Printing apparatus and foil transfer method

Abstract

To provide a printing device and a foil transfer method, which can suppress a defect from occurring in foil transferred to a recording medium.SOLUTION: A printing device, which performs foil-transfer printing on a recording medium, comprises: an inkjet head that discharges color ink for printing an image on the recording medium and viscous ink for transferring foil to the recording medium to the recording medium, on the basis of composite image data; and a special processing setting part that when a size of an area of the foil transferred to the recording medium satisfies a transfer area condition, sets special processing which is different from a predetermined reference processing so that a defect does not occur in the transferred foil.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 7

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a printing apparatus and a foil transfer method.

Background Art

[0002] Some printing apparatuses perform foil transfer printing in which an image is printed on a recording medium using an inkjet printer and a foil is transferred to the recording medium to apply decoration.

[0003] In a printing apparatus that performs foil transfer printing, generally, the configuration for transferring the foil to the recording medium is not inline with respect to the printer. Therefore, after printing the image, a roller or a press machine is used to transfer the foil to the recording medium, and a separate apparatus for transferring the foil is required.

[0004] For example, Patent Document 1 describes a method of transferring a stamp foil to a substrate with a UV curable adhesive discharged from an inkjet printer and pressing it with a roller. However, since the method described in Patent Document 1 uses a UV curable adhesive, a UV light source is required.

[0005] Therefore, an apparatus has also been developed that discharges a sticky ink (hereinafter referred to as "sticky ink") generated using a solvent from an inkjet head instead of a UV curable adhesive and transfers a foil to a recording medium.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0006]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0007] Even when solvent ink is used as an adhesive, foil transfer defects may occur depending on the size of the transfer area. For example, if the transfer area is a fine line, the foil may be transferred in a rubbed state, or if the transfer area is large, cracks or peeling of the foil due to abrasion may occur on the surface of the foil after transfer.

[0008] Therefore, the present invention aims to provide a printing apparatus and a foil transfer method that can suppress defects in the foil transferred to a recording medium. [Means for solving the problem]

[0009] A printing apparatus according to one aspect of the present invention is a printing apparatus for performing foil transfer printing on a recording medium, comprising: an ejection means for ejecting ink for printing an image on the recording medium and adhesive ink for transferring foil to the recording medium onto the recording medium based on image data; and a setting means for setting a special process different from a predetermined standard process so that defects do not occur in the transferred foil when the size of the foil transfer area on the recording medium satisfies predetermined conditions. With this configuration, defects in the foil transferred to the recording medium can be suppressed by performing a special process according to the size of the foil transfer area.

[0010] In the above-described printing apparatus, the predetermined condition is that one side of the foil transfer area is a fine line less than a predetermined value, and the special treatment may be a treatment that increases the amount of adhesive ink discharged to the transfer area corresponding to the fine line less than the predetermined value compared to the standard treatment. With this configuration, the phenomenon of foil not being transferred, which occurs when transferring foil in the shape of a fine line, can be suppressed.

[0011] In the above-described printing apparatus, the predetermined condition is that one side of the foil transfer area is a fine line less than a predetermined value, and the special treatment may be a process that expands the foil transfer area so that the fine line less than the predetermined value becomes greater than or equal to the predetermined value. With this configuration, the phenomenon of foil not being transferred, which occurs when transferring foil in the shape of a fine line, can be suppressed.

[0012] In the above-described printing apparatus, the predetermined condition is that the transfer area of ​​the foil is greater than or equal to a predetermined area, and the special treatment may be a process of ejecting the adhesive ink in a predetermined pattern onto the transfer area of ​​the foil that is greater than or equal to the predetermined area. With this configuration, it is possible to suppress cracking of the foil and other problems that may occur when transferring the foil to a wide transfer area.

[0013] In the above-described printing apparatus, the special treatment may involve ejecting the ink of a predetermined color into the gaps where the predetermined pattern is not formed. With this configuration, even if the foil is transferred in a halftone pattern, it is possible to suppress any damage to the aesthetic appearance obtained by foil transfer printing.

[0014] In the above-described printing apparatus, the predetermined conditions may vary depending on the type of recording medium. With this configuration, defects in the foil transferred to the recording medium can be suppressed by appropriate special processing according to the recording medium.

[0015] A foil transfer method according to one aspect of the present invention is a foil transfer method for transferring foil to a recording medium by discharging an adhesive ink for transferring foil to the recording medium onto the recording medium, comprising: a first step in which a determination means determines whether the size of the foil transfer area on the recording medium satisfies predetermined conditions; and a second step in which, if the predetermined conditions are met, a setting means sets a special treatment different from a predetermined standard treatment so that defects do not occur in the transferred foil. [Effects of the Invention]

[0016] The present invention aims to provide a printing apparatus and a foil transfer method that can suppress defects in the foil transferred to a recording medium. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0017] [Figure 1] This is a schematic diagram of the printing system according to the first embodiment. [Figure 2] This is a schematic diagram showing the foil transfer printing process of the first embodiment. [Figure 3]It is a schematic cross-sectional view of a recording medium on which color ink and adhesive ink of the first embodiment are ejected. [Figure 4] It is a diagram showing the allowable and non-allowable regions of foil transfer with respect to the ejection amount of the adhesive ink. [Figure 5] It is a schematic diagram showing the halftone processing of the first embodiment. (A) shows the case where halftone processing is not performed, (B) shows the case where the adhesive ink is ejected in a halftone pattern, and (C) shows the case where ink is ejected into the gaps where no halftone is formed. [Figure 6] It is a functional block diagram of the printing control device of the first embodiment. [Figure 7] It is a flowchart showing the flow of the generation process of the composite image data of the first embodiment. [Figure 8] It is a schematic diagram showing the texture processing of the second embodiment. [Figure 9] It is a flowchart showing the flow of the generation process of the composite image data of the second embodiment.

Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0018] (First Embodiment) Hereinafter, the printing system 10 of the embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0019] FIG. 1 is a schematic configuration diagram of the printing system 10 of the present embodiment. The printing system 10 includes an information processing device 12 and a printing device 14.

[0020] The information processing device 12 is a computer operated by a user, and is composed of, for example, a monitor, a CPU (Central Processing Unit), a RAM (Random Access Memory), a ROM (Read Only Memory), and a computer-readable storage medium, etc. The information processing device 12 of the present embodiment functions as an image processing device that generates image data etc. indicating an image to be printed on the recording medium 16 and performs various processes on the image data. Further, the information processing device 12 transmits the image data after image processing to the printing device 14.

[0021] The printing apparatus 14 of this embodiment includes an inkjet printer 18 and a foil transfer device 20 so that foil transfer printing can be performed on the recording medium 16.

[0022] The inkjet printer 18 includes an inkjet head 22, a platen 24, and a first heater 26.

[0023] The inkjet head 22 ejects process color inks such as yellow, magenta, cyan, and black (hereinafter referred to as "color inks") based on image data and prints on the recording medium 16 placed on the platen 24. In addition, the inkjet head 22 of this embodiment is capable of ejecting adhesive ink for transferring (adhering) foil 34 to the recording medium 16. The recording medium 16 is fed out from the media feeding unit 17 and transported to the platen 24 via the transport roller 19A and the pad roller 19B. The media feeding unit 17 holds the recording medium 16 wound in a roll shape. The media feeding unit 17 does not have a drive source to rotate the recording medium 16, and the recording medium 16 rotates passively in response to the transport of the recording medium 16 by the transport roller 19A. The pad roller 19B is positioned opposite the transport roller 19A and is biased toward the transport roller 19A.

[0024] The inkjet head 22 is mounted on the carriage 23 and moves in a direction perpendicular to the transport direction (sub-scanning direction) of the recording medium 16 (main scanning direction), ejecting color ink and adhesive ink based on the image data. In this embodiment, the color ink and adhesive ink are solvent inks, and the adhesive ink is set as a special color.

[0025] The recording medium 16 is, for example, paper, fabric, or a resin film, and is transported continuously from the inkjet printer 18 to the foil transfer device 20 by transport rollers 19A, etc.

[0026] The first heater 26 is positioned downstream of the inkjet head 22 in the transport direction of the recording medium 16, and heats the recording medium 16 to a first temperature (60°C or higher) to dry the color ink and adhesive ink. Here, drying means that the liquid components contained in the color ink and adhesive ink have evaporated or hardened, and the printed surface is no longer sticky. The recording medium 16, from which the color ink and adhesive ink have been dried by the first heater 26, is then transported to the foil transfer device 20. Note that the color ink and adhesive ink are dried by heating with the first heater 26, which causes the liquid components in the color ink and adhesive ink to evaporate or harden. By drying the color ink and adhesive ink with the first heater 26, the color ink and adhesive ink are fixed at the landing position on the recording medium 16.

[0027] The foil transfer apparatus 20 includes a second heater 30 and a foil transfer section 32.

[0028] The second heater 30 is positioned downstream of the first heater 26 in the transport direction of the recording medium 16. The second heater 30 does not thicken the color ink, but heats the recording medium 16 at a temperature that softens (thickens) the viscous ink (approximately 40°C to 80°C, depending on the type of components contained in the color ink), thereby softening the viscous ink discharged onto the recording medium 16.

[0029] When heated by the second heater 30, the tacky ink softens and becomes thicker, while the color ink does not soften. Thus, the color ink and the tacky ink in this embodiment have different tackiness (softening properties and drying properties) with respect to temperature.

[0030] The foil transfer unit 32 is positioned downstream of the second heater 30 in the transport direction of the recording medium 16, and transfers the foil 34 onto the recording medium 16. In this embodiment, the foil transfer unit 32 is a pair of rollers 32A and 32B. The foil 34 is formed in a sheet shape on a base material, and the foil 34 is fed out from the foil feeding unit 37 and transported to the foil transfer unit 32 by the transport roller 36A. The color of the foil 34 transferred to the recording medium 16 is not limited. The foil feeding unit 37 holds the foil 34 wound in a roll shape and rotates passively in accordance with the movement of the foil 34 as it is wound up by the foil winding unit 38 after being transferred to the recording medium 16.

[0031] The foil 34 and recording medium 16, transported to the foil transfer unit 32, are pressed together by a pair of rollers 32A and 32B. The recording medium 16 transported to the foil transfer unit 32 has lost the tackiness of the color ink, while the tackiness of the tack ink remains. As a result, the foil 34 peels off from the substrate in the area where the tack ink is ejected, and the foil 34 is transferred to the recording medium 16. The foil 34 remaining on the substrate after the transfer to the recording medium 16 by the foil transfer unit 32 is guided in a predetermined direction by the guide roller 36B and wound up by the foil winding unit 38.

[0032] In this embodiment, a second heater 30 is provided between the first heater 26 and the foil transfer section 32. However, by incorporating heaters into the rollers 32A and 32B of the foil transfer section 32, heating to soften the adhesive ink and pressurizing for foil transfer can be performed simultaneously. In this configuration, the adhesive ink will have higher adhesiveness than the color ink due to the heating that occurs when transferring the foil 34 to the recording medium 16.

[0033] Figure 1 illustrates the transfer of foil 34 by heating and softening the adhesive ink. However, when using UV-curable ink, the second heater 30 may be omitted, and it is also possible to provide a UV lamp for curing the ink.

[0034] The recording medium 16 onto which the foil 34 has been transferred is sent to the media winding unit 39 by guide rollers 28 that guide the recording medium 16 in a predetermined direction, and is wound up by the media winding unit 39. Alternatively, the recording medium 16 may not be wound up by the media winding unit 39, but may be cut and discharged from the printing device 14 after each printing is completed. Furthermore, the recording medium 16 after foil transfer printing is completed may be laminated or otherwise processed after being discharged from the printing device 14.

[0035] Furthermore, the printing device 14 is equipped with a print control device 40 that controls the printing device 14. The print control device 40 consists of a CPU, RAM, ROM, and a computer-readable storage medium, etc.

[0036] In this embodiment, the print control device 40 controls the inkjet head 22 to print an image on the recording medium 16 based on the image data after image processing transmitted from the information processing device 12. The print control device 40 also controls the rotation of the transport roller 19A, foil winding unit 38, media winding unit 39, etc., and controls the temperature of the first heater 26 and second heater 30.

[0037] In conventional foil transfer printing, when adhesive ink is dispensed on top of color ink, the foil 34 is transferred in a raised manner on top of the color ink, which can impair the design. Also, depending on the type of color ink, even if adhesive ink is dispensed on top of the color ink, the adhesive ink may not adhere properly, making it impossible to transfer the foil 34 onto the color ink.

[0038] On the other hand, the printing apparatus 14 of this embodiment can reliably fix the adhesive ink to the recording medium 16, as will be described below with reference to Figures 2 and 3.

[0039] The information processing device 12 in this embodiment generates image data 50 showing an image to be printed on the recording medium 16, and foil transfer data 52 representing the ejection area of ​​adhesive ink in a predetermined color. The information processing device 12 then combines the foil transfer data 52 with the image data 50 to generate composite image data 54. In other words, the combination means replacing the area of ​​the image data 50 corresponding to the ejection area of ​​adhesive ink shown by the foil transfer data 52 with the foil transfer data 52.

[0040] As described above, in this embodiment, the foil transfer data 52 is represented in a single color (e.g., black), and the adhesive ink is treated as a spot color. Therefore, the printing system 10 converts the single color in the foil transfer data 52 into a spot color to create foil transfer data 52', and then combines the foil transfer data 52' with the image data 50. In this way, by generating the foil transfer data 52 in a single color and then converting the single color to a spot color, the user can create the foil transfer data 52 as ordinary image data without using any special software, as will be described in detail later.

[0041] In the example shown in Figure 2, the vertical and horizontal dimensions of the image data 50 and the foil transfer data 52 are the same. This allows the image data 50 and the foil transfer data 52 to be combined without any special alignment. However, the foil transfer data 52 may be smaller than the image data 50. In this case, the area in which the foil transfer data 52 is combined with the image data 50 is predetermined.

[0042] Figure 3 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a recording medium 16 on which color ink 56 and adhesive ink 58 have been ejected based on composite image data 54. In this embodiment, since image data 50 and foil transfer data 52 are composited, not only the color ink 56 but also the adhesive ink 58 is ejected directly onto the surface of the recording medium 16, as shown in Figure 3(A). As a result, the foil 34 is transferred only onto the adhesive ink 58, as shown in Figure 3(B). In other words, in this embodiment, the foil 34 is transferred directly to the recording medium 16, so the printing apparatus 14 of this embodiment can transfer the foil 34 reliably without impairing the design.

[0043] Here, Figure 4 shows the region in which the transfer of foil 34 is possible or impossible depending on the amount of adhesive ink 58 ejected (also called the amount printed or imprinted). The vertical axis of Figure 4 represents the amount of adhesive ink 58 ejected per unit area, and the horizontal axis of Figure 4 represents the drying time (heating time) of the recording medium 16 by the first heater 26 and the second heater 30.

[0044] Area A within the dashed line shown in Figure 4 indicates the area where the foil 34 can be transferred to the recording medium 16. Area B within the hatched area indicates the typical discharge rate of adhesive ink 58 (e.g., 10-20 g / m²). 2 In this region, the area indicated is one in which defects such as cracking or abrasion are less likely to occur in the foil 34 transferred to the recording medium 16. That is, even if the area is within the range of region A, if it is outside the range of region B, there is a possibility that defects will occur in the foil 34 transferred to the recording medium 16.

[0045] Area C within the dashed line indicates the range in which foil 34 can be transferred without defects when the transfer area of ​​foil 34 is a fine line of 0.5 mm. Area D within the dotted hatching indicates the range in which foil 34 can be transferred without defects when the transfer area of ​​foil 34 is a fine line of 0.1 mm. Note that the transfer area of ​​foil 34 corresponds to the ejection area of ​​the adhesive ink 58 shown in the foil transfer data 52.

[0046] As shown in Figure 4, whether or not the foil 34 can be transferred to the recording medium 16 does not depend on the drying time as long as it is above a certain time (for example, 1 minute or more), but it does depend on the amount of adhesive ink 58 dispensed.

[0047] Here, the transfer area of ​​foil 34, which corresponds to a fine line of 0.5 mm, includes area C within area B. Therefore, when the transfer area of ​​foil 34 is a fine line of 0.5 mm, even if the amount of adhesive ink 58 dispensed is the same as that of area B, the transfer can be performed without causing defects in foil 34.

[0048] On the other hand, region D, where the transfer area of ​​the foil 34 corresponds to a fine line of 0.1 mm, is included in region A, so transfer to the recording medium 16 is possible, but it is not included in region B. In other words, even if the amount of adhesive ink 58 discharged is set to the range of region B and an attempt is made to transfer the foil 34 with a fine line of 0.1 mm to the recording medium 16, defects may occur, such as the foil 34 being transferred in a rubbed state. For example, 20 g / m², which is within the range of region B. 2 Figure 4 shows that if the discharge volume is set to a duty cycle of 100%, the amount of adhesive solids contained in it is approximately 10%, which makes it difficult to transfer the 0.1 mm fine foil 34 to the recording medium 16 without defects. For this reason, it is not preferable to set the discharge volume of the adhesive ink 58 to the range of region B and transfer the 0.1 mm fine foil 34 to the recording medium 16.

[0049] Furthermore, even when the amount of adhesive ink 58 ejected is set to the range of area B, and the foil 34 is transferred over an area wider than a fine line of 0.5 mm or more, defects may still occur. For example, this may occur when the transfer area of ​​the foil 34 is relatively wide. In such cases, cracks or other defects may occur in the foil 34 transferred to the recording medium 16.

[0050] Therefore, in this embodiment, the printing apparatus 14 sets a special process different from a predetermined standard process when the size of the transfer area of ​​the foil 34 onto the recording medium 16 satisfies predetermined conditions (hereinafter referred to as "transfer area conditions"), so that defects do not occur in the transferred foil 34.

[0051] The standard process in this embodiment is the process of ejecting adhesive ink 58 onto the recording medium 16 at a predetermined ejection amount (hereinafter referred to as the "standard ejection amount"). The standard ejection amount varies depending on the type of recording medium 16 to which the foil 34 is transferred, but for example, it corresponds to the range of area B shown in Figure 4, which is 10 to 20 g / m². 2 That is the case.

[0052] In this embodiment, the transfer area conditions include, as an example, a condition in which one side of the transfer area of ​​the foil 34 is a thin line less than a predetermined value (first transfer area condition), and a condition in which the transfer area of ​​the foil 34 is greater than or equal to a predetermined area (second transfer area condition). The first and second transfer area conditions differ depending on the type of recording medium 16 and are set in advance as will be described in detail later.

[0053] In the first transfer region conditions, a thin line with one side less than a predetermined value is, for example, a thin line with one side less than 0.5 mm. A thin line is defined as a shape in which, for example, another side perpendicular to the aforementioned side is at least a predetermined size relative to that side, and the predetermined size can be set arbitrarily.

[0054] The special processing varies depending on the transfer area conditions that the transfer area of ​​the foil 34 onto the recording medium 16 satisfies. When the first transfer area condition is met, the special processing may include increasing the ejection amount or widening the line width, as an example.

[0055] The discharge volume increase process is a process that increases the amount of adhesive ink 58 discharged to the transfer area corresponding to fine lines below a predetermined value compared to the standard process. For example, the discharge volume of adhesive ink 58 in the standard process is 10-20 g / m². 2 In that case, the special processing method will result in an adhesive ink discharge rate of 25-40 g / m². 2 In other words, in the special treatment, the amount of adhesive ink 58 discharged per unit area is increased compared to the standard treatment. Note that the amount of adhesive ink 58 discharged in the special treatment may vary depending on the type of recording medium 16.

[0056] The line width expansion process is a process that expands the transfer area of ​​the foil 34 so that fine lines smaller than a predetermined value become larger than or equal to the predetermined value. For example, if the predetermined value is 0.5 mm, the foil transfer data 52 is processed to expand the sides (widths) of fine lines with sides smaller than 0.5 mm to 0.5 mm.

[0057] The printing apparatus 14 of this embodiment can suppress the phenomenon in which the foil 34 is not transferred in a fine line shape by increasing the ejection volume and widening the line width. Note that the ejection volume increase and widening the line width are applied only to the transfer area corresponding to fine lines below a predetermined value, and adhesive ink 58 is ejected in the other transfer areas by a standard process.

[0058] On the other hand, when the second transfer area condition, which is that the transfer area of ​​the foil 34 is greater than a predetermined area, is met, a special treatment is, for example, a texture treatment. The texture treatment is a process in which adhesive ink 58 is ejected in a predetermined pattern onto the transfer area of ​​the foil 34 that is greater than a predetermined area. Such a texture treatment can suppress cracking of the foil 34 that may occur when the foil 34 is transferred to a wide transfer area.

[0059] Figure 5 is a schematic diagram illustrating the texture process. Figure 5(A) shows the transfer area 60 of the foil 34 onto the recording medium 16 when the texture process is not performed. In this case, the adhesive ink 58 is ejected over the entire transfer area 60 of the foil 34.

[0060] Figure 5(B) shows the case where the adhesive ink 58 is ejected in a predetermined pattern. In this embodiment, the predetermined pattern is, for example, halftone dots 62, and the adhesive ink 58 is ejected as multiple halftone dots 62 by the texture treatment. Therefore, the foil 34 is not transferred to the entire transfer area 60, but is transferred in a halftone pattern. The size and density of the halftone dots 62 can be set arbitrarily. In addition, the shape of the halftone dots 62 is, for example, circular, but is not limited to this, and may be other shapes such as rectangles or stars.

[0061] Figure 5(C) shows the case where a predetermined color ink 56 is ejected into the gaps 64 where halftone dots 62 are not formed. In Figure 5(B), since adhesive ink 58 is not ejected into the gaps 64 between the halftone dots 62, the foil 34 is not transferred and remains the surface color of the recording medium 16, which may impair the aesthetic appearance of the recording medium 16 onto which the foil 34 has been transferred. On the other hand, as shown in Figure 5(C), since color ink 56 is ejected into these gaps 64, the gaps 64 are colored, so even if the foil 34 is transferred in a halftone pattern, it is possible to suppress the deterioration of the aesthetic appearance obtained by foil transfer printing. The color of the color ink 56 ejected into the gaps 64 can be arbitrarily set.

[0062] Figure 6 is a functional block diagram relating to foil transfer printing in the information processing device 12 and print control device 40 of this embodiment. The information processing device 12 includes a communication unit 72, a storage unit 74, a transfer area determination unit 76, a special processing setting unit 78, and a data synthesis unit 80.

[0063] The communication unit 72 transmits and receives data with the print control device 40 and sends a composite image data 54, which is a combination of the image data 50 and the foil transfer data 52, to the print control device 40.

[0064] The storage unit 74 stores image data 50 and foil transfer data 52 received from the information processing device 12, as well as various data and programs such as the transfer area conditions described above.

[0065] The transfer area determination unit 76 determines, based on the foil transfer data 52, whether or not there is a transfer area 60 of the foil 34 that satisfies the first transfer area condition or the second transfer area condition.

[0066] The special processing setting unit 78 is configured to perform an output volume increase process or a line width widening process when the first transfer area condition is met, and to perform a texture process when the second transfer area condition is met.

[0067] The data synthesis unit 80 synthesizes the foil transfer data 52 with the image data 50 to generate synthesized image data 54.

[0068] The printing control device 40 includes a communication unit 82, an ink ejection control unit 84, a heater control unit 86, and a roller drive control unit 88.

[0069] The communication unit 82 transmits and receives data with the information processing device 12 and receives the composite image data 54 from the information processing device 12.

[0070] The ink ejection control unit 84 controls the inkjet head 22 to eject color ink 56 and adhesive ink 58 onto the recording medium 16 based on the composite image data 54.

[0071] The heater control unit 86 controls the temperature of the first heater 26 and the second heater 30.

[0072] The roller drive control unit 88 controls the rotation of various conveying rollers.

[0073] Figure 7 is a flowchart showing the flow of the composite image data generation process performed by the information processing device 12 of this embodiment.

[0074] First, in step 100, the information processing device 12 generates image data 50 and foil transfer data 52. The generated image data 50 and foil transfer data 52 are stored in the storage unit 74. Note that the image data 50 and foil transfer data 52 may be generated by other information processing devices.

[0075] In the next step 102, the transfer area determination unit 76 determines, based on the foil transfer data 52, whether or not there is a transfer area 60 of the foil 34 that satisfies the first transfer area condition or the second transfer area condition. If the determination is positive, the process proceeds to step 104. On the other hand, if the determination is negative, the process proceeds to step 110.

[0076] In step 104, the transcription region determination unit 76 generates information indicating whether or not special processing can be performed. This information indicates whether or not the special processing determined by the user can be performed, and the details of the processing if the special processing is to be performed.

[0077] To generate information on whether or not special processing can be performed, the information processing device 12 displays an image on the monitor prompting the user to decide whether or not to perform the special processing. At this time, the location of the transfer area 60 that requires special processing and the content of the special processing to be performed are also displayed on the monitor.

[0078] When a user requests special processing, they also determine the specific details of that processing. For example, if the transfer area 60 of the foil 34 satisfies the first transfer area condition, the user selects either an increased ejection volume processing or a widened line width processing as the special processing. On the other hand, if the transfer area 60 of the foil 34 satisfies the second transfer area condition, the user selects the size and density of the halftone dots 62 in the special processing texture processing, and, if color ink 56 is to be ejected into the gaps 64 between the halftone dots, the color of the ink, etc.

[0079] Furthermore, if a transfer region 60 exists that satisfies both the first and second transfer region conditions, since the transfer region 60 is a long, thin line less than 0.5 mm in length, the user can choose to increase the discharge volume or widen the line width as a special treatment, but cannot choose to apply a texture treatment.

[0080] In the next step 106, the special processing setting unit 78 determines whether or not to set up special processing based on the special processing execution feasibility information. If the determination is positive, the process proceeds to step 108. On the other hand, if the determination is negative, i.e., if the user does not execute special processing, the process proceeds to step 110.

[0081] In the next step 108, the special processing setting unit 78 sets the special processing.

[0082] For example, if an increased discharge volume treatment is selected as a special treatment, the discharge volume of the adhesive ink 58 to the transfer area 60 that is the target of the increased discharge volume treatment is set to increase to a predetermined value. The set discharge volume is achieved, for example, by adding it as additional information to the foil transfer data 52. The printing apparatus 14 discharges the adhesive ink 58 to the transfer area 60 based on the additional information.

[0083] Furthermore, if line width expansion processing is selected as a special processing step, the foil transfer data 52 is modified to expand the width of the fine lines to be subjected to line width expansion processing to a predetermined value (for example, 0.5 mm).

[0084] Furthermore, if texture processing is selected as a special process, the data is converted so that the area within the outline of the image indicated by the foil transfer data 52, i.e., the area within the ejection region of the adhesive ink 58, becomes a halftone pattern. If the color of the gaps 64 between the halftone dots is also set by the user, the color of the gaps 64 between the halftone dots is also set for the foil transfer data 52.

[0085] In the next step 110, the data synthesis unit 80 synthesizes the image data 50 and the foil transfer data 52 to generate synthesized image data 54. That is, if special processing is set in step 108, the foil transfer data 52 with this setting and the image data 50 are synthesized to generate synthesized image data 54. On the other hand, if no special processing is set, the unprocessed image data 50 and the foil transfer data 52 are synthesized to generate synthesized image data 54.

[0086] In the next step 112, the generated composite image data 54 is transmitted to the print control device 40 via the communication unit 72. The composite image data 54 transmitted to the print control device 40 is data that has undergone RIP (Raster Image Processor) processing. RIP processing is a process that generates a raster image that specifies the ejection position for the ink of the corresponding color to the image data. It generates a raster image that specifies the ejection position for the ink of the corresponding color by performing halftone processing on grayscale images corresponding to each color of the color inks 56 such as C, M, Y, and K, and the adhesive ink 58.

[0087] Based on the received composite image data 54, the print control device 40 controls the printing device 14 to eject color ink 56 and adhesive ink 58 from the inkjet head 22, and performs foil transfer printing on the recording medium 16.

[0088] (Second Embodiment) A second embodiment of the present invention will be described below.

[0089] In the first embodiment, if the transfer region conditions were not met, texture processing could not be performed on the transfer region 60. However, in this embodiment, texture processing can be performed even if the transfer region conditions are not met. That is, in this embodiment, texture processing can be performed on the transfer region 60 even if the transfer region 60 is linear and does not meet the first transfer region conditions, or even if the transfer region 60 is planar and does not meet the second transfer region conditions.

[0090] In the first embodiment, the adhesive ink 58 was described as being ejected in a halftone (dot) pattern for texture processing. However, as illustrated in Figures 8(A) to (D), the adhesive ink 58 may also be ejected in a way that expresses various patterns, such as gradients or halftones using lines, by foil transfer.

[0091] For example, if the width of the transfer area 60 of the foil 34 is narrow, a gradation effect may be applied using lines of different thicknesses instead of halftone dots 62, as shown in Figure 8(A). Alternatively, lines intersecting at right angles may be used as a pattern, as shown in Figure 8(B), or lines intersecting diagonally may be used as a pattern, as shown in Figure 8(C). Furthermore, diagonal lines may be used as a pattern, as shown in Figure 8(D). In addition, the spacing between the lines forming the pattern may be varied.

[0092] Figure 9 is a flowchart showing the flow of the composite image data generation process performed by the information processing device 12 of this embodiment.

[0093] First, in step 200, the information processing device 12 generates image data 50 and foil transfer data 52. The generated image data 50 and foil transfer data 52 are stored in the storage unit 74.

[0094] In the next step 202, the transfer area determination unit 76 determines, based on the foil transfer data 52, whether or not a transfer area 60 of the foil 34 that satisfies the first transfer area condition exists. If the determination is positive, the process proceeds to step 204. On the other hand, if the determination is negative, the process proceeds to step 208.

[0095] In step 204, the transcription region determination unit 76 generates information on whether or not special processing can be performed. The generation of information on whether or not special processing can be performed when the first transcription region condition is met is the same as in the first embodiment.

[0096] In the next step 206, the special processing setting unit 78 sets the special processing based on the special processing feasibility information and proceeds to step 212. Specifically, if the special processing feasibility information indicates that the special processing should be performed, the system is set to execute either the discharge volume increase process or the line width widening process selected by the user for the corresponding foil transfer area. On the other hand, if the special processing feasibility information indicates that the special processing should not be performed, neither the discharge volume increase process nor the line width widening process is executed.

[0097] In step 208, which is accessed if step 202 results in a negative determination, the transfer area determination unit 76 determines whether a transfer area 60 of foil 34 that satisfies the second transfer area condition exists. If the determination is positive, the process proceeds to step 210. On the other hand, if the determination is negative, the process proceeds to step 212.

[0098] In step 210, the transfer area determination unit 76 generates information on whether or not special processing can be performed, and the process proceeds to step 214. In other words, in step 210, the user selects whether or not to perform texture processing on the foil transfer area that satisfies the second transfer area condition.

[0099] In step 212, the user selects whether or not to perform the texture processing on the foil transfer area. If the user selects to perform the texture processing, the result is positive, and the process proceeds to step 214. On the other hand, if the user does not select to perform the texture processing, the result is negative, and the process proceeds to step 216. The user's selection of the texture processing is made by displaying an image on the monitor of the information processing device 12, prompting the user to input whether or not to perform the texture processing.

[0100] In step 214, the texture processing settings are configured, and the process proceeds to step 216. The texture processing settings are configured by the user, who selects the foil transfer area and texture to be processed, based on the foil transfer data 52 displayed on the monitor of the information processing device 12. If the special processing feasibility information generated in step 210 indicates that the texture processing should not be performed, the process in step 214 is skipped, and the process proceeds to step 216.

[0101] In step 216, the data synthesis unit 80 synthesizes the image data 50 and the foil transfer data 52 to generate synthesized image data 54. That is, if at least one of the special processing settings in step 206 and the texture processing settings in step 214 is performed, the foil transfer data 52 and image data 50 that have undergone these settings are synthesized to generate synthesized image data 54. On the other hand, if neither the special processing nor the texture processing settings are performed, the foil transfer data 52 and image data 50 that have not undergone any processing are synthesized to generate synthesized image data 54.

[0102] In the next step 218, the generated composite image data 54 is transmitted to the print control device 40 via the communication unit 72.

[0103] Although the present invention has been described above using the above embodiments, the technical scope of the present invention is not limited to the scope described in the above embodiments. Various modifications or improvements can be made to the above embodiments without departing from the spirit of the invention, and such modified or improved forms are also included in the technical scope of the present invention. Furthermore, the above embodiments may be combined as appropriate.

[0104] In the above embodiment, a configuration in which the second heater 30 and the foil transfer section 32 are different has been described, but the present invention is not limited thereto, and the second heater 30 may be built into the foil transfer section 32.

[0105] (Effects of the embodiment) (1) The printing apparatus 14 of this embodiment is a printing apparatus 14 that performs foil transfer printing on a recording medium 16, and comprises an inkjet head 22 that ejects color ink 56 for printing an image on the recording medium 16 and adhesive ink 58 for transferring foil 34 to the recording medium 16 based on composite image data 54, and a special processing setting unit 78 that sets a special processing different from a predetermined standard processing so that defects do not occur in the transferred foil 34 when the size of the transfer area 60 of the foil 34 on the recording medium 16 satisfies the transfer area conditions. According to this embodiment, by performing a special processing according to the size of the transfer area 60 of the foil 34, it is possible to suppress defects in the foil 34 transferred to the recording medium 16.

[0106] (2) The transfer area condition in this embodiment is that one side of the transfer area 60 of the foil 34 is a fine line less than a predetermined value, and the special treatment is a treatment that increases the amount of adhesive ink 58 discharged to the transfer area 60 corresponding to the fine line less than the predetermined value compared to the standard treatment. According to this embodiment, the phenomenon in which the foil 34 is not transferred when transferring the foil 34 in a fine line shape can be suppressed.

[0107] (3) The transfer area condition in this embodiment is that one side of the transfer area 60 of the foil 34 is a fine line less than a predetermined value, and the special treatment is a process to expand the transfer area 60 of the foil 34 so that the fine line less than the predetermined value becomes greater than or equal to the predetermined value. According to this embodiment, the phenomenon in which the foil 34 is not transferred when transferring the foil 34 in a fine line shape can be suppressed.

[0108] (4) The transfer area condition in this embodiment is that the transfer area 60 of the foil 34 is of a predetermined area or larger, and the special treatment is a texture treatment in which adhesive ink 58 is ejected in a predetermined pattern onto the transfer area 60 of the foil 34 that is of a predetermined area or larger. According to this embodiment, cracking of the foil 34 that may occur when the foil 34 is transferred to a large transfer area 60 can be suppressed.

[0109] (5) The special treatment of this embodiment involves ejecting a predetermined color ink 56 into the gaps 64 where the predetermined pattern of halftone dots 62 is not formed. According to this embodiment, even if the foil 34 is transferred in a halftone pattern, it is possible to suppress damage to the aesthetic appearance obtained by foil 34 printing.

[0110] (6) The transfer area conditions in this embodiment differ depending on the type of recording medium 16. According to this embodiment, defects in the foil 34 transferred to the recording medium 16 can be suppressed by appropriate special processing according to the recording medium 16.

[0111] (7) The foil transfer method of this embodiment is a foil transfer method for transferring foil 34 to a recording medium 16 by ejecting an adhesive ink 58 for transferring foil 34 to the recording medium 16 onto the recording medium 16, and comprises a first step in which a transfer area determination unit 76 determines whether the size of the transfer area 60 of the foil 34 on the recording medium 16 satisfies the transfer area conditions, and a second step in which, if the transfer area conditions are met, a special processing setting unit 78 sets a special processing different from a predetermined standard processing so that defects do not occur in the transferred foil 34. According to this embodiment, by performing a special processing according to the size of the transfer area 60 of the foil 34, it is possible to suppress defects in the foil 34 transferred to the recording medium 16. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0112] 14 Printing device 16 Recording media 22. Inkjet head (dispensing mechanism) 34 foil 56 Color Inks (Ink) 58. Adhesive ink 60 Transcription region 62 halftone dots 64 gaps 78 Special processing setting unit (setting means) 76. Transcription area determination unit (determination means)

Claims

1. A printing apparatus that performs foil transfer printing on a recording medium, Dispensing means for dispensing ink for printing an image onto the recording medium and adhesive ink for transferring foil onto the recording medium, based on image data, The recording medium is provided with setting means for setting a special process different from a predetermined standard process so that defects do not occur in the transferred foil when the size of the transfer area of ​​the foil satisfies predetermined conditions. The aforementioned predetermined condition is that the transfer area of ​​the foil is greater than or equal to a predetermined area. The special treatment involves ejecting the adhesive ink in a predetermined pattern onto a transfer area of ​​the foil that is larger than a predetermined area, and ejecting the ink of a predetermined color into the gaps where the predetermined pattern is not formed. Printing device.

2. The printing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the predetermined conditions vary depending on the type of recording medium.

3. The aforementioned predetermined pattern is a halftone dot, a gradient using lines of different thicknesses, lines intersecting at right angles, lines intersecting diagonally, or diagonal lines. The printing apparatus according to claim 1 or claim 2.

4. A foil transfer method for transferring foil to a recording medium by dispensing an adhesive ink for transferring foil onto the recording medium onto the recording medium, A first step in which a determination means determines whether the size of the transfer area of ​​the foil onto the recording medium satisfies predetermined conditions, In the second step, when the predetermined conditions are met, the setting means sets a special treatment different from the predetermined standard treatment so that no defects occur in the transferred foil, It has, The aforementioned predetermined condition is that the transfer area of ​​the foil is greater than or equal to a predetermined area. The special treatment involves ejecting the adhesive ink in a predetermined pattern onto a transfer area of ​​the foil that is larger than a predetermined area, and ejecting ink of a predetermined color into the gaps where the predetermined pattern is not formed. Foil transfer method.

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