Recording device and recording method

Abstract

To solve the problem that in an ink jet recording apparatus, there is a case where a print blur or a line waviness occurs in a nozzle check pattern due to vibration or the like applied to an ink jet head.SOLUTION: An ink jet recording apparatus includes a liquid discharge section which is relatively moved in a first direction relative to a medium and can discharge liquid, and a control section which can control the liquid discharge section. The liquid discharge section has a plurality of nozzles arranged in a direction different from the first direction and capable of discharging the liquid. The control section is configured to: use a first nozzle in the plurality of nozzles to form a first pattern having a first length in the first direction; and use two or more nozzles different from the first nozzle to form a second pattern including a stepped image arrangement shifted in the first direction and a second direction different from the first direction. A region on the medium on which the second pattern is formed has a second length in the first direction, and the first length is longer than the second length.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 5

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a recording device and a recording method. [Background technology]

[0002] Inkjet printers that inspect recording elements for abnormalities are known. The inkjet printer disclosed in Patent Document 1 prints an inspection test chart. The inkjet printer reads the printed test chart with a scanner. The inkjet printer inspects the recording elements for abnormalities based on the results of the scanner reading. The test chart used in Patent Document 1 is a nozzle check pattern in which multiple lines are formed in a stepped pattern. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2016-49631 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] In inkjet recording devices, vibrations or the like applied to the inkjet head may cause print blurring or line undulations in the nozzle check pattern. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] The recording device of the present disclosure comprises a liquid ejection unit that moves relative to a medium in a first direction and is capable of ejecting liquid, and a control unit that is capable of controlling the liquid ejection unit, wherein the liquid ejection unit has a plurality of nozzles that are arranged in a direction different from the first direction and are capable of ejecting the liquid, and the control unit uses a first nozzle of the plurality of nozzles to form a first pattern having a first length in the first direction, and uses two or more nozzles different from the first nozzle to form a second pattern that includes a stepped image arrangement shifted in the first direction and a second direction different from the first direction, and the area on the medium where the second pattern is formed has a second length in the first direction, and the first length is longer than the second length.

[0006] The recording method disclosed herein involves moving a medium relative to a liquid ejection unit having a plurality of nozzles in a first direction, forming a first pattern having a first length in the first direction using a first nozzle of the plurality of nozzles, and forming a second pattern including a stepped image arrangement shifted in the first direction and a second direction intersecting the first direction using two or more nozzles different from the first nozzle of the plurality of nozzles, wherein the area on the medium where the second pattern is formed has a second length in the first direction, and the first length is longer than the second length. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0007] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of a printing apparatus. [Figure 2] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of a printing apparatus. [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing the relationship between a print medium and a print head. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing functional blocks of the printing apparatus. [Figure 5] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an outline of a test pattern image. [Figure 6] 10A and 10B are diagrams showing examples of test pattern images printed by a printing device. [Figure 7] 10A and 10B are diagrams showing examples of test pattern images printed by a printing device. [Figure 8]10A and 10B are diagrams showing examples of test pattern images printed by a printing device. [Figure 9] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an outline of a test pattern image. [Figure 10] 5A to 5C are diagrams showing a process for detecting a defective nozzle. [Figure 11] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an outline of a test pattern image printed using a line head. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0008] 1 and 2 show the schematic configuration of a printing device 10. FIG. 1 is a view of the printing device 10 as seen from the +X direction. FIG. 2 is a view of the printing device 10 as seen from the +Z direction. The printing device 10 prints on a printing medium M unwound from a medium roll R1. The printing device 10 corresponds to an example of a recording device. The printing medium M corresponds to an example of a medium.

[0009] Some figures, including FIG. 1, show an XYZ coordinate system. The X, Y, and Z axes are perpendicular to one another. The X axis is parallel to the installation surface of the printing apparatus 10. The X axis is parallel to the rotation axis of the medium roll R1 placed on the printing apparatus 10. The rotation axis is the virtual center axis of rotation when the medium roll R1 rotates. The direction from the back to the front of FIG. 1 is the +X direction. The direction from the front to the back of FIG. 1 is the -X direction. The Y axis is parallel to the installation surface of the printing apparatus 10. The Y axis is an axis perpendicular to the rotation axis. The direction from right to left of the printing apparatus 10 shown in FIG. 1 is the +Y direction. The direction from left to right of the printing apparatus 10 shown in FIG. 1 is the -Y direction. The Z axis is an axis perpendicular to the installation surface of the printing apparatus 10. The direction from the installation surface upward is the +Z direction. The direction from above toward the installation surface is the -Z direction.

[0010] 1 and 2 show the various components arranged along the printing medium M. The printing device 10 shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 includes a feed shaft 11, a feed roller pair 13, a reading sensor 15, a printing mechanism 16, a transport roller pair 25, and a take-up shaft 27.

[0011] The payout spindle 11 supports a medium roll R1 on which the printing medium M is wound in a roll shape. The payout spindle 11 is supported so as to be rotatable. The payout spindle 11 may be connected to a rotation drive mechanism (not shown). The rotation drive mechanism rotates the payout spindle 11. The rotated payout spindle 11 pays out the printing medium M wound around the medium roll R1.

[0012] The pair of feed rollers 13 feeds the printing medium M toward the printing mechanism 16. The direction in which the printing medium M is transported at a position facing the printing mechanism 16 is hereinafter referred to as the transport direction TD. The pair of feed rollers 13 holds the printing medium M between them. The pair of feed rollers 13 has a first feed roller 13A and a second feed roller 13B. The first feed roller 13A is positioned in the +Z direction from the second feed roller 13B. The first feed roller 13A contacts the surface of the printing medium M on the +Z direction side. The second feed roller 13B contacts the surface of the printing medium M on the -Z direction side. The first feed roller 13A and the second feed roller 13B hold the printing medium M between them. One of the first feed roller 13A and the second feed roller 13B is connected to a drive mechanism (not shown). One of the first feed roller 13A and the second feed roller 13B is rotated by the driving force of the drive mechanism. The other of the first feed roller 13A and the second feed roller 13B is rotated by the driving force of the drive mechanism. The feed roller pair 13 feeds the printing medium M toward the printing mechanism 16 by the driving force of the drive mechanism. The feed roller pair 13 transports the printing medium M in the direction opposite to the transport direction TD.

[0013] The reading sensor 15 reads the surface of the print medium M. The reading sensor 15 is composed of an image sensor such as a CCD (Charge Coupled Device). The reading sensor 15 shown in FIG. 1 reads the entire width of the print medium M parallel to the X-axis. In the printing device 10 shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the reading sensor 15 reads the print medium M located between the feed roller pair 13 and the printing mechanism 16. The printing device 10 shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 transports the print medium M in the direction opposite to the transport direction TD. The reading sensor 15 reads the print medium M transported in the direction opposite to the transport direction TD. The reading sensor 15 reads the image printed on the print medium M by the printing mechanism 16. The position of the reading sensor 15 is not limited to a position between the feed roller pair 13 and the printing mechanism 16. The reading sensor 15 may be disposed in a position between the printing mechanism 16 and the transport roller pair 25 on the transport path of the print medium M. The reading sensor 15 corresponds to an example of a detection unit.

[0014] The printing mechanism 16 prints an image on the print medium M. The printing mechanism 16 is of an inkjet type. The printing mechanism 16 forms an image by ejecting ink onto the print medium M. As shown in FIG. 1, the printing mechanism 16 includes a carriage 17 and a print head 18. The print head 18 has a plurality of ink nozzles 20. The printing mechanism 16 is supported by a carriage support shaft 19 shown in FIG. 2. The printing mechanism 16 shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 moves the carriage 17, but is not limited to this. The printing mechanism 16 may also be of a line head type in which the print head 18 is fixed relative to the print medium M during printing. The printing mechanism 16 corresponds to an example of a liquid ejection unit. The ink corresponds to an example of a liquid.

[0015] The carriage 17 supports the print head 18. The carriage 17 moves in a movement direction MD along a carriage support shaft 19 shown in FIG. 2. The print mechanism 16 moves relative to the print medium M as the carriage 17 moves. The carriage support shaft 19 shown in FIG. 2 is parallel or approximately parallel to the X axis. The carriage 17 moves in the +X direction and the -X direction relative to the print medium M. As the carriage 17 moves, the print mechanism 16 scans the ink nozzles 20 relative to the print medium M. As shown in FIG. 2, the +X direction is the movement direction MD and corresponds to an example of the first direction. The movement direction MD may also be the -X direction. The carriage 17 moves due to the driving force of a carriage drive mechanism (not shown). The carriage 17 corresponds to an example of an ejection unit drive mechanism. In the printing device 10 shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the print mechanism 16 moves relative to the print medium M, but this is not limiting. The print medium M may also move in the +X direction and the -X direction relative to the print mechanism 16. The printing mechanism 16 moves relative to the printing medium M.

[0016] The print head 18 is supported by a carriage 17. The print head 18 has a plurality of ink nozzles 20 on the surface facing the print medium M. The ink nozzles 20 are capable of ejecting ink onto the print medium M. The ink nozzles 20 correspond to an example of a nozzle. The configuration of the ink nozzles 20 will be described later. The print head 18 is supplied with ink of a plurality of colors from ink tanks or ink cartridges (not shown).

[0017] The carriage support shaft 19 movably supports the carriage 17. As shown in FIG. 2, the carriage support shaft 19 is supported by a first side plate 101 and a second side plate 103. The first side plate 101 is disposed at a position in the -X direction of the print medium M being transported. The second side plate 103 is disposed at a position in the +X direction of the print medium M being transported. The carriage support shaft 19 is supported along an axis that intersects with the Y axis. The carriage support shaft 19 shown in FIG. 2 is supported parallel or approximately parallel to the X axis. The first side plate 101 and the second side plate 103 may support the feed roller pair 13, the reading sensor 15, and the transport roller pair 25.

[0018] The transport roller pair 25 transports the print medium M printed by the printing mechanism 16. The transport roller pair 25 holds the print medium M between them. The transport roller pair 25 includes a first transport roller 25A and a second transport roller 25B. The first transport roller 25A is positioned in the +Z direction from the second transport roller 25B. The first transport roller 25A contacts the surface of the print medium M on the +Z direction side. The second transport roller 25B contacts the surface of the print medium M on the -Z direction side. The first transport roller 25A and the second transport roller 25B hold the print medium M between them. One of the first transport roller 25A and the second transport roller 25B may be connected to a drive mechanism (not shown). When connected to the drive mechanism, one of the first transport roller 25A and the second transport roller 25B rotates due to the drive force of the drive mechanism. The other of the first transport roller 25A and the second transport roller 25B is rotated by the drive mechanism. The transport roller pair 25 guides the print medium M to the take-up roll R2. The transport roller pair 25 may transport the print medium M in the direction opposite to the transport direction TD.

[0019] The winding shaft 27 winds the printing medium M printed by the printing mechanism 16 onto the winding roll R2. The winding shaft 27 supports the winding roll R2. The winding shaft 27 is rotatably supported. The winding shaft 27 may be connected to a rotation drive mechanism (not shown). The rotation drive mechanism rotates the winding shaft 27. The rotated winding shaft 27 winds the printing medium M onto the winding roll R2. The winding shaft 27 may wind the printing medium M via a roll core (not shown).

[0020] 1 and 2 uses a printing medium M wound on a medium roll R1, but this is not limited to this. The printing device 10 may also use cut sheets cut to a predetermined size. When the printing device 10 uses cut sheets, the supply shaft 11 and take-up shaft 27 are replaced with a paper feed cassette and a paper output tray, respectively.

[0021] FIG. 3 shows the relationship between the print medium M and the print head 18. The carriage 17 and carriage support shaft 19 are omitted from FIG. 3. The print head 18 shown in FIG. 3 moves in a movement direction MD to print an image on the print medium M. The movement direction MD corresponds to an example of the first direction. The movement direction MD shown in FIG. 3 corresponds to the +X direction. Multiple ink nozzles 20 are arranged on the surface of the print head 18 that faces the print medium M. The multiple ink nozzles 20 form multiple nozzle rows. The ink nozzles 20 shown in FIG. 3 form a cyan ink nozzle row 20C, a light cyan ink nozzle row 20LC, a magenta ink nozzle row 20M, a light magenta ink nozzle row 20LM, a yellow ink nozzle row 20Y, and a black ink nozzle row 20K.

[0022] The cyan ink nozzle row 20C has multiple ink nozzles 20 arranged along the nozzle arrangement direction PD shown in FIG. 3. The nozzle arrangement direction PD shown in FIG. 3 is the same as the transport direction TD, but is not limited to this. The nozzle arrangement direction PD is a direction different from the movement direction MD. The ink nozzles 20 included in the cyan ink nozzle row 20C are capable of ejecting cyan ink. Cyan ink is supplied to the print head 18 from an ink tank or ink cartridge (not shown). The cyan ink supplied to the print head 18 is ejected by the ink nozzles 20 included in the cyan ink nozzle row 20C.

[0023] The light cyan ink nozzle row 20LC has a plurality of ink nozzles 20 arranged along the nozzle arrangement direction PD. The ink nozzles 20 included in the light cyan ink nozzle row 20LC are capable of ejecting light cyan ink. The light cyan ink is supplied to the print head 18 from an ink tank or ink cartridge (not shown). The light cyan ink supplied to the print head 18 is ejected by the ink nozzles 20 included in the light cyan ink nozzle row 20LC.

[0024] The magenta ink nozzle row 20M has a plurality of ink nozzles 20 arranged in the nozzle arrangement direction PD. The ink nozzles 20 included in the magenta ink nozzle row 20M are capable of ejecting magenta ink. The magenta ink is supplied to the print head 18 from an ink tank or ink cartridge (not shown). The magenta ink supplied to the print head 18 is ejected by the ink nozzles 20 included in the magenta ink nozzle row 20M.

[0025] The light magenta ink nozzle row 20LM has a plurality of ink nozzles 20 arranged along the nozzle arrangement direction PD. The ink nozzles 20 included in the light magenta ink nozzle row 20LM are capable of ejecting light magenta ink. The light magenta ink is supplied to the print head 18 from an ink tank or ink cartridge (not shown). The light magenta ink supplied to the print head 18 is ejected by the ink nozzles 20 included in the light magenta ink nozzle row 20LM.

[0026] The yellow ink nozzle row 20Y has a plurality of ink nozzles 20 arranged along the nozzle arrangement direction PD. The ink nozzles 20 included in the yellow ink nozzle row 20Y are capable of ejecting yellow ink. The yellow ink is supplied to the print head 18 from an ink tank or ink cartridge (not shown). The yellow ink supplied to the print head 18 is ejected by the ink nozzles 20 included in the yellow ink nozzle row 20Y.

[0027] The black ink nozzle row 20K has a plurality of ink nozzles 20 arranged in the nozzle arrangement direction PD. The ink nozzles 20 included in the black ink nozzle row 20K are capable of ejecting black ink. The black ink is supplied to the print head 18 from an ink tank or ink cartridge (not shown). The black ink supplied to the print head 18 is ejected by the ink nozzles 20 included in the black ink nozzle row 20K.

[0028] The print head 18 shown in FIG. 3 is capable of ejecting six types of ink, but is not limited to this. The print head 18 may be configured to eject five or fewer types of ink, or seven or more types of ink. The number of ink nozzles 20 included in each nozzle row shown in FIG. 3 is 14, but is not limited to this. The number of ink nozzles 20 included in each nozzle row may be fewer than 14 or more than 14. The number of ink nozzles 20 included in each nozzle row can be set as appropriate.

[0029] Fig. 4 shows the block configuration of the printing device 10. The printing device 10 includes a control unit 30, a display unit 40, a communication interface 50, a transport mechanism 60, a print drive mechanism 70, a print head drive mechanism 80, and a detection mechanism 90. In Fig. 4, the interface is represented as I / F.

[0030] The control unit 30 is a controller that controls each part of the printing device 10. The control unit 30 has a processor such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit), RAM (Random Access Memory), ROM (Read Only Memory), etc. The control unit 30 operates as a functional part by executing a program on the processor. The RAM and ROM function as a work area. The control unit 30 corresponds to an example of a control part.

[0031] The control unit 30 includes a storage unit 37. The storage unit 37 stores various programs and various data that run on the control unit 30. The storage unit 37 stores test pattern images and correction data, which will be described later, as data. RAM and ROM may operate as the storage unit 37, or the storage unit 37 may include a magnetic storage device such as an HDD (Hard Disk Drive), a semiconductor memory, or the like.

[0032] The control unit 30 executes a program to function as a print control unit 31, a read control unit 33, and a data processing unit 35. The print control unit 31, the read control unit 33, and the data processing unit 35 are functional units.

[0033] The print control unit 31 controls the print drive mechanism 70 and the print head drive mechanism 80. By controlling the print drive mechanism 70 and the print head drive mechanism 80, the print control unit 31 is able to control the print mechanism 16. The print control unit 31 prints an image on the print medium M. The print control unit 31 acquires print data. The print data is stored in the memory unit 37. Alternatively, the print data is acquired from an external device via the communication interface 50. The print control unit 31 controls the print drive mechanism 70 and the print head drive mechanism 80 based on the print data, thereby printing an image on the print medium M.

[0034] The reading control unit 33 controls the reading sensor 15 included in the detection mechanism 90. The reading control unit 33 controls the reading sensor 15 to read an image printed on the print medium M. The image to be read is a test pattern image or the like. The reading control unit 33 receives read data read by the reading sensor 15 from the reading sensor 15. The received read data is sent to the data processing unit 35.

[0035] The data processing unit 35 performs calculations on various data based on the data detected by the detection mechanism 90. The data processing unit 35 receives the read data read by the reading sensor 15 and performs calculations using the data. When the received read data is read data of a test pattern image, the data processing unit 35 generates correction data and determines defective nozzles based on the read data. The data processing unit 35 corresponds to an example of a calculation unit.

[0036] The display unit 40 displays various information based on the control of the control unit 30. The display unit 40 includes a display. The display is configured with a liquid crystal display, an organic electroluminescence (EL) display, or the like. The display may have a touch input function. The display unit 40 displays a setting screen for setting various settings such as printing conditions, an instruction screen for instructing printing, and the like.

[0037] The communication interface 50 is connected to an external device for communication. The communication interface 50 connects to the external device via wire or wirelessly in accordance with a predetermined communication protocol. The communication interface 50 receives print data, print settings, programs, etc. from the external device. The communication interface 50 transmits print results and maintenance data, etc. from the printing device 10 to the external device.

[0038] The transport mechanism 60 transports the printing medium M in the transport direction TD or the direction opposite to the transport direction TD. The transport mechanism 60 includes a feed spindle 11, a feed roller pair 13, a transport roller pair 25, and a take-up spindle 27. The transport mechanism 60 transports the printing medium M based on the control of the print control unit 31 or the read control unit 33. When the printing device 10 prints on the printing medium M, the transport mechanism 60 transports the printing medium M in the transport direction TD based on the control of the print control unit 31. When the reading sensor 15 reads the tent pattern image printed on the printing medium M, the transport mechanism 60 transports the printing medium M in the direction opposite to the transport direction TD based on the control of the read control unit 33.

[0039] The print drive mechanism 70 drives the print mechanism 16. The print drive mechanism 70 includes a carriage 17, a carriage drive mechanism, and a carriage support shaft 19. The print drive mechanism 70 moves the carriage 17 in the movement direction MD. As the carriage 17 moves in the movement direction MD, the multiple ink nozzles 20 included in the print head 18 scan the print medium M. The print mechanism 16 scans the multiple ink nozzles 20 using the carriage 17. The scanning ink nozzles 20 form an image on the print medium M by ejecting ink. If the print mechanism 16 is a line head, the print drive mechanism 70 may operate as a correction mechanism that corrects meandering of the print medium M.

[0040] The print head drive mechanism 80 controls the ejection of ink from the ink nozzles 20 under the control of the print control unit 31. The print head drive mechanism 80 includes drive elements such as piezoelectric elements arranged in the print head 18. Each ink nozzle 20 ejects ink when driven by the print head drive mechanism 80. The print head drive mechanism 80 drives the multiple ink nozzles 20 to print on the print medium M. The print head drive mechanism 80 may drive certain ink nozzles 20 among the multiple ink nozzles 20 as test pattern nozzles. The test pattern nozzles are used when printing a test pattern image. The test pattern nozzles are not driven when printing images other than the test pattern image. The test pattern nozzles are nozzles dedicated to printing the test pattern image. The test pattern nozzles correspond to an example of inspection nozzles. The ejection characteristics of the test pattern nozzles are acquired in advance, such as at the time of factory shipment. The acquired ejection characteristics are stored in the memory unit 37. The ejection characteristics correspond to the state of the test pattern nozzles. One or more test pattern nozzles may be arranged in each nozzle row.

[0041] The detection mechanism 90 detects various operations of the printing device 10 and the presence or absence of the print medium M. The detection mechanism 90 includes a reading sensor 15 and various sensors such as a paper detection sensor and an ink remaining amount sensor (not shown). The detection mechanism 90 is driven under the control of the control unit 30. The reading sensor 15 reads the image printed on the print medium M based on instructions from the reading control unit 33 in the control unit 30. The reading operation by the reading sensor 15 corresponds to the detection operation. The detection mechanism 90 transmits detection data detected by the various sensors to the control unit 30. The reading sensor 15 transmits the read data to the control unit 30.

[0042] FIG. 5 shows an outline of a test pattern image. The test pattern image is printed on the printing medium M under the control of the print control unit 31. The test pattern image is formed on the printing medium M by printing using the printing mechanism 16. The test pattern image is printed on the printing medium M when inspecting for defects in ink ejection by the ink nozzles 20. The test pattern image is printed when the printing device 10 is turned on, at a predetermined time or time interval, when a command is received from the user, or at other times. The test pattern image shown in FIG. 5 is printed by the ink nozzles 20 included in the cyan ink nozzle row 20C. When a test pattern image is printed by a nozzle row other than the cyan ink nozzle row 20C, the appearance of the test pattern image is the same as the appearance of the test pattern image printed by the cyan ink nozzle row 20C. FIG. 5 omits the test pattern image printed by nozzle rows other than the cyan ink nozzle row 20C.

[0043] Figure 5 shows a cyan ink nozzle row 20C that includes multiple ink nozzles 20. The cyan ink nozzle row 20C shown in Figure 5 includes ten ink nozzles 20, but this is not limited to this number. The number of ink nozzles 20 included in the cyan ink nozzle row 20C may be three or more. The number of ink nozzles 20 included in the nozzle row can be changed as appropriate.

[0044] 5 are a first ink nozzle 2001, a second ink nozzle 2002, a third ink nozzle 2003, a fourth ink nozzle 2004, a fifth ink nozzle 2005, a sixth ink nozzle 2006, a seventh ink nozzle 2007, an eighth ink nozzle 2008, a ninth ink nozzle 2009, and a tenth ink nozzle 2010. Each of the first ink nozzle 2001 to the tenth ink nozzle 2010 prints a pattern image included in the test pattern image onto the printing medium M.

[0045] The first ink nozzle 2001 prints the first pattern image PG1. The second ink nozzle 2002 prints the second pattern image PG2. The third ink nozzle 2003 prints the third pattern image PG3. The fourth ink nozzle 2004 prints the fourth pattern image PG4. The fifth ink nozzle 2005 prints the fifth pattern image PG5. The sixth ink nozzle 2006 prints the sixth pattern image PG6. The seventh ink nozzle 2007 prints the seventh pattern image PG7. The eighth ink nozzle 2008 prints the eighth pattern image PG8. The ninth ink nozzle 2009 prints the ninth pattern image PG9. The tenth ink nozzle 2010 prints the tenth pattern image PG10.

[0046] FIG. 5 shows each ink nozzle 20 included in the cyan ink nozzle row 20C at a position corresponding to each pattern image. Each pattern image shown in FIG. 5 is printed when each ink nozzle 20 included in the cyan ink nozzle row 20C performs one scan in the movement direction MD by the carriage 17. In FIG. 5, the movement direction MD corresponds to the +X direction. One scan corresponds to an example of a first scan. The printing device 10 may print each pattern image when each ink nozzle 20 performs multiple scans. As an example, when each ink nozzle 20 performs a predetermined scan among the multiple scans, the printing device 10 prints the first pattern image PG1. When each ink nozzle 20 performs a scan different from the predetermined scan, the printing device 10 may print the second pattern image PG2 to the tenth pattern image PG10. The predetermined scan corresponds to an example of a first scan, and the scan different from the predetermined scan corresponds to an example of a scan different from the first scan. Each pattern image shown in FIG. 5 is a continuous line image in the movement direction MD, but is not limited to this. Each pattern image may be a line image with part of the line missing, such as a dashed line. The form of the pattern image is not limited as long as it is an image that can detect ejection defects of the ink nozzles 20. It is preferable that the pattern image be a continuous line image. The length of each pattern image in the movement direction MD is the distance between both ends in the movement direction MD.

[0047] FIG. 5 shows a test pattern image when there are no faulty nozzles among the ink nozzles 20, from the first ink nozzle 2001 to the tenth ink nozzle 2010. The first ink nozzle 2001 prints a first pattern image PG1 of a first test pattern length L1 in the movement direction MD. The first pattern image PG1 is a first test pattern P1. The first test pattern P1 corresponds to an example of a first pattern. The first test pattern length L1 corresponds to an example of a first length. In FIG. 5, of the ink nozzles 20 included in the cyan ink nozzle row 20C, the first ink nozzle 2001 prints the first test pattern P1. The first ink nozzle 2001 corresponds to an example of a first nozzle. The second ink nozzle 2002 to the tenth ink nozzle 2010 print the second pattern image PG2 to the tenth pattern image PG10, respectively. The pattern image lengths of the second pattern image PG2 to the tenth pattern image PG10 are each shorter than the first test pattern length L1. The image group including the pattern images from the second pattern image PG2 to the tenth pattern image PG10 is the second test pattern P2. The second test pattern P2 corresponds to an example of a second pattern. The second test pattern P2 is composed of multiple pattern images within the area surrounded by the dotted line in FIG. 5. The area surrounded by the dotted line in FIG. 5 is the second test pattern area P2E. The second test pattern area P2E corresponds to an example of an area on the medium where the second pattern is formed.

[0048] The second test pattern P2 includes pattern images from the second pattern image PG2 to the tenth pattern image PG10. The third pattern image PG3 is printed offset in the movement direction MD and in the length direction LD intersecting with the movement direction MD with respect to the second pattern image PG2. The length direction LD is a direction intersecting with the width of the printing medium M. The length direction LD shown in FIG. 5 coincides with the transport direction TD and the +Y direction. The length direction LD corresponds to an example of the second direction. The fourth pattern image PG4 is printed offset in the movement direction MD and in the length direction LD with respect to the second pattern image PG2 and the third pattern image PG3. The fifth pattern image PG5 and the eighth pattern image PG8 are each printed offset in the length direction LD with respect to the second pattern image PG2. The sixth pattern image PG6 and the ninth pattern image PG9 are each printed offset in the length direction LD with respect to the third pattern image PG3. The seventh pattern image PG7 and the tenth pattern image PG10 are printed offset in the length direction LD relative to the fourth pattern image PG4. The printing positions of the second pattern image PG2, the third pattern image PG3, and the fourth pattern image PG4 are arranged in a stepped manner, offset in the movement direction MD and the length direction LD. The printing positions of the fifth pattern image PG5, the sixth pattern image PG6, and the seventh pattern image PG7 are arranged in a stepped manner, offset in the movement direction MD and the length direction LD. The printing positions of the eighth pattern image PG8, the ninth pattern image PG9, and the tenth pattern image PG10 are arranged in a stepped manner, offset in the movement direction MD and the length direction LD. The stepped arrangement offset in the movement direction MD and the length direction LD corresponds to an example of a stepped image arrangement offset in the first and second directions.

[0049] The second test pattern area P2E has a second test pattern width L2 along the movement direction MD and a second test pattern length along the length direction LD. The second test pattern width L2 corresponds to an example of a second length. The second test pattern width L2 is the distance between both ends of the second pattern image PG2 to the tenth pattern image PG10 in the movement direction MD. In the case of the second test pattern P2 shown in FIG. 5, the second test pattern width L2 is the distance between the end of the second pattern image PG2 in the -X direction and the end of the fourth pattern image PG4 in the +X direction. The second test pattern length shown in FIG. 5 is the distance between the end of the second pattern image PG2 in the -Y direction and the end of the tenth pattern image PG10 in the +Y direction.

[0050] The second test pattern P2 is printed by the ink nozzles 20 from the second ink nozzle 2002 to the tenth ink nozzle 2010. The ink nozzles 20 from the second ink nozzle 2002 to the tenth ink nozzle 2010 correspond to an example of two or more nozzles different from the first nozzles. The printing device 10 prints the second test pattern P2 using nine of the ink nozzles 20 included in the cyan ink nozzle row 20C shown in FIG. 5. The number of ink nozzles 20 that print the second test pattern P2 is not limited to nine. The number of ink nozzles 20 that print the second test pattern P2 may be two or more. The number of ink nozzles 20 that print the second test pattern P2 can be changed as appropriate.

[0051] 5, the first test pattern length L1 is longer than the second test pattern width L2. By printing a test pattern image including the first test pattern P1 and the second test pattern P2, the printing device 10 can accurately identify faulty nozzles.

[0052] Figures 6, 7, and 8 show examples of test pattern images printed by the printing device 10. Like Figure 5, Figures 6, 7, and 8 show test pattern images printed by the cyan ink nozzle row 20C. Like Figure 5, Figures 6, 7, and 8 show the ink nozzles 20 corresponding to each pattern image included in the test pattern image.

[0053] Fig. 6 shows a test pattern image in which the printing position of the sixth pattern image PG6 is different from the printing position of the sixth pattern image PG6 included in the test pattern image shown in Fig. 5. Fig. 6 shows a virtual sixth pattern image VPG6 indicating the printing position of the sixth pattern image PG6 shown in Fig. 5.

[0054] As shown in FIG. 6, the printed sixth pattern image PG6 and the virtual sixth pattern image VPG6 are offset by a sixth distance d6 along the longitudinal direction LD. The first pattern image PG1, which is the first test pattern P1, is printed in a straight line. When the first pattern image PG1 and the sixth pattern image PG6 are printed in a single scan of the cyan ink nozzle row 20C, a portion of the first pattern image PG1 and the sixth pattern image PG6 are printed at the same time. Because the first pattern image PG1 is printed in a straight line, the printing device 10 can determine that a flight deflection is occurring in the sixth ink nozzle 2006 that prints the sixth pattern image PG6.

[0055] The printing device 10 may print the first pattern image PG1 in a single scan of the cyan ink nozzle row 20C, and print the sixth pattern image PG6 in a different scan of the cyan ink nozzle row 20C. A portion of the first pattern image PG1 and the sixth pattern image PG6 are printed at the same position in the movement direction MD. For example, if the carriage support shaft 19 is undulated, the first pattern image PG1 will be a line image affected by the undulation. Because the first pattern image PG1 shown in FIG. 6 is printed as a straight line, the printing device 10 can determine that the sixth ink nozzle 2006 printing the sixth pattern image PG6 is suffering from a deflected ink jet.

[0056] FIG. 7 shows a test pattern image in which the printing positions of the third pattern image PG3, the sixth pattern image PG6, and the ninth pattern image PG9 differ from the printing positions of the third pattern image PG3, the sixth pattern image PG6, and the ninth pattern image PG9 included in the test pattern image shown in FIG. 5. FIG. 7 shows a virtual third pattern image VPG3, a virtual sixth pattern image VPG6, and a virtual ninth pattern image VPG9. The virtual third pattern image VPG3 indicates the printing position of the third pattern image PG3 shown in FIG. 5. The virtual sixth pattern image VPG6 indicates the printing position of the sixth pattern image PG6 shown in FIG. 5. The virtual ninth pattern image VPG9 indicates the printing position of the ninth pattern image PG9 shown in FIG. 5. The test pattern image shown in FIG. 7 is printed on the printing medium M with one scan of the cyan ink nozzle row 20C.

[0057] As shown in FIG. 7, the printed third pattern image PG3 and the virtual third pattern image VPG3 are offset by a third distance d3 along the length direction LD. The printed sixth pattern image PG6 and the virtual sixth pattern image VPG6 are offset by a sixth distance d6 along the length direction LD. The printed ninth pattern image PG9 and the virtual ninth pattern image VPG9 are offset by a ninth distance d9 along the length direction LD. As shown in FIG. 7, a portion of the first pattern image PG1 is offset by a first distance d1 along the length direction LD relative to other regions of the first pattern image PG1. The portion of the first pattern image PG1 whose printing position is offset will hereinafter be referred to as the first pattern displaced image PG1d. The printing position of the first pattern displaced image PG1d corresponds to the printing positions of the third pattern image PG3, the sixth pattern image PG6, and the ninth pattern image PG9. The first pattern displaced image PG1d is printed at the same time as the third pattern image PG3, the sixth pattern image PG6, and the ninth pattern image PG9. As an example, assume that the first distance d1, the third distance d3, the sixth distance d6, and the ninth distance d9 shown in FIG. 7 are the same value within the margin of error. In this case, the test pattern image shown in FIG. 7 indicates that vibration occurred in the printing mechanism 16 when the first pattern displacement image PG1d was printed. The vibration of the printing mechanism 16 is caused by an impact to the printing device 10 or vibration occurring in the vicinity of the location where the printing device 10 is installed. The printing device 10 can determine the presence and extent of the influence of external disturbances on the printing device 10 using the test pattern image shown in FIG. 7.

[0058] Fig. 8 shows a test pattern image in which the third pattern image PG3 is not printed. Fig. 8 shows a virtual third pattern image VPG3 that indicates the printing position of the third pattern image PG3 shown in Fig. 5. The test pattern image shown in Fig. 8 indicates that the third ink nozzle 2003 that prints the third pattern image PG3 is in a state in which it is unable to eject ink. The printing device 10 can determine from the test pattern image shown in Fig. 8 that the third ink nozzle 2003 is experiencing poor ink ejection.

[0059] As described above, the printing device 10 includes a printing mechanism 16 that moves relative to the printing medium M in the movement direction MD and is capable of ejecting ink, and a control unit 30 that can control the printing mechanism 16. The printing mechanism 16 has a plurality of ink nozzles 20 that are arranged in a nozzle arrangement direction PD that is different from the movement direction MD and are capable of ejecting ink. The control unit 30 uses a first ink nozzle 2001 of the plurality of ink nozzles 20 to print a first test pattern P1 having a first test pattern length L1 in the movement direction MD, and uses two or more ink nozzles 20 other than the first ink nozzle 2001 to print a second test pattern P2 that includes a stepped image arrangement shifted in the movement direction MD and a length direction LD that is different from the movement direction MD. A second test pattern area P2E on the printing medium M where the second test pattern P2 is printed has a second test pattern width L2 in the movement direction MD, and the first test pattern length L1 is longer than the second test pattern width L2. By determining whether the first test pattern P1 and the second test pattern P2 have the same ink landing position deviation at the same position in the movement direction MD, it is possible to determine whether there is print blurring due to undulations or vibrations of the carriage support shaft 19. By combining the first test pattern P1 and the second test pattern P2, the printing device 10 can estimate the ink landing position without the influence of undulations or print blurring of the carriage support shaft 19.

[0060] The printing mechanism 16 includes a carriage 17 that causes a plurality of ink nozzles 20 to scan in a movement direction MD, and the control unit 30 causes the carriage 17 to form a first test pattern P1 and a second test pattern P2 when the carriage 17 performs one scan. The printing device 10 can form a test pattern image that can detect print blurring that occurs when the printing device 10 is subjected to sudden external forces such as vibrations, in addition to undulations of the carriage support shaft 19.

[0061] The printing mechanism 16 includes a carriage 17 that scans a plurality of ink nozzles 20 in a movement direction MD, and the control unit 30 causes the carriage 17 to form a first test pattern P1 when it performs one scan, and causes the carriage 17 to form a second test pattern P2 when it performs a scan different from the one scan. The printing device 10 can provide a sufficient distance and drying time between the first test pattern P1 and the second test pattern P2. The printing device 10 can form a test pattern image that prevents the first test pattern P1 and the second test pattern P2 from bleeding and merging, thereby preventing the second test pattern P2 from being erroneously detected as a non-ejection.

[0062] The first ink nozzle 2001 that prints the first test pattern P1 may be used when printing an image, or may be used as a test pattern nozzle. The ink nozzles 20 from the second ink nozzle 2002 to the tenth ink nozzle 2010 print the image. The ejection characteristics of the multiple ink nozzles 20 included in the nozzle row are measured in advance. The ejection characteristics include, for example, printing linearity and stability of ink ejection amount. Of the ink nozzles 20 whose ejection characteristics have been measured, the ink nozzle 20 with the best ejection characteristics may be stored in the memory unit 37 as the dedicated nozzle for printing the first test pattern P1. Based on the information stored in the memory unit 37, the printing device 10 may control the ink nozzle 20 with the best ejection characteristics as the ink nozzle 20 that prints the first test pattern P1.

[0063] The first ink nozzle 2001 is preferably a test nozzle whose status has been acquired in advance. By ensuring the ejection characteristics of the first ink nozzle 2001 used to print the first test pattern P1, the printing device 10 can evaluate other ink nozzles 20 different from the first ink nozzle 2001, including the effects of flight curvature.

[0064] FIG. 9 shows an outline of another test pattern image. The test pattern image shown in FIG. 9 is formed on the print medium M by being printed under the control of the print control unit 31. The test pattern image shown in FIG. 9 is printed by the ink nozzles 20 included in the cyan ink nozzle row 20C. FIG. 9 shows the cyan ink nozzle row 20C. When a test pattern image is printed by a nozzle row other than the cyan ink nozzle row 20C, the appearance of the test pattern image is the same as the appearance of the test pattern image printed by the cyan ink nozzle row 20C. FIG. 9 omits the test pattern image printed by the nozzle rows other than the cyan ink nozzle row 20C.

[0065] The cyan ink nozzle row 20C shown in Figure 9 has eleven ink nozzles 20, from a first ink nozzle 2001 to an eleventh ink nozzle 2011. The cyan ink nozzle row 20C shown in Figure 9 has the same configuration as the cyan ink nozzle row 20C shown in Figure 5, except for the number of ink nozzles 20. Each of the first ink nozzle 2001 to the eleventh ink nozzle 2011 prints a pattern image included in the test pattern image onto the printing medium M.

[0066] The first ink nozzle 2001 to the tenth ink nozzle 2010 shown in FIG. 9 print the first pattern image PG1 to the tenth pattern image PG10 shown in FIG. 5, respectively. The eleventh ink nozzle 2011 prints the eleventh pattern image PG11. As shown in FIG. 9, the first ink nozzle 2001 to the eleventh ink nozzle 2011 are arranged from upstream to downstream in the transport direction TD of the printing medium M. The transport direction TD shown in FIG. 9 coincides with the nozzle arrangement direction PD and the length direction LD of the ink nozzles 20. The first ink nozzle 2001 is arranged at the most upstream position in the transport direction TD. Of the multiple pattern images, the first pattern image PG1 is located at the most upstream position on the printing medium M. The eleventh ink nozzle 2011 is arranged at the most downstream position in the transport direction TD. Of the multiple pattern images, the eleventh pattern image PG11 is located at the most downstream position on the printing medium M. The first ink nozzle 2001 and the eleventh ink nozzle 2011 are located at opposite ends in the transport direction TD.

[0067] FIG. 9 shows a test pattern image when there are no faulty nozzles among the ink nozzles 20, from the first ink nozzle 2001 to the eleventh ink nozzle 2011. The first ink nozzle 2001 prints a first pattern image PG1 having a first test pattern length L1 in the movement direction MD. The eleventh ink nozzle 2011 prints an eleventh pattern image PG11 having a first test pattern length L1 in the movement direction MD. The first pattern image PG1 and the eleventh pattern image PG11 are each the first test pattern P1. In FIG. 9, of the ink nozzles 20 included in the cyan ink nozzle row 20C, the first ink nozzle 2001 and the eleventh ink nozzle 2011 each print the first test pattern P1. The eleventh ink nozzle 2011 corresponds to an example of a second nozzle. The second ink nozzle 2002 to the tenth ink nozzle 2010 print the second pattern image PG2 to the tenth pattern image PG10, respectively. The pattern image length of each of the second pattern image PG2 to the tenth pattern image PG10 is shorter than the first test pattern length L1. The image group including the pattern images from the second pattern image PG2 to the tenth pattern image PG10 is the second test pattern P2. The second test pattern P2 shown in FIG. 9 is the same as the second test pattern P2 shown in FIG. 5.

[0068] In the printing device 10 shown in FIG. 1, a print mechanism 16 prints a test pattern image on a print medium M, and then transports the print medium M in a direction opposite to the transport direction TD. The print medium M is transported from the print mechanism 16 to a reading sensor 15. The direction opposite to the transport direction TD corresponds to an example of a third direction. The print medium M moves relative to the reading sensor 15. The reading sensor 15 sequentially reads multiple pattern images included in the test pattern image printed on the transported print medium M. In the case of the test pattern image shown in FIG. 9, the reading sensor 15 reads the first pattern image PG1, followed by the second pattern image PG2, the third pattern image PG3, the fourth pattern image PG4, the fifth pattern image PG5, the sixth pattern image PG6, the seventh pattern image PG7, the eighth pattern image PG8, the ninth pattern image PG9, the tenth pattern image PG10, and the eleventh pattern image PG11, in that order. The reading sensor 15 reads the test pattern images in the order of the first test pattern P1, the second test pattern P2, and the first test pattern P1. The test pattern image shown in Fig. 9 is configured in an arrangement in which the reading sensor 15 reads the first test pattern P1 before the second test pattern P2.

[0069] The printing medium M moves relative to the reading sensor 15. The control unit 30 forms the first test pattern P1 and the second test pattern P2 in an arrangement such that the first test pattern P1 is read by the reading sensor 15 before the second test pattern P2. By sending the first test pattern P1 to the reading sensor 15 before the second test pattern P2, the printing device 10 can detect in advance whether or not there is undulation or vibration.

[0070] The test pattern image shown in FIG. 9 may be used in a printing device 10 in which the reading sensor 15 is disposed differently from the printing device 10 shown in FIG. 1. The test pattern image shown in FIG. 9 may also be used in a printing device 10 in which the reading sensor 15 is disposed between the printing mechanism 16 and the transport roller pair 25, for example. A printing device 10 in which the reading sensor 15 is disposed downstream of the printing mechanism 16 prints a test pattern image with the printing mechanism 16 and then transports the print medium M in the transport direction TD. The reading sensor 15 sequentially reads the multiple pattern images included in the test pattern image printed on the print medium M transported in the transport direction TD. In this case, the transport direction TD corresponds to an example of a third direction. The reading sensor 15 reads the test pattern images in the order of the eleventh pattern image PG11, the tenth pattern image PG10, the ninth pattern image PG9, the eighth pattern image PG8, the seventh pattern image PG7, the sixth pattern image PG6, the fifth pattern image PG5, the fourth pattern image PG4, the third pattern image PG3, the second pattern image PG2, and the first pattern image PG1. The reading sensor 15 reads the test pattern images in the order of the first test pattern P1, the second test pattern P2, and the first test pattern P1.

[0071] The print medium M moves relative to the reading sensor 15. The control unit 30 uses an eleventh ink nozzle 2011, which is different from the first ink nozzle 2001, to print a first test pattern P1 that is different from the first test pattern P1 printed using the first ink nozzle 2001. The control unit 30 uses two or more ink nozzles 20 that are different from the first ink nozzle 2001 and the eleventh ink nozzle 2011 to print a second test pattern P2. The first ink nozzle 2001 and the eleventh ink nozzle 2011 are located at both ends of the multiple ink nozzles 20 in the transport direction TD. The designer of the printing device 10 can use the test pattern image for printing devices 10 with different arrangements of the reading sensor 15.

[0072] Figure 10 shows the process of detecting faulty nozzles. The printing device 10 prints the test pattern image shown in Figure 5 or Figure 9 on the printing medium M. The printing device 10 reads the test pattern image printed on the printing medium M with the reading sensor 15. The printing device 10 detects faulty nozzles based on the data read by the reading sensor 15. Figure 10 shows the process of detecting faulty nozzles based on the reading results of the printed test pattern image after the printing device 10 has printed the test pattern image.

[0073] In step S101, the printing device 10 prints a test pattern image. The method for printing the test pattern image corresponds to an example of a recording method. The printing device 10 shown in FIG. 1 moves the printing mechanism 16 relative to the printing medium M in a movement direction MD shown in FIG. 3. The printing mechanism 16 includes a print head 18 having multiple ink nozzles 20. The multiple ink nozzles 20 form a nozzle array arranged in a nozzle array direction PD that is different from the movement direction MD. Each nozzle array is capable of ejecting ink of one color. The printing device 10 moves the printing medium M relative to the printing mechanism 16. The printing device 10 scans the multiple ink nozzles 20 moving in the movement direction MD relative to the printing medium M. The scanning multiple ink nozzles 20 eject ink onto the printing medium M to print the test pattern image. The printing device 10 forms the test pattern image on the printing medium M by printing the test pattern image using the printing mechanism 16.

[0074] The printing device 10 prints a test pattern image on the printing medium M under the control of the control unit 30. The control unit 30 causes the printing mechanism 16 to print a test pattern image including a first test pattern P1 and a second test pattern P2 on the printing medium M. As shown in FIG. 5, the control unit 30 prints the first test pattern P1 using the first ink nozzle 2001. The first test pattern P1 is a pattern image having a first test pattern length L1 in the movement direction MD, as shown in FIG. 5. The second test pattern P2 is composed of two or more pattern images printed by two or more ink nozzles 20. As shown in FIG. 5, the control unit 30 prints the second test pattern P2 using the second ink nozzle 2002 to the tenth ink nozzle 2010. The second test pattern P2 is printed in a second test pattern area P2E having a second test pattern width L2 in the movement direction MD and a second test pattern length in a length direction LD intersecting the movement direction MD. The two or more pattern images constituting the second test pattern P2 are printed in an arrangement including a stepped image arrangement shifted in the movement direction MD and the length direction LD, as shown in Fig. 5. The control unit 30 prints the first test pattern P1 so that the first test pattern length L1 is longer than the second test pattern width L2 of the second test pattern P2.

[0075] The control unit 30 may print the first test pattern P1 and the second test pattern P2 in a single scan of the ink nozzles 20 by the carriage 17, or may print them in multiple scans of the ink nozzles 20. Printing the first test pattern P1 and the second test pattern P2 in a single scan makes it easier for the printing device 10 to detect vibrations applied to the printing device 10. The printing device 10 may print the first test pattern P1 and the second test pattern P2 during different scans. The printing device 10 can print the first test pattern P1 and the second test pattern P2 at different times.

[0076] The printing method of the printing device 10 involves moving a print medium M in a movement direction MD relative to a print mechanism 16 having a plurality of ink nozzles 20, printing a first test pattern P1 having a first test pattern length L1 in the movement direction MD using a first ink nozzle 2001 of the plurality of ink nozzles 20, and printing a second test pattern P2 including a stepped image arrangement shifted in the movement direction MD and in a length direction LD intersecting the movement direction MD using two or more ink nozzles 20 different from the first ink nozzle 2001 of the plurality of ink nozzles 20. A second test pattern area P2E on the print medium M where the second test pattern P2 is printed has a second test pattern width L2 in the movement direction MD, and the first test pattern length L1 is longer than the second test pattern width L2. By determining whether the first test pattern P1 and the second test pattern P2 have the same ink landing position deviation at the same position in the movement direction MD, it is possible to determine whether there is undulation or printing deviation in the carriage support shaft 19. By combining the first test pattern P1 and the second test pattern P2, the printing device 10 can estimate the ink landing position without the influence of undulation or printing deviation.

[0077] After printing a test pattern image in step S101, the printing device 10 reads the test pattern image in step S103. The printing device 10 reads the test pattern image using the reading sensor 15. The reading sensor 15 transmits the read data to the control unit 30. The read result includes first read data obtained by reading the first test pattern P1 and second read data obtained by reading the second test pattern P2. The read data corresponds to an example of a detection result. The first read data corresponds to an example of detection data of the first pattern. The second read data corresponds to an example of detection data of the second pattern. The control unit 30 receives the read data.

[0078] After reading the test pattern image in step S103, the printing device 10 generates correction data in step S105. The data processing unit 35 of the control unit 30 acquires the read data. For example, the data processing unit 35 acquires the read data obtained by reading the test pattern image shown in FIG. 7. The data processing unit 35 extracts first read data from the read data. The data processing unit 35 evaluates the linearity of the first test pattern P1 based on the first read data. The data processing unit 35 determines whether the first test pattern P1 includes a first pattern displacement image PG1d. Since the test pattern image shown in FIG. 7 includes the first pattern displacement image PG1d, the data processing unit 35 determines that the first pattern displacement image PG1d is included. When the data processing unit 35 determines that the first pattern displacement image PG1d is included, it calculates the displacement amount of the first pattern displacement image PG1d. The displacement amount of the first pattern displacement image PG1d is the amount of deviation from the first pattern displacement image PG1d with respect to the first pattern image PG1, which is different from the first pattern displacement image PG1d. The displacement amount of the first pattern displaced image PG1d is the first distance d1 shown in Fig. 7. The data processing unit 35 calculates the first distance d1 as correction data. The correction data corresponds to an example of a correction value.

[0079] After calculating the correction data in step S105, the printing device 10 corrects the second read data in step S107. In the test pattern image shown in FIG. 7, the first displaced pattern image PG1d is printed at the same timing or at the same position in the movement direction MD as the third pattern image PG3, the sixth pattern image PG6, and the ninth pattern image PG9. The third pattern image PG3 is shifted by a third distance d3 from the virtual third pattern image VPG3. The sixth pattern image PG6 is shifted by a sixth distance d6 from the virtual sixth pattern image VPG6. The ninth pattern image PG9 is shifted by a ninth distance d9 from the virtual ninth pattern image VPG9. The data processing unit 35 corrects the third distance d3, the sixth distance d6, and the ninth distance d9 using the first distance d1. As an example, the data processing unit 35 calculates the difference between the first distance d1 and the third distance d3, the difference between the first distance d1 and the sixth distance d6, and the difference between the first distance d1 and the ninth distance d9. The data processing unit 35 may perform the correction using a calculation formula stored in advance in the storage unit 37. The result of correcting the third distance d3 with the first distance d1 will hereinafter be referred to as the third displacement amount. The result of correcting the sixth distance d6 with the first distance d1 will hereinafter be referred to as the sixth displacement amount. The result of correcting the ninth distance d9 with the first distance d1 will hereinafter be referred to as the ninth displacement amount.

[0080] After correcting the second read data in step S107, the printing device 10 identifies faulty nozzles in step S109. The data processing unit 35 reads out threshold values ​​stored in the memory unit 37. The threshold values ​​are indicators of whether or not ink flight curves and undulations of the carriage support shaft 19 are within acceptable ranges. The data processing unit 35 compares the threshold values ​​with the third, sixth, and ninth displacement amounts. For example, if the third displacement amount is greater than the threshold value, the data processing unit 35 determines that the third ink nozzle 2003 is a faulty nozzle. If the sixth and ninth displacement amounts are smaller than the threshold value, the data processing unit 35 determines that the sixth ink nozzle 2006 and the ninth ink nozzle 2009 are not faulty nozzles. The data processing unit 35 identifies faulty nozzles by comparing the displacement amounts with the threshold value.

[0081] The printing device 10 includes a reading sensor 15 that reads a first test pattern P1 and a second test pattern P2 printed on a printing medium M, and a data processing unit 35 that performs calculations based on the read data of the reading sensor 15. The data processing unit 35 calculates correction data based on the first read data included in the read data, and identifies faulty nozzles based on the correction data and the second read data included in the read data. By correcting print blur caused by undulations and vibrations of the carriage support shaft 19, the printing device 10 can identify faulty nozzles with minimal error.

[0082] FIG. 11 shows an outline of a test pattern image printed using a line head in the printing mechanism 16. The test pattern image is printed on the printing medium M under the control of the print control unit 31. The test pattern image is formed on the printing medium M by being printed by the printing mechanism 16. The test pattern image shown in FIG. 11 is printed by the ink nozzles 20 included in the cyan ink nozzle row 20C. When the test pattern image is printed by a nozzle row other than the cyan ink nozzle row 20C, the appearance of the test pattern image is the same as the appearance of the test pattern image printed by the cyan ink nozzle row 20C. FIG. 11 omits the test pattern image printed by the nozzle rows other than the cyan ink nozzle row 20C.

[0083] Figure 11 shows a cyan ink nozzle row 20C that includes ink nozzles 20. The cyan ink nozzle row 20C shown in Figure 11 has n ink nozzles 20, where n is an integer greater than or equal to 8. The number of ink nozzles 20 included in the cyan ink nozzle row 20C may be three or more. The number of ink nozzles 20 can be changed as appropriate.

[0084] 11, the ink nozzles 20 included in the cyan ink nozzle row 20C are the first ink nozzle 2001 to the nth ink nozzle N. Each of the first ink nozzle 2001 to the nth ink nozzle N prints a pattern image included in the test pattern image onto the printing medium M.

[0085] The first ink nozzle 2001 prints the first pattern image PG1. The second ink nozzle 2002 prints the second pattern image PG2. The third ink nozzle 2003 prints the third pattern image PG3. The fourth ink nozzle 2004 prints the fourth pattern image PG4. The fifth ink nozzle 2005 prints the fifth pattern image PG5. The sixth ink nozzle 2006 prints the sixth pattern image PG6. The seventh ink nozzle 2007 prints the seventh pattern image PG7. The nth ink nozzle N prints the nth pattern image PGn.

[0086] FIG. 11 shows the positions of the ink nozzles 20 and the corresponding pattern images. Each pattern image shown in FIG. 11 is printed by the cyan ink nozzle row 20C when the print medium M is moved in the transport direction TD. In the case of FIG. 11, the transport direction TD corresponds to the +Y direction. In the configuration shown in FIG. 11, the transport direction TD corresponds to an example of the first direction.

[0087] The first ink nozzle 2001 prints a first pattern image PG1 having a first test pattern length L1 in the transport direction TD. The first pattern image PG1 is the first test pattern P1. The first test pattern P1 corresponds to an example of a first pattern. The first test pattern length L1 corresponds to an example of a first length. FIG. 11 shows that, of the ink nozzles 20 included in the cyan ink nozzle row 20C, the first ink nozzle 2001 prints the first test pattern P1. The first ink nozzle 2001 corresponds to an example of a first nozzle. The second ink nozzle 2002 to the nth ink nozzle N each print a second pattern image PG2 to the nth pattern image PGn, respectively. The pattern image length of each of the second pattern image PG2 to the nth pattern image PGn is shorter than the first test pattern length L1. The image group including the pattern images from the second pattern image PG2 to the nth pattern image PGn is the second test pattern P2. The second test pattern P2 corresponds to an example of a second pattern. The second test pattern P2 is composed of multiple pattern images within the area surrounded by the dotted line shown in Fig. 11. The area surrounded by the dotted line in Fig. 11 is the second test pattern area P2E. The second test pattern area P2E corresponds to an example of an area on the medium where the second pattern is formed.

[0088] The second test pattern P2 includes pattern images from the second pattern image PG2 to the nth pattern image PGn. The third pattern image PG3 is printed shifted in the transport direction TD and the width direction WD, which intersects with the transport direction TD, relative to the second pattern image PG2. The width direction WD corresponds to the width of the printing medium M. The width direction WD shown in FIG. 11 coincides with the +X direction. The width direction WD corresponds to an example of the second direction. The fourth pattern image PG4 is printed shifted in the transport direction TD and the width direction WD relative to the second pattern image PG2 and the third pattern image PG3. The printing positions of the second pattern image PG2 to the sixth pattern image PG6 are arranged in a stepped pattern, shifted in the transport direction TD and the width direction WD. The stepped arrangement shifted in the transport direction TD and the width direction WD corresponds to an example of a stepped image arrangement shifted in the first and second directions. The seventh pattern image PG7 is printed shifted in the width direction WD relative to the second pattern image PG2.

[0089] The second test pattern area P2E has a second test pattern width L2 in the transport direction TD and a second test pattern length along the width direction WD. The second test pattern width L2 corresponds to an example of a second length. The second test pattern width L2 is the distance between both ends of the second pattern image PG2 to the nth pattern image PGn in the transport direction TD. In the case of the second test pattern P2 shown in FIG. 11, the second test pattern width L2 is the distance between the end of the second pattern image PG2 in the -Y direction and the end of the sixth pattern image PG6 in the +Y direction. The second test pattern length is the distance between the end of the second pattern image PG2 in the -X direction and the end of the nth pattern image PGn in the +X direction.

[0090] The second test pattern P2 is printed by the ink nozzles 20 from the second ink nozzle 2002 to the nth ink nozzle N. The ink nozzles 20 from the second ink nozzle 2002 to the nth ink nozzle N correspond to an example of two or more nozzles different from the first nozzles. The number of ink nozzles 20 that print the second test pattern P2 may be two or more. The number of ink nozzles 20 that print the second test pattern P2 can be changed as appropriate.

[0091] 11, the first test pattern length L1 is longer than the second test pattern width L2. By printing a test pattern image including the first test pattern P1 and the second test pattern P2, the printing device 10 can accurately identify faulty nozzles.

[0092] FIG. 11 shows a reading sensor 15 that reads a test pattern image. The reading sensor 15 shown in FIG. 11 moves in a reading direction RD shown in FIG. 11. The reading sensor 15 reads the test pattern image when moving in the reading direction RD. The reading direction RD is a direction that intersects with the conveying direction TD. The reading direction RD shown in FIG. 11 coincides with the width direction WD. The reading direction RD corresponds to an example of the third direction. The reading sensor 15 reads the pattern images arranged in the width direction WD, starting with the first pattern image PG1, followed by the second pattern image PG2 and the third pattern image PG3, in that order.

[0093] As shown in FIG. 11, a test pattern image can be applied to a printing device 10 that uses a line head in the printing mechanism 16. [Explanation of symbols]

[0094] 10...printing device, 13...pair of feed rollers, 13A...first feed roller, 13B...second feed roller, 15...reading sensor, 16...printing mechanism, 17...carriage, 18...print head, 19...carriage support shaft, 20...ink nozzle, 20C...cyan ink nozzle row, 20LC...light cyan ink nozzle row, 20M...magenta ink nozzle row, 20LM...light magenta ink nozzle row, 20Y...yellow ink nozzle row, 20K...black ink nozzle row, 25...pair of transport rollers, 25A...first transport roller, 25B...second transport Feed roller, 27...winding shaft, 30...control unit, 31...printing control unit, 33...reading control unit, 35...data processing unit, 37...storage unit, 40...display unit, 50...communication interface, 60...transport mechanism, 70...printing drive mechanism, 80...print head drive mechanism, 90...detection mechanism, 101...first side plate, 103...second side plate, 2001...first ink nozzle, 2002...second ink nozzle, 2003...third ink nozzle, 2004...fourth ink nozzle, 2005...fifth ink nozzle, 2006...sixth ink nozzle, 2007...seventh ink nozzle , 2008...8th ink nozzle, 2009...9th ink nozzle, 2010...10th ink nozzle, 2011...11th ink nozzle, d1...1st distance, d3...3rd distance, d6...6th distance, d9...9th distance, L1...1st test pattern length, L2...2nd test pattern width, LD...length direction, M...printing medium, MD...movement direction, N...nth ink nozzle, P1...1st test pattern, P2...2nd test pattern, P2E...2nd test pattern area, PD...nozzle arrangement direction, PG1...1st pattern image, PG1d...1st pattern displacement image, PG2...second pattern image, PG3...third pattern image, PG4...fourth pattern image, PG5...fifth pattern image, PG6...sixth pattern image, PG7...seventh pattern image, PG8...eighth pattern image, PG9...ninth pattern image, PG10...tenth pattern image, PG11...eleventh pattern image, PGn...nth pattern image, R1...medium roll, R2...winding roll, RD...reading direction, TD...conveyance direction, VPG3...virtual third pattern image, VPG6...virtual sixth pattern image, VPG9...virtual ninth pattern image, WD...width direction.

Claims

1. a liquid ejection unit that moves relative to the medium in a first direction and is capable of ejecting liquid; a control unit capable of controlling the liquid ejection unit, The liquid ejection section is arranged in a direction different from the first direction, and includes a plurality of liquid ejection sections that are capable of ejecting the liquid. having a number of nozzles, The control unit a first nozzle of the plurality of nozzles is used to form a second nozzle having a first length in the first direction; Form a pattern, Using two or more nozzles different from the first nozzle, forming a second pattern including a stepped image arrangement shifted in a second direction different from the first direction; an area on the medium where the second pattern is formed has a second length in the first direction; The first length is greater than the second length. A recording device, A recording apparatus in which the first nozzle is an inspection nozzle whose state has been acquired in advance.

2. The liquid ejection unit includes an ejection unit driver that causes the plurality of nozzles to scan in the first direction. Equipped with a structure, The control unit When the discharge unit driving mechanism performs a first scan, the first pattern and the second pattern forming a ring, The recording device according to claim 1 .

3. The liquid ejection unit includes an ejection unit driver that causes the plurality of nozzles to scan in the first direction. Equipped with a structure, The control unit forming the first pattern when the discharger drive mechanism performs a first scan; When the discharge unit drive mechanism performs a scan different from the first scan, the second pattern to form The recording device according to claim 1 .

4. a detection unit that detects the first pattern and the second pattern formed on the medium; a calculation unit that performs calculations based on the detection result of the detection unit, The calculation unit calculating a correction value based on the detection data of the first pattern included in the detection result; based on the correction value and the detection data of the second pattern included in the detection result, Identifying faulty nozzles, The recording apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

5. the medium moves relative to the detection unit in a third direction; The control unit forming a second nozzle different from the first nozzle using the first nozzle; forming the first pattern different from the first pattern; using two or more nozzles different from the first nozzle and the second nozzle, Form a pattern, The first nozzle and the second nozzle are located at both ends in the third direction among the plurality of nozzles. Located in 5. The recording apparatus according to claim 4.

6. The medium moves relative to the detection unit, The control unit The first pattern is arranged to be detected by the detection unit before the second pattern, forming the first pattern and the second pattern; 5. The recording apparatus according to claim 4.

7. a liquid ejection unit having a plurality of nozzles, the medium being moved in a first direction relative to the liquid ejection unit; a first nozzle of the plurality of nozzles, the first nozzle having a first length in the first direction; Forming patterns, The first nozzle is supplied to two or more nozzles different from the first nozzle among the plurality of nozzles. a second pattern including a stepped image arrangement shifted in a direction and a second direction intersecting the first direction; Form a circle, an area on the medium where the second pattern is formed has a second length in the first direction; The first length is greater than the second length. A recording method comprising: A recording method in which the first nozzle is a test nozzle whose state has been acquired in advance.

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