Image transfer method, non-transfer-region-forming device, printing system, and transfer medium management method

Abstract

The present invention more appropriately transfers an image from a transfer medium to a transfer-receiving medium.　This image transfer method for transferring an image printed on a transfer medium (50) to a transfer-receiving medium (60) includes: a non-transfer-region-forming step for forming a non-transfer region (206), which is not to be transferred to the transfer-receiving medium (60), in a transfer target region which is a portion where, on a printed surface of the transfer medium (50), pressure is applied at a transfer time of executing transfer; and a transfer step for transferring at least a part of the image printed on the transfer medium (50) to the transfer-receiving medium (60), the transfer step including superposing the transfer medium (50) onto the transfer-receiving medium (60) and applying pressure thereto. The transfer medium (50) has a base layer serving as a base material of the transfer medium (50), and a transfer layer which is a layered portion superposed on at least a part of the surface of the base layer and at least partially moved to the transfer-receiving medium (60) at the transfer time.

Description

Image transfer method, non-transfer area forming device, printing system, and transfer medium management method

[0001] The present invention relates to an image transfer method, a non-transfer area forming device, a printing system, and a transfer medium management method.

[0002] Conventionally, iron transfer (iron printing, rubber transfer) has been widely used as a transfer printing method (see, for example, Patent Document 1). When transferring using the iron transfer method, for example, an image is printed on a transfer medium having a rubber sheet that serves as an adhesive layer, and the rubber sheet is attached to the transfer medium, thereby transferring the image from the transfer medium to the transfer medium.

[0003] Publication No. 3048934

[0004] When transferring an image using iron transfer, the rubber sheet may adhere to the receiving medium, affecting the texture of the receiving medium. For example, when using a cloth receiving medium, this may result in the loss of the fabric characteristics of the receiving medium (e.g., the luster of the fabric). Furthermore, the rubber sheet may adhere to the receiving medium, reducing the breathability of the receiving medium.

[0005] To address this issue, it is possible to control the range of the transfer area to be transferred to the transfer medium by, for example, cutting and removing the marginal portions of the transfer medium in advance. This configuration prevents excess portions of the rubber sheet from adhering to the transfer medium, while allowing the necessary portion (required area) of the image to be properly transferred. In this case, if the image contains only simple patterns, the marginal portions of the transfer medium can be cut relatively easily. However, if the image contains detailed or complex patterns, the effort required to cut the transfer medium may increase significantly, and it may become difficult to properly cut the transfer medium. Furthermore, cutting the transfer medium may make it difficult to handle in subsequent processes. These problems may also occur when transferring images using methods other than iron transfer. Therefore, a more appropriate method for transferring images has been desired. Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide an image transfer method, a non-transfer area forming device, a printing system, and a transfer medium management method that can solve the above problems.

[0006] The inventors of the present application have conducted extensive research into methods for more appropriate transfer in transfer printing. They have conceived the idea of ​​forming a non-transfer area in the transfer target area on a medium, etc., that is not transferred to the transfer receiving medium, so that only the necessary portion of the transfer target area can be transferred to the transfer receiving medium. This configuration allows the necessary area of ​​the transfer target area to be appropriately transferred to the transfer receiving medium without having to cut the transfer medium, etc.

[0007]

[0010] Furthermore, the inventors of the present application have further intensively researched and found the features necessary to achieve such effects, and have arrived at the present invention. In order to solve the above problems, the present invention provides an image transfer method for transferring an image printed on a transfer medium to a transfer receiving medium, the method comprising: a non-transfer area forming step; and a transfer step for transferring at least a portion of the image printed on the transfer medium to the transfer receiving medium, the transfer medium having a base layer that is a layer that serves as the substrate of the transfer medium; and a transfer layer that is formed on at least a portion of the surface of the base layer and is a layer-like portion that is at least partially transferred to the transfer receiving medium during the transfer, the non-transfer area forming step being characterized in that a non-transfer area that is not transferred to the transfer receiving medium is formed in a transfer target area of ​​the print surface of the transfer medium, where pressure is applied during the transfer.

[0008] This configuration allows for the appropriate setting of a non-transfer area that is not transferred to the transfer medium relative to the transfer target area. This also prevents the transfer medium from being affected by marginal areas on the transfer medium where no image is printed. Therefore, this configuration allows for more appropriate image transfer from the transfer medium to the transfer target medium. Furthermore, by forming a non-transfer area, more diverse control can be exercised over how the image is transferred from the transfer medium to the transfer target medium. This also enables the expression of a wider variety of designs. In this configuration, in the non-transfer area formation step, the non-transfer area can be formed on the transfer medium by, for example, forming a mask that covers part of the transfer target area. This configuration allows for the appropriate non-transfer area to be formed in the transfer target area. In the non-transfer area formation step, a printing device such as an inkjet printer can be used to form the mask. In this case, mask data is generated based on image data representing the image to be transferred and information about the transfer medium, and the printing device is then caused to print based on this data, thereby forming the mask on the transfer medium. Information about the transfer medium can be, for example, information about the size of the transfer medium.

[0009] This image transfer method also includes a printing step of printing an image on a transfer medium. In the printing step, the image is printed on the transfer medium using a printing device such as an inkjet printer. In this case, it is possible to use a mask-forming printing device, which is a printing device used to form a mask on the transfer medium, separate from the image-printing device, which is a printing device that prints the image on the transfer medium. This configuration allows inks and the like tailored to the respective purposes of the mask-forming printing device and the image-printing device to be used more appropriately. Furthermore, depending on the configuration of the printing device, it is also possible to use a common printing device for both the mask-forming printing device and the image-printing device. UV-curable ink is preferably used as the ink used to form the mask. In this case, a mask is formed on the transfer medium by ejecting UV-curable ink from an inkjet head onto the transfer medium in the non-transfer region formation step. In addition, in this case, it is preferable to cure the UV-curable ink under glossy printing conditions. The glossy printing conditions are conditions under which the ink dots are flattened on the transfer medium after the ink lands on the transfer medium and the ink is cured. Furthermore, the glossy printing conditions can be considered as glossy printing conditions preset in the printing device. This configuration allows the mask surface to be flatter and more uniform than when UV-curable ink is cured under matte printing conditions. This allows the cured ink layer to be used more appropriately as a mask. Ink other than UV-curable ink may also be used to form the mask. For example, heat-curable ink may also be used.

[0010] In this configuration, it is also possible to further print non-transfer items on the transfer medium during the printing stage, which are items other than the transfer image, which is the image to be transferred to the transfer medium. In this case, for example, a mask covering the non-transfer items may be formed on the transfer medium during the non-transfer area formation stage, thereby forming a non-transfer area including the area where the non-transfer items are printed. Furthermore, by forming such a non-transfer area on the transfer medium, it is possible to transfer only the transfer image to the transfer medium during the transfer stage without transferring the non-transfer items to the transfer medium. With this configuration, it is possible to selectively transfer only the transfer image to the transfer medium while printing non-transfer items other than the transfer image on the transfer medium. More specifically, it is possible to print a position reference mark, which is a mark indicating the position of the transfer image, on the transfer medium as a non-transfer item. Known registration marks or the like can be suitably used as the position reference mark. With this configuration, it is possible to use the position reference mark as a reference for the position of the transfer image on the transfer medium, while appropriately preventing the position reference mark from being transferred to the transfer medium. The position reference mark may be used, for example, when forming a mask using a mask-forming printing device or for alignment during transfer. Forming a mask using a mask-forming printing device is an example of forming a non-transfer area during the non-transfer area formation stage. Furthermore, items other than the position reference mark may be used as the non-transfer item. For example, non-transfer items indicating management information used for managing the transfer medium may be used. Management information used for managing the transfer medium may include, for example, information indicating the date and time of printing or identification information (management information) for the transfer medium. Furthermore, the non-transfer item may include conditions for subsequent processes printed on the transfer medium. For example, conditions for the transfer process of transferring an image from the transfer medium to the transfer medium may be printed on the transfer medium as non-transfer items. Furthermore, the present invention may also include configurations of non-transfer area forming devices and printing systems having similar features to those described above. In this case, the mask-forming printing device used to form the mask is an example of a non-transfer area forming device. In these cases, the same effects as those described above can also be obtained.

[0011] Furthermore, through extensive research, the inventors of the present application have discovered that when printing from a transfer medium to a transfer medium, depending on the configuration of the transfer medium, the image may not be transferred properly if a long time has passed since the image was printed on the transfer medium. For example, when using a transfer medium with a paper base layer, the inventors have found that the image often cannot be transferred properly if it is transferred long after the image was printed on the transfer medium. Based on this knowledge, the inventors have conceived the idea of ​​managing the transfer medium by recording the printing timing, which is the timing when the image was printed on the transfer medium. Specifically, a method for managing a transfer medium on which an image to be transferred to a transfer receiving medium is printed includes a print timing recording step for recording the print timing, which is the timing at which the image is printed on the transfer medium, and an elapsed time confirmation step for confirming the elapsed time since the print timing for the transfer medium on which the image is printed, wherein the transfer medium has a transfer layer, which is a layered portion at least partially transferred to the transfer receiving medium during transfer, and a base layer, which is a paper layer that serves as the base material for the transfer medium, and a method for managing the transfer medium so that the image is transferred from the transfer medium to the transfer receiving medium before the elapsed time exceeds a predetermined period. With this configuration, transfer can be performed more appropriately even when a transfer medium having a paper base layer is used.

[0012] In this case, the elapsed time confirmation step may check the elapsed time using, for example, a computer. If the elapsed time exceeds a preset period, a warning may be issued to the user. This configuration allows for more appropriate management of the transfer medium. In this configuration, the print timing recording step may record the print timing by printing information indicating the print timing together with the image on the transfer medium. This configuration allows the print timing to be recorded appropriately and reliably on the transfer medium. In this case, the print timing may be printed on the transfer medium as the non-transfer item described above.

[0013] According to the present invention, it is possible to more appropriately transfer an image from a transfer medium to a transfer receiving medium.

[0014] 1A and 1B are diagrams illustrating a printing system 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 1A shows an example of the configuration of the printing system 10. FIG. 1B is a flowchart illustrating an example of a printing operation performed in the printing system 10. FIG. 2A shows an example of a transfer operation without using a mask. FIG. 2B is a diagram illustrating the transfer operation performed in this example. FIG. 2C shows another example of a transfer operation performed in the printing system 10. FIG. 3A shows an example of the configuration of the transfer medium 50 and the transfer operation performed in this example in more detail. FIG. 3B shows an example of how the transfer medium 50 and the transfer medium 60 overlap during the pressure bonding process. FIG. 3C shows an example of the state of the transfer medium 60 after the peeling process. FIG. 3D shows the transfer medium 50 together with the transfer medium 60 after printing an image and forming a mask 312. FIG. 3D is a diagram illustrating an application example involving the use of a mask. Fig. 4(a) shows an example of an item that the printing device 102 prints on the transfer medium 50. Fig. 4(b) shows an example of the range of the non-transfer area 206 that is formed when printing a non-transfer item on the transfer medium 50. Figs. 5(a) to 5(c) are diagrams explaining modified examples of the operation of the printing system 10. Figs. 6(a) to 6(c) are diagrams explaining modified examples of the operation of the printing system 10. Figs. 6(a) to 6(c) are diagrams explaining modified examples of the operation of the printing system 10.

[0015] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a printing system 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 1A shows an example of the configuration of the printing system 10. Except as described below, the printing system 10 of this example and its components may have the same or similar features as known printing systems and their components. The printing system 10 of this example is a system that performs transfer printing, in which an image is transferred from a transfer medium (transfer body, transfer medium) to a transfer recipient medium (transfer recipient, transfer media), and includes a printing unit 12, a transfer unit 14, a peeling unit 16, and a control unit 18.

[0016] The printing unit 12 is configured to perform a printing process of printing an image on a transfer medium. The printing unit 12 in this example includes multiple printing devices 102 and 104. Known printing devices can be suitably used as the printing devices 102 and 104. The multiple printing devices 102 and 104 in this example are inkjet printers that perform printing using an inkjet method. Of these multiple printing devices 102 and 104, the printing device 102 is an image printing device for printing an image on a transfer medium. The image printed on the transfer medium by the printing device 102 is a transfer image, which is an image to be transferred to a receiving medium. If necessary, the printing device 102 may print items other than the transfer image on the transfer medium 50 along with the transfer image. The printing device 102 in this example includes multiple inkjet heads and performs color printing on the transfer medium by ejecting multiple colors of ink from the multiple inkjet heads. For example, a pigment ink containing a pigment as a coloring material is used as the ink used by the printing device 102. The printing device 102 in this example uses aqueous ink containing an aqueous pigment. The ink containing an aqueous pigment is an example of a textile pigment ink. The aqueous ink is an example of an evaporation-drying ink that adheres to the printing target by evaporating the solvent. The printing device 102 also uses multiple ink colors, including at least yellow (Y), magenta (M), cyan (C), and black (K). The printing device 102 also uses a medium as the transfer medium for printing, which includes a base layer serving as the substrate of the transfer medium, a transfer layer that is a layered portion at least partially transferred to the receiving medium during the transfer process, and a release layer formed between the base layer and the transfer layer. The release layer can also be considered part of the base layer or the transfer layer. The transfer process is a process of transferring an image printed on the transfer medium to the receiving medium. The characteristics of the transfer medium will be described in more detail below.

[0017] Furthermore, of the multiple printing devices 102 and 104 that make up the printing unit 12, the printing device 104 is a mask-forming printing device used to form a transfer prevention mask on the transfer medium. The transfer prevention mask is a transfer prevention layer (transfer-blocking layer) that blocks direct contact between the transfer medium and the transfer-receiving medium during the transfer process. The mask can also be considered as a coating that covers a portion of the surface of the transfer medium. The printing device 104 in this example is an example of a non-transfer area forming device, and forms a mask on at least a portion of the area on the transfer medium where the transfer image is not drawn. The printing device 104 also uses ultraviolet-curable ink (UV-curable ink) as the ink used to form the mask. UV-curable ink is ink that cures when exposed to ultraviolet light and fixes to the printing target. In this case, the ink used in the printing device 104 fixes to the printing target in a different way than the ink used in the printing device 102. The printing device 104 also has an inkjet head and an ultraviolet light source, and forms a mask on the transfer medium by ejecting ultraviolet-curable ink from the inkjet head onto the transfer medium and irradiating it with ultraviolet light from the ultraviolet light source. In this example, the cured ultraviolet-curable ink does not soften even during the transfer process, and maintains the state of a cured film. By using such ultraviolet-curable ink, a transfer prevention mask can be appropriately formed. The characteristics of the mask formed on the transfer medium will be described in more detail later.

[0018] The transfer unit 14 and the peeling unit 16 are configured to perform the transfer process. The transfer process in this example includes a pressure-bonding process and a peeling process. The transfer unit 14 performs the pressure-bonding process. The peeling unit 16 performs the peeling process. More specifically, in the pressure-bonding process, the transfer unit 14 applies heat and pressure to the transfer medium and the transfer recipient medium in an overlapping state (superimposed state), thereby adhering at least a portion of the transfer layer of the transfer medium to the transfer recipient medium. At this time, the transfer unit 14 sets the temperature to approximately 190°C (approximately 160 to 210°C) to heat the transfer medium and the transfer recipient medium. A known transfer device can be suitably used as the transfer unit 14. Furthermore, in the peeling process, the peeling unit 16 peels off the base layer from the transfer medium overlapping the transfer recipient medium. A known peeling device can be suitably used as the peeling unit 16.

[0019] The control unit 18 controls the operation of each unit of the printing system 10. A computer executing a program for controlling the operation of each unit of the printing system 10 can be suitably used as the control unit 18. Furthermore, the control unit 18 in this example supplies print data indicating the transfer image to be printed to the printing device 102, causing the printing device 102 to print the transfer image on the transfer medium. Furthermore, the control unit 18 supplies print data indicating the mask pattern to be formed to the printing device 104, causing the printing device 104 to form the mask on the transfer medium. Furthermore, the control unit 18 specifies conditions for the pressure bonding process and the peeling process to the transfer unit 14 and the peeling unit 16, causing the transfer unit 14 and the peeling unit 16 to perform the pressure bonding process and the peeling process. According to this example, the transfer image printed on the transfer medium can be properly transferred to the transfer medium. In this case, the printing system 10 performs transfer printing, for example, by the operation of the flowchart shown in FIG. 1B.

[0020] FIG. 1B is a flowchart illustrating an example of a printing operation performed in the printing system 10. As described above, the control unit 18 in this example supplies print data representing a transfer image to the printing device 102, causing the printing device 102 to print the transfer image on the transfer medium (S102). The operation of step S102 in this example is an example of a printing stage operation in which an image is printed on the transfer medium. Following the operation of step S102, the control unit 18 supplies print data representing a mask pattern to the printing device 104, causing the printing device 104 to form a mask on the transfer medium (S104). The operation of step S104 in this example is an example of a non-transfer area formation stage operation in which a non-transfer area is formed in the transfer target area. The transfer target area is an area corresponding to a portion of the transfer medium where pressure is applied during transfer. Furthermore, if no non-transfer area is set, the transfer target area can also be considered to be an area where the transfer layer of the transfer medium is transferred to the transfer recipient medium. The non-transfer area is an area in the transfer target area that is not transferred to the transfer recipient medium. In step S104 of this example, the printing device 104 ejects ultraviolet-curable ink from an inkjet head onto the transfer medium and cures the ultraviolet-curable ink to form a mask that covers a portion of the transfer medium. This configuration makes it possible to appropriately form a non-transfer area on the transfer medium. The control unit 18 generates print data for the mask based on image data representing the transfer image and information about the transfer medium, and causes the printing device 104 to print based on this print data. This configuration makes it possible to appropriately cause the printing device 104 to form a mask that matches the transfer image. As the information about the transfer medium, for example, information about the size of the transfer medium can be used.

[0021] After causing the printing devices 102 and 104 to print the transfer image on the transfer medium and form the mask, the control unit 18 causes the transfer unit 14 and the peeling unit 16 to perform the transfer process (S106). The operation of step S108 in this example is an example of the operation of the transfer stage in which the transfer process is performed. The transfer stage can also be considered as a stage in which at least a portion of the image printed on the transfer medium is transferred to the transfer medium. In this example, the control unit 18 causes the transfer unit 14 to perform the pressing process (S202) as the operation of step S106, and then causes the peeling unit 16 to perform the peeling process (S204).

[0022] As a variation of the configuration of the printing system 10, the printing system 10 may further include components other than those described above. Furthermore, in the printing system 10 of this example, the printing unit 12, the transfer unit 14, the peeling unit 16, and the control unit 18 may each be a separate device. Here, "separate devices" refers to devices independent of each individual function. In a variation of the configuration of the printing system 10, it is also possible to use a single device that combines the functions of multiple of the printing unit 12, the transfer unit 14, the peeling unit 16, and the control unit 18. For example, it is also possible to use a device that combines the functions of the printing unit 12 and the transfer unit 14. It is also possible to configure the transfer unit 14 to also function as the peeling unit 16. It is also possible to use a device that combines the functions of the printing unit 12, the transfer unit 14, and ... for one of the other devices to also function as the control unit 18. Furthermore, as described above, the printing unit 12 of this example includes a printing device 104 for forming a mask, separate from the printing device 102 for printing an image. With this configuration, for example, the multiple printing devices 102, 104 can more appropriately use ink suited to the purpose of each device. In a modified configuration of the printing unit 12, it is also possible to use a single printing device that combines the functions of the multiple printing devices 102, 104. In this case, the printing unit 12 uses a common printing device as both the mask-forming printing device and the image printing device. In this case, the printing device has an inkjet head that ejects ink for image printing and an inkjet head that ejects ink for mask formation.

[0023] Next, the characteristics of the mask formed on the transfer medium in this example will be described in more detail. FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating the transfer operation performed using a mask. FIG. 2(a) shows an example of the transfer operation when a mask is not used. The transfer operation shown in FIG. 2(a) is the same as or similar to a conventional transfer operation. The diagram on the left side of FIG. 2(a) shows an example of a transfer medium 50 on which an image 202 to be transferred is printed. In this example, the portion of the transfer medium 50 on which the image 202 is not printed becomes a margin 204. The diagram on the right side of FIG. 2(a) shows an example of a transfer medium 60 on which the image 202 has been transferred. In this diagram, a peripheral portion 212, which is the portion surrounding the image 202, corresponds to the margin 204 of the transfer medium 50.

[0024] In this example, when transferring an image, a transfer medium 50 having a base layer, a transfer layer, and a release layer is used, as described above. Then, in the pressure-bonding step of the transfer process, the transfer medium 50 and the transfer-receiving medium 60 are heated and pressurized while overlapping each other, thereby adhering at least a portion of the transfer layer of the transfer medium 50 to the transfer-receiving medium 60. Then, in the release step, the base layer of the transfer medium 50 is peeled off. In this pressure-bonding step, heat and pressure are typically applied evenly across the entire overlapping area of ​​the transfer medium 50 and the transfer-receiving medium 60. Therefore, it is typically difficult to selectively transfer only the printed portion of the transfer medium 50 where ink is actually attached during the pressure-bonding step. As a result, the transfer layer in the marginal portion 204 of the transfer medium 50 also adheres to the transfer-receiving medium 60. In other words, the area to be transferred is the area corresponding to the portion of the transfer medium 50 to which heat and pressure are applied during transfer, including the marginal portion 204 of the transfer medium 50. In this case, the transfer layer's adhesion to the transfer medium 60 also affects the peripheral portion 212 of the image 202. For example, the transfer of the transfer layer to the transfer medium 60 may cause changes in texture and color in the peripheral portion 212 of the image 202. Here, examples of changes in texture include changes in gloss. Loss of the original texture and color of the transfer medium 60 may result in a reduction in the design of the transfer medium 60. When transferring an image 202 printed using pigment ink, as in the printing system 10 of this example, using a transfer medium 50 with a predetermined configuration makes it possible to use various types of fabric (textiles) as the transfer medium 60. Adhesion of the transfer layer in the peripheral portion 212 of the image 202 to the transfer medium 60 may result in the loss of the fabric's unique gloss. Furthermore, the transfer layer's influence may reduce the unique texture and breathability of the fabric used as the transfer medium 60.

[0025] Here, for example, if the margin 204 is cut and removed after printing the image 202 on the transfer medium 50 and before transferring, this problem can be prevented. However, in this case, it becomes necessary to cut the margin 204 to match the design to be printed as the image 202, which significantly increases the amount of work required for preparation for transfer. In particular, when printing an image 202 with a detailed and complex design on the transfer medium 50, the cutting process may become too time-consuming or difficult to perform. Furthermore, cutting may change the shape of the transfer medium 50 in various ways, which may make it difficult to handle the transfer medium 50 in the subsequent transfer process.

[0026] In contrast, in this example, as shown in FIG. 2B , forming a non-transfer area 206 on the transfer medium 50 prevents the transfer layer from adhering more than necessary to the transfer receiving medium 60. FIG. 2B is a diagram illustrating the transfer operation performed in this example, showing an example of the transfer operation performed by the printing system 10 (see FIG. 1 ). The left side of FIG. 2B shows an example of the transfer medium 50 on which an image 202 that will become the transfer image is printed. The right side shows an example of the transfer receiving medium 60 onto which the image 202 has been transferred. As described above, the control unit 18 (see FIG. 1 ) of the printing system 10 in this example causes the printing device 104 (see FIG. 1 ) of the printing unit 12 to form a mask on the transfer medium. The area where the mask is formed becomes the non-transfer area 206 that will not be transferred to the transfer receiving medium 60. The non-transfer area 206 in this example is formed in at least a portion of the margin 204. After the image 202 is transferred, the portion of the transfer medium 60 corresponding to the non-transfer region 206 of the transfer medium 50 becomes a non-transfer portion 214. The non-transfer portion 214 is a portion to which the transfer layer of the transfer medium 50 does not adhere during the transfer process.

[0027] This configuration allows for the appropriate formation of a non-transfer area 206 on the transfer medium 50 that will not be transferred to the transfer recipient medium 60. Forming the non-transfer area 206 on the transfer medium 50 is an example of forming the non-transfer area 206 in a transfer target area. This configuration reduces the impact of margins 204 and the like on the transfer recipient medium 60 in the portion of the transfer medium 50 corresponding to the non-transfer area 206. Furthermore, by not transferring excess areas, the transfer recipient medium 60 is prevented from losing gloss, losing texture, or reducing breathability, compared to when the non-transfer area 206 is not formed on the transfer medium 50. Therefore, this example allows for more appropriate transfer of the image 202 from the transfer medium 50 to the transfer recipient medium 60. Furthermore, in this example, forming the non-transfer area 206 on the transfer medium 50 allows for more versatile control over how the image 202 is transferred from the transfer medium 50 to the transfer recipient medium 60. This also enables the expression of a wider variety of designs. By preventing gloss changes in the non-transferred portion 214, it is possible to express a new design on the transfer medium 60 by making use of the non-transferred portion 214, as shown in FIG. 2C.

[0028] FIG. 2C shows another example of the transfer operation performed by the printing system 10. The left side of FIG. 2C shows an example of a transfer medium 50 on which an image 202 that will become the transfer image is printed. The right side shows an example of a transfer medium 60 onto which the image 202 has been transferred. In the example shown in FIG. 2C, a design is expressed that takes advantage of the difference in gloss, etc., between the peripheral portion 212 that does not become the non-transfer portion 214 and the portion that becomes the non-transfer portion 214 on the transfer medium 60. For example, as shown in the figure, a non-transfer region 206 is formed on the transfer medium 50 so that the non-transfer region 206 constitutes part of the image 202. As shown in the figure, on the transfer medium 60 after transfer, most of the image 202 becomes the non-transfer portion 214. With this configuration, a variety of designs can be expressed by taking advantage of the portion that becomes the non-transfer portion 214 on the transfer medium 60.

[0029] Next, the characteristics of the transfer medium 50 used in this example will be described in more detail. FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating the configuration of the transfer medium 50 and the transfer operation performed in this example in more detail. FIG. 3( a) shows an example of the configuration of the transfer medium 50. The transfer medium 50 in this example is a sheet-like transfer body (transfer paper, transfer sheet) and, as described above, has a base layer 52, a transfer layer 54, and a release layer 56. By using a transfer medium 50 with this configuration, an image can be properly transferred from the transfer medium 50 to a transfer medium 60 without having to adhere rubber or the like to the transfer medium, as occurs in transfer using a rubber transfer method. Furthermore, as described above, forming a mask on the transfer medium 50 can properly prevent the transfer layer 54 of the transfer medium 50 from adhering more than necessary to the transfer medium 60. The base layer 52 in this example is a paper layer. Here, the paper layer can be considered to be a layer in which at least a portion of the base layer 52 in its thickness direction is made of paper. For example, it is possible to use a base layer 52 in which at least the portion in contact with the transfer layer 54 is made of paper. Alternatively, the base layer 52 may be substantially composed of a paper layer, such as a cellulose (wood fiber) layer. It is also possible to use, for example, a resin film layer as the base layer 52. However, in this case, the interface of the base layer 52 on the transfer layer 54 side is more smoothly formed, which tends to increase the smoothness of the surface of the transferred image. In contrast, when a paper base layer 52 is used as in this example, the surface of the transferred image can be appropriately prevented from becoming excessively smooth, compared to when a resin film base layer is used. This allows the transferred image to have a more natural texture.

[0030] The transfer layer 54 of the transfer medium 50 is a layer that separates from the base layer 52 and adheres to the receiving medium during transfer, and is superimposed on at least a portion of the surface of the base layer 52. The transfer layer 54 in this example is formed by applying the material of the transfer layer 54 onto the base layer 52. The transfer layer 54 may be formed on only a portion of the base layer 52. For example, the transfer layer 54 may be formed on only a portion of the base layer 52 excluding both ends in the width direction. The transfer layer 54 can also be considered a layer that receives ink ejected from the printing unit 12 (see FIG. 1 ) and transfers to the receiving medium together with the ink during transfer. The transfer layer 54 can be, for example, a resin layer. As described above, the printing device 102 in this example prints on the transfer medium 50 using ink containing an aqueous pigment. In other words, the transfer layer 54 can also be considered a layer that can print an image using ink containing an aqueous pigment and that can be peeled from the base layer 52 during transfer. The transfer layer 54 can also be considered an ink-receiving layer (receiving layer) that peels off from the base layer 52. As described above, the transfer medium 50 of this example has a release layer 56 between the base layer 52 and the transfer layer 54. The release layer 56 separates the base layer 52 and the transfer layer 54 during the peeling process. The release layer 56 is preferably a layer whose releasability increases when heated during the pressure-bonding process. The release layer 56 of this example is a layer made of a meltable material. Suitable materials for the release layer 56 include, for example, silicone-based materials and various wax-based materials. The base layer 52, the transfer layer 54, and the release layer 56 can be layers having the same or similar characteristics as the base layer, transfer layer, and release layer used in known transfer media for pigment transfer. For example, the transfer medium 50 can be a known transfer medium capable of printing an image using an ink containing a pigment, such as an aqueous pigment (pigment ink), and transferring the image to a transfer medium.

[0031] As described above, the transfer unit 14 (see FIG. 1 ) of this example performs a pressure bonding process in which heat and pressure are applied to the transfer medium 50 while the transfer medium 50 is superimposed. For example, as shown in FIG. 3B , the transfer medium 50 and the transfer medium 60 are superimposed in the transfer unit 14 so that the transfer layer 54 of the transfer medium 50 contacts the transfer medium 60. FIG. 3B shows an example of how the transfer medium 50 and the transfer medium 60 overlap during the pressure bonding process. For convenience of illustration, FIG. 3B omits the mask formed on the transfer medium 50 to show the example of how the transfer medium 50 and the transfer medium 60 overlap. By performing the pressure bonding process in this state, the transfer unit 14 adheres at least a portion of the transfer layer 54 of the transfer medium 50 to the transfer medium 60. After the pressure bonding step is performed in the transfer unit 14, the peeling unit 16 (see FIG. 1) performs a peeling step to peel the base layer 52 from the transfer medium 50 while the transfer medium 50 and the transfer recipient medium 60 remain overlapping each other. After the peeling step, at least a portion of the transfer layer 54 remains on the transfer recipient medium 60, as shown in FIG. 3C, for example. FIG. 3C shows an example of the state of the transfer recipient medium 60 after the peeling step.

[0032] At this time, the release layer 56 of the transfer medium 50 is attached to either the base layer 52 or the transfer layer 54. After the peeling process, a portion of the release layer 56 may be attached to the base layer 52, with the remaining portion attached to the transfer layer 54. Furthermore, as described above, in practice, the release layer 56 may be considered to be substantially absent after the peeling process. For convenience of illustration, FIG. 3C shows an example in which the transfer layer 54 is attached to the entire transfer medium 60. During actual transfer in this example, after the peeling process, as described above, a portion of the transfer medium 60 becomes a non-transfer area, resulting in the transfer layer 54 adhering to a portion of the transfer medium 60. For example, as shown in FIG. 3D, a mask 312 is formed on at least a portion of the peripheral area 304 of the transfer medium 50, which is an area other than the transfer image area 302 where the transfer image is printed. FIG. 3D is a diagram showing the transfer medium 50 together with the transfer medium 60 after the image printing and the formation of the mask 312. In this case, the portion of the transfer medium 50 where the mask 312 is formed becomes a non-transfer area, and the portion of the transfer receiving medium 60 that comes into contact with the mask 312 during the pressure bonding process becomes a non-transfer portion. According to this example, the influence of margins of the transfer medium 50 on the transfer receiving medium 60 can be reduced for the portion of the transfer medium 50 corresponding to the non-transfer area. Furthermore, the mask 312 in this example may cover at least a portion of the portion of the transfer medium 50 where ink has landed. As described above, when printing a transfer image on the transfer medium 50, the printing device 102 (see FIG. 1) may print items other than the transfer image on the transfer medium 50 along with the transfer image. In this case, the printing device 104 (see FIG. 1) may form a mask that covers the portion where items other than the transfer image are printed. By forming the mask, the printing device 104 forms a non-transfer area 206, as shown in FIG. 4, for example.

[0033] FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an application example involving the use of a mask. FIG. 4( a) shows an example of items printed by the printing device 102 (see FIG. 1) on the transfer medium 50 in this example. In the illustrated example, the printing device 102 further prints multiple image registration marks 222 and management information 224 on the transfer medium 50 in addition to the image 202 to be printed as the transfer image. The registration marks 222 and management information 224 are examples of non-transfer items, i.e., items other than the transfer image. The registration marks 222 are also examples of position reference marks, which indicate the position of the transfer image. Known registration marks can be suitably used as the registration marks 222. The registration marks 222 can be used when forming a mask (when forming a non-transfer area) using the printing device 104 (see FIG. 1) or for alignment during transfer. The management information 224 is information used to manage the transfer medium 50. The management information 224 can be identification information (management information) for the transfer medium 50, etc. Furthermore, it is also conceivable to use, as the management information 224, information indicating the date and time (printing timing) when the image 202 was printed on the transfer medium 50, information indicating the expiration date of the transfer medium 50 after printing, etc. As the expiration date of the transfer medium 50 after printing, it is conceivable to use the time limit until transfer using the transfer medium 50. Furthermore, the printing device 102 may print, as non-transfer items, information other than the register marks 222 and the management information 224 on the transfer medium 50. For example, it is conceivable to print, as non-transfer items, conditions for a subsequent process, etc. on the transfer medium 50. More specifically, it is conceivable to print, as non-transfer items, conditions for a subsequent transfer process, etc. on the transfer medium 50.

[0034] The printing device 104 forms a mask in an area covering non-transfer items such as the registration marks 222 and management information 224, thereby forming a non-transfer area 206 on the transfer medium 50, including the area where the non-transfer items are printed, as shown in FIG. 4B . FIG. 4B shows an example of the range of the non-transfer area 206 formed when printing non-transfer items on the transfer medium 50. In this example, the non-transfer area 206 is formed in an area that includes the area where the non-transfer items are printed, but does not include the image 202 that will become the transfer image. By forming such a non-transfer area 206, the transfer unit 14 and peeling unit 16 (see FIG. 1 ) of the printing system 10 can transfer only the image 202 to the transfer medium 60 during the transfer process, without transferring the registration marks 222 and management information 224, which are non-transfer items covered by the mask, to the transfer medium 60. Therefore, with this configuration, it is possible to selectively transfer only the image 202 to the transfer medium 60 while printing non-transfer items other than the image 202 on the transfer medium 50. As described above, the registration marks 222 may be used when forming a mask in the printing device 104. This configuration allows for more accurate and appropriate mask formation even when separate devices are used for the printing device 102 for image printing and the printing device 104 for mask formation. Furthermore, when using the registration marks 222 for alignment during transfer, the position of the registration marks 222 must be confirmed with the transfer medium 50 superimposed on the transfer medium 60. In other words, the position of the registration marks 222 must be visible from the reverse side of the transfer medium 50, opposite the side on which the image 202 and registration marks 222 are printed. Therefore, the registration marks 222 must be drawn in a dark color and large size so that they can be seen from the reverse side of the transfer medium 50. However, if the registration marks 222 are transferred to the transfer medium 60 during transfer, this will have a significant impact on the quality of the transfer medium 60 after transfer. In contrast, this embodiment appropriately prevents the use of the registration marks 222 from adversely affecting the quality of the transfer medium 60. As described above, in the printing system 10 of this example, it is conceivable that various types of fabrics may be used as the transfer medium 60. It is also conceivable that the preferable conditions in the transfer process may differ depending on the type of fabric used as the transfer medium 60.In contrast, in this example, by using the management information 224, it is possible to more easily and appropriately identify the transfer medium 50. This also makes it possible to more easily and appropriately manage the conditions of the transfer process, etc. Furthermore, it is possible to prevent the management information 224 from being transferred to the transfer medium 60. Therefore, according to this example, various types of fabrics, etc. can be more easily and appropriately used as the transfer medium 60.

[0035] Next, supplementary explanations regarding the above-described configurations and explanations of modified examples will be provided. Hereinafter, for convenience of explanation, the modified examples described above or below may be referred to as the present example. As described above, a known transfer medium can be used for the transfer medium 50 of the present example. For example, transfer paper compatible with roll-to-roll techniques in industrial applications can be suitably used as the transfer medium 50. More specifically, wide (e.g., approximately 1.6 m wide) and long (e.g., approximately 110 m long) transfer paper can be suitably used.

[0036] As described above, the transfer medium 50 of this example has a base layer, a transfer layer, and a release layer. These three layers are stacked such that the release layer is sandwiched between the base layer and the transfer layer. The transfer medium 50 can be considered to be composed of at least three layers including these layers. As described above, a paper layer is used for the base layer. The base layer may be made of a material having a weight per square meter of 50 to 120 g (50 to 120 g / m ２ ) can be suitably used. Furthermore, as described above, the peeling unit 16 (see FIG. 1) of this example performs the peeling process before the temperature of the transfer medium 50, etc., heated in the pressure bonding process, drops to room temperature or below. In this case, for example, if the base layer is made of resin, the heat may cause the base layer to soften, expand, or contract, which may reduce the peelability of the base layer. In contrast, when a paper layer is used as the base layer, the base layer becomes substantially non-expandable, allowing the base layer to be more appropriately peeled even when the peeling process is performed at a high temperature (e.g., 100°C or higher). In other words, using a paper layer as the base layer is particularly suitable for performing the peeling process when the transfer medium 50 is in a high-temperature state.

[0037] As described above, a resin layer is used as the transfer layer. The transfer layer has a weight of 5 to 20 g per square meter (5 to 20 g / m ２ ) can be suitably used. Furthermore, a thermoplastic resin that softens when heated during the pressure bonding process can be suitably used for the transfer layer. More specifically, for example, a layer primarily composed of polyethylene can be used. Furthermore, a layer made of a fiber-reactive polymer including a crosslinkable polymer can also be suitably used. For example, a polymer containing an isocyanate group can be suitably used as the fiber-reactive polymer. Furthermore, the transfer layer may also contain, for example, a binder, a rheology modifier, an antifoaming agent, a pigment (white), a crosslinking agent, a wetting agent, etc. For example, a siloxane-based substance can be suitably used as the antifoaming agent. For example, a combination of urethane and acrylic or styrene-acrylic can be suitably used as the binder.

[0038] Furthermore, it is conceivable to use a surface on which particulate matter solidifies as the printing surface on which the ink lands in the transfer layer. Such a printing surface can be considered an uneven surface with fine irregularities. By configuring the printing surface in this way, the transfer layer can more appropriately receive the ink ejected thereon. It is also conceivable to use a layer configured to suppress the wetting and spreading of ink dots at temperatures higher than room temperature, for example, around 60°C (50-70°C). "Suppressing the wetting and spreading of ink dots at temperatures higher than room temperature" means that the wetting and spreading of ink dots is less likely to occur at temperatures higher than room temperature compared to when the ink is at room temperature. This makes it possible to reduce ink bleeding by performing printing while heating the transfer medium 50 in the printing unit 12.

[0039] As described above, the release layer can be preferably made of a silicone-based material or various wax-based materials. ２) can be suitably used. In addition, the release layer is formed between the base layer and the transfer layer to prevent the ink in the transfer layer from reaching the base layer. In this example, the ink ejected onto the transfer layer remains almost entirely within the transfer layer. Therefore, if a large amount of ink is ejected onto the transfer layer, the ink exceeding the allowable amount will pile up on the surface of the transfer layer. In this case, there is almost no penetration of ink into the base layer. This configuration can appropriately prevent changes in the release properties of the base layer due to ink penetration into the base layer.

[0040] Furthermore, a known transfer medium can be used as the transfer medium 50. For example, Texcol (registered trademark), a pigment transfer paper provided by Neenah Coldenhove, can be used as the transfer medium 50. Furthermore, the printing system 10 of this example can transfer images to various types of fabric as the transfer medium 60 without pre-treatment or post-treatment using water. In other words, the transfer medium 50 can be considered as transfer paper or the like that can transfer images to a wide variety of fabrics (textiles) in one step without using water. Furthermore, for example, a known transfer device manufactured by Klieverik Heli BV can be used as the transfer unit 14.

[0041] As described above, in the pressure-bonding step of the transfer process, the transfer layer is softened by heat and pressure is simultaneously applied to adhere the transfer medium 50 to the transfer recipient medium 60. Then, in the subsequent peeling step, the base layer of the transfer medium 50 is peeled off, leaving the transfer layer containing the ink representing the transfer image on the transfer recipient medium 60. In this example, as described above, a mask is formed on the transfer medium 50, making a portion of the transfer medium 50 a non-transfer area, and only the image printed on any portion of the transfer medium 50 is transferred to the transfer recipient medium 60. In this way, forming a mask on the transfer medium 50 makes it possible to appropriately select the transfer area and arbitrarily and precisely adjust the transfer area, which was difficult with conventional methods. As described above, in this example, it is also possible to print non-transfer items other than the transfer image on the transfer medium 50 and form a mask to cover the non-transfer items. In this case, when the base layer is peeled off in the peeling step, the portion of the transfer layer that was not transferred to the transfer recipient medium 60 will also be peeled off along with the base layer. Therefore, after the base layer is peeled off in the peeling process, ink indicating non-transferred matters remains in the portion of the transfer layer that remains on the base layer side. Also, the operation of peeling off the base layer in the peeling process can be considered as the operation of peeling off the transfer medium 50 after transfer. In this case, untransferred ink remains on the peeled transfer medium 50.

[0042] In this example, an inkjet printer is used as the printing device 102 for the transfer image, allowing for high-resolution printing of any desired transfer image. Furthermore, an inkjet printer is also used as the printing device 104 for forming the mask, allowing for appropriate formation of a mask that matches the high-resolution transfer image. Furthermore, by using inkjet printers for both the printing device 102 and the printing device 104, print data for the printing device 104 indicating the mask pattern can be more easily and appropriately generated based on print data for the printing device 102. More specifically, by generating print data for mask formation based on print data for the printing device 102, print data for the mask that matches the fine pattern of the transfer image can be easily and appropriately generated. Furthermore, as described above, the printing device 104 in this example uses ultraviolet-curable ink as the ink for forming the mask. Using ultraviolet-curable ink allows for appropriate formation of a mask that does not adhere to the transfer medium 60 due to the heat and pressure in the pressing process. Furthermore, the ink can be appropriately fixed to the transfer medium 50 in a short time. Therefore, even when forming a mask using the printing device 104 at a position overlapping an image printed by the printing device 102 for image printing, bleeding of the image due to the influence of the liquid mask ink can be appropriately prevented. A known ultraviolet-curable ink can be suitably used as the ultraviolet-curable ink for forming the mask. A known ultraviolet-curable ink manufactured by Mimaki Engineering, such as LH-100 Ink (registered trademark), can be suitably used as the ultraviolet-curable ink for forming the mask. In this case, for example, a known inkjet printer manufactured by Mimaki Engineering can be suitably used as the printing device 104. Furthermore, a colorless, transparent, clear ink can be suitably used as the ink for forming the mask.

[0043] Furthermore, when printing with an inkjet printer using UV-curable ink, matte printing conditions, glossy printing conditions, and the like are widely used as printing conditions. Under matte printing conditions, UV light is applied to the ink immediately after it lands on the printing target, thereby curing the ink before the ink dots flatten. Under glossy printing conditions, the ink is cured by flattening the ink dots on the transfer medium after it lands on the transfer medium. For matte printing conditions and glossy printing conditions, matte or glossy printing conditions preset in the printing device can be used. When forming a mask using the printing device 104, if the ink for forming the mask is cured under matte printing conditions, the surface of the mask will become matte, which may result in a pattern on the transfer medium 60 after transfer corresponding to the unevenness of the mask surface. Therefore, it is preferable for the printing device 104 to cure the ink for forming the mask under glossy printing conditions. This allows the surface of the mask to be flatter and more uniform than when UV-curable ink is cured under matte printing conditions. This also allows the cured ink layer to be more appropriately used as a mask. In this case, when forming the mask, the printing device 104 irradiates the ink deposited on the transfer medium 50 with relatively weak ultraviolet light for pre-curing (pinning) and relatively strong ultraviolet light for full curing to complete the ink curing, thereby curing the ink under glossy printing conditions. After irradiating the ink with UV light for pre-curing, the printing device 104 allows time for the ink dots to flatten, and then irradiates the ink with UV light for full curing. This configuration allows for appropriate formation of a mask using ink cured under glossy printing conditions. Depending on the design required for the transfer medium 60, the ink may be cured under matte printing conditions. Alternatively, it is possible to cure part of the mask in a glossy finish and other parts in a matte finish. This allows for a variety of designs to be expressed. As described above, the printing unit 12 may also be a single printing device that combines the functions of the multiple printing devices 102 and 104.In this case, the printing device ejects evaporative drying ink as the ink for printing the image and ultraviolet curable ink as the ink for forming the mask. The printing device also cures the ink for forming the mask under glossy printing conditions. This configuration allows a single printing device to appropriately draw a transfer image and form a mask.

[0044] In addition, in a modified mask formation method, the mask may be formed using ink other than UV-curable ink. For example, it is possible to use ink that does not adhere (stick) to the transfer medium when heated during the pressure bonding process. For example, it is possible to use ink whose softening point is higher than that of the transfer layer. The softening point here refers to the temperature at which a substance softens. The softening point of the transfer layer refers to the softening point of the resin that constitutes the transfer layer. The softening point of the mask refers to the softening point of the ink when the ink used to form the mask has been fixed to the transfer medium 50. The softening points of the transfer layer and mask in this example can be considered to be the temperatures at which the resin that constitutes the transfer layer and the ink that constitutes the mask substantially adhere to the transfer medium 60 due to the pressure applied during the pressure bonding process. "Substantially adhering the resin or ink to the transfer medium 60" refers to the resin or ink adhering to the transfer medium 60 to the extent that it can be determined that the resin or ink has adhered to the transfer medium 60 after the image has been transferred. It is also preferable to use ink for forming the mask whose glass transition point is higher than the heating temperature during the pressure bonding process. The glass transition point of the mask is the glass transition point of the ink used to form the mask when it has been fixed on the transfer medium 50. Furthermore, when forming a mask using ink other than ultraviolet-curable ink, it is also possible to use a thermosetting ink that hardens when heated. Thermosetting ink can be considered to be ink containing a thermosetting resin. Examples of thermosetting resins that can be used include epoxy-based resins. It is also possible to use ink containing a heat-resistant resin as the ink used to form the mask. Examples of heat-resistant resins that can be used include various engineering plastics.

[0045] In addition, in a modified configuration of the printing system 10, the mask may be formed by a method other than an inkjet printer. For example, a mask may be formed using the same or similar material as the ink used to form the mask, using a silkscreen method or a method of hand-drawing with a brush. Even with this configuration, masks of various shapes can be appropriately formed. As described above, the area where the mask is formed becomes a non-transfer area that is not transferred to the transfer medium 60. That is, the mask can also be considered a transfer-inhibiting layer that prevents the resin constituting the transfer layer of the transfer medium 50 from transferring to the transfer medium 60. Furthermore, the method of forming a mask by printing or hand-drawing can also be considered a method of directly applying a transfer-inhibiting layer to the transfer medium 50 on which an image has been printed. Furthermore, rather than forming the mask directly on the transfer medium 50, the mask (transfer-inhibiting layer) can be separately created and then fitted to the transfer medium 50. For example, foil, resin film, paper, cloth, etc. can be cut using a cutting plotter or the like and then attached to the transfer medium 50. Metal foil, such as aluminum foil, can be used as the foil. Even in this configuration, the mask can be appropriately formed on the transfer medium 50 .

[0046] Furthermore, as a modified example of the operation of the printing system 10, for example, as shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, a method other than forming a mask may be used to prevent portions other than the transfer image from being transferred to the transfer medium. FIGS. 5 and 6 are diagrams illustrating modified examples of the operation of the printing system 10. FIGS. 5(a)-(c) and 6(a)-(c) illustrate the features of each modified example. Except as otherwise described below, components in FIGS. 5 and 6 designated with the same reference numerals as those in FIGS. 1-4 have the same or similar features as those in FIGS. 1-4. FIG. 5(a) illustrates an example of forming a non-transfer region by performing a transfer suppression process on the transfer medium 50. In this example, a transfer suppression process is performed on an area of ​​the transfer medium 50 where the transfer image is not printed, thereby forming a transfer suppression process region 314. The transfer suppression process is a process that suppresses the transfer of the transfer layer to the transfer medium. The transfer suppression process region 314 is an area where transfer to the transfer medium is suppressed. In this case, for example, a transfer suppression treatment area 314 is formed by applying a chemical solution or the like that makes it difficult for ink to adhere to the transfer medium to a peripheral area 304 of the transfer image area 302 on the transfer medium 50 where the transfer image is printed. The transfer suppression treatment area 314 can be thought of as a non-transfer area that is not transferred to the transfer medium. Even with this configuration, a non-transfer area can be appropriately formed on the transfer medium 50.

[0047] 5B and 5C show an example of forming a non-transfer area by removing a portion of the transfer medium 50. In this example, as shown in the figure, a transfer suppression treatment area 314, which serves as a non-transfer area, is formed by removing a portion of the transfer layer of the transfer medium 50 other than the transfer image area 302. Even with this configuration, the non-transfer area can be appropriately formed on the transfer medium 50. In this case, for example, it is conceivable to form the transfer suppression treatment area 314 by scraping off a portion of the transfer layer. Alternatively, it is conceivable to form the transfer suppression treatment area 314 by performing a cutting process on the transfer layer and peeling off a portion of the transfer layer. It is also conceivable to remove a portion of the transfer layer using an intermediate medium 70, as shown in FIG. 5C. The intermediate medium 70 is a medium (intermediate transfer medium) used during the transfer operation. The non-transfer area is formed on the transfer medium 50 by using the intermediate medium 70, which is easily adhered to the transfer layer of the transfer medium 50, to remove at least a portion of the portion of the transfer medium 50 other than the transfer image area 302. The portion to be removed from the transfer medium 50 is removed from the transfer medium 50 while adhering to the intermediate medium 70, as shown as a removed portion 316 in the drawing, for example. In this case, the portion on the transfer medium 50 from which the removed portion 316 has been removed becomes a transfer suppression processing area 314.

[0048] Furthermore, to prevent the resin in the transfer layer of the transfer medium 50 from adhering to the transfer medium 60 in areas other than the transfer image area 302, it is also possible to perform a treatment on the transfer medium 60, as shown in FIGS. 6A and 6B. FIG. 6A shows an example of performing a transfer prevention treatment on a portion of the transfer medium 60. The transfer prevention treatment makes it difficult for the transfer layer of the transfer medium 50 to transfer to the transfer medium 60. The transfer prevention treatment can also be considered to be a treatment that reduces the adhesiveness of the transfer layer. Examples of the transfer prevention treatment include treatment using a crosslinking agent. In this case, for example, as shown in the figure, a transfer prevention treatment is performed on a region of the transfer medium 60 (a portion of the transfer medium 60) corresponding to the peripheral area 304 of the transfer medium 50, thereby forming a transfer prevention treatment area 322 on the transfer medium 60. This makes the peripheral area 304 of the transfer medium 50 a non-transfer area. In this case, it can be considered that by forming the transfer prevention treatment area 322 on the transfer medium 60 and aligning the transfer medium 50 with the transfer medium 60, a non-transfer area corresponding to the transfer prevention treatment area 322 is formed on the transfer medium 50. Even with this configuration, it is possible to appropriately form a non-transfer area on the transfer medium 50.

[0049] FIG. 6B also shows an example of a process for improving the adhesiveness of the transfer layer (transfer layer adhesion improvement process) on a portion of the transfer medium 60. The transfer layer adhesion improvement process is a process for making it easier for the transfer layer of the transfer medium 50 to be transferred to the transfer medium 60. In this case, the portion of the transfer medium 60 that overlaps with the transfer image region 302 of the transfer medium 50 during the pressure bonding process is designated as an adhesion improvement region 324, and the transfer layer adhesion improvement process is performed on this adhesion improvement region 324. In this case, the conditions for the pressure bonding process are determined according to the characteristics of the adhesion improvement region 324. With this configuration, the transfer layer of the transfer medium 50 is less likely to be transferred to portions of the transfer medium 60 other than the adhesion improvement region 324. As a result, the peripheral region 304 of the transfer medium 50 becomes a non-transfer region. With this configuration, a non-transfer region can also be appropriately formed on the transfer medium 50.

[0050] Furthermore, a treatment for the transfer layer can be considered as a treatment for increasing the adhesiveness of the transfer image region 302 of the transfer medium 50. FIG. 6C shows an example of a treatment for changing the adhesiveness of the transfer layer of the transfer medium 50. By performing a treatment for increasing the adhesiveness of the transfer layer of the transfer image region 302 of the transfer medium 50 (transfer layer adhesion improvement treatment), the transfer image region 302 becomes a transfer activation region 326 with increased adhesiveness. In this case, the adhesiveness of the transfer layer in the peripheral region 304 of the transfer image region 302 is relatively lower than that of the transfer activation region 326. As a result, similar to the case described using FIG. 6A, the peripheral region 304 of the transfer medium 50 becomes a non-transfer region. Even with this configuration, a non-transfer region can be appropriately formed on the transfer medium 50. In this case, for example, a transfer activation region 326 can be formed by pretreating the transfer image region 302, where the transfer image will be printed, with a crosslinking agent before printing the transfer image. In this case, for example, a crosslinking agent that increases adhesiveness due to its compatibility with the ink can be used. This configuration can appropriately increase the adhesiveness of the transfer layer in the transfer activation region 326. In addition, as a modified example of the method for forming the transfer activation region 326, it is also conceivable to print a transfer image using ink mixed with such a crosslinking agent.

[0051] Furthermore, as described above, the transfer medium 50 used in this example may be configured with a paper base layer. In this case, if an image such as a transfer image is printed on the transfer medium 50 for a long time, proper transfer may not be possible. Compared to a resin base layer, the interface between the paper base layer and the release layer is rougher. If an image is printed on the transfer medium 50 for a long time, ink migration may occur within the transfer layer, and the ink may reach the vicinity of the release layer and base layer. In this case, the release properties of the base layer may change, making it difficult to peel off. This may result in an impact on transfer quality. The inventors of the present application confirmed the occurrence of such transfer defects through actual experiments using a transfer medium 50 configured as described above.

[0052] Therefore, when using such a transfer medium 50, it is preferable to record the printing timing, which is the timing at which an image is printed on the transfer medium 50, and manage the transfer medium 50 accordingly. More specifically, a transfer medium management method for managing transfer media on which an image to be transferred to a transfer medium is printed can include a printing timing recording step and an elapsed time confirmation step. The printing timing recording step is a step of recording the printing timing, which is the timing at which an image is printed on the transfer medium 50. The elapsed time confirmation step is a step of confirming the elapsed time, which is the time elapsed since the printing timing, for the transfer medium 50 on which an image is printed. The transfer medium 50 is then managed so that the image is transferred from the transfer medium 50 to the transfer medium before this elapsed time exceeds a predetermined period. This configuration allows for more appropriate transfer even when using a transfer medium 50 having a paper base layer. Furthermore, in the elapsed time confirmation step, the elapsed time is confirmed using a computer. If the elapsed time exceeds the predetermined period, a warning is issued to the user. This configuration allows for more appropriate management of the transfer medium 50. Furthermore, in the print timing recording stage, the print timing may be recorded by printing information indicating the print timing together with the image on the transfer medium 50. With this configuration, the print timing can be recorded appropriately and reliably on the transfer medium 50. For example, the print timing may be printed by the printing device 102 (see FIG. 1) of the printing unit 12 as a non-transfer item such as management information 224 (see FIG. 4). In this case, it is also possible to form a mask that covers the portion on which the print timing is printed by the mask forming printing device 104 (see FIG. 1).

[0053] The present invention can be suitably used in, for example, an image transfer method.

[0054] 10...printing system, 102...printing device, 104...printing device, 12...printing unit, 14...transfer unit, 16...peeling unit, 18...control unit, 202...image, 204...margin, 206...non-transfer area, 212...periphery, 214...non-transfer area, 222...register mark, 224...management information, 302...transfer image area, 304...periphery, 312...mask, 314...transfer suppression treatment area, 316...removal unit, 322...transfer prevention treatment area, 324...adhesion improvement area, 326...transfer activation area, 50...transfer medium, 52...base layer, 54...transfer layer, 56...peeling layer, 60...transfer receiving medium, 70...intermediate medium

Claims

1. An image transfer method for transferring an image printed on a transfer medium to a transferee medium, comprising: a non-transfer area formation step; and a transfer step for transferring at least a portion of the image printed on the transfer medium to the transferee medium, in which the transfer medium is overlaid on the transferee medium and pressure is applied, wherein the transfer medium has a base layer that is a layer that forms the base material of the transfer medium, and a transfer layer that is overlaid on at least a portion of the surface of the base layer and is a layer-like portion that is at least partially transferred to the transferee medium during transfer to carry out the transfer, wherein in the non-transfer area formation step, a non-transfer area that is an area that will not be transferred to the transferee medium is formed in a transfer target area that is a portion of the print surface of the transfer medium to which pressure is applied during the transfer.

2. The image transfer method according to claim 1, wherein in the non-transfer area forming step, the non-transfer area is formed on the transfer medium by forming a mask that covers a part of the area to be transferred.

3. The image transfer method according to claim 2, wherein in the non-transfer area forming step, ultraviolet curable ink is ejected from an inkjet head onto the transfer medium, and the ultraviolet curable ink is cured under glossy printing conditions, thereby forming the mask on the transfer medium.

4. An image transfer method as described in claim 1, further comprising a printing step of printing the image onto the transfer medium, wherein in the printing step, non-transfer items, which are items other than the transfer image, which is the image to be transferred to the transfer medium, are further printed onto the transfer medium, and in the non-transfer area forming step, a non-transfer area including the area in which the non-transfer items are printed is formed on the transfer medium, so that in the transfer step, the transfer image is transferred to the transfer medium without transferring the non-transfer items to the transfer medium.

5. The image transfer method according to claim 4, wherein in the printing step, a position reference mark, which is a mark indicating the position of the transferred image, is printed on the transfer medium as the non-transfer matter.

6. The image transfer method according to claim 4, wherein in the printing step, the non-transfer items indicating management information used for managing the transfer medium are printed on the transfer medium.

7. A non-transfer area forming device that forms a non-transfer area, which is an area that will not be transferred to the transfer medium during transfer, on the transfer surface of a transfer medium on which an image to be transferred to the transfer medium is printed, and is characterized in that the non-transfer area forming device forms a non-transfer area, which is an area that will not be transferred to the transfer medium during transfer, on the transfer target area, and the transfer medium has a base layer, which is a layer that serves as the base material of the transfer medium, and a transfer layer, which is a layer that is overlaid on at least a portion of the surface of the base layer and at least a portion of which is transferred to the transfer medium during transfer.

8. A printing system that performs printing by transferring an image printed on a transfer medium to a transfer receiving medium, comprising: a printing device that prints an image on the transfer medium; a non-transfer area forming device that forms a non-transfer area, which is an area that will not be transferred to the transfer receiving medium, in a transfer target area, which is a portion of the print surface of the transfer medium to which pressure is applied when transferring, and a transfer unit that transfers at least a portion of the image printed on the transfer medium to the transfer receiving medium by overlaying the transfer medium on the transfer receiving medium and applying pressure, wherein the transfer medium has a base layer that is a layer that serves as the base material of the transfer medium, and a transfer layer that is overlaid on at least a portion of the surface of the base layer and is a layered portion at least a portion of which is transferred to the transfer receiving medium during the transfer.

9. A transfer medium management method for managing a transfer medium on which an image to be transferred to a transfer receiving medium is printed, comprising: a print timing recording step for recording the print timing, which is the timing at which the image is printed on the transfer medium; and an elapsed period confirmation step for confirming the elapsed period, which is the period that has elapsed since the print timing, for the transfer medium on which the image is printed, wherein the transfer medium has a transfer layer, which is a layered portion at least part of which is transferred to the transfer receiving medium during transfer, and a base layer, which is a paper layer that serves as the base material for the transfer medium; and the transfer medium management method is characterized in that the transfer medium is managed so that the transfer of the image from the transfer medium to the transfer receiving medium is performed before the elapsed period exceeds a predetermined period.

10. A transfer medium management method as described in claim 9, characterized in that in the elapsed period confirmation step, the elapsed period is confirmed using a computer, and if the elapsed period exceeds a predetermined period, a warning is issued to the user.

11. The transfer medium management method according to claim 9, wherein in the print timing recording step, the print timing is recorded by printing information indicating the print timing on the transfer medium together with the image.

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