Printing system

Abstract

To prevent variation in medium information obtained by a photographing device.SOLUTION: A support unit, which is capable of supporting a medium to be photographed by a photographing device and to be printed by a printing device in accordance with a photographing result, includes a base portion having a support region for supporting the medium and a non-support region for not supporting the medium; and a sandwiching unit including a light-transmissive portion and configured to sandwich the medium together with the base portion. The non-support region is provided with a plurality of marks that can be recognized by the photographing device.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention ,mark relates to a printing system.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, as shown in Patent Document 1, a printing apparatus is disclosed that includes a camera capable of detecting a printing substrate placed on a printing table. The printing apparatus further includes a control unit that controls printing conditions according to the detection result of the camera.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] In the above printing apparatus, a camera for photographing (detecting) a printing substrate may be separately prepared by the user. That is, the printing apparatus does not include a camera, and instead, the user uses a camera owned by the user to photograph the printing substrate. In this case, the printing conditions for the printing substrate are determined based on the photographing result of the camera prepared by the user. However, although the configuration of the printing apparatus is simplified, the photographing results vary due to variations in the user's photographing method and the like. As a result, the information on the printing substrate also varies, and there may be cases where appropriate printing control cannot be performed.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0005] The support unit is a support unit capable of supporting media that is photographed by a photographing device and printed by a printing device according to the photographing results, and comprises a base portion having a support area for supporting the media and a non-support area that does not support the media, and a clamping portion that includes a light-transmitting portion and clamps the media together with the base portion, and the non-support area is provided with a plurality of marks that can be recognized by the photographing device.

[0006] The printing system comprises a support unit for supporting media captured by a shooting device, a processing unit for processing image data of an image captured by the shooting device, and a printing unit for printing on the media according to the processing result of the image data by the processing unit. The support unit includes a base portion having a support area for supporting the media and a non-support area that does not support the media, and a clamping portion that includes a translucent portion and clamps the media together with the base portion. The non-support area is provided with a plurality of marks that can be recognized by the shooting device, and the image data includes media image data, which is image data of the media, and mark image data, which is image data of the plurality of marks captured together with the media. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0007] [Figure 1] A schematic diagram showing the configuration of the support unit according to the first embodiment. [Figure 2] A schematic diagram showing the configuration of the base portion according to the first embodiment. [Figure 3] A schematic diagram showing the configuration of the clamping portion according to the first embodiment. [Figure 4] A schematic diagram showing the configuration of the support unit according to the first embodiment. [Figure 5] A schematic diagram showing how to use the support unit according to the first embodiment. [Figure 6] A schematic diagram showing the configuration of the support unit according to the second embodiment. [Figure 7] A schematic diagram showing the configuration of the base portion according to the second embodiment. [Figure 8] A block diagram showing the control configuration of the support unit according to the second embodiment. [Figure 9] A schematic diagram showing a control method for a support unit according to the second embodiment. [Figure 10] A schematic diagram showing a control method for a support unit according to a second embodiment. [Figure 11] A schematic diagram showing the configuration of the printing system according to the third embodiment. [Figure 12] A block diagram showing the control configuration of the printing system according to the third embodiment. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0008] 1. First Embodiment First, let's describe the configuration of the support unit 10. The support unit 10 is configured to support media S, which is captured by a shooting device CD (e.g., a digital camera). Media S is a medium printed by a printing device, such as cloth or paper. The printing device includes, for example, a transport unit for transporting media S and a recording unit for ejecting ink onto the transported media S. In this embodiment, the shooting device CD is provided by each user, and the support unit 10 does not include the shooting device CD. When printing onto media S using a predetermined printing device, the characteristics of media S are sometimes determined based on the image data of media S, and appropriate printing conditions are set. However, if the shooting method and shooting environment of the recording device CD vary, the image data of media S will vary, making it impossible to accurately determine the characteristics of media S and potentially preventing the setting of appropriate printing conditions. Therefore, the support unit 10 of this embodiment is configured to allow for easy correction of acquired image data and to enable understanding of the characteristics of the media S, even when the shooting method of the shooting device CD varies from user to user. The specific configuration will be explained below.

[0009] As shown in Figures 1 to 4, the support unit 10 comprises a base portion 20 and a clamping portion 30. The base portion 20 is a rectangular parallelepiped. The upper surface 20a, which is the +Z end of the base portion 20 in this embodiment, is a flat surface. The upper surface 20a has a support area 21 that supports the media S and a non-support area 22 that does not support the media S (Figure 2). The support area 21 is the area that supports the media S when the recording device CD records the media S. In this embodiment, the support area 21 is the area that extends from the center to the +X end in the direction along the X axis of the base portion 20, and the area that extends from the center to the -Y end in the direction along the Y axis of the base portion 20.

[0010] The non-supported area 22 is the area on the upper surface 20a other than the supported area 21. The non-supported area 22 is provided with multiple marks M that can be recognized by the imaging device CD. In this embodiment, three marks M (M1a, M1b, M1c) are provided (Figure 2). These marks M may be printed directly on the upper surface 20a, or they may be printed on a label and affixed to the upper surface 20a. Furthermore, the entire upper surface 20a of this embodiment is a blackish color. Since the supported media S is often white, the contrast is increased, making it possible to clearly understand the condition of the edges of the media S. The color of the mark M only needs to be distinguishable from the color of the upper surface 20a and recognizable by the imaging device. In this embodiment, the color of the mark M is a reddish color. Also, the shape of the mark M is not particularly limited and can be, for example, circular. The color of the upper surface 20a of the base portion 20 may be changeable. For example, the base portion 20 may be composed of an LCD panel, and the color of the surface of the base portion 20 may be changed to match the color of the media S. For example, if the media S is a black color, the color of the upper surface 20a may be set to a white color. The color of the mark M may also be changeable in the same manner as described above.

[0011] The three marks M (M1a, M1b, M1c) of this embodiment are not arranged on the same straight line. Specifically, the mark M1a is on the -X direction side from the central part in the direction along the X-axis of the pedestal part 20, and is arranged on the +Y direction side from the central part in the direction along the Y-axis of the pedestal part 20. The mark M1b is arranged in the +X direction in the direction along the X-axis of the mark M1a. The mark M1c is arranged in the -Y direction in the direction along the Y-axis of the mark M1a. Thereby, for example, even when photographing the medium S obliquely or when photographing in a state where the medium S is supported obliquely in the support area 21, correction can be performed based on the three marks M (M1a, M1b, M1c). Furthermore, the distances between the respective marks M (M1a, M1b, M1c) are defined. Specifically, the distance between the central part of the mark M1a and the central part of the mark M1b is a defined dimension. Also, the distance between the central part of the mark M1a and the central part of the mark M1c is a defined dimension. Thereby, even when there is a variation in the distance between the medium S (pedestal part 20) and the photographing device CD during photographing, it is possible to easily correct the variation in the image data during photographing based on the scale factor of the distances between the marks M (M1a, M1b, M)c).

[0012] Also, when placing the medium S on the upper surface 20a, it is necessary to consider that the mark M is not hidden by the medium S. For this reason, in this embodiment, a linear boundary mark 26 is formed at the boundary between the support area 21 and the non-support area 22. By placing the medium S following the boundary mark 26, it is possible to prevent the mark M from being hidden by the medium S. Note that the support area 21 may be a recessed portion recessed in the -Z direction from the upper surface 20a. That is, in the Z direction, the upper surface 20a of the support area 21 may be recessed more than the upper surface 20a of the non-support area 22. Even in this case, the support area 21 can be partitioned from the non-support area 22, and the mark M can be prevented from being hidden by the medium S. Also, in this case, a step is formed by the upper surface 20a of the support area 21 and the upper surface 20a of the non-support area 22. The user can easily position the medium S with respect to the support area 21 by abutting the medium S against the step. In FIG. 2, the support area 21 is shown by oblique lines.

[0013] The sandwiching portion 30 faces the upper surface 20a of the pedestal portion 20 and sandwiches the medium S together with the pedestal portion 20. The sandwiching portion 30 is a plate-like member (FIG. 3). By sandwiching the medium S between the pedestal portion 20 and the sandwiching portion 30, the medium S can be stably held on the pedestal portion 20. The sandwiching portion 30 includes a light-transmissive portion. The sandwiching portion 30 is, for example, a glass material. When the medium S is sandwiched between the pedestal portion 20 and the sandwiching portion 30, at least the portion corresponding to the support area 21 of the sandwiching portion 30 and the portion corresponding to the mark M (M1a, M1b, M1c) are light-transmissive (FIGS. 4 and 5). Thereby, the photographing device CD can easily photograph the medium S and the mark M through the sandwiching portion 30. Note that the sandwiching portion 30 may be a frame member having an opening. Specifically, when the medium S is sandwiched between the pedestal portion 20 and the sandwiching portion 30, the sandwiching portion 30 may be a frame member provided with openings in at least the portion corresponding to the support area 21 of the sandwiching portion 及び the portion corresponding to the mark M. That is, the configuration of the sandwiching portion 30 is not particularly limited as long as light can pass through and the medium S can be sandwiched between the pedestal portion 20 and the sandwiching portion 30.

[0014] Also, the pedestal portion 20 and the sandwiching portion 30 have a positioning structure when they are overlapped with each other. Specifically, positioning pins 24 protruding in the +Z direction from the upper surface 20a are arranged on the outer peripheral portion of the pedestal portion 20. In this embodiment, three positioning pins 24 are arranged. Furthermore, through holes 34 are provided on the outer circumference of the clamping portion 30 through which each positioning pin 24 can be inserted. Each through hole 34 is a hole that penetrates along the thickness direction (direction along the Z axis) of the clamping portion 30. When clamping the media S between the base portion 20 and the clamping portion 30, the base portion 20 and the clamping portion 30 can be easily positioned by aligning the through holes 34 of the clamping portion 30 with the positioning pins 24 of the base portion 20.

[0015] Furthermore, a second mark M2 recognizable by the imaging device CD is provided in the non-supported area 22 of the base portion 20. The second mark M2 in this embodiment is cross-shaped. The color of the second mark M2 is, for example, a reddish color. The second mark M2 is located in the non-supported area 22 in the -X direction of marks M1a and M1c, and is positioned in the center along the Y axis (Figure 2). Furthermore, the clamping portion 30 is provided with a third mark M3 corresponding to the second mark M2. In this embodiment, the third mark M3 is cross-shaped and can be recognized by the imaging device CD. The color of the third mark M3 is, for example, a reddish color (Figure 3). The third mark M3 is formed on the end face of the clamping portion 30 in the -Z direction. Also, when the base portion 20 and the clamping portion 30 are stacked, the third mark M3 is positioned above the second mark M2 (Figure 4). Note that the second mark M2 and the third mark M3 may be printed directly on the top surface 20a or the clamping portion 30, or printed labels may be attached.

[0016] The second mark M2 and the third mark M3 are marks for acquiring thickness information of the media S. Specifically, as shown in Figure 5, for example, if the focus TN of the imaging device CD is set to the support region 21 which is in the +X direction from the second mark M2 and the third mark M3 and an image is taken, the portion of the captured image that includes the second mark M2 and the third mark M3 will be an oblique view. In other words, the image will be shifted, with the second mark M2 and the third mark M3 offset. Therefore, since the amount of shift between the second mark M2 and the third mark M3 changes depending on the thickness of the media S, the user (or processing device, etc.) can determine the thickness information of the media S based on this amount of shift. The third mark M3 may be provided on the end face of the clamping portion 30 in the +Z direction. Alternatively, the third mark M3 may be provided at a predetermined distance from the second mark M2 when viewed from below. In this case, the thickness information of the media S can be obtained by offsetting the thickness dimension of the clamping portion 30 and the initial displacement between the second mark M2 and the third mark M3 by the predetermined distance during image data correction.

[0017] Furthermore, the support unit 10 includes a mounting section 40 for mounting the imaging device CD with the lens section LS of the imaging device CD facing the media S supported on the base section 20. The lens section LS collects light reflected from the media S to form an image. The mounting section 40 is positioned above the base section 20. Specifically, the support unit 10 includes a column section 45 extending in the +Z direction from the -X direction end of the base section 20, and the mounting section 40 is positioned to protrude from the column section 45 in the +X direction.

[0018] The mounting portion 40 is a plate-shaped member. The imaging device CD is placed on the mounting surface 40a, which is the end face of the mounting portion 40 in the +Z direction. The mounting surface 40a has sufficient width to accommodate the imaging device CD. The mounting portion 40 is also provided with a through hole 41 that penetrates along the Z direction. The imaging device CD is placed on the mounting surface 40a such that the lens portion LS faces the base portion 20 through the through hole 41. The -Z direction of the through hole 41 is the focal point TN region of the imaging device CD. This allows the user to capture media S with suppressed camera shake, regardless of the performance of the imaging device CD.

[0019] Next, we will explain how to use the support unit 10. First, the media S is placed on the support area 21 of the base portion 20. At this time, the media S is placed so that its edges follow the boundary marks 26. The media S is the material before printing with a predetermined printing device. The media S may be, for example, a sample formed into small pieces. Furthermore, when placing the media S, it is placed in such a way that the transport direction in which the media S is transported in the printing device is defined. For example, the media S is placed on the base 20 with the transport direction being along the Y axis. This makes it possible to obtain information such as the weaving method and stitch pitch of the media S in the transport direction.

[0020] Next, the clamping portion 30 is set, and the media S is clamped between the base portion 20 and the clamping portion 30. At this time, the through hole 34 of the clamping portion 30 is aligned with the positioning pin 24 of the base portion 20. This straightens, for example, the wavy curved portion of the media S into a flat shape.

[0021] Next, the imaging device CD is placed on the mounting section 40. Specifically, the lens section LS of the imaging device CD is aligned with the through hole 41 of the mounting section 40 and placed on top.

[0022] Next, the imaging device CD is used to focus on the surface of media S and capture an image. At this time, the region including media S, marks M (M1a, M1b, M1c), the second mark M2, and the third mark M3 is captured.

[0023] From this point forward, users will be able to understand the characteristics of media S based on the image data captured by the recording device CD. Specifically, the image data is scaled based on the distance between marks M(M1a, M1b, M1c) using a processing device. This allows for easy correction of the image data. Furthermore, the surface condition of media S, the pitch dimension of the weave of media S, and the fluffiness of media S can be determined. Furthermore, the amount of displacement between the second mark M2 and the third mark M3 can be read from the image data, and information about the thickness of the media S can be obtained.

[0024] As described above, according to this embodiment, even if variations occur in the shooting method of the CD shooting device for each user, scaling correction can be performed based on the dimensions between marks M (M1a, M1b, M1c). Furthermore, it becomes possible to measure the thickness of the media S as well as the surface condition of the media S from a single image data, improving work efficiency. Therefore, by using the support unit 10, it becomes possible to accurately understand the characteristics of the media S. Based on the characteristics of the media S, appropriate printing conditions can be set for a predetermined printing device that prints on the media S.

[0025] 2. Second Embodiment Next, the configuration of the support unit 10A according to the second embodiment will be described. Note that components identical to those in the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and redundant explanations are omitted.

[0026] As shown in Figure 6, the support unit 10A comprises a base portion 20A, a clamping portion 30, and a mounting portion 40. In this embodiment, the mounting portion 40 is configured to be movable up and down along the Z-axis. That is, the support unit 10A is configured to allow the distance between the base portion 20A and the mounting portion 40 to be changed.

[0027] The support unit 10A includes a lifting unit 50 that allows the mounting unit 40 to move up and down relative to the base unit 20A. The lifting unit 50 includes a ball screw shaft 51 extending in the +Z direction from the base unit 20A, a ball nut 52 that engages with the ball screw shaft 51, and a guide unit (not shown) that guides the ball nut 52 in the direction of movement. A motor 53 is connected to the ball screw shaft 51. Various motors such as a stepping motor, servo motor, and linear motor can be used as the motor 53. The drive of the motor 53 allows the ball nut 52 to move up and down in the direction along the Z axis.

[0028] The mounting section 40 is fixed to the ball nut 52. This allows the mounting section 40 to be moved up and down. Furthermore, the lifting unit 50 is equipped with a rotary encoder 54 that detects the rotation direction and amount of rotation of the motor 53 or ball screw shaft 51. This makes it possible to detect the position (amount of movement) of the mounting unit 40. In this embodiment, the distance between the upper surface 20a of the base unit 20A and the mounting surface 40a of the mounting unit 40 is detectable. The lifting mechanism of the mounting section 40 is not limited to the above configuration; it may also use a cam mechanism or a solenoid.

[0029] As shown in Figure 7, the support unit 10A includes a plurality of light-emitting light sources M4 (M4a to M4i) and a control unit 60 (Figure 8) that controls the lighting operation of the plurality of light sources. The light source M4 is positioned in the unsupported region 22. The light source M4 corresponds to the marks M (M1a, M1b, M1c) in the first embodiment. That is, in this embodiment, the multiple marks M are formed by the light emitted from multiple light sources M4 that are lit among the multiple light sources M4. Note that the number of light sources M4 in this embodiment is greater than the number of marks M in the first embodiment.

[0030] The light source M4 emits visible light. The light source M4 is, for example, a red LED. Multiple recesses are formed on the upper surface 20a of the base portion 20A along the -Z direction, and each light source M4 is fitted into each recess. Light is transmitted to each light source M4, for example, via a light guide member (such as an optical fiber).

[0031] The multiple light sources M4 of this embodiment include a light source M4a, four light sources M4 (4Mb~M4e) arranged in a line along the X-axis with light source M4a as the starting point, and four light sources M4 (4Mf~M4i) arranged in a line along the Y-axis with light source M4a as the starting point. Specifically, light source M4a is positioned on the -X side from the center of the base 20A along the X-axis, and on the +Y side from the center of the base 20A along the Y-axis. Light source M4b is positioned in the +X direction along the X-axis of light source M4a. Light source M4c is positioned in the +X direction along the X-axis of light source M4b. Light source M4d is positioned in the +X direction along the X-axis of light source M4c. Light source M4e is positioned in the +X direction along the X-axis of light source M4d.

[0032] The distance between light source M4a and light source M4b is shorter than the distance between light source M4a and light source M4c. The distance between light source M4a and light source M4c is shorter than the distance between light source M4a and light source M4d. The distance between light source M4a and light source M4d is shorter than the distance between light source M4a and light source M4e. In other words, starting from light source M4a, the distance increases in the order of light source M4b, light source M4c, light source M4d, and light source M4e. The distances between light sources M4a and M4b, M4a and M4c, M4a and M4d, and M4a and M4e are defined dimensions.

[0033] Light source M4f is positioned in the -Y direction along the Y axis of light source M4a. Light source M4g is positioned in the -Y direction along the Y axis of light source M4f. Light source M4h is positioned in the -Y direction along the Y axis of light source M4g. Light source M4i is positioned in the -Y direction along the Y axis of light source M4h.

[0034] The distance between light source M4a and light source M4f is shorter than the distance between light source M4a and light source M4g. The distance between light source M4a and light source M4g is shorter than the distance between light source M4a and light source M4h. The distance between light source M4a and light source M4h is shorter than the distance between light source M4a and light source M4i. In other words, starting from light source M4a, the distance increases in the order of light source M4f, light source M4g, light source M4h, and light source M4i. The distances between light sources M4a and M4f, M4a and M4g, M4a and M4h, and M4a and M4i are defined dimensions.

[0035] Note that the configuration of the clamping portion 30 and the configurations of the second mark M2 and the third mark M3 are the same as in the first embodiment, so their explanation will be omitted.

[0036] As shown in Figure 8, the control unit 60 includes a CPU 61, a memory 62, a control circuit 63, and an I / F (interface) 64. The CPU 61 is an arithmetic processing unit. The memory 62 is a storage device that reserves an area for storing various programs or a working area, and has memory elements such as RAM and EEPROM. The control unit 60 also acquires image data of the area including the media S and light source M4 from the imaging device CD via the I / F 64. The control unit 60 also acquires position data (height data) of the mounting unit 40 from the rotary encoder 54 via the I / F 64. Furthermore, the memory 62 includes table data that associates the position data of the mounting unit 40 with a predetermined light source M4 that is turned on or off based on the position data of the mounting unit 40.

[0037] In this embodiment, the control unit 60 acquires position data of the mounting unit 40 from the rotary encoder 54 via the I / F 64, and the CPU 61 performs calculations according to the program and table data, and controls the lighting operation of each light source M4 via the control circuit 63. In this embodiment, among the multiple light sources M4, light source M4a is used as the reference, and while light source M4a remains lit, the other light sources M4 are switched on / off.

[0038] For example, as shown in Figures 6 and 9, when the mounting unit 40 is in the first position PS1, the control unit 60 turns on light sources M4a, M4c, and M4g (indicated by white circles (〇) in the figures) based on the position data of the rotary encoder 54. In addition, the other light sources M4 are turned off (indicated by black circles (●) in the figures).

[0039] Then, in this state, the imaging device CD focuses TN on the surface of the media S and takes an image. The control unit 60 acquires image data from the imaging device CD via the I / F 64. The image data includes media image data, which is image data of the media S, and mark image data, which is image data of the light source M4 (M4a, M4c, M4g), the second mark M2, and the third mark M3 that are captured together with the media S.

[0040] The control unit 60 performs scaling calculations on the image data based on the distances of the light sources M4 (M4a, M4c, M4g). This allows for easy correction of the image data. The control unit 60 can then determine the surface condition of the media S, the pitch dimension of the weave of the media S, and the fluffiness of the media S. It also reads the amount of displacement between the second mark M2 and the third mark M3 in the image data to obtain information about the thickness of the media S.

[0041] Furthermore, as shown in Figures 6 and 10, when the mounting section 40 is located at the second position PS2, which is in the +Z direction from the first position PS1, the control unit 60 turns on light sources M4a, M4e, and M4i (indicated by white circles (〇) in the figures) based on the position data of the rotary encoder 54. In addition, the other light sources M4 are turned off (indicated by black circles (●) in the figures). In other words, the control unit 60 of this embodiment controls the multiple light sources M4 such that the spacing between the illuminated light sources M4 increases in response to an increase in the distance between the base portion 20A and the mounting portion 40.

[0042] Then, in this state, the imaging device CD focuses TN on the surface of the media S and takes an image. The control unit 60 acquires image data from the imaging device CD via the I / F 64. The image data includes media image data, which is image data of the media S, and mark image data, which is image data of the light sources M4 (M4a, M4e, M4i), the second mark M2, and the third mark M3 that are captured together with the media S.

[0043] The control unit 60 performs scaling calculations on the image data based on the distance between the light sources M4 (M4a, M4e, M4i). This allows for easy correction of the image data. The control unit 60 can then determine the surface condition of the media S, the pitch dimension of the weave of the media S, and the fluffiness of the media S. It also reads the amount of displacement between the second mark M2 and the third mark M3 in the image data to obtain information about the thickness of the media S. Generally, when a user uses a predetermined imaging device CD, the accuracy (number of pixels) of the imaging device CD is constant regardless of the distance between the imaging device CD and the base unit 20A. Therefore, the number of pixels of the imaging device CD does not change depending on the distance between the base unit 20A and the mounting unit 40. In other words, the absolute error related to detecting the distance between the light sources M4 when the imaging device CD photographs the media S as the object to be photographed is constant regardless of the distance between the base unit 20A and the mounting unit 40. In this state, if the distance between the base portion 20A and the mounting portion 40 increases, the proportion of the absolute error relative to the distance between the light sources M4 increases, and the detection accuracy of the distance between each light source M4 decreases relatively. According to this embodiment, by suppressing the increase in the proportion of the absolute error relative to the distance between each light source M4, it is possible to suppress the relative decrease in the detection accuracy of the distance between each light source M4.

[0044] Furthermore, the control unit 60 of this embodiment is configured to calculate various printing conditions for a printing device that prints on the media S. Specifically, based on the results of measurements taken from the image data of media S, such as the surface condition of media S, the pitch dimension of the weave of media S, the fluffiness of media S, and the thickness dimension of media S, printing conditions (such as head height conditions, transport speed conditions, and ink ejection conditions) stored in memory 62 are extracted. This allows appropriate printing conditions to be set for media S.

[0045] 3. Third Embodiment Next, we will describe the configuration of printing system 1. As shown in Figure 11, the printing system 1 of this embodiment includes a support unit 10 that supports media S captured by a recording device CD, a control unit 160 which acts as a processing unit for processing image data of the image captured by the recording device CD, and a printing unit 100 which prints on media S according to the image data processing results by the control unit 160. The media S is, for example, cloth or paper.

[0046] In this embodiment, the support unit 10 is positioned between the media holding section 118, which holds the media S of the printing unit 100, and the glue belt 117. The configuration of the support unit 10 is the same as in the first embodiment, so its description is omitted. Alternatively, the support unit 10 may be replaced with a support unit 10A (second embodiment).

[0047] The printing unit 100 includes a main frame 111, a main cover 114, a transport unit 116, and a recording unit 119, etc.

[0048] The main frame 111 is configured as the base on which the various parts of the printing unit 100 are attached. Multiple legs 112 are arranged at the -Z end of the main frame 111. The main body cover 114 is an exterior component that covers the recording unit 119 and the like.

[0049] The transport unit 116 includes a drive roller 116a, a driven roller 116b, a glue belt 117, and a media holding section 118. The media holding unit 118 holds a roll body R in which sheet-like media S is wound. The media holding unit 118 has a holding shaft 118a that holds the roll body R. The holding shaft 118a is configured to be rotatable. As the holding shaft 118a rotates, the media S is fed out from the roll body R towards the glue belt 117.

[0050] The rotation of the drive roller 116a causes the glue belt 117 to move. As the glue belt 117 moves, the media S can be transported in the +Y direction. In the +Y direction, the drive roller 116a is positioned downstream, and the driven roller 116b is positioned upstream. Both the drive roller 116a and the driven roller 116b have axes of rotation in the direction along the X axis.

[0051] The glue belt 117 is constructed as an endless belt formed by joining the ends of an elastic flat plate. The glue belt 117 is wrapped around the outer circumferential surface of the drive roller 116a and the outer circumferential surface of the driven roller 116b, and is capable of circumferential movement. The outer surface 117a of the glue belt 117 is adhesive and capable of supporting and adhering to the media S. Adhesion refers to the property of being able to temporarily adhere to other members and to be able to peel off from the adhesive state. Of the outer surface 117a, the flat portion located between the drive roller 116a and the driven roller 116b and in the +Z direction is the support surface 117b. In other words, the Groubert 117 has a support surface 117b. A portion of the support surface 117b faces the recording unit 119 in the direction along the Z axis.

[0052] The recording unit 119 prints (records) onto the transported media S. The recording unit 119 includes a recording head 119a and a carriage 119b that supports the recording head 119a so that it can reciprocate in the direction along the X axis. The recording unit 119 is positioned above the glue belt 117 (in the -Z direction). The recording head 119a has multiple nozzles (not shown) and is positioned opposite the support surface 117b. The recording head 119a ejects ink as liquid from the multiple nozzles onto the media S. This enables recording onto the media S. The printing unit 100 is equipped with an ink tank that contains ink, and ink is supplied from this ink tank to the recording head 119a.

[0053] As shown in Figure 12, the control unit 160 includes a CPU 161, a memory 162, a control circuit 163, and an I / F (interface) 164. The CPU 161 is an arithmetic processing unit. The memory 162 is a storage device that reserves an area for storing various programs or a working area, and has memory elements such as RAM and EEPROM. The control unit 160 also acquires image data from the recording device CD via the I / F 164. The image data includes media image data, which is the image data of the media S, and mark image data, which is the image data of a plurality of marks M that are captured together with the media S. The image data is generated when the image is digitized. In the support unit 10, the media S to be printed in the printing unit 100 is photographed. Furthermore, the media S is photographed in a manner aligned with the transport direction in which it is transported in the printing unit 100. Therefore, the transport direction of the media S in the acquired image data can be easily determined.

[0054] The control unit 160 determines the characteristics of the media S based on the acquired image data. Specifically, the image data is scaled based on the distance between marks M(M1a, M1b, M1c). This allows for easy correction of the image data. Then, the surface condition of media S, the pitch dimension of the weave of media S, the dimension of the fluffiness of media S, etc., are calculated. Furthermore, the amount of misalignment between the second mark M2 and the third mark M3 is read from the image data, and the thickness dimension of media S is calculated. The control unit 160 then controls the recording unit 119, the transport unit 116, and the like. Specifically, based on the results of measurements taken from the image data of media S, such as the surface condition of media S, the pitch dimension of the weave of media S, the fluffiness of media S, and the thickness dimension of media S, printing conditions (head height conditions, transport speed conditions, ink ejection conditions, etc.) stored in memory 162 are extracted. Then, the recording unit 119 and the transport unit 116 are controlled based on the extracted printing conditions.

[0055] As described above, according to this embodiment, even if the distance between the recording device CD and the media S varies depending on the user's imaging method, the control unit 160 corrects the image data based on the distance between multiple marks M. This makes it possible to set appropriate printing conditions and improve the accuracy of printing on the media S. Furthermore, by mounting the support unit 10 on the printing unit 100 in an in-line configuration, image data matching the transport direction of the media S is acquired, allowing for accurate acquisition of the media S's characteristics and enabling the setting of appropriate printing conditions.

[0056] In this embodiment, the support unit 10 is configured inline, but it may also be configured offline. That is, the support unit 10 may be configured to be located separately from the printing unit 100. Even in this configuration, the same effects as described above can be obtained by connecting the support unit 10 and the control unit 160 via a network.

[0057] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the control unit 160 was mounted on the printing unit 100, but this is not limited to this configuration, and it may be configured to be located separately from the printing unit 100. In this case, for example, the control unit 160 is installed on the server device of the service provider that provides maintenance services. That is, the user transmits image data acquired by the support unit 10 to the service provider, and the service provider corrects the received image data to understand the characteristics of the media S and extract the printing conditions. Then, the service provider transmits these printing conditions to the user and reflects them in the driving conditions of the printing unit 100, etc. Image data acquired by the user can be easily corrected based on the distance between marks M (M1a, M1b, M1c). In other words, even if the shooting environment etc. for each user varies, the image data can be easily corrected, so the characteristics of the media S can be reliably understood and appropriate printing conditions can be provided.

[0058] The following describes the conclusions drawn from the embodiment.

[0059] The support unit is a support unit capable of supporting media that is photographed by a photographing device and printed by a printing device according to the photographing results, and comprises a base portion having a support area for supporting the media and a non-support area that does not support the media, and a clamping portion that includes a light-transmitting portion and clamps the media together with the base portion, wherein the non-support area is provided with a plurality of marks that can be recognized by the photographing device.

[0060] With this configuration, the media can be stably held in place by clamping it between the base and the clamping part. Furthermore, since the clamping part is translucent, the media and mark can be easily photographed by the imaging device. Furthermore, since the media and multiple marks are captured, it becomes possible to correct the media information based on the distance between the marks. In other words, even if the distance between the shooting device and the media varies among users, a support unit can be provided that can easily correct variations in the captured information based on the distance between marks captured simultaneously. By using the support unit, the characteristics of the media can be accurately understood.

[0061] Preferably, the non-supported area of ​​the support unit is provided with a second mark that can be recognized by the imaging device, and the clamping portion is provided with a third mark corresponding to the second mark.

[0062] This configuration allows the amount of misalignment between the second and third marks to change depending on the thickness of the media in the base. As a result, the user (or terminal) can understand the media thickness information based on the amount of misalignment between the second and third marks.

[0063] In the above-described support unit, it is preferable to include a mounting portion for mounting the imaging device so that the lens portion of the imaging device is directed toward the media supported by the base portion.

[0064] With this configuration, users can capture media with reduced camera shake, regardless of the performance of their shooting device.

[0065] The support unit comprises a plurality of light-emitting light sources and a control unit that controls the lighting operation of the plurality of light sources, wherein the mounting portion is configured to change the distance from the base portion, the plurality of marks are composed of light emitted from a plurality of the light sources that are lit, and the control unit preferably controls the plurality of light sources such that the spacing between the lit light sources increases in accordance with the increase in the distance between the base portion and the mounting portion.

[0066] Generally, when a user uses a predetermined imaging device, the accuracy (number of pixels) of the imaging device remains constant regardless of the distance between the imaging device and the object being photographed. Therefore, the number of pixels in the imaging device does not change depending on the distance between the base and the mounting part. In other words, the absolute error related to the detection of mark intervals when the imaging device photographs the media as the object being photographed remains constant regardless of the distance between the base and the mounting part. In this state, as the distance between the base and the mounting part increases, the proportion of this absolute error relative to the mark intervals increases, and the accuracy of mark interval detection relatively decreases. With the above configuration, by suppressing the increase in the proportion of this absolute error relative to the mark intervals, the relative decrease in the accuracy of mark interval detection can be suppressed.

[0067] The printing system comprises a support unit for supporting media captured by a shooting device, a processing unit for processing image data of an image captured by the shooting device, and a printing unit for printing on the media according to the processing result of the image data by the processing unit. The support unit includes a base portion having a support area for supporting the media and a non-support area that does not support the media, and a clamping portion that includes a light-transmitting portion and clamps the media together with the base portion. The non-support area is provided with a plurality of marks that can be recognized by the shooting device, and the image data includes media image data, which is an image of the media, and mark image data, which is an image of the plurality of marks captured together with the media.

[0068] With this configuration, even if the distance between the shooting device and the media varies depending on the user's imaging method (measurement method), the processing unit can compensate for the variations during imaging based on the distances between multiple marks. This makes it possible to set appropriate printing conditions based on the image data, thereby improving the accuracy of printing on the media. Furthermore, since the media is photographed in a direction that matches the transport direction, characteristic information of the media can be acquired, and printing conditions and other settings can be configured. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0069] 1…Printing system, 10,10A…Support unit, 20…Base, 20a…Top surface, 20A…Base, 21…Support area, 22…Non-support area, 24…Positioning pin, 26…Boundary mark, 30…Clamping part, 34…Through hole, 40…Placement part, 40a…Placement surface, 41…Through hole, 45…Column part, 50…Lifting part, 51…Ball screw shaft, 52…Ball nut, 53…Motor, 54…Rotary encoder, 60…Control unit, 61…CPU, 62…Memory, 63…Control circuit, 64…I / F, 100…Printing unit, 111…Main frame, 112…Legs, 114…Main cover, 116…Transport unit, 116a… 116b…Driven roller, 117…Glue belt, 117a…Outer surface, 117b…Support surface, 118…Media holding part, 118a…Holding shaft, 119…Recording unit, 119a…Recording head, 119b…Carriage, 160…Control unit, 161…CPU, 162…Memory, 163…Control circuit, 164…I / F, M, M1a, M1b, M1c…Mark, M2…Second mark, M3…Third mark, M4, M4a, M4b, M4c, M4d, M4e, M4f, M4g, M4h, M4i…Light source, PS1…First position, PS2…Second position, S…Media, CD…Recording device, LS…Lens part.

Claims

[Claim 1] A support unit that supports the media captured by the shooting device, A processing unit that processes image data of the image captured by the aforementioned shooting device, The system includes a printing unit that sets printing conditions based on the processing results of the image data by the processing unit and prints on the media according to the printing conditions, The aforementioned support unit is A base portion having a support area for supporting the media and a non-support area that does not support the media, It includes a portion that is translucent, and a clamping portion that holds the media together with the base portion, The non-supported area is provided with a plurality of marks that are captured by the imaging device within the same image as the media. The image data includes media image data, which is image data of the media, and mark image data, which is image data of the plurality of marks captured together with the media. A printing system characterized in that the plurality of marks are each defined by a distance, and are arranged to be used as a reference for correcting the scale of the image data of the image based on the distance between the plurality of marks within the image.

Images