Printing device and method for adjusting same

Abstract

The present invention suppresses the generation of a large amount of processing post-return and the generation of wastepaper caused by wasteful processing in a batch adjustment process for performing processing for adjusting a plurality of printing-related adjustment items in batches.　An inkjet printing device according to the present invention is configured to be capable of executing a batch adjustment process for performing processing for adjusting a plurality of printing-related adjustment items in batches. In processing for adjusting the adjustment items: first, executed is a temporary adjustment process including printing of an adjustment chart (S30), reading of the adjustment chart (S31), analysis of read data of the adjustment chart (S32), and temporary setting of a printing condition based on the analysis result (S34) is performed; and then executed is a confirmation process involving printing of a confirmation chart (S34), reading of the confirmation chart (S35), analysis of read data of the confirmation chart (S36), and determination of the validity of the temporarily set printing condition (S37).

Description

Printing apparatus and method for adjusting the same

[0001] The present invention relates to a printing apparatus that performs printing by ejecting ink from a nozzle, and a method for adjusting the same.

[0002] Inkjet printing devices have been known for a long time, which print by ejecting ink onto a substrate (such as printing paper) using heat or pressure. The printing section of an inkjet printing device is equipped with multiple inkjet heads (printing heads) that extend in a direction perpendicular to the substrate transport direction, for example, for each ink color. Each inkjet head contains numerous nozzles for ejecting ink. By printing on roll paper with a printing section configured as described above, high-speed printing in a single pass is achieved. For this reason, inkjet printing devices are widely used, especially for on-demand printing.

[0003] When printing is performed using such an inkjet printer, various adjustments are made to ensure good print quality. Specifically, before actually printing the target document (printing based on print data), an adjustment process is performed, which includes printing an inspection chart and calculating and setting adjustment data (e.g., correction values) based on the results of reading the printed image of the inspection chart using an image sensor or colorimeter.

[0004] Generally, in an inkjet printing apparatus, it is necessary to perform adjustment on a plurality of adjustment items. For example, in one type of inkjet printing apparatus, adjustments for four adjustment items are performed: level difference adjustment, shading adjustment, density adjustment, and defective nozzle compensation. The level difference adjustment aims to correct deviations (level differences) between inkjet heads (printing heads) caused by differences in the type and thickness of the substrate used and differences in printing modes, and is the operation of adjusting ink ejection timing for each appropriate adjustment unit (e.g., per inkjet head unit or per nozzle unit). Shading adjustment aims to reduce density variations between inkjet heads. Specifically, after printing a correction chart of a predetermined density, shading adjustment optically reads the correction chart to measure the density of portions corresponding to each nozzle, corrects the ink ejection amount for each nozzle according to the difference between the measured density and the predetermined density, so that all nozzles can obtain print results of the same density, thereby suppressing density unevenness. Density adjustment aims to adjust the maximum density and intermediate density of each ink color such as C (cyan), M (magenta), Y (yellow), and K (black), and is the operation of adjusting the data of the gradation correction table for each ink color. Defective nozzle compensation aims to make defects in a printed image less noticeable by causing adjacent nozzles of a defective nozzle to eject a larger amount of ink than originally intended when there is a defective nozzle (a nozzle in an ejection failure state), and is the operation of adjusting the ink ejection amount from nozzles adjacent to the defective nozzle.

[0005] Incidentally, if the adjustments for the multiple adjustment items mentioned above are performed in an inappropriate order, some adjustment items may not be properly adjusted. For example, if shading adjustment is performed before step adjustment, the amount of ink ejected from each nozzle will be adjusted without the timing of ink ejection from each nozzle being adjusted. As a result, the density of the image obtained from the actual print will differ from the desired density. Also, for example, if density adjustment is performed before shading adjustment, the density will differ depending on the position of the print head. For these reasons, when performing adjustment processes for multiple adjustment items, it is necessary to consider the order in which these adjustments are performed. However, performing adjustments one by one while considering the order of adjustments for multiple adjustment items is an extremely burdensome task for the operator.

[0006] Therefore, Japanese Patent Publication No. 2024-3941 discloses an invention for an inkjet printing apparatus that enables the execution of batch adjustment processing, which performs adjustment processing for multiple adjustment items at once based on a single instruction from the operator. According to this invention, it is possible to perform adjustment processing for multiple adjustment items in a short time with simple operation, while reducing paper waste compared to conventional methods.

[0007] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2024-3941

[0008] However, according to the invention disclosed in Japanese Patent Publication No. 2024-3941, if the adjustment of a preceding adjustment item is not performed properly for some reason (specifically, if the parameter value is not set to an appropriate value), it becomes impossible to properly adjust the subsequent adjustment items. In such cases, the user realizes that the adjustment was not performed properly from the print image obtained from printing performed after the completion of the batch adjustment process. For example, if the adjustment of the first adjustment item was not performed correctly, it becomes necessary to adjust all adjustment items again. Thus, when the adjustment is not performed properly, there is a significant setback in the process, which can result in a large amount of wasted paper.

[0009] Therefore, the present invention relates to a batch adjustment process that performs adjustment processing for multiple adjustment items related to printing all at once, with the aim of suppressing the occurrence of significant rework in the process and the generation of waste paper due to unnecessary processing.

[0010] A first aspect of the present invention is a printing apparatus comprising: a transport mechanism for transporting a substrate; a printing unit for printing on the substrate by ejecting ink; and a reading unit for reading a printed image obtained by printing by the printing unit, wherein the apparatus is configured to perform a batch adjustment process that performs adjustment processing for a plurality of adjustment items related to printing based on a single instruction from an external source, and the adjustment processing for each of the plurality of adjustment items comprises: a first inspection chart printing process in which the printing unit prints a first inspection chart corresponding to the adjustment item to be processed; a first inspection chart reading process in which the reading unit reads the printed image of the first inspection chart; a printing condition setting process that provisionally sets printing conditions based on the first reading data obtained by the first inspection chart reading process; a second inspection chart printing process in which the printing unit prints a second inspection chart to confirm the validity of the provisionally set printing conditions while the printing conditions are provisionally set; and a second inspection chart reading process in which the reading unit reads the printed image of the second inspection chart. The process includes a validity determination process that determines whether the provisionally set printing conditions are valid based on the second reading data obtained by the second inspection chart reading process.

[0011] A second aspect of the present invention is that, in the first aspect of the present invention, with respect to two adjustment items, a preceding adjustment item and a succeeding adjustment item, which are two adjustment items that are adjusted consecutively in the batch adjustment process, the first inspection chart printing process corresponding to the succeeding adjustment item is executed after the completion of the validity determination process corresponding to the preceding adjustment item.

[0012] A third aspect of the present invention relates to a preceding adjustment item and a succeeding adjustment item, which are two adjustment items that are processed consecutively in the batch adjustment process, in the first aspect of the present invention, wherein the first inspection chart printing process corresponding to the succeeding adjustment item is executed after the completion of the second inspection chart printing process corresponding to the preceding adjustment item, and the validity determination process corresponding to the preceding adjustment item and the first inspection chart printing process corresponding to the succeeding adjustment item are executed in parallel for at least a portion of the period.

[0013] A fourth aspect of the present invention is that, in the third aspect of the present invention, the printing condition setting process corresponding to the subsequent adjustment item is executed after the completion of the validity determination process corresponding to the preceding adjustment item.

[0014] A fifth aspect of the present invention is that, in the third aspect of the present invention, the validity determination process corresponding to the preceding adjustment item and the print condition setting process corresponding to the succeeding adjustment item are executed in parallel for at least a portion of the period.

[0015] A sixth aspect of the present invention is that, in the first aspect of the present invention, the print condition setting process includes an analysis process that analyzes the first reading data obtained by the first inspection chart reading process to calculate the parameters necessary for the provisional setting, and with respect to two adjustment items, a preceding adjustment item and a succeeding adjustment item, which are adjusted consecutively in the batch adjustment process, the second inspection chart printing process corresponding to the preceding adjustment item is executed after the completion of the first inspection chart printing process corresponding to the succeeding adjustment item, and for at least a portion of the period, the second inspection chart printing process corresponding to the preceding adjustment item and the analysis process corresponding to the succeeding adjustment item are executed in parallel.

[0016] A seventh aspect of the present invention is that, in any of the first to sixth aspects of the present invention, the first inspection chart and the second inspection chart are the same in the adjustment process for each of the plurality of adjustment items.

[0017] An eighth aspect of the present invention is that, in the seventh aspect of the present invention, if the provisionally set printing conditions are determined to be invalid in the validity determination process corresponding to the adjustment items of the processing target, the printing conditions are provisionally set based on the second read data, and then the adjustment process for the adjustment items of the processing target is executed again from the second inspection chart printing process.

[0018] A ninth aspect of the present invention is that, in any of the first to sixth aspects of the present invention, in the adjustment process for each of the plurality of adjustment items, the first inspection chart and the second inspection chart are each composed of a plurality of sheets, and the first inspection chart and the second inspection chart differ in at least one of the number of sheets and the images contained in the sheets.

[0019] A tenth aspect of the present invention is that, in the ninth aspect of the present invention, if the provisionally set printing conditions are determined to be invalid in the validity determination process corresponding to the adjustment item of the processing target, the adjustment process for the adjustment item of the processing target is executed again from the first inspection chart printing process.

[0020] An eleventh aspect of the present invention is that, in any of the first to tenth aspects of the present invention, in the validity determination process for at least one of the plurality of adjustment items, if the value of the adjustment data obtained as data related to the adjustment of the adjustment item to be processed is less than or equal to a predetermined standard value, the provisionally set printing conditions are determined to be valid.

[0021] A twelfth aspect of the present invention is that, in any of the first to eleventh aspects of the present invention, the printing apparatus includes a display unit, and when the number of times the provisionally set printing conditions are determined to be unsuitable in the validity determination process during the adjustment process for each of the plurality of adjustment items exceeds a predetermined number, the display unit displays an error message and the batch adjustment process is terminated.

[0022] A thirteenth aspect of the present invention is that, in any of the first to twelfth aspects of the present invention, the printing device includes a display unit, the display unit displays an adjustment item setting screen for externally setting whether or not to execute a first process consisting of a first inspection chart printing process, a first inspection chart reading process, and a printing condition setting process, and a second process consisting of a second inspection chart printing process, a second inspection chart reading process, and a validity determination process for each of the plurality of adjustment items, and the batch adjustment process is executed according to the settings made on the adjustment item setting screen.

[0023] A fourteenth aspect of the present invention is that, in the thirteenth aspect of the present invention, the adjustment item setting screen is configured to allow setting that the second process is executed only for adjustment items for which the first process has been set to be executed.

[0024] A fifteenth aspect of the present invention is that, in any of the first to fourteenth aspects of the present invention, the printing apparatus comprises, as the reading unit, an imaging unit for capturing the printed image and a colorimetric unit for measuring the color of the printed image; in the batch adjustment process, as adjustment processes for the plurality of adjustment items, step adjustment, shading adjustment, and density adjustment are performed; in the first inspection chart reading process in the step adjustment and shading adjustment, the imaging unit captures the printed image of the first inspection chart; in the first inspection chart reading process in density adjustment, the colorimetric unit measures the color of the printed image of the first inspection chart; in the second inspection chart reading process in the step adjustment and shading adjustment, the imaging unit captures the printed image of the second inspection chart; and in the second inspection chart reading process in density adjustment, the colorimetric unit measures the color of the printed image of the second inspection chart.

[0025] A sixteenth aspect of the present invention is that, in the fifteenth aspect of the present invention, the batch adjustment process further includes defective nozzle compensation to correct the printing data so that ink that should be ejected from a defective nozzle is ejected from other nozzles; in the first inspection chart reading process in the defective nozzle compensation, the imaging unit captures a printed image of the first inspection chart; and in the second inspection chart reading process in the defective nozzle compensation, the imaging unit captures a printed image of the second inspection chart.

[0026] A seventeenth aspect of the present invention is that, in the fifteenth aspect of the present invention, the batch adjustment process includes a color profile creation process in addition to the adjustment process for the plurality of adjustment items, the color profile creation process includes a color chart printing process in which the printing unit prints a color chart, a color chart color measurement process in which the color measurement unit measures the color of the printed image of the color chart, and a profile generation process that generates a color profile based on the color measurement data obtained by the color chart color measurement process.

[0027] The eighteenth aspect of the present invention is that, in any of the first to fourteenth aspects of the present invention, the printing apparatus comprises, as the reading unit, an imaging unit for capturing the printed image and a colorimetric unit for measuring the color of the printed image; in the batch adjustment process, as adjustment processes for the plurality of adjustment items, step adjustment, shading adjustment, density adjustment, and defective nozzle compensation are performed to correct the printing data so that ink that should be ejected from a defective nozzle is ejected from other nozzles; in the first inspection chart reading process in step adjustment, shading adjustment, and defective nozzle compensation, the imaging unit captures a printed image of the first inspection chart; in the first inspection chart reading process in density adjustment, the colorimetric unit measures the color of the printed image of the first inspection chart; in the second inspection chart reading process in step adjustment, shading adjustment, and defective nozzle compensation, the imaging unit captures a printed image of the second inspection chart; in the second inspection chart reading process in density adjustment, the colorimetric unit measures the color of the printed image of the second inspection chart; and in the batch adjustment process, a color profile creation process is further performed. The color profile creation process includes a color chart printing process in which the printing unit prints a color chart, a color chart color measurement process in which the color measurement unit measures the color of the printed image of the color chart, and a profile generation process that generates a color profile based on the color measurement data obtained by the color chart color measurement process.

[0028] A 19th aspect of the present invention is that, in any of the first to 18th aspects of the present invention, the printing apparatus includes a transport control unit that controls the transport speed, which is the speed at which the transport mechanism transports the substrate, and the transport control unit maintains the transport speed at a constant speed during the period in which any of the first inspection chart printing process, the first inspection chart reading process, the second inspection chart printing process, and the second inspection chart reading process is being performed, and lowers the transport speed to a constant speed during the period in which none of the first inspection chart printing process, the first inspection chart reading process, the second inspection chart printing process, and the second inspection chart reading process is being performed.

[0029] A 20th aspect of the present invention is a method for adjusting a printing apparatus comprising a transport mechanism for transporting a substrate, a printing unit for printing on the substrate by ejecting ink, and a reading unit for reading a printed image obtained by printing by the printing unit, the method comprising: an adjustment instruction step in which an operator instructs the printing apparatus to perform a batch adjustment process for performing adjustment processing for a plurality of adjustment items related to printing; a batch adjustment step in which the printing apparatus performs adjustment processing for the plurality of adjustment items based on the instruction from the adjustment instruction step, the batch adjustment step comprising, for each of the plurality of adjustment items: a first inspection chart printing step in which the printing unit prints a first inspection chart corresponding to the adjustment item to be processed; a first inspection chart reading step in which the reading unit reads the printed image of the first inspection chart; a printing condition setting step in which the printing unit provisionally sets printing conditions based on the first reading data obtained in the first inspection chart reading step; a second inspection chart printing step in which, with the printing conditions provisionally set, the printing unit prints a second inspection chart for confirming the validity of the provisionally set printing conditions; and a second inspection chart reading step in which the reading unit reads the printed image of the second inspection chart. The process includes a validity determination step in which the provisionally set printing conditions are determined to be valid based on the second reading data obtained in the second inspection chart reading step.

[0030] According to a first aspect of the present invention, the printing apparatus is configured to perform a batch adjustment process that performs adjustment processing for multiple adjustment items related to printing based on a single instruction from an external source. In this batch adjustment process, for each of the multiple adjustment items, the printing conditions are provisionally set based on first reading data obtained by reading the printed image of the first inspection chart, and then the second inspection chart is printed with the provisionally set printing conditions. Then, the validity of the provisionally set printing conditions is determined (confirmed) based on second reading data obtained by reading the printed image of the second inspection chart. This makes it possible to prevent the adjustment process for the next adjustment item from being performed before the adjustment for the previous adjustment item has been properly performed. As a result, with regard to the batch adjustment process that performs adjustment processing for multiple adjustment items related to printing all at once, it is possible to suppress the occurrence of large rework in the process and the generation of waste paper due to unnecessary processing. Furthermore, since the generation of waste paper is suppressed in this way, it is possible to contribute to the achievement of the SDGs (Sustainable Development Goals).

[0031] According to a second aspect of the present invention, the first inspection chart for the next adjustment item is printed only after the validity determination process for a given adjustment item has been completed. This makes it possible to minimize the need for rework if further adjustments are required.

[0032] According to a third aspect of the present invention, since multiple processes are executed in parallel, the time required for batch adjustment processing can be made relatively short.

[0033] According to the fourth aspect of the present invention, the same effects as those of the third aspect of the present invention can be obtained.

[0034] According to the fifth aspect of the present invention, the same effects as those of the third aspect of the present invention can be obtained.

[0035] According to the sixth aspect of the present invention, since multiple processes are executed in parallel so that the resources of the printing apparatus are used efficiently, the time required for batch adjustment processing and the length of the substrate used in batch adjustment processing are shorter compared to the second to fifth aspects described above, when readjustment is not required for all adjustment items.

[0036] According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, when readjustment is required, the printing conditions can be quickly reset based on the read data (second read data) obtained immediately before for the check chart, so it is possible to reduce backtracking after readjustment is required.

[0037] According to an eighth aspect of the present invention, the same advantageous effects as those of the seventh aspect of the present invention are obtained.

[0038] According to a ninth aspect of the present invention, it is possible to reduce the length of the base material used in the process for checking the validity of the tentatively set printing conditions.

[0039] According to a tenth aspect of the present invention, the same advantageous effects as those of the ninth aspect of the present invention are obtained.

[0040] According to an eleventh aspect of the present invention, the same advantageous effects as those of the first aspect of the present invention are obtained.

[0041] According to a twelfth aspect of the present invention, unnecessary repetition of adjustment processing can be prevented.

[0042] According to a thirteenth aspect of the present invention, the user can specify whether to execute the first process including the printing condition setting process and the second process including the validity determination process for each adjustment item, thereby enabling reduction in the time required for the batch adjustment process.

[0043] According to a fourteenth aspect of the present invention, inappropriate settings can be prevented.

[0044] According to a fifteenth aspect of the present invention, with respect to a series of processes including level difference adjustment, shading adjustment and density adjustment, significant backtracking in the processes and occurrence of waste paper caused by unnecessary processing can be suppressed.

[0045] According to a sixteenth aspect of the present invention, with respect to a series of processes including level difference adjustment, shading adjustment, density adjustment and defective nozzle compensation, significant backtracking in the processes and occurrence of waste paper caused by unnecessary processing can be suppressed.

[0046] According to a seventeenth aspect of the present invention, it is possible to suppress the occurrence of large backtracking in processing and the generation of wasted paper due to unnecessary processing with respect to a series of processing consisting of level difference adjustment, shading adjustment, density adjustment, and color profile creation processing.

[0047] According to an eighteenth aspect of the present invention, it is possible to suppress the occurrence of large backtracking in processing and the generation of wasted paper due to unnecessary processing with respect to a series of processing consisting of level difference adjustment, shading adjustment, density adjustment, defective nozzle compensation, and color profile creation processing.

[0048] According to a nineteenth aspect of the present invention, the generation of wasted paper is effectively suppressed by acceleration / deceleration of the conveyance speed during a period in which collective adjustment processing is being executed.

[0049] According to a twentieth aspect of the present invention, the same effect as that of the first aspect of the present invention can be obtained.

[0050] This is an overall configuration diagram of the printing system in all embodiments. This is a schematic diagram showing one example configuration of an inkjet printing apparatus in all embodiments. This is a plan view showing one example configuration of a printing unit in all embodiments. This is a block diagram showing the hardware configuration of the print control device in all embodiments. This is a flowchart for explaining the order of adjustment processing in all embodiments. This is a block diagram showing the general functional configuration of the control unit realized by the execution of the print control program in the print control device in all embodiments. This is a diagram showing a first example of the adjustment item setting screen in all embodiments. This is a diagram showing a second example of the adjustment item setting screen in all embodiments. This is a flowchart showing the basic flow of batch adjustment processing in all embodiments. This is a diagram for explaining that in all embodiments, multiple processes are actually performed in parallel. This is a diagram for explaining a first specific example in all embodiments where the confirmation chart is a simpler chart compared to the adjustment chart. This is a diagram for explaining a second specific example in all embodiments where the confirmation chart is a simpler chart compared to the adjustment chart. This is a diagram for explaining the general order of processing in the first embodiment. This is a flowchart for explaining in detail the control of processing in the first embodiment. This is a flowchart for explaining in detail the control of processing in the first embodiment. This is a diagram for explaining the general order of processing in the second embodiment. This is a flowchart for explaining in detail the control of the process in the second embodiment described above. This is a flowchart for explaining in detail the control of the process in the second embodiment described above. This is a diagram for explaining the general sequence of processes in the third embodiment. This is a flowchart for explaining in detail the control of the process in the third embodiment described above. This is a flowchart for explaining in detail the control of the process in the third embodiment described above. This is a diagram for explaining the general sequence of processes in the fourth embodiment. This is a flowchart for explaining in detail the control of the process in the fourth embodiment described above. This is a flowchart for explaining in detail the control of the process in the fourth embodiment described above.This is a diagram illustrating the inspection chart (adjustment chart, confirmation chart) in the first modified example. This is a flowchart illustrating the basic flow of the batch adjustment process in the first modified example. This is a flowchart illustrating the control of the process in the first modified example. This is a diagram illustrating an example of settings made on the adjustment item setting screen in the second modified example. This is a diagram illustrating the general sequence of processes in the second modified example. This is a diagram illustrating the general sequence of processes in the third modified example.

[0051] Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the attached drawings.

[0052] <1. Configuration Common to All Embodiments> This specification will describe four embodiments (including variations), but first, we will describe matters common to all embodiments.

[0053] <1.1 Overall Configuration of the Printing System> Figure 1 is an overall configuration diagram of the printing system in all embodiments of the present invention. This printing system consists of an inkjet printing device 10 and a print data generation device 30. The inkjet printing device 10 and the print data generation device 30 are connected to each other by LAN 4. The print data generation device 30 generates print data by performing RIP processing on input data such as PDF files. The print data generated by the print data generation device 30 is transmitted to the inkjet printing device 10 via LAN 4. The inkjet printing device 10 outputs a print image onto the printing paper, which is the substrate, based on the print data transmitted from the print data generation device 30, without using a printing plate. The inkjet printing device 10 consists of a printing press body 200 and a printing control device 100 that controls the operation of the printing press body 200.

[0054] <1.2 Configuration of Inkjet Printing Apparatus> Figure 2 is a schematic diagram showing one example of the configuration of an inkjet printing apparatus 10. As described above, this inkjet printing apparatus 10 is composed of a print control device 100 and a printing press body 200.

[0055] The printing press body 200 includes a paper feeding unit 21 that supplies printing paper (e.g., roll paper) PA, a printing mechanism 20 that prints on the printing paper PA, and a paper winding unit 29 that winds up the printed printing paper PA. The printing mechanism 20 includes a first drive roller 22 for transporting the printing paper PA into the mechanism, a plurality of support rollers 23 for transporting the printing paper PA inside the printing mechanism 20, a printing unit (inkjet head group) 24 that ejects ink onto the printing paper PA to print, a drying unit 25 for drying the printed printing paper PA, an imaging unit (image reading device) 26 that captures the printed image (printed printing paper PA), a colorimeter 27 that measures the color of the printed image, and a second drive roller 28 for outputting the printing paper PA from inside the printing mechanism 20. For example, a contact image sensor (CIS) using CMOS is used as the imaging unit 26. For example, an inline colorimeter is used as the colorimeter 27. In this embodiment, the reading unit is realized by the imaging unit 26 and the colorimetric unit 27.

[0056] The print control device 100 controls the operation of the printing press body 200 configured as described above. When the print control device 100 is given a print output command, the print control device 100 controls the operation of the printing press body 200 so that the printing paper PA is transported from the paper feeding unit 21 to the paper winding unit 29. First, the printing unit 24 prints on the printing paper PA, then the drying unit 25 dries the printing paper PA, then the imaging unit 26 captures the printed image as needed, and finally the colorimetric unit 27 measures the color of the printed image as needed. In this embodiment, the imaging data (read data) Dc obtained by the imaging unit 26 capturing the printed image and the colorimetric data (read data) Dm obtained by the colorimetric unit 27 measuring the color of the printed image are sent to the print control device 100.

[0057] Figure 3 is a plan view showing one example of the configuration of the printing unit 24. As shown in Figure 3, the printing unit 24 consists of inkjet head rows 240K, 240C, 240M, and 240Y for K color (black), C color (cyan), M color (magenta), and Y color (yellow), arranged in the direction of transport of the printing paper PA. Each inkjet head row consists of a plurality of inkjet heads (print heads) 241 arranged in a staggered pattern. Each inkjet head 241 contains a number of nozzles that eject ink. Each nozzle of the inkjet head 241 in the K color inkjet head row 240K ejects K color ink, each nozzle of the inkjet head 241 in the C color inkjet head row 240C ejects C color ink, each nozzle of the inkjet head 241 in the M color inkjet head row 240M ejects M color ink, and each nozzle of the inkjet head 241 in the Y color inkjet head row 240Y ejects Y color ink.

[0058] <1.3 Hardware Configuration of Print Control Device> Figure 4 is a block diagram showing the hardware configuration of the print control device 100. As shown in Figure 4, the print control device 100 includes a main unit 110, an auxiliary storage device 121, an optical disc drive 122, a display unit 123, a keyboard 124, and a mouse 125. The main unit 110 includes a CPU 111, a memory 112, a first disk interface unit 113, a second disk interface unit 114, a display control unit 115, an input interface unit 116, and a communication interface unit 117. The CPU 111, memory 112, first disk interface unit 113, second disk interface unit 114, display control unit 115, input interface unit 116, and communication interface unit 117 are connected to each other via a system bus. The auxiliary storage device 121 is connected to the first disk interface unit 113. The optical disc drive 122 is connected to the second disk interface unit 114. The display unit (display device) 123 is connected to the display control unit 115. The input interface unit 116 is connected to a keyboard 124 and a mouse 125. The communication interface unit 117 is connected to the printer body 200 via a communication cable. The communication interface unit 117 is also connected to LAN 4. The auxiliary storage device 121 is a magnetic disk drive or the like. An optical disk 5, such as a CD-ROM or DVD-ROM, is inserted into the optical disk drive 122, which is a computer-readable recording medium. The display unit 123 is a liquid crystal display or the like. The display unit 123 is used to display information desired by the operator. The keyboard 124 and mouse 125 are used by the operator to input instructions to this print control device 100.

[0059] The auxiliary storage device 121 stores a print control program P (a program for controlling the execution of printing processes by the printing press 200). The CPU 111 reads the print control program P stored in the auxiliary storage device 121 into the memory 112 and executes it to realize various functions of the print control device 100. The memory 112 includes RAM and ROM. The memory 112 functions as a work area for the CPU 111 to execute the print control program P stored in the auxiliary storage device 121. The print control program P is provided stored on the above-mentioned computer-readable recording medium (non-transient recording medium). That is, for example, the user purchases an optical disc 5 as the recording medium for the print control program P, inserts it into the optical disc drive 122, reads the print control program P from the optical disc 5, and installs it into the auxiliary storage device 121.

[0060] <1.4 Overview of Batch Adjustment Process> In all embodiments, the inkjet printing apparatus 10 is provided with a function to perform batch adjustment processing, which performs adjustment processing for multiple adjustment items based on a single operation by the operator. In other words, the inkjet printing apparatus 10 is configured to perform batch adjustment processing, which performs adjustment processing for multiple adjustment items related to printing based on a single instruction from an external source. In each of the following embodiments (excluding the third modified example), the batch adjustment processing performs adjustment processing for multiple adjustment items in the following order: step adjustment, shading adjustment, density adjustment, and defective nozzle compensation (see Figure 5). In addition to the adjustment processing for multiple adjustment items, the batch adjustment processing also performs color profile creation processing (see Figure 5). Regarding density adjustment, conventionally, it was common to perform processing to adjust the density of so-called "solid" areas and processing to adjust the density of midtones separately, but in this embodiment, it is assumed that both are performed together within the batch adjustment processing.

[0061] Incidentally, as mentioned above, according to the invention disclosed in Japanese Patent Publication No. 2024-3941, if adjustments to preceding adjustment items are not properly performed for any reason, adjustments to subsequent adjustment items cannot be properly performed. Therefore, in the following embodiments, a process for confirming whether adjustments to each adjustment item have been properly performed is included in the adjustment process. That is, the adjustment process for each adjustment item consists of a provisional adjustment process, which involves printing an adjustment chart (hereinafter referred to as "adjustment printing") which is an inspection chart for adjustment, and performing a provisional adjustment of the adjustment item based on the printed image obtained from the adjustment printing, and a confirmation process, which involves printing a confirmation chart (hereinafter referred to as "confirmation printing") which is an inspection chart for confirmation, and checking the validity of the provisional adjustment based on the printed image obtained from the confirmation printing. The provisional adjustment process corresponds to the first process, and the confirmation process corresponds to the second process. In the following, when the adjustment chart and the confirmation chart are not distinguished, they will be referred to as "inspection charts".

[0062] <1.5 Configuration of the Control Unit> Figure 6 is a block diagram showing the schematic functional configuration of the control unit 150, which is realized when the print control program P is executed in the print control device 100. The control unit 150 generally includes a print condition setting unit 151, a transport control unit 152, a print control unit 153, a drying control unit 154, an imaging control unit 155, a color measurement control unit 156, and an adjustment item setting unit 157.

[0063] The print condition setting unit 151 sets the print conditions that should be referenced by the control unit 150 during printing. In this embodiment, in the batch adjustment process described later, the print condition setting unit 151 sets the print conditions for each adjustment item based on the imaging data Dc obtained by imaging the print image by the imaging unit 26 or the color measurement data Dm obtained by color measurement of the print image by the color measurement unit 27.

[0064] The transport control unit 152 controls the speed at which the transport mechanism 210 transports the printing paper PA (transport speed). In this embodiment, the transport mechanism 210 is realized by a paper feeding unit 21, a first drive roller 22, a plurality of support rollers 23, a second drive roller 28, and a paper winding unit 29 (see Figure 2).

[0065] The print control unit 153 controls the ejection of ink from each nozzle in each inkjet head 241 that constitutes the print unit 24, according to the set print conditions. For example, the timing of ink ejection and the amount of ink ejection are controlled according to the print conditions. The drying control unit 154 controls the temperature (drying temperature) when the drying unit 25 dries the printing paper PA. The imaging control unit 155 controls the timing of image capture of the printed image by the imaging unit 26. The colorimetric control unit 156 controls the timing of color measurement of the printed image by the colorimetric unit 27.

[0066] The adjustment item setting unit 157 displays an adjustment item setting screen on the display unit 123 for externally configuring whether or not to perform the preliminary adjustment process and the confirmation process for each of the multiple adjustment items, and accepts settings from the outside. Two examples of the adjustment item setting screen will be described below.

[0067] Figure 7 shows a first example of the adjustment item setting screen 6. The adjustment item setting screen 6 shown in Figure 7 includes a first checkbox group 61 consisting of five checkboxes that correspond one-to-one with five items (four adjustment items and color profile creation), a second checkbox group 62 consisting of four checkboxes that correspond one-to-one with four adjustment items, a checkbox 63, a checkbox 64, an OK button 65, and a Cancel button 66.

[0068] The first group of checkboxes 61 is used to set whether or not to perform a color profile creation process, as well as whether or not to perform a preliminary adjustment process for each adjustment item. The second group of checkboxes 62 is used to set whether or not to perform a confirmation process for each adjustment item. When checkbox 63 is changed from unselected to selected, all checkboxes in the first group of checkboxes 61 become selected. When checkbox 63 is changed from selected to unselected, all checkboxes in the first group of checkboxes 61 become unselected. When checkbox 64 is changed from unselected to selected, all checkboxes in the second group of checkboxes 62 become selected. When checkbox 64 is changed from selected to unselected, all checkboxes in the second group of checkboxes 62 become unselected. When the OK button 65 is pressed, the settings made using the adjustment item setting screen 6 are saved. When the Cancel button 66 is pressed, the settings made using the adjustment item setting screen 6 are discarded, and the previous settings are maintained. Preferably, the adjustment item setting screen 6 is configured so that it is possible to set whether or not to perform a confirmation process only for adjustment items for which a preliminary adjustment process has been set to be performed.

[0069] Figure 8 shows a second example of the adjustment item setting screen 6. The adjustment item setting screen 6 shown in Figure 8 is divided into a first area 601 for setting step adjustment, shading adjustment, density adjustment, and color profile creation, and a second area 602 for setting defective nozzle compensation, excluding the area where the OK button 65 and Cancel button 66 are located. The first area 601 includes a first group of checkboxes 61 and 62, a second group of checkboxes 62, a checkbox 63, and a checkbox 64, which are the same as in the first example (see Figure 7). The second area 602 includes a checkbox 67 for setting whether or not to perform a preliminary adjustment process for defective nozzle compensation, and a checkbox 68 for setting whether or not to perform a confirmation process for defective nozzle compensation. Since defective nozzle compensation does not need to be performed as frequently as other adjustment items, the configuration shown in Figure 8 may be adopted for the adjustment item setting screen 6 for the convenience of the operator.

[0070] <1.6 Basic Flow of Batch Adjustment Process> Next, the basic flow of the batch adjustment process will be explained with reference to the flowchart shown in Figure 9. First, the operator uses the adjustment item setting screen 6 to set whether or not to perform the preliminary adjustment process and the confirmation process for each adjustment item (step S10). It is assumed that for adjustment items that have been set not to perform the preliminary adjustment process, it is not possible to set them to perform the confirmation process.

[0071] After the setting process using the adjustment item setting screen 6 is completed, the operator presses the batch adjustment start button to instruct the execution of the batch adjustment process (step S20). The batch adjustment start button is included in a predetermined operation screen displayed on the display unit 123 of the print control device 100, for example. After the batch adjustment start button is pressed, the processes in steps S30 to S37 described below are repeated a number of times equal to the number of adjustment items for which the adjustment process is to be performed. However, for adjustment items for which only a preliminary adjustment process was set in step S10, the processes in steps S34 to S37 are not performed.

[0072] In step S30, the printing unit 24 prints the adjustment chart. Then, the imaging unit 26 or the colorimetric unit 27 reads the printed image of the adjustment chart (step S31). Subsequently, the printing condition setting unit 151 (see Figure 6) analyzes the reading data (imaging data Dc or colorimetric data Dm) obtained in step S31 (step S32). This provides adjustment data related to the adjustment of the adjustment items to be processed, and parameter values ​​for setting the printing conditions are calculated based on this adjustment data. Then, the printing conditions are provisionally set (parameter values ​​for the adjustment items to be processed are updated) (step S33). In step S33, for example, ejection timing setting data is set for step adjustment, for example, shading correction data is set for shading adjustment, for example, gradation correction table data is set for density adjustment, and for example, a compensation coefficient is set to compensate for the amount of ink ejected from the nozzle for defective nozzle compensation.

[0073] After the print conditions are provisionally set, the printing unit 24 prints the confirmation chart (step S34). Then, the imaging unit 26 or the colorimetric unit 27 reads the printed image of the confirmation chart (step S35). Subsequently, the print condition setting unit 151 analyzes the read data (imaging data Dc or colorimetric data Dm) obtained in step S35 (step S36). As a result, adjustment data is obtained, similar to step S32, and parameter values ​​are calculated based on this adjustment data. Then, the print condition setting unit 151 determines the validity of the print conditions provisionally set in step S33 (whether readjustment is necessary or not) (step S37). In step S37, for example, if the value of the adjustment data obtained in step S36 is less than or equal to a predetermined standard value, it is determined that "the provisionally set print conditions are valid." If it is determined in step S37 that "the provisionally set print conditions are not valid," the process returns to step S30, and the printing unit 24 prints the adjustment chart a second time. When printing the adjustment chart for the second time, it is desirable to set the parameter values ​​of the printing unit 24 to the values ​​provisionally set in step S33 (the values ​​for the adjustment items to be processed) rather than resetting them to their initial values. Returning to the flowchart in Figure 9, if it is determined in step S37 that "the provisionally set printing conditions are valid" in the processing of adjustment items other than the last adjustment item, the process moves on to processing the next adjustment item. If it is determined in step S37 that "the provisionally set printing conditions are valid" in the processing of the last adjustment item, the process proceeds to step S40.

[0074] In step S40, a process for creating a color profile is performed. Specifically, in step S40, a color chart for creating a color profile is printed, and the color of the printed image of the color chart is measured. Based on the color measurement data Dm obtained from the measurement, a color profile is generated. Once the color profile is generated, the batch adjustment process is completed. An example of a color profile is an ICC profile. An ICC profile is a file in a format defined by the International Color Consortium for color space conversion, and it is a file that defines the characteristics of the color space of a device. By converting color data using an ICC profile, it becomes possible to reproduce colors as faithfully as possible between different devices.

[0075] As described above, for each adjustment item for which a confirmation process (processing in steps S34 to S37) has been set to be executed, a confirmation process is performed after a preliminary adjustment process (processing in steps S30 to S33), and the preliminary adjustment process and the confirmation process are repeated until the confirmation process determines that the printing conditions set in the preliminary adjustment process are valid.

[0076] Hereinafter, the process in which the printing unit 24 prints the adjustment chart, as in step S30, will be referred to as the "adjustment chart printing process," the process in which the imaging unit 26 or colorimetric unit 27 reads the printed image of the adjustment chart, as in step S31, will be referred to as the "adjustment chart reading process," and the process in which the printing condition setting unit 151 provisionally sets the printing conditions based on the reading data obtained by the adjustment chart reading process, as in steps S32 to S33, will be referred to as the "printing condition setting process." Furthermore, the process in which the printing unit 24 prints the confirmation chart, as in step S34, will be referred to as the "confirmation chart printing process," the process in which the imaging unit 26 or colorimetric unit 27 reads the printed image of the confirmation chart, as in step S35, will be referred to as the "confirmation chart reading process," and the process in which the printing condition setting unit 151 determines the validity of the provisionally set printing conditions based on the reading data obtained by the confirmation chart reading process, as in steps S36 to S37, will be referred to as the "validity determination process." The adjustment chart printing process corresponds to the first inspection chart printing process, the adjustment chart reading process corresponds to the first inspection chart reading process, the confirmation chart printing process corresponds to the second inspection chart printing process, the confirmation chart reading process corresponds to the second inspection chart reading process, the reading data obtained in step S31 corresponds to the first reading data, and the reading data obtained in step S35 corresponds to the second reading data.

[0077] Furthermore, the adjustment instruction step is realized in step S20, the batch adjustment step is realized in steps S30 to S37, the first inspection chart printing step is realized in step S30, the first inspection chart reading step is realized in step S31, the print condition setting step is realized in steps S32 and S33, the second inspection chart printing step is realized in step S34, the second inspection chart reading step is realized in step S35, and the validity determination step is realized in steps S36 and S37.

[0078] Incidentally, if, for example, the inkjet head 241 has a major defect, the adjustment may not be performed properly (appropriate parameter values ​​may not be obtained) even if the processes in steps S30 to S37 above are repeated. Therefore, in each of the following embodiments, if the number of times in step S37 that it is determined that "the provisionally set printing conditions are not valid" exceeds a predetermined number of times in the adjustment process for each adjustment item, an error message is displayed on the display unit 123, and the batch adjustment process is terminated. Note that the predetermined number of times may differ for each adjustment item.

[0079] In the above description, the processes of printing the inspection chart (adjustment chart, confirmation chart), reading the inspection chart, and analyzing the read data are explained as being performed one by one in sequence. However, in reality, as shown in Figure 10, these processes are performed in parallel. In Figure 10, the period during which the inspection chart is printed is represented by an arrow labeled 71, the period during which the inspection chart is read is represented by an arrow labeled 72, and the period during which the read data is analyzed is represented by an arrow labeled 73.

[0080] Here, we will explain the adjustment chart and the confirmation chart. The adjustment chart is a chart that has been conventionally used to make adjustments for each adjustment item. The confirmation chart is a simpler chart than the adjustment chart. However, in the first modified example described later, the same chart as the adjustment chart is also used as the confirmation chart. For each adjustment item, the adjustment chart and confirmation chart are usually composed of multiple sheets. The reason for using multiple sheets is that there is variation in the state of the printed image, and the adjustment is performed with greater accuracy by calculating the parameter value based on the average value obtained from the analysis of multiple sheets rather than calculating the parameter value based on the value obtained from the analysis of a single sheet. Three specific examples of making the confirmation chart a simpler chart than the adjustment chart are given below. In the first specific example, as shown in Figure 11, the number of sheets that make up the confirmation chart 75 is less than the number of sheets that make up the adjustment chart 74. In the example shown in Figure 11, the adjustment chart 74 is composed of 10 sheets, while the confirmation chart 75 is composed of 5 sheets. In the second specific example, as shown in Figure 12, the number of sheets in the adjustment chart 74 and the confirmation chart 75 are the same, but the images included in each sheet of the confirmation chart 75 are simpler than the images included in each sheet of the adjustment chart 74. For example, each sheet of the adjustment chart 74 contains an image consisting of 10 levels of density, while each sheet of the confirmation chart 75 contains an image consisting of 5 levels of density. In the third specific example, the number of sheets in the confirmation chart 75 is less than the number of sheets in the adjustment chart 74, and the images included in each sheet of the confirmation chart 75 are simpler than the images included in each sheet of the adjustment chart 74.

[0081] <2. Description of Each Embodiment> Before describing each embodiment in detail, we will explain the terms and other terms used in this specification. Regarding the processes in steps S30 to S37 in Figure 9, the process in step S31 is performed almost in parallel with the process in step S30, the process in step S33 is performed for a very short time after the completion of the process in step S32, the process in step S35 is performed almost in parallel with the process in step S34, and the process in step S37 is performed for a very short time after the completion of the process in step S36. Taking these factors into consideration, the period during which the processes in step S30 and step S31 are performed (i.e., the period during which the adjustment chart is printed and the printed image of the adjustment chart is read) is called the "adjustment chart printing period," the period during which the processes in step S32 and step S33 are performed (i.e., the period during which the read data for the adjustment chart is analyzed and the printing conditions are provisionally set) is called the "first analysis period," the period during which the processes in step S34 and step S35 are performed (i.e., the period during which the confirmation chart is printed and the printed image of the confirmation chart is read) is called the "confirmation chart printing period," and the period during which the processes in step S36 and step S37 are performed (i.e., the period during which the read data for the confirmation chart is analyzed and the validity of the printing conditions is determined) is called the "second analysis period."

[0082] In Figure 13, etc., the above periods for each of the multiple adjustment items (adjustment chart printing period, first analysis period, confirmation chart printing period, and second analysis period) are represented by arrows with the following symbols. 811: Printing period for adjustment chart for step height adjustment 812: First analysis period for step height adjustment 813: Printing period for confirmation chart for step height adjustment 814: Second analysis period for step height adjustment 821: Printing period for adjustment chart for shading adjustment 822: First analysis period for shading adjustment 823: Printing period for confirmation chart for shading adjustment 824: Second analysis period for shading adjustment 831: Printing period for adjustment chart for density adjustment 832: First analysis period for density adjustment 833: Printing period for confirmation chart for density adjustment 834: Second analysis period for density adjustment 841: Printing period for adjustment chart for defective nozzle compensation 842: First analysis period for defective nozzle compensation 843: Printing period for confirmation chart for defective nozzle compensation 844: Second analysis period for defective nozzle compensation Note that in Figure 13, etc., the arrows denoted by reference numeral 851 indicate the period during which the color chart for creating the color profile is printed (hereinafter referred to as the "color chart printing period").

[0083] When considering two adjustment items that are processed consecutively in a batch adjustment process, the adjustment item processed first is called the "preceding adjustment item," and the adjustment item processed later is called the "successive adjustment item." For example, considering shading adjustment and density adjustment, shading adjustment is the preceding adjustment item, and density adjustment is the succeeding adjustment item.

[0084] <2.1 First Embodiment> <2.1.1 Operation of Batch Adjustment Process> Figure 13 is a diagram illustrating the general sequence of operations in the first embodiment. In this embodiment, the transport speed is maintained at a constant speed during the period when inspection charts are printed and read, and the transport speed is decelerated and accelerated during the period from the end of reading one inspection chart to the start of printing the next inspection chart. That is, the transport control unit 152 controls the transport speed so that it is lower during periods when neither printing nor reading inspection charts is performed than during periods when either printing or reading inspection charts is performed. The same applies to the second to fourth embodiments. By accelerating and decelerating the transport speed in this way during the period when batch adjustment processing is performed, the generation of paper waste is effectively suppressed.

[0085] In this embodiment, after the start of the batch adjustment process, the adjustment chart printing period 811 for step adjustment, the first analysis period 812 for step adjustment, the confirmation chart printing period 813 for step adjustment, and the second analysis period 814 for step adjustment appear in order. After the end of the second analysis period 814 for step adjustment, the adjustment chart printing period 821 for shading adjustment, the first analysis period 822 for shading adjustment, the confirmation chart printing period 823 for shading adjustment, and the second analysis period 824 for shading adjustment appear in order. Subsequently, the periods 831 to 834 for density adjustment and the periods 841 to 844 for defective nozzle compensation appear similarly, and finally the color chart printing period 851 appears. For each adjustment item, if the validity judgment process performed in the second analysis period determines that "the provisionally set printing conditions are not valid," the adjustment chart printing period appears again after the end of the second analysis period. Thus, in this embodiment, the provisional adjustment process for the next adjustment item starts only after all the provisional adjustment and confirmation processes for a given adjustment item have been completed. In other words, the process of printing the adjustment chart corresponding to the subsequent adjustment item is executed after the validity assessment process corresponding to the preceding adjustment item is completed.

[0086] As mentioned above, the processes of printing the inspection chart, reading the inspection chart, and analyzing the read data are actually performed in parallel (see Figure 10). Therefore, with respect to Figure 13, for example, the first analysis period 812 for step adjustment and the adjustment chart printing period 811 for step adjustment may actually overlap for a portion of the time.

[0087] Next, the control of the process in this embodiment will be explained in detail with reference to the flowcharts shown in Figures 14 and 15. Note that the processes in steps S10 and S20 of Figure 9 will be omitted.

[0088] First, the printing unit 24 prints an adjustment chart for adjusting the step height, and the imaging unit 26 captures an image of the printed adjustment chart (step S110). Next, the printing condition setting unit 151 calculates and updates the parameter values ​​for adjusting the step height (step S112). After that, the printing unit 24 prints a confirmation chart for adjusting the step height, and the imaging unit 26 captures an image of the printed confirmation chart (step S114). Next, the printing condition setting unit 151 calculates the parameter values ​​(for confirmation) for adjusting the step height (step S116). Then, based on the results obtained in step S116, it is determined whether the parameter values ​​updated in step S112 are appropriate (step S118). In other words, it is determined whether readjustment is necessary (the validity of the provisionally set printing conditions is determined). If it is determined that readjustment is not necessary, the process proceeds to step S120; if it is determined that readjustment is necessary, the process returns to step S110.

[0089] In step S120, the printing unit 24 prints an adjustment chart for shading adjustment, and the imaging unit 26 captures an image of the printed adjustment chart. Next, the printing condition setting unit 151 calculates and updates the parameter values ​​for shading adjustment (step S122). After that, the printing unit 24 prints a confirmation chart for shading adjustment, and the imaging unit 26 captures an image of the printed confirmation chart (step S124). Next, the printing condition setting unit 151 calculates the parameter values ​​(for confirmation) for shading adjustment (step S126). Then, based on the results obtained in step S126, it is determined whether or not readjustment is necessary (step S128). If it is determined that readjustment is not necessary, the process proceeds to the density adjustment process; if it is determined that readjustment is necessary, the process returns to step S120.

[0090] After the density adjustment process is completed, the printing unit 24 prints an adjustment chart for defective nozzle compensation and the imaging unit 26 captures an image of the printed adjustment chart (step S140). Next, the printing condition setting unit 151 calculates and updates the parameter values ​​for defective nozzle compensation (step S142). Then, the printing unit 24 prints a confirmation chart for defective nozzle compensation and the imaging unit 26 captures an image of the printed confirmation chart (step S144). Next, the printing condition setting unit 151 calculates the parameter values ​​(for confirmation) for defective nozzle compensation (step S146). Then, based on the results obtained in step S146, it is determined whether or not readjustment is necessary (step S148). If it is determined that readjustment is not necessary, the process proceeds to step S150; if it is determined that readjustment is necessary, the process returns to step S140.

[0091] In step S150, the printing unit 24 prints a color chart for creating a color profile, and the colorimetric unit 27 measures the color of the color chart. Subsequently, a color profile is generated based on the colorimetric data Dm obtained in step S150 (step S152). This completes the batch adjustment process. Note that the process in step S150 corresponds to the color chart printing process and the color chart colorimetric process, and the process in step S152 corresponds to the profile generation process.

[0092] <2.1.2 Effects> According to this embodiment, the inkjet printing apparatus 10 is configured to perform a batch adjustment process that performs adjustment processing for multiple adjustment items related to printing based on a single instruction from the operator. In this batch adjustment process, for each of the multiple adjustment items, the printing conditions are provisionally set based on the reading data of the printed image of the adjustment chart, and then a confirmation chart is printed with the printing conditions provisionally set. Then, the validity of the provisionally set printing conditions is determined (confirmed) based on the reading data of the printed image of the confirmation chart. This makes it possible to prevent the adjustment processing for subsequent adjustment items from being performed when the adjustment for preceding adjustment items has not been properly performed. As described above, according to this embodiment, in relation to the batch adjustment process that performs adjustment processing for multiple adjustment items related to printing at once, it is possible to suppress the occurrence of large rework in the process and the generation of waste paper due to unnecessary processing. Furthermore, since the generation of waste paper is suppressed in this way, it is possible to contribute to the achievement of the SDGs (Sustainable Development Goals).

[0093] <2.2 Second Embodiment> <2.2.1 Operation of Batch Adjustment Process> Figure 16 is a diagram illustrating the general sequence of operations in the second embodiment. After the batch adjustment process begins, the adjustment chart printing period 811 for step adjustment, the first analysis period 812 for step adjustment, and the confirmation chart printing period 813 for step adjustment appear in order. Then, the second analysis period 814 for step adjustment and the adjustment chart printing period 821 for shading adjustment appear. The second analysis period 814 for step adjustment and the adjustment chart printing period 821 for shading adjustment overlap for a portion of their duration. After the end of the second analysis period 814 for step adjustment, the first analysis period 822 for shading adjustment and the confirmation chart printing period 823 for shading adjustment appear in order. Then, the second analysis period 824 for shading adjustment and the adjustment chart printing period 831 for density adjustment appear. The second analysis period 824 for shading adjustment and the adjustment chart printing period 831 for density adjustment overlap for a portion of the time. Subsequently, the periods from the first analysis period 832 onward for density adjustment appear similarly.

[0094] As described above, in this embodiment, the printing of the confirmation chart for a given adjustment item is completed before the printing of the confirmation chart for the next adjustment item begins. In other words, the printing of the adjustment chart corresponding to the subsequent adjustment item is executed after the completion of the printing of the confirmation chart corresponding to the preceding adjustment item. More specifically, the printing of the adjustment chart corresponding to the subsequent adjustment item is executed immediately after the completion of the printing of the confirmation chart corresponding to the preceding adjustment item. Furthermore, the second analysis period for a given adjustment item and the printing of the adjustment chart for the next adjustment item overlap for a portion of the time, and the first analysis period for the next adjustment item appears after the completion of the second analysis period for the given adjustment item. That is, the validity determination process corresponding to the preceding adjustment item and the printing of the adjustment chart corresponding to the subsequent adjustment item are executed in parallel for at least a portion of the time, and the printing condition setting process corresponding to the subsequent adjustment item is executed after the completion of the validity determination process corresponding to the preceding adjustment item.

[0095] Next, the control of the process in this embodiment will be explained in detail with reference to the flowcharts shown in Figures 17 and 18. Steps S210 to S214 are the same as steps S110 to S114 in Figure 14. In step S216, the printing unit 24 prints an adjustment chart for shading adjustment and the imaging unit 26 captures an image of the printed adjustment chart. In step S218, the printing condition setting unit 151 calculates parameter values ​​(for confirmation) for step height adjustment. Regarding the relationship between step S216 and step S218, Figure 17 shows that the process of step S218 is performed after the completion of the process of step S216, but in this embodiment, the processes of step S216 and step S218 are executed in parallel for at least a portion of the time. After the completion of the process of step S218 (the process of step S216 does not need to be completed), it is determined whether or not readjustment is necessary regarding step height adjustment based on the results obtained in the process of step S218 (step S220). If it is determined that readjustment is not necessary, the process proceeds to step S222; if it is determined that readjustment is necessary, the process returns to step S210.

[0096] In step S222, the print condition setting unit 151 calculates and updates the parameter values ​​for shading adjustment. Subsequently, the print unit 24 prints a confirmation chart for shading adjustment, and the imaging unit 26 captures an image of the printed confirmation chart (step S224). Furthermore, the print unit 24 prints an adjustment chart for density adjustment, and the colorimeter unit 27 measures the color of the printed image of the adjustment chart (step S226). In step S228, the print condition setting unit 151 calculates the parameter values ​​(for confirmation) for shading adjustment. Note that the processes in step S226 and step S228 are executed in parallel for at least a portion of the time. After the completion of the process in step S228 (the process in step S226 does not need to be completed), it is determined whether or not further adjustment is necessary for shading adjustment based on the results obtained in step S228 (step S230). If it is determined that further adjustment is not necessary, the process proceeds to the remaining process for density adjustment; if it is determined that further adjustment is necessary, the process returns to step S216.

[0097] After the printing unit 24 prints the adjustment chart for defective nozzle compensation and the imaging unit 26 captures an image of the printed adjustment chart (i.e., after the completion of the process in step S236), the printing condition setting unit 151 calculates parameter values ​​(for confirmation) for density adjustment (step S238). Note that the processes in step S236 and step S238 are executed in parallel for at least a portion of the time. After the completion of the process in step S238 (the process in step S236 does not need to be completed), it is determined whether or not readjustment is necessary for density adjustment based on the results obtained in step S238 (step S240). If it is determined that readjustment is not necessary, the process proceeds to the remaining process for defective nozzle compensation; if it is determined that readjustment is necessary, the process returns to step S226.

[0098] In steps S242, S244, and S248, the remaining processing for defective nozzle compensation is performed in the same manner as the shading adjustment processing in steps S222, S224, and S228. In step S246, the printing unit 24 prints a color chart for creating a color profile, and the colorimetric unit 27 measures the color of the color chart. After the processing in step S248 is completed (the processing in step S246 does not need to be completed), it is determined whether readjustment is necessary for defective nozzle compensation based on the results obtained in step S248 (step S250). If it is determined that readjustment is not necessary, the process proceeds to step S252; if it is determined that readjustment is necessary, the process returns to step S236. In step S252, a color profile is generated based on the colorimetric data Dm obtained in step S246. This completes the batch adjustment process.

[0099] <2.2.2 Effects> According to this embodiment, similar to the first embodiment described above, with regard to batch adjustment processing, which performs adjustment processing for multiple adjustment items related to printing all at once, it is possible to suppress the occurrence of large rework in processing and the generation of paper waste due to unnecessary processing. In addition, since multiple processes are executed in parallel, it is possible to shorten the time required for batch adjustment processing.

[0100] <2.3 Third Embodiment> <2.3.1 Operation of Batch Adjustment Process> Figure 19 is a diagram illustrating the general sequence of operations in the third embodiment. After the batch adjustment process begins, the adjustment chart printing period 811 for step adjustment, the first analysis period 812 for step adjustment, and the confirmation chart printing period 813 for step adjustment appear in order. Then, the second analysis period 814 for step adjustment and the adjustment chart printing period 821 for shading adjustment appear. The second analysis period 814 for step adjustment and the adjustment chart printing period 821 for shading adjustment overlap for a portion of their duration. Before the second analysis period 814 for step adjustment ends, the first analysis period 822 for shading adjustment appears. That is, the second analysis period 814 for step adjustment and the first analysis period 822 for shading adjustment overlap for a portion of their duration. After the first analysis period 822 for shading adjustment ends, the period from the confirmation chart printing period 823 onwards for shading adjustment appears in the same manner.

[0101] As described above, in this embodiment, similar to the second embodiment, the adjustment chart printing process corresponding to the subsequent adjustment item is executed after the completion of the confirmation chart printing process corresponding to the preceding adjustment item. Furthermore, the second analysis period for a given adjustment item and the adjustment chart printing period for the next adjustment item overlap for a portion of the time, and the second analysis period for that adjustment item and the first analysis period for the next adjustment item also overlap for a portion of the time. In other words, the validity determination process corresponding to the preceding adjustment item and the adjustment chart printing process corresponding to the subsequent adjustment item are executed in parallel for at least a portion of the time, and the validity determination process corresponding to the preceding adjustment item and the print condition setting process corresponding to the subsequent adjustment item are executed in parallel for at least a portion of the time.

[0102] Next, the control of the process in this embodiment will be explained in detail with reference to the flowcharts shown in Figures 20 and 21. Steps S310 to S314 are the same as steps S110 to S114 in Figure 14. Steps S316 to S318 are the same as steps S216 to S218 in Figure 17. In step S319, the print condition setting unit 151 calculates parameter values ​​for shading adjustment. In this embodiment, the process in step S318 and the process in step S319 are executed in parallel for at least a portion of the time. After the completion of the process in step S318 (the process in step S319 does not need to be completed), it is determined whether or not readjustment is necessary regarding the step height adjustment based on the results obtained in the process in step S318 (step S320). If it is determined that readjustment is not necessary, the process proceeds to step S322, and if it is determined that readjustment is necessary, the process returns to step S310.

[0103] After the processing in step S319 is completed, the print condition setting unit 151 updates the parameter values ​​for shading adjustment (step S322). Steps S324 to S328 are the same as steps S224 to S228 in Figure 17. In step S329, the print condition setting unit 151 calculates the parameter values ​​for density adjustment. Note that the processing in step S328 and the processing in step S329 are executed in parallel for at least a portion of the time. After the processing in step S328 is completed (the processing in step S329 does not need to be completed), it is determined whether or not readjustment is necessary for shading adjustment based on the results obtained in step S328 (step S330). If it is determined that readjustment is not necessary, the process proceeds to the remaining processing for density adjustment; if it is determined that readjustment is necessary, the process returns to step S316.

[0104] Steps S336 to S338 are the same as steps S236 to S238 in Figure 18. In step S339, the print condition setting unit 151 calculates parameter values ​​for defective nozzle compensation. Note that the processes in step S338 and step S339 are executed in parallel for at least a portion of the time. After the completion of the process in step S338 (the process in step S339 does not need to be completed), it is determined whether or not readjustment is necessary for density adjustment based on the results obtained in step S338 (step S340). If it is determined that readjustment is not necessary, the process proceeds to the remaining process for defective nozzle compensation; if it is determined that readjustment is necessary, the process returns to step S326.

[0105] After the processing in step S339 is completed, the parameter values ​​for defective nozzle compensation are updated (step S342). The processing from step S344 onwards is the same as the processing from step S244 onwards in Figure 18.

[0106] <2.3.2 Effects> According to this embodiment, similar to the first embodiment described above, with regard to batch adjustment processing, which performs adjustment processing for multiple adjustment items related to printing all at once, it is possible to suppress the occurrence of large rework in processing and the generation of waste paper due to unnecessary processing. Also, similar to the second embodiment described above, since multiple processes are executed in parallel, it is possible to relatively shorten the time required for batch adjustment processing.

[0107] <2.4 Fourth Embodiment> <2.4.1 Operation of Batch Adjustment Process> Figure 22 is a diagram illustrating the general sequence of operations in the fourth embodiment. After the batch adjustment process begins, the adjustment chart printing period 811 for step adjustment and the first analysis period 812 for step adjustment appear in sequence. Subsequently, the adjustment chart printing period 821 for shading adjustment appears, followed by the first analysis period 822 for shading adjustment and the confirmation chart printing period 813 for step adjustment. The first analysis period 822 for shading adjustment and the confirmation chart printing period 813 for step adjustment overlap in some periods. More specifically, the following applies: The first analysis period 822 for shading adjustment includes a period for analyzing the read data for the adjustment chart for shading adjustment and a period for provisional setting of printing conditions (updating parameter values ​​for shading adjustment). In the fourth embodiment, only the period for analyzing the reading data for the adjustment chart for shading adjustment overlaps with the period 813 for printing the confirmation chart for step adjustment, while the period for provisional setting of printing conditions does not overlap with the period 813 for printing the confirmation chart for step adjustment. The second analysis period 814 for step adjustment appears before the first analysis period 822 for shading adjustment ends. That is, the first analysis period 822 for shading adjustment and the second analysis period 814 for step adjustment overlap for a portion of their durations. After the end of the first analysis period 822 for shading adjustment, the period from the adjustment chart printing period 831 for density adjustment appears similarly. Note that the adjustment chart printing period 831 for density adjustment and the second analysis period 814 for step adjustment overlap for a portion of their durations.

[0108] As described above, in this embodiment, the confirmation chart printing process for the next adjustment item is executed before the confirmation chart printing process for the current adjustment item is executed. In other words, the confirmation chart printing process corresponding to the preceding adjustment item is executed after the completion of the adjustment chart printing process corresponding to the subsequent adjustment item. More specifically, the confirmation chart printing process corresponding to the preceding adjustment item is executed immediately after the completion of the adjustment chart printing process corresponding to the subsequent adjustment item. Furthermore, the confirmation chart printing period for a given adjustment item and the first analysis period for the next adjustment item overlap for a portion of the time, and the second analysis period for a given adjustment item and the first analysis period for the next adjustment item overlap for a portion of the time. That is, the confirmation chart printing process corresponding to the preceding adjustment item and the analysis process of the read data corresponding to the subsequent adjustment item are executed in parallel for at least a portion of the time, and the print condition setting process corresponding to the subsequent adjustment item and the validity determination process corresponding to the preceding adjustment item are executed in parallel for at least a portion of the time.

[0109] Next, the control of the process in this embodiment will be explained in detail with reference to the flowcharts shown in Figures 23 and 24. Steps S410 to S412 are the same as steps S110 to S112 in Figure 14. In step S413, the printing unit 24 prints an adjustment chart for shading adjustment and the imaging unit 26 captures an image of the printed adjustment chart. Next, the printing unit 24 prints a confirmation chart for step adjustment and the imaging unit 26 captures an image of the printed confirmation chart (step S414). In step S416, the reading data obtained in the adjustment chart reading process for shading adjustment in step S413 is analyzed to calculate the values ​​(parameter values) necessary for the provisional setting of shading adjustment parameter values ​​by the printing condition setting unit 151. In the next step S417, the process of updating the shading adjustment parameter values ​​calculated in step S416 is performed in the printing unit 24. The process in step S414 and the process in step S416 are executed in parallel for at least a portion of the time. In step S418, the print condition setting unit 151 calculates parameter values ​​(for confirmation) for step height adjustment. The processes in step S416 and step S418 are executed in parallel for at least a portion of the time. In step S419, the print unit 24 prints an adjustment chart for density adjustment, and the colorimeter unit 27 measures the color of the printed image of the adjustment chart. The processes in step S418 and step S419 are executed in parallel for at least a portion of the time. After the completion of the process in step S418 (the process in step S419 does not need to be completed), it is determined whether or not readjustment is necessary for step height adjustment based on the results obtained in step S418 (step S420). If it is determined that readjustment is not necessary, the process proceeds to step S424; if it is determined that readjustment is necessary, the process returns to step S410.

[0110] In step S424, the printing unit 24 prints a confirmation chart for shading adjustment, and the imaging unit 26 captures an image of the printed confirmation chart. In step S426, the reading data obtained in the adjustment chart reading process for density adjustment in step S419 is analyzed, and the values ​​(parameter values) necessary for the provisional setting of density adjustment parameter values ​​by the printing condition setting unit 151 are calculated. In the next step S427, the density adjustment parameter values ​​calculated in step S426 are updated and set in the printing unit 24. The processes in step S424 and step S426 are executed in parallel for at least a portion of the time. In step S428, the printing condition setting unit 151 calculates parameter values ​​(for confirmation) for shading adjustment. The processes in step S426 and step S428 are executed in parallel for at least a portion of the time. In step S429, the printing unit 24 prints an adjustment chart for defective nozzle compensation, and the imaging unit 26 captures an image of the printed adjustment chart. The processes in step S428 and step S429 are executed in parallel for at least a portion of the time. After the completion of the process in step S428 (the process in step S429 does not need to be completed), it is determined whether or not readjustment is necessary for shading adjustment based on the results obtained in the process in step S428 (step S430). If it is determined that readjustment is not necessary, the process proceeds to the remaining processes for density adjustment; if it is determined that readjustment is necessary, the process returns to step S413.

[0111] In step S438, the print condition setting unit 151 calculates parameter values ​​(for confirmation) for density adjustment. In step S439, the print unit 24 prints a color chart for creating a color profile, and the colorimeter unit 27 measures the color of the color chart. The processes in step S438 and step S439 are executed in parallel for at least a portion of the time. After the completion of the process in step S438 (the process in step S439 does not need to be completed), it is determined whether or not readjustment is necessary regarding density adjustment based on the results obtained in the process in step S438 (step S440). If it is determined that readjustment is not necessary, the process proceeds to step S444; if it is determined that readjustment is necessary, the process returns to step S419.

[0112] After the processing in step S439 is completed, the printing unit 24 prints a confirmation chart for defective nozzle compensation and the imaging unit 26 captures an image of the printed confirmation chart (step S444). Subsequently, the printing condition setting unit 151 calculates parameter values ​​(for confirmation) for defective nozzle compensation (step S448). Then, based on the results obtained in step S448, it is determined whether or not readjustment is necessary for defective nozzle compensation (step S450). If it is determined that readjustment is not necessary, the process proceeds to step S452; if it is determined that readjustment is necessary, the process returns to step S429. In step S452, a color profile is generated based on the color measurement data Dm obtained in step S439. This completes the batch adjustment process.

[0113] <2.4.2 Effects> According to this embodiment, similar to the first embodiment described above, with regard to batch adjustment processing, which performs adjustment processing for multiple adjustment items related to printing all at once, it is possible to suppress the occurrence of large rework in processing and the generation of paper waste due to unnecessary processing. In addition, since multiple processes are executed in parallel so that the resources of this inkjet printing apparatus 10 (printing unit 24, imaging unit 26, colorimeter 27, control unit 150) are used efficiently, the time required for batch adjustment processing and the length of printing paper PA used in batch adjustment processing can be shortened compared to the first to third embodiments described above, when readjustment is not required for all adjustment items.

[0114] <3. Modifications> Modifications of the above embodiment will be described below.

[0115] <3.1 First Modification> In the above embodiment, the adjustment chart and the confirmation chart were different. Specifically, the confirmation chart was a simpler chart than the adjustment chart. However, the present invention is not limited thereto. In this modification, the same chart as the adjustment chart is also used as the confirmation chart. That is, in the adjustment process for each of the multiple adjustment items, the adjustment chart 74 and the confirmation chart 75 are the same, as shown in Figure 25.

[0116] In the above embodiment, the confirmation chart was a simpler chart than the adjustment chart, so it was not possible to set (provisionally set) print conditions based on the data read from the confirmation chart. Therefore, if the validation process determined that "the provisionally set print conditions are not valid," it was necessary to run the adjustment process again from the adjustment chart printing process. In contrast, in this modified example, the confirmation chart is the same as the adjustment chart (the same chart used for the adjustment chart is also used for the confirmation chart), so it is possible to set (provisionally set) print conditions based on the data read from the confirmation chart. Therefore, if the validation process determines that "the provisionally set print conditions are not valid," it is unnecessary to print the adjustment chart again to set new print conditions.

[0117] Figure 26 is a flowchart showing the basic flow of the batch adjustment process in this modified example. In the above embodiment, if it was determined in step S37 that "the provisionally set printing conditions are not valid," the process returned to step S30 (see Figure 9). In contrast, in this modified example, if it is determined in step S37 that "the provisionally set printing conditions are not valid," the process returns to step S33 (see Figure 26). That is, if it is determined that "the provisionally set printing conditions are not valid" based on the reading data for the confirmation chart, the printing conditions are provisionally set based on the reading data, and then the process from the confirmation chart printing process onward is re-executed. In other words, if it is determined that "the provisionally set printing conditions are not valid" in the validity determination process corresponding to the adjustment item to be processed, the printing conditions are provisionally set based on the reading data for the confirmation chart, and then the adjustment process for the adjustment item to be processed is re-executed from the confirmation chart printing process.

[0118] Next, the control of the process in this modified example will be explained with reference to the flowchart shown in Figure 27. Here, we assume that the use of the same chart as the adjustment chart as the confirmation chart is applied to the first embodiment described above.

[0119] First, the printing unit 24 prints an adjustment chart for adjusting the step height, and the imaging unit 26 captures an image of the printed adjustment chart (step S510). Next, the printing condition setting unit 151 calculates the parameter values ​​for adjusting the step height (step S512), and then the printing condition setting unit 151 updates the parameter values ​​for adjusting the step height (step S513). After that, the printing unit 24 prints a confirmation chart for adjusting the step height, and the imaging unit 26 captures an image of the printed confirmation chart (step S514). Next, the printing condition setting unit 151 calculates the parameter values ​​(for confirmation) for adjusting the step height (step S516). Then, based on the results obtained in step S516, it is determined whether or not readjustment is necessary (step S518). If it is determined that readjustment is not necessary, the process proceeds to the density adjustment process; if it is determined that readjustment is necessary, the process returns to step S513. That is, if it is determined that readjustment is not necessary, the parameter values ​​for adjusting the step height are updated based on the results obtained in step S516. Other adjustment items besides leveling are processed using the same procedure as leveling.

[0120] According to this modified version, if the validation process determines that "the provisionally set printing conditions are not valid," the printing conditions can be quickly reset based on the most recently obtained reading data for the confirmation chart. Therefore, the amount of backtracking required when readjustment is necessary can be reduced compared to the above embodiment.

[0121] <3.2 Second Modification> In the above embodiment, confirmation processing was performed for all of the following: step adjustment, shading adjustment, density adjustment, and defective nozzle compensation. However, the present invention is not limited to this. The user can select the adjustment items for which confirmation processing is performed using the adjustment item setting screen 6 shown in Figure 7. Therefore, an example in which confirmation processing is performed for only some of the adjustment items will be described as a second modification. It is assumed that the processing flow is the same as in the first embodiment above.

[0122] In this modified example, it is assumed that confirmation processing is performed for step height adjustment and density adjustment, but not for shading adjustment and defective nozzle compensation. In this case, the settings made by the user using the adjustment item setting screen 6 are as shown in Figure 28. Regarding the second group of checkboxes 62 in the adjustment item setting screen 6, the checkboxes corresponding to step height adjustment and density adjustment are selected, but the checkboxes corresponding to shading adjustment and defective nozzle compensation are deselected. With these settings, confirmation processing is performed only for step height adjustment and density adjustment during batch adjustment processing.

[0123] Figure 29 is a diagram illustrating the general sequence of operations in this modified example. In this modified example, after the start of the batch adjustment process, the adjustment chart printing period 811 for step adjustment, the first analysis period 812 for step adjustment, the confirmation chart printing period 813 for step adjustment, and the second analysis period 814 for step adjustment occur in order. Next, the adjustment chart printing period 821 and the first analysis period 822 for shading adjustment occur in order. Next, the adjustment chart printing period 831, the first analysis period 832 for density adjustment, the confirmation chart printing period 833 for density adjustment, and the second analysis period 834 for density adjustment occur in order. Next, the adjustment chart printing period 841 and the first analysis period 842 for defective nozzle compensation occur in order. Finally, the color chart printing period 851 occurs. As described above, the confirmation chart printing period 823 for shading adjustment, the second analysis period 824 for shading adjustment, the confirmation chart printing period 843 for defective nozzle compensation, and the second analysis period 844 for defective nozzle compensation do not occur.

[0124] <3.3 Third Modification> In the above embodiment, step adjustment, shading adjustment, density adjustment, defective nozzle compensation, and color profile creation were performed by a batch adjustment process. However, the adjustment items that are adjusted by the batch adjustment process are not particularly limited. Therefore, a third modification will be described in which step adjustment, shading adjustment, density adjustment, and color profile creation are performed by a batch adjustment process. It will be assumed that the processing flow is the same as in the first embodiment described above.

[0125] Figure 30 is a diagram illustrating the general sequence of operations in this modified example. In this modified example, after the start of the batch adjustment process, the adjustment chart printing period 811 for step adjustment, the first analysis period 812 for step adjustment, the confirmation chart printing period 813 for step adjustment, and the second analysis period 814 for step adjustment occur in order. Subsequently, the shading adjustment periods 821-824 and the density adjustment periods 831-834 occur similarly, and finally the color chart printing period 851 occurs.

[0126] <4. Others> The present invention is not limited to the above embodiments (including modifications), and can be implemented in various modified forms without departing from the spirit of the present invention. For example, although the above embodiments illustrate the configuration of an inkjet printing apparatus 10 that performs color printing, the present invention can also be applied when an inkjet printing apparatus that performs monochrome printing is used. Also, although the above embodiments illustrate the configuration of an inkjet printing apparatus 10 that uses aqueous ink, the present invention can also be applied when an inkjet printing apparatus that uses UV ink (ultraviolet-curing ink), such as an inkjet printing apparatus for label printing, is used. In this case, inside the printing mechanism 20 (see Figure 2), instead of the drying section 25, an ultraviolet irradiation section is provided to cure the UV ink on the printing paper PA by ultraviolet irradiation. Furthermore, the substrate on which printing is performed is not limited to a paper printing medium, but may be a transparent, translucent, or opaque polyethylene terephthalate (PET) film.

[0127] 6...Adjustment item setting screen 10...Inkjet printing device 20...Printing mechanism 24...Printing unit 26...Imaging unit 27...Colorimeter unit 100...Printing control device 123...Display unit 150...Control unit 151...Printing condition setting unit 153...Printing control unit 155...Imaging control unit 156...Colorimeter control unit 157...Adjustment item setting unit 200...Printing machine body Dc...Imaging data Dm...Colorimeter data

Claims

A transport mechanism for transporting the base material, A printing unit that prints onto the substrate by ejecting ink, A reading unit that reads the printed image obtained by printing by the aforementioned printing unit. Equipped with, The system is configured to enable batch adjustment processing, which allows for the adjustment of multiple printing-related adjustment items based on a single external instruction. The adjustment process for each of the aforementioned multiple adjustment items includes: The printing unit prints a first inspection chart corresponding to the adjustment items to be processed, and The reading unit performs a first inspection chart reading process in which it reads a printed image of the first inspection chart, A print condition setting process that provisionally sets print conditions based on the first read data obtained by the first inspection chart reading process, With the printing conditions provisionally set, the printing unit prints a second inspection chart to confirm the validity of the provisionally set printing conditions; The reading unit performs a second inspection chart reading process in which it reads the printed image of the second inspection chart, A validity determination process is performed to determine whether the provisionally set printing conditions are valid based on the second reading data obtained by the second inspection chart reading process. A printing device that includes this. 　 The printing apparatus according to claim 1, with respect to two adjustment items, a preceding adjustment item and a succeeding adjustment item, which are adjusted consecutively in the batch adjustment process, the first inspection chart printing process corresponding to the succeeding adjustment item is executed after the completion of the validity determination process corresponding to the preceding adjustment item. 　 Regarding the preceding adjustment item and the subsequent adjustment item, which are two adjustment items that are adjusted consecutively in the aforementioned batch adjustment process, The first inspection chart printing process corresponding to the subsequent adjustment item is performed after the completion of the second inspection chart printing process corresponding to the preceding adjustment item. The printing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the validation determination process corresponding to the preceding adjustment item and the first inspection chart printing process corresponding to the subsequent adjustment item are performed in parallel for at least a portion of the period. 　 The printing apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the printing condition setting process corresponding to the subsequent adjustment item is performed after the completion of the validity determination process corresponding to the preceding adjustment item. 　 The printing apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the validation determination process corresponding to the preceding adjustment item and the printing condition setting process corresponding to the subsequent adjustment item are executed in parallel for at least a portion of the period. 　 The print condition setting process includes an analysis process that analyzes the first reading data obtained by the first inspection chart reading process to calculate the parameters necessary for the provisional setting. Regarding the preceding adjustment item and the subsequent adjustment item, which are two adjustment items that are adjusted consecutively in the aforementioned batch adjustment process, The second inspection chart printing process corresponding to the preceding adjustment item is performed after the completion of the first inspection chart printing process corresponding to the succeeding adjustment item. The printing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the second inspection chart printing process corresponding to the preceding adjustment item and the analysis process corresponding to the subsequent adjustment item are performed in parallel for at least a portion of the period. 　 The printing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein in the adjustment process for each of the aforementioned multiple adjustment items, the first inspection chart and the second inspection chart are the same. 　 The printing apparatus according to claim 7, wherein if the provisionally set printing conditions are determined to be invalid in the validity determination process corresponding to the adjustment items to be processed, the printing conditions are provisionally set based on the second read data, and then the adjustment process for the adjustment items to be processed is executed again from the second inspection chart printing process. 　 In the adjustment process for each of the aforementioned multiple adjustment items, Each of the first and second inspection charts consists of multiple sheets, The printing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the first inspection chart and the second inspection chart differ in at least one of the number of sheets and the images contained in the sheets. 　 The printing apparatus according to claim 9, wherein if the provisionally set printing conditions are determined to be invalid in the validity determination process corresponding to the adjustment item of the processing target, the adjustment process for the adjustment item of the processing target is executed again from the first inspection chart printing process. 　 The printing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein in the validity determination process for at least one of the plurality of adjustment items, if the value of the adjustment data required as data related to the adjustment of the adjustment item subject to processing is less than or equal to a predetermined standard value, the provisionally set printing conditions are determined to be valid. 　 Equipped with a display unit, The printing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein, in the adjustment process for each of the plurality of adjustment items, if the number of times the provisionally set printing conditions are determined to be unsuitable in the validity determination process exceeds a predetermined number, the display unit displays an error message and the batch adjustment process is terminated. 　 Equipped with a display unit, The display unit displays an adjustment item setting screen for externally setting whether or not to execute the first process, which consists of the first inspection chart printing process, the first inspection chart reading process, and the printing condition setting process, and the second process, which consists of the second inspection chart printing process, the second inspection chart reading process, and the validity determination process, for each of the plurality of adjustment items. The printing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein the batch adjustment process is executed according to the settings made on the adjustment item setting screen. 　 The printing apparatus according to claim 13, wherein the adjustment item setting screen is configured to allow setting the second process to be executed only for adjustment items for which the first process has been set to be executed. 　 The reading unit comprises an imaging unit for capturing the printed image and a colorimetric unit for measuring the color of the printed image. In the aforementioned batch adjustment process, adjustments are made to the multiple adjustment items, including step height adjustment, shading adjustment, and density adjustment. In the first inspection chart reading process in the step adjustment and shading adjustment, the imaging unit captures a printed image of the first inspection chart. In the first inspection chart reading process in the density adjustment, the colorimeter measures the color of the printed image of the first inspection chart. In the second inspection chart reading process in the step adjustment and shading adjustment, the imaging unit captures a printed image of the second inspection chart. The printing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 14, wherein in the second inspection chart reading process in the density adjustment, the colorimeter unit measures the color of the printed image of the second inspection chart. 　 In the aforementioned batch adjustment process, defective nozzle compensation is further performed to correct the print data so that ink that should be ejected from a defective nozzle is ejected from other nozzles. In the first inspection chart reading process in the defective nozzle compensation, the imaging unit captures a printed image of the first inspection chart. The printing apparatus according to claim 15, wherein in the second inspection chart reading process in the defective nozzle compensation, the imaging unit captures a printed image of the second inspection chart. 　 In the aforementioned batch adjustment process, in addition to the adjustment process for the multiple adjustment items, a color profile creation process is performed. The aforementioned color profile creation process includes: The aforementioned printing unit performs a color chart printing process, The colorimeter unit performs a color chart colorimetering process that measures the color of the printed image of the color chart, A profile generation process that generates a color profile based on the color measurement data obtained by the color chart color measurement process described above. The printing apparatus according to claim 15, which includes the following: 　 The reading unit comprises an imaging unit for capturing the printed image and a colorimetric unit for measuring the color of the printed image. In the aforementioned batch adjustment process, adjustments are made to the multiple adjustment items, including step adjustment, shading adjustment, density adjustment, and defective nozzle compensation to correct the print data so that ink that should be ejected from a defective nozzle is ejected from other nozzles. In the first inspection chart reading process in the step adjustment, shading adjustment, and defective nozzle compensation, the imaging unit captures a printed image of the first inspection chart. In the first inspection chart reading process in the density adjustment, the colorimeter measures the color of the printed image of the first inspection chart. In the step adjustment, shading adjustment, and defect nozzle compensation, the second inspection chart reading process involves the imaging unit capturing a printed image of the second inspection chart. In the second inspection chart reading process in the density adjustment, the colorimeter measures the color of the printed image of the second inspection chart. In the aforementioned batch adjustment process, a color profile creation process is further performed. The aforementioned color profile creation process includes: The aforementioned printing unit performs a color chart printing process, The colorimeter unit performs a color chart colorimetering process that measures the color of the printed image of the color chart, A profile generation process that generates a color profile based on the color measurement data obtained by the color chart color measurement process described above. A printing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 14, which includes the following: 　 The transport mechanism includes a transport control unit that controls the transport speed, which is the speed at which the substrate is transported. The transport control unit, During the period in which any of the first inspection chart printing process, the first inspection chart reading process, the second inspection chart printing process, or the second inspection chart reading process is performed, the transport speed is maintained at a constant speed. The printing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 18, wherein the transport speed is lowered to a constant speed during periods when none of the first inspection chart printing process, the first inspection chart reading process, the second inspection chart printing process, or the second inspection chart reading process is being performed. 　 A method for adjusting a printing apparatus comprising a transport mechanism for transporting a substrate, a printing unit for printing on the substrate by ejecting ink, and a reading unit for reading a printed image obtained by printing by the printing unit, An adjustment instruction step in which the operator instructs the printing device to perform a batch adjustment process that performs adjustments for multiple adjustment items related to printing, The printing apparatus performs a batch adjustment step in which it performs adjustment processing for the plurality of adjustment items based on the instructions given in the adjustment instruction step. Includes, The aforementioned batch adjustment step applies to each of the multiple adjustment items, The printing unit prints a first inspection chart corresponding to the adjustment items to be processed in a first inspection chart printing step, The reading unit reads the printed image of the first inspection chart in a first inspection chart reading step, A print condition setting step in which print conditions are provisionally set based on the first read data obtained in the first inspection chart reading step, With the printing conditions provisionally set, the printing unit prints a second inspection chart to confirm the validity of the provisionally set printing conditions in a second inspection chart printing step, The reading unit reads the printed image of the second inspection chart in a second inspection chart reading step, A validity determination step in which the provisionally set printing conditions are determined to be valid based on the second reading data obtained in the second inspection chart reading step, and Adjustment methods, including those mentioned above.

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