Printing apparatus and printing method

Abstract

This printing device forms an image layer by printing, with a color ink, a composite image obtained by dividing a plurality of original images along a sub-scanning direction and combining them, forms an interlayer by printing, on the image layer, an image by solid printing with a transparent ink, and forms, on the interlayer, a lens layer by printing, with a transparent ink, a lens image composed of a plurality of continuous lenses extending in a main scanning direction and arranged in the sub-scanning direction so as to correspond to the composite image. When the lens layer is formed, a printing head ejects the transparent ink to the recording medium while moving in the main scanning direction and the transparent ink on the recording medium is cured by a curing device.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a printing apparatus and a printing method capable of laminating and printing a lenticular lens on an image layer.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, in a printing apparatus that discharges ink from a print head to a dot formation position of a recording medium to print an image or the like, printing apparatuses such as screen printing and inkjet printers capable of printing a lenticular lens whose pattern changes depending on the viewing angle on an image layer are known.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Patent Document 2

Patent Document 3

Patent Document 4

Patent Document 5

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] An object of the present invention is to provide a printing apparatus and a printing method that enable efficient laminated printing while accurately positioning a lens layer with respect to an image layer.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0005] A printing apparatus according to one aspect of the present invention includes a print head having nozzles for ejecting ink including color ink and transparent ink, and a curing device for curing the ink ejected from the nozzles and adhering to a recording medium; a drive mechanism for moving the print head relative to the recording medium in a main scanning direction and a sub-scanning direction intersecting the main scanning direction; a control unit for controlling the print head and the drive mechanism to perform printing processing of a plurality of print layers using the color ink and the transparent ink on the recording medium; and a print setting processing device for performing print setting processing of the plurality of print layers based on print data and print setting data. The print data includes a composite image obtained by dividing and combining a plurality of original images in the sub-scanning direction, a solid print image, and a lens image consisting of a plurality of long lenses arranged in the sub-scanning direction corresponding to the composite image. The print setting data includes print setting information for setting the printing conditions for each print layer. The print setting processing device sets an image layer on which to print the composite image with the color ink based on the print setting data, sets an intermediate layer on the image layer on which to print the solid print image with the transparent ink, and sets a lens layer on the intermediate layer on which to print the lens image with the transparent ink. When forming the lens layer, the print setting processing device sets the transparent ink to be ejected onto the recording medium when the print head is moving in the main scanning direction, and to cure the transparent ink on the recording medium with the curing device.

[0006] In one embodiment, the print setting processing device is configured to eject the transparent ink onto the recording medium when the print head is moving in the main scanning direction when forming the lens layer, and to cure the transparent ink on the recording medium with the curing device before or after the ejected transparent ink has bonded on the recording medium.

[0007] In another embodiment, the print setting processing device is configured to eject the transparent ink onto the recording medium only when the print head is moving in one direction of the main scanning direction when forming the lens layer, and to cure the transparent ink on the recording medium with the curing device when the print head is moving in the other direction of the main scanning direction.

[0008] In another embodiment, the print setting processing device is configured to form the image layer and the lens layer by ejecting the ink onto the recording medium only when the print head is moving in one common direction of the main scanning direction, and to form the intermediate layer by ejecting the ink onto the recording medium when the print head is moving in both directions of the main scanning direction.

[0009] In another embodiment, the print setting processing device is configured such that the intermediate layer consists of a plurality of print layers.

[0010] In another embodiment, the lens image is created such that, when forming the lens layer, it has a width narrower than the spacing of the long lens in the sub-scanning direction.

[0011] In yet another embodiment, the print setting data includes at least one of the scanning direction when the print head ejects ink, the gap between the print head and the recording medium, and information about the ink to be used.

[0012] In yet another embodiment, the print data further includes a non-composite image that is printed in an area different from the area in which the composite image is printed, and the print setting processing device sets an image layer to print the composite image and the non-composite image with the color ink based on the print data.

[0013] In yet another embodiment, the print data includes an integrated image which includes the composite image and a non-composite image which is printed in an area different from the area in which the composite image is printed, and the print setting processing device sets an image layer which prints the integrated image with the color ink based on the print data.

[0014] In yet another embodiment, the print data further includes the solid print image to be printed at least below the area on which the composite image is printed, and the print setting processing device sets an opacity layer on which the solid print image is printed with white ink below the composite image, based on the print data.

[0015] Another aspect of the present invention relates to a printing method in which a print head is moved relative to a recording medium in a main scanning direction and a sub-scanning direction intersecting the main scanning direction, ink including color ink and transparent ink is ejected from the print head onto the recording medium, the ink adhering to the recording medium is cured with a curing device, and a plurality of print layers of the color ink and transparent ink are printed on the recording medium. Based on print data including a composite image obtained by dividing and combining a plurality of original images in the sub-scanning direction, a solid print image, and a lens image consisting of a plurality of long lenses arranged in the sub-scanning direction corresponding to the composite image, and print setting data including print setting information for setting the printing conditions of each print layer, the composite image is printed with the color ink to form an image layer, the solid print image is printed on the image layer with the transparent ink to form an intermediate layer, the lens image is printed on the intermediate layer with the transparent ink to form a lens layer, and when forming the lens layer, the print head is moved in the main scanning direction and ejects the transparent ink onto the recording medium, and the transparent ink on the recording medium is cured with the curing device. [Effects of the Invention]

[0016] According to the present invention, the lens layer can be accurately positioned and printed relative to the image layer. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0017] [Figure 1] It is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of a printing apparatus according to a first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] It is a block diagram schematically showing a functional configuration of the printing apparatus. [Figure 3] It is a diagram schematically showing a print head of the printing apparatus. [Figure 4] It is a flowchart showing a layer printing method by the printing apparatus. [Figure 5] It is a schematic diagram for explaining print data created by the layer printing method. [Figure 6] It is a diagram showing a setting example of each printing layer in the layer printing method. [Figure 7] It is a diagram showing a setting example of each printing layer in the layer printing method. [Figure 8] It is a cross-sectional view of a laminated printed matter printed by the layer printing method. [Figure 9] It is a schematic diagram for explaining the layer printing method. [Figure 10] It is a schematic diagram for explaining the layer printing method. [Figure 11] It is a schematic diagram for explaining the layer printing method. [Figure 12] It is a diagram for explaining a printing apparatus and a printing method according to a second embodiment. [Figure 13] It is a diagram for explaining the printing apparatus and the printing method. [Figure 14] It is a diagram showing an image image printed on a recording medium by a layer printing method using a printing apparatus according to a third embodiment. [Figure 15] It is a flowchart showing a layer printing method by the printing apparatus. [Figure 16] It is an enlarged cross-sectional view taken along line A-A' of FIG. 14(a). [Figure 17] It is a diagram showing a setting example of each printing layer in the layer printing method. [Figure 18] It is a diagram showing a setting example of each printing layer in the layer printing method. [Figure 19]This figure illustrates the first printing method for non-composite and composite images in the same layered printing method. [Figure 20] This figure illustrates a second printing method for non-composite and composite images in the same layered printing method. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0018] The printing apparatus and printing method according to embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the attached drawings. However, the following embodiments are not intended to limit the inventions of each claim, and not all combinations of features described in the embodiments are necessarily essential to the solution of the invention. In the following embodiments, the same or corresponding components are denoted by the same reference numerals, and redundant descriptions are omitted. In addition, in the embodiments, the arrangement, scale, and dimensions of each component may be exaggerated or reduced and may not correspond to the actual components, and some components may be omitted from the description.

[0019] [First Embodiment] [Printing device configuration] Figure 1 is a diagram showing the schematic configuration of a printing apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention. Figure 2 is a block diagram showing the schematic functional configuration of the printing apparatus. Figure 3 is a diagram showing the schematic print head of the printing apparatus.

[0020] As shown in Figure 1, the printing apparatus of this embodiment comprises an inkjet printer 10 and a print setting processing device 20 consisting of a computer or the like. The inkjet printer 10 and the print setting processing device 20 may be connected via a network such as a LAN (Local Area Network) or WAN (Wide Area Network). The inkjet printer 10 is a device capable of multilayer printing (laminated printing) by ejecting, for example, ultraviolet-curable ink (UV ink) onto a recording medium (paper, sheet, plate-shaped material, or a slightly thick material such as a mobile phone case) 4 placed on a table 1 and curing it. The inkjet printer 10 comprises a table 1, a carriage drive mechanism 2, a table drive mechanism 3, a table lifting mechanism 5, and a print head 30.

[0021] The print head 30 is configured to be movable in the main scanning direction (CR direction) indicated by the arrow in the figure by the carriage drive mechanism 2. The table 1 is configured to be movable in the sub-scanning direction (PF direction) indicated by the arrow in the figure by the table drive mechanism 3. As a result, the print head 30 is configured to be movable relative to the recording medium 4 in both the main scanning direction and the sub-scanning direction. The table 1 is also configured to be raised and lowered vertically in a direction perpendicular to the main scanning direction and the sub-scanning direction by the table lifting mechanism 5. The distance to the table 1 may be changed by adjusting the height of the print head 30. If the table 1 is not moved in the sub-scanning direction, the carriage drive mechanism 2 may be configured to be movable in the sub-scanning direction (PF direction) indicated by the arrow in the figure. In the case where the table 1 and carriage drive mechanism 2 are not moved, the recording medium 4 and the table 1 on which the recording medium 4 is placed may be transported in the sub-scanning direction (PF direction) by being sandwiched between pressure rollers and drive rollers (not shown). Alternatively, a structure may be used in which the recording medium 4 is transported by supply rollers and take-up rollers (not shown) provided at the front and rear of the table 1. Alternatively, a structure may be used in which a belt (not shown) that serves as a mounting platform is passed over table 1, and the recording medium 4 is placed on the belt for transport.

[0022] The printing apparatus of this embodiment will be described using multilayer printing (layer printing) using the above-mentioned UV ink as an example, but the ink used is not limited to this, and reactive curing inks that utilize light, heat, chemical reactions, etc., such as electromagnetic wave curing inks (EB inks) using electron beams, etc., and inks that cure using other chemical reactions, can be used. The UV ink used may be, for example, a set of six inks consisting of four color inks: cyan (C), magenta (M), yellow (Y), and black (K), plus white (W) and varnish (V). Of these, the varnish (V) is a transparent ink, and for example, a UV-curable transparent resin ink may be used.

[0023] The print setting processing device 20 receives print data including image data and print setting data, and executes print setting processing for each print layer. The print data includes multiple image data. When performing lenticular printing, the image data includes a composite image, a solid print image, and a lens image. The image data includes, for example, lines, characters, graphics, and photographs in PDF (Portable Document Format) and PS (PostScript: registered trademark) formats. The print setting data may consist of data having different print conditions for each print layer, for example, when performing multilayer printing. The print conditions in the print data may further consist of at least one of the following: the scanning direction of the carriage of the print head 30, the gap between the print head 30 and the recording medium 4, and information about the UV ink to be used.

[0024] Furthermore, the print setting processing device 20 outputs raster image data for each print layer to the inkjet printer 10. The image data included in the print data input to the print setting processing device 20 is converted into raster image data (CMYK data), such as a TIFF image, which consists of raster data, by the print setting processing device 20, which has, for example, a RIP (Raster Image Processor) function. The image data included in the print data may also be converted into raster image data in advance externally.

[0025] The print setting processing device 20 performs various conversion processes on image data (raster image data), such as color conversion and halftone processing, to generate image data for printing. This image data may consist of four colors: cyan (C), magenta (M), yellow (Y), and black (K). In addition, it may consist of six-color data including white (W) and varnish (V). White (W) and varnish (V) are mainly used for printing without gaps (solid printing).

[0026] The print setting processing device 20 has a storage unit (not shown) that stores various information such as data for various print profiles and processing tables, data for display drivers and printer drivers, a program for performing print position adjustment processing, data for printing processes for multiple print layers including lenticular lenses and various control programs, and print data having various image data as described above.

[0027] As shown in Figure 2, the inkjet printer 10 has a control unit 11 and an input / output interface (I / F) 19. The control unit 11 controls each part for stack printing based on the image data and various setting data for each print input via the input / output interface 19. The inkjet printer 10 also includes a display 12 as a display device and an operation unit 13. The display 12 has a display screen that displays various information. The operation unit 13 accepts operation input from the user of the inkjet printer 10. The display 12 may be included in the operation unit 13 of the inkjet printer 10.

[0028] Furthermore, the inkjet printer 10 includes a carriage drive unit 14 that drives the carriage drive mechanism 2, a table drive unit 15 that drives the table drive mechanism 3, a table lifting drive unit 16 that drives the table lifting mechanism 5, a head drive unit 17 that drives the print head 30, and a storage unit 18. The carriage drive unit 14, table drive unit 15, table lifting drive unit 16, and head drive unit 17 operate the carriage drive mechanism 2, table drive mechanism 3, table lifting mechanism 5, and print head 30 in accordance with print conditions based on control commands from the control unit 11. The print head 30 is equipped with an ultraviolet (UV) irradiation device 32 having a UV-LED lamp or the like as a curing device for curing the ink. The storage unit 18 stores various setting values ​​necessary for controlling the control unit 11. Although not shown in the figures, the inkjet printer 10 may also be equipped with various sensors such as a colorimeter and a distance sensor that measures the distance between the print head 30 and the table 1.

[0029] [Print head configuration] As shown in Figure 3, the print head 30 comprises an inkjet recording head unit 31 mounted on a carriage and a UV irradiation device 32. The inkjet recording head unit 31 and the UV irradiation device 32 are arranged so that ultraviolet light irradiated from the UV irradiation device 32 does not affect the inkjet recording head unit 31. The inkjet recording head unit 31 is equipped with, for example, a plurality of nozzle arrays 33 having printing ranges of the same width. Each nozzle array 33 is arranged at a constant nozzle pitch in the sub-scanning direction and has a plurality of ink ejection nozzles 34 driven by, for example, a piezoelectric element. The inkjet recording head unit 31 may also have a pair of parallel nozzle arrays 33 corresponding to one color, offset from each other by half the nozzle pitch in the sub-scanning direction. Alternatively, the inkjet recording head unit 31 may have a plurality of parallel heads, each having a separate nozzle array 33.

[0030] Figure 3(a) shows an example where the nozzle array 33 is arranged in a single line in the main scanning direction. In this example, the nozzle arrays 33 for ejecting each of the WWYCMKVV UV inks are arranged in this order. Figure 3(b) shows an example where the nozzle array 33 is divided into two sets, one for the YMCK UV ink and one for the WWVV UV ink, and each set is offset in the main scanning direction and the sub-scanning direction. In the former case, the width of the head in the main scanning direction and the sub-scanning direction becomes more compact. Also, since the nozzles for YMCK and WWVV are aligned at the same position in the sub-scanning direction, it becomes easier to eject ink at the same position in the sub-scanning direction. Note that each nozzle array 33 may adopt other arrangement configurations. Furthermore, for example, when printing by dividing the nozzle into multiple areas (half of the nozzle for CMYK ink and the remaining nozzle for WWVV ink), the former limits the printable width to half of the entire nozzle, while the latter allows the entire nozzle to be used, enabling efficient ejection of both CMYK and WWVV inks.

[0031] The UV irradiation device 32 is mounted on the front side of the inkjet recording head unit 31 in the forward head transport direction, and irradiates the UV ink ejected onto the recording medium 4 with ultraviolet (UV) light under the control of the control unit 11. This UV irradiation device 32 may also be mounted on the rear side of the inkjet recording head unit 31 in the forward head transport direction, or, in the case of bidirectional printing, may be provided on both sides of the main scanning direction of the inkjet recording head unit 31. A UV-LED irradiation device or the like can be used as the UV irradiation device 32.

[0032] [Layer printing method including lenticular lenses] Next, with reference to Figures 4 to 11, a stacking printing method for composite images using a lenticular lens according to the first embodiment will be described. In this embodiment, an example is shown in which a composite image for switching between two original images is printed, which is switched in two stages depending on the viewing angle. Figure 4 is a flowchart illustrating the laminated printing method. Figure 5 is a schematic diagram illustrating the printing data used in the laminated printing method. Figures 6 and 7 show examples of settings for each printing layer in the laminated printing method. Figure 8 is a cross-sectional view of a laminated printed material printed by the laminated printing method. Figures 9 to 11 are schematic diagrams illustrating the laminated printing method.

[0033] As shown in Figure 4, first, the print setting processing device 20 inputs or selects print data and print setting data (S1). The print data includes, for example, a composite image 45, a solid print image 46, and a lens image 47, as shown in Figure 5. The composite image 45 can be created as follows. That is, first, the first source image 41 and the second source image 42 (multiple source images) to be printed are input, and these source images 41 and 42 are divided into strips in the sub-scanning direction (PF direction) at a pitch of 1 / 2 the pitch of the lenticular lens, and every other strip is deleted to create the first divided image 43 and the second divided image 44. Note that the creation of the divided images 43 and 44 can be easily done by using a filter that can mask the image in a strip shape. Then, the composite image 45 is generated by arranging these divided images 43 and 44 alternately in the sub-scanning direction (PF direction) and combining them. The composite image 45 is stored as print data together with the lens image 47 that constitutes a lenticular lens having a print width matched to the composite image 45, thereby maintaining a correspondence between the two. If the pitch of the divided images 43 and 44 is set to, for example, 1 / 40 inch, the pitch of the lenticular lens generated by the lens image 47 will also be set to 1 / 40 inch. On the other hand, the solid print image 46 included in the print data is generated so that an intermediate layer of the required thickness can be created by solid printing, and is used together with the lens image 47 that constitutes the lenticular lens. Such print data may be created by processing in the print setting processing device 20, or it may be created using another image editing device. Normally, the print data is created so that the composite image 45, the solid print image 46, and the lens image 47 are printed in the same print area. Therefore, the solid print image 46 and the lens image 47 are also printed in the print area where the composite image 45 is not present. However, if it is desired to limit the print area to match the composite image 45, the print data may be processed so that the solid print image 46 and the lens image 47 match the composite image.

[0034] On the other hand, the print setting data includes print setting information that determines the printing conditions for each print layer. The print setting information may also include information that identifies the layout layer, the number of copies, the ink type, the offset amount between the head and the platen, the printing direction (unidirectional or bidirectional), and the image to be printed. The pitch of the divided images 43 and 44, the pitch of the lenticular lens, the print width, and the thickness of the intermediate layer due to solid printing are set under conditions that optimize the physical properties of the ink used in the inkjet printer 10, the ink ejection amount, the irradiation amount by the UV-LED, and other parameters. Therefore, print setting data, which includes not only image data but also print setting conditions, is input or stored together with the print data. Several other combinations of settings that can be used may also be prepared and used as needed for different conditions. In this embodiment, the combination of composite image 45, lens image 47, and print settings for 1 / 40 inch is described, but for example, a combination of composite image 45, lens image 47, and print settings for 1 / 50 inch may be prepared separately and used as needed. Additionally, print data and print settings data may be made available for download so that users can obtain the necessary files.

[0035] Once the print data and print setting data are input or selected, the print setting processing device 20 then performs various print setting processes on the inkjet printer 10 and RIP (S2). That is, as shown in Figure 6, the RIP or other software reads print data containing a composite image 45, a lens image 47 that constitutes a lenticular lens having a print width matched to the composite image 45, and a solid print image 46 that creates an intermediate layer, as well as print setting data that describes print setting information for assigning this print data to each print layer. The image data and print setting information are then assigned to Layer 1 to Layer 5, which determine the print layers. In this example, print setting 1 sets Layer 1 to a composite image 45 formed with color (CMYK) ink. Print settings 2 to 4 set Layer 2 to Layer 4 to solid print images 46 formed with varnish (V) ink. Print settings 2 to 4 set the number of copies for Layer 2 to Layer 4 to 1, 2, and 2, respectively. The reason for setting Layers 2 to 4 in this way is that as the ink hardens and the layering progresses, the distance between the print head 30 and the new printed surface on the recording medium 4 changes. Therefore, the setting value of the PG gap, which is related to the distance between the recording medium 4 and the print head 30, is changed to an appropriate value for each layer. Finally, according to print setting 5, the lens image 47 formed by the varnish (V) ink is set for Layer 5.

[0036] Figure 7 shows the printing conditions for each print layer output to the inkjet printer 10 as a result of the print setting process using the print settings 1 to 5 described above. Here, Layer 3 and Layer 4 are set to have 2 copies each, so they are set to form two print layers each. Therefore, 1 to 7 print layers are set. The first layer is printed unidirectionally with CMYK ink to form a composite image 45. The second to sixth layers are printed bidirectionally with V ink to form a solid print image 46. The seventh layer is printed unidirectionally with V ink to form a lens image 47.

[0037] Next, the inkjet printer 10 performs the printing process (S3). As shown in Figure 8, the image layer 61 on which the composite image 45 is printed is formed on the first layer 51 on the recording medium 4. The intermediate layer 62 on which the solid print image 46 is printed is formed on the second layer 52 to the sixth layer 56 above the first layer 51. The lens layer 63 on which the lens image 47 is printed is formed on the seventh layer 57 above the sixth layer 56. The lens layer 63 forms a lenticular lens consisting of a plurality of elongated lenses 64 that extend in the main scanning direction and have arc-shaped cross-sections aligned in the sub-scanning direction. The array pitch P of the elongated lenses 64 in the sub-scanning direction is equal to the array pitch of the divided images 43, 44 in the sub-scanning direction and equal to twice the width of each divided piece of the divided images 43, 44 in the sub-scanning direction.

[0038] In this embodiment, we have described how to create one output using one image. However, it is also possible to set multiple images in multiple locations on the recording medium 4 and print multiple images simultaneously, or to prepare multiple recording mediums 4 on table 1 and print images individually on each. In short, it is advisable to change the printing settings according to the application to print efficiently.

[0039] As shown in Figure 9(a), the image layer 61 (first layer 51) is formed by unidirectional printing, in which color (CMYK) ink is ejected only in the forward path (S31). The color ink ejected onto the recording medium 4 in the forward path is cured by ultraviolet (UV) light emitted from the UV irradiation device 32 in the return path. The PG offset (Figure 7), which is the offset value from the initial value of the platen gap (PG) between the inkjet recording head unit 31 and the recording medium 4, is set to 0.0 mm. In this embodiment, the print head 30 and the table 1 move relative to each other to print and cure the ejected ink, and when the printing of the first layer 51 is completed, the print head 30 and the table 1 return to their initial positions in the main scanning direction and sub-scanning direction for printing the second layer 52 above it. Therefore, printing of the next layer can also be performed from the same position as the previous layer. Note that the table 1 may not return to its initial position when printing in the sub-scanning direction is completed, but may print when it is transported in the return direction. In that case, the time associated with the movement of the table 1 can be shortened.

[0040] As shown in Figure 9(b), the intermediate layer 62 (2nd layer 52 to 6th layer 56) is formed by bidirectional printing in which V (burnish) ink is ejected in both the forward and return paths (S32). The V ink ejected onto the image layer 61 in both the forward and return paths is cured by ultraviolet (UV) light emitted from the UV irradiation device 32 in the return path. As the number of layers increases, the distance between the print head 30 and the surface of the cured ink being printed decreases, so it is necessary to adjust the height of the print head 30 relative to the recording medium 4 and increase it to an appropriate distance. For this reason, the PG offset (Figure 7), which is the offset value from the initial value of the platen gap between the inkjet recording head unit 31 and the recording medium 4, is set to 0.0 mm for the 2nd layer 52, 1.0 mm for the 3rd to 4th layers 53 to 54, and 1.5 mm for the 5th to 6th layers 55 to 56. The reason why layers 52 to 56 (the second layer) were assigned to Layers 2 to 4 is to sequentially increase the PG offset in this manner. For the intermediate layer 62, once printing of the previous layer is complete, the print head 30 and table 1 return to their initial positions in the main and sub-scanning directions in order to print the next layer. Note that table 1 does not need to return to its initial position when printing in the sub-scanning direction is complete; printing may be performed while it is being transported in the return direction. In that case, the time required for table 1 to move can be reduced.

[0041] As shown in Figure 9(c), the lens layer 63 (7th layer 57) is formed by unidirectional printing in which V (burnish) ink is ejected only in the forward stroke (S33). The V ink ejected onto the intermediate layer 62 in the forward stroke is cured by ultraviolet (UV) light emitted from the UV irradiation device 32 in the return stroke. The PG offset (Figure 7), which is the offset value from the initial value of the platen gap between the inkjet recording head 31 and the recording medium 4, is set to 1.5 mm.

[0042] The control unit 11, based on the data of the lens image 47 provided by the print setting processing device 20, prints multiple linear patterns 64A using transparent ink in the forward pass with a width D narrower than the array pitch P in the sub-scanning direction of the long lens 64, as shown in Figure 10, when forming the lens layer 63. As shown in Figure 11(a), V ink is ejected from nozzles in the nozzle array 33 corresponding to the lens image 47, and printing is performed so that the print width is filled without gaps. As shown in Figure 11(b), the ejected V ink exists in an uncured state on top of the V ink of the cured intermediate layer 62, and combines with the ejected ink next to it to form a single ink. However, because it is not yet cured, the ends of the linear ink in the width direction spread in the sub-scanning direction on top of the cured V ink. Therefore, if this lens image 47 is set to the width of the actual array pitch, there is a possibility that adjacent linear patterns 64A will connect to each other. For this reason, the width of the lens image 47 is set so that contact does not occur between the linear patterns 64A of adjacent lens images 47 before curing. The printing width is set so that the material functions as a lens after curing. As shown in Figure 11(c), when the print head 30 irradiates UV light on the return pass, the transparent ink forming the linear pattern 64A spreads in the sub-scanning direction, resulting in a cross-section that is close to an arc shape. Therefore, in this embodiment, a long lens 64 can be efficiently formed by printing the linear pattern 64A in a single forward pass.

[0043] The timing of the curing of the transparent ink can be either before the adjacent linear patterns 64A are connected or after they are connected. If curing occurs after connection, it is desirable to cure the transparent ink before it becomes flat immediately after connection.

[0044] According to this embodiment, the image layer 61 and the lens layer 63 are included in the same print data and are printed in the same orientation in the main scanning direction, so they are precisely positioned. In a printing apparatus in which the print head 30 moves in the main scanning direction, when printing parallel lines at narrow intervals, or when printing lines extending in the sub-scanning direction, it is necessary to precisely align the ink ejection position in the main scanning direction. When printing on hardened ink, the relationship between the ink ejection position and the impact position differs slightly between the bottom image layer and the top lens layer, making it difficult to align them to the same position. In this embodiment, since lines are created parallel to the main scanning direction in which the print head 30 moves, it is easy to align the image layer 61 and the lens layer 63 even if the printing height changes. That is, in this embodiment, ink is ejected from the same nozzle as it moves in the main scanning direction of the print head 30, so it is less affected by height. For this reason, it is possible to easily print parallel lines. In addition, the intermediate layer 62 on which the solid print image 46 is printed can be efficiently formed by ejecting ink through bidirectional printing. Two methods for printing the intermediate layer 62 in both directions are possible: one is to overlap the V ink on the return path to print two layers in one pass; and the other is to eject the V ink on the forward path, then move the table 1 in the sub-scanning direction, and eject the V ink at a different sub-scanning position on the return path to expand the printing area in one pass. In either method, efficient printing of the intermediate layer is possible. Furthermore, since the lens layer 63 can also be formed by printing the linear pattern 64A in one pass, efficient multilayer printing is possible.

[0045] In this embodiment, when printing the lens layer 63, V ink is ejected when the print head 30 is moving in one direction of the main scanning direction, and UV light is irradiated when the print head 30 is moving in the other direction of the main scanning direction. However, UV light irradiation may be performed at a later timing. For example, V ink may be ejected when the print head 30 is moving in one direction of the main scanning direction, and UV light may be irradiated when the print head 30 moves in the other direction of the main scanning direction and then moves again in one direction of the main scanning direction. Alternatively, V ink may be ejected on the forward pass, and the V ink may be ejected again on the return pass without curing, and the ink may be cured during the next forward and return passes, as long as the long lens 64 can be produced efficiently.

[0046] [Second Embodiment] Figures 12 and 13 are diagrams illustrating a printing apparatus and printing method according to the second embodiment. The first embodiment describes a method for printing a composite image 45 for switching between two original images 41 and 42, which are switched in two stages depending on the viewing angle. The second embodiment describes a method for printing a composite image 75 for animation, which is switched in six stages depending on the viewing angle of four original images. In this embodiment, as shown in Figure 12, stacked printing is performed based on print data including an image layer 81 consisting of a composite image 75 formed by combining four original images, an intermediate layer 82 consisting of a solid print image 76, and a lens layer 83 consisting of a lens image 77. The other configurations are the same as in the first embodiment. Since the composite image 75 and the lens image 77 are stored as the same print data, there is no risk of mistakenly using images with different lens widths.

[0047] In this embodiment, as shown in Figure 13, the array pitch P of the long lens 84 in the sub-scanning direction is equal to the arrangement pitch of the divided images 71, 72, 73, and 74 in the sub-scanning direction, and is equal to four times the width of each divided piece of the divided images 71, 72, 73, and 74 in the sub-scanning direction. In this embodiment, if the pitch of the lenticular lens is 1 / 40 inch, the print setting data used in the first embodiment can be used in common, or separate print setting data may be prepared.

[0048] This embodiment can achieve the same effects as the first embodiment.

[0049] [Third Embodiment] Figure 14 is a diagram showing an image printed on a recording medium using a stacking printing method with a printing apparatus according to the third embodiment. Figure 15 is a flowchart showing the stacking printing method with the same printing apparatus. Figure 16 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of line AA' in Figure 14(a). Figures 17 and 18 are diagrams showing examples of settings for each printing layer in the stacking printing method. Figures 19 and 20 are diagrams illustrating the printing methods for non-composite and composite images in the stacking printing method. Note that in the following explanation, including Figure 14, explanations that overlap with those already explained will be omitted.

[0050] As shown in Figure 14, the third embodiment describes a method for printing the composite image 45 described above and a non-composite image 49, which is a normal image such as a background image, on the recording medium 4. Figure 14(a) shows an image in which the composite image 45 is included in part of the non-composite image 49, Figure 14(b) shows an image in which the non-composite image 49 is included in part of the composite image 45, and Figure 14(c) shows an image in which the composite image 45 and the non-composite image 49 are separated by a certain area. The composite image 45 included in the non-composite image 49 in Figure 14(a) may be in one place or in multiple places. If it is in multiple places, the same composite image 45 may be used, or different composite images 45 may be prepared and used. In addition, the non-composite image 49 may be provided over the entire printing area, or it may be provided only where necessary. The non-composite image 49 provided in part of Figure 14(b) can be viewed without using a lenticular lens, so it is suitable for use in image areas where a company name or product name needs to be clearly displayed, for example. Figure 14(c) shows an example in which a composite image 45 or a non-composite image 49 is placed in a certain area at the edge of the recording medium 4, and it is advisable to use them interchangeably depending on the application.

[0051] As shown in Figure 15, the print setting processing device 20 inputs or selects print data and print setting data (S10). The print data includes, for example, a composite image 45, a solid print image 46, a lens image 47, and a non-composite image 49 that is printed in an area different from the area in which the composite image 45 is printed, as shown in Figure 17. In this embodiment, the solid print image 46 and the lens image 47 are processed to have a print range that matches the composite image 45, but the embodiment is not limited to this.

[0052] Once the print data and print setting data are input or selected, the print setting processing device 20 then performs various print setting processes (S20). That is, as shown in Figure 17, the RIP or other software reads print data having a composite image 45, a solid print image 46, a lens image 47, and a non-composite image 49, as well as print setting data describing print setting information for assigning this print data to each print layer, and assigns the image data and print setting information to Layer 1 to Layer 5, which determine the print layers.

[0053] For example, if the non-composite image 49 shown in Figure 16 and the composite image 45 printed on a portion of the non-composite image 49 that has been cut out are to be printed separately on the same layer on the recording medium 4, then print setting 1A sets Layer 1A to the non-composite image 49 formed with color (CMYK) ink. Also, print setting 1B sets Layer 1B to the composite image 45 formed with color (CMYK) ink. The settings for Layers 2 to 5 using print settings 2 to 5 are the same as described above.

[0054] Figure 18 shows the printing conditions for each print layer output to the inkjet printer 10 as a result of the print setting process using the print settings 1A, 1B, 2-5 described above. As mentioned above, seven print layers are set, but the first layer forms a non-composite image 49 by bidirectional printing with CMYK ink and a composite image 45 by unidirectional printing with CMYK ink. The solid print images 46 and lens images 47 of the second to seventh layers are formed on top of the composite image 45.

[0055] Then, the inkjet printer 10 performs the printing process (S30). As shown in Figure 16, the image layer 61 on which the non-composite image 49 and the composite image 45 are printed is formed separately on the first layer 51 on the recording medium 4 by bidirectional printing and unidirectional printing (S34). The intermediate layer 62 (second layer 52 to sixth layer 56) on which the solid print image 46 is printed is formed by bidirectional printing that ejects varnish (V) ink (S35), and the lens layer 63 (seventh layer 57) on which the lens image 47 is printed is formed by unidirectional printing that ejects varnish (V) ink (S36). An intermediate layer 62 may also be formed on top of the non-composite image 49 in the image layer 61, for example.

[0056] Figure 19 is a diagram illustrating a first printing method for the non-composite image 49 and the composite image 45. The first printing method involves printing the non-composite image 49 and the composite image 45 separately. That is, as shown in Figure 19(a), the non-composite image 49 is printed on the recording medium 4 such that a cutout 45a corresponding to the printing position of the composite image 45 is formed in a part of the non-composite image 49. Next, the composite image 45, as shown in Figure 19(b), which matches this cutout 45a, is printed on the recording medium 4. Note that the image layer 61 on which the non-composite image 49 is printed may be formed on any of the allocation layers of Layer 1 to Layer 5, in addition to the one described above, and may be formed on the lower layer of Layer 1 and the upper layer of Layer 5. In other words, when printing a non-composite image 49 that does not overlap with the composite image 45, it can be printed at any timing in the print settings, but it is best to print on a layer where there is no change in the platen gap (PG) between the printing of the composite image 45 and the printing of the non-composite image 49. In this embodiment, an example is described in which a non-composite image 49 is printed on Layer 1A and a composite image 45 is printed on Layer 1B. However, when printing multiple non-composite images 49 or composite images 45 whose print areas do not overlap, the settings may be changed as needed, for example, by setting the printing to be done in multiple stages such as Layer 1A, Layer 1B, Layer 1C, Layer 1D, etc.

[0057] Figure 20 is a diagram illustrating a second printing method for the non-composite image 49 and the composite image 45. The second printing method involves printing the non-composite image 49 and the composite image 45 together on the recording medium 4, as shown in Figure 20. In this case, for example, a new integrated image 48 containing the composite image 45 and the non-composite image 49 can be created as data, and the new integrated image 48 can be formed on the first layer 51 using unidirectional or bidirectional printing. Since both the composite image 45 and the non-composite image 49 can be printed at once, efficient printing is possible. In this case, by selecting bidirectional or unidirectional printing, for example, one of the print settings 1A or 1B in Figure 18 can be used to print the new integrated image 48 instead of the non-composite image 49 or the composite image 45, and any print settings that are not used can be skipped. Alternatively, for example, the new integrated image 48 can be used instead of the composite image 45 in print setting 1 of Figure 7, and the printing direction can be set to unidirectional or bidirectional for printing, and several print settings can be provided as print setting data to be used.

[0058] Furthermore, the composite image 45 may be printed on top of the non-composite image 49. If the non-composite image 49 is already printed on the recording medium 4, or if the non-composite image 49 is already printed in the printing area of ​​the composite image 45 on the recording medium 4, the composite image 45 will be printed on a different layer from the printing layer of the non-composite image 49. For example, in the lower layer of Layer 1, a solid white (W) ink image 46 may be formed (a concealing layer) below the printing area of ​​the composite image 45 to conceal the image below, and the composite image 45 may be formed on top of it. Also, when printing directly onto a colored recording medium 4, a solid white (W) ink image 46 may be formed below the printing area of ​​the composite image 45 so that the color of the recording medium 4 does not affect the printing result.

[0059] According to this embodiment, not only are the same effects as those of the first and second embodiments achieved, but the composite image 45 can also be easily printed together with the non-composite image 49 within the printable area on the recording medium 4.

[0060] Although several embodiments of the present invention have been described above, these embodiments are presented as examples and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. These novel embodiments can be implemented in various other forms, and various omissions, substitutions, and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the invention. These embodiments and their variations are included in the scope and spirit of the invention, as well as in the claims of the invention and its equivalents. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0061] 1 table 2. Carriage drive mechanism 3. Table drive mechanism 4. Recording media 5. Table lifting mechanism 10 Inkjet Printers 11 Control Unit 12 displays 13 Control section 14. Carriage drive unit 15 Table drive unit 16 Table lifting drive unit 17 Head drive unit 18 Memory section 19 Input / Output Interfaces 20 Print setting processing device 30 print heads 32 Ultraviolet (UV) irradiation device

Claims

1. A print head having a nozzle for ejecting ink containing color ink and transparent ink, and a curing device for curing the ink ejected from the nozzle and adhering to a recording medium, A drive mechanism for moving the print head relative to the recording medium in the main scanning direction and in the sub-scanning direction intersecting the main scanning direction, A control unit that controls the print head and the drive mechanism to perform a printing process of multiple print layers using the color ink and the transparent ink on the recording medium, A print setting processing device that performs print setting processing for the multiple print layers based on print data and print setting data, Equipped with, The aforementioned print data is A composite image obtained by dividing and combining multiple original images in the aforementioned sub-scanning direction, A solid print image and The composite image includes a lens image consisting of a plurality of elongated lenses arranged in the sub-scanning direction, The print setting data includes print setting information for setting the printing conditions for each print layer, The print setting processing device is Based on the aforementioned print settings data, A layer is set to print the composite image using the color ink, An intermediate layer is set on the aforementioned image layer, on which the solid print image is printed with the transparent ink. A lens layer is set on the intermediate layer, on which the lens image forming the plurality of elongated lenses is printed with the transparent ink by arranging a plurality of linear patterns extending in the main scanning direction in the sub-scanning direction. When forming the lens layer, the print head is configured to eject the transparent ink onto the recording medium while it is moving in the main scanning direction, and to cure the transparent ink on the recording medium with the curing device, thereby printing the linear pattern in a single scan and forming the lens image. Printing device.

2. The print setting processing device is configured to eject the transparent ink onto the recording medium when the print head is moving in the main scanning direction when forming the lens layer, and to cure the transparent ink on the recording medium with the curing device before or after the ejected transparent ink has bonded on the recording medium. The printing apparatus according to claim 1.

3. The print setting processing device is configured to eject the transparent ink onto the recording medium only when the print head is moving in one direction of the main scanning direction when forming the lens layer, and to cure the transparent ink on the recording medium with the curing device when the print head is moving in the other direction of the main scanning direction. The printing apparatus according to claim 1.

4. The print setting processing device is The image layer and the lens layer are formed by ejecting the ink onto the recording medium only when the print head is moving in one direction common to the main scanning direction. The intermediate layer is formed by ejecting the ink onto the recording medium when the print head is moving bidirectionally in the main scanning direction. The printing apparatus according to claim 1.

5. The print setting processing device is The intermediate layer is configured to consist of a plurality of the printed layers. The printing apparatus according to claim 1.

6. The lens image is created such that, when forming the lens layer, its width is narrower than the spacing in the sub-scanning direction of the long lens. The printing apparatus according to claim 1.

7. The print setting data includes at least one of the scanning direction when the print head ejects ink, the gap between the print head and the recording medium, and information about the ink to be used. The printing apparatus according to claim 1.

8. The print data further includes a non-composite image that is printed in an area different from the area in which the composite image is printed, The print setting processing device sets image layers for printing the composite image and the non-composite image with the color inks, based on the print data. The printing apparatus according to claim 1.

9. The print data includes an integrated image which includes the composite image and a non-composite image which is printed in an area different from the area in which the composite image is printed. The print setting processing device sets an image layer for printing the integrated image with the color inks based on the print data. The printing apparatus according to claim 1.

10. The print data further includes the solid print image printed at least below the area on which the composite image is printed, The print setting processing device sets an opacity layer below the composite image, based on the print data, which prints the solid print image with white ink. The printing apparatus according to claim 1.

11. In a printing method in which a print head is moved relative to a recording medium in a main scanning direction and a sub-scanning direction intersecting the main scanning direction, ink including color ink and transparent ink is ejected from the print head onto the recording medium, and the ink adhering to the recording medium is cured by a curing device to print multiple printed layers of the color ink and transparent ink onto the recording medium, Based on print data including a composite image obtained by dividing and combining multiple source images in the sub-scanning direction, a solid print image, a lens image consisting of multiple long lenses arranged in the sub-scanning direction corresponding to the composite image, and print setting data including print setting information for setting the printing conditions for each print layer, The composite image is printed with the color ink to form an image layer. An intermediate layer is formed by printing the solid print image on the aforementioned image layer with the transparent ink. On the intermediate layer, a lens layer is formed by printing the lens image, which forms the plurality of elongated lenses by arranging a plurality of linear patterns extending in the main scanning direction in the sub-scanning direction, with the transparent ink. When forming the lens layer, the print head ejects the transparent ink onto the recording medium while it is moving in the main scanning direction, the transparent ink on the recording medium is cured by the curing device, and the linear pattern is printed in a single scan to form the lens image. Printing method.

12. When forming the lens layer, the print head ejects the transparent ink onto the recording medium only when it is moving in the main scanning direction, and the transparent ink on the recording medium is cured by the curing device before or after the ejected transparent ink bonds on the recording medium. The printing method according to claim 11.

13. When forming the lens layer, the transparent ink is ejected onto the recording medium only when the print head is moving in one direction of the main scanning direction, and the transparent ink on the recording medium is cured by the curing device when the print head is moving in the other direction of the main scanning direction. The printing method according to claim 11.

14. Based on the print data and print setting data, which include a non-composite image printed in an area different from the area in which the composite image is printed, the composite image and the non-composite image are printed with the color ink to form the image layer. The printing method according to claim 11.

15. Based on the print data, which includes a combined image obtained by integrating the combined image and a non-composite image printed in a different area from the area where the combined image is printed, and the print setting data, the combined image is printed with the color ink to form the image layer. The printing method according to claim 11.

Images