LIQUID EJECTION DEVICE, LIQUID EJECTION METHOD, PROGRAM, AND LIQUID EJECTION SYSTEM

Abstract

To make it possible to make a seam between two adjacent partial drawing objects less noticeable.SOLUTION: A liquid discharge device comprises: a discharge nozzle for discharging a liquid; a carriage for holding the discharge nozzle; a transport part for transporting the carriage; and a control part which controls drawing of a drawing object with use of the discharge nozzle. The control part has: a division part which divides the drawing object into a plurality of partial drawing objects; a mask part which performs uneven-shaped mask processing for an end part of one partial drawing object and an end part of the other partial drawing object of two adjacent partial drawing objects; and a drawing execution part which draws two adjacent partial drawing objects so that the end part of the one partial drawing object and the end part of the other partial drawing object overlap with each other.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 6

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a liquid ejection apparatus, a liquid ejection method, a program, and a liquid ejection system. [Background technology]

[0002] The following Patent Document 1 discloses a liquid ejection device that can draw an object on a drawing target by ejecting ink from a head toward the drawing target while moving a carriage. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0003] However, in the past, when drawing an object larger than the size that a liquid ejection device can draw, it was necessary to divide the object to be drawn into multiple partial drawing objects in units of the drawable size, and then draw the multiple partial drawing objects sequentially while moving the object to be drawn or the liquid ejection device.

[0004] Therefore, in the past, a gap would appear at the joint between two adjacent partial objects, making the joint noticeable.

[0005] In order to solve the above-mentioned problems of the conventional art, an object of the present invention is to make the seam between two adjacent drawing sub-objects less noticeable. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, a liquid ejection device according to one embodiment includes an ejection nozzle that ejects liquid, a carriage that holds the ejection nozzle, a transport unit that transports the carriage, and a control unit that controls the drawing of an object using the ejection nozzle. The control unit includes a dividing unit that divides the object into a plurality of sub-objects, a masking unit that applies a masking process consisting of a concave-convex shape to the ends of one of two adjacent sub-objects and the ends of the other sub-object, and a drawing execution unit that draws the two adjacent sub-objects so that the ends of one sub-object and the ends of the other sub-object overlap. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] According to the liquid ejection device of one embodiment, the seam between two adjacent drawing sub-objects can be made inconspicuous. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] 1 is a diagram illustrating the appearance of a liquid ejection device according to an embodiment; [Figure 2] FIG. 1 is a front view of a carriage according to an embodiment; [Figure 3] FIG. 1 is a plan view of a carriage according to an embodiment; [Figure 4] 1 is a side view of a carriage according to an embodiment; [Figure 5] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing the configuration of a control system included in the liquid ejection device according to the embodiment; [Figure 6] FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of a control unit included in a liquid ejection device according to an embodiment; [Figure 7] 10 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a processing procedure performed by a control unit included in a liquid ejection device according to an embodiment. [Figure 8] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of two adjacent partial objects (before drawing) by a liquid ejection device according to an embodiment; [Figure 9] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of two adjacent partial objects (before drawing) by a liquid ejection device according to an embodiment; [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of an object drawn by a liquid ejection device according to an embodiment; [Figure 11] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing another example of an object drawn by the liquid ejection device according to the embodiment; [Figure 12] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a first modified example of a partial drawing object drawn by a liquid ejection device according to an embodiment; [Figure 13] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a first modified example of an object drawn by a liquid ejection device according to an embodiment; [Figure 14] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a second modified example of a partial drawing object drawn by the liquid ejection device according to an embodiment; [Figure 15] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a second modified example of an object drawn by the liquid ejection device according to an embodiment; [Figure 16] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a third modified example of a partial drawing object drawn by the liquid ejection device according to an embodiment; [Figure 17] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a fourth modified example of a partial drawing object drawn by the liquid ejection device according to an embodiment; [Figure 18] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a fifth modified example of a partial drawing object drawn by the liquid ejection device according to an embodiment. [Figure 19] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a sixth modified example of a partial drawing object drawn by the liquid ejection device according to an embodiment; [Figure 20] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a seventh modified example of a partial drawing object drawn by the liquid ejection device according to an embodiment; DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0009] Hereinafter, an embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0010] (Configuration of liquid ejection device 100) 1A and 1B are diagrams showing the appearance of a liquid ejection device 100 according to an embodiment. Fig. 1A is a right side view of the liquid ejection device 100. Fig. 1B is a plan view of the liquid ejection device 100.

[0011] 1, the liquid ejection device 100 includes a carriage 300. The carriage 300 is provided facing an object 10 to be drawn, and is capable of ejecting ink (an example of "liquid") toward the object 10 to be drawn.

[0012] The liquid ejection device 100 also includes an X-axis rail 101, a Y-axis rail 102, and a Z-axis rail 103. The X-axis rail 101 holds the Z-axis rail 103 so that it can move in the X-axis direction. The Y-axis rail 102 holds the X-axis rail 101 so that it can move in the Y-axis direction. The Z-axis rail 103 holds the carriage 300 so that it can move in the Z-axis direction.

[0013] The liquid ejection device 100 also includes an X-direction drive unit 104, a Y-direction drive unit 105, and a Z-direction drive unit 106. The X-direction drive unit 104 moves the Z-axis rail 103 in the X-axis direction along the X-axis rail 101. The Y-direction drive unit 105 moves the X-axis rail 101 in the Y-axis direction along the Y-axis rail 102. The Z-direction drive unit 106 moves the carriage 300 in the Z-axis direction along the Z-axis rail 103.

[0014] The liquid ejection device 100 configured in this manner can draw an object on the object 10 by ejecting ink from heads 350Y, 350M, 350C, and 350K held on the carriage 300 toward the object 10 while moving the carriage 300 in the X-axis, Y-axis, and Z-axis directions.

[0015] The object 10 to be drawn may be, for example, the body of an automobile, the body of a railway vehicle, the body of an aircraft, the wall surface of a building, the surface of a road, or the like.

[0016] Furthermore, the X-axis rail 101, the Y-axis rail 102, the Z-axis rail 103, the X-direction drive unit 104, the Y-direction drive unit 105, and the Z-direction drive unit 106 are an example of a “transport unit” that transports the carriage 300.

[0017] (Configuration of carriage 300) Fig. 2 is a front view of the carriage 300 according to one embodiment, Fig. 3 is a plan view of the carriage 300 according to one embodiment, and Fig. 4 is a side view of the carriage 300 according to one embodiment.

[0018] The carriage 300 holds the heads 350Y, 350M, 350C, and 350K. The heads 350Y, 350M, 350C, and 350K eject ink of the colors Y, M, C, and K, respectively. Each of the heads 350Y, 350M, 350C, and 350K has a nozzle surface 352A with a plurality of ejection nozzles 352. Each of the heads 350Y, 350M, 350C, and 350K is fixed by the head fixing plate 303 so that the nozzle surface 352A intersects with the horizontal plane and the arrangement direction of the plurality of ejection nozzles 352 is inclined with respect to the X-axis direction. This allows each of the plurality of ejection nozzles 352 to eject ink in the horizontal direction.

[0019] The carriage 300 also includes a wiper unit 300A. The wiper unit 300A has an ink receiving surface 304, a wiper 305, a cleaning liquid supply unit 306, and a cleaning liquid recovery member 307. The ink receiving surface 304 receives ink ejected from the ejection nozzles 352. The wiper 305 comes into contact with the ejection nozzles 352 and the nozzle surface 352A when the wiper unit 300A moves. The cleaning liquid supply unit 306 supplies cleaning liquid from a cleaning liquid supply tube 308 to the wiper 305 and the ink receiving surface 304. The cleaning liquid recovery member 307 is disposed below the ink receiving surface 304 and can recover ink received by the ink receiving surface 304 and cleaning liquid supplied to the wiper 305 and the ink receiving surface 304. The cleaning liquid recovery member 307 also discharges ink and cleaning liquid via a cleaning liquid recovery tube 309.

[0020] In the carriage 300 configured in this manner, the wiper unit 300A moves to a position facing the nozzle surface 352A, thereby enabling the ink receiving surface 304 to receive ink ejected from the ejection nozzles 352. In addition, in the carriage 300, the wiper unit 300A moves to a position facing the nozzle surface 352A, thereby enabling the wiper 305 to clean the nozzle surface 352A.

[0021] The carriage 300 includes an upper guide plate 310H, a lower guide plate 310L, an upper plate 311H, and a lower plate 311L. The upper guide plate 310H is fixed to the upper part of the head fixing plate 303. The lower guide plate 310L is fixed to the lower part of the head fixing plate 303. The upper plate 311H is fixed to the upper part of the wiper unit 300A. The lower plate 311L is fixed to the lower part of the wiper unit 300A. The head fixing plate 303, the upper guide plate 310H, and the lower guide plate 310L hold the discharge nozzle 352 and function as a housing that movably supports the wiper unit 300A.

[0022] A guide groove 312 is formed in the upper guide plate 310H, and a similar guide groove is formed in the lower guide plate 310L. The upper plate 311H and the lower plate 311L are provided with pins 313 that protrude toward the upper guide plate 310H and the lower guide plate 310L, respectively.

[0023] Furthermore, the carriage 300 includes a motor 314, a roller 314A that rotates coaxially with the motor 314, a belt 315 that is looped around roller 314A, a roller 316A around which the belt 315 is looped, a rotating shaft 316 that coaxially supports roller 316A, a roller 316B that is coaxially supported on the rotating shaft 316, a belt 317 that is looped around roller 316B, rollers 318 and 319 around which the belt 317 is looped, and an upper mounting portion 320 that connects the upper plate 311H of the wiper unit 300A and the belt 317.

[0024] The carriage 300 also includes a roller 321 supported coaxially on the rotating shaft 316, a belt 322 looped around the roller 321, rollers 323 and 324 around which the belt 322 is looped, and a lower mounting portion 325 that connects the lower plate 311L of the wiper unit 300A and the belt 322.

[0025] The carriage 300 also includes a sensor 326A and a sensor 326B. The sensor 326A detects that the wiper unit 300A is at a standby position (home position). The sensor 326B detects that the wiper unit 300A is at a movement end position (turn back position).

[0026] With the above configuration, when motor 314 is driven in carriage 300, a rotational driving force is transmitted to belts 317 and 322 via belt 315, and wiper unit 300A connected to belts 317 and 322 moves. At that time, pin 313 slides and moves inside guide groove 312, and wiper unit 300A moves along guide groove 312.

[0027] (Configuration of the control system provided in the liquid ejection device 100) FIG. 5 is a diagram showing the configuration of a control system provided in the liquid ejection device 100 according to one embodiment.

[0028] As shown in FIG. 5, the liquid ejection device 100 includes a compressor 330, an air regulator 331, an ink tank 333, an air regulator 334, a cleaning liquid tank 336, an on-off valve 337, a vacuum generator 338, an electromagnetic valve 339, a waste liquid tank 340, a control unit 360, and a concentration detection unit 341.

[0029] The compressor 330 and air regulator 331 supply pressurized air to an ink tank 333. The ink tank 333 stores ink 332. The air regulator 334 is connected to the compressor 330. The compressor 330 and air regulator 334 supply pressurized air to a cleaning liquid tank 336. The cleaning liquid tank 336 stores cleaning liquid 335. An open / close valve 337 is provided between the cleaning liquid tank 336 and the cleaning liquid supply unit 306. The vacuum generator 338 generates negative pressure using the pressurized air received from the compressor 330. An electromagnetic valve 339 is connected to the pressure ports of the compressor 330 and the vacuum generator 338. A waste liquid tank 340 is connected to a drain port of the vacuum generator 338. A cleaning liquid recovery tube 309 is connected to a suction port of the vacuum generator 338.

[0030] The control unit 360 controls the motor 314 based on the detection signals from the sensors 326A and 326B. The concentration detection unit 341 detects the vapor concentration of a flammable solvent, such as acetone, contained in the ink. The control unit 360 inputs the solvent vapor concentration detected by the concentration detection unit 341 and controls the X-direction drive unit 104, the Y-direction drive unit 105, and the Z-direction drive unit 106 shown in FIG. 1 to move the carriage 300 in the X-axis, Y-axis, and Z-axis directions, and also controls the head 350, the on-off valve 337, and the solenoid valve 339.

[0031] The control unit 360 is composed of, for example, a CPU that handles overall control, a ROM that stores programs for causing the CPU to execute control of drawing operations and the like and other fixed data, a RAM that temporarily stores drawing data and the like, and an I / F for sending and receiving data and signals used when receiving drawing data and the like from a host such as a PC.

[0032] In the liquid ejection device 100, the control unit 360 controls the head 350, thereby supplying pressurized ink from the ink tank 333 to the head 350. In addition, in the liquid ejection device 100, the control unit 360 opens the on-off valve 337, thereby supplying pressurized cleaning liquid from the cleaning liquid tank 336 to the cleaning liquid supply unit 306. In addition, in the liquid ejection device 100, the control unit 360 opens the solenoid valve 339, thereby causing the compressor 330 to send pressurized air to the vacuum generator 338, generating negative pressure in the suction port of the vacuum generator 338, and the liquid in the cleaning liquid recovery member 307 is sucked through the cleaning liquid recovery tube 309 and discharged into the waste liquid tank 340.

[0033] (An example of the functional configuration of the control unit 360) 6 is a diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of a control unit 360 included in the liquid ejection device 100 according to one embodiment. The control unit 360, together with each hardware component of the liquid ejection device 100, constitutes a "liquid ejection system." The control unit 360 may be provided in the liquid ejection device 100 as in this embodiment, or may be provided external to the liquid ejection device 100.

[0034] As shown in FIG. 6, the control unit 360 includes an acquisition unit 361, a division unit 362, a mask unit 363, and a drawing execution unit 364.

[0035] The acquisition unit 361 acquires image data of the drawing object to be drawn. For example, the acquisition unit 361 displays a list of drawing objects on a display and allows the user to select a drawing object to be drawn from the list of drawing objects, thereby acquiring the selected drawing object as the drawing object to be drawn. Note that the acquisition unit 361 may acquire the drawing object to be drawn from a storage device included in the liquid ejection device 100, or may acquire it from a storage device provided external to the liquid ejection device 100. Furthermore, the selection of the drawing object by the user may be performed in the liquid ejection device 100, or may be performed from a device external to the liquid ejection device 100.

[0036] The dividing unit 362 divides the drawing object to be drawn into a plurality of partial drawing objects in print units based on the image data of the drawing object to be drawn acquired by the acquiring unit 361. For example, when the horizontal print size of the drawing object to be drawn exceeds the printable horizontal print size, the dividing unit 362 divides the drawing object to be drawn into a plurality of partial drawing objects for each printable horizontal print size.

[0037] The masking unit 363 performs masking on each of the multiple partial objects divided by the dividing unit 362 to make the seam between two adjacent partial objects less noticeable. Specifically, of two partial objects adjacent in the horizontal direction (main scanning direction), the masking unit 363 performs masking using a concave-convex shape on the edge of one partial object and the edge of the other partial object. In this case, the masking unit 363 adds an overlapping portion of a predetermined width to the edge of each partial object, which has a concave-convex shape using the image of the edge of the adjacent partial object.

[0038] In particular, in this embodiment, the mask unit 363 performs mask processing on the end of one partial drawing object and the end of the other partial drawing object, with the concave and convex shapes being reversed (i.e., fitting together).

[0039] Furthermore, in this embodiment, in order to optimize the effect of the masking process, the masking unit 363 applies masking process consisting of uneven shapes with different lengths for each dot line to the end of one partial drawing object and the end of the other partial drawing object.

[0040] The drawing execution unit 364 draws the plurality of partial objects that have been masked by the mask unit 363. Specifically, the drawing execution unit 364 draws the plurality of partial objects one by one on the object to be drawn 10. Specifically, the drawing of each partial object by the drawing execution unit 364 involves ejecting ink from heads 350Y, 350M, 350C, and 350K provided on the carriage 300 toward the object to be drawn 10 while moving the carriage 300 in the X-axis, Y-axis, and Z-axis directions.

[0041] In this case, the drawing execution unit 364 draws the multiple partial drawing objects for each adjacent partial drawing object so that the edge (the uneven overlapping portion) of one partial drawing object overlaps the edge (the uneven overlapping portion) of the other partial drawing object. This makes the boundary between the two adjacent partial drawing objects seamless as the uneven shape of the edge of one partial drawing object fits into the uneven shape of the edge of the other partial drawing object, making the seam between the two adjacent partial drawing objects less noticeable.

[0042] Each function of the control unit 360 can be realized by one or more processing circuits. Here, the term "processing circuit" in this specification includes a processor programmed to execute each function by software, such as a processor implemented by an electronic circuit, as well as devices such as an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit), DSP (Digital Signal Processor), FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array), and conventional circuit modules designed to execute each function described above.

[0043] (Example of processing procedure by the control unit 360) FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing an example of a procedure of processing by the control unit 360 included in the liquid ejection device 100 according to an embodiment.

[0044] First, the acquisition unit 361 acquires image data of the drawing object to be drawn (step S701).

[0045] Next, the dividing unit 362 divides the drawing object to be drawn into a plurality of partial drawing objects in drawing units based on the image data of the drawing object to be drawn acquired in step S701 (step S702).

[0046] Next, the masking unit 363 performs masking on each of the plurality of partial objects divided in step S702 to make the seam between two adjacent partial objects less noticeable (step S703).

[0047] Next, after the user moves the liquid ejection device 100 or the object 10 to be drawn, the drawing execution unit 364 selects one partial drawing object for which drawing has not been completed (one partial drawing object corresponding to the position after movement) from among the multiple partial drawing objects masked by the mask unit 363, and draws the selected one partial drawing object (step S704). At this time, the drawing execution unit 364 draws the one partial drawing object to be drawn so that the end (overlapping portion having a concave-convex shape) of the other partial drawing object that has already been drawn overlaps with the end (overlapping portion having a concave-convex shape) of the one partial drawing object to be drawn.

[0048] Note that the user may manually select a partial drawing object that has not yet been drawn and issue a drawing start command for the selected partial drawing object after moving the liquid ejection device 100 or the drawing target 10. In this case, in step S704, the drawing execution unit 364 draws the partial drawing object that has been selected and instructed to start drawing by the user.

[0049] Next, the drawing execution unit 364 determines whether or not the drawing of all the partial drawing objects has been completed (step S705).

[0050] In step S705, if it is determined that the drawing of all partial drawing objects has not been completed (step S705: No), the control unit 360 returns the process to step S704.

[0051] On the other hand, if it is determined in step S705 that the drawing of all partial drawing objects has been completed (step S705: Yes), the control unit 360 ends the series of processes shown in FIG.

[0052] (Example of drawing by the liquid ejection device 100) 8 and 9 are diagrams showing an example of two adjacent partial objects (before drawing) by the liquid ejection device 100 according to one embodiment. Fig. 10 is a diagram showing an example of an object drawn by the liquid ejection device 100 according to one embodiment.

[0053] The partial drawing object 812 shown in Figure 8 is a partial drawing object generated by dividing the drawing object 810 (see Figure 10) to be drawn into two, and is the partial drawing object drawn on the left of the two adjacent partial drawing objects.

[0054] The partial drawing object 814 shown in Figure 9 is a partial drawing object generated by dividing the drawing object 810 (see Figure 10) to be drawn into two, and is the partial drawing object drawn on the right of the two adjacent partial drawing objects.

[0055] 8, the overlapping portion 812A provided at the right end of the left partial drawing object 812 is masked by the mask unit 363. Specifically, the overlapping portion 812A is masked to have a concave-convex shape that is the reverse of the concave-convex shape of the overlapping portion 814A of the partial drawing object 814 (i.e., they fit together).

[0056] 9, the overlapping portion 814A provided at the left end of the partial drawing object 814 on the right side is masked by the mask unit 363. Specifically, the overlapping portion 814A is masked to have a concave-convex shape that is the reverse of the concave-convex shape of the overlapping portion 812A of the partial drawing object 812 (i.e., they fit together).

[0057] In particular, in the examples shown in FIGS. 8 and 9, in order to optimize the effect of the masking process, the overlapping portions 812A and 814A are subjected to masking process consisting of uneven shapes with different lengths for each dot line.

[0058] In the example shown in FIGS. 8 and 9, the length in the left-right direction (main scanning direction) of each concave shape in the overlapping portion 812A is equal to the length in the left-right direction (main scanning direction) of each convex shape portion in the overlapping portion 814A.

[0059] In the example shown in Figures 8 and 9, the length in the left-right direction (main scanning direction) of each convex portion in overlapping portion 812A is equal to the length in the left-right direction (main scanning direction) of each concave portion in overlapping portion 814A.

[0060] Furthermore, the end (left end) of each convex portion in the overlapping portion 812A is connected to the main image of the partial drawing object 812 without any gaps.

[0061] Furthermore, the end (right end) of each convex portion in the overlapping portion 814A is connected to the main image of the partial drawing object 814 without any gaps.

[0062] 10, the drawing execution unit 364 draws the partial drawing object 812 and the partial drawing object 814 so that the overlapping portion 812A of the partial drawing object 812 and the overlapping portion 814A of the partial drawing object 814 overlap each other. Specifically, the drawing execution unit 364 first draws the partial drawing object 812 on the left side, including the overlapping portion 812A. Then, after the user moves the liquid ejection device 100 or the drawing target 10 in the left-right direction, the drawing execution unit 364 draws the partial drawing object 814 on the right side, including the overlapping portion 814A.

[0063] As a result, in one embodiment of the liquid ejection device 100, as shown in Figure 10, in the drawing object 810 formed by the partial drawing object 812 and the partial drawing object 814, the boundary portion between the partial drawing object 812 and the partial drawing object 814 is seamless as the uneven shape of the overlap portion 812A fits into the uneven shape of the overlap portion 814A, making the seam between the partial drawing object 812 and the partial drawing object 814 inconspicuous.

[0064] Furthermore, in the liquid ejection device 100 according to one embodiment, even if a misalignment occurs between the partial drawing object 812 and the partial drawing object 814 in the left-right direction (main scanning direction), the gap between the partial drawing object 812 and the partial drawing object 814 is dispersed randomly over a wide range in the left-right direction (main scanning direction) in units of one dot line, making it possible to make the gap inconspicuous.

[0065] (Example of misalignment in the vertical direction (sub-scanning direction)) FIG. 11 is a diagram showing another example of a drawn object drawn by the liquid ejection device 100 according to an embodiment. The drawn object 810-2 shown in FIG. 11 is formed by the drawing execution unit 364 drawing the partial drawn object 812 shown in FIG. 8 and the partial drawn object 814 shown in FIG. 9 so that the overlapping portion 812A of the partial drawn object 812 shown in FIG. 8 and the overlapping portion 814A of the partial drawn object 814 shown in FIG. 9 overlap. However, in the drawn object 810-2 shown in FIG. 11, there is a vertical (sub-scanning) misalignment between the partial drawn object 812 and the partial drawn object 814. Therefore, in the drawn object 810-2 shown in FIG. 11, a white stripe due to the vertical (sub-scanning) misalignment occurs in the area where the overlapping portion 812A and the overlapping portion 814A overlap.

[0066] (First modified example of drawing by the liquid ejection device 100) Fig. 12 is a diagram showing a first modified example of a partial drawn object drawn by the liquid ejection device 100 according to an embodiment. Fig. 13 is a diagram showing a first modified example of a drawn object drawn by the liquid ejection device 100 according to an embodiment.

[0067] The partial drawing object 812-2 shown in FIG. 12 is a modified example of the partial drawing object 812 shown in FIG. In the example shown in Figure 12, the thickness (vertical width) of each convex portion in the overlapping portion 812A of the partial drawing object 812-2 is thicker than the thickness (vertical width) of each convex portion in the overlapping portion 812A of the partial drawing object 812 shown in Figure 8.

[0068] The drawing object 810-3 shown in Figure 13 is formed by the drawing execution unit 364 drawing the partial drawing object 812-2 shown in Figure 12 and the partial drawing object 814 shown in Figure 9 so that the overlapping portion 812A of the partial drawing object 812-2 shown in Figure 12 overlaps with the overlapping portion 814A of the partial drawing object 814 shown in Figure 9.

[0069] As shown in Figure 13, in drawing object 810-3, although there is a vertical (sub-scanning) misalignment between partial drawing object 812-2 and partial drawing object 814, the thickness of each convex portion in overlapping portion 812A of partial drawing object 812-2 is increased, and therefore the white streaks caused by the vertical (sub-scanning) misalignment are eliminated in the area where overlapping portion 812A and overlapping portion 814A overlap.

[0070] For example, the drawing execution unit 364 can make each convex portion in the overlap portion 812A of the partial drawing object 812-2 thicker than usual by adjusting the opening and closing time and opening and closing amount of the discharge nozzle 352 to draw each convex portion with larger ink droplets than usual.

[0071] (Second modified example of drawing by the liquid ejection device 100) Fig. 14 is a diagram showing a second modified example of a partial drawn object drawn by the liquid ejection apparatus 100 according to an embodiment. Fig. 15 is a diagram showing a second modified example of a drawn object drawn by the liquid ejection apparatus 100 according to an embodiment.

[0072] The partial drawing object 812-3 shown in Fig. 14 is a modified example of the partial drawing object 812-2 shown in Fig. 12. In the example shown in Fig. 14, the drawing execution unit 364 adjusts the opening / closing time and opening / closing amount of the discharge nozzle 352 to discharge smaller ink droplets than usual into the concave portion in the overlap portion 812A of the partial drawing object 812-3, thereby drawing small droplets that fill the concave portion. In particular, small droplets that fill the concave portion in the overlap portion 812A are drawn using light gray ink droplets.

[0073] The drawing object 810-4 shown in Figure 15 is formed by the drawing execution unit 364 drawing the partial drawing object 812-3 shown in Figure 14 and the partial drawing object 814 shown in Figure 9 so that the overlapping portion 812A of the partial drawing object 812-3 shown in Figure 14 overlaps with the overlapping portion 814A of the partial drawing object 814 shown in Figure 9.

[0074] As shown in Figure 15, in drawing object 810-4, although there is a misalignment in the vertical direction (sub-scanning direction) between partial drawing object 812-3 and partial drawing object 814, the concave portion in overlapping portion 812A of partial drawing object 812-3 is filled with ink droplets that are smaller than usual, making it difficult to see the white streaks caused by the misalignment in the vertical direction (sub-scanning direction) in the area where overlapping portion 812A and overlapping portion 814A overlap.

[0075] Furthermore, in the drawing object 810-4, due to a misalignment in the vertical direction (sub-scanning direction), dark streaks appear in the area where the concave portion of the overlapping portion 812A and the convex portion of the overlapping portion 814A overlap, but because the small droplet drawing in the concave portion of the overlapping portion 812A is formed using light-colored ink droplets, the dark streaks are difficult to see.

[0076] (Third modified example of drawing by the liquid ejection device 100) FIG. 16 is a diagram showing a third modified example of a partial drawing object drawn by the liquid ejection device 100 according to an embodiment.

[0077] The partial drawing object 812-4 shown in Fig. 16 is a modified example of the partial drawing object 812-3 shown in Fig. 14. In the example shown in Fig. 16, the drawing execution unit 364 adjusts the opening / closing time and opening / closing amount of the discharge nozzle 352 to discharge smaller ink droplets than usual into the concave portion in the overlapping portion 812A of the partial drawing object 812-4, thereby drawing small droplets that fill the concave portion. In particular, small droplets that fill the concave portion in the overlapping portion 812A are drawn using light gray ink droplets.

[0078] However, in the example shown in FIG. 16, the drawing execution unit 364 draws droplets only on the portions below the convex portions of each concave portion in the overlapping portion 812A.

[0079] The drawing execution unit 364 draws the partial drawing object 812-4 shown in Figure 16 and the partial drawing object 814 shown in Figure 9 so that the overlapping portion 812A of the partial drawing object 812-4 shown in Figure 16 overlaps with the overlapping portion 814A of the partial drawing object 814 shown in Figure 9.

[0080] At this time, the drawing execution unit 364 shifts the partial drawing object 814 downward when drawing, thereby preventing the portions of the concave portion of the overlap portion 812A where no droplets have been drawn from appearing as white streaks, and also preventing dark streaks from being noticeable.

[0081] (Fourth modified example of drawing by the liquid ejection device 100) FIG. 17 is a diagram showing a fourth modified example of a partial drawing object drawn by the liquid ejection device 100 according to an embodiment.

[0082] The partial drawing object 812-5 shown in Fig. 17 is a modified example of the partial drawing object 812-3 shown in Fig. 14. In the example shown in Fig. 17, the drawing execution unit 364 adjusts the opening / closing time and opening / closing amount of the discharge nozzle 352 to discharge smaller ink droplets than usual into the concave portion in the overlapping portion 812A of the partial drawing object 812-5, thereby performing small droplet drawing to fill the concave portion. In particular, small droplet drawing to fill the concave portion in the overlapping portion 812A is performed using light gray ink droplets.

[0083] However, in the example shown in FIG. 17, the drawing execution unit 364 draws small droplets intermittently in the left-right direction (main scanning direction) in each recessed portion in the overlapping portion 812A.

[0084] The drawing execution unit 364 draws the partial drawing object 812-5 shown in Figure 17 and the partial drawing object 814 shown in Figure 9 so that the overlapping portion 812A of the partial drawing object 812-5 shown in Figure 17 overlaps with the overlapping portion 814A of the partial drawing object 814 shown in Figure 9.

[0085] As a result, even if a vertical (sub-scanning) misalignment occurs between the partial drawing object 812-5 and the partial drawing object 814, the liquid ejection device 100 of one embodiment can make it difficult to see white streaks caused by the vertical (sub-scanning) misalignment in the area where the overlapping portion 812A and the overlapping portion 814A overlap by drawing small droplets in the concave portion of the overlapping portion 812A.

[0086] Furthermore, in the liquid ejection device 100 according to one embodiment, dark streaks partially occur in the areas where the concave portion of the overlapping portion 812A and the convex portion of the overlapping portion 814A overlap due to misalignment in the vertical direction (sub-scanning direction). However, since the small droplets drawn in the concave portion of the overlapping portion 812A are small and light-colored ink droplets and are formed intermittently in the horizontal direction (main scanning direction), the dark streaks can be made less visible.

[0087] (Fifth modified example of drawing by the liquid ejection device 100) FIG. 18 is a diagram showing a fifth modified example of a partial drawing object drawn by the liquid ejection device 100 according to an embodiment.

[0088] The partial drawing object 812-6 shown in Fig. 18 is a modified example of the partial drawing object 812-3 shown in Fig. 14. In the example shown in Fig. 18, the drawing execution unit 364 adjusts the opening / closing time and opening / closing amount of the discharge nozzle 352 to discharge smaller ink droplets than usual into the concave portion in the overlap portion 812A of the partial drawing object 812-6, thereby drawing small droplets that fill the concave portion. In particular, small droplets that fill the concave portion in the overlap portion 812A are drawn using light gray ink droplets.

[0089] However, in the example shown in FIG. 18, the drawing execution unit 364 draws droplets over half but less than the entire length in the left-right direction (main scanning direction) of each recessed portion in the overlapping portion 812A.

[0090] The drawing execution unit 364 draws the partial drawing object 812-6 shown in Figure 18 and the partial drawing object 814 shown in Figure 9 so that the overlapping portion 812A of the partial drawing object 812-6 shown in Figure 18 overlaps with the overlapping portion 814A of the partial drawing object 814 shown in Figure 9.

[0091] As a result, even if a vertical (sub-scanning) misalignment occurs between the partial drawing object 812-6 and the partial drawing object 814, the liquid ejection device 100 of one embodiment can make it difficult to see white streaks caused by the vertical (sub-scanning) misalignment in the area where the overlapping portion 812A and the overlapping portion 814A overlap by drawing small droplets in the concave portion of the overlapping portion 812A.

[0092] Furthermore, in the liquid ejection device 100 according to one embodiment, dark streaks partially occur in the area where the concave portion of the overlapping portion 812A and the convex portion of the overlapping portion 814A overlap due to misalignment in the up-down direction (sub-scanning direction). However, since the small droplets drawn in the concave portion of the overlapping portion 812A are small and light-colored ink droplets and have a length that is more than half but less than the entire length in the left-right direction (main scanning direction), the length of the dark streaks in the left-right direction (main scanning direction) can be shortened, making the dark streaks less visible.

[0093] (Sixth Modification of Drawing by Liquid Discharge Apparatus 100) FIG. 19 is a diagram showing a sixth modified example of a partial drawing object drawn by the liquid ejection device 100 according to an embodiment.

[0094] The partial drawing object 812-7 shown in Fig. 19 is a modified example of the partial drawing object 812-6 shown in Fig. 18. In the example shown in Fig. 19, the drawing execution unit 364 draws small droplets that fill the concave portions in the overlapping portion 812A of the partial drawing object 812-7 by adjusting the opening / closing time and opening / closing amount of the discharge nozzle 352 to discharge ink droplets that are smaller than normal. In particular, small droplets that fill the concave portions in the overlapping portion 812A are drawn using light gray ink droplets. Furthermore, in the example shown in Fig. 19, the drawing execution unit 364 draws small droplets over more than half but less than the entire length in the left-right direction (main scanning direction) of each concave portion in the overlapping portion 812A.

[0095] However, in the example shown in FIG. 19, the drawing execution unit 364 draws small droplets at the middle positions in the left-right direction (main scanning direction) of each recessed portion in the overlapping portion 812A.

[0096] The drawing execution unit 364 draws the partial drawing object 812-7 shown in Figure 19 and the partial drawing object 814 shown in Figure 9 so that the overlapping portion 812A of the partial drawing object 812-7 shown in Figure 19 overlaps with the overlapping portion 814A of the partial drawing object 814 shown in Figure 9.

[0097] As a result, in one embodiment of the liquid ejection device 100, even if there is a misalignment in the vertical direction (sub-scanning direction) between the partial drawing object 812-7 and the partial drawing object 814, the small droplet drawing made in the concave portion of the overlapping portion 812A in the area where the overlapping portion 812A and the overlapping portion 814A overlap can make it difficult to see white streaks caused by the misalignment in the vertical direction (sub-scanning direction).

[0098] Furthermore, in the liquid ejection device 100 according to one embodiment, dark streaks partially occur in the area where the concave portion of the overlapping portion 812A and the convex portion of the overlapping portion 814A overlap due to misalignment in the up-down direction (sub-scanning direction). However, since the small droplets drawn in the concave portion of the overlapping portion 812A are small and light-colored ink droplets and have a length that is more than half but less than the entire length in the left-right direction (main scanning direction), the length of the dark streaks in the left-right direction (main scanning direction) can be shortened, thereby making the dark streaks less visible.

[0099] Furthermore, in one embodiment of the liquid ejection device 100, the droplets drawn in the concave portion of the overlapping portion 812A are formed at a midpoint in the left-right direction (main scanning direction) of the concave portion. This means that the blank areas in the concave portion where no droplets are drawn can be dispersed to both outsides of the droplet drawing. Therefore, even if a white streak occurs due to a misalignment in the up-down direction (sub-scanning direction), the length of the white streak in the left-right direction (main scanning direction) can be shortened, making the white streak less visible.

[0100] (Seventh modified example of drawing by the liquid ejection device 100) FIG. 20 is a diagram showing a seventh modified example of a partial drawing object drawn by the liquid ejection device 100 according to an embodiment.

[0101] The partial drawing object 814-2 shown in Fig. 20 is a modified example of the partial drawing object 814 shown in Fig. 9, and corresponds to the partial drawing object 812-6 shown in Fig. 18. In the example shown in Fig. 20, the drawing execution unit 364 reduces the amount of ink ejected in the portion where the small droplet drawing performed on the concave portion of the overlapping portion 812A of the partial drawing object 812-6 overlaps with the convex portion of the overlapping portion 814A of the partial drawing object 814-2 by adjusting the opening / closing time and opening / closing amount of the ejection nozzle 352.

[0102] The drawing execution unit 364 draws the partial drawing object 812-6 shown in Figure 18 and the partial drawing object 814-2 shown in Figure 20 so that the overlapping portion 812A of the partial drawing object 812-6 shown in Figure 18 overlaps with the overlapping portion 814A of the partial drawing object 814-2 shown in Figure 20.

[0103] As a result, even if a vertical (sub-scanning) misalignment occurs between the partial drawing object 812-6 and the partial drawing object 814-2, the liquid ejection device 100 of one embodiment can make white streaks caused by the vertical (sub-scanning) misalignment less visible in the area where the overlapping portion 812A and the overlapping portion 814A overlap by drawing small droplets in the concave portion of the overlapping portion 812A.

[0104] Furthermore, in the liquid ejection device 100 according to one embodiment, dark streaks partially occur in the area where the concave portion of the overlapping portion 812A overlaps with the convex portion of the overlapping portion 814A due to misalignment in the vertical direction (sub-scanning direction). However, because the amount of ink ejected from the convex portion of the overlapping portion 814A (the area that overlaps with the convex portion of the overlapping portion 814A) is reduced, the intensity of the dark streaks can be reduced, making them less visible.

[0105] (effect) As described above, the liquid ejection device 100 according to one embodiment comprises an ejection nozzle 352 that ejects liquid, a carriage 300 that holds the ejection nozzle 352, a transport unit that transports the carriage 300, and a control unit 360 that controls the drawing of an object using the ejection nozzle 352. The control unit 360 comprises a division unit 362 that divides the object into a plurality of sub-objects, a mask unit 363 that applies a masking process consisting of a concave-convex shape to the ends of one of two adjacent sub-objects and the ends of the other sub-object, and a drawing execution unit 364 that draws the two adjacent sub-objects so that the ends of one sub-object and the ends of the other sub-object overlap.

[0106] As a result, in one embodiment of the liquid ejection device 100, the boundary between two adjacent partial drawing objects is seamless as the uneven shape of the end of one partial drawing object fits into the uneven shape of the end of the other partial drawing object, making the seam between the two adjacent partial drawing objects less noticeable.

[0107] In one embodiment of the liquid ejection device 100, the masking section 363 can perform a masking process on the end of one partial drawing object and the end of the other partial drawing object, which has an uneven shape in which the unevenness is reversed relative to each other.

[0108] As a result, in one embodiment of the liquid ejection device 100, the boundary between two adjacent partial drawing objects is seamless as the uneven shape of the end of one partial drawing object fits perfectly with the uneven shape of the end of the other partial drawing object, making the seam between the two adjacent partial drawing objects less noticeable.

[0109] Furthermore, in the liquid ejection device 100 according to one embodiment, a mask process consisting of an uneven shape with different lengths for each dot line can be applied to the end of one partial drawing object and the end of the other partial drawing object.

[0110] As a result, in the liquid ejection device 100 according to one embodiment, even if a misalignment occurs in the main scanning direction between two adjacent partial drawing objects, the gap between the two adjacent partial drawing objects is dispersed randomly over a wide range in the main scanning direction in units of one dot line, making the gap less noticeable.

[0111] In particular, the mask unit 363 forms each of the plurality of convex portions of the concave-convex shape so that they protrude continuously from the main body of the partial object. This allows the liquid ejection device 100 according to one embodiment to reduce the amount of gaps that occur between two adjacent partial objects (i.e., overlapping portions) after drawing, compared to when each of the plurality of convex portions is provided so as to be discontinued from the main body of the partial object. This is because when each of the plurality of convex portions is provided so as to be discontinued from the main body of the partial object, the gaps (blank portions) between the main body and the convex portions become gaps between the two adjacent partial objects (i.e., overlapping portions) after drawing.

[0112] Furthermore, in the liquid ejection device 100 according to one embodiment, the drawing execution unit 364 can draw a convex portion of the concave-convex shape by ejecting a larger-than-normal droplet of liquid onto the end of one of the partial drawing objects.

[0113] As a result, even if a misalignment in the sub-scanning direction occurs between two adjacent partial drawing objects, the liquid ejection device 100 of one embodiment can prevent white streaks from occurring due to the misalignment in the sub-scanning direction in the area where the uneven shape of the end of one partial drawing object overlaps with the uneven shape of the end of the other partial drawing object.

[0114] Furthermore, in the liquid ejection device 100 according to one embodiment, the drawing execution unit 364 can perform drawing by ejecting smaller droplets of liquid than usual onto the edge of one of the partial drawing objects to fill in the concave portion of the uneven shape.

[0115] As a result, even if a misalignment in the sub-scanning direction occurs between two adjacent partial drawing objects, the liquid ejection device 100 of one embodiment can make the white streaks and dark streaks caused by the misalignment in the sub-scanning direction less visible in the area where the uneven shape of the end of one partial drawing object overlaps with the uneven shape of the end of the other partial drawing object.

[0116] Furthermore, in the liquid ejection device 100 according to one embodiment, the drawing execution unit 364 draws only the portion of the end of one partial drawing object that is on one side of the convex portion of the uneven shape in the sub-scanning direction to fill in the concave portion, and draws the other partial drawing object by shifting it to one side in the sub-scanning direction.

[0117] As a result, even if a misalignment in the sub-scanning direction occurs between two adjacent partial drawing objects, the liquid ejection device 100 of one embodiment can prevent white streaks from appearing in the areas where the uneven shape of the end of one partial drawing object overlaps with the uneven shape of the end of the other partial drawing object, where no droplets have been drawn in the concave shape of the end of one partial drawing object, and can also prevent dark colored streaks from being noticeable.

[0118] Furthermore, in the liquid ejection device 100 according to one embodiment, the drawing execution unit 364 can perform drawing to fill in the recessed portions intermittently in the main scanning direction.

[0119] As a result, even if a misalignment in the sub-scanning direction occurs between two adjacent partial drawing objects, the liquid ejection device 100 of one embodiment can make the white streaks and dark streaks caused by the misalignment in the sub-scanning direction less visible in the area where the uneven shape of the end of one partial drawing object overlaps with the uneven shape of the end of the other partial drawing object.

[0120] Furthermore, in the liquid ejection device 100 according to one embodiment, the drawing execution unit 364 can perform drawing that fills the recessed portion with a length that is equal to or greater than half but less than the entire length in the main scanning direction.

[0121] As a result, even if a misalignment in the sub-scanning direction occurs between two adjacent partial drawing objects, the liquid ejection device 100 of one embodiment can make the white streaks and dark streaks caused by the misalignment in the sub-scanning direction less visible in the area where the uneven shape of the end of one partial drawing object overlaps with the uneven shape of the end of the other partial drawing object.

[0122] Furthermore, in the liquid ejection device 100 according to one embodiment, the drawing execution unit 364 can draw a concave portion at a midpoint in the main scanning direction of the concave portion, filling the concave portion with a length that is more than half but less than the entire length in the main scanning direction.

[0123] As a result, in the liquid ejection device 100 of one embodiment, even if a positional misalignment in the sub-scanning direction occurs between two adjacent partial drawing objects, in the area where the uneven shape of the end of one partial drawing object overlaps with the uneven shape of the end of the other partial drawing object, the blank area where no droplets are drawn in the concave-shaped part of the end of one partial drawing object can be dispersed to both outside in the main scanning direction of the area where droplets are drawn, thereby shortening the length in the main scanning direction of the white streak caused by the blank area, and therefore making the white streak less visible.

[0124] Furthermore, in the liquid ejection device 100 according to one embodiment, the drawing execution unit 364 can reduce the amount of ink ejected to a portion of the convex portion of the uneven shape at the end of the other partial drawing object that overlaps with a portion filled with liquid droplets at the end of one partial drawing object.

[0125] As a result, even if a misalignment in the sub-scanning direction occurs between two adjacent partial drawing objects, the liquid ejection device 100 of one embodiment can make the white streaks and dark streaks caused by the misalignment in the sub-scanning direction less visible in the area where the uneven shape of the end of one partial drawing object overlaps with the uneven shape of the end of the other partial drawing object.

[0126] Although the preferred embodiments of the present invention have been described in detail above, the present invention is not limited to these embodiments, and various modifications and changes are possible within the scope of the gist of the present invention described in the claims.

[0127] For example, in the above embodiment, an example was described in which a drawing object is divided by a straight line parallel to the vertical direction (sub-scanning direction), and multiple partial drawing objects are connected in the horizontal direction via mask processing, but this is not limited to this. For example, a drawing object may be divided by a straight line diagonal to the vertical direction (sub-scanning direction), and multiple partial drawing objects may be connected in the horizontal direction via mask processing.

[0128] For example, in the above embodiment, an example was described in which the left-right direction of the drawing object is the main scanning direction and multiple partial drawing objects are connected in the left-right direction via mask processing, but this is not limited to this. For example, the up-down direction of the drawing object may be the main scanning direction and multiple partial drawing objects may be connected in the up-down direction via mask processing.

[0129] It should be noted that the drawn object in the present invention may be a picture such as an image, or may be a monochrome image (solid image). [Explanation of symbols]

[0130] 10 Object to be drawn 100 Liquid dispensing device 101 X-axis rail 102 Y-axis rail 103 Z-axis rail 104 X-direction drive unit 105 Y-direction drive unit 106 Z-direction drive unit 300 carriages 350Y, 350M, 350C, 350K head 352 Discharge nozzle 352A Nozzle surface 360 Control Unit 361 Acquisition Department 362 Division 363 Mask Section 364 Drawing Execution Unit [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0131] [Patent Document 1] Patent Publication No. 2021-146672

Claims

1. A discharge nozzle for discharging a liquid; a carriage that holds the discharge nozzle; a conveying unit that conveys the carriage; a control unit that controls drawing of a drawing object using the discharge nozzle; Equipped with The control unit a dividing unit that divides the drawing object into a plurality of partial drawing objects; a masking unit that applies a masking process having a concave-convex shape to an end portion of one of the two adjacent partial objects and an end portion of the other of the two adjacent partial objects; a drawing execution unit that draws two adjacent partial objects so that an end of one partial object overlaps an end of the other partial object; and The partial drawing object on the side where the mask processing has been performed on the concave portion of the concave-convex shape is filled by ejecting smaller droplets of the liquid than usual onto the concave portion. A liquid ejection device characterized by:

2. A discharge nozzle that discharges a liquid; a carriage that holds the discharge nozzle; a conveying unit that conveys the carriage; a control unit that controls drawing of a drawing object using the discharge nozzle; Equipped with The control unit a dividing unit that divides the drawing object into a plurality of partial drawing objects; a masking unit that applies a masking process having a concave-convex shape to an end portion of one of the two adjacent partial objects and an end portion of the other of the two adjacent partial objects; a drawing execution unit that draws two adjacent partial objects so that an end of one partial object overlaps an end of the other partial object; and The drawing execution unit performing drawing on an end portion of one of the partial drawing objects so as to fill in a concave portion of the concave-convex shape only in a portion on one side of the convex portion of the concave-convex shape in the sub-scanning direction; The other partial drawing object is drawn by shifting it to the one side in the sub-scanning direction. A liquid ejection device characterized by:

3. A discharge nozzle that discharges a liquid; a carriage that holds the discharge nozzle; a conveying unit that conveys the carriage; a control unit that controls drawing of a drawing object using the discharge nozzle; Equipped with The control unit a dividing unit that divides the drawing object into a plurality of partial drawing objects; a masking unit that applies a masking process having a concave-convex shape to an end portion of one of the two adjacent partial objects and an end portion of the other of the two adjacent partial objects; a drawing execution unit that draws two adjacent partial objects so that an end of one partial object overlaps an end of the other partial object; and The drawing execution unit A droplet of the liquid smaller than normal is ejected onto an end portion of one of the partial drawing objects, thereby performing drawing to fill in the concave portions of the concave-convex shape intermittently in the main scanning direction. A liquid ejection device characterized by:

4. A discharge nozzle for discharging a liquid; a carriage that holds the discharge nozzle; a conveying unit that conveys the carriage; a control unit that controls drawing of a drawing object using the discharge nozzle; Equipped with The control unit a dividing unit that divides the drawing object into a plurality of partial drawing objects; a masking unit that applies a masking process having a concave-convex shape to an end portion of one of the two adjacent partial objects and an end portion of the other of the two adjacent partial objects; a drawing execution unit that draws two adjacent partial objects so that an end of one partial object overlaps an end of the other partial object; and The drawing execution unit A droplet of the liquid smaller than normal is ejected onto an end of one of the partial drawing objects, and drawing is performed to fill in a concave portion of the concave-convex shape by a length of more than half but less than the entire length in the main scanning direction. A liquid ejection device characterized by:

5. The drawing execution unit The concave portion is drawn at a middle position in the main scanning direction of the concave portion so as to fill the concave portion with a length of at least half but less than the entire length in the main scanning direction.

5. The liquid ejection device according to claim 4.

6. A discharge nozzle for discharging a liquid; a carriage that holds the discharge nozzle; a conveying unit that conveys the carriage; a control unit that controls drawing of a drawing object using the discharge nozzle; Equipped with The control unit a dividing unit that divides the drawing object into a plurality of partial drawing objects; a masking unit that applies a masking process having a concave-convex shape to an end portion of one of the two adjacent partial objects and an end portion of the other of the two adjacent partial objects; a drawing execution unit that draws two adjacent partial objects so that an end of one partial object overlaps an end of the other partial object; and The drawing execution unit a droplet of the liquid smaller than usual is ejected onto an end portion of one of the partial drawing objects to fill in a concave portion of the concave-convex shape; The amount of ink ejected is reduced in a portion of the convex portion of the concave-convex shape of the edge of the other partial drawing object that overlaps with a portion of the edge of one partial drawing object that is filled with the liquid of the small droplet. A liquid ejection device characterized by:

7. The mask portion is The mask processing is performed on an end portion of one of the partial drawing objects and an end portion of the other partial drawing object, the mask processing being made up of the concave-convex shape in which the concave-convex shapes are reversed to each other. The liquid ejection device according to any one of claims 1 to 6.

8. The mask portion is The mask processing is performed on an end portion of one of the partial drawing objects and an end portion of the other of the partial drawing objects, the mask processing being made up of the uneven shapes having different lengths for each dot line. The liquid ejection device according to any one of claims 1 to 7.

9. The mask portion is Each of the plurality of convex portions of the concave and convex portions is formed into a shape that protrudes continuously from the main body of the partial drawing object. The liquid ejection device according to any one of claims 1 to 8.

10. The drawing execution unit A droplet of the liquid larger than normal is ejected onto an end of one of the partial drawing objects to draw a convex portion of the concave-convex shape. The liquid ejection device according to any one of claims 1 to 9.

11. A liquid ejection method using a liquid ejection device including an ejection nozzle that ejects liquid, a carriage that holds the ejection nozzle, a transport unit that transports the carriage, and a control unit that controls drawing of an object using the ejection nozzle, a dividing step of dividing the drawing object into a plurality of sub-drawing objects; a masking step of applying a masking process having a concave-convex shape to an end portion of one of the two adjacent partial objects and an end portion of the other of the two adjacent partial objects; a drawing execution step of drawing two adjacent partial objects so that an end of one of the partial objects overlaps an end of the other partial object, ejecting droplets of the liquid smaller than usual onto the end of one of the partial objects to fill in concave portions of the uneven shape, and drawing to fill in the concave portions intermittently in the main scanning direction; A liquid ejection method comprising:

12. A program for a liquid ejection device including an ejection nozzle that ejects a liquid, a carriage that holds the ejection nozzle, a transport unit that transports the carriage, and a control unit that controls drawing of an object using the ejection nozzle, Computer, a dividing unit for dividing the drawing object into a plurality of partial drawing objects; a masking unit that applies a masking process having a concave-convex shape to an end portion of one of the two adjacent partial objects and an end portion of the other of the two adjacent partial objects; and a drawing execution unit that draws two adjacent partial objects so that an end of one of the partial objects overlaps an end of the other partial object, discharges droplets of the liquid smaller than usual onto the end of one of the partial objects to fill in concave portions of the uneven shape, and draws by filling in the concave portions intermittently in the main scanning direction; A program to function as a

13. a liquid ejection device including an ejection nozzle that ejects liquid, a carriage that holds the ejection nozzle, and a transport unit that transports the carriage; a control unit that controls drawing of a drawing object using the discharge nozzle; A liquid ejection system comprising: The control unit a dividing unit that divides the drawing object into a plurality of partial drawing objects; a masking unit that applies a masking process having a concave-convex shape to an end portion of one of the two adjacent partial objects and an end portion of the other of the two adjacent partial objects; a drawing execution unit that draws two adjacent partial objects so that an end of one of the partial objects overlaps an end of the other partial object, discharges droplets of the liquid smaller than usual onto the end of one of the partial objects to fill in concave portions of the uneven shape, and draws by filling in the concave portions intermittently in the main scanning direction; A liquid ejection system comprising:

Images