". The procedure for converting the colored image data into the corrected colored image data can be applied mutatis mutandis to the procedure for converting the pattern image data 40 by the pattern correcting unit 12b shown in FIG. 5 into the corrected pattern image data 42, and therefore a description thereof will be omitted here.

[0058] In the second embodiment, the pattern image data is not divided and shifted. Therefore, in step S130, the pattern extraction unit 12c compares the pattern image data registered in step S100 with the captured image data generated by the image capture in step S120, and extracts a pattern area corresponding to the first pattern expressed by the pattern image data from the captured image data. In other words, the pattern extraction unit 12c acquires the center coordinates of an area in the captured image data that can be evaluated as one pattern area according to the degree of coincidence with the edge distribution of the pattern image data as an extraction result of one pattern area. The pattern extraction unit 12c outputs information on the center coordinates of the pattern area acquired as the extraction result to the print image generation unit 12e for the processing of steps S145 and S150.

[0059] A specific example of step S130 of the second embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. 9. In FIG. 9, part of the captured image data 50 is illustrated as in FIG. 6. For reference, the pattern image data 40 is also illustrated in FIG. 9. Each rectangle shown by a solid line in the captured image data 50 in FIG. 9 is a pattern area 51 corresponding to the first pattern expressed by the pattern image data 40. The pattern extraction unit 12c acquires information on the central coordinates of each pattern area 51 from a plurality of locations in the captured image data 50 by performing extraction based on the pattern image data 40. In FIG. 9, the central coordinates of each pattern area 51 are indicated by black circles. As can be seen by referring to FIG. 9 together with FIG. 6, the central coordinates of each pattern area 51 correspond to the four corners of each pattern area 52. Step S130 of the second embodiment corresponds to a "pattern extraction step" of extracting a pattern area corresponding to the first pattern from the second image data.

[0060] In step S145, the print image generating unit 12e transforms the corrected colored image data obtained by the divided data shift in step S115 so as to fit the shape of the area whose four corners are the center coordinates of the pattern area extracted in step S130. The corrected colored image data can be said to be color image data expressing an image to be printed over the second pattern. For step S145, the explanation of step S140 applies mutatis mutandis as appropriate. In step S150, the print image generating unit 12e generates print image data by arranging the multiple corrected colored image data that have been subjected to step S145 in correspondence with the arrangement of the areas whose four corners are the center coordinates extracted in step S130 in the captured image data. Steps S145 and S150 correspond to a "print image generating step" that generates print image data by arranging the corrected third image data so as to fit the areas whose four corners are the center of the extracted pattern area.

[0061] A specific example of steps S145 and S150 of the second embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. 10. Reference numeral 62 denotes the corrected colored image data 62 obtained by the divided data shift in step S115. The corrected colored image data 62 is an image having the same or almost the same vertical and horizontal sizes as the pattern image data 40 and the corrected pattern image data 42, similar to the colored image data 60. In FIG. 10, similar to FIG. 9, the center coordinates extracted in step S130 are indicated by black circles. Reference numeral 63a denotes the corrected colored image data 63a obtained after the corrected colored image data 62 is deformed to fit the shape of one area (fourth area) having the center coordinates extracted in step S130 as its four corners. Similarly, reference numeral 63b denotes the corrected colored image data 63b obtained after the corrected colored image data 62 is deformed to fit the shape of one area (fifth area) adjacent to the fourth area in the width direction D2 and having the center coordinates extracted in step S130 as its four corners.

[0062] Reference numeral 63c denotes the corrected colored image data 63c obtained by deforming the corrected colored image data 62 to fit the shape of one area (sixth area) adjacent to the fifth area in the width direction D2 and having the center coordinates extracted in step S130 as its four corners. The print image data 63 is obtained by combining such corrected colored image data 63a, 63b, 63c, etc. according to the positional relationship of the fourth area, the fifth area, the sixth area, etc. in the captured image data 50. In FIG. 10, the boundaries of the corrected colored image data 63a, 63b, 63c, etc. are partially indicated by dashed lines. The fourth area, the fifth area, the sixth area, etc. each correspond to the pattern area 52. In other words, the print image generating unit 12e can arrange the corrected colored image data 62 to fit the area having the center coordinates extracted in step S130 as its four corners, thereby arranging the corrected colored image data 62 to fit the pattern area 52 expressing the second pattern. The result of arranging the corrected colored image data 62 in accordance with the pattern area 52 expressing the second pattern is substantially the same as the result of arranging the colored image data 60 in accordance with the pattern area 51 expressing the first pattern.

[0063] 4. Summary of the first and second embodiments: Thus, according to the first embodiment, the printing device 10 includes a conveying unit 16 that conveys the fabric 30 on which the first pattern is formed in the conveying direction D1, an imaging unit 15 that images the fabric 30 conveyed by the conveying unit 16, and a printing unit 17 that prints on the fabric 30 conveyed by the conveying unit 16. Furthermore, the printing device 10 is equipped with a pattern correction unit 12b that changes the relative positions of multiple divided first image data obtained by dividing the first image data expressing the first pattern, and generates corrected first image data whose centers are the four corners of the first image data; a pattern extraction unit 12c that compares the corrected first image data with second image data generated by imaging the fabric 30 by the imaging unit 15, and extracts a pattern area corresponding to the second pattern expressed by the corrected first image data from the second image data; a print image generation unit 12e that generates print image data by arranging third image data expressing an image to be printed over the first pattern so that it fits into an area whose center is the center of the extracted pattern area, and a print control unit 12f that causes the printing unit 17 to print the print image data on the fabric 30.

[0064] Only limited information, such as the center coordinates of the pattern area, is obtained as a result of extracting the pattern area from the captured image data of the fabric 30. Therefore, in the past, it was necessary to determine the shape of the pattern area by referencing the center coordinates as the extraction result based on the pattern image data, and further by finding the vertices of the four corners of the pattern area by an interpolation calculation or the like, and then to arrange the colored image data according to the shape of the pattern area. To address this issue, the pattern correction unit 12b converts the first image data into corrected first image data with its four corners as the centers by shifting the divided data, and the pattern extraction unit 12c extracts a pattern area corresponding to the second pattern expressed by the corrected first image data from the second image data based on the corrected first image data. This allows the print image generation unit 12e to generate print image data in which the third image data is accurately superimposed on the first pattern of the fabric 30 simply by arranging the third image data in accordance with an area with the center coordinates of the pattern area as the extraction result as the four corners. In other words, it is no longer necessary to perform the above-mentioned interpolation calculations to arrange the third image data, and the calculation burden on the processor is reduced. This improves the processing speed of print image data generation.

[0065] According to the second embodiment, the printing device 10 includes a conveying unit 16 that conveys the fabric 30 on which the first pattern is formed in the conveying direction D1, an imaging unit 15 that captures the fabric 30 conveyed by the conveying unit 16, and a printing unit 17 that prints on the fabric 30 conveyed by the conveying unit 16. The printing device 10 further includes a pattern extracting unit 12c that extracts a pattern area corresponding to the first pattern from the second image data by comparing the first image data expressing the first pattern with the second image data generated by the imaging unit 15 capturing the image of the fabric 30, an image correcting unit 12d that changes the relative positions of multiple divided third image data obtained by dividing the third image data expressing an image to be printed over the first pattern, and generates corrected third image data whose centers are the four corners of the third image data, a print image generating unit 12e that generates print image data by arranging the corrected third image data to fit the area whose four corners are the center of the extracted pattern area, and a print control unit 12f that causes the printing unit 17 to print the print image data on the fabric 30.

[0066] That is, to address the above-mentioned problem, the pattern extraction unit 12c extracts a pattern area corresponding to the first pattern expressed by the first image data from the second image data based on the first image data, and the image correction unit 12d converts the third image data into corrected third image data whose four corners are the centers by shifting the divided data. As a result, the print image generation unit 12e can generate print image data in which the third image data is accurately superimposed on the first pattern of the fabric 30 by simply arranging the corrected third image data in accordance with an area whose four corners are the center coordinates of the pattern area as the extraction result. That is, in the second embodiment, as in the first embodiment, it is not necessary to perform the above-mentioned interpolation calculations, and the calculation burden on the processor is reduced. As a result, the processing speed of generating print image data is improved.

[0067] In addition to the printing device 10, this embodiment discloses inventions in various categories, such as systems, programs, and methods. The printing method according to the first embodiment includes a conveying step of conveying the fabric 30 on which a first pattern has been formed in a conveying direction D1, an imaging step of imaging the conveyed fabric 30, a pattern correction step of changing the relative positions of multiple divided first image data obtained by dividing the first image data representing the first pattern to generate corrected first image data centered on the four corners of the first image data, a pattern extraction step of comparing the corrected first image data with second image data generated by imaging the fabric 30 to extract a pattern area corresponding to the second pattern represented by the corrected first image data from the second image data, by comparing the corrected first image data with the second image data generated by imaging the fabric 30, a print image generation step of generating print image data by arranging third image data representing an image to be printed over the first pattern so that it fits into an area with the center of the extracted pattern area as the four corners, and a printing step of printing the print image data on the conveyed fabric 30.

[0068] The printing method according to the second embodiment includes a conveying step of conveying the fabric 30 on which a first pattern has been formed in a conveying direction D1, an imaging step of imaging the fabric 30 being conveyed, a pattern extraction step of extracting a pattern area corresponding to the first pattern from the second image data by comparing first image data representing the first pattern with second image data generated by imaging the fabric 30, an image correction step of changing the relative positions of multiple divided third image data obtained by dividing third image data representing an image to be printed overlaid on the first pattern, to generate corrected third image data centered on the four corners of the third image data, a print image generation step of generating print image data by arranging the corrected third image data to fit into an area whose four corners are the center of the extracted pattern area, and a printing step of printing the print image data on the fabric 30 being conveyed.

[0069] 5. Third embodiment: Next, a third embodiment will be described. Fig. 11 is a flowchart showing the printing process according to the third embodiment executed by the control unit 11 in accordance with the program 12. Compared to Fig. 3, the flowchart in Fig. 11 has step S117 instead of step S110, and step S135 instead of step S130. In the third embodiment, the description of the contents common to the first and second embodiments will be omitted.

[0070] In the first and second embodiments, the description was given on the assumption that the first pattern is repeatedly formed on the fabric 30. In contrast, in the third embodiment, a situation is assumed in which color image data for coloring the first pattern is printed on the fabric 30 on which one relatively large first pattern is formed, for example, on the fabric 30 for a scarf or the like. In the third embodiment, divided data shifting is not performed.

[0071] In step S117, pattern correction unit 12b adds a margin area around the pattern image data, and divides the corrected pattern image data with the margin area added to generate a plurality of divided corrected pattern image data centered on each of the four corners of the pattern image data. The divided corrected pattern image data corresponds to the "divided corrected first image data." Step S117 corresponds to the "pattern correction process."

[0072] In step S135, the pattern extraction unit 12c compares the multiple divided corrected pattern image data generated in step S117 with the captured image data generated by imaging in step S120, and extracts multiple pattern areas corresponding to the patterns expressed by the multiple divided corrected pattern image data from the captured image data. The pattern extraction unit 12c outputs information on the center coordinates of the pattern areas obtained as the extraction result to the print image generation unit 12e for the processing of steps S140 and S150. Step S135 corresponds to a "pattern extraction process".

[0073] The flow of steps S117, S135, S140, and 150 of the third embodiment will be specifically described with reference to Fig. 12. Reference numeral 43 exemplifies pattern image data 43 expressing a first pattern formed on the fabric 30. Reference numeral 53 exemplifies captured image data 53 of the fabric 30, and reference numeral 64 exemplifies colored image data 64 corresponding to the first pattern. In step S117, the pattern correction unit 12b first adds a margin area 45 around the pattern image data 43 to generate corrected pattern image data 46. When the vertical length of the pattern image data 43 is H and the horizontal length is W, the pattern correction unit 12b sets the vertical length of the corrected pattern image data 46 including the margin area 45 to 2×H and the horizontal length to 2×W. In the corrected pattern image data 46, the pattern image data 43 is positioned at the center.

[0074] In step S117, the pattern correction unit 12b further divides the corrected pattern image data 46 into two equal parts in the vertical and horizontal directions, thereby dividing the corrected pattern image data 46 into four divided corrected pattern image data 46a, 46b, 46c, and 46d. According to Fig. 12, the divided corrected pattern image data 46a is centered on vertex 44a, which is one of the four corner vertices of the pattern image data 43. Similarly, the divided corrected pattern image data 46b is centered on vertex 44b, which is one of the four corner vertices of the pattern image data 43. The divided corrected pattern image data 46c is centered on vertex 44c, which is one of the four corner vertices of the pattern image data 43. The divided corrected pattern image data 46d is centered on vertex 44d, which is one of the four corner vertices of the pattern image data 43.

[0075] In step S135, the pattern extraction unit 12c compares each of the divided corrected pattern image data 46a, 46b, 46c, 46d with the captured image data 53, and extracts a plurality of pattern areas 53a, 53b, 53c, 53d corresponding to the patterns expressed by the divided corrected pattern image data 46a, 46b, 46c, 46d from the captured image data 53. Note that in order to compare the divided corrected pattern image data 46a, 46b, 46c, 46d with the captured image data 53, the pattern extraction unit 12c may also add blank areas around the captured image data 53 as necessary, and set the size of the captured image data 53 to be equal to or larger than the size of the corrected pattern image data 46.

[0076] According to Fig. 12, pattern area 53a is the pattern area corresponding to divided corrected pattern image data 46a. Furthermore, pattern area 53b corresponds to divided corrected pattern image data 46b, pattern area 53c corresponds to divided corrected pattern image data 46c, and pattern area 53d corresponds to divided corrected pattern image data 46d. In Fig. 12, the center coordinates of each of pattern areas 53a, 53b, 53c, and 53d are indicated by black circles. That is, in step S135, pattern extraction unit 12c acquires information on the center coordinates of each of pattern areas 53a, 53b, 53c, and 53d as extraction results and outputs the information to print image generation unit 12e.

[0077] In steps S140 and S150, the print image generating unit 12e generates print image data 65 by arranging the colored image data 64 while deforming it as necessary so as to fit it to the area having the four corners defined by the center coordinates of the pattern areas 53a, 53b, 53c, and 53d extracted in step S135. In this way, the print image generating unit 12e can arrange the colored image data 64 to fit the area expressing the first pattern in the captured image data 53 by arranging the colored image data 64 to fit the area having the four corners defined by the center coordinates extracted in step S135.

[0078] Thus, according to the third embodiment, the printing device 10 includes a conveying unit 16 that conveys the fabric 30 on which the first pattern is formed in the conveying direction D1, an imaging unit 15 that images the fabric 30 conveyed by the conveying unit 16, and a printing unit 17 that prints on the fabric 30 conveyed by the conveying unit 16. Furthermore, the printing device 10 is equipped with a pattern correction unit 12b that generates a plurality of divided corrected first image data centered on each of the four corners of the first image data by dividing the corrected first image data in which a margin area has been added around the first image data expressing a first pattern, a pattern extraction unit 12c that extracts a plurality of pattern areas from the second image data generated by imaging the fabric 30 by the imaging unit 15, which correspond to the patterns expressed by each of the plurality of divided corrected first image data, a print image generation unit 12e that generates print image data by positioning third image data expressing an image to be printed over the first pattern so that it fits into an area with the center of the extracted pattern area as the four corners, and a print control unit 12f that causes the printing unit 17 to print the print image data on the fabric 30.

[0079] According to the above configuration, the print image generating unit 12e can generate print image data in which the third image data is accurately superimposed on the first pattern of the fabric 30 simply by arranging the third image data in accordance with an area having the center coordinates of the pattern area as the extraction result as its four corners. In other words, there is no need to perform the above-mentioned interpolation calculation or the like for determining the shape of the pattern area based on the center coordinates of the pattern area extracted from the captured image data. This reduces the calculation burden on the processor and improves the processing speed of generating print image data.

[0080] The printing method according to the third embodiment includes a conveying step of conveying the fabric 30 on which a first pattern has been formed in a conveying direction D1, an imaging step of imaging the conveyed fabric 30, a pattern correction step of dividing corrected first image data by adding margin areas around the first image data expressing the first pattern to generate a plurality of divided corrected first image data centered on each of the four corners of the first image data, a pattern extraction step of comparing the plurality of divided corrected first image data with second image data generated by imaging the fabric 30 to extract a plurality of pattern areas from the second image data corresponding to the patterns expressed by each of the plurality of divided corrected first image data, a print image generation step of generating print image data by arranging third image data expressing an image to be printed over the first pattern so that it fits into an area with the center of the extracted pattern area as the four corners, and a printing step of printing the print image data on the conveyed fabric 30.

[0081] 6. Variations: Several modifications included in this embodiment will be described. First variant: The control unit 11 may select and execute either the first embodiment or the third embodiment depending on the type of pattern formed on the fabric 30. The user determines whether a certain pattern, i.e., a first pattern, is repeatedly formed on the fabric 30 to be used for printing, or whether a single pattern is formed as a whole without such repetition, and inputs the determination result to the control unit 11 via the operation reception unit 14.

[0082] When the user inputs a determination result that the first pattern is repeatedly formed on the fabric 30, the control unit 11 executes the first embodiment with division data shift. On the other hand, when the user inputs a determination result that the first pattern is not repeatedly formed on the fabric 30 but is formed once, the control unit 11 executes the third embodiment without division data shift. The control unit 11 may execute the second embodiment instead of executing the first embodiment.

[0083] Second variant: The number of divisions of the pattern image data by the divided data shift is not limited to four as described with reference to FIG. FIG. 13 is a diagram for explaining the divided data shift in step S110 of FIG. 3 in the second modified example, and shows an example different from FIG. 5. FIG. 13 shows pattern image data 47. In FIG. 13, partial patterns, which are parts of the first pattern expressed by the pattern image data 47, are conveniently shown by alphabets such as "A", "B", "C", and "D". Note that each partial pattern is not actually the alphabets "A", "B", "C", and "D". On the fabric 30, a first pattern similar to the pattern image data 47 is repeatedly formed along each of the conveying direction D1 and the width direction D2.

[0084] The pattern correction unit 12b divides the pattern image data 47 into four regions 47a, 47b, 47c, and 47d by dividing the pattern image data 47 into two equal parts in the vertical and horizontal directions. As can be seen from FIG. 13, the region 47a corresponds to the partial pattern "A". Similarly, the region 47b corresponds to the partial pattern "B", the region 47c corresponds to the partial pattern "C", and the region 47d corresponds to the partial pattern "D". In the second modified example, the pattern correction unit 12b further divides each of the regions 47a, 47b, 47c, and 47d into two equal parts in the vertical and horizontal directions, thereby dividing the pattern image data 47 into a total of 16 divided pattern image data of 4×4. The second row from the top in FIG. 13 shows the pattern image data 47 divided into 16 parts.

[0085] For this pattern image data 47, the pattern correction unit 12b moves the column of the divided pattern image data that is at the end in the positive direction of the width direction D2, based on the positional relationship of each divided pattern image data, to the end position in the negative direction of the width direction D2, to obtain pattern image data 47'. Furthermore, for the pattern image data 47', the pattern correction unit 12b moves the row of the divided pattern image data that is at the end in the upstream direction of the transport direction D1, to the end position in the downstream direction of the transport direction D1, to obtain corrected pattern image data 48.

[0086] In the corrected pattern image data 48, the corrected pattern image data 48 is divided into two parts, ie, areas 48a, 48b, 48c, and 48d, which are shown separated by solid lines. That is, each of the areas 48a, 48b, 48c, and 48d is a set of four divided pattern image data. According to the divided data shift shown in FIG. 13, it can be seen that one of the four corner vertices of each of the areas 47a, 47b, 47c, and 47d of the pattern image data 47 overlaps with the center of each of the areas 48a, 48b, 48c, and 48d of the corrected pattern image data 48. For example, the four corner vertices of the area 47a are the center of each of the areas 48a, 48b, 48c, and 48d. The four corner vertices of the area 47b are also the center of each of the areas 48a, 48b, 48c, and 48d.

[0087] In the second modified example, each of the partial patterns "A", "B", "C", and "D" is also regarded as a first pattern, and each of the patterns represented by areas 48a, 48b, 48c, and 48d is regarded as a second pattern, and step S130 and subsequent steps of the first embodiment are performed. That is, in step S130, the pattern extraction unit 12c compares each of the areas 48a, 48b, 48c, and 48d constituting the corrected pattern image data 48 with the captured image data, thereby extracting each pattern area corresponding to each of the second patterns represented by areas 48a, 48b, 48c, and 48d from the captured image data.

[0088] Based on the contents of FIG. 13, step S130 in the second modified example will be described with reference to FIG. 14. FIG. 14 illustrates a part of the captured image data 54. In the captured image data 54, a first pattern similar to the pattern image data 47 is repeatedly expressed along the conveying direction D1 and the width direction D2. Each rectangle shown by a solid line in the captured image data 54 is a pattern area 55 corresponding to each second pattern expressed by the areas 48a, 48b, 48c, and 48d. That is, the pattern extraction unit 12c obtains information on the central coordinates of each pattern area 55 from a plurality of locations in the captured image data 54 by performing extraction based on each of the areas 48a, 48b, 48c, and 48d constituting the corrected pattern image data 48. In FIG. 14, the central coordinates of each pattern area 55 are indicated by a black circle. As can be seen from FIG. 14, the central coordinates of each pattern area 55 correspond to the four corners of the partial patterns "A", "B", "C", and "D".

[0089] Therefore, in steps S140 and S150 in the second modified example, the print image generating unit 12e divides the colored image data (not shown) to be printed over the pattern image data 47 in the same manner as the pattern image data 47 was divided into areas 47a, 47b, 47c, and 47d. Then, the print image data can be generated by arranging the image data of each area into which the colored image data is divided while deforming it so that it fits the shape of an area whose four corners are the center coordinates of the pattern area 55 extracted in step S130.

[0090] The number of divisions of the pattern image data according to the second modified example is not limited to 16 as explained in Fig. 13. For example, the pattern correction unit 12b may divide the pattern image data 47 into 9 regions by dividing it vertically and horizontally into 3 equal regions, and then divide each of these regions vertically and horizontally into 2 equal regions, thereby dividing the pattern image data 47 into a total of 36 divided pattern image data (6 x 6). In this case, the pattern correction unit 12b also performs a divided data shift to generate corrected pattern image data, as in the explanation of Fig. 13, and regards each of the 9 square regions formed by a collection of 4 divided pattern image data constituting the corrected pattern image data as the first pattern, and executes step S130 and subsequent steps.

[0091] Also, following the relationship between the first embodiment and the second embodiment, the divided data shift of the second modification may be performed on the colored image data instead of the pattern image data. That is, the pattern extraction unit 12c compares each of the areas 47a, 47b, 47c, and 47d constituting the pattern image data 47 with the captured image data to extract the center coordinates of each pattern area corresponding to each first pattern expressed by the areas 47a, 47b, 47c, and 47d from the captured image data. Then, the image correction unit 12d performs the divided data shift of the second modification on the colored image data to generate corrected colored image data. The print image generation unit 12e may generate the print image data by deforming and arranging the image data of each area constituting the corrected colored image data so as to fit the shape of an area having the center coordinates of the extracted pattern area as its four corners.

[0092] Other explanations: 2A shows a so-called serial printer configuration in which the print head 19 is mounted on the carriage 20 and moves, but the print head 19 may be a so-called line-type head. In other words, the print head 19 may be a long print head that is not mounted on the carriage 20 and can cover the width of the fabric 30 along the width direction D2.

[0093] 2A and 2B, the component indicated by the reference symbol 22 may not be an endless belt, but may be a platen that serves as a platform that supports the fabric 30 from below. In other words, the fabric 30 transported by rollers (not shown) may be interpreted as moving on the platen. In this embodiment, when referring to the "center" of image data or a certain area within the image data, it does not only refer to the exact center, but may also refer to an approximate center position including some error, or it may be the center of gravity. This embodiment can also be applied to the case where a material other than the fabric 30, for example, a print medium made of paper on which a pattern is formed, is used for printing. [Explanation of symbols]

[0094] 10...printing device, 11...control unit, 12...program, 12a...pattern registration unit, 12b...pattern correction unit, 12c...pattern extraction unit, 12d...image correction unit, 12e...print image generation unit, 12f...print control unit, 13...display unit, 14...operation reception unit, 15...imaging unit, 16...conveyor unit, 17...printing unit, 18...storage unit, 19...print head, 20...carriage, 22...endless belt, 30...fabric, 40, 43, 47...pattern Image data, 42, 46, 48... corrected pattern image data, 45... margin area, 46a, 46b, 46c, 46d... divided corrected pattern image data, 50, 53, 54... captured image data, 51, 52, 53a, 53b, 53c, 53d, 55... pattern area, 60, 61a, 61b, 61c, 63a, 63b, 63c, 64... colored image data, 62... corrected colored image data, 61, 63, 65... print image data

Claims

1. a conveying unit that conveys, in a conveying direction, a fabric on which a first pattern is repeatedly formed along a conveying direction and a direction intersecting the conveying direction; an imaging unit that images the fabric conveyed by the conveying unit; a printing unit that prints on the fabric transported by the transport unit; a pattern correction unit that changes a mutual positional relationship between a plurality of divided first image data obtained by dividing the first image data expressing the first pattern, and generates corrected first image data whose centers are located at the four corners of the first image data; a pattern extraction unit that extracts, from the second image data generated by imaging the fabric using the imaging unit, a pattern area corresponding to the second pattern expressed by the corrected first image data by comparing the corrected first image data with the second image data; a print image generating unit that generates print image data by arranging third image data expressing an image to be printed over the first pattern so as to fit into an area having four corners defined by the center of the extracted pattern area; a print control unit that causes the printing unit to print the print image data on the fabric.

2. a conveying unit that conveys, in a conveying direction, a fabric on which a first pattern is repeatedly formed along a conveying direction and a direction intersecting the conveying direction; an imaging unit that images the fabric conveyed by the conveying unit; a printing unit that prints on the fabric transported by the transport unit; a pattern extraction unit that compares first image data expressing the first pattern with second image data generated by the imaging unit capturing an image of the fabric, and extracts a pattern region corresponding to the first pattern from the second image data; an image correction unit that changes the relative positions of a plurality of divided third image data obtained by dividing a third image data representing an image to be printed over the first pattern, and generates corrected third image data whose centers are located at the four corners of the third image data; a print image generating unit that generates print image data by arranging the corrected third image data so as to fit into an area having four corners each including the center of the extracted pattern area; a print control unit that causes the printing unit to print the print image data on the fabric.

3. a conveying unit that conveys the fabric on which the first pattern is formed in a conveying direction; an imaging unit that images the fabric conveyed by the conveying unit; a printing unit that prints on the fabric transported by the transport unit; a pattern correction unit that divides corrected first image data by adding a margin area around the first image data expressing the first pattern, thereby generating a plurality of divided corrected first image data with the four corners of the first image data as centers; a pattern extraction unit that extracts from the second image data a plurality of pattern regions corresponding to patterns expressed by the plurality of divided and corrected first image data by comparing the plurality of divided and corrected first image data with second image data generated by the imaging unit of the fabric; a print image generating unit that generates print image data by arranging third image data expressing an image to be printed over the first pattern so as to fit into an area having four corners defined by the center of the extracted pattern area; a print control unit that causes the printing unit to print the print image data on the fabric.

4. a conveying step of conveying, in the conveying direction, a fabric on which the first pattern is repeatedly formed along each of a conveying direction and a direction intersecting the conveying direction; an imaging step of imaging the fabric being conveyed; a pattern correction step of changing a mutual positional relationship of a plurality of divided first image data obtained by dividing the first image data expressing the first pattern, to generate corrected first image data whose centers are located at the four corners of the first image data; a pattern extraction step of extracting, from the second image data generated by imaging the fabric, a pattern area corresponding to the second pattern expressed by the corrected first image data by comparing the corrected first image data with the second image data; a print image generating step of generating print image data by arranging third image data expressing an image to be printed over the first pattern so as to fit into an area having four corners defined by the center of the extracted pattern area; a printing step of printing the print image data onto the fabric being transported.

5. a conveying step of conveying, in the conveying direction, a fabric on which the first pattern is repeatedly formed along each of a conveying direction and a direction intersecting the conveying direction; an imaging step of imaging the fabric being conveyed; a pattern extraction step of extracting a pattern area corresponding to the first pattern from first image data representing the first pattern by comparing the first image data with second image data generated by imaging the fabric; an image correction step of changing a relative positional relationship between a plurality of divided third image data obtained by dividing the third image data expressing an image to be printed over the first pattern, to generate corrected third image data whose centers are located at the four corners of the third image data; a print image generating step of generating print image data by arranging the corrected third image data so as to fit into an area having four corners each including the center of the extracted pattern area; a printing step of printing the print image data onto the fabric being transported.

6. a conveying step of conveying the fabric on which the first pattern is formed in a conveying direction; an imaging step of imaging the fabric being conveyed; a pattern correction step of dividing corrected first image data obtained by adding a margin area around the first image data expressing the first pattern, thereby generating a plurality of divided corrected first image data having centers at the four corners of the first image data; a pattern extraction step of extracting from the second image data a plurality of pattern regions corresponding to patterns expressed by the plurality of divided and corrected first image data, by comparing the plurality of divided and corrected first image data with second image data generated by imaging the fabric; a print image generating step of generating print image data by arranging third image data expressing an image to be printed over the first pattern so as to fit into an area having four corners defined by the center of the extracted pattern area; a printing step of printing the print image data onto the fabric being transported.

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