Colorimeter, printing apparatus, and calibration method

Abstract

To reduce the time required for colorimetry.SOLUTION: A colorimetric device 2 comprises: a colorimetric unit 20 that has an irradiation unit 21 having an LED that irradiates a color chart image with light and a substrate that is provided with the LED, and a light receiving unit 22 that receives reflected light being the light emitted from the LED and reflected on the color chart image, and measures the color of the color chart image; a moving unit 202 that reciprocates the colorimetric unit 20 along a cross direction; a calibration member 31 that is provided in the cross direction; a temperature sensor 30 that detects the temperature of the LED or the temperature of the substrate; and a colorimetric device control unit 200 that, when determining to perform calibration of the colorimetric unit 20 in colorimetry of the color chart image based on the temperature of the LED or the temperature of the substrate detected by the temperature sensor 30, causes the moving unit 202 to move the colorimetric unit 20 to the calibration member and performs calibration of the colorimetric unit 20.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 4

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a color measuring device, a printing device, and a calibration method.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, in order to suppress color measurement errors of an image printed on a medium, calibration of a colorimeter has been performed. Patent Document 1 discloses a technique in which every time one row of color patches arranged in a matrix is color-measured, a color measurement head is moved onto a reference white and a reference white plate is color-measured for calibration.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] However, Patent Document 1 has a problem that since calibration is performed every time one row of color patches arranged in a matrix is color-measured, the time required for color measurement of all color patches becomes long.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0005] One embodiment for solving the above problem is a colorimeter comprising: a support part for supporting a medium; an illumination part having a light source for irradiating light onto an image printed on the medium supported by the support part, and a substrate on which the light source is provided; a light receiving part for receiving reflected light reflected from the image by the light source; a colorimeter for measuring the color of the image; a moving part for moving the colorimeter back and forth along a predetermined direction; a calibration member provided in the predetermined direction and used for calibrating the colorimeter; a temperature detection part for detecting the temperature of the light source or the substrate; and a control unit that, in color measurement of the image, determines whether or not to perform calibration of the colorimeter based on the temperature of the light source or the substrate detected by the temperature detection part, and, if it is determined that calibration of the colorimeter should be performed in color measurement of the image, moves the colorimeter to the calibration member by the moving part and performs calibration of the colorimeter.

[0006] Another embodiment for solving the above problem is a printing apparatus comprising a colorimeter, the colorimeter having a support part for supporting a medium, an illumination part having a light source for irradiating light onto an image printed on the medium supported by the support part, and a substrate on which the light source is provided, and a light receiving part for receiving reflected light from the image reflected by the light irradiated from the light source, a colorimeter for measuring the color of the image, a moving part for moving the colorimeter back and forth along a predetermined direction, a calibration member provided in the predetermined direction and used for calibrating the colorimeter, a temperature detection part for detecting the temperature of the light source or the substrate, and a control unit that, in measuring the color of the image, determines whether or not to perform calibration of the colorimeter based on the temperature of the light source or the substrate detected by the temperature detection part, and, if it is determined that calibration of the colorimeter should be performed in measuring the color of the image, moves the colorimeter to the calibration member by the moving part and performs calibration of the colorimeter.

[0007] A further embodiment for solving the above problem is a calibration method for a colorimetric device comprising a light source that irradiates light onto an image printed on a medium supported by a support, and a substrate on which the light source is provided, the device comprising a colorimetric unit that measures the color of the image and a temperature detection unit that detects the temperature of the light source or the temperature of the substrate, the calibration method comprising: determining whether or not to perform calibration of the colorimetric unit based on the temperature of the light source or the temperature of the substrate detected by the temperature detection unit during the color measurement of the image; and, if it is determined that calibration of the colorimetric unit should be performed during the color measurement of the image, moving the colorimetric unit to a calibration member used for the calibration of the colorimetric unit and performing the calibration of the colorimetric unit. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0008] [Figure 1] A plan view showing the general configuration of the printer. [Figure 2] A diagram showing an example of a color chart image. [Figure 3] A plan view showing the configuration of the main components of a colorimeter. [Figure 4] A block diagram showing the configuration of the printer's control system. [Figure 5] A diagram showing the temperature change and the change in the difference in light reception of the substrate. [Figure 6] A diagram showing the temperature change and the change in the difference in light reception of the substrate. [Figure 7] A flowchart illustrating the operation of the printer. [Figure 8] A flowchart illustrating the operation of a colorimeter. [Figure 9] A block diagram showing the configuration of the printer's control system. [Figure 10] A diagram showing the temperature change and the change in the difference in light reception of the substrate. [Figure 11] A flowchart illustrating the operation of a colorimeter. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0009] [First Embodiment] Figure 1 is a plan view showing the schematic configuration of printer 1. Printer 1 is an inkjet printing device that ejects ink onto a printing medium M to form an image on the printing surface of the printing medium M. Printer 1 is an example of a "printing device".

[0010] Printer 1 includes a print head 10 that ejects ink onto a printing medium M. Printer 1 performs color printing by ejecting multiple colors of ink from the print head 10. For example, the print head 10 ejects five colors of ink—yellow, magenta, cyan, black, and white—from different nozzle rows. There are no particular limitations on the number of ink colors used by Printer 1. A platen 11 is positioned opposite the print head 10. The platen 11 supports the printing medium M at the position opposite the print head 10 by its flat support surface 11A. Print medium M is an example of a "medium".

[0011] The printing medium M is not particularly limited as long as it is in sheet form, and can be paper, synthetic resin sheets, cloth, etc. The printing medium M may be a cut sheet cut to a standard size, but in this embodiment, a configuration using a long printing medium M will be described as an example.

[0012] Printer 1 has a transport unit 102 for transporting the printing medium M. The transport unit 102 includes a feed roller 12 on which the printing medium M is wound in a roll, a transport roller 13, a transport roller 14, and a take-up roller 15. The transport rollers 13 and 14 nip the printing medium M with a pair of rollers and feed the printing medium M in the transport direction H. The printing medium M printed by the print head 10 is wound up onto the take-up roller 15. The transport rollers 13 and 14 are driven by a transport motor 1021, which will be described later. The feed roller 12 and the take-up roller 15 are also driven by the transport motor 1021 or another motor. The transport rollers 13 and 14, the feed roller 12, and the take-up roller 15 are arranged along a transport path FW, which is a transport path through which the printing medium M is transported in printer 1, and transport the printing medium M in the transport direction H according to the control of the control device 100, which will be described later. The printer 1 includes an intermediate roller 16 that guides the printing medium M fed from the feed roller 12 to the transport roller 13, and an intermediate roller 17 that guides the printing medium M to the take-up roller 15. The intermediate rollers 16 and 17 may be composed of multiple rollers.

[0013] Printer 1 has a colorimeter 2. The colorimeter 2 is a device that can be retrofitted to Printer 1. The colorimeter 2 is located downstream of the print head 10 in the transport direction H. The colorimeter 2 measures the color of a color chart image CG printed on the printing medium M. The color chart image CG is an image printed on a color chart. The color chart is a printed material in which multiple colors that serve as a reference for printed colors are arranged in a predetermined size, and is used by Printer 1 to adjust the color of printed materials and to check the printed colors. The color chart image (CG) is an example of an "image".

[0014] Figure 2 shows an example of a color chart image CG printed on print medium M. The color chart image CG includes a plurality of patch images PG. The plurality of patch images PG are printed side by side in an intersecting direction K that intersects the conveyance direction H. In the present embodiment, the direction perpendicular to the conveyance direction H is exemplified as the intersecting direction K. The shape of the patch image PG in the present embodiment is exemplified as a rectangle. The color chart image CG includes corresponding patch images PG for each of the plurality of colors that serve as a reference for the printing color. The intersecting direction K is an example of the "predetermined direction".

[0015] Hereinafter, a single row of patch images PG arranged in the intersecting direction K is referred to as a patch image row and is denoted by the symbol "R". In FIG. 2, the patch image row R of 1 illustrates a case where it includes seven patch images PG in the intersecting direction K, but the number of patch images PG included in the patch image row R may be less than seven or more than seven.

[0016] The color chart image CG has a plurality of patch image rows R arranged along the conveyance direction H. The color chart image CG shown in FIG. 2 has at least eight or more patch image rows R.

[0017] The color chart image CG has a mark MK in the first direction K1 from the patch image row R in the intersecting direction K. The color chart image CG has a mark MK for each patch image row R. The mark MK is a mark for starting timer control related to color measurement of the patch image row R.

[0018] FIG. 3 is a plan view showing the configuration of the main part of the color measuring device 2. The color measuring device 2 includes a color measuring unit 20. The color measuring unit 20 includes an irradiation unit 21 and a light receiving unit 22. The irradiation unit 21 has an LED (Light Emitting Diode) 23 and a substrate 24 on which the LED 23 is provided. The light receiving unit 22 is composed of a light receiving sensor. The color measuring unit 20 irradiates light on the printing medium M by the LED 23, receives the reflected light reflected by the printing medium M by the light receiving unit 22, and performs color measurement. The color measuring unit 20 may include an optical element that separates, reflects, guides, or spectroscopically analyzes the light received by the light receiving unit 22. The color measuring unit 20 may be a colorimeter or a spectrocolorimeter. LED23 is an example of a "light source".

[0019] The colorimeter 2 includes a carriage 25 on which a colorimeter 20 is mounted. The carriage 25 reciprocates along the intersecting direction K, along a guide shaft that extends and is installed in the intersecting direction K. As the carriage 25 reciprocates, the colorimeter 20 also reciprocates along the intersecting direction K. The carriage 25 is connected to a carriage drive motor 2021 via a drive belt (not shown), etc. When the carriage drive motor 2021 rotates in the forward direction, it moves in the second direction K2, and when the carriage drive motor 2021 rotates in the reverse direction, it moves in the first direction K1. The movable range IH of the carriage 25 is the range from the standby position I1 to the calibration execution position I2 in the intersecting direction K. The movable range IH includes the colorimeterable range KH on which the colorimeter 20 can measure color. The colorimeterable range KH corresponds to the width of the transport path FW in the intersecting direction K. The standby position I1 is a position downstream of the colorimeterable range KH in the first direction K1. The calibration execution position I2 is located downstream of the colorimetric range KH in the second direction K2.

[0020] The colorimeter 2 includes a support member 26 with a flat upper surface 26A. The support member 26 supports the printing medium M with its upper surface 26A. A medium presser 27 is attached to the support member 26. The medium presser 27 is movably supported by a drive unit 28 and presses the printing medium M against the support member 26. By pressing the printing medium M with the medium presser 27, the lifting of the printing medium M is eliminated or reduced. This prevents color measurement errors caused by lifting or wrinkling of the printing medium M when the colorimeter 20 performs color measurement. Support member 26 is an example of a "support section".

[0021] The media holder 27 is a flat plate-shaped member. The media holder 27 has a longitudinally shaped colorimetric window 29 that extends in the intersecting direction K. The colorimetric window 29 is an opening that penetrates the media holder 27 and exposes the printing medium M. The LED 23 is mounted on the carriage 25 so as to face the printing medium M. When the carriage 25 moves in the intersecting direction K, the LED 23 moves over the colorimetric window 29 along the direction in which the colorimetric window 29 extends, and irradiates the printing medium M with light through the colorimetric window 29. As a result, the colorimetric device 2 can measure the color of the color chart image CG exposed through the colorimetric window 29.

[0022] The colorimeter 2 includes a temperature sensor 30 located on the substrate 24. The temperature sensor 30 detects the temperature of the substrate 24. The temperature sensor 30 is an example of a "temperature detection unit".

[0023] The colorimeter 2 includes a calibration member 31 used for calibrating the colorimeter 20. The calibration member 31 is provided on a base portion 32 installed on the upper surface 26A of the support member 26. The calibration member 31 is a white material used for calibrating the colorimeter 20. The calibration member 31 is located in a position in the second direction K2 from the measurable range KH in the intersecting direction K, and is positioned where the light from the LED 23 is shone when the carriage 25 is in the calibration execution position I2.

[0024] Calibration of the colorimeter 20 involves the LED 23 irradiating light onto the calibration member 31, and the light receiving unit 22 acquiring the amount of reflected light reflected by the calibration member 31. The amount of reflected light obtained through the calibration of the colorimeter 20 is used as a reference light amount to correct the colorimeter values ​​obtained for each patch image PG.

[0025] Figure 4 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the control system for printer 1. Printer 1 includes a control device 100. The control device 100 includes a control device processor 110, which is a processor such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit), and a control device memory 120. The control device 100 controls each part of Printer 1 by having the control device processor 110 read and execute a control program 121 stored in the control device memory 120. By reading and executing the control program 121, the control device processor 110 functions as a control device communication control unit 111, a print control unit 112, and a colorimeter compatible unit 113.

[0026] The control device memory 120 stores the control program 121, other programs executed by the control device processor 110, and data processed by the control device processor 110. The control device memory 120 has a non-volatile storage area. Alternatively, the control device memory 120 may also have a volatile storage area and constitute the work area of ​​the control device processor 110.

[0027] The control device memory 120 stores, in addition to the control program 121, print data 122, color chart image data 123, and measurement data 124, for example.

[0028] The print data 122 is data transmitted from the host computer 3. The print data 122 includes data for the image to be formed on the printing medium M. The print data 122 may also include print command to the control device 100. The print data 122 may also include data indicating the printing conditions.

[0029] Color chart image data 123 is data for printing the color chart image CG.

[0030] Measurement data 124 is data showing the color measurement results of the colorimeter 2.

[0031] The control device 100 includes a first interface 130 and a second interface 140. The first interface 130 is an interface for connecting the printer 1 to an external device. In this embodiment, the host computer 3 is connected to the first interface 130. The host computer 3 outputs print data 122 to the first interface 130. The first interface 130 may be a wired communication interface equipped with a connector and interface circuit to which a cable is connected, or it may be a wireless communication interface. The second interface 140 is an interface that connects to the colorimeter 2. The second interface 140 is a wired communication interface that includes a connector to which a cable is connected and an interface circuit.

[0032] The printer 1 comprises a colorimeter 2, a printing unit 101, a transport unit 102, and an operation unit 103. The colorimeter 2, printing unit 101, transport unit 102, and operation unit 103 are connected to a control device 100. Details of the colorimeter 2 will be described later.

[0033] The printing unit 101 includes a print head 10, a drive circuit for driving the print head 10, an ink supply unit for supplying ink to the print head 10, and other configurations related to printing. If the print head 10 is a serial inkjet head, the printing unit 101 further includes a carriage on which the print head 10 is mounted, a carriage drive motor for driving the carriage, and other configurations related to the serial inkjet head. The printing unit 101 ejects ink from the print head 10 according to the control of the control device 100 to form an image on the printing medium M.

[0034] The transport unit 102 includes components related to the transport of the printing medium M, such as a transport motor 1021, transport rollers 13 and 14, a feed roller 12, and a winding roller 13. The transport motor 1021 is a motor that drives the transport rollers 13 and 14. The transport motor 1021 rotates according to the control of the control device 100 and transports the printing medium M in the transport direction H. The transport motor 1021 may also be a motor that drives the feed roller 12 or the winding roller 15.

[0035] The operation unit 103 includes an input device that is operated by the user. Examples of input devices include buttons and touch panels. The operation unit 103 outputs a signal to the control device 100 corresponding to the operation of the input device.

[0036] As described above, the control device processor 110 functions as a control device communication control unit 111, a printing control unit 112, and a colorimeter compatible unit 113.

[0037] The control device communication control unit 111 communicates with the host computer 3 via the first interface 130.

[0038] The print control unit 112 controls the printing unit 101 and the transport unit 102 based on the print data 122 input from the host computer 3 via the first interface 130 to perform printing on the printing medium M.

[0039] The print control unit 112 controls the print unit 101 and the transport unit 102 to print the color chart image CG indicated by the color chart image data 123 onto the print medium M. When the patch image sequence R of the printed color chart image CG reaches the color measurement window 29 in the transport direction H, the print control unit 112 controls the transport unit 102 to stop transporting the print medium M. Once the color measurement of the patch image sequence R to be measured is complete, the print control unit 112 resumes transporting the print medium M and brings the next patch image sequence R to be measured to the color measurement window 29.

[0040] The colorimeter unit 113 communicates with the colorimeter 2 via the second interface 140. The colorimeter unit 113 outputs various instructions to the colorimeter 2. The colorimeter unit 113 receives various notifications and measurement data 124 from the colorimeter 2. The colorimeter unit 113 stores the received measurement data 124 in the control device memory 120. The control device communication control unit 111 transmits the measurement data 124 stored in the control device memory 120, or data based on the measurement data 124, to the host computer 3. This allows the user to adjust the color of printed materials and check the print colors of the printed materials printed by the printer 1 using the host computer 3.

[0041] The colorimeter 2 includes a colorimeter control unit 200. The colorimeter control unit 200 includes a colorimeter processor 210, which is a processor such as a CPU, and a colorimeter memory 220. The colorimeter control unit 200 controls each part of the colorimeter 2 by having the colorimeter processor 210 read and execute a control program 221 stored in the colorimeter memory 220. By reading and executing the control program 221, the colorimeter processor 210 functions as a colorimeter communication control unit 211, a determination unit 212, and a colorimeter control unit 213. The colorimeter control unit 200 is an example of a "control unit". The colorimeter memory 220 is an example of a "storage unit".

[0042] The colorimeter memory 220 stores the control program 221, other programs executed by the colorimeter processor 210, and data processed by the colorimeter processor 210. The colorimeter memory 220 has a non-volatile storage area. Alternatively, the colorimeter memory 220 may also have a volatile storage area that constitutes the work area of ​​the colorimeter processor 210.

[0043] The colorimeter memory 220 stores the control program 221, as well as, for example, first temperature information 222 indicating the first temperature T1. Details of the first temperature T1 will be described later.

[0044] The colorimeter 2 comprises a colorimeter interface 201, a colorimeter unit 20, a mobile unit 202, and a temperature sensor 30. The colorimeter interface 201, the colorimeter unit 20, the mobile unit 202, and the temperature sensor 30 are connected to the colorimeter control unit 200.

[0045] The colorimeter interface 201 is an interface that connects to the control device 100. The colorimeter interface 201 is a wired communication interface that includes a connector for connecting cables and an interface circuit.

[0046] The colorimeter 20 includes an illumination unit 21 and a light receiving unit 22, and performs color measurement.

[0047] The moving unit 202 includes a carriage 25 and a carriage drive motor 2021 that drives the carriage 25, and moves the carriage 25 back and forth in the intersecting direction K. As a result, the moving unit 202 moves the colorimeter 20 back and forth in the intersecting direction K. The carriage drive motor 2021 rotates in the forward and reverse directions according to the control of the colorimeter control unit 200, moving the carriage 25 back and forth in the intersecting direction K.

[0048] The temperature sensor 30 detects the temperature of the substrate 24 and outputs the detection result to the colorimeter processor 210.

[0049] As described above, the colorimeter processor 210 functions as a colorimeter communication control unit 211, a determination unit 212, and a colorimeter control unit 213.

[0050] The colorimeter communication control unit 211 communicates with the control unit 100 via the colorimeter interface 201.

[0051] After the LED 23 lights up as color measurement begins, the determination unit 212 determines whether the temperature of the substrate 24 detected by the temperature sensor 30 is equal to or greater than the first temperature T1 indicated by the first temperature information 222. The determination unit 212 outputs the determination result to the color measurement control unit 213.

[0052] The colorimetric control unit 213 controls the colorimetric unit 20 and the movement unit 202 to measure the color of the color chart image CG. The colorimetric control unit 213 moves the carriage 25 back and forth once from the standby position I1 for one patch image sequence R to measure the color of the patch image sequence R. In this embodiment, the color of the patch image sequence R is measured only on the forward movement of the carriage 25, but the color of the next image sequence R may be measured on the return movement of the carriage 25. Also, in this embodiment, the standby position I1 is set to a position opposite the calibration execution position I2 in the crossing direction K, with the measurable range KH in between, but it may be set to a position on the side of the calibration execution position I2. The colorimetric control unit 213 lights up the LED 23 when the colorimetric device communication control unit 211 receives a colorimetric start instruction from the control device 100.

[0053] When the colorimeter communication control unit 211 receives a color measurement execution instruction from the control device 100, the colorimeter control unit 213 moves the media holder 27 to the pressed position. The colorimeter control unit 213 operates the carriage drive motor 2021 to move the carriage 25 from the standby position I1 to the second direction K2 while performing color measurement by the colorimeter unit 20. In color measurement, the colorimeter control unit 213 moves the carriage 25 to the second direction K2 within a movement range corresponding to the width of the printing medium M in the intersecting direction K, or the width of the color chart image CG in the intersecting direction K. The colorimeter control unit 213 obtains the width of the printing medium M in the intersecting direction K, or the width of the color chart image CG in the intersecting direction K, from printing conditions or prior settings, and changes the movement range of the carriage 25 to a range corresponding to the obtained width. After measuring the color of the object to be measured, the color measurement control unit 213 determines whether the temperature of the substrate 24 is equal to or greater than the first temperature T1 using the determination unit 212. If it is equal to or greater than the first temperature T1, the color measurement control unit 213 moves the carriage 25 in the first direction K1 and returns it to the standby position I1 without moving the carriage 25 to the calibration execution position I2. On the other hand, if the temperature of the substrate 24 is less than the first temperature T1 after measuring the color of the object to be measured, the color measurement control unit 213 moves the carriage 25 to the calibration execution position I2 and performs calibration of the color measurement unit 20. Once the calibration of the color measurement unit 20 is completed, the color measurement control unit 213 moves the carriage 25 in the first direction K1 and returns the carriage 25 to the standby position I1. After the carriage 25 has moved to the standby position I1, the color measurement control unit 213 moves the media holder 27 to the non-pressed position. When the colorimeter control unit 213 performs calibration of the colorimeter unit 20, it corrects the most recently obtained colorimeter value based on the most recent calibration and temporarily stores the corrected colorimeter value in the colorimeter device memory 220. On the other hand, if the colorimeter control unit 213 does not perform calibration of the colorimeter unit 20 before measuring the color of the patch image sequence R to be measured, it temporarily stores the colorimeter value of the patch image sequence R to be measured as is in the colorimeter device memory 220.

[0054] The colorimetric control unit 213 turns off the LED 23 when the colorimetric device communication control unit 211 receives a colorimetric completion instruction from the control device 100.

[0055] The first temperature T1 indicated by the first temperature information 222 is determined during a predetermined process at the time of manufacture or shipment of the colorimeter 2. The determination of the first temperature T1 is performed for each colorimeter 2. The determination of the first temperature T1 will be explained below with reference to Figures 5 and 6.

[0056] Figure 5 is a graph showing the temperature change of the substrate 24 and the change in the difference in light received over time, as well as the change in light received over time. In Figure 5, the horizontal axis represents the elapsed time since the LED 23 started to light up. In Figure 5, the right vertical axis represents the difference in light received, and the left vertical axis represents the temperature of the substrate 24.

[0057] The difference in light received indicates the difference between the reference light received and the light received by the light receiving unit 22. The reference light received is the light received by the light receiving unit 22 when the colorimeter unit 20 is in a temperature convergence state. The temperature convergence state is a state in which the temperature change of the substrate 24 can be considered to have stabilized after the LED 23 has been lit. The reference light received is appropriately determined through prior tests and simulations.

[0058] In Figure 5, graph GF1 shows the temperature change of the substrate 24 with respect to the elapsed time since the LED 23 started to light up. As shown in graph GF1, the temperature change of the substrate 24 subsides as time elapses since the LED 23 started to light up.

[0059] In Figure 5, graph GF2 shows the change in the difference in light received with respect to the elapsed time since LED23 started to light up. As shown in graph GF2, the difference in light received becomes zero as time elapses since LED23 started to light up.

[0060] In determining the first temperature T1, graphs GF1 and GF2 are obtained by measurement or other methods. Note that graphs GF1 and GF2 are obtained for each colorimeter 2. In determining the first temperature T1, graph GF3 shown in Figure 6 is obtained from the obtained graphs GF1 and GF2.

[0061] Figure 6 is a graph showing the change in the difference in light reception with respect to the temperature change of the substrate 24. In Figure 6, the horizontal axis represents the temperature of the substrate 24, and the vertical axis represents the difference in light reception.

[0062] Graph GF3, shown in Figure 6, illustrates the change in the difference in light reception with respect to the temperature change of the substrate 24, and is determined by graphs GF1 and GF2.

[0063] The first temperature T1 is the temperature at which the difference in light intensity reaches the first threshold TH1 in graph GF3. The first threshold TH1 is a value that indicates the upper limit of the difference in light intensity that can be accepted as the colorimetric accuracy of the colorimeter 2, and is determined appropriately in advance through prior tests, simulations, etc.

[0064] From graph GF3, the temperature when the difference in light intensity is equal to the first threshold TH1 is determined as the first temperature T1. The first temperature information 222 indicating the determined first temperature T1 is stored in the colorimeter memory 220 during a predetermined process at the time of manufacture or shipment of the colorimeter 2.

[0065] Next, the operation of the printer 1 in this embodiment will be described. Figure 7 is a flowchart illustrating the operation of printer 1. In Figure 7, flowchart FA shows the operation of control device 100, and flowchart FB shows the operation of colorimeter 2. At the start of flowchart FB, carriage 25 is located at calibration execution position I2.

[0066] As shown in the flowchart FA, when the print control unit 112 detects a trigger to start color measurement (step SA1), it starts printing the color chart image CG based on the color chart image data 123 stored in the control device memory 120 (step SA2). The trigger for starting color measurement is, for example, when the operation unit 103 receives an operation from the user to instruct the start of color measurement.

[0067] Next, when the print control unit 112 starts printing the color chart image CG, the colorimeter unit 113 outputs a color measurement start instruction to the colorimeter unit 2 (step SA3).

[0068] As shown in the flowchart FB, the colorimeter communication control unit 211 of the colorimeter 2 receives a colorimeter start instruction from the control device processor 110 (step SB1).

[0069] Next, the colorimetric control unit 213 lights up the LED 23 (step SB2).

[0070] As shown in the flowchart FA, the print control unit 112 determines whether the patch image sequence R to be measured has reached the color measurement window 29 (step SA4).

[0071] If the print control unit 112 determines that the patch image sequence R to be measured has not reached the colorimetric window 29 (step SA4: NO), it performs the determination in step SA4 again. On the other hand, if the print control unit 112 determines that the patch image sequence R to be measured has reached the colorimetric window 29 (step SA4: YES), the colorimetric device correspondence unit 113 outputs a colorimetric execution instruction to the colorimetric device 2 (step SA5).

[0072] As shown in the flowchart FB, the colorimeter communication control unit 211 of the colorimeter 2 determines whether or not it has received a color measurement execution instruction (step SB3). If the colorimeter communication control unit 211 determines that it has not received a color measurement execution instruction (step SB3: NO), it performs the process in step SB6.

[0073] On the other hand, if the colorimeter communication control unit 211 determines that it has received a color measurement execution instruction (step SB3: YES), the colorimeter control unit 213 performs color measurement processing (step SB4).

[0074] Figure 8 is a flowchart showing the operation of the colorimeter 2 during the colorimetric processing (step SB4) shown in Figure 7.

[0075] The colorimetric control unit 213 determines whether or not to perform color measurement on the patch image sequence R for the first time after lighting up the LED 23 (step SB51). The determination in step SB51 is based on the number of times a color measurement execution instruction has been received after the LED 23 has been lit. If the colorimetric device communication control unit 211 receives a color measurement execution instruction for the first time after the LED 23 has been lit, the colorimetric control unit 213 makes a positive determination in step B51. On the other hand, if the colorimetric device communication control unit 211 receives multiple color measurement execution instructions after the LED 23 has been lit, the colorimetric control unit 213 makes a negative determination in step B51.

[0076] If the colorimetric control unit 213 determines that it is time to measure the color of the patch image sequence R for the first time after lighting up the LED 23 (step SB51: YES), the determination unit 212 determines whether or not the temperature of the substrate 24 is equal to or greater than the first temperature T1 (step SB52). The determination in step SB52 is an example of "a step to determine whether or not to perform calibration of the colorimetric unit".

[0077] If the determination unit 212 determines that the temperature of the substrate 24 is less than the first temperature T1 (step SB52: NO), the colorimetric control unit 213 performs calibration of the colorimetric unit 20 (step SB53). When the calibration of the colorimeter 20 is completed, the colorimeter control unit 213 controls the movement unit 202 to move the carriage 25 from the calibration execution position I2 to the standby position I1. Once the carriage 25 reaches the standby position I1, the movement unit 202 is controlled again to move the carriage 25 from the standby position I1 to the second direction K2, and the patch image sequence R to be measured is colorimetered (step SB54). When the colorimeter control unit 213 has finished measuring the color, the determination unit 212 determines whether or not the temperature of the substrate 24 is equal to or greater than the first temperature T1 (step SB55). The determination in step SB55 is an example of "a step to determine whether or not to perform calibration of the colorimeter".

[0078] On the other hand, if the determination unit 212 determines that the temperature of the substrate 24 is equal to or greater than the first temperature T1 (step SB52: YES), the colorimetric control unit 213 does not perform calibration of the colorimetric unit 20, but controls the movement unit 202 to move the carriage 25 from the calibration execution position I2 to the standby position I1. Once the carriage 25 reaches the standby position I1, the movement unit 202 is controlled again to move the carriage 25 from the standby position I1 to the second direction K2, and the patch image sequence R to be measured is colorimetric (step SB54). After the colorimetric measurement is completed, the colorimetric control unit 213 determines whether or not the determination unit 212 indicates that the temperature of the substrate 24 is equal to or greater than the first temperature T1 (step SB55).

[0079] Returning to the explanation of step SB51, if the colorimetric control unit 213 determines that it is the next time the patch image sequence R has been measured after the LED 23 has been lit (step SB51: NO), it moves the carriage 25 from the standby position I1 to the second direction K2 and measures the color of the patch image sequence R (step SB56).

[0080] When the color measurement control unit 213 has finished measuring the color of the patch image sequence R to be measured, the determination unit 212 determines whether or not the temperature of the substrate 24 is equal to or greater than the first temperature T1 (step SB55).

[0081] If the determination unit 212 determines that the temperature of the substrate 24 is less than the first temperature T1 (step SB55: NO), the colorimetric control unit 213 continues moving the carriage 25 in the second direction K2 to the calibration execution position I2 and performs calibration of the colorimetric unit 20 (step SB57). Once the calibration of the colorimetric unit 20 is completed, the colorimetric control unit 213 moves the carriage 25 from the calibration execution position I2 to the standby position I1 (step SB58).

[0082] On the other hand, if the determination unit 212 determines that the temperature of the substrate 24 is equal to or greater than the first temperature T1 (step SB55: YES), the colorimetric control unit 213 does not perform calibration of the colorimetric unit 20, but switches the movement direction of the carriage 25 to the first direction K1 and moves the carriage 25 to the standby position I1 (step SB58).

[0083] Returning to the explanation of Figure 7, when the colorimetric control unit 213 finishes measuring the color of the patch image sequence R to be measured, the colorimetric device communication control unit 211 outputs a colorimetric completion notification to the control device processor 110 (step SB5).

[0084] As shown in flowchart FA, the colorimeter compatibility unit 113 determines whether or not it has received a color measurement completion notification from the colorimeter 2 (step SA6). If the colorimeter compatibility unit 113 determines that it has not received a color measurement completion notification from the colorimeter 2 (step SA6: NO), it performs the process of step SA6 again.

[0085] On the other hand, if the colorimeter compatibility unit 113 determines that it has received a color measurement completion notification from the colorimeter 2 (step SA6: YES), the print control unit 112 determines whether or not there are any patch image sequences R that have not been color-measured (step SA7). For example, the color chart image data 123 records the number of patch image sequences R included in the color chart image CG, and the print control unit 112 makes the determination in step SA7 based on this record.

[0086] If the print control unit 112 determines that there is a patch image sequence R that has not been color-measured (step SA7: YES), it resumes transporting the print medium M and performs the processing from step SA4 onwards again.

[0087] On the other hand, if the print control unit 112 determines that there are no patch image sequences R that have not been color-measured (step SA7: NO), that is, if all patch image sequences R have been color-measured, the colorimeter correspondence unit 113 outputs a color measurement completion instruction to the colorimeter 2 (step SA8).

[0088] As shown in the flowchart FB, the colorimeter communication control unit 211 determines whether or not it has received a color measurement completion instruction (step SB6). If the colorimeter communication control unit 211 determines that it has not received a color measurement completion instruction (step SB6: NO), it performs the process in step SB3.

[0089] On the other hand, if the colorimeter communication control unit 211 determines that it has received a colorimeter completion instruction (step SB6: YES), it turns off the LED 23 (step SB7).

[0090] Next, the colorimeter communication control unit 211 transmits the measurement data 124, which includes the colorimeter values ​​temporarily stored in the colorimeter memory 220, to the control device 100 (step SB8).

[0091] As shown in the flowchart FA, the colorimeter-compatible unit 113 receives measurement data 124 from the colorimeter 2 (step SA9) and stores the received measurement data 124 in the control device memory 120 (step SA10).

[0092] As described above, the colorimeter 2 comprises a support member 26 for supporting a printing medium M, an illumination unit 21 having an LED 23 that irradiates light onto a color chart image CG printed on the printing medium M supported by the support member 26, and a substrate 24 on which the LED 23 is provided, a light receiving unit 22 that receives reflected light reflected from the color chart image CG by the light irradiated from the LED 23, a moving unit 202 that moves the colorimeter 20 back and forth along the crossing direction K, a calibration member 31 provided in the crossing direction K and used for calibration of the colorimeter, a temperature sensor 30 that detects the temperature of the substrate 24, and a colorimeter control unit 200. The colorimeter control unit 200 determines whether or not to perform calibration of the colorimeter 20 based on the temperature of the substrate 24 detected by the temperature sensor 30 when measuring the color of the color chart image CG. Furthermore, when the colorimeter control unit 200 determines that calibration of the colorimeter unit 20 is necessary during color measurement of a color chart image CG, it moves the colorimeter unit 20 to the calibration member 31 using the moving unit 202 to perform calibration of the colorimeter unit 20.

[0093] According to this, the colorimeter 20 is calibrated only when it is determined to do so based on the temperature of the substrate 24. Therefore, the number of times the colorimeter 20 needs to be calibrated can be reduced when measuring the color of a color chart image CG. Consequently, the time required for color measurement can be shortened.

[0094] The colorimeter 2 includes a colorimeter memory 220 that stores first temperature information 222 indicating a first temperature T1. The colorimeter control unit 200 determines whether the temperature of the substrate 24 detected by the temperature sensor 30 is equal to or greater than the first temperature T1, and if it determines that the temperature of the substrate 24 is less than the first temperature T1, it performs calibration of the colorimeter unit 20.

[0095] According to this, by performing calibration of the colorimeter 20 when the temperature of the substrate 24 is below the first temperature T1, it becomes possible to further reduce the number of times the colorimeter 20 calibration is performed when measuring the color of the color chart image CG. Therefore, the time required for color measurement can be further shortened.

[0096] The first temperature T1 is the temperature of the substrate 24 when the difference between the reference light amount and the light amount received by the light receiving unit 22 becomes the first threshold TH1.

[0097] According to this, the colorimetric unit 20 is calibrated when colorimetric accuracy may decrease, thus reducing the number of times the colorimetric unit 20 is calibrated when measuring the color of a color chart image CG. Therefore, the time required for color measurement can be shortened while ensuring colorimetric accuracy.

[0098] The colorimeter control unit 200 changes the movement range of the colorimeter unit 20 by the movement unit 202 according to the width of the printing medium M or the width of the color chart image CG in the intersecting direction K.

[0099] According to this, by changing the movement range of the colorimeter 20 according to the width of the printing medium M or the width of the color chart image CG in the intersecting direction K, the entire movable range IH in the intersecting direction K is not moved. Therefore, the time required for color measurement can be further reduced.

[0100] Furthermore, the printer 1 is equipped with a colorimeter 2.

[0101] According to this, it produces the same effect as the colorimeter 2 described above.

[0102] Furthermore, the calibration method by the colorimeter 2 includes the steps of determining whether or not to perform calibration of the colorimeter 20 based on the temperature of the substrate 24 detected by the temperature sensor 30, and, if it is determined that calibration of the colorimeter 20 should be performed, moving the colorimeter 20 to the calibration member 31 used for calibration of the colorimeter 20 and performing calibration of the colorimeter 20.

[0103] According to this, it produces the same effect as the colorimeter 2 described above.

[0104] [Second Embodiment] Next, a second embodiment will be described. Regarding the configuration of each part of the printer 1 in the second embodiment, components that are the same as those in the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals and detailed descriptions are omitted.

[0105] Figure 9 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the control system of the printer 1 in the second embodiment. As is clear from comparing Figure 9 and Figure 4, the colorimeter 2 of the second embodiment stores additional second temperature information 223 compared to the colorimeter 2 of the first embodiment. The colorimeter memory 220 stores the second temperature information 223. The second temperature T2 indicated by the second temperature information 223 is a lower temperature than the first temperature T1.

[0106] In the second embodiment, when the LED 23 starts to light up, the determination unit 212 determines whether the temperature of the substrate 24 detected by the temperature sensor 30 is less than the second temperature T2, between the second temperature T2 and the first temperature T1, or above the first temperature T1. This determination is performed at predetermined intervals. The predetermined interval is, for example, 1 second. Each time the determination is performed, the determination unit 212 outputs the determination result to the colorimetric control unit 213.

[0107] In the second embodiment, the colorimetric control unit 213 performs calibration of the colorimetric unit 20 each time the carriage 25 makes one round trip if the determination unit 212 indicates that the temperature is less than the second temperature T2. That is, the colorimetric control unit 213 performs calibration of the colorimetric unit 20 for each patch image sequence R if the determination unit 212 indicates that the temperature is less than the second temperature T2. When the colorimetric control unit 213 performs calibration of the colorimetric unit 20 for each patch image sequence R, it applies a correction to the most recently acquired colorimetric value after calibration based on the most recently performed calibration, and temporarily stores the corrected colorimetric value in the colorimetric device memory 220.

[0108] In the second embodiment, the colorimetric control unit 213 performs calibration of the colorimetric unit 20 every N round trips of the carriage 25 if the determination unit 212 indicates that the second temperature T2 is greater than or equal to or less than the first temperature T1. N is an integer greater than or equal to 2. That is, if the determination unit 212 indicates that the second temperature T2 is less than the colorimetric control unit 213 performs calibration of the colorimetric unit 20 for every N patch image sequence R. When the colorimetric control unit 213 performs calibration of the colorimetric unit 20 for every N patch image sequence R, it corrects the colorimetric value acquired after calibration based on the most recent calibration and temporarily stores the corrected colorimetric value in the colorimetric device memory 220.

[0109] In the second embodiment, the colorimetric control unit 213 measures the color of the color chart image CG without calibrating the colorimetric unit 20 if the determination unit 212 determines that the temperature is T1 or higher. If the determination unit 212 determines that the temperature is T1 or higher, the colorimetric control unit 213 temporarily stores the measured color values ​​of the patch image sequence R directly in the colorimetric device memory 220.

[0110] The first temperature T1 indicated by the first temperature information 222 in the second embodiment is determined in the same way as in the first embodiment. The second temperature T2 indicated by the second temperature information 223 is determined in the same way as the first temperature T1, during a predetermined process at the time of manufacture or shipment of the colorimeter 2. The determination of the second temperature T2 is performed for each colorimeter 2. The determination of the second temperature T2 will be described below with reference to Figure 10.

[0111] Figure 10 is a graph showing the change in the difference in light received with respect to the temperature of the substrate 24. In Figure 10, the horizontal axis represents the temperature of the substrate 24, and the vertical axis represents the difference in light received.

[0112] Graph GF3 shown in Figure 10 shows the difference in light reception with respect to the temperature of the substrate 24. Graph GF3 shown in Figure 10 is the same as graph GF3 shown in Figure 6, and can be determined from graphs GF1 and GF2.

[0113] The second temperature T2 is the temperature at which the difference in light intensity reaches the second threshold TH2 in graph GF3. The second threshold TH2 is a value greater than the first threshold TH1. The second threshold TH2 is a value that indicates the upper limit of the light intensity difference that can be accepted as the colorimetric accuracy of the colorimeter 2 when the colorimeter unit 20 is calibrated every N round trips of the carriage 25. The second threshold TH2 is appropriately determined in advance through prior tests, simulations, etc.

[0114] The second temperature T2 is determined from graph GF3 as the temperature at which the second threshold TH2 occurs. The second temperature information 223 indicating the determined second temperature T2 is stored in the colorimeter memory 220 during a predetermined process during the manufacturing or shipment of the colorimeter 2.

[0115] The operation of the printer 1 in the second embodiment will now be described. In the operation of the printer 1 of the second embodiment, the operation of the colorimeter 2 in the colorimetering process is different. Figure 11 is a flowchart showing the operation of the colorimeter 2 during the color measurement process. The operation of the colorimeter 2 shown in Figure 11 illustrates a case where the colorimeter unit 20 is calibrated every two reciprocations of the carriage 25.

[0116] In Figure 11, steps identical to those in the flowchart shown in Figure 8 are given the same step numbers, and their detailed explanations are omitted.

[0117] When the colorimetric measurement of the patch image sequence R is performed in step SB54 or step SB56, the colorimetric control unit 213 determines whether the determination of the determination unit 212 indicates that the temperature is less than the second temperature T2, that the temperature is between the second temperature T2 and the first temperature T1, or that the temperature is greater than or equal to the first temperature T1 (step SB59). The determination in step SB59 is an example of "a step to determine whether or not to perform calibration of the colorimetric unit".

[0118] If the colorimetric control unit 213 determines that the determination unit 212 indicates a temperature less than the second temperature T2 (step SB59: less than the second temperature), it controls the moving unit 202 to move the carriage 25 to the calibration execution position I2 and performs calibration of the colorimetric unit 20 (step SB60). Once the calibration of the colorimetric unit 20 is complete, the colorimetric control unit 213 controls the moving unit 202 to move the carriage 25 to the standby position I1 (step SB58).

[0119] If the determination unit 212 determines that the determination is between the second temperature T2 and the first temperature T1 (step SB59: second temperature and above and below the first temperature), the colorimetric control unit 213 determines whether the carriage 25 has made two round trips since the last calibration of the colorimetric unit 20 (step SB61). For example, the determination of whether two round trips have been made is made by determining whether the carriage 25 has been in the standby position I1 twice since the last calibration of the colorimetric unit 20.

[0120] If the colorimetric control unit 213 determines that the carriage 25 has not made two round trips since the last calibration of the colorimetric unit 20 (step SB61: NO), it moves the carriage 25 to the standby position I1 without performing calibration of the colorimetric unit 20 (step SB58). On the other hand, if the colorimetric control unit 213 determines that the carriage 25 has made two round trips since the last calibration of the colorimetric unit 20 (step SB61: YES), it performs calibration of the colorimetric unit 20 (step SB60) and moves the carriage 25 to the standby position I1 (step SB58).

[0121] Returning to the explanation of step SB59, if the colorimetric control unit 213 determines that the determination unit 212 indicates a first temperature T1 or higher (step SB59: first temperature or higher), it moves the carriage 25 to the standby position I1 without performing calibration of the colorimetric unit 20 (step SB58).

[0122] As explained above, the colorimeter memory 220 stores second temperature information 223 indicating a second temperature T2 that is lower than the first temperature T1. When the temperature of the substrate 24 detected by the temperature sensor 30 is less than the second temperature T2, the colorimeter control unit 20 performs calibration of the colorimeter unit 20 each time the colorimeter unit 20 makes one round trip in the crossing direction K. When the temperature of the substrate 24 detected by the temperature sensor 30 is greater than or equal to the second temperature T2 and less than the first temperature T1, the colorimeter control unit 20 performs calibration of the colorimeter unit 20 each time the colorimeter unit 20 makes N round trips (N is an integer of 2 or more) in the crossing direction K.

[0123] According to this, the number of calibrations performed by the colorimeter 20 is varied depending on the temperature of the substrate 24. Therefore, the number of calibrations performed by the colorimeter 20 can be further reduced during color measurement. Thus, the time required for color measurement can be further shortened.

[0124] The first temperature T1 is the temperature of the substrate 24 when the difference between the reference light amount and the light amount received by the light receiving unit 22 is equal to the first threshold TH1. The second temperature T2 is the temperature of the substrate 24 when the difference between the reference light amount and the light amount received by the light receiving unit 22 is equal to the second threshold TH2. The second threshold TH2 is greater than the first threshold TH1.

[0125] According to this, the colorimetric unit 20 is calibrated when colorimetric accuracy may decrease, thus reducing the number of times the colorimetric unit 20 needs to be calibrated when measuring the color of a color chart image CG. Therefore, the time required for color measurement can be shortened while ensuring colorimetric accuracy.

[0126] The embodiments described above are merely examples illustrating the application of the present invention. The present invention is not limited to the configurations of the embodiments described above, and can be implemented in various forms without departing from the spirit of the invention.

[0127] In the embodiments described above, the temperature sensor 30 is configured to detect the temperature of the substrate 24, but the temperature sensor 30 may also be configured to detect the temperature of the LED 23. When the temperature sensor 30 is configured to detect the temperature of the LED 23, the first temperature T1 and the second temperature T2 are determined based on the temperature change of the LED 23 with respect to the elapsed time since the LED 23 started to light up, and the change in the difference in the amount of light received with respect to the elapsed time. The characteristics of these changes are determined for each colorimeter 2 during a predetermined process during the manufacturing or shipment of the colorimeter 2. Furthermore, when the temperature sensor 30 is configured to detect the temperature of the LED 23, the determination unit 212 of the first embodiment determines whether the temperature of the LED 23 is equal to or greater than the first temperature T1. Furthermore, when the temperature sensor 30 is configured to detect the temperature of the LED 23, the determination unit 212 of the second embodiment determines whether the temperature of the LED 23 is less than the second temperature T2, greater than or equal to the second temperature T2 and less than the first temperature T1, or greater than or equal to the first temperature T1. Furthermore, if the temperature sensor 30 is configured to detect the temperature of the LED 23, the colorimetric control unit 213 performs the processing in steps SB52, SB55, and SB59 based on the determination result for the temperature of the LED 23, in the same way as in the case of the temperature of the substrate 23.

[0128] In the embodiments described above, LED23 was used as an example of the light source of the present invention. However, the light source of the present invention is not limited to LED23, and any other light source whose temperature and light emission amount change with respect to the elapsed time since illumination may be used. In this case, the first temperature T1 and the second temperature T2 are determined for each colorimeter 2 based on graphs GF1, GF2, and GF3 corresponding to other light sources.

[0129] In the embodiments described above, the printer 1 performs color measurement on a printed color chart image CG, but it is also possible to perform color measurement on a medium that has the color chart image CG printed on it in advance.

[0130] The printing apparatus to which the present invention is applied is not limited to a printer 1. For example, the present invention may be applied to a printing apparatus that discharges the printed medium M to the outside of the apparatus after printing.

[0131] The control device processor 110 and the colorimeter processor 210 may be composed of multiple processors or a single processor. The control device processor 110 and the colorimeter processor 210 may also be hardware programmed to realize the functions of each part described later. That is, the control device processor 110 and the colorimeter processor 210 may be composed of, for example, an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit) or an FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array).

[0132] The parts shown in Figures 2 and 9 are examples, and the specific implementation configuration is not particularly limited. In other words, it is not necessarily required that hardware corresponding to each part be implemented individually, and it is certainly possible to configure the system so that a single processor executes a program to realize the functions of each part. Furthermore, some of the functions realized by software in the above-described embodiment may be implemented by hardware, or vice versa. In addition, the specific detailed configuration of other parts of the printer 1 and colorimeter 2 can also be arbitrarily changed.

[0133] The step units of operation shown in the flowcharts of Figures 7, 8, and 11 are divided according to the main processing content in order to facilitate understanding of the operation of the control device 100 and the colorimeter 2, and the present invention is not limited by the way the processing units are divided or the names of the units. Depending on the processing content, it may be further divided into more step units. Alternatively, it may be divided so that one step unit includes even more processing. Furthermore, the order of the steps may be changed as appropriate, as long as it does not impede the spirit of the present invention.

[0134] The present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, and can be realized in various configurations without departing from its spirit. For example, the technical features in the embodiments corresponding to the technical features in each form described in the summary of the invention can be replaced or combined as appropriate in order to solve some or all of the above-described problems, or to achieve some or all of the above-described effects. Furthermore, if a technical feature is not described as essential in this specification, it can be deleted as appropriate. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0135] 1...Printer (printing device), 2...Colorimeter, 3...Host computer, 10...Print head, 12...Feed roller, 13, 14...Transport roller, 15...Take-up roller, 20...Colorimeter, 21...Irradiation unit, 22...Light receiving unit, 23...LED (light source), 24...Substrate, 25...Carriage, 26...Support member (support unit), 30...Temperature sensor (temperature detection unit), 31...Calibration member, 100...Control device, 101...Printing unit, 102...Transport unit, 103...Operation unit, 104 Operation unit, 110...Control device processor, 111...Control device communication control unit, 112...Print control unit, 113...Colorimeter compatible unit, 120...Control device memory, 121...Control program, 122...Print data, 123...Color chart image data, 124...Measurement data, 130...First interface, 140...Second interface, 200...Colorimeter control unit (control unit), 201...Colorimeter interface, 202...Movement unit, 210...Colorimeter processor 211...Colorimeter communication control unit, 212...Determination unit, 213...Colorimeter control unit, 220...Colorimeter memory (storage unit), 221...Control program, 222...First temperature information, 223...Second temperature information, 1021...Transport motor, 2021...Carriage drive motor, CG...Color chart image (image), H...Transport direction, K...Crossing direction (predetermined direction), M...Printing medium (medium), T1...First temperature, T2...Second temperature, TH1...First threshold, TH2...Second threshold.

Claims

1. A support part that supports the medium, A light source that illuminates an image printed on the medium supported by the support portion, and the light source An irradiation unit having a substrate provided therewith, and the light irradiated from the light source is reflected in the image It has a light-receiving unit that receives reflected light, and a color-measuring unit that measures the color of the image, A moving unit that moves the color measuring unit back and forth along a predetermined direction, A cable provided in the predetermined direction and used for calibrating the colorimeter. Rebation member and A temperature detection unit that detects the temperature of the light source or the temperature of the substrate, In the color measurement of the aforementioned image, the temperature detection unit detects the temperature of the light source or the temperature of the substrate. Based on the degree, it is determined whether or not to perform calibration of the colorimeter, and the color measurement of the image is performed. In the event that it is determined to perform calibration of the colorimeter, the moving part will move forward Move the color measurement unit to the calibration member and perform calibration of the color measurement unit. The control unit that performs the task, It comprises a storage unit that stores first temperature information indicating a first temperature, The control unit, The temperature of the light source or the temperature of the substrate detected by the temperature detection unit is equal to or greater than the first temperature. Determine whether it exists or not. If it is determined that the temperature of the light source or the temperature of the substrate is less than the first temperature, Perform a calibration of the colorimeter, The first temperature is determined by the difference between the reference amount of light received and the amount of light received by the light receiving unit, which becomes the first threshold temperature. The temperature of the light source or the temperature of the substrate in that case, Colorimetric device.

2. A support portion for supporting the medium, A light source that illuminates an image printed on the medium supported by the support portion, and the light source An irradiation unit having a substrate provided therewith, and the light irradiated from the light source is reflected in the image It has a light-receiving unit that receives reflected light, and a color-measuring unit that measures the color of the image, A moving unit that moves the color measuring unit back and forth along a predetermined direction, A cable provided in the predetermined direction and used for calibrating the colorimeter. Rebation member and A temperature detection unit that detects the temperature of the light source or the temperature of the substrate, In the color measurement of the aforementioned image, the temperature detection unit detects the temperature of the light source or the temperature of the substrate. Based on the degree, it is determined whether or not to perform calibration of the colorimeter, and the color measurement of the image is performed. In the event that it is determined to perform calibration of the colorimeter, the moving part will move forward Move the color measurement unit to the calibration member and perform calibration of the color measurement unit. The control unit that performs the task, It comprises a storage unit that stores second temperature information indicating a second temperature, The control unit, If the temperature of the light source or the temperature of the substrate detected by the temperature detection unit is less than the second temperature In some cases, each time the color measuring unit makes one back-and-forth motion in the predetermined direction, the carrier of the color measuring unit Perform a pulse, If the temperature of the light source or the temperature of the substrate detected by the temperature detection unit is equal to or greater than the second temperature In some cases, every time the colorimeter moves back and forth N times (where N is an integer of 2 or more) in the predetermined direction Then, the colorimeter is calibrated, The second temperature is determined by the difference between the reference amount of light received and the amount of light received by the light receiving unit, which becomes the second threshold temperature. The temperature of the light source or the temperature of the substrate in that case, Colorimetric device.

3. The storage unit stores second temperature information indicating a second temperature lower than the first temperature. The control unit, If the temperature of the light source or the temperature of the substrate detected by the temperature detection unit is less than the second temperature In this case, each time the color measuring unit makes one back-and-forth motion in the predetermined direction, the calibration of the color measuring unit is performed. Conduct a ration, The temperature of the light source or the temperature of the substrate detected by the temperature detection unit is equal to or greater than the second temperature and If the temperature is less than the first temperature, the colorimeter is N in the predetermined direction (where N is 2 or more). The colorimeter is calibrated each time it makes a round trip (integer). The colorimeter according to claim 1.

4. The second temperature is determined by the difference between the reference amount of light received and the amount of light received by the light receiving unit, which is the second threshold temperature. The temperature of the light source or the temperature of the substrate in that case, The second threshold is greater than the first threshold. The colorimeter according to claim 3.

5. The control unit, The movement range of the colorimeter in accordance with the width of the medium or the width of the image in the predetermined direction. The enclosure is changed by the aforementioned moving part. A colorimeter according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

6. Equipped with a colorimeter, The colorimeter, A support part that supports the medium, A light source that illuminates an image printed on the medium supported by the support portion, and the light source An irradiation unit having a substrate provided therewith, and the light irradiated from the light source is reflected in the image It has a light-receiving unit that receives reflected light, and a color-measuring unit that measures the color of the image, A moving unit that moves the color measuring unit back and forth along a predetermined direction, A cable provided in the predetermined direction and used for calibrating the colorimeter. Rebation member and A temperature detection unit that detects the temperature of the light source or the temperature of the substrate, In the color measurement of the aforementioned image, the temperature detection unit detects the temperature of the light source or the temperature of the substrate. Based on the degree, it is determined whether or not to perform calibration of the colorimeter, and the color measurement of the image is performed. In the event that it is determined to perform calibration of the colorimeter, the moving part will move forward Move the color measurement unit to the calibration member and perform calibration of the color measurement unit. The control unit that performs the task, It comprises a storage unit that stores first temperature information indicating a first temperature, The control unit, The temperature of the light source or the temperature of the substrate detected by the temperature detection unit is equal to or greater than the first temperature. Determine whether it exists or not. If it is determined that the temperature of the light source or the temperature of the substrate is less than the first temperature, Perform a calibration of the colorimeter, The first temperature is determined by the difference between the reference amount of light received and the amount of light received by the light receiving unit, which becomes the first threshold temperature. The temperature of the light source or the temperature of the substrate in that case, Printing device.

7. Equipped with a colorimeter, The colorimeter, A support part that supports the medium, A light source that illuminates an image printed on the medium supported by the support portion, and the light source An irradiation unit having a substrate provided therewith, and the light irradiated from the light source is reflected in the image It has a light-receiving unit that receives reflected light, and a color-measuring unit that measures the color of the image, A moving unit that moves the color measuring unit back and forth along a predetermined direction, A cable provided in the predetermined direction and used for calibrating the colorimeter. Rebation member and A temperature detection unit that detects the temperature of the light source or the temperature of the substrate, In the color measurement of the aforementioned image, the temperature detection unit detects the temperature of the light source or the temperature of the substrate. Based on the degree, it is determined whether or not to perform calibration of the colorimeter, and the color measurement of the image is performed. In the event that it is determined to perform calibration of the colorimeter, the moving part will move forward Move the color measurement unit to the calibration member and perform calibration of the color measurement unit. The control unit that performs the task, It comprises a storage unit that stores second temperature information indicating a second temperature, The control unit, If the temperature of the light source or the temperature of the substrate detected by the temperature detection unit is less than the second temperature In some cases, each time the color measuring unit makes one back-and-forth motion in the predetermined direction, the carrier of the color measuring unit Perform a pulse, If the temperature of the light source or the temperature of the substrate detected by the temperature detection unit is equal to or greater than the second temperature In some cases, every time the colorimeter moves back and forth N times (where N is an integer of 2 or more) in the predetermined direction Then, the colorimeter is calibrated, The second temperature is determined by the difference between the reference amount of light received and the amount of light received by the light receiving unit, which becomes the second threshold temperature. The temperature of the light source or the temperature of the substrate in that case, Printing device.

8. A light source that illuminates an image printed on a medium supported by a support part, and the light source provided A colorimeter unit has a substrate and measures the color of the image, and a unit detects the temperature of the light source or the temperature of the substrate. A calibration method using a colorimetric device equipped with a temperature detection unit, In the color measurement of the aforementioned image, the temperature detection unit detects the temperature of the light source or the temperature of the substrate. A step of determining whether or not to perform calibration of the colorimeter based on the degree, When measuring the color of the aforementioned image, if it is determined that the color measuring unit should be calibrated, The color measuring unit is moved to the calibration member used for calibrating the color measuring unit. The process includes the step of moving the colorimeter to perform calibration, In the step of determining whether or not to perform the calibration, the temperature of the light source or The colorimeter is calibrated when the temperature of the substrate is below the first temperature. It was determined that, The first temperature is determined by the difference between the reference amount of light received and the amount of light received by the light receiving unit, which becomes the first threshold temperature. The temperature of the light source or the temperature of the substrate in that case, Calibration method.

9. A light source for irradiating light onto an image printed on a medium supported by a support portion, and a device provided with the light source. A colorimeter unit has a substrate and measures the color of the image, and a unit detects the temperature of the light source or the temperature of the substrate. A calibration method using a colorimetric device equipped with a temperature detection unit, In the color measurement of the aforementioned image, the temperature detection unit detects the temperature of the light source or the temperature of the substrate. A step of determining whether or not to perform calibration of the colorimeter based on the degree, When measuring the color of the aforementioned image, if it is determined that the color measuring unit should be calibrated, The color measuring unit is moved to the calibration member used for calibrating the color measuring unit. The process includes the step of moving the colorimeter to perform calibration, In the step of determining whether or not to perform the calibration, The temperature of the light source or the temperature of the substrate detected by the temperature detection unit is less than the second temperature. In this case, each time the color measuring unit makes one return motion in the predetermined direction, the calibration of the color measuring unit is performed. It was determined that a procedure should be performed. If the temperature of the light source or the temperature of the substrate detected by the temperature detection unit is equal to or greater than the second temperature In some cases, every time the colorimeter moves back and forth N times (where N is an integer of 2 or more) in the predetermined direction , it is determined that the colorimeter unit should be calibrated, The second temperature is determined by the difference between the reference amount of light received and the amount of light received by the light receiving unit, which becomes the second threshold temperature. The temperature of the light source or the temperature of the substrate in that case, Calibration method.

Images