Adjustment Method, Program, and Printing System of Inkjet Printer

Abstract

To perform adjustment of an inkjet printer easily and properly.SOLUTION: An adjustment method for a printing device 12 which is an inkjet printer comprises an analyzing step in which an image analyzing device 16 performs analysis of a pattern image generated by reading out a test pattern with a scanner 14 and a setting value updating step of updating a control setting value memorized in data base 20, which makes a printing device 12 print the test pattern including a pattern in which a plurality of nozzle rows discharge ink to the same position in a main scanning direction. In the analyzing step, amounts of misregistration of dot caused respectively in the nozzle rows by image processing based on the pattern image are sensed and correction values of dot positions corresponding to the amounts of misregistration of the dots are calculated by operation. In the setting value updating step, the correction values of the dot positions are memorized, as at least a portion of the control setting values, in the data base 20.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a method for adjusting an inkjet printer, a program, and a printing system.

Background Art

[0002] In recent years, inkjet printers, which are printing devices that perform printing using an inkjet head, have been widely used. Conventionally, various methods for inspecting an inkjet head have also been known (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] An inkjet printer performs printing by ejecting ink from fine nozzles in an inkjet head. In this case, in order to perform printing appropriately with high quality, it is necessary to land the ink with high accuracy on the ejection position of the ink set according to the printing resolution. Regarding this point, for example, Patent Document 1 discloses a method for inspecting the landing point of a liquid injection recording head that can be executed without mounting the liquid injection recording head on the recording apparatus main body, in which the liquid landed on the recording medium is recognized by an image processing camera and image processing is performed. Further, by this image processing, the horizontal distance and the vertical distance between the landed droplet and the ejection port are calculated from the coordinates of the landed droplet and the ejection port, and the ejection angles of the main droplet and the satellite constituting the droplet are calculated. Further, regarding the data calculated by such measurement, it is disclosed to feedback it to the recording head manufacturing process or store it in the recording head.

[0005] However, in order to continuously perform high-quality printing, for example, even after the inkjet printer is shipped, it is necessary to adjust the inkjet printer as needed. And in this case, for example, it is desirable to reduce the man-hours of adjustment and prevent differences in the adjustment results due to individual differences among the adjusters who perform the adjustment. Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide an adjustment method, a program, and a printing system for an inkjet printer that can solve the above problems.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] The inventor of the present application has conducted intensive research on the adjustment method of an inkjet printer. And it was considered to read a test pattern printed by an inkjet printer with a scanner and analyze it by image processing with a computer. Further, by this image processing, for example, a correction value used for controlling the operation of the inkjet printer is calculated by an operation executed by a computer, and this correction value is stored in a setting value storage unit that stores a setting value for controlling the operation of the inkjet printer. With this configuration, for example, even after the inkjet printer is shipped, the inkjet printer can be appropriately adjusted by printing a test pattern on the inkjet printer in a normal printing environment or the like where the inkjet printer is being used. Also, in this case, even if the inkjet printer does not have a function to read the test pattern, the test pattern can be appropriately read using, for example, a commercially available scanner or the like. Further, by calculating the correction value by image processing on a computer and storing the correction value in the setting value storage unit, for example, it is also possible to reduce the man-hours of adjustment and prevent differences in the adjustment results due to individual differences among the adjusters who perform the adjustment. Also, thereby, for example, it is possible to appropriately prevent differences in image quality in the printing results for each inkjet printer from occurring for each individual inkjet printer. Therefore, with this configuration, for example, the adjustment of the inkjet printer can be performed easily and appropriately.

[0007] Furthermore, through further intensive research, the inventor of the present application has found a method for adjusting an inkjet printer performed in this manner, and more specifically, a method for appropriately correcting the positions of ink dots formed on a medium. To solve the above problems, the present invention provides an inkjet printer adjustment method for performing adjustment on an inkjet printer, comprising: a pattern printing step of causing the inkjet printer to print a predetermined test pattern on a medium; a pattern reading step of generating a pattern image, which is an image showing the test pattern, by reading the medium on which the test pattern has been printed in the pattern printing step with a scanner; an analysis step of analyzing the pattern image with a computer; and a setting value updating step of updating the control setting value, which is a setting value for controlling the operation of the inkjet printer, stored in a setting value storage unit. The setting value updating step updates at least a part of the control setting value based on the result of the analysis in the analysis step. The inkjet printer includes: a plurality of inkjet heads each having a nozzle row in which a plurality of nozzles are arranged with their positions shifted from each other in a predetermined nozzle row direction; and a main scanning drive unit that causes the plurality of inkjet heads to perform a main scanning operation of discharging ink while relatively moving the medium in a preset main scanning direction. The main scanning drive unit causes the plurality of inkjet heads to perform the main scanning operation based on the control setting value stored in the setting value storage unit. In the pattern printing step, the inkjet printer is caused to print the test pattern including a pattern of discharging ink from a plurality of the nozzle rows at the same position in the main scanning direction. The analysis step includes: a deviation amount detection step of detecting, by image processing executed by the computer based on the pattern image, a dot position deviation amount, which is a deviation amount of the positions of the dots of the ink formed on the medium by discharging ink from the nozzles included in each of the plurality of nozzle rows in each of the plurality of inkjet heads; and a correction value calculation step of calculating, by an operation executed by the computer, a dot position correction value, which is a correction value corresponding to the dot position deviation amount detected in the deviation amount detection step.In the setting value update stage, by storing the dot position correction value calculated in the correction value calculation stage in the setting value storage unit as at least a part of the control setting value, at least a part of the control setting value is updated based on the result of the analysis in the analysis stage.

[0008] When configured in this way, for example, by having a scanner read a test pattern and a computer execute predetermined image processing and calculations, the state of the inkjet printer can be easily and appropriately grasped. More specifically, for example, when using a plurality of inkjet heads each having a nozzle row, the amount of dot position deviation corresponding to each nozzle row can be appropriately detected. Also, in this case, for example, based on the amount of dot position deviation, a dot position correction value corresponding to the amount of dot position deviation can be appropriately calculated. And by storing the dot position correction value in the setting value storage unit, for example, the dot position correction value can be appropriately reflected in the operation of the inkjet printer. Also, in this case, regarding the detection of the amount of dot position deviation and the calculation of the dot position correction value, by performing them through image processing and calculations on a computer based on the test pattern read by the scanner, for example, the man-hours for adjustment can be reduced, and differences in the adjustment results due to individual differences among the adjusters performing the adjustment can be appropriately prevented. Therefore, if configured in this way, for example, the adjustment of the inkjet printer can be easily and appropriately performed.

[0009] In this configuration, each of the plurality of inkjet heads may have, for example, a plurality of nozzle arrays. In this case, in the pattern printing stage, for example, any one nozzle array in any one inkjet head is selected as a reference nozzle array. Also, as a pattern for ejecting ink from a plurality of nozzle arrays at the same position in the main scanning direction, for example, a pattern for ejecting ink at the same position in the main scanning direction from two nozzle arrays including the reference nozzle array and each nozzle array other than the reference nozzle array is printed on the inkjet printer for each nozzle array other than the reference nozzle array. With such a configuration, for example, a pattern for detecting the dot position deviation amount can be appropriately printed on the inkjet printer.

[0010] Also, as a pattern for ejecting ink from a plurality of nozzle arrays at the same position in the main scanning direction, for example, it is conceivable to use a multi-line pattern in which a plurality of lines are drawn at the same position in terms of design. In this case, for the multi-line pattern, for example, it can be considered as a pattern in which a plurality of lines are drawn at the same position in terms of design in the main scanning direction by drawing lines extending in a direction orthogonal to the main scanning direction with the ink ejected from each nozzle array. Also, in this configuration, as the inkjet head, for example, a configuration in which the capacity of the ink ejected from each nozzle can be changed in multiple stages can also be considered. In this case, in the pattern printing stage, for example, for each nozzle array other than the reference nozzle array, it is conceivable to have the inkjet printer draw multi-lines for each of the multiple stages of ink capacity. With such a configuration, for example, a pattern for detecting the dot position deviation amount for each ink capacity can be appropriately printed on the inkjet printer.

[0011] Also, in this case, as multiple lines drawn for each of multiple levels of ink volume corresponding to each nozzle row other than the reference nozzle row, for example, it is conceivable to draw a plurality of lines including a reference nozzle line which is a line drawn by the reference nozzle row and an adjustment nozzle line which is a line drawn by a nozzle row other than the reference nozzle row. Further, in this case, in the pattern printing stage, as multiple lines corresponding to each ink volume, for example, a reference nozzle line in which dots of inks of a plurality of types of sizes respectively corresponding to each of the multiple levels of ink volume are arranged, and an adjustment nozzle line in which only dots of inks of a size corresponding to one type of ink volume are arranged are drawn on the inkjet printer. With such a configuration, for example, a pattern for detecting the dot position deviation amount for each ink volume can be appropriately printed on the inkjet printer.

[0012] Further, when using an inkjet head capable of changing the volume of ejected ink in multiple levels, lines in which dots of inks of a plurality of types of sizes are arranged may be further drawn also on nozzle rows other than the reference nozzle row. In this case, in the pattern printing stage, for example, for each nozzle row other than the reference nozzle row, a line drawn by the respective nozzle row and in which dots of inks of a plurality of types of sizes respectively corresponding to each of the multiple levels of ink volume are arranged is further drawn on the inkjet printer. With such a configuration, for example, regarding the dots of ink formed by the same nozzle row, the influence of the difference in dot size and the like can be more appropriately confirmed.

[0013] Also, in this configuration, for the pattern of ejecting ink from a plurality of nozzle arrays at the same position in the main scanning direction, for example, it can be considered as a misalignment amount detection pattern or the like for detecting the dot position misalignment amount at the misalignment amount detection stage. And at the pattern printing stage, for example, a test pattern further including patterns other than the misalignment amount detection pattern may be printed on the inkjet printer. More specifically, in this configuration, the inkjet printer further includes, for example, a carriage that holds a plurality of inkjet heads. And at the pattern printing stage, for example, it is conceivable to print a test pattern including a misalignment amount detection pattern and an attachment state detection pattern on the inkjet printer.

[0014] In this case, for the attachment state detection pattern, for example, it can be considered as a pattern or the like for detecting the attachment state in which each inkjet head is attached to the carriage. As the attachment state, for example, it is conceivable to detect at least any one of the inclination of the inkjet head, the misalignment of the position in a predetermined front-rear direction, and the misalignment of the position in a staggered arrangement. Also, in this case, the analysis stage further includes, for example, a numerical calculation stage, a determination stage, and an analysis result file generation stage. In the numerical calculation stage, for example, an attachment state numerical value, which is a numerical value indicating the attachment state, is calculated by image processing executed by a computer based on a portion of the pattern image indicating the attachment state detection pattern. In the determination stage, for example, it is determined whether or not the attachment state numerical value falls within a preset reference numerical range with respect to the attachment state numerical value. And in the analysis result file generation stage, for example, an analysis result file, which is a file indicating the result of the determination in the determination stage, is generated.

[0015] When configured in this way, for example, by determining the suitability of the mounting state of each inkjet head, the adjustment of the inkjet printer can be performed more appropriately. Also, in this case, regarding the suitability of the mounting state of each inkjet head, it can be easily and appropriately determined, for example, based on objective numerical values. Therefore, if configured in this way, for example, for at least a part of the adjustment performed on the inkjet printer, it is possible to determine the suitability of the adjustment level based on numerical criteria and manage the adjustment level numerically. Also, this can more appropriately prevent, for example, differences in the adjustment results due to individual differences among the adjusters performing the adjustment. Also, at the determination stage, for example, it may be further determined whether the dot position deviation amount is within a preset reference numerical range with respect to the dot position deviation amount. In this case, at the analysis result file generation stage, for example, it is conceivable to generate an analysis result file further indicating the result of the determination regarding the dot position deviation amount. If configured in this way, for example, the adjustment level of the dot position deviation amount can also be managed more appropriately numerically.

[0016] Also, at the analysis result file generation stage, for example, it is conceivable to generate an analysis result file indicating identification information for identifying the inkjet printer used for printing the test pattern. If configured in this way, for example, the state of the corresponding inkjet printer can be easily and appropriately managed using the analysis file. In this case, regarding the analysis result file, for example, it can also be considered to be used as proof (evidence) indicating that adjustment (adjustment to a level within the specification range) in accordance with a predetermined specification range has been performed on the inkjet printer. Also, by using such an analysis file, it becomes possible, for example, to appropriately manage the state of each inkjet printer in cases where a plurality of inkjet printers are used.

[0017] As the analysis result file, for example, a file that shows the determination results, reference numerical values for determination, and analysis results, etc. of each evaluation item in association with an inkjet printer for a plurality of adjustment items performed on the inkjet printer can be considered. More specifically, in this case, at the analysis result file generation stage, for example, for each nozzle row, the result of the determination of the dot position deviation amount in the determination stage, the preset reference numerical value range for the dot position deviation amount, and the dot position deviation amount are shown, and for each inkjet head, the result of the determination of the mounting state numerical value in the determination stage, the preset reference numerical value range for the mounting state numerical value, and the mounting state numerical value are shown, and it is considered possible to generate an analysis result file. With such a configuration, for example, the state of the inkjet printer can be easily and appropriately managed using the analysis file.

[0018] Also, in the pattern printing stage, for example, it is also conceivable to print a test pattern including patterns other than the pattern for detecting the deviation amount and the pattern for detecting the mounting state. More specifically, the inkjet printer further includes, for example, a drive signal output unit that outputs a drive signal. Regarding the drive signal, for example, it can be considered as a signal for ejecting ink to each of a plurality of inkjet heads. And in the pattern printing stage, for example, it is conceivable to print on the inkjet printer a test pattern including a voltage detection pattern that is a pattern for detecting the voltage of the drive signal received by each of a plurality of inkjet heads. Also, in this case, in the numerical calculation stage, for example, a voltage corresponding numerical value, which is a numerical value corresponding to the voltage of the drive signal received by each of a plurality of inkjet heads, is calculated by image processing executed by a computer based on a portion indicating the voltage detection pattern in the pattern image. In the determination stage, for example, it is determined whether or not the voltage corresponding numerical value falls within a preset reference numerical range. And in the analysis result file generation stage, for example, an analysis result file indicating the result of the determination regarding the voltage corresponding numerical value is generated. With such a configuration, for example, the voltage of the drive signal received by each inkjet head can be appropriately confirmed numerically. Also, thereby, for example, when adjusting the voltage of the drive signal, it is possible to appropriately determine whether the adjustment level is appropriate based on a numerical reference.

[0019] Also, in the pattern printing stage, for example, the inkjet printer may be caused to print a test pattern including a sub-scanning movement amount detection pattern which is a pattern for detecting a sub-scanning movement amount which is the amount of movement of a plurality of inkjets relative to a medium in a sub-scanning operation. Regarding the sub-scanning operation, for example, it can be considered as an operation of moving relative to the medium in a sub-scanning direction orthogonal to the main scanning direction, etc. Also, the inkjet printer further includes, for example, a sub-scanning drive unit that causes a plurality of inkjet heads to perform a sub-scanning operation. Also, in this case, in the deviation amount detection stage, for example, the sub-scanning deviation amount which is the deviation amount of the sub-scanning movement amount is detected by image processing executed by a computer based on a portion showing the sub-scanning movement amount detection pattern in the pattern image. In the correction value calculation stage, for example, the sub-scanning correction value which is a correction value corresponding to the sub-scanning deviation amount detected in the deviation amount detection stage is calculated by an operation executed by a computer. And in the set value update stage, for example, the sub-scanning correction value calculated in the correction value calculation stage is stored in the set value storage unit as at least a part of the control set value. With such a configuration, for example, the sub-scanning correction value corresponding to the sub-scanning deviation amount can be appropriately calculated and the sub-scanning correction value can be appropriately reflected in the operation of the inkjet printer.

[0020] In this configuration, in the pattern reading stage, for example, it is conceivable to use a scanner whose maximum readable document size is A4 size or less. With this configuration, for example, the operation in the pattern reading stage can be appropriately executed using an inexpensive scanner for a commercially available PC or the like. Also, in this case, in the pattern printing stage, for example, an inkjet printer is caused to print a test pattern within a printing range of A4 size or less. With this configuration, for example, the operation in the pattern reading stage can be executed more appropriately. Also, in this case, in the pattern printing stage, it is conceivable to cause an inkjet printer to print a test pattern on a medium of A4 size or less. Further, if necessary, for example, a plurality of media of A4 size or less may be used, and the inkjet printer may be caused to print a test pattern on each medium. With this configuration, for example, even when all necessary patterns cannot be printed on a single A4-size medium, all necessary patterns can be printed on an inkjet printer by dividing them among a plurality of media.

[0021] Also, as a configuration of the present invention, it is also conceivable to use a program or a printing system having the same features as described above. Also in these cases, for example, the same effects as described above can be obtained.

Effects of the Invention

[0022] According to the present invention, for example, the adjustment of an inkjet printer can be easily and appropriately performed.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0023]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Figure 5

Figure 6

Figure 7

Figure 8

Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0024] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a diagram for explaining a printing system 10 that executes an adjustment method for an inkjet printer according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 1(a) shows an example of the configuration of a main part of the printing system 10. Except for the points to be described below, the printing system 10 may have the same or similar features as a known printing system. For example, the printing system 10 may further have the same or similar configuration as a known printing system in addition to the illustrated configuration.

[0025] In this example, the printing system 10 is a printing system that performs printing by an inkjet method, and includes a printing device 12, a scanner 14, an image analysis device 16, and an MPC 18. The printing device 12 is an inkjet printer that executes printing in the printing system 10. Further, in this example, the printing device 12 has a plurality of inkjet heads, and at the time of adjustment for the printing device 12, an adjustment pattern, which is a preset test pattern, is printed on a medium (media) to be printed. The configuration of the printing device 12 will be described in more detail later.

[0026] The scanner 14 is an image reading device that reads an image printed on a medium by the printing device 12. In this example, the scanner 14 reads the adjustment pattern printed on the medium at the time of adjustment for the printing device 12. By using the scanner 14 to read the adjustment pattern, for example, the adjustment pattern can be read easily and appropriately without providing the printing device 12 with a special configuration for reading an image or the like. Also, by using the scanner 14, for example, it is also possible to easily and appropriately read an image at a high resolution. As the scanner 14, it is preferable to use a color scanner capable of reading a full-color image. Also, as the scanner 14, for example, it is conceivable to use a scanner connected to a computer and reading an image according to the control of the computer. As such a scanner 14, for example, a scanner having a maximum manuscript size that can be read of A4 size or less can be preferably used. Also, in this case, for example, it is preferable to use a scanner having a reading resolution of 2400 dpi or more (for example, about 2400 to 4800 dpi, preferably about 2400 to 3000 dpi). With such a configuration, for example, it is possible to appropriately execute reading of the adjustment pattern by using an inexpensive scanner for a PC or the like on the market. As the computer to which the scanner 14 is connected, for example, a general-purpose PC or the like can be preferably used. Further, in this example, as this computer, for example, the image analysis device 16 is used.

[0027] The image analysis device 16 is a computer that performs image analysis on a pattern image, which is an image showing an adjustment pattern, and performs image processing on the pattern image generated by reading the adjustment pattern with the scanner 14. Further, thereby, the image analysis device 16 calculates, for example, a correction value used for controlling the operation of the printing device 12, calculates a numerical value indicating the state of the inkjet head in the printing device 12, and the like. More specifically, in this example, the image analysis device 16 is a computer such as a PC, and calculates a numerical value such as a predetermined correction value based on the adjustment pattern according to an image analysis tool, which is a program that causes the computer to function as an image analysis device. Further, the image analysis device 16 supplies the calculated correction value to the MPC 18. Furthermore, in this example, the image analysis device 16 generates an analysis result file, which is a file showing the analysis result, as an analysis report showing the result of the analysis in the image processing. The numerical values calculated by the image analysis device 16, the operations of the image analysis device 16, and the like will be described in more detail later.

[0028] MPC18 is a computer (control PC) that controls the operation of the printing apparatus 12, and controls the operation of the printing apparatus 12 by operating according to a program for controlling the operation of the printing apparatus 12. More specifically, MPC18 manages, for example, a database 20 that stores control setting values, and controls the operation of the printing apparatus 12 based on the control setting values stored in the database 20. In this case, the control setting values can be considered, for example, as setting values for controlling the operation of the printing apparatus 12. Also, in this example, the database 20 is an example of a setting value storage unit that stores control setting values, and is configured, for example, as a part of MPC18. In this case, the control setting values stored in the database 20 are stored, for example, in a storage device (e.g., HDD or SSD, etc.) of MPC18. Also, in this example, the database 20 stores a plurality of types of control setting values each associated with different operations in the printing apparatus 12. In a modification of MPC18 and the database 20, the database 20 may be placed outside MPC18. Also, in this example, MPC18 stores, as at least a part of the control setting values, the above correction values received from the image analysis apparatus 16 in the database 20. Further, thereby, MPC18 controls the operation of the printing apparatus 12 using the correction values calculated by the image analysis apparatus 16. With such a configuration, for example, the operation of the printing apparatus 12 can be appropriately adjusted based on the correction values calculated based on the adjustment pattern. Also, in this case, at least a part of the control setting values can be considered, for example, as at least any of the control setting values stored in the database 20.

[0029] Next, the configuration of the printing apparatus 12 in this example will be described in more detail. FIG. 1(b) shows an example of the configuration of the main part of the printing apparatus 12. Except for the points described above and below, the printing apparatus 12 may have the same or similar features as a known printing apparatus. For example, in addition to the illustrated configuration, the printing apparatus 12 may further have the same or similar configuration as a known printing apparatus. In this example, the printing apparatus 12 includes a head unit 102, a platen unit 104, a Y bar unit 106, a main scanning drive unit 112, a sub-scanning drive unit 114, a drive signal output unit 116, and a control unit 120. The head unit 102 is a part that discharges ink onto a medium 50 to be printed. Also, in this example, the head unit 102 has a plurality of inkjet heads, and discharges ink from each inkjet head to a discharge position on the medium 50 set according to the printing resolution. In this case, each inkjet head discharges ink to at least a part of the discharge positions selected according to the image to be printed among the discharge positions set according to the printing resolution. The specific configuration of the head unit 102 will be described in more detail later.

[0030] The platen unit 104 is a platen-shaped member that holds the medium 50 at a position facing the head unit 102. In this example, the platen unit 104 is a platen that holds the medium 50 in a flatbed type printing apparatus. For example, as shown in the figure, the entire medium 50 is placed on the upper surface to hold the medium 50 facing the head unit 102. The Y bar unit 106 is a member that extends in the width direction of the medium 50 at a position facing the platen unit 104 with the medium 50 interposed therebetween, and holds the head unit 102 at a position facing the medium 50. In this example, the width direction of the medium 50 is a direction parallel to the main scanning direction (Y direction in the figure) preset in the printing apparatus 12. Also, the Y bar unit 106 includes, for example, a guide rail or the like that guides the movement of the head unit 102 in the main scanning direction, and guides the movement of the head unit 102 in the main scanning direction during the main scanning operation. In this case, the main scanning operation can be considered, for example, as an operation of discharging ink while relatively moving the head unit 102 in the main scanning direction with respect to the medium 50.

[0031] The main scanning drive unit 112 is a drive unit that causes the head unit 102 to perform a main scanning operation. Regarding causing the head unit 102 to perform a main scanning operation, for example, it can be considered to cause a plurality of inkjet heads in the head unit 102 to perform a main scanning operation. In this example, the main scanning drive unit 112 causes the head unit 102 to perform a main scanning operation by moving the head unit 102 along the Y bar unit 106 and ejecting ink from each inkjet head in the head unit 102. In this case, the main scanning drive unit 112 supplies the drive signal received from the drive signal output unit 116 to each inkjet head according to the control of the control unit 120, and ejects ink from each nozzle in each inkjet head according to the image to be printed. Regarding the drive signal, for example, it can be considered as a signal for ejecting ink from each of a plurality of inkjet heads. Also, regarding the drive signal, for example, it can also be considered as a signal for driving a drive element (e.g., a piezo element, etc.) for ejecting ink from the nozzles in each inkjet head.

[0032] The sub-scanning drive unit 114 is a drive unit that causes the head unit 102 to perform a sub-scanning operation. Regarding causing the head unit 102 to perform a sub-scanning operation, for example, it can be considered as causing a plurality of inkjet heads in the head unit 102 to perform a sub-scanning operation. Regarding the sub-scanning operation, for example, it can be considered as an operation of relatively moving with respect to the medium 50 in the sub-scanning direction (X direction in the figure) orthogonal to the main-scanning direction. Also, regarding the sub-scanning operation, for example, it can also be considered as an operation of changing the position facing the head unit 102 during the main-scanning operation on the medium 50. The sub-scanning drive unit 114 changes the area where ink is ejected in the next main-scanning operation on the medium 50, for example, by causing the head unit 102 to perform a sub-scanning operation during the interval between main-scanning operations. With such a configuration, for example, the head unit 102 can appropriately perform the main-scanning operation for each position of the medium 50. Also, in this example, the sub-scanning drive unit 114 moves the Y-bar unit 106 together with the head unit 102 by a predetermined sub-scanning movement amount in accordance with the control of the control unit 120 with respect to the pedestal 104 whose position is fixed, thereby causing the head unit 102 to perform a sub-scanning operation. Regarding the sub-scanning movement amount, for example, it can be considered as the movement amount by which a plurality of inkjets relatively move with respect to the medium 50 during the sub-scanning operation.

[0033] The drive signal output unit 116 is an output unit that supplies drive signals to a plurality of inkjet heads in the head unit 102. In this example, the drive signal output unit 116 supplies drive signals to the drive elements in each inkjet head via the main-scanning drive unit 112, thereby causing ink to be ejected from the nozzles in each inkjet head.

[0034] The control unit 120 is, for example, a part including the CPU of the printing apparatus 12, and controls the operations of the respective parts of the printing apparatus 12 according to a program such as the firmware of the printing apparatus 12. Regarding the control unit 120, for example, it can also be considered as a configuration corresponding to the control unit in the printing apparatus 12. Further, in this example, the control unit 120 controls the operations of the respective parts of the printing apparatus 12 based on the control setting values stored in the database 20. Also, thereby, the control unit 120 causes the respective parts of the printing apparatus 12 to operate based on the control setting values. More specifically, the control unit 120 controls the operation of the main scanning drive unit 112, for example, based on the control setting values stored in the database 20. Also, thereby, the main scanning drive unit 112 causes the head unit 102 to perform a main scanning operation, for example, based on the control setting values. In this case, for example, it is conceivable to adjust the timing of discharging ink to each inkjet head based on the correction value stored in the database 20 as the control setting value. With such a configuration, for example, the head unit 102 can be appropriately caused to perform a main scanning operation with higher accuracy. Further, the control unit 120 further adjusts the sub-scanning movement amount in the sub-scanning operation, for example, based on the correction value stored in the database 20 as the control setting value. With such a configuration, for example, the head unit 102 can be appropriately caused to perform a sub-scanning operation with higher accuracy. In this case, as the correction value for adjusting the sub-scanning movement amount, for example, a correction value different from the correction value for adjusting the timing of discharging ink to the inkjet head can be used.

[0035] Next, the configuration of the head unit 102 in the printing apparatus 12 will be described in more detail. FIG. 2 is a diagram for explaining the specific configuration of the head unit 102. FIG. 2(a) shows an example of the configuration of the head unit 102. FIG. 2(b) shows an example of the configuration of the inkjet head 202 in the head unit 102. In this example, the head unit 102 includes a carriage 200 and a plurality of inkjet heads 202. The carriage 200 is a holding member that holds the plurality of inkjet heads 202 in the head unit 102, and holds the plurality of inkjet heads 202, which are distinguished as reference numerals 202a1 to d4 in the figure, at positions facing the base 104 (see FIG. 1). In this case, regarding holding the inkjet head 202 so as to face the base 104, for example, it can be considered that the inkjet head 202 is held so that ink is ejected toward the medium on the base 104, and the like.

[0036] Also, in this example, the carriage 200 holds a plurality of inkjet heads 202 in a configuration where a plurality of rows of inkjet heads 202 arranged in a staggered manner in the sub-scanning direction are arranged in a plurality of columns in the main scanning direction. More specifically, in the illustrated configuration, four inkjet heads 202 shown as inkjet heads 202a1 to a4 form a first row arranged in a staggered manner. Also, four inkjet heads 202 shown as inkjet heads 202b1 to b4 form a second row arranged in a staggered manner. Four inkjet heads 202 shown as inkjet heads 202c1 to c4 form a third row arranged in a staggered manner. Four inkjet heads 202 shown as inkjet heads 202d1 to d4 form a fourth row arranged in a staggered manner. Regarding the plurality of inkjet heads 202 being arranged in a staggered manner, for example, it can be considered that a plurality of inkjet heads 202 shifted in position in the main scanning direction are arranged in the sub-scanning direction. In this case, the plurality of inkjet heads 202 may be arranged in the sub-scanning direction such that, for example, a part of them overlaps in the sub-scanning direction. More specifically, in this example, the four inkjet heads 202 arranged in a staggered manner are arranged in the sub-scanning direction while alternately shifting their positions in the main scanning direction and having a part overlap in the sub-scanning direction between adjacent inkjet heads 202, as shown in the figure, for example.

[0037] Also, in this case, it becomes possible to use a plurality of inkjet heads 202 arranged in a staggered array as, for example, a single virtual large inkjet head. More specifically, in this case, it can be considered that the nozzles of the plurality of inkjet heads 202 arranged in a staggered array are combined to form a single virtual nozzle row. Also, as shown in the figure, in this example, the first to fourth columns of the inkjet head 202 are aligned in the sub-scanning direction and arranged in the main scanning direction. In this case, it can be considered that the virtual nozzle rows corresponding to the respective staggered arrays are arranged in the main scanning direction. Also, in this case, it is conceivable that the plurality of inkjet heads 202 arranged in each staggered array (one staggered array) eject the same color ink, and the inkjet heads 202 arranged in different staggered arrays eject different color inks. More specifically, for example, when the carriage 200 holds a plurality of inkjet heads 202 divided into the first to fourth columns as in this example, it is conceivable that each of the inkjet heads 202 in the first to fourth columns ejects ink of each color of the process color. For each color of the process color, it can be considered, for example, as the basic colors in color representation by the subtractive color mixing method. Also, as the ink of each color of the process color, it is conceivable to use inks of each color of Y (yellow), M (magenta), C (cyan), and K (black), for example. By using such inks of each color, for example, high-quality color printing can be appropriately performed. Also, depending on the use of the printing apparatus 12 (see FIG. 1) and the like, a part of the plurality of inkjet heads 202 arranged in one staggered array may eject ink of a color different from that of other inkjet heads 202 in the same staggered array. With such a configuration, for example, in the head unit 102, more colors of ink can be ejected. Also, it is also conceivable that the inkjet heads 202 of a plurality of staggered arrays eject the same color ink, and so on.

[0038] Regarding the configuration of the head unit 102, the number and arrangement of the inkjet heads 202 are not limited to the example shown in Fig. 2(a), and can be changed in various ways. Further, the head unit 102 may further have other configurations according to the ink ejected from the inkjet head 202. For example, when ejecting ultraviolet curable ink from the inkjet head 202, the head unit 102 may further have an ultraviolet light source or the like.

[0039] Also, in this example, each inkjet head 202 has a plurality of nozzle rows 212, as shown in Fig. 2(b) for example. Regarding the nozzle row 212, for example, it can be considered as a row in which a plurality of nozzles are arranged with their positions in a predetermined nozzle row direction shifted from each other. Also, in this example, the nozzle row direction is a direction parallel to the sub-scanning direction. In each nozzle row 212, the plurality of nozzles are aligned in the main scanning direction and arranged in the sub-scanning direction at a constant nozzle interval. Also, in each inkjet head 202, the plurality of nozzle rows 212 are arranged in the main scanning direction with their positions in the sub-scanning direction shifted, for example. In this case, for example, it is conceivable to shift the positions in the sub-scanning direction between the nozzle rows 212 by a distance less than the nozzle interval in one nozzle row 212. With such a configuration, for example, the distance between the nozzles in the sub-scanning direction in one inkjet head 202 (the minimum distance between the nozzles in the sub-scanning direction within the inkjet head 202) can be made shorter than the nozzle interval in one nozzle row 212. Also, thereby, for example, it becomes possible to perform high-resolution printing at high speed and appropriately.

[0040] In FIG. 2(b), an example of the configuration of the inkjet head 202 is schematically illustrated for the case where the number of nozzle rows 212 in one inkjet head 202 is four rows. The number of nozzle rows 212 in one inkjet head 202 may be other than four rows. Also, considering performing high-resolution printing quickly and appropriately, it is preferable that the number of nozzle rows 212 in one inkjet head 202 be four or more (for example, about 4 to 6 rows).

[0041] Subsequently, the operations of image processing and the like executed in the image analysis device 16 will be described in more detail. As described above, in this example, the image analysis device 16 calculates numerical values such as a predetermined correction value based on the adjustment pattern according to the image analysis tool. And in this case, as the image analysis tool, for example, a program having the configuration shown in FIG. 3 is used.

[0042] FIG. 3 shows an example of the configuration of the image analysis tool. In this example, the image analysis tool is a program executed in the image analysis device 16 (see FIG. 1) and is composed of a plurality of modules. Also, the image analysis tool has, as a plurality of modules, an analysis tool main body 302, a pattern analysis library 304, a plurality of adjustment item libraries 306, and a report creation library 308. The analysis tool main body 302 is a module that serves as a tool main body for controlling the entire image analysis tool. Also, in this example, the analysis tool main body 302 is a file in the executable file format (for example, a file in the exe format), and performs data input / output processing (I / O processing) for the image analysis tool and management of data input / output processing between modules in the image analysis tool.

[0043] More specifically, in this example, the analysis tool main body 302 displays a user interface (UI) on, for example, the monitor of the image analysis device 16, and reads a pattern image and model parameters by the user's selection of a file. In this case, as described above, the pattern image is an image generated by reading an adjustment pattern printed on a medium with the scanner 14 (see FIG. 1). The pattern image is stored, for example, in the storage device of the image analysis device 16, and is read into the image analysis tool when selected by the user through the above user interface. In this case, the pattern image read into the image analysis tool can be considered, for example, as an analysis image to be analyzed. The model parameters are parameters set according to the model of the printing device 12 (see FIG. 1) used for printing the adjustment pattern. By using such model parameters, for example, the image analysis tool can be made to perform operations according to the model of the printing device 12. Also, this enables, for example, the use of a common image analysis tool for a plurality of types of printing devices. As the model parameters, for example, it is conceivable to use parameters indicating the arrangement of inkjet heads in the head unit 102 (see FIG. 2) or the configuration of the inkjet heads. As the parameter indicating the arrangement of the inkjet heads, for example, it is conceivable to use a parameter indicating the number of inkjet heads or the number of arrangements in a staggered arrangement.

[0044] Also, in this example, the image analysis device 16 outputs correction value data and an analysis report as outputs in the operations executed according to the image analysis tool. In this case, the image analysis device 16 outputs, as the correction value data, a file indicating the correction value calculated in the image analysis device 16. Also, as the analysis report, it outputs an analysis result file indicating the analysis result. In this case, the image analysis device 16 performs calculation of the correction value, generation of the analysis result file, etc. by the operations executed according to the image analysis tool. Regarding the correction value data, for example, it can also be considered as a file for feeding back the correction value to the printing device 12. More specifically, the image analysis device 16 outputs the correction value data by generating, for example, a file indicating the correction value in a predetermined format. Also, in this case, for example, by executing a program (for example, an adjustment tool) for managing the information stored in the database 20 on the image analysis device 16 or another computer, the correction value is stored in the database 20. Also, regarding the correction value, for example, it may be directly stored in the database 20 during the operations of the image analysis device 16 executed according to the image analysis tool. As the analysis result file, for example, a file in a pdf format or a file format for spreadsheet can be considered. Also, regarding the analysis report output by the analysis result file, for example, it can be considered as a report that quantifies the adjustment level in the printing device 12 and summarizes it in a format that is easy for people to view. Also, regarding the analysis report, for example, it can be considered as being used for evidence management of the adjustment level, etc.

[0045] Each of the pattern analysis library 304, the plurality of adjustment item libraries 306, and the report creation library 308 is a module that functions as a library. In this example, as the modules of these libraries, files in the dynamic link library format (DLL format) are used. Among these libraries, the pattern analysis library 304 is a library for interpreting pattern images, and based on the result of interpreting the pattern image, it calls necessary modules from among the plurality of adjustment item libraries 306. Further, thereby, the pattern analysis library 304 causes the plurality of adjustment item libraries 306 to perform various analyses on the pattern image. Each of the plurality of adjustment item libraries 306 is a library that performs analyses on various items (adjustment items) that are the targets of analysis in the image analysis tool. In this example, each of the plurality of adjustment item libraries 306 is a library for different items, and is called from the pattern analysis library 304 as necessary to execute processing related to the corresponding item. Further, the image analysis tool of this example is configured to be able to add necessary adjustment item libraries 306, for example, when the number of items to be analyzed increases later.

[0046] More specifically, in this example, as shown in the figure, as the plurality of adjustment item libraries 306, libraries for head tilt analysis, head front-rear analysis, head stagger analysis, head voltage analysis, dot position analysis, and feed analysis are used. In this case, in the adjustment item library 306 for head tilt analysis, for example, the mounting angle of the inkjet head 202 (see FIG. 2) with respect to the carriage 200 (see FIG. 2) is analyzed. Regarding the mounting angle of the inkjet head 202, for example, it can be considered as an angle at which the longitudinal direction of the inkjet head 202 is displaced with respect to a predetermined correct orientation. Also, in the adjustment item library 306 for head front-rear analysis, for example, for each inkjet head 202 held by the carriage 200, the position in the sub-scanning direction, which is the front-rear direction, is analyzed. In the adjustment item library 306 for head stagger analysis, for example, for a plurality of inkjet heads 202 arranged in a stagger array, the positional relationship in the front-rear direction between adjacent inkjet heads 202 is analyzed. In the adjustment item library 306 for head voltage analysis, for example, the voltage of the drive signal supplied to each inkjet head 202 is analyzed. In the adjustment item library 306 for dot position analysis, for example, the position of the ink dots formed by the ink ejected from the nozzles in the nozzle row of each inkjet head 202 is analyzed. Also, in the adjustment item library 306 for feed analysis, for example, the sub-scanning movement amount in the sub-scanning operation is analyzed.

[0047] Also, the report generation library 308 generates an analysis result file based on the results of the analyses performed in the plurality of adjustment item libraries 306. In this case, the report generation library 308 receives the results of the analyses in the respective adjustment item libraries 306, for example, via the analysis tool main body 302 and the pattern analysis library 304. Also, the report generation library 308 outputs the analysis result file, for example, via the analysis tool main body 302. Also, as described above, in this example, the image analysis device 16 outputs correction value data to store the correction values in the database 20. In this case, correction values are calculated in at least a part of the plurality of adjustment item libraries 306 according to the results of the analyses to be executed. Also, the analysis tool main body 302 receives the correction values from the adjustment item library 306 via the pattern analysis library 304 and outputs correction value data indicating the received correction values.

[0048] Also, in this example, among the various analyses executed by the plurality of adjustment item libraries 306, the head tilt analysis, the head front-back analysis, and the head stagger analysis can be considered, for example, as analyses related to mechanical adjustment (mechanical adjustment). On the other hand, for the head voltage analysis, the dot position analysis, and the feed analysis, for example, they can be considered as analyses related to the adjustment of printing operations other than mechanical adjustment (print adjustment). And in this example, for example, among the adjustment item libraries 306 related to print adjustment, the adjustment item library 306 for dot position analysis and the adjustment item library 306 for feed analysis calculate correction values. Also, in this case, the results of the analyses in the adjustment item libraries 306 that do not calculate correction values are reflected in the analysis result file, for example. Also, in this example, the results of the analyses in all the adjustment item libraries 306, including the results of the analyses in the adjustment item libraries 306 that calculate correction values, are reflected in the analysis result file.

[0049] Next, an example of the analysis executed by the adjustment item library 306 will be described in more detail. FIG. 4 is a diagram for explaining an example of the analysis executed by the adjustment item library 306, and shows an example of the analysis performed by the adjustment item library 306 for dot position analysis among a plurality of adjustment item libraries 306 in the image analysis tool.

[0050] In this example, when analyzing an image with the image analysis device 16 (see FIG. 1), the printing device 12 (see FIG. 1) is caused to print an adjustment pattern according to the content of the analysis to be executed. Therefore, for example, when analyzing an image with the adjustment item library 306 for dot position analysis, the printing device 12 is caused to print an adjustment pattern including the deviation amount detection pattern 400. In this case, the deviation amount detection pattern 400 can be considered, for example, as a pattern for detecting the dot position deviation amount. Regarding the dot position deviation amount, for example, it can be considered as the deviation amount of the positions of dots generated in each of the plurality of nozzle rows in the head unit 102 (see FIG. 2) of the printing device 12. Regarding the position of the dots, for example, it can be considered as the position of the ink dots formed on the medium by discharging ink from the nozzles included in each of the plurality of nozzle rows in the head unit 102. Regarding the plurality of nozzle rows in the head unit 102, for example, it can be considered as the plurality of nozzle rows of the plurality of inkjet heads 202 (see FIG. 2) held by the carriage 200 (see FIG. 2) in the head unit 102. More specifically, in this example, the plurality of nozzle rows can be considered as, for example, 64 nozzle rows of the 16 inkjet heads 202. Regarding the position of the dots, for example, it can be considered as the position of the ink dots formed on the medium by discharging ink from the nozzles included in each of the plurality of nozzle rows in the plurality of inkjet heads 202.

[0051] Also, in this example, as the deviation amount detection pattern 400, for example, the pattern shown in FIG. 4(a) is used. FIG. 4(a) shows an example of the deviation amount detection pattern 400. In this example, the deviation amount detection pattern 400 is a pattern in which ink is ejected from a plurality of nozzle rows at the same position in the main scanning direction. More specifically, when printing the adjustment pattern, among the plurality of inkjet heads 202 in the printing apparatus 12, any one nozzle row in any one inkjet head 202 is selected as the reference nozzle row. Then, as a pattern in which ink is ejected from a plurality of nozzle rows at the same position in the main scanning direction, each nozzle row other than the reference nozzle row is sequentially selected, and the printing apparatus 12 is caused to print a pattern in which ink is ejected from two nozzle rows including the reference nozzle row and each nozzle row other than the reference nozzle row at the same position in the main scanning direction. Further, thereby, for example, as shown in FIG. 4(a), the printing apparatus 12 is caused to print the deviation amount detection pattern 400 including the number of multiple lines 402 corresponding to the number of nozzle rows that the printing apparatus 12 has.

[0052] Regarding the multiple lines 402, for example, they can be considered as a plurality of lines drawn at the same position. Also, in this example, regarding the multiple lines 402, for example, they can be considered as double lines drawn by ejecting ink from two nozzle rows to the same position in the main scanning direction. In this case, regarding ejecting ink to the same position, for example, it can be considered as ejecting ink to the same position in terms of design. Therefore, in the actually drawn multiple lines 402, the positions of the ink dots formed by the ink ejected from different nozzle rows may be shifted in the main scanning direction. Also, regarding a pattern of multiple lines including such multiple lines 402, for example, it can also be considered as a pattern in which a plurality of lines are drawn at the same position in the main scanning direction by drawing lines extending in the sub-scanning direction with the ink ejected from each nozzle row.

[0053] In addition, in this example, corresponding to the 64 nozzle rows of the plurality of inkjet heads 202 in the printing apparatus 12, 64 multi-lines 402 are drawn in the figure and distinguished by attaching numbers 1 to 64. As can be understood from the above description and the like, each multi-line 402 can be considered, for example, as a line drawn using a reference nozzle row and other nozzle rows. However, when drawing the same number of multi-lines 402 as the number of nozzle rows in the printing apparatus 12 as in this example, any one of the multi-lines 402 corresponds to the reference nozzle row. In this case, for the multi-line 402 corresponding to the reference nozzle row, exceptionally, it can be considered as a line drawn only using the reference nozzle row. More specifically, for example, when using the nozzle row corresponding to number 1 in the figure as the reference nozzle row, the multi-line 402 indicated by attaching the number 1 becomes a line drawn only using the reference nozzle row. Also, for the lines indicated by attaching each of the numbers 2 to 64, they are lines drawn using the reference nozzle row and any one of the other nozzle rows.

[0054] Also, when drawing such a multi-line 402, if there is no deviation in the dot positions between the two nozzle arrays for drawing one multi-line 402, the lines drawn by each nozzle array will overlap at the same position in the main scanning direction. In this case, for there being no deviation in the dot positions between the two nozzle arrays, it can be considered, for example, that there is no deviation in the relative dot positions based on the dot positions formed by the reference nozzle array. More specifically, in this example, for there being no deviation in the dot positions between the two nozzle arrays for drawing one multi-line 402, it can be considered, for example, that there is no deviation in the dot positions formed by other nozzle arrays with respect to the dot positions formed by the reference nozzle array in the main scanning direction. Also, in this case, for there being no deviation in the dot positions, it can also be considered, for example, that the amount of deviation in the dot positions is within a predetermined allowable range. On the other hand, when there is a deviation in the dot positions between the two nozzle arrays for drawing one multi-line 402, when the multi-line 402 is enlarged and observed, for example, as shown in Fig. 4(b), the positions of the lines drawn by each nozzle array will be shifted in the main scanning direction.

[0055] FIG. 4(b) is a diagram showing an enlarged view of one multi-line 402. As described above, in this example, the printing apparatus 12 draws each multi-line 402 using the reference nozzle row and the other nozzle rows. Therefore, for each multi-line 402, it can be considered, for example, as shown in the figure, to be composed of a reference nozzle line 412 and an adjustment nozzle line 414. In this case, the reference nozzle line 412 is a line drawn by the reference nozzle row. Also, the adjustment nozzle line 414 is a line drawn by a nozzle row other than the reference nozzle row. For each of the reference nozzle line 412 and the adjustment nozzle line 414, it can be considered, for example, as a line drawn by an arrangement of ink dots formed by ink ejected to the same position in the main scanning direction by a plurality of nozzles included in one nozzle row, etc. Also, in this case, regarding ejecting ink to the same position in the main scanning direction by a plurality of nozzles included in one nozzle row, it can be considered, for example, as ejecting ink at the same timing during the main scanning operation, etc.

[0056] Also, in the image analysis tool of this example, the adjustment item library 306 for dot position analysis measures, by image processing, the distance in the main scanning direction between the reference nozzle line 412 and the adjustment nozzle line 414 for each multi-line 402 included in the deviation amount detection pattern 400 based on the pattern image obtained from the deviation amount detection pattern 400. In this case, for the pattern image obtained from the deviation amount detection pattern 400, it can be considered, for example, as a pattern image generated by reading an adjustment pattern including the deviation amount detection pattern 400 with a scanner 14 (see FIG. 1). Also, for the distance in the main scanning direction between the reference nozzle line 412 and the adjustment nozzle line 414, for example, like the measured distance shown in the figure, with a predetermined direction as the positive direction and the opposite side as the negative direction, the distance corresponding to the position of the adjustment nozzle line 414 relative to the reference nozzle line 412 is calculated by image processing.

[0057] Also, in this case, it can be considered that this measurement distance corresponds to, for example, the amount of deviation in the position of dots between two nozzle arrays that draw one multi-line 402. And in this case, for each multi-line 402 corresponding to each nozzle array other than the reference nozzle array, based on the above measurement distance, for each nozzle array, the amount of dot position deviation can be calculated with reference to one reference nozzle array. More specifically, in this example, the adjustment item library 306 for dot position analysis calculates the amount of dot position deviation for each nozzle array in the printing apparatus 12 with reference to one reference nozzle array based on the pattern image. Further, based on the calculated amount of dot position deviation, a dot position correction value, which is a correction value corresponding to the amount of dot position deviation, is calculated. In this example, the dot position correction value is an example of the correction value indicated by the correction value data. With such a configuration, in the adjustment item library 306 for dot position analysis, for example, the position of the ink dots formed by the ink ejected from the nozzles in the nozzle arrays of the respective inkjet heads 202 can be appropriately analyzed.

[0058] Here, in this example, each of the reference nozzle line 412 and the adjustment nozzle line 414 may be a line formed by some of the nozzles in one nozzle row. More specifically, for the reference nozzle line 412, for example, it is conceivable to select a plurality of nozzles in a part of the reference nozzle row as reference nozzles and draw by discharging ink from the reference nozzles. Further, for the adjustment nozzle line 414, for example, it is conceivable to select a plurality of nozzles in a part of a nozzle row other than the reference nozzle row (the nozzle row to be adjusted) as adjustment nozzles and draw by discharging ink from the adjustment nozzles. When configured in this way, it becomes possible to form the dots of the ink constituting each of the reference nozzle line 412 and the adjustment nozzle line 414 with a distance in the sub-scanning direction. Further, thereby, for example, it becomes possible to more appropriately identify the positions of the dots of each ink with high accuracy. Further, by identifying the positions of the dots of the ink constituting the reference nozzle line 412 and the adjustment nozzle line 414 with high accuracy, for example, it also becomes possible to determine the positions of the reference nozzle line 412 and the adjustment nozzle line 414 in the main scanning direction with higher accuracy, etc.

[0059] Further, in the printing apparatus 12, it is conceivable to cause the plurality of inkjet heads 202 to perform, for example, a reciprocating main scanning operation. Regarding causing the inkjet head 202 to perform a reciprocating main scanning operation, for example, it can be considered to cause the inkjet head 202 to perform an outward main scanning operation of moving the inkjet head 202 in one direction in the main scanning direction and a return main scanning operation of moving the inkjet head 202 in the other direction in the main scanning direction. And in this case, it is also conceivable that the dot position deviation amount is different, for example, between the time of the outward main scanning operation and the time of the return main scanning operation. Therefore, it is preferable to calculate the dot position deviation amount individually for each direction of movement of the inkjet head 202 in the outward and return main scanning operations. Also, in this case, it is conceivable to cause the printing apparatus 12 to print the deviation amount detection pattern 400 for each direction of movement of the inkjet head 202.

[0060] Also, as described above, in this example, the misregistration amount detection pattern 400 includes a number of multiple lines 402 corresponding to the number of nozzle rows in the printing apparatus 12. However, the number of nozzle rows in the printing apparatus 12 may vary depending on the model, specifications, etc. of the printing apparatus 12. Therefore, as the misregistration amount detection pattern 400, for example, it is conceivable to use a pattern dynamically determined according to the configuration of the printing apparatus 12. Also, in this case, in the image analysis tool, for example, based on the model parameters, analysis of the misregistration amount detection pattern 400 is performed according to the configuration of the printing apparatus 12. With this configuration, for example, a common image analysis tool can be appropriately used for printing apparatuses 12 with various configurations. Also, it can be considered that the image analysis tool of this example can be particularly preferably used when the number of target nozzle rows is large. In this case, regarding the total number of nozzle rows to be analyzed, for example, it can be considered to be 20 or more, preferably 30 or more, etc. Regarding the total number of nozzle rows to be analyzed, for example, it can be considered to be the number of nozzle rows corresponding to the plurality of multiple lines 402 included in the misregistration amount detection pattern 400, the number of nozzle rows of the printing apparatus 12, etc. Also, as the inkjet head 202, for example, it is also conceivable to use a configuration in which the capacity of the ink ejected from each nozzle can be changed in multiple stages. And, in this case, it can also be considered that there is a difference in the dot position misregistration amount depending on the ink capacity. Therefore, in this case, the printing apparatus 12 may be made to draw a misregistration amount detection pattern 400 including individual multiple lines 402 for each ink capacity. Also, in this case, in the image analysis apparatus 16, for example, it is conceivable to calculate the dot position misregistration amount and the dot position correction value for each ink capacity.

[0061] Also, as described above, in this example, the image analysis tool further has an adjustment item library 306 for analysis other than dot position analysis. And in this case, in order to perform analysis in the adjustment item library 306 for analysis other than dot position analysis, as an adjustment pattern, it is conceivable to have the printing apparatus 12 print a pattern including a pattern other than the deviation amount detection pattern 400. Also in this case, it is conceivable to use a pattern dynamically determined according to the configuration of the printing apparatus 12 and the like. Further, when having the printing apparatus 12 print an adjustment pattern including patterns corresponding to a plurality of types of adjustment item libraries 306, for example, it is conceivable to print a pattern divided for each inkjet head 202 on the medium. With such a configuration, for example, the correspondence between the pattern printed on the medium and the inkjet head 202 can be easily and appropriately grasped. Also in this case, for each of the multiple lines 402 constituting the deviation amount detection pattern 400, it is also conceivable to draw the multiple line 402 corresponding to the nozzle row in each inkjet head 202 in the pattern for each inkjet head 202, with a layout different from that shown in FIG. 4(a). Also in this case, as the pattern divided for each inkjet head 202, for example, the adjustment pattern shown in FIG. 5 can be used.

[0062] FIG. 5 is a diagram for explaining an adjustment pattern composed of patterns divided for each inkjet head 202. FIG. 5(a) shows an example of the adjustment pattern. When performing analysis using a plurality of types of adjustment item libraries 306 (see FIG. 3) in an image analysis tool, for example, it is conceivable to print an adjustment pattern having the configuration shown in the figure on a medium 50. In this case, the adjustment pattern has, for example, a scanner set mark 502, a tilt correction line 504, a diamond 506, and a pattern section 508 for each of a plurality of heads. Among these, the scanner set mark 502, the tilt correction line 504, and the diamond 506 are configurations for correcting the position, tilt, etc. of the pattern image generated by reading the adjustment pattern with the scanner 14 (see FIG. 1). More specifically, the scanner set mark 502 is a mark used as a reference for position when reading an image with the scanner 14. Regarding the scanner set mark 502, for example, it can also be considered as a mark that becomes the origin (scan image origin) of the image scanned by the scanner 14. The tilt correction line 504 is a line used to correct the tilt of the pattern image generated by reading the adjustment pattern with the scanner 14. The diamond 506 is a mark used as a reference for the position of the pattern section 508 for each of a plurality of heads. Regarding the diamond 506, for example, it can also be considered as a mark for defining the position information of the pattern section 508 for each of a plurality of heads.

[0063] Also, in the adjustment pattern, each head pattern section 508 corresponding to each of the plurality of heads is a part corresponding to the pattern divided for each inkjet head 202. In this case, for example, corresponding to each inkjet head 202 in the printing apparatus 12, each head pattern section 508 is printed on the medium 50. Also, as each head pattern section 508, for example, as shown in FIG. 5(b), a plurality of patterns 510 are printed. FIG. 5(b) is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of the head pattern section 508, and shows an example of the configuration of the head pattern section 508 when printing a head pattern section 508 including a plurality of patterns 510, distinguished as patterns 510a to 510e in the figure, for one inkjet head 202. For each of the patterns 510a to 510e, for example, it is conceivable to use a pattern adapted to the item to be analyzed in each adjustment item library 306. Also, in this case, it is also conceivable to use a plurality of patterns among the patterns 510a to 510e for one adjustment item library 306.

[0064] For example, as described above, when calculating the dot position deviation amount using the adjustment item library 306 for dot position analysis, it is preferable to calculate the dot position deviation amount individually for each direction of movement of the inkjet head 202 in the main scanning operations of the forward and return passes. Therefore, in this case, it is conceivable to use any one of the patterns 510a to e for calculating the dot position deviation amount in the return pass and any other one of the patterns for calculating the dot position deviation amount in the forward pass. More specifically, when using the per-head pattern section 508 having the configuration shown in FIG. 5(b), for example, as the patterns 510a and b, it is conceivable to print the patterns used for analysis in the adjustment item library 306 for dot position analysis. Also, in this case, for example, it is conceivable to use the pattern 510a for calculating the dot position deviation amount in the return pass and the pattern 510b for calculating the dot position deviation amount in the forward pass. In this case, as the patterns 510a and b, for example, among the deviation amount detection patterns 400 (see FIG. 4) described with reference to FIG. 4, it is conceivable to print a pattern including the multiple lines 402 (see FIG. 4) corresponding to the nozzle rows of the inkjet head 202 for the per-head pattern section 508.

[0065] Also, in this case, for patterns 510c to e other than patterns 510a and b, it is conceivable to use them for analysis in the adjustment item library 306 other than for dot position analysis. In this case, for each of patterns 510c to e, for example, it is conceivable to use them for analysis in any one of the adjustment item libraries 306 for head tilt analysis, head front-back analysis, head stagger analysis, head voltage analysis, and feed analysis. More specifically, when using the head-by-pattern section 508 having the configuration shown in FIG. 5(b), as pattern 510c, for example, it is conceivable to print a pattern used for analysis in the adjustment item library 306 for head stagger analysis. Also, as pattern 510d, for example, it is conceivable to print a pattern used for analysis in the adjustment item library 306 for head tilt analysis. As pattern 510e, for example, it is conceivable to print a pattern used for analysis in the adjustment item library 306 for head front-back analysis. Also, in this case, as any one of patterns 510c to e, it is also conceivable to print a pattern used for analysis in the adjustment item library 306 for head voltage analysis. Further, in addition to patterns 510a to e, it is also conceivable to print a head-by-pattern section 508 that further includes a pattern used for analysis in the adjustment item library 306 for head voltage analysis, and the like.

[0066] Also, in this case, as a pattern used for analysis in the adjustment item library 306 for head tilt analysis, for example, it is conceivable to print a pattern in which lines overlap at one end side and the other end side (the back side and the front side) of the inkjet head 202 in the sub-scanning direction by two main scanning operations sandwiching a sub-scanning operation therebetween. More specifically, in this case, in the first main scanning operation, ink is simultaneously ejected from at least a part of the nozzles (for example, the nozzles on the back side) of any nozzle row of each inkjet head 202 to draw a line parallel to the sub-scanning direction. In this case, for the line parallel to the sub-scanning direction, for example, it can be considered as a line drawn on the medium 50 by simultaneously ejecting ink from a plurality of nozzles in the nozzle row at a predetermined timing during the main scanning operation. Also, for the line parallel to the sub-scanning direction, for example, it can also be considered as a line that becomes parallel to the sub-scanning direction when the inkjet head 202 is not tilted. Then, in the second main scanning operation performed with a sub-scanning operation sandwiched therebetween, ink is simultaneously ejected from at least a part of the nozzles (for example, the nozzles on the front side) of the same nozzle row used in the first main scanning operation to draw another line at a position overlapping the line drawn in the first main scanning operation. In this case, if the inkjet head 202 that has drawn the two lines is not tilted, the two lines will overlap correctly. However, when the inkjet head 202 is tilted, the positional deviation between the two lines increases according to the magnitude of the tilt. Therefore, for example, by measuring the distance between the two lines, it becomes possible to detect the tilt of the inkjet head 202. Also, in this example, in the adjustment item library 306 for head tilt analysis, for example, the distance between such two lines is measured by image processing, and based on the measurement result, the magnitude of the tilt of the inkjet head 202 is calculated. Also, for the magnitude of the tilt of one inkjet head 202, for example, it is preferably calculated based on the results of performing the above measurement at a plurality of different positions (for example, about four positions) from each other.

[0067] In addition, as a pattern used for analysis in the adjustment item library 306 for head front-back analysis, for example, it is conceivable to print a pattern that draws a line extending in the main scanning direction by the same nozzles of a plurality of inkjet heads 202 arranged side by side in the main scanning direction. In this case, regarding the plurality of inkjet heads 202 arranged side by side in the main scanning direction, for example, they can be considered as inkjet heads 202 arranged in-line or the like. Also, regarding the same nozzles of the plurality of inkjet heads 202, for example, they can be considered as nozzles having the same position in the sub-scanning direction or the like. In this case, if the positions (front-back positions) of the inkjet heads 202 that draw two lines are aligned in the sub-scanning direction, the lines drawn by the same nozzles in each inkjet head 202 will overlap correctly. However, when the positions of the inkjet heads 202 are shifted in the front-back direction, the shift in the position in the sub-scanning direction increases between the lines drawn by each inkjet head 202 according to the magnitude of the shift. Therefore, for example, it becomes possible to detect the amount of shift in the front-back position of the inkjet head 202 by measuring the distance between the lines drawn by the nozzles of each inkjet head 202. Also, in this example, in the adjustment item library 306 for head front-back analysis, for example, the distance between such lines is measured by image processing, and based on the measurement result, the amount of shift in the front-back position of the inkjet head 202 is calculated. In this case, for example, it is conceivable to calculate the amount of shift in the position of another inkjet head 202 with respect to any one inkjet head 202 as a reference. Also, regarding the amount of shift in the position of each inkjet head 202, for example, it is conceivable to calculate it by the average value of the amounts of shift obtained from a plurality of lines (for example, about 12 lines). In this case, for example, it is conceivable to draw a plurality of lines with a plurality of different nozzles in each inkjet head 202, calculate the amount of shift in the position of the inkjet head 202 for each line, and further calculate the average value thereof.

[0068] As a pattern used for analysis in the adjustment item library 306 for head stagger analysis, for example, it is conceivable to print a pattern that uses nozzles in the overlapping portion of two inkjet heads 202 arranged adjacent to each other in the sub-scanning direction in the stagger arrangement. In this case, for the overlapping portion, for example, it can be considered as a portion where ink can be ejected by both inkjet heads 202 within the range in the sub-scanning direction where ink can be ejected by two adjacent inkjet heads 202 in the sub-scanning direction. Also, in this case, it is conceivable to draw a line extending in the main scanning direction with the nozzles in the overlapping portion of each inkjet head 202. More specifically, in this case, for example, taking one of the two inkjet heads 202 as the reference inkjet head 202, a first line of a predetermined length extending in the main scanning direction is drawn on the nozzles in the overlapping portion of the reference inkjet head 202. Also, a second line of a length different from that of the first line and extending in the main scanning direction is drawn on the nozzles in the overlapping portion of the inkjet head 202 other than the reference inkjet head 202. In this case, it is conceivable to draw a long line of a predetermined length as the first line. Also, as the second line, it is conceivable to draw a short line shorter than the first line. For the long line, for example, it can be considered as a line of a predetermined length that is relatively longer than the short line. For the short line, for example, it can be considered as a line of a predetermined length that is relatively shorter than the long line.

[0069] In this case, if the positional relationship of the two inkjet heads 202 in the sub-scanning direction is the correct positional relationship in the staggered arrangement, the distance (distance in the sub-scanning direction) between the lines (for example, long lines and short lines) drawn by each inkjet head 202 will be a predetermined distance. However, if there is a deviation in the positional relationship of the two inkjet heads 202 in the sub-scanning direction, the deviation of the distance between the lines drawn by each inkjet head 202 will increase according to the magnitude of the deviation. Therefore, for example, by measuring the distance between the lines drawn by each inkjet head 202, it becomes possible to detect the amount of deviation from the correct positional relationship in the staggered arrangement. Also, in this example, in the adjustment item library 306 for head staggering analysis, for example, the distance between such lines is measured by image processing, and based on the measurement result, the amount of deviation from the correct positional relationship in the staggered arrangement is calculated. In this case, for example, it is conceivable to calculate the amount of deviation in the position of the other inkjet head 202 with reference to one of the inkjet heads 202. Regarding the amount of deviation in the position of each inkjet head 202, it is conceivable to calculate it by the average value of the amounts of deviation obtained from a plurality of lines (for example, about 8 lines). In this case, for example, it is conceivable to draw a plurality of lines with a plurality of nozzles in the overlapping portion of each inkjet head 202, calculate the amount of deviation in the position of the inkjet head 202 for each line, and further calculate the average value. Also, in this case, it is also conceivable that since a plurality of lines are drawn in a narrow range, the density of the lines becomes high and it becomes difficult to distinguish individual lines. In such a case, for example, the portion where the plurality of lines are drawn may be regarded as a rectangular pattern, and the distance in the sub-scanning direction between the rectangular patterns may be obtained to calculate the averaged amount of deviation in position.

[0070] As a pattern used for analysis in the adjustment item library 306 for head voltage analysis, for example, it is conceivable to print a pattern that can confirm the color density of the area printed by each inkjet head 202. In this case, if the voltage of the drive signal supplied to the inkjet head 202 is appropriate, the color density of the area printed by that inkjet head 202 will be a predetermined density set in advance. However, when the voltage of the drive signal is inappropriate, a deviation will occur in the size of the ink dots formed by the ink ejected from the inkjet head 202 according to the deviation of the voltage. Also, in this case, it is conceivable that the ink is not ejected properly and the ink becomes misty. Therefore, when the voltage of the drive signal is inappropriate, a deviation from the predetermined density will occur in the color density of the area printed by the inkjet head 202. Also, in this example, in the adjustment item library 306 for head voltage analysis, for example, the color density of the area printed by each inkjet head 202 is measured by image processing, and based on the measurement result, it is determined whether the voltage of the drive signal supplied to the inkjet head 202 that formed the dot is appropriate. Also, if necessary, a numerical value indicating the amount of deviation of the voltage of the drive signal is calculated.

[0071] As patterns used for analysis in the adjustment item library 306 for feed analysis, for example, it is conceivable to print a pattern that can confirm the sub-scanning movement amount in the sub-scanning operation. Also, as such a pattern, for example, it is conceivable to draw a pattern in which two main scanning operations are performed with the sub-scanning operation in between, and the ends of the regions (bands) where ink can be ejected in each main scanning operation are connected. In this case, if the sub-scanning movement amount is appropriate, printing can be appropriately performed with the ends of the bands not being conspicuous. On the other hand, if the sub-scanning movement amount is inappropriate, for example, black streaks or white streaks extending in the main scanning direction will occur at the positions of the ends of the bands. In this case, for the black streaks, for example, it can be considered as a streak-like portion that is printed in a darker state than the surroundings by being printed twice. For the white streaks, for example, it can be considered as a streak-like portion where the color of the medium 50 is conspicuous because ink is not ejected. Also, in this example, in the adjustment item library 306 for feed analysis, for example, the deviation amount of the sub-scanning movement amount is calculated by performing image processing to measure the presence or absence of black streaks or white streaks and their width (width in the sub-scanning direction). In this case, the operation of calculating the deviation amount of the sub-scanning movement amount can also be considered as an example of the operation of calculating the sub-scanning movement amount.

[0072] Also, the patterns used for analysis in each adjustment item library 306 are not limited to the above patterns, and various patterns can be considered. For example, as the patterns used for analysis in each adjustment item library 306, patterns identical or similar to known patterns used for the same or similar purposes may be used. Also, in this case, the known pattern may be a pattern for confirming the state by visual inspection by the user or the like, rather than a pattern used for measurement in image processing as in this example.

[0073] Next, the operation of adjusting the printing apparatus 12 (see FIG. 1) executed in the printing system 10 (see FIG. 1) (method for adjusting an inkjet printer) will be described in more detail. FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of adjusting the printing apparatus 12 executed in the printing system 10. As described above, in the printing system 10, when adjusting the printing apparatus 12, the adjustment pattern is printed on the medium by the printing apparatus 12 (S102). In this example, the operation of step S102 is an example of the operation in the pattern printing stage. Also, in step S102 of this example, the printing apparatus 12 executes printing of the adjustment pattern in response to an instruction from the MPC 18 (see FIG. 1). In this case, the MPC 18 causes the printing apparatus 12 to print, for example, an adjustment pattern dynamically generated according to the configuration of the printing apparatus 12. Also, in this example, the MPC 18 causes the printing apparatus 12 to print an adjustment pattern generated according to the item of adjustment to be executed as such an adjustment pattern. Further, thereby, the MPC 18 causes the printing apparatus 12 to print an adjustment pattern including a pattern corresponding to the item of adjustment according to the item of adjustment to be executed, for example. For example, when analyzing an image in the adjustment item library 306 (see FIG. 3) for dot position analysis of the image analysis tool in the image analysis apparatus 16 (see FIG. 1), the MPC 18 causes the printing apparatus 12 to print an adjustment pattern including the deviation amount detection pattern 400.

[0074] Also, in this case, for example, as described above with reference to FIG. 5 and the like, it is conceivable to cause the printing apparatus 12 to print an adjustment pattern including a plurality of types of patterns corresponding to each of a plurality of adjustment items. For example, the MPC 18 causes the printing apparatus 12 to print an adjustment pattern including a pattern for detecting a deviation amount and a pattern for detecting an attachment state as such an adjustment pattern. In this case, the pattern for detecting the attachment state can be considered, for example, as a pattern for detecting the attachment state. Regarding the attachment state, for example, in the head unit 102 (see FIG. 2) of the printing apparatus 12, it can be considered as a state in which each inkjet head 202 (see FIG. 2) is attached to the carriage 200 (see FIG. 2). Further, in this example, the attachment state is a state detected by head tilt analysis, head front-back analysis, and head stagger analysis, which are analyzes related to mechanical adjustment (mechanical adjustment) among various analyzes executed by the plurality of adjustment item libraries 306 in the image analysis tool. In this case, the pattern for detecting the attachment state can be considered, for example, as a pattern used for analysis in at least any one of the adjustment item libraries 306 for head tilt analysis, head front-back analysis, and head stagger analysis. Also, in this case, the image analysis apparatus 16 detects, as the attachment state, for example, at least any one of the inclination of the inkjet head, the deviation of the position in a predetermined front-back direction, and the deviation of the position in the stagger arrangement.

[0075] Furthermore, in step S102, MPC18 may cause the printing apparatus 12 to print an adjustment pattern including a sub-scanning movement amount detection pattern and a voltage detection pattern according to the adjustment item to be executed. In this case, for the sub-scanning movement amount detection pattern, for example, it can be considered as a pattern for detecting the sub-scanning movement amount. For the voltage detection pattern, for example, it can be considered as a pattern for detecting the voltage of the drive signal received by each of the plurality of inkjet heads 202 in the printing apparatus 12. Also, in this example, for the sub-scanning movement amount detection pattern, for example, it can be considered as a pattern used for analysis in the adjustment item library 306 for feed analysis. For the voltage detection pattern, for example, it can be considered as a pattern used for analysis in the adjustment item library 306 for head voltage analysis.

[0076] Also, in step S102, the printing apparatus 12 prints an adjustment pattern on the medium within a printing range of, for example, A4 size or less. With such a configuration, for example, as the scanner 14 (see FIG. 1), a commercially available inexpensive scanner for a PC or the like can be appropriately used. Also, in this example, the printing apparatus 12 prints an adjustment pattern on a medium of A4 size or less that is smaller than the maximum size medium that can be held by the base 104. More specifically, in step S102 of this example, the printing apparatus 12 prints an adjustment pattern on a medium of A4 size, for example. Such an operation can also be considered as, for example, an example of an operation of printing an adjustment pattern within a printing range narrower than the printable range in the printing apparatus 12. In this case, for the printable range in the printing apparatus 12, for example, the maximum range where printing is possible on the base 104 (see FIG. 2) in the printing apparatus 12 can be considered.

[0077] Here, as described above, as the scanner 14, for example, a scanner with a reading resolution of 2400 dpi or more can be considered. And in this case, if the size of the adjustment pattern becomes large, such as A3 size or more, it is conceivable that the size of the file generated by reading the image with the scanner 14 becomes extremely large. Therefore, also in this regard, it is preferable that the range for printing the adjustment pattern is A4 size or less. Further, in this case, depending on the type and number of adjustment items to be executed, it may be difficult to print all the necessary adjustment patterns on one medium with a size of A4 or less. Therefore, in such a case, if necessary, for example, a plurality of media with a size of A4 or less may be used. In this case, the MPC 18 causes the printing device 12 to print the adjustment pattern on each of the plurality of media. Also, in this case, the pattern printed on each medium can be considered as a part of the adjustment pattern. With such a configuration, for example, even when it is not possible to print all the necessary patterns on one A4-sized medium, all the necessary patterns can be printed on the printing device 12 by dividing them among a plurality of media.

[0078] Also, after causing the printing device 12 to print the adjustment pattern in step S102, the medium on which the adjustment pattern is printed is read by the scanner 14 to generate a pattern image indicating the adjustment pattern (S104), and in the image analysis device 16, analysis of the pattern image is performed (S106). In this example, the operation of step S104 is an example of the operation in the pattern reading stage. The operation of step S106 is an example of the operation in the analysis stage. Also, the operation of step S106 is also an example of an operation for causing a computer to perform analysis processing. Regarding the reading of the image by the scanner 14 in step S104, for example, it can be performed in the same or similar manner as a known method of reading an image by the scanner 14. Also, in step S106, the image analysis device 16 executes predetermined image processing, calculation, etc. as analysis of the pattern image. Also, thereby, as described above, the image analysis device 16 calculates, for example, a correction value used for controlling the operation of the printing device 12 and calculates a numerical value indicating the state of the inkjet head in the printing device 12.

[0079] Also, after calculating the correction value and the like in step S106, based on the correction value, the control setting value stored in the database 20 (see FIG. 1) is updated (S108). In this example, the operation in step S108 is an example of the operation in the setting value update stage. The setting value update stage can be considered, for example, as a stage of updating at least a part of the control setting value based on the result of the analysis in the analysis stage. Also, in this example, the image analysis device 16 outputs correction value data and an analysis result file based on the result of the analysis in step S106. Then, for example, by executing a program for managing the information stored in the database 20 on the image analysis device 16 or another computer as described above, based on the correction value data, the correction value is stored in the database 20. According to this example, for example, by reading the adjustment pattern by the scanner 14 and executing predetermined image processing and calculations on the image analysis device 16, it is possible to appropriately calculate the correction value used for adjusting the printing device 12 and the like. Also, by storing the calculated correction value in the database 20, for example, the adjustment of the printing device 12 can be easily and appropriately performed.

[0080] In addition, among the operations of steps S102 to S108 described above, the analysis operation in step S106 can be performed, for example, as shown in FIG. 7. FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the image analysis device 16 (see FIG. 1) in step S106 in FIG. 6, and more specifically shows the numerical values calculated by the image analysis device 16 in step S106 and examples of the operations of the image analysis device 16. As described above, in this example, the image analysis device 16 is a computer that performs image analysis on the pattern image by performing image processing on the pattern image generated by reading the adjustment pattern by the scanner 14 (see FIG. 1), and analyzes the pattern image by the various adjustment item libraries 306 (see FIG. 3) in the image analysis tool, thereby calculating correction values and generating analysis result files (analysis reports). Further, FIG. 7 illustrates an example of the operation of the image analysis device 16 when analyzing the pattern image using all of the plurality of adjustment item libraries 306 specifically shown in FIG. 3. In a modified example of the operation of the image analysis device 16, only a part of the operations shown in FIG. 7 may be executed according to the adjustment items and the like executed in the printing system 10.

[0081] Also, in the operations shown in the flowchart of FIG. 7, the image analysis device 16 executes analysis in each adjustment item library 306 for head tilt analysis, head front-back analysis, head stagger analysis, head voltage analysis, dot position analysis, and feed analysis in the image analysis tool based on the pattern image and the model parameters. More specifically, in this case, the image analysis device 16 first performs analysis regarding the deviation amount of the dot position by the adjustment item library 306 for dot position analysis (S202). Also, in step S202 of this example, the image analysis device 16 performs the image processing described above using, for example, FIG. 4 or the like based on the portion showing the deviation amount detection pattern in the pattern image, and detects the dot position deviation amount regarding the position of the ink dots formed on the medium. Further, following the operation in step S202, the image analysis device 16 performs analysis regarding the sub-scanning movement amount (feed amount) by the adjustment item library 306 for feed analysis (S204). Also, in step S204 of this example, the image analysis device 16 detects the sub-scanning deviation amount, which is the deviation amount of the sub-scanning movement amount, by the image processing executed based on the portion showing the sub-scanning movement amount detection pattern in the pattern image. In this example, the operations in steps S202 and S204 are an example of the operations in the deviation amount detection stage. Also, the operations in steps S202 and S204 are also an example of the operations for causing a computer to perform the deviation amount detection process, for example.

[0082] Subsequently, following the operation in step S204, the image analysis device 16 performs an analysis on the mounting state of the plurality of inkjet heads 202 (see FIG. 2) with respect to the carriage 200 (see FIG. 2) by means of the adjustment item libraries 306 for head tilt analysis, head front-back analysis, and head stagger analysis (S206). In this case, the adjustment item libraries 306 for head tilt analysis, head front-back analysis, and head stagger analysis can be considered, for example, as the adjustment item library 306 for detecting the mounting state or the like. Also, in step S206 of this example, the image analysis device 16 calculates a mounting state numerical value, which is a numerical value indicating the mounting state, by performing image processing executed based on the portion indicating the mounting state detection pattern in the pattern image. More specifically, in this case, the image analysis device 16 analyzes the mounting angle of the inkjet heads 202 with respect to the carriage 200, analyzes the positions of the respective inkjet heads 202 in the sub-scanning direction that is the front-back direction, and analyzes the positional relationship in the front-back direction between the adjacent inkjet heads 202 in the stagger arrangement by means of the adjustment item libraries 306 for head tilt analysis, head front-back analysis, and head stagger analysis. Also, as the mounting state numerical value, a numerical value indicating the results of these analyses is calculated. Further, following the operation in step S206, the image analysis device 16 analyzes the voltage of the drive signal supplied to each of the inkjet heads 202 by means of the adjustment item library 306 for head voltage analysis (S208). Also, in step S208 of this example, the image analysis device 16 calculates a voltage corresponding numerical value, which is a numerical value corresponding to the voltage of the drive signal received by each of the plurality of inkjet heads 202, by performing image processing executed based on the portion indicating the voltage detection pattern in the pattern image. In this example, the operations in steps S206 and S208 are an example of the operations in the numerical calculation stage. Also, the operations in steps S206 and S208 are also an example of the operations for causing a computer to perform numerical calculation processing.

[0083] Subsequently, following the operations in steps S202 to S208, the image analysis device 16 makes a determination regarding the analysis result (S210). In this example, the operation in step S210 is an example of the operation in the determination stage. Also, the operation in step S210 is an example of the operation of causing a computer to perform a determination process. In step S210 of this example, based on the analysis result in step S202, the image analysis device 16 determines whether the dot position deviation amount falls within the reference numerical range of the dot position deviation amount. Regarding the reference numerical range of the dot position deviation amount, for example, it can be considered as a reference numerical range preset for the dot position deviation amount and the like. Also, based on the analysis result in step S204, the image analysis device 16 determines whether the sub-scanning movement amount falls within the reference numerical range of the sub-scanning movement amount. Regarding the reference numerical range of the sub-scanning movement amount, for example, it can be considered as a reference numerical range preset for the sub-scanning movement amount and the like. Also, based on the analysis result in step S206, the image analysis device 16 determines whether the mounting state numerical value falls within the reference numerical range of the mounting state numerical value. Regarding the reference numerical range of the mounting state numerical value, for example, it can be considered as a reference numerical range preset for the mounting state numerical value and the like. Also, in this case, for each of the mounting angle of the inkjet head 202, the position of each inkjet head 202 in the front-rear direction, and the positional relationship in the front-rear direction between adjacent inkjet heads 202 in the staggered arrangement, the image analysis device 16 determines whether the mounting state numerical value falls within the reference numerical range. Also, based on the analysis result in step S208, the image analysis device 16 determines whether the voltage corresponding numerical value falls within the reference numerical range of the voltage corresponding numerical value. Regarding the reference numerical range of the voltage corresponding numerical value, for example, it can be considered as a reference numerical range preset for the voltage corresponding numerical value and the like.

[0084] Also, after making a determination regarding the analysis result in step S210, the image analysis apparatus 16 calculates a correction value to be used for controlling the operation of the printing apparatus 12 by performing an operation executed based on the result of the analysis in at least a part of the adjustment item library 306 (S212). In this example, the operation in step S212 is an example of the operation in the correction value calculation stage. Also, the operation in step S212 is also an example of an operation for causing a computer to perform a correction value calculation process. In step S212 of this example, the image analysis apparatus 16 calculates a dot position correction value, which is a correction value corresponding to the dot position deviation amount detected in step S202, and a sub-scanning correction value, which is a correction value corresponding to the sub-scanning deviation amount detected in step S204, based on the results of the analysis executed in steps S202 and S204. In this case, regarding the dot position correction value and the sub-scanning correction value, for example, they can be considered as correction values for controlling the operation of the printing apparatus 12 so as to reduce the dot position deviation amount and the sub-scanning deviation amount. Also, as the dot position correction value, for example, it is conceivable to calculate a correction value for adjusting the timing of discharging ink from the nozzle array. As the sub-scanning correction value, it is conceivable to calculate a correction value for adjusting the sub-scanning movement amount. Also, after calculating the correction value, the image analysis apparatus 16 outputs the correction value data by generating a file indicating the correction value in a predetermined format (S214). As described above, the correction value data is a file indicating the correction value. In this example, the image analysis apparatus 16 outputs correction value data indicating at least the dot position correction value and the sub-scanning correction value calculated in step S212.

[0085] Also, as described above, in this example, the image analysis device 16 further generates an analysis result file (analysis report) (S216) as an output indicating the result of the analysis executed in the image analysis device 16, based on the results of the analysis, determination, and calculation of correction values executed in steps S202 to S212. In this example, the operation in step S216 is an example of the operation in the analysis result file generation stage. Also, the operation in step S216 is also an example of the operation for causing a computer to perform the analysis result file generation process. In step S216, the image analysis device 16 generates, for example, as an analysis report, an analysis result file indicating the determination result, reference numerical value for determination, and analysis result, etc. for each evaluation item regarding a plurality of adjustment items to be performed on the printing device 12. Also, in this example, the image analysis device 16 generates an analysis report indicating identification information for identifying the printing device 12 used for printing the adjustment pattern. More specifically, the analysis report indicates, for example, regarding the dot position deviation amount, for each of a plurality of nozzle rows in the printing device 12, the determination result for the dot position deviation amount in step S210, the reference numerical value range of the dot position deviation amount, and the dot position deviation amount. Also, the analysis report indicates, for example, regarding the sub-scanning movement amount, the determination result for the sub-scanning movement amount in step S210, the reference numerical value range of the sub-scanning movement amount, and the sub-scanning movement amount. Also, the analysis report indicates, for example, regarding the mounting state, for each inkjet head 202, the determination result for the mounting state numerical value in step S210, the reference numerical value range of the mounting state numerical value, and the mounting state numerical value. Further, the analysis report indicates, for example, regarding the voltage of the drive signal, for each inkjet head 202, the determination result for the voltage corresponding numerical value in step S210, the reference numerical value range of the voltage corresponding numerical value, and the voltage corresponding numerical value.

[0086] By the above operation, in this example, the image analysis device 16 completes the operation in step S106 in FIG. 6. Also, as described above, in the printing system 10 of this example, following the operation in step S106, the control setting values stored in the database 20 are updated by the image analysis device 16 or another computer. More specifically, in this example, the image analysis device 16 or another computer stores, as at least a part of the control setting values, correction values such as dot position correction values and sub-scanning correction values in the database 20 based on the correction value data output in step S214. Also, thereby, at least a part of the control setting values is updated based on the result of the analysis executed in the image analysis device 16. With such a configuration, for example, the correction values obtained by the image processing and calculation executed by the image analysis device 16 can be appropriately reflected in the operation of the printing device 12. Also, thereby, for example, the adjustment of the printing device 12 can be appropriately performed. Also, as described above, in this example, regarding the detection of the dot position deviation amount, the sub-scanning movement amount, etc., and the calculation of the dot position correction value, the sub-scanning correction value, etc., based on the adjustment pattern read by the scanner 14, it is performed by the image processing and calculation in the image analysis device 16 without requiring manual work by the user or the like. Therefore, according to this example, regarding the adjustment corresponding to these correction values, for example, it is possible to appropriately prevent the reduction of the man-hours of adjustment and the difference in the adjustment result due to individual differences of the user (adjuster) who performs the adjustment.

[0087] Also, as described above, in this example, the image analysis device 16 generates an analysis report (analysis result file) in addition to the correction value data. When configured in this way, by using the analysis report, for example, the state of the printing device 12 can be managed more easily and appropriately. More specifically, in this case, by generating an analysis report indicating identification information for identifying the printing device 12 used for printing the adjustment pattern, for example, when using a plurality of printing devices 12, the state of each printing device 12 can be managed more appropriately. Regarding the analysis report, it can also be considered, for example, to be used as evidence indicating that adjustment (adjustment to a level within the specification range) in accordance with a predetermined specification range has been performed on the printing device 12.

[0088] In addition, by using such an analysis report, for example, not only can correction values be automatically stored in the database 20, but also adjustment items such as adjusting the printing apparatus 12 manually by the user can be adjusted more appropriately for the printing apparatus 12. More specifically, in this example, regarding the adjustment of the mounting state of the inkjet head 202, for example, adjustment by the user's manual operation can be considered. And in this case, for example, by determining the suitability of the mounting state of each inkjet head 202 as described above and generating an analysis report indicating the result, the suitability of the mounting state of each inkjet head 202 can be easily and appropriately determined based on objective numerical criteria. Therefore, according to this example, for example, at least a part of the adjustments performed on the printing apparatus 12 can have the suitability of the adjustment level determined based on numerical criteria, and the adjustment level can be numerically managed. Also, thereby, for example, differences in adjustment results due to individual differences of the adjuster performing the adjustment can be more appropriately prevented. Also, in this example, regarding the adjustment of the voltage of the drive signal supplied to each inkjet head 202, for example, adjustment by the user's manual operation can be considered. And in this example, for example, the voltage of the drive signal received by each inkjet head 202 can be appropriately confirmed numerically. Also, thereby, for example, when adjusting the voltage of the drive signal, the suitability of the adjustment level can be appropriately determined based on numerical criteria.

[0089] Furthermore, in this example, as described above, the analysis report also shows, for the adjustment items that are the targets of calculating correction values, such as the dot position deviation amount and the sub-scanning movement amount, the result of the determination, the reference numerical range, and the numerical value calculated from the adjustment pattern. And in this case, regarding the dot position deviation amount and the sub-scanning movement amount, instead of simply storing the correction value in the database 20 and performing the adjustment, the adjustment level can be numerically managed. And in this case, for example, when using the analysis report as evidence for adjustment, etc., it is also possible to more appropriately show the state of the printing apparatus 12.

[0090] Thus, according to this example, for example, the adjustment for the printing device 12 can be easily and appropriately performed. Further, thereby, for example, in the printing device 12, high-speed printing, printing at high resolution, etc. can be more appropriately performed. More specifically, according to this example, for example, when performing high-speed printing on a wide medium or when performing high-quality printing on a penetrable medium, etc., in cases where the timing of ink ejection from each nozzle row is particularly important, printing of high quality can be more appropriately performed. Further, in this example, by performing image processing on the pattern image generated by reading an image with the scanner 14 and automatically storing the correction value in the database 20, it is also possible to appropriately perform adjustment of the timing of ejecting ink to each inkjet head 202 in a short time, etc.

[0091] Also, regarding the configuration and operation of each part of the printing system 10 and the printing device 12, various changes can be made, not limited to the specific configuration and operation described above. For example, regarding the operation of the flowchart shown in FIG. 7, it may be deformed so as to perform only the analysis corresponding to some adjustment items according to the required adjustment items. Also, the order of performing the analysis corresponding to each adjustment item may be different from the order described above. Also, it is conceivable to perform the analysis corresponding to a plurality of adjustment items simultaneously. Also, regarding the image analysis device 16, for example, it is conceivable to configure it with a plurality of computers, etc.

[0092] Also, the patterns for various analyses can be appropriately changed according to the configurations of each part of the printing system 10 and the printing apparatus 12. More specifically, as described above, as the inkjet head 202 in the printing apparatus 12, for example, a configuration in which the capacity of the ink ejected from each nozzle can be changed in multiple steps (hereinafter referred to as a multi-value head) can be used. And in this case, for example, for each ink capacity, it is also conceivable to cause the printing apparatus 12 to draw a deviation amount detection pattern 400 including individual multiple lines 402. Further, in this case, in the deviation amount detection pattern 400, for each nozzle row, for example, a pattern having the configuration shown in FIG. 8 can be caused to be drawn on the printing apparatus 12.

[0093] FIG. 8 is a diagram for explaining a deviation amount detection pattern 400 when using a multi-value head, and shows an example of a pattern drawn corresponding to one nozzle row in the deviation amount detection pattern 400. Regarding the pattern shown in FIG. 8, for example, a pattern constituting a part of a modified example of the deviation amount detection pattern 400 can also be considered. When using the pattern shown in FIG. 8, in the operation of causing the printing apparatus 12 (see FIG. 1) to print an adjustment pattern on the medium, for each nozzle row other than the reference nozzle row, multiple lines are drawn on the inkjet printer for each of the multiple ink capacities. More specifically, FIG. 8 shows an example of a pattern drawn on the printing apparatus 12 corresponding to one nozzle row in the case of using an inkjet head 202 capable of changing the ink capacity in three steps. In this case, the inkjet head 202 ejects ink with three different capacities, and forms small-size dots 422S, medium-size dots 422M, and large-size dots 422L on the medium as ink dots corresponding to the respective ink capacities. Also, as the multiple lines for each ink capacity, as shown in the figure, a plurality of multiple lines 402S, M, L are drawn on the printing apparatus 12.

[0094] In this case, the multi-line 402S includes a reference nozzle line 412 and an adjustment nozzle line 414S. The multi-line 402M includes a reference nozzle line 412 and an adjustment nozzle line 414M. Also, the multi-line 402L includes a reference nozzle line 412 and an adjustment nozzle line 414L. Further, the printing apparatus 12 draws, as the reference nozzle line 412 in each of the multi-lines 402S, M, L, a line on which dots of inks of a plurality of types of sizes corresponding to respective ink volumes in a plurality of stages are arranged by a reference nozzle array. Regarding the reference nozzle line 412, for example, it can be considered as a line drawn using dots of inks of a plurality of types of sizes such as the dots 422S, 422M, and 422L shown in the figure. Also, the printing apparatus 12 draws, as each of the adjustment nozzle lines 414S, M, L, a line on which only dots of an ink of a size corresponding to one type of ink volume are arranged by a nozzle array other than the reference nozzle array. More specifically, in the case shown in FIG. 8, the adjustment nozzle line 414S in the multi-line 402S is a line on which only small-sized dots 422S are arranged. Also, the adjustment nozzle line 414M in the multi-line 402M is a line on which only medium-sized dots 422M are arranged. The adjustment nozzle line 414L in the multi-line 402L is a line on which only large-sized dots 422L are arranged. With such a configuration, for example, a pattern for detecting the dot position deviation amount for each ink volume can be appropriately printed on the printing apparatus 12. Also, in this case, the image analysis apparatus 16 (see FIG. 1) detects the dot position deviation amount and calculates the dot position correction value for each ink volume. With such a configuration, for example, when a multi-value head is used as the inkjet head 202, the adjustment of the printing apparatus 12 can be performed more appropriately.

[0095] Also, in the pattern shown in FIG. 8, in addition to the multiple lines 402S, M, L for each ink capacity, a mixing line 416 is further drawn by a nozzle array that draws the adjustment nozzle lines 414S, M, L in the multiple lines 402S, M, L. In this case, the mixing line 416 is a line on which dots of inks of multiple types of sizes are arranged, and is drawn by the nozzle array that draws the adjustment nozzle lines 414S, M, L. Regarding the mixing line 416, for example, it can be considered as a line drawn by each nozzle array other than the reference nozzle array, and can be considered as a line on which dots of inks of multiple types of sizes corresponding to each of the multiple levels of ink capacity are arranged. Also, in this case, for example, it can be considered that each nozzle array other than the reference nozzle array draws four lines, which is one more than the number of types of ink dot sizes. By causing the printing apparatus 12 to draw such a mixing line 416, for example, for the ink dots 422S, M, L formed by the same nozzle array, the influence of the size difference and the like can be more appropriately confirmed. Also, the mixing line 416 includes dots of multiple types of sizes such that, for example, multiple dots of the same size are continuously arranged in the sub-scanning direction. With such a configuration, for example, the influence of the difference in the size of the ink dots and the like can be more appropriately confirmed.

[0096] Also, in the printing system 10, the printing apparatus 12, etc., various other changes can be made in other aspects. For example, in the above description, mainly regarding the reading of the adjustment pattern printed on the medium by the printing apparatus 12, the configuration and operation using the scanner 14 were explained. In this case, as also explained above, for example, without providing the printing apparatus 12 with a special configuration for reading an image, etc., the adjustment pattern can be read easily and appropriately. Also, for example, it is also possible to use a commercially available inexpensive scanner for a PC, etc. However, in a modification of the printing system 10, for example, it is also conceivable to read the adjustment pattern using an image reading apparatus other than the scanner 14. For example, when using the printing apparatus 12 having a configuration for reading an image, etc., it is also conceivable to read the adjustment pattern with this configuration. Also, depending on the accuracy required for adjustment, etc., it is also conceivable to read the adjustment pattern using the camera function of a digital camera or a smartphone.

[0097] Also, as described above, in this example, the printing apparatus 12 is an inkjet printer. In this case, for the printing apparatus 12, for example, it can be considered to have a configuration for drawing a two-dimensional (2D) image by discharging ink onto the medium. In a modification of the printing apparatus 12, for example, it is also conceivable to use a 3D printer (3D printing apparatus) that forms a three-dimensional object as the printing apparatus 12. In this case, it is conceivable to cause the printing apparatus 12 to perform an operation of drawing a two-dimensional image on the medium using the medium only when adjusting the printing apparatus 12. Even when configured in this way, the printing apparatus 12 can be adjusted appropriately.

Industrial Applicability

[0098] The present invention can be suitably used, for example, in a method for adjusting an inkjet printer.

Explanation of Reference Numerals

[0099] 10... Printing system, 102... Head unit, 104... Base unit, 106... Y bar unit, 112... Main scanning drive unit, 114... Sub-scanning drive unit, 116... Drive signal output unit, 12... Printing device, 120... Control unit, 14... Scanner, 16... Image analysis device, 18... MPC, 20... Database, 200... Carriage, 202... Inkjet head, 212... Nozzle array, 302... Analysis tool body, 304... Pattern analysis library, 306... Adjustment item library, 308... Report creation library, 400... Deviation amount detection pattern, 402... Multi-line, 412... Reference nozzle line, 414... Adjustment nozzle line, 416... Mixed line, 422... Dot, 50... Medium, 502... Scanner set mark, 504... Inclination correction line, 506... Arrow, 508... Pattern part for each head, 510... Pattern

Claims

1. An inkjet printer adjustment method for adjusting an inkjet printer, comprising: a pattern printing step of causing the inkjet printer to print a predetermined test pattern on a medium; a pattern reading step of generating a pattern image, which is an image showing the test pattern, by reading the medium on which the test pattern has been printed in the pattern printing step with a scanner; an analysis step of analyzing the pattern image with a computer; a setting value updating step of updating the control setting value, which is a setting value for controlling the operation of the inkjet printer, stored in a setting value storage unit, and updating at least a part of the control setting value based on the result of the analysis in the analysis step; and comprising: The inkjet printer includes: a plurality of inkjet heads each having a nozzle row in which a plurality of nozzles are arranged with their positions shifted from each other in a predetermined nozzle row direction; a carriage for holding the plurality of inkjet heads; a main scanning drive unit for causing the plurality of inkjet heads to perform a main scanning operation of discharging ink while relatively moving the medium in a preset main scanning direction; a drive signal output unit for outputting a drive signal for causing the plurality of inkjet heads to discharge ink; and comprising: The main scanning drive unit causes the plurality of inkjet heads to perform the main scanning operation based on the control setting value stored in the setting value storage unit; In the pattern printing step, the inkjet printer is caused to print the test pattern including a pattern of discharging ink from a plurality of the nozzle rows at the same position in the main scanning direction; The analysis step includes: a deviation amount detection step of detecting, by image processing executed by the computer based on the pattern image, a dot position deviation amount, which is a deviation amount of the positions of dots of ink formed on the medium by discharging ink from the nozzles included in each of the plurality of nozzle rows in the plurality of inkjet heads; a correction value calculation step of calculating, by an operation executed by the computer, a dot position correction value, which is a correction value corresponding to the dot position deviation amount detected in the deviation amount detection step; and having: In the setting value update stage, by storing the dot position correction value calculated in the correction value calculation stage in the setting value storage unit as at least a part of the control setting value, at least a part of the control setting value is updated based on the result of the analysis in the analysis stage. The pattern for discharging ink from a plurality of the nozzle arrays to the same position in the main scanning direction is a deviation amount detection pattern for detecting the dot position deviation amount in the deviation amount detection stage. In the pattern printing stage, the deviation amount detection pattern, an attachment state detection pattern which is a pattern for detecting an attachment state in which each of the inkjet heads is attached to the carriage, and a voltage detection pattern which is a pattern for detecting the voltage of the drive signal received by each of the plurality of inkjet heads are included, and the test pattern is printed on the inkjet printer. The analysis stage includes a numerical value calculation stage of calculating an attachment state numerical value which is a numerical value indicating the attachment state by image processing executed by the computer based on a part of the pattern image indicating the attachment state detection pattern, a determination stage of determining whether or not the attachment state numerical value falls within a preset reference numerical value range with respect to the attachment state numerical value, and an analysis result file generation stage of generating an analysis result file which is a file indicating the result of the determination in the determination stage. Furthermore, in the numerical value calculation stage, a voltage corresponding numerical value which is a numerical value corresponding to the voltage of the drive signal received by each of the plurality of inkjet heads is further calculated by image processing executed by the computer based on a part of the pattern image indicating the voltage detection pattern, in the determination stage, it is further determined whether or not the voltage corresponding numerical value falls within a preset reference numerical value range with respect to the voltage corresponding numerical value, and in the analysis result file generation stage, the analysis result file further indicating the result of the determination regarding the voltage corresponding numerical value is generated. A method for adjusting an inkjet printer, characterized by this.

2. Each of the plurality of inkjet heads has a plurality of the nozzle arrays. In the pattern printing stage, any one of the nozzle arrays in any one of the inkjet heads is selected as a reference nozzle array. As a pattern of discharging ink from a plurality of the nozzle arrays at the same position in the main scanning direction, a pattern of discharging ink from two nozzle arrays including the reference nozzle array and each of the nozzle arrays other than the reference nozzle array at the same position in the main scanning direction is printed on the inkjet printer for each of the nozzle arrays other than the reference nozzle array. The method for adjusting an inkjet printer according to claim 1, characterized in that.

3. As a pattern of discharging ink from a plurality of the nozzle arrays at the same position in the main scanning direction, a pattern of multiple lines in which a plurality of lines are drawn at the same position in the design in the main scanning direction by drawing a line extending in a direction orthogonal to the main scanning direction with the ink discharged from each of the nozzle arrays, The inkjet head can change the capacity of the ink discharged from each of the nozzles in multiple steps, In the pattern printing step, for each of the nozzle arrays other than the reference nozzle array, the multiple lines are drawn on the inkjet printer for each of the multiple steps of ink capacity. The method for adjusting an inkjet printer according to claim 2, characterized in that.

4. The multiple lines drawn for each of the multiple steps of ink capacity corresponding to each of the nozzle arrays other than the reference nozzle array are, A reference nozzle line which is a line drawn by the reference nozzle array, An adjustment nozzle line which is a line drawn by a nozzle array other than the reference nozzle array And include, In the pattern printing step, as the multiple lines corresponding to the capacity of each ink, The reference nozzle line in which dots of inks of multiple types of sizes corresponding to each of the multiple steps of ink capacity are arranged, The adjustment nozzle line in which only dots of ink of a size corresponding to one type of ink capacity are arranged Are drawn on the inkjet printer. The method for adjusting an inkjet printer according to claim 3, characterized in that.

5. In the pattern printing step, for each of the nozzle arrays other than the reference nozzle array, a line drawn by each of the nozzle arrays, and a line in which dots of inks of multiple types of sizes corresponding to each of the multiple steps of ink capacity are arranged is further drawn on the inkjet printer. The method for adjusting an inkjet printer according to claim 4, characterized in that.

6. In the determination step, further determine whether the dot position deviation amount is within a preset reference numerical range with respect to the dot position deviation amount, In the analysis result file generation step, generating the analysis result file further indicating the result of the determination regarding the dot position deviation amount, the method for adjusting an inkjet printer according to any one of claims 1 to 5.

7. In the analysis result file generation step, indicating identification information for identifying the inkjet printer used for printing the test pattern, for each of the nozzle arrays, the result of the determination regarding the dot position deviation amount in the determination step, the preset reference numerical range with respect to the dot position deviation amount, and the dot position deviation amount are indicated, for each of the inkjet heads, the result of the determination regarding the mounting state numerical value in the determination step, the preset reference numerical range with respect to the mounting state numerical value, and the mounting state numerical value are indicated, and generating the analysis result file according to claim 6.

8. The inkjet printer further includes a sub-scanning drive unit that causes the plurality of inkjet heads to perform a sub-scanning operation of relatively moving the medium in a sub-scanning direction orthogonal to the main scanning direction, In the pattern printing step, further including a sub-scanning movement amount detection pattern, which is a pattern for detecting a sub-scanning movement amount that is the amount of movement of the plurality of inkjet heads relative to the medium in the sub-scanning operation, in the test pattern, and causing the inkjet printer to print the test pattern, In the deviation amount detection step, further detecting a sub-scanning deviation amount, which is the deviation amount of the sub-scanning movement amount, by image processing executed by the computer based on a portion indicating the sub-scanning movement amount detection pattern in the pattern image, In the correction value calculation step, further calculating a sub-scanning correction value, which is a correction value corresponding to the sub-scanning deviation amount detected in the deviation amount detection step, by an operation executed by the computer, In the set value update step, further storing the sub-scanning correction value calculated in the correction value calculation step in the set value storage unit as at least a part of the control set value, the method for adjusting an inkjet printer according to any one of claims 1 to 7.

9. In the pattern reading step, use the scanner whose maximum readable original size is A4 size or less. In the pattern printing step, the inkjet printer is caused to print the test pattern within a printing range of A4 size or less. The method for adjusting an inkjet printer according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that.

10. A program for causing a computer to perform image analysis, causing the computer to perform an analysis process for analyzing a pattern image, which is an image generated by reading a predetermined test pattern printed on a medium by an inkjet printer with a scanner, The inkjet printer, a plurality of inkjet heads each having a nozzle row in which a plurality of nozzles are arranged with their positions shifted from each other in a predetermined nozzle row direction, a carriage for holding the plurality of inkjet heads, a main scanning drive unit for causing the plurality of inkjet heads to perform a main scanning operation of discharging ink while relatively moving the medium in a preset main scanning direction, a drive signal output unit for outputting a drive signal for causing the plurality of inkjet heads to discharge ink and comprising the main scanning drive unit causes the plurality of inkjet heads to perform the main scanning operation based on the control setting value stored in a setting value storage unit that stores the control setting value, which is a setting value for controlling the operation of the inkjet printer, the test pattern includes a pattern in which ink is discharged from a plurality of the nozzle rows at the same position in the main scanning direction, In the analysis process, a deviation amount detection process for detecting a dot position deviation amount, which is a deviation amount of the positions of dots of ink formed on the medium by discharging ink from the nozzles included in each of the plurality of nozzle rows in the plurality of inkjet heads, by image processing executed based on the pattern image, a correction value calculation process for calculating, by calculation, a dot position correction value, which is a correction value corresponding to the dot position deviation amount detected in the deviation amount detection process are caused to be performed by the computer, The pattern in which ink is discharged from a plurality of the nozzle rows at the same position in the main scanning direction is a deviation amount detection pattern for detecting the dot position deviation amount in the deviation amount detection process. The test pattern is the deviation amount detection pattern and an attachment state detection pattern which is a pattern for detecting an attachment state in which each of the inkjet heads is attached to the carriage, a voltage detection pattern which is a pattern for detecting the voltage of the drive signal received by each of the plurality of inkjet heads and includes In the analysis process, a numerical value calculation process for calculating an attachment state numerical value which is a numerical value indicating the attachment state by image processing executed based on a portion of the pattern image indicating the attachment state detection pattern; a determination process for determining whether or not the attachment state numerical value falls within a preset reference numerical value range with respect to the attachment state numerical value; an analysis result file generation process for generating an analysis result file which is a file indicating the result of the determination in the determination process are further caused to be performed by the computer, In the numerical value calculation process, a voltage corresponding numerical value which is a numerical value corresponding to the voltage of the drive signal received by each of the plurality of inkjet heads is further calculated by image processing executed based on a portion of the pattern image indicating the voltage detection pattern, In the determination process, it is further determined whether or not the voltage corresponding numerical value falls within a preset reference numerical value range with respect to the voltage corresponding numerical value, In the analysis result file generation process, the analysis result file further indicating the result of the determination regarding the voltage corresponding numerical value is generated. A program characterized by

11. An inkjet printing system for performing printing by an inkjet method, comprising an inkjet printer for performing printing by an inkjet method, a scanner for reading an image, an image analysis device for analyzing an image, and a set value storage unit for storing a control set value which is a set value for controlling the operation of the inkjet printer and includes The inkjet printer has a plurality of inkjet heads each having a nozzle row in which a plurality of nozzles are arranged with their positions shifted from each other in a predetermined nozzle row direction, a carriage for holding the plurality of inkjet heads, a main scanning drive unit for causing the plurality of inkjet heads to perform a main scanning operation of discharging ink while relatively moving with respect to a medium in a preset main scanning direction, and a drive signal output unit for outputting a drive signal for causing the plurality of inkjet heads to discharge ink and has The main scanning drive unit causes the plurality of inkjet heads to perform the main scanning operation based on the control setting value stored in the setting value storage unit. During adjustment of the inkjet printer, the inkjet printer prints a predetermined test pattern on the medium. The scanner reads the medium on which the test pattern is printed. The image analysis device performs analysis on a pattern image that is an image showing the test pattern, which is generated by reading the medium on which the test pattern is printed with the scanner. The test pattern includes a pattern in which ink is ejected from a plurality of the nozzle arrays at the same position in the main scanning direction. In the analysis process of performing analysis on the pattern image, the image analysis device performs deviation amount detection processing for detecting a dot position deviation amount, which is a deviation amount of the positions of dots of ink formed on the medium by ejecting ink from the nozzles included in each of the plurality of nozzle arrays in the plurality of inkjet heads, by image processing executed based on the pattern image, and correction value calculation processing for calculating, by calculation, a dot position correction value, which is a correction value corresponding to the dot position deviation amount detected in the deviation amount detection processing. The image analysis device performs the above processing, and updates at least a part of the control setting value based on the result of the analysis in the analysis process by storing the dot position correction value calculated in the correction value calculation processing in the setting value storage unit as at least a part of the control setting value. The pattern in which ink is ejected from a plurality of the nozzle arrays at the same position in the main scanning direction is a deviation amount detection pattern for detecting the dot position deviation amount in the deviation amount detection processing. The test pattern includes the deviation amount detection pattern, an attachment state detection pattern for detecting an attachment state in which each inkjet head is attached to the carriage, and a voltage detection pattern for detecting the voltage of the drive signal received by each of the plurality of inkjet heads. The test pattern includes In the analysis process, the image analysis device A numerical value calculation process for calculating an attachment state numerical value, which is a numerical value indicating the attachment state, by image processing executed based on a portion showing the attachment state detection pattern in the pattern image; A determination process for determining whether or not the attachment state numerical value falls within a preset reference numerical value range with respect to the attachment state numerical value; An analysis result file generation process for generating an analysis result file, which is a file showing the result of the determination in the determination process; are further performed; In the numerical value calculation process, a voltage corresponding numerical value, which is a numerical value corresponding to the voltage of the drive signal received by each of the plurality of inkjet heads, is further calculated by image processing executed based on a portion showing the voltage detection pattern in the pattern image; In the determination process, it is further determined whether or not the voltage corresponding numerical value falls within a preset reference numerical value range with respect to the voltage corresponding numerical value; A printing system, characterized in that, in the analysis result file generation process, the analysis result file further showing the result of the determination regarding the voltage corresponding numerical value is generated.

Images