JP4501536B2 - Printing apparatus, printing method, adjustment method, and program - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a printing apparatus, a printing method, an adjustment method, and a program.

In recent years, with the widespread use of digital cameras, there has been an increasing demand for printing apparatuses that can freely print captured images at home. On the other hand, when an image photographed by a digital camera is printed by a printing apparatus, it is necessary to specify the image to be printed and set the type, size, image quality, and the like of the printing paper.
However, such setting work is burdensome for a user who is not used to the operation, and is complicated for the user who is used to the operation.

Therefore, the applicant of the present application has already proposed an invention in which an image group that is a candidate for printing is printed on a printing paper as an index image, and printing is performed by referring to the index image (see Patent Document 1).
Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2002-283634 (Abstract)

  In the above invention, the user operates the operation panel provided in the input device of the computer connected to the printing apparatus or the printing apparatus while referring to the index image. However, the operation using the operation panel of the printing apparatus is complicated and has a problem that it is easily misoperated.

  SUMMARY An advantage of some aspects of the invention is that operations on a printing apparatus can be easily performed.

The main invention for achieving the above object is:
(A) a printing mechanism that prints an image on the medium, including a transport mechanism that transports the medium and a print head that discharges ink while moving;
(B) a sensor for detecting the image printed on the medium;
(C) a controller that acquires a detection result of the sensor and adjusts at least one of a transport operation of the transport mechanism and an ink discharge operation of the print head;
A list of images to be printed, and check boxes that correspond to the list of the image, the image selection mark sheet including a check box to determine the necessity of adjustment of the printing mechanism to print on the printing mechanism,
Before the sensor detects a check box corresponding to the image list, the sensor detects a check box for determining whether the printing mechanism needs to be adjusted,
When it is determined that the adjustment is necessary based on the detection result of the sensor, a mark sheet for adjusting at least one of a transport operation of the transport mechanism and an ink discharge operation of the print head is printed on the print mechanism. Let the sensor detect a mark sheet for adjusting the operation, adjust the operation based on the detection result of the sensor ,
When it is determined that the adjustment is unnecessary based on the detection result of the sensor, the sensor detects a check box corresponding to the list of images, and the image selected based on the detection result of the sensor is printed. A printing apparatus comprising: a controller for causing the mechanism to print; and (D).

  Other features of the present invention will become apparent from the description of the present specification and the accompanying drawings.

=== Summary of disclosure ===
At least the following matters will become clear from the description of the present specification and the accompanying drawings.

A printing mechanism for printing an image on the medium, comprising a conveyance mechanism for conveying the medium and a print head for discharging ink during movement;
A sensor for detecting the image printed on the medium;
A controller that causes the printing mechanism to print a mark sheet, causes the sensor to detect the mark sheet, and adjusts at least one of a transport operation of the transport mechanism and an ink discharge operation of the print head based on a detection result of the sensor And a printing apparatus.
According to such a printing apparatus, an operation for adjusting the operation of the printing mechanism can be easily performed.

  In this printing apparatus, the printing mechanism prints the image by ejecting the ink from the reciprocating print head, and the controller performs a return path with respect to a forward path based on a detection result of the sensor. It is desirable to adjust the ink discharge timing. According to such a printing apparatus, so-called Bi-D adjustment (adjustment of ink ejection timing) can be easily performed.

  In this printing apparatus, it is preferable that the controller adjusts a conveyance amount of the conveyance mechanism based on a detection result of the sensor. According to such a printing apparatus, so-called PF adjustment (adjustment of the conveyance amount by the conveyance mechanism) can be easily performed.

  In this printing apparatus, the mark sheet has a plurality of patterns printed with different adjustment amounts of the transport operation or the ink discharge operation, and marks are formed on two of the plurality of patterns. When the sensor detects that there is, it is preferable that the controller adjusts the transport operation or the ink discharge operation by an adjustment amount intermediate between the two adjustment amounts corresponding to the two patterns. According to such a printing apparatus, it is possible to make an appropriate adjustment even if the user cannot narrow one pattern out of a plurality of patterns.

  In this printing apparatus, the mark sheet has a confirmation mark, and when the sensor detects that the confirmation mark is filled, the mark sheet is printed again by the adjusted operation. It is desirable. According to such a printing apparatus, since it is possible to perform actual printing after reconfirming whether or not an appropriate pattern is printed after adjustment, printing failures are reduced.

  The print head may include a plurality of nozzles, and the controller may adjust clogging of the nozzles based on a detection result of the sensor. According to such a printing apparatus, the nozzle clogging can be easily adjusted.

  In this printing apparatus, the controller causes the printing mechanism to print an image selection mark sheet including a list of images to be printed, and the printing mechanism needs to be adjusted when the image selection mark sheet is printed. When the mark for determining NO is printed on the printing mechanism, the image selection mark sheet is detected by the sensor, and the adjustment is determined based on the detection result of the sensor, the operation is adjusted. It is desirable to print a mark sheet for the printing mechanism. According to such a printing apparatus, when the user determines that the adjustment is necessary before actually printing the image, the adjustment can be easily performed.

  In this printing apparatus, the controller may cause the sensor to detect a mark for determining whether the adjustment of the printing mechanism is necessary before causing the sensor to detect a mark corresponding to the list of images. desirable. According to such a printing apparatus, it is possible to quickly adjust the printing mechanism.

A printing method for printing an image on the medium by repeating a conveying operation for conveying a medium and an ink discharging operation for discharging ink from a moving print head,
Printing a mark sheet on the medium;
The mark sheet is detected by a sensor,
A printing method comprising adjusting at least one of the transport operation and the ink ejection operation based on a detection result of the sensor.
According to such a printing method, an operation for adjusting the operation of the printing mechanism can be easily performed.

A method for adjusting a printing apparatus that repeats a transport operation for transporting a medium and an ink discharge operation for discharging ink from a moving print head to print an image on the medium,
Printing a mark sheet on the medium;
The mark sheet is detected by a sensor,
An adjustment method comprising adjusting at least one of the transport operation and the ink discharge operation based on a detection result of the sensor.
According to such an adjustment method, an operation for adjusting the operation of the printing mechanism can be easily performed.

A printing apparatus comprising: a conveyance mechanism that conveys a medium; a print head that ejects ink while moving; a printing mechanism that prints an image on the medium; and a sensor that detects the image printed on the medium.
A function for causing the printing mechanism to print a mark sheet;
A function of causing the sensor to detect the mark sheet;
A program for realizing a function of adjusting at least one of a transport operation of the transport mechanism and an ink discharge operation of the print head based on a detection result of the sensor.
According to such a program, an operation for adjusting the operation of the printing mechanism can be easily performed.

  A printing characteristic pattern printing unit that prints a plurality of printing characteristic patterns; a suction unit that sucks (feeds) a mark sheet on which the plurality of printing characteristic patterns are printed; A sensor for detecting a mark attached to the mark sheet to select a part of the mark sheet, a reading means for reading the mark position information detected by the sensor, and the position information of each mark on the mark sheet The printing apparatus includes a storage unit that stores a database associated with each print characteristic, and a print characteristic determination unit that determines the print characteristic by comparing the database with the information on the mark position read by the reading unit. Therefore, various settings can be easily and quickly performed during printing.

  The CPU 61 described below is detected by a print characteristic pattern printing unit that prints a plurality of print characteristic patterns, a suction unit that sucks a mark sheet on which the plurality of print characteristic patterns are printed, and the optical sensor 53. A reading means for reading information on the position of the mark, a printing characteristic determining means for determining printing characteristics based on the information on the position of the mark read by the reading means, and a mark attached on the mark sheet by the optical sensor 53. When a confirmation mark for confirming the printing characteristics determined in this manner is detected, printing for confirming the printing characteristics is executed again with the printing characteristics determined based on the attached mark. It also serves as a print execution means for confirmation. The CPU 361 described below is detected by a print characteristic pattern printing unit that prints a plurality of print characteristic patterns, a suction unit that sucks a mark sheet on which the plurality of print characteristic patterns are printed, and an optical sensor 353. A reading means for reading information on the position of the mark, and a confirmation mark 114 for confirming the printing characteristics determined by the optical sensor 353 based on the mark 85 or the like attached on the mark sheet 110 or the like are detected. In addition, the print characteristic determined based on the attached mark 85 or the like also serves as confirmation print execution means for executing print for confirming the print characteristic again. Note that the CPU 361 may also serve as a part of the print characteristic determination unit that determines the print characteristic based on the position information of the mark 85 or the like read by the reading unit.

  In addition, the printing apparatus has the above-described printing characteristics that are the adjustment of the gap between the forward path and the backward path or the adjustment of the paper feed direction during bidirectional printing. For this reason, in particular, when performing forward path and backward path gap adjustment (Bi-D adjustment) or paper feed direction adjustment (PF adjustment) during bidirectional printing, the user prints a plurality of Bi-Ds printed on the mark sheet. Bi-D adjustment or PF adjustment can be performed simply by selecting an adjustment pattern or a part (or a plurality of cases) of a plurality of PF adjustment patterns and reading the mark sheet.

  Further, the above-described sensor is a printing apparatus that is an optical sensor attached to a print head that reciprocates in a main scanning direction orthogonal to the paper feed direction. For this reason, the mark sheet can be read by using the optical sensor used for detecting the paper edge. Therefore, since another sensor and another driving unit that scans the sensor are not provided, the manufacturing cost of the printing apparatus can be reduced.

  The sensor is a CCD camera, and the CCD camera scans in the paper feed direction or the main scanning direction orthogonal to the direction, thereby forming a printing apparatus that reads information on the mark position. The mark sheet can also be read by adding such a scanner function. Therefore, in the case of a printing apparatus having a scanner function, the mark sheet can be read without providing a separate sensor for reading the mark sheet. Therefore, the manufacturing cost of the printing apparatus can be reduced.

  Further, when the above-mentioned printing characteristic determining means detects two marks on the mark sheet, the printing apparatus determines a printing characteristic intermediate between the two printing characteristics indicated by these marks. For this reason, if the printing state of a pattern showing a plurality of printing characteristics is not good or the resolution of the printing apparatus is small, even if it cannot be narrowed down to one, by marking two checkboxes that are considered appropriate, Appropriate printing characteristics can be performed.

  In addition, when a confirmation mark for confirming the print characteristic determined based on the mark attached on the mark sheet is detected by the sensor, the print characteristic determined based on the attached mark. Then, the printing apparatus is further provided with a confirmation printing execution means for executing printing for confirming the printing characteristics again. For this reason, it is possible to perform actual printing after reconfirming whether or not an appropriate printing characteristic can be realized by the printing characteristic pattern marked by the user. Therefore, printing failures are reduced.

  Further, a printing characteristic pattern printing step for printing a plurality of printing characteristic patterns, a suction step for sucking a mark sheet on which the plurality of printing characteristic patterns are printed, and a part of the plurality of printing characteristic patterns are performed. A position detection step for detecting the position of a mark placed on the mark sheet to be selected, a reading step for reading information on the mark position, and a database in which printing characteristics are associated with information on the position of each mark on the mark sheet. The print characteristic adjustment method has a print characteristic determination step for determining a print characteristic based on the position of the read mark. Therefore, various settings can be easily and quickly performed during printing.

  Further, when the above-described printing characteristic determination step detects two marks on the mark sheet, the printing characteristic adjustment method determines a printing characteristic intermediate between the two printing characteristics indicated by the marks. For this reason, if the printing state of a pattern showing a plurality of printing characteristics is not good or the resolution of the printing apparatus is small, even if it cannot be narrowed down to one, by marking two checkboxes that are considered appropriate, Appropriate printing characteristics can be performed.

  In addition, when a confirmation mark for confirming the printing characteristics determined based on the mark attached on the mark sheet is detected, the printing characteristics determined based on the attached mark, Again, the printing characteristic adjustment method further includes a confirmation printing execution step for executing printing for confirming the printing characteristics. For this reason, it is possible to perform actual printing after reconfirming whether or not appropriate printing characteristics can be realized with the pattern marked by the user. Therefore, printing failures are reduced.

  A program for adjusting print characteristics, which causes a computer to execute a process for adjusting print characteristics, includes: a print characteristic pattern printing unit that prints a plurality of print characteristic patterns; and a mark sheet on which a plurality of print characteristic patterns are printed. A suction means for sucking into the inside of the printing apparatus, a reading means for reading information on the position of a mark on the mark sheet to select a part of a plurality of printing characteristic patterns, and information on the position of each mark on the mark sheet On the other hand, a print characteristic adjustment program that functions as a print characteristic determination unit that determines a print characteristic based on information on the position of a read mark with reference to a database that associates the print characteristic with each other. Therefore, by installing this program in the printing apparatus and executing it, various settings can be easily and quickly performed during printing.

  In addition, when the above-mentioned printing characteristic determining means detects two marks on the mark sheet, it is a printing characteristic adjusting program that determines an intermediate printing characteristic between the two printing characteristics indicated by these marks. For this reason, by installing this program in the printing apparatus and executing it, even if the printing state of a pattern showing a plurality of printing characteristics is not satisfactory or the resolution of the printing apparatus is low, even if it cannot be narrowed down to one, By marking the two check boxes that appear to be appropriate, proper print characteristics can be performed.

  In addition, when a confirmation mark for confirming the printing characteristics determined based on the mark attached on the mark sheet is detected, the printing characteristics determined based on the attached mark The print characteristic adjustment program is made to function again as a confirmation print execution means for executing printing for confirming the print characteristics. For this reason, by installing this program in the printing apparatus and executing it, it is possible to perform actual printing after reconfirming whether or not appropriate printing characteristics can be realized with the pattern marked by the user. Therefore, printing failures are reduced.

=== First Embodiment ===
First, an outline of the printing apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 and 2.

FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an appearance of a printer 1 that is a printing apparatus.
The printer 1 shown in FIG. 1 is a “stand-alone printer” that can execute printing without connection to a personal computer. A paper feed port 2 and a paper discharge port 3 are provided at the upper rear side and the lower front surface of the printer 1, respectively. When a print sheet 4, which is an example of a print medium, is inserted into the paper feed port 2 and a print instruction is executed, the print paper 4 is printed while being fed into the printer 1 and discharged from the paper discharge port 3. The
A liquid crystal display 5 is disposed on the front surface of the printer 1, and an operation panel 6 provided with various operation buttons is disposed on both sides of the liquid crystal display. Power on / off, print medium type setting, ink cartridge replacement operation, head cleaning, and the like are executed by operating various operation keys 7 on the operation panel 6. In place of the liquid crystal display 5, a CRT (Cathode Ray Tube) monitor may be employed.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration example of a main part of the printer 1.
The printer 1 includes a drive unit 8 that reads data stored in an information recording medium represented by a memory card or records information on the information recording medium. The printer 1 also includes a control circuit 10 that controls transmission / reception of signals between each component and the operation panel 6, transmission of video signals to the liquid crystal display 5, and transmission / reception of information to / from the drive unit 8.
The printer 1 also has a transport mechanism (sub-scan feed mechanism) and a carriage movement mechanism (main scan feed mechanism). The transport mechanism transports the printing paper 4 by the paper feed motor 30. The carriage moving mechanism reciprocates the carriage 32 in the axial direction of the paper feed roller 33 by the carriage motor 31. Here, the feeding direction of the printing paper 4 by the conveyance mechanism is referred to as a conveyance direction (also referred to as a sub-scanning direction), and the direction in which the carriage 32 is moved by the carriage movement mechanism is referred to as a movement direction (also referred to as a main scanning direction).
The printer 1 also includes a print head unit 35 that is mounted on the carriage 32 and includes a print head 34, and a head drive mechanism that drives the print head unit 35 to control ink ejection and dot formation. .

  As shown in FIG. 1, various ink cartridges 41 to 47 are detachably mounted on the carriage 32. The ink cartridges 41, 42, 43, 44, 45, 46, and 47 are dark yellow (DY), light magenta (LM), light cyan (LC), black (K), cyan (C), magenta (M), and magenta, respectively. This is a cartridge containing yellow (Y) ink.

In the print head 34, nozzles as ink discharge locations are arranged in a line in the transport direction of the printing paper 4, and nozzle arrays corresponding to the respective color inks are formed.
In addition, a piezo element that is one of the electrostrictive elements and has excellent responsiveness is arranged for each nozzle in the nozzle row provided under the carriage 32 and associated with each ink. The piezo element is installed at a position in contact with a member that forms an ink passage that guides ink to the nozzle. Piezo elements have a crystal structure that is distorted by the application of voltage, and perform electro-mechanical energy conversion at an extremely high speed.

  In the present embodiment, by applying a voltage having a predetermined time width between the electrodes provided at both ends of the piezo element, the piezo element is extended for the voltage application time, and one side wall of the ink passage is deformed. As a result, the volume of the ink passage contracts according to the expansion of the piezo element, and the ink corresponding to the contraction becomes ink droplets and is ejected at high speed from the tip of the nozzle. The ink droplets soak into the printing paper 4 along the paper feed roller 33 to form dots and perform printing. The size of the ink droplet can be changed by a method of applying a voltage to the piezo element. Thereby, for example, dots of three different sizes, large, medium, and small, can be formed.

The transport mechanism that transports the printing paper 4 includes a gear train (not shown) that transmits the rotation of the paper feed motor 30 to a paper feed roller 33 and a paper transport roller (not shown). The carriage moving mechanism for reciprocating the carriage 32 is an endless driving belt between the carriage motor 31 and a slide shaft 50 that is installed in parallel with the shaft of the paper feed roller 33 and slidably holds the carriage 32. 51, a pulley 52 that stretches 51, and an optical sensor 53 that detects the origin position of the carriage 32 and detects a mark on a mark sheet, which will be described later. The optical sensor 53 converts a light source that projects light onto the printing paper 4 and the mark sheet, and reflected light from the printing paper 4 and the mark sheet into a corresponding image signal, for example, a photodiode (or CCD (Charge Coupled Device) element). Since the optical sensor 53 is mounted on the carriage 32, the optical sensor 53 can move in the movement direction of the carriage 32. Since this optical sensor 53 can also detect the presence or absence of paper, it detects the paper width by detecting the edge of the paper while the carriage 32 is moving, or detects the edge of the paper being conveyed. The top and bottom can be detected.
A mark sheet is a sheet on which a mark such as a check box is printed. The user selectively fills the mark with a pencil, and the optical sensor 53 detects whether or not the mark is filled. As a result, the printer can receive an instruction from the user via the mark sheet.

FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an internal configuration example of the control circuit 10 shown in FIG.
As shown in FIG. 3, the control circuit 10 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 61, a programmable ROM (P-ROM (Read Only Memory)) 62, a RAM (Random Access Memory) 63, and a character that stores a dot matrix of characters. A generator (CG (Character Generator)) 64 and an EEPROM (Electronically Erasable and Programmable ROM) 65 are provided. Here, the CPU 61 of the control circuit 10 executes various arithmetic processes according to a program stored in the ROM 62. The CPU 61 serves as a controller (control unit) for controlling each unit in the printer. For example, the CPU 61 controls the carriage moving mechanism to move the carriage (and the print head), controls the transport mechanism to transport the printing paper in the transport direction, and controls the head drive mechanism to ink the print head. Can be discharged. The CPU 41 can also control each unit in the printer based on the detection result of the optical sensor 53.

  The control circuit 10 is further connected to the I / F dedicated circuit 66 which is an interface (I / F (Interface)) with the external operation panel 7, the drive unit 8 and the motor, and the I / F dedicated circuit 66 for printing. A head drive circuit 67 for driving the head unit 35 to eject ink, a motor drive circuit 68 for driving the paper feed motor 30 and the carriage motor 31, and a drawing process according to a drawing command supplied from the CPU 61, And a video circuit 69 that converts the obtained image data into a video signal and outputs the video signal to the liquid crystal display 5. Each component in the control circuit 10 is connected by a bus 70, and can transmit and receive various signals.

  A memory card which is a storage medium of a digital camera (not shown) is inserted into the drive unit 8, and information recorded on the memory card is read and printed. Instead of the drive unit 8, a predetermined interface circuit may be provided so that image information can be transmitted to and received from the digital camera by wire or wirelessly. The memory card is constituted by a semiconductor storage device, is detachably attached to a digital camera (not shown), and is configured to store captured images.

  Next, a method for adjusting the printing characteristics of the printer 1 will be described with reference to FIGS.

FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of a mark sheet 80 for the user to specify printing characteristics that are considered appropriate using a writing instrument.
The mark sheet 80 has a Bi-D adjustment pattern printing area 81 on which a pattern of ink ejection timing adjustment (Bi-D adjustment) for forward and backward passes during bidirectional printing is printed, and a check box disposed below each pattern. And a print area 82. A black mark 84 is attached on the mark sheet 80 shown in FIG. 4. First, the mark sheet 80 before the user writes the mark 85 is printed.

  In the Bi-D adjustment pattern printing area 81, five types of Bi-D adjustment patterns 83 shown in A to E are drawn as examples of the printing characteristic pattern. These five types of Bi-D adjustment patterns 83 are printed on the mark sheet 80 prior to performing Bi-D adjustment. Each Bi-D adjustment pattern 83 moves the print head 34 from the left on the mark sheet 80 shown in FIG. 4 to the right (moves in the forward direction) and moves from the right on the mark sheet 80 to the left. It consists of vertical lines 83b printed (moving in the backward direction). The return ink ejection timing for the forward path when forming each Bi-D pattern is different. Therefore, the position of the vertical line 83b with respect to the vertical line 83a of each Bi-D pattern is different.

  On the other hand, a check box 84 for a user to mark is drawn in the check box print area 82. The user visually observes the mark sheet 80 printed by the printer 1, selects the most appropriate Bi-D adjustment pattern, fills the check box 84 below the pattern, and feeds the mark sheet 80 to the printer 1. . Here, the most appropriate Bi-D adjustment pattern 83 is a pattern in which the vertical line 83a and the vertical line 83b are aligned. When the mark sheet 80 in which the specific check box 84 is filled is fed to the printer 1, the optical sensor 53 moves on the dotted line in the moving direction in FIG. 4 and detects the black mark 85.

FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating an example of a mark sheet 90 for the user to specify print characteristics that are considered appropriate using a writing instrument.
The mark sheet 90 includes a PF adjustment pattern print area 91 on which a pattern for carrying amount adjustment (PF adjustment) at the time of printing is printed, and a check box print area 92 arranged on the right side of each pattern. Similarly to the mark sheet 80 shown in FIG. 4, the mark sheet 90 shown in FIG. 5 is first printed in a state before the user writes the mark 95.

  In the PF adjustment pattern printing area 91, five types of PF adjustment patterns 93 shown in A to E are drawn as examples of the printing characteristic pattern. These five types of PF adjustment patterns 93 are printed on the mark sheet 90 prior to performing the PF adjustment. Each PF adjustment pattern 93 includes an upper horizontal line 93a and a lower horizontal line 93b. After one of the two horizontal lines is printed, the printing paper is conveyed by a predetermined conveyance amount, and the other horizontal line is printed after the conveyance. The five types of PF adjustment patterns differ in the amount of conveyance performed between the printing of one line and the printing of the other line.

  On the other hand, a check box 94 for the user to mark is drawn in the check box print area 92. The user visually checks the mark sheet 90 printed by the printer 1, selects the most appropriate PF adjustment pattern, fills the check box 94 on the right side, and feeds the mark sheet 90 to the printer 1. Here, the most appropriate PF adjustment pattern 93 is a pattern in which the horizontal line 93a and the horizontal line 93b are aligned. When the mark sheet 90 filled with the specific check box 94 is fed to the printer 1, the optical sensor 53 sequentially moves on each dotted line in the movement direction in FIG. 5 to detect the black mark 95. The optical sensor 53 may move only the portion of the check box print area 92 without moving the movement direction to the full width of the mark sheet 90.

  FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing a procedure for adjusting the printing characteristics using the mark sheets 80 and 90 shown in FIGS.

  When the user inserts the printing paper 4 into the printer 1 and instructs adjustment of printing characteristics such as Bi-D adjustment or PF adjustment with the operation keys 7, the printer 1 is in the Bi-D adjustment pattern 83 or PF adjustment pattern 93. Or the like (step S101).

  Next, the printer 1 stores the printing position of the printing characteristic pattern (step S102), and prints the printing characteristic pattern while feeding the inserted printing paper 4 (step S103). Next, the user looks at the mark sheets 80 and 90, selects the Bi-D adjustment pattern 83 or the PF adjustment pattern 93 that seems to be most appropriate, and fills the check boxes 84 and 94 below or on the right. Mark sheets 80 and 90 with the check boxes 84 and 94 filled therein are inserted into the paper feed port 2 of the printer 1.

  The printer 1 determines whether or not the mark sheets 80 and 90 have been fed (step S104), and if the paper is not fed due to a failure in feeding or the absence of the mark sheets 80 and 90, etc. Enters a standby state, and the determination in step S104 is performed again. On the other hand, when the mark sheets 80 and 90 are fed, the printer 1 determines whether or not the check boxes 84 and 94 are marked (step S105).

  If it is determined in step S105 that the check boxes 84 and 94 have marks 85 and 95, the printer 1 collates the positions of the filled marks 85 and 95 with the database stored in step S102 (step S102). In step S106, printing characteristics such as Bi-D adjustment or PF adjustment corresponding to the positions of the marks 85 and 95 are determined (step S107). On the other hand, if there are no marks 85 and 95 in the check boxes 84 and 94 in step S105, the printer 1 does not adjust the print characteristics using the mark sheets 80 and 90, and maintains the current print characteristics. With this series of processing, the printing characteristic adjustment processing is completed.

  FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an example of the mark sheet 110 to which confirmation check boxes 112 and 113 capable of writing the confirmation mark 114 are added to the mark sheet 80 shown in FIG. FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating an example of the mark sheet 120 on which the Bi-D adjustment pattern is printed again on the printing paper 4 newly fed after feeding the mark sheet 110 shown in FIG.

  The description of the parts common to the mark sheet 80 shown in FIG. 4 in the mark sheet 110 shown in FIG. 7 is omitted. Below the mark sheet 110 is a print area 111 for a check box for confirmation. In the print area 111 of the check box for confirmation, a check box 112 for filling when a Bi-D adjustment is executed with the pattern of the mark 85 written by the user is reconfirmed, and a reconfirmation is required. A check box 113 for confirmation to be filled when not used is printed.

  In the mark sheet 110, the most appropriate Bi-D adjustment pattern is a Bi-D adjustment pattern 83 indicated by D. In this case, the user may perform Bi-D adjustment again to confirm that the most appropriate Bi-D adjustment pattern is printed in the middle. In such a case, the user fills the check box 84 and the confirmation check box 112 under the Bi-D adjustment pattern 83 shown in D, and feeds the mark sheet 110 to the printer 1. Then, the optical sensor 53 moves the two areas of the check box print area 82 and the check check box print area 111 in the moving direction as indicated by the two dotted lines in FIG. The position of the confirmation mark 114 is detected. After the Bi-D adjustment based on this detection, the Bi-D adjustment pattern 83 can be printed on the printing paper 4 again.

  Specifically, after the mark sheet 110 is fed, another new printing paper 4 is fed to the printer 1 to output the mark sheet 120 on which a new Bi-D adjusted Bi-D adjustment pattern is printed. be able to. If the user looks at the mark sheet 120 on which the Bi-D adjustment pattern after the new Bi-D adjustment is printed and can confirm a straight vertical line in the middle of the Bi-D adjustment pattern printing area 81, the user can confirm that the proper Bi-D. Understand that D adjustment was performed.

  Note that the confirmation check box 113 is not essential, and only the confirmation check box 112 is provided, and the Bi-D adjustment pattern is printed after the Bi-D adjustment only by the presence or absence of the confirmation mark 114 in the confirmation check box 112. It may be determined whether or not it is necessary.

  FIG. 9 is a diagram showing an example of the mark sheet 130 to which confirmation check boxes 132 and 133 capable of writing the confirmation mark 134 are added to the mark sheet 90 shown in FIG. FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of the mark sheet 140 in which the PF adjustment pattern is printed again on the printing paper 4 newly fed after the mark sheet 130 shown in FIG. 9 is fed.

  Description of portions common to the mark sheet 90 shown in FIG. 5 in the mark sheet 130 shown in FIG. 9 is omitted. Below the mark sheet 130 is a print area 131 for a check box for confirmation. In the print area 131 of the check box for confirmation, a check box 132 for filling when the user wants to re-check whether or not the PF adjustment is executed with the pattern of the mark 95 written by the user. A confirmation check box 133 to be filled is printed.

  In the mark sheet 130, the most appropriate PF adjustment pattern is a PF adjustment pattern 93 indicated by D. In this case, the user fills the check box 94 and the check box 132 for confirmation on the right side of the PF adjustment pattern 93 shown in D, and feeds the mark sheet 130 to the printer 1. Then, as shown by the six dotted lines in FIG. 9, the optical sensor 53 moves the check box print area 92 and the check check box print area 131 in the moving direction, and the position of the mark 95 and the check mark 134 position is detected. After the PF adjustment based on this detection, the PF adjustment pattern 93 can be printed on the printing paper 4 again.

  Specifically, after the mark sheet 130 is fed, another new printing paper 4 is fed to the printer 1 so that the mark sheet 140 on which the PF adjustment pattern after the new PF adjustment is printed can be output. The user understands that the proper PF adjustment has been executed if he / she can see the straight horizontal line in the middle of the PF adjustment pattern printing area 91 by looking at the mark sheet 140 on which the PF adjustment pattern after the new PF adjustment is printed. .

  Note that the confirmation check box 133 is not essential, only the confirmation check box 132 is provided, and whether or not the PF adjustment pattern needs to be printed after the PF adjustment is determined only by the presence or absence of the confirmation mark 132 in the confirmation check box 132. You may make it judge.

  FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing a procedure for adjusting printing characteristics using the mark sheets 110 and 130 shown in FIGS.

  When the user inserts the printing paper 4 into the printer 1 and instructs adjustment of printing characteristics such as Bi-D adjustment or PF adjustment with the operation keys 7, the printer 1 is in the Bi-D adjustment pattern 83 or PF adjustment pattern 93. The printing characteristic pattern data such as is created (step S201).

  Next, the printer 1 stores the print characteristic pattern and the print positions of the check boxes 112, 113, 132, and 133 for confirmation (step S202), and feeds the inserted print paper 4 and confirms the print characteristic pattern and confirmation. The check boxes 112, 113, 132, 133 are printed (step S203). Next, the user looks at the mark sheets 110 and 130, selects the Bi-D adjustment pattern 83 or the PF adjustment pattern 93 that seems to be most appropriate, and check boxes 84 and 94 below or on the right, and confirmation Either the check box 112, 132 or 113, 133 is filled, and the mark sheets 110, 130 are inserted into the paper feed port 2 of the printer 1.

  The printer 1 determines whether or not the mark sheets 110 and 130 have been fed (step S204), and if the paper is not fed due to a failure in feeding or the absence of the mark sheets 110 and 130, etc. Enters a standby state, and the determination in step S204 is performed again. On the other hand, when the mark sheets 110 and 130 are fed, the printer 1 subsequently determines whether or not the check boxes 84 and 94 are marked (step S205).

  As a result of the determination in step S205, if the check boxes 84 and 94 have marks 85 and 95, the printer 1 collates the positions of the filled marks 85 and 95 with the database stored in step S202 (step S202). In step S206, printing characteristics such as Bi-D adjustment or PF adjustment corresponding to the positions of the marks 85 and 95 are determined (step S207). On the other hand, in step S205, if the check boxes 84 and 94 do not have the marks 85 and 95, the printer 1 does not adjust the print characteristics using the mark sheets 110 and 130, and maintains the current print characteristics.

  Subsequent to step S207, the printer 1 determines whether the confirmation check boxes 112 and 132 on the mark sheets 110 and 130 have confirmation marks 114 and 134 (step S208). As a result, when the confirmation marks 114 and 134 are present, the process returns to step S201, and the printing characteristic pattern data is created again and the subsequent processing is performed. On the other hand, if the confirmation marks 114 and 134 are not present, the print characteristic adjustment processing ends.

FIG. 12 is a diagram illustrating an example of a mark sheet 80 in which the user has specified two print characteristics that are considered appropriate using a writing instrument.
As shown in FIG. 12, the mark sheet 80 has two Bi-D adjustment patterns 83 (patterns shown in C and D) that the user determines to be appropriate. This is because the printing state of the plurality of Bi-D adjustment patterns 83 may be poor or the resolution of the printer 1 may be small. Assuming such a case, if there are marks 85, 85 in the check boxes 84, 84 below the two Bi-D adjustment patterns 83, 83 that are considered appropriate by the user, the Bi-D adjustment pattern 83 is concerned. , 83 can be adjusted to an intermediate printing characteristic.

FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating an example of a mark sheet 90 in which the user has specified two print characteristics that are considered appropriate using a writing instrument.
Similarly to the mark sheet 80 described above, the mark sheet 90 also has two PF adjustment patterns 93 (patterns shown in C and D) that the user determines to be appropriate. Assuming such a case, if there are marks 95, 95 in the check boxes 94, 94 on the right side of the two PF adjustment patterns 93, 93 that are considered appropriate by the user, they are intermediate between the PF adjustment patterns 93, 93. Adjusted to the printing characteristics.

  As shown in FIGS. 12 and 13, when the marks 85, 85, 95, and 95 exist in the two check boxes 84, 84, 94, and 94, both Bi-D adjustments are performed in step S107 of the flowchart shown in FIG. The print characteristics are adjusted to be intermediate between the patterns 83 and 83 or the PF adjustment patterns 93 and 93.

  Even when the check boxes 112, 132, 132, and 133 for confirmation are added as in the mark sheet 110 shown in FIG. 7 or the mark sheet 130 shown in FIG. May be checked. Also in this case, in step S207 of the flowchart shown in FIG. 11, the print characteristics may be adjusted to an intermediate print characteristic between the Bi-D adjustment patterns 83 and 83 or the PF adjustment patterns 93 and 93.

=== Second Embodiment ===
Next, an embodiment of a printing apparatus including a printer and a computer will be described with reference to FIGS.

  FIG. 14 is a schematic configuration diagram of a printing apparatus 301 including a printer 302 and a computer 303. FIG. 15 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration example of the printer 302. FIG. 16 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of the computer 303. FIG. 17 is a diagram for explaining the functions of programs and drivers installed in the computer 303.

  As shown in FIG. 14, the printer 302 has a transport mechanism that transports the printing paper 4 by the paper feed motor 330 and a carriage movement mechanism that reciprocates the carriage 332 in the axial direction of the paper feed roller 333 by the carriage motor 331. is doing. The definition of the moving direction and the transport direction is the same as the definition in the first embodiment.

  The printer 302 includes a print head unit 335 that is mounted on the carriage 332 and includes a print head 334, a head drive mechanism that drives the print head unit 335 to control ink ejection and dot formation, and these papers. A control circuit 310 that controls the exchange of signals with the feed motor 330, the carriage motor 331, the print head unit 335, and the operation panel 307 is provided.

  The control circuit 310 is connected to the computer 303 via the connector 304. The computer 303 is equipped with a driver for the printer 302, receives a user command by operating a keyboard or a mouse as an input device, and presents various information in the printer 302 by displaying the screen on the display device. Configure the interface.

  As shown in FIG. 14, various ink cartridges 341 to 347 are detachably mounted on the carriage 332. The ink cartridges 341, 342, 343, 344, 345, 346, 347 are respectively dark yellow (DY), light magenta (LM), light cyan (LC), black (K), cyan (C), magenta (M) and This is a cartridge containing yellow (Y) ink.

A print head 334 is provided below the carriage 332. In the print head 334, nozzles as ink discharge locations are arranged in a line in the transport direction of the printing paper 4, and nozzle arrays corresponding to the respective color inks are formed.
In addition, a piezo element that is one of the electrostrictive elements and has excellent responsiveness is arranged for each nozzle in the nozzle row provided below the carriage 332 and associated with each ink. The piezo element is installed at a position in contact with a member that forms an ink passage that guides ink to the nozzle. Piezo elements have a crystal structure that is distorted by the application of voltage, and perform electro-mechanical energy conversion at an extremely high speed.

  In the present embodiment, by applying a voltage having a predetermined time width between the electrodes provided at both ends of the piezo element, the piezo element is extended for the voltage application time, and one side wall of the ink passage is deformed. As a result, the volume of the ink passage contracts according to the expansion of the piezo element, and the ink corresponding to the contraction becomes ink droplets and is ejected at high speed from the tip of the nozzle. The ink droplets soak into the printing paper 4 along the paper feed roller 333, so that dots are formed and printing is performed. The size of the ink droplet can be changed by a method of applying a voltage to the piezo element. Thereby, for example, dots of three different sizes, large, medium, and small, can be formed.

  The transport mechanism that transports the printing paper 4 includes a gear train (not shown) that transmits the rotation of the paper feed motor 330 to the paper feed roller 333 and a paper transport roller (not shown). The carriage moving mechanism for reciprocating the carriage 332 is an endless drive belt between the carriage motor 331 and a slide shaft 350 that is laid in parallel with the axis of the paper feed roller 333 and holds the carriage 332 in a slidable manner. A pulley 352 for stretching 351 and an optical sensor 353 for detecting the printing start position of the printing paper 4 and the mark 85 on the mark sheet 80 described above are provided.

  The optical sensor 353 has a light source (for example, an LED (Light Emitting Diode)) for projecting light onto the printing paper 4 and a detection unit (for converting light reflected by the printing paper 4 into an electrical signal). For example, it is constituted by a photodiode. Since the optical sensor 353 is mounted on the carriage 332, it can move in the moving direction of the carriage 332. Since this optical sensor 353 can also detect the presence or absence of paper, it detects the edge of the paper while the carriage 332 is moving to detect the width of the paper, or detects the edge of the paper being conveyed to detect the paper edge. The top and bottom can be detected.

  As shown in FIG. 15, the control circuit 310 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 361, a programmable ROM (P-ROM (Read Only Memory)) 362, a RAM (Random Access Memory) 363, and a character that stores a dot matrix of characters. A generator (CG (Character Generator)) 364 and an EEPROM (Electronically Erasable and Programmable ROM) 365 are provided, and an arithmetic and logic circuit capable of transmitting and receiving signals through the bus 370 is configured therebetween. The EEPROM 365 is a storage unit that stores a database in which printing characteristics are associated with information on the position of each mark 85 on the mark sheet 80 or the like.

  The control circuit 310 is further connected to an I / F dedicated circuit 366 that is an interface (I / F (Interface)) with an external motor and the like, and is connected to the I / F dedicated circuit 366 to drive the print head unit 335. A head driving circuit 367 for discharging ink, and a motor driving circuit 368 for driving the paper feed motor 330 and the carriage motor 331.

  The I / F dedicated circuit 366 has a built-in parallel interface circuit, and can receive the print signal PS supplied from the computer 303 via the connector 304.

  As shown in FIG. 16, the computer 303 includes a CPU 401, ROM 402, RAM 403, HDD (Hard Disk Drive) 404, video circuit 405, I / F 406, bus 407, display device 305, input device 408, and external storage device 409. Has been.

  Here, the CPU 401 is a controller (control unit) that executes various arithmetic processes according to programs stored in the ROM 402 and the HDD 404 and controls each unit of the apparatus. The CPU 401 transmits a control code for controlling each part in the printer to the printer, thereby controlling the carriage movement mechanism to move the carriage (and the print head), and controlling the conveyance mechanism to convey the printing paper in the conveyance direction. In addition, the print head can be made to eject ink by controlling the head driving mechanism. The CPU 401 can also receive the detection result of the optical sensor 353, analyze the detection result, and transmit a control code corresponding to the analysis result to the printer.

The ROM 402 is a memory that stores basic programs executed by the CPU 401 and data. The RAM 403 is a memory that temporarily stores programs being executed by the CPU 401, data being calculated, and the like.
The HDD 404 is a recording device that reads data and programs recorded on a hard disk, which is a recording medium, in response to a request from the CPU 401 and records data generated as a result of arithmetic processing of the CPU 401 on the hard disk.
The video circuit 405 is a circuit that executes a drawing process in accordance with a drawing command supplied from the CPU 401, converts the obtained image data into a video signal, and outputs the video signal to the display device 305. The I / F 406 is a circuit that appropriately converts the expression format of signals output from the input device 408 and the external storage device 409 and outputs a print signal PS to the printer 302.
A bus 407 is a signal line that connects the CPU 401, the ROM 402, the RAM 403, the HDD 404, the video circuit 405, and the I / F 406 to each other and enables data exchange between them.

  The display device 305 is configured by, for example, an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) monitor or a CRT (Cathode Ray Tube) monitor, and displays an image corresponding to the video signal output from the video circuit 405. The input device 408 is configured by, for example, a keyboard or a mouse, and is a device that generates a signal corresponding to a user operation and supplies the signal to the I / F 406.

  The external storage device 409 includes, for example, a CD-ROM (Compact Disk-ROM) drive unit, an MO (Magneto Optic) drive unit, and an FDD (Flexible Disk Drive) unit, and is recorded on a CD-ROM disc, an MO disc, and an FD. This is a device that reads out data and programs that are stored and supplies them to the CPU 401. In the case of the MO drive unit and the FDD unit, the data is supplied from the CPU 401 to the MO disk or FD.

  FIG. 17 is a diagram for explaining the functions of programs and drivers installed in the computer 303. Note that these functions are realized by the cooperation of the hardware of the computer 303 and the software recorded in the HDD 404. As shown in this figure, an application program 411, a video driver program 412, and a printer driver program 420 are installed on a computer 303, and these operate under a predetermined operating system (OS).

The application program 411 is an image processing program, for example, and outputs data after image processing to the printer driver program 420 and the video driver program 412.
The video driver program 412 is a program for driving the video circuit 405. For example, the video driver program 412 generates a video signal after performing gamma processing or white balance adjustment on the data supplied from the application program 411. The data is supplied to the display device 305 and displayed.
The printer driver program 420 includes a resolution conversion module 421, a color conversion module 422, a color conversion table 423, a halftone module 424, an LUT (Look Up Table) 425, and a print data generation module 426. The generated data is subjected to various processes described later to generate print data, which is supplied to the printer 302. The printer driver program 420 also executes processing for updating the LUT 425 according to the type of print medium on which an image is to be printed.

Here, the resolution conversion module 421 performs processing for converting the resolution of the data supplied from the application program 411 according to the resolution of the print head 334.
The color conversion module 422 refers to the image data expressed by the R, G, B (Red, Green, Blue) color system, with reference to the color conversion table 423, C, M, Y, K, LC, LM. , DY (Cyan, Magenta, Yellow, Black, Light Cyan, Light Magenta, Dark Yellow) are converted into color system image data.
The halftone module 424 converts the image data represented by the C, M, Y, K, LC, LM, and DY color systems by dither processing into three types of dots of large, medium, and small with reference to the LUT 425. Convert to bitmap data consisting of
The print data generation module 426 generates print data including raster data indicating the dot recording state and data indicating the transport amount (sub-scan feed amount) from the bitmap data output from the halftone module 424. , Supplied to the printer 302.

  In addition, since the process demonstrated based on FIGS. 4-13 in 1st Embodiment is the same process also in 2nd Embodiment, the description is abbreviate | omitted.

  As mentioned above, although each embodiment of this invention was each demonstrated, this invention can be variously deformed besides this. For example, in each of the embodiments described above, an elliptical check box is used as the check box. However, other than this, for example, a rectangle, a circle, or other shapes can be used. Further, the optical sensors 53 and 353 are not provided in the print heads 34 and 334 but may be installed in other reciprocating members such as the drive belts 51 and 351.

  Further, a code (for example, a bar code) for determining the type of the mark sheet 80 or the like may be printed on the mark sheet 80 or the like to determine which mark sheet 80 or the like is inserted. According to such an embodiment, even when the mark sheet 80 or the like is erroneously inserted, erroneous recognition can be prevented.

  Further, when printing the mark sheet 80 or the like, if the printing paper 4 on which the check box printing area 82 or the like has been printed in advance is inserted from the paper feed port 2, only a plurality of printing characteristic patterns 83 or the like may be printed. Further, the optical sensors 53 and 353 may detect the presence or absence of a hole (a subordinate concept of a mark) formed in the check box 84 or the like instead of the mark 85 or the like on the mark sheet 80 or the like. Further, instead of the optical sensor 53, a sensor composed of a light source and a light receiving element disposed on the back side of the light source with the printing paper 4 and the mark sheet 80 interposed therebetween is adopted, and the edge of the printing paper 4 is determined by the light transmittance. And the position of the mark 85 etc. on the mark sheet 80 etc. may be detected. Further, a magnetic sensor may be used as a sensor to detect the presence of magnetic powder contained in the mark 85 or the like.

  In the above embodiment, the position information such as the check box 84 is stored in the EEPROMs 65 and 365. For example, the information is stored in the P-ROMs 62 and 362 or in the HDD 404 of the personal computer 303. You may do it.

  In the above embodiment, Bi-D adjustment and PF adjustment have been described as examples of print characteristics. However, brightness, saturation, contrast, paper feed amount, paper size, paper type, image quality, borderless printing, An image layout or the like when printing a plurality of images on a single printing sheet may be employed.

  In the above-described embodiment, four colors of CMYK are used as the ink. However, instead of these four colors or in addition to the four colors, light color inks (light cyan (LC), light magenta) are used. (LM) or dark yellow (DY) ink may be used. In the above-described embodiment, a printer including a head that ejects ink using a piezo element is used. However, as the ejection drive element, various elements other than the piezo element can be used. . For example, the present invention can be applied to a printer provided with an ejection drive element of a type that energizes a heater disposed in an ink passage and ejects ink by bubbles generated in the ink passage. Needless to say, the present invention can also be applied to a so-called laser printer or the like.

  Note that the program describing the processing functions described above can be recorded on a computer-readable recording medium. Examples of the computer-readable recording medium include a magnetic recording device, an optical disk, a magneto-optical recording medium, and a semiconductor memory. Magnetic recording devices include hard disk devices (HDD), flexible disks (FD), magnetic tapes, and the like. Optical disks include DVD, DVD-RAM (Random Access Memory), CD-ROM, CD-R (Recordable) / RW (ReWritable), and the like. Magneto-optical recording media include MO.

  When distributing the program, for example, a portable recording medium such as a DVD or a CD-ROM in which the program is recorded is sold. It is also possible to store the program in a storage device of a server computer and transfer the program from the server computer to another computer via a network.

  The computer that executes the program stores, for example, the program recorded on the portable recording medium or the program transferred from the server computer in its own storage device. Then, the computer reads the program from its own storage device and executes processing according to the program. The computer can also read the program directly from the portable recording medium and execute processing according to the program. In addition, each time the program is transferred from the server computer, the computer can sequentially execute processing according to the received program.

=== Third Embodiment ===
<About the mark sheet for image printing>
Since the structure of the printer of the third embodiment is the same as that of the first embodiment, description thereof is omitted.

  FIG. 18 is a flowchart of the third embodiment. The CPU 61 of the printer controls each part in the printer according to a program stored in the P-ROM 62 and executes this flow. This flow is started when a memory card is inserted into the drive unit 8 or when a digital camera (a memory card is inserted in the digital camera) is connected to the printer.

  The memory card stores a plurality of image data recorded by a digital camera. When a user shoots a landscape or the like with a digital camera, the digital camera creates main data under the set conditions, creates thumbnail image data based on the main image data, and converts the main image data and thumbnail image data into images. Store in the memory card as data. Therefore, each image data of the memory card has high-resolution main image data and thumbnail image data created from the main image data.

  First, the CPU 61 of the printer reads thumbnail image data of all image data from the memory card (step S301). The CPU 61 develops the read thumbnail image data on the RAM 63 and generates a print signal for printing a mark sheet for image printing. The CPU 61 controls each part (carriage moving mechanism, transport mechanism, head driving mechanism, etc.) in the printer based on the generated print signal, and prints a mark sheet for image printing (step S302).

  FIG. 19 is an explanatory diagram of a mark sheet 73 for image printing. The mark sheet 73 includes a maintenance instruction area 74 for selecting whether maintenance is necessary, a printing method selection area 75, and an image selection area 76. In the printing method selection area 75, check boxes are printed corresponding to each item such as “paper size”. In the image selection area 76, thumbnail images based on the thumbnail image data and check boxes corresponding to the respective thumbnail images are printed.

  The user looks at the thumbnail image printed in the image selection area 76, determines whether or not the printer needs maintenance, and fills the check box in the maintenance instruction area 74. For example, if the image quality of the thumbnail image is poor, a check box for instructing that maintenance is necessary is filled (FIG. 20). When maintenance is not required, the user fills the check box in the printing method selection area 75 to select the paper size and the like, and also fills the check box in the image selection area 76 to select the image to be printed and the number of sheets to be printed. Is instructed (FIG. 21). After completing the entry on the mark sheet, the user sets the mark sheet in the paper feed port 2 of the printer. At this time, the user sets the mark sheet in the printer so that the maintenance instruction area 74 is fed before the image selection area 76.

  Next, the CPU 61 of the printer starts feeding the mark sheet (step S303). First, the CPU 61 causes the conveyance mechanism to convey the mark sheet to a position where the optical sensor 53 can read the check box in the maintenance instruction area 74. After the conveyance, the CPU 61 moves the carriage in the movement direction and causes the optical sensor 53 to read the check box in the maintenance instruction area 74. Then, based on the reading result of the optical sensor 53, the CPU 61 determines whether or not maintenance is necessary (step S304).

  When the maintenance is unnecessary, the CPU 61 further conveys the mark sheet to a position where the optical sensor 53 can read the check box in the printing method selection area 75. After the conveyance, the CPU 61 moves the carriage in the movement direction, and causes the optical sensor 53 to read the check box in the printing method selection area 75 (step S305). Then, the CPU 61 determines a printing method from the read result, and stores the determined printing method in the RAM 63.

  Thereafter, the CPU 61 further conveys the mark sheet to a position where the optical sensor 53 can read the check box in the image selection area 76. After the conveyance, the CPU 61 moves the carriage in the movement direction, and causes the optical sensor 53 to read the check box in the image selection area 76 (step S306). The CPU 61 specifies the image selected by the user based on the reading result, and determines the number of prints of the image.

  Next, the CPU 61 reads main image data of image data corresponding to the image selected by the user from the memory card (step S307). The CPU 61 expands the read main data on the RAM 63, and generates a print signal according to the print method determined by the read result of the print method selection area 75. Then, the CPU 61 controls each unit in the printer based on the generated print signal, and prints as many images as the number of prints determined by the reading result of the print method selection area 75 (step S308).

  If it is determined in step S304 that maintenance is necessary, the CPU 61 discharges the mark sheet 73 for image printing to the transport mechanism, and controls each part in the printer to print the mark sheet for maintenance. The maintenance mark sheet is a mark sheet for maintaining each part of the printer. The maintenance mark sheet includes a mark sheet for adjusting the ink ejection timing of the bidirectional printing described above (Bi-D adjustment) and a mark sheet for adjusting the transport amount (PF adjustment). Since the processing after these mark sheets are printed has already been described, description thereof will be omitted. Hereinafter, a mark sheet used for nozzle discharge inspection will be described as a maintenance mark sheet.

<Nozzle configuration>
First, the configuration of the nozzle to be inspected will be described. FIG. 22 is an explanatory diagram showing the arrangement of nozzles.
A black ink nozzle row (K), a cyan ink nozzle row (C), a magenta ink nozzle row (M), and a yellow ink nozzle row (Y) are formed on the lower surface of the print head. Each nozzle row includes a plurality of nozzles (180 in this embodiment) that are ejection openings for ejecting ink of each color.
The plurality of nozzles in each nozzle row are aligned at an interval of 1/180 inch along the paper conveyance direction. Further, the nozzles in each nozzle row are assigned smaller numbers as the nozzles on the downstream side.

  When the printer does not perform printing for a long time, the ink evaporates from the nozzle, and the viscosity of the ink becomes high, and there is a possibility that the ink cannot be ejected from the nozzle during printing. When there are nozzles that cannot eject ink (nozzles with poor ejection), white streaks (banding) are generated in the printed image, and the image quality deteriorates. For example, when the image printing mark sheet 73 is printed when there is a defective nozzle, white stripes are formed in the thumbnail image printed in the image selection area 76. In such a case, the user instructs maintenance using the mark sheet 73 for image printing, and the printer prints the mark sheet for nozzle ejection inspection.

<Regarding the mark sheet for nozzle discharge inspection>
FIG. 23 is an explanatory diagram of a mark sheet used for nozzle ejection inspection. On this mark sheet, a nozzle check pattern group 70 and a check box 72 for instructing whether or not cleaning is necessary are printed. FIG. 24A is an explanatory diagram of the nozzle check pattern 71 constituting the nozzle check pattern group 70. FIG. 24B is an example of a nozzle check pattern when there is a nozzle that does not eject ink (in the case of ejection failure). FIG. 25 is an explanatory diagram of the configuration of the nozzle check pattern 71. FIG. 26 is an explanatory diagram of the block pattern BL constituting the nozzle check pattern 71.

  The nozzle check pattern group 70 includes a plurality of nozzle check patterns 71. The plurality of nozzle check patterns 71 are formed adjacent to each other along the carriage movement direction. Each nozzle check pattern is divided for each color ink. For example, the nozzle check pattern 71 described as “Y” in FIG. 23 is composed only of yellow ink. That is, in the figure, the nozzle check pattern 71 described as “Y” is formed by nozzles that discharge yellow ink. As will be described later, the nozzle check pattern 71 is used for ejection inspection of nozzles that eject yellow ink. The nozzle check patterns 71 of other colors are configured in the same manner.

  One nozzle check pattern 71 includes nine block patterns BL in the carriage movement direction and 20 block patterns BL in the transport direction, and is configured by a total of 180 block patterns BL. One block pattern BL corresponds to one nozzle. Therefore, the 180 block patterns BL are patterns for inspecting 180 nozzles.

  Each block pattern BL is a rectangular pattern composed of 56 dots at 1/720 inch intervals along the carriage movement direction and 18 dots at 1/360 inch intervals along the transport direction. Dots in the same block pattern BL are formed by ink droplets ejected from the same nozzle. For example, the block pattern BL described as “# 1” in FIG. 25 is formed only by ink droplets ejected from the nozzle # 1. Thus, each block pattern BL is associated with a nozzle that forms the block pattern BL. If there are ink non-ejection nozzles (nozzles from which ink is not ejected), a rectangular blank pattern is generated in the nozzle check pattern 71 as shown in FIG. 24B. In other words, by detecting the presence or absence of a blank pattern, it is possible to inspect whether or not there is an ink non-ejection nozzle (clogging of the nozzle can be detected).

  FIG. 27 is an explanatory diagram of a method for forming nine block patterns in the first row of the nozzle check pattern 71. This figure shows dot rows (56 dot rows arranged in the carriage movement direction in FIG. 26) formed by a single dot formation process (a process of ejecting ink from the head while the carriage moves). Yes. Further, the numbers on the left side of the figure indicate nozzle numbers, and the positions of the nozzle numbers indicate the positions of the nozzles with respect to the block pattern BL.

  First, the paper is fed so that the leading end position of the block pattern BL on the downstream side in the conveyance direction faces the nozzle # 9. Thereafter, the printer executes a first dot formation process, and intermittently ejects ink from nozzle # 9 when the carriage 36 reaches a predetermined position. As a result, a dot row is formed at a downstream position of the block pattern corresponding to the nozzle # 9.

  Next, the printer transports the paper by the transport unit by half the nozzle pitch (1/360 inch). The printer then executes the second dot formation process and intermittently ejects ink from nozzle # 9 at the position where the carriage has reached a predetermined position. Thereby, a dot row is formed adjacent to the upstream side in the transport direction of the dot row formed by the first dot formation process.

  Next, the printer transports the paper by the transport unit by half the nozzle pitch. Then, the printer executes a third dot formation process. In the third dot formation process, the printer intermittently ejects ink from nozzle # 9 and nozzle # 8. A dot row is formed by the ink ejected from the nozzle # 9 adjacent to the upstream side in the transport direction of the dot row formed by the second dot formation process. In addition, a dot row is formed at a downstream position of the block pattern BL corresponding to the nozzle # 8 by the ink ejected from the nozzle # 8.

  Next, the printer transports the paper by the transport unit by half the nozzle pitch. Then, the printer executes a fourth dot formation process. Even in the fourth dot formation process, the printer intermittently ejects ink from nozzle # 9 and nozzle # 8, and is adjacent to the upstream side in the transport direction of the dot row formed by the third dot formation process. A row is formed. In this way, the dot formation process and the conveyance process are executed to form the dot row twice, and the nozzles for ejecting ink are increased one by one from the upstream side in the conveyance direction every two dot formation processes.

In the 18th dot formation process, a block pattern corresponding to nozzle # 9 is completed. Therefore, in the 19th dot formation process, the ejection of ink from the nozzle # 9 is stopped. Thereafter, the ink ejection is stopped one by one from the nozzle located upstream in the transport direction every two dot formation processes.
In the 34th dot formation process, nine block patterns in the first row are completed.

  In the description so far, the method for forming the nine block patterns in the first row located on the most downstream side in the transport direction of the nozzle check pattern 71 has been described. However, the nine block patterns in the first row are formed. In the meantime, nine block patterns in other rows are formed at the same time. In other words, the 180 nozzles from nozzle # 1 to nozzle # 180 are set to 20 nozzle groups each consisting of 9 consecutive nozzles, and 9 block patterns for each nozzle group follow the same procedure. Is formed. For example, when a dot row is formed by nozzle # 9, ink is ejected from nozzle # 9N (N is an integer) at the same timing.

  The user observes the nozzle check pattern 71 printed on the nozzle discharge inspection mark sheet and inspects for the presence of a blank pattern as shown in FIG. 24B. If there is no blank pattern, the user fills in a check box 72 indicating that cleaning is not required. If there is a blank pattern, the user fills in a check box 72 indicating that cleaning is required. Then, a mark sheet for nozzle ejection inspection is set in the printer.

  The CPU 61 of the printer causes the mark sheet to be conveyed by the conveyance mechanism to a position where the optical sensor 53 can read the check box. After the conveyance, the CPU 61 moves the carriage in the movement direction and causes the optical sensor 53 to read the check box. Then, based on the reading result of the optical sensor 53, the CPU 61 determines whether or not cleaning is necessary.

  When the CPU 61 determines that cleaning is necessary, the CPU 61 controls the head driving mechanism to forcibly eject ink. Thereby, the dust in the nozzle is discharged to the outside, and the discharge failure of the nozzle can be eliminated. Further, when the CPU 61 determines that cleaning is necessary, the print head may be covered with a cap (not shown) so that the inside of the cap has a negative pressure and the ink in the nozzles may be sucked.

  In the above description, the CPU 61 of the printer performs the processes of steps S301 to S308, the printing of the maintenance mark sheet, and the like. However, it is not limited to this. For example, a printer driver installed in the computer 303 may cause the printer to perform these processes.

  According to this embodiment, a mark sheet for nozzle ejection inspection is printed, a mark sheet checked by the user is detected, cleaning is performed based on the detection result, and the nozzles of the print head are adjusted. Thereby, the ejection failure of the nozzle can be eliminated, and the image quality of the printed image can be improved.

1 is a diagram showing an overview of a printing apparatus according to a first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration example of a main part of the printing apparatus illustrated in FIG. 1. FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an internal configuration example of a control circuit in the printing apparatus illustrated in FIG. 1. It is a figure which shows an example of the mark sheet used in order to adjust the printing characteristic in the printing apparatus shown in FIG. It is a figure which shows an example of the mark sheet of a format different from the mark sheet shown in FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing a procedure for adjusting printing characteristics using the mark sheet shown in FIGS. 4 and 5. It is a figure which shows an example of the mark sheet which added the check box for confirmation to the mark sheet shown in FIG. FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating an example of a mark sheet in which a printing characteristic pattern is printed again on a newly fed printing paper after the mark sheet shown in FIG. 7 is fed. It is a figure which shows an example of the mark sheet which added the check box for confirmation to the mark sheet shown in FIG. FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of a mark sheet in which a print characteristic pattern is printed again on a newly fed printing sheet after the mark sheet illustrated in FIG. 9 is fed. 10 is a flowchart showing a procedure for adjusting printing characteristics using the mark sheet shown in FIGS. 7 and 9. FIG. 2 is a mark sheet used for adjusting the printing characteristics of the printing apparatus shown in FIG. 1 and showing a state when a user designates two printing characteristics. FIG. 13 is a view showing another state of the mark sheet shown in FIG. 12 when the user designates two print characteristics. It is a figure which shows schematic structure of the printing apparatus concerning the 2nd Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the structure of the printer in the printing apparatus shown in FIG. It is a figure which shows the structure of the computer in the printing apparatus shown in FIG. It is a figure for demonstrating the function of the program and printer driver which are mounted in the computer of the printing apparatus shown in FIG. It is a flowchart of a 3rd embodiment. It is explanatory drawing of the mark sheet 73 for image printing. It is explanatory drawing of the mark sheet | seat when a maintenance is required. It is explanatory drawing of the mark sheet | seat when a maintenance is unnecessary. It is explanatory drawing which shows the arrangement | sequence of a nozzle. It is a mark sheet used for nozzle discharge inspection. FIG. 24A is an explanatory diagram of the nozzle check pattern 71 constituting the nozzle check pattern group 70. FIG. 24B is an example of a nozzle check pattern when there is a nozzle that does not eject ink (in the case of ejection failure). It is explanatory drawing of a structure of the nozzle check pattern. It is explanatory drawing of the block pattern BL. It is explanatory drawing of the formation method of nine block patterns.

Explanation of symbols

1 Printer 30 Paper Feed Motor 32 Carriage 33 Paper Feed Rotor 34 Print Head 53 Optical Sensor 61 CPU 65 EEPROM
80 mark sheet 85 mark 90 mark sheet 95 mark 110 mark sheet 114 mark 120 for confirmation mark sheet 130 mark sheet 134 mark 140 for confirmation 140 mark sheet 301 printer 302 printer 303 computer 330 paper feed motor 332 carriage 333 paper feed rotor 334 print head 353 optical sensor 361 CPU 365 EEPROM
401 CPU

Claims (11)

(A) a printing mechanism that prints an image on the medium, including a transport mechanism that transports the medium and a print head that discharges ink while moving;
(B) a sensor for detecting the image printed on the medium;
(C) a controller that acquires a detection result of the sensor and adjusts at least one of a transport operation of the transport mechanism and an ink discharge operation of the print head;
A list of images to be printed, and check boxes that correspond to the list of the image, the image selection mark sheet including a check box to determine the necessity of adjustment of the printing mechanism to print on the printing mechanism,
Before the sensor detects a check box corresponding to the image list, the sensor detects a check box for determining whether the printing mechanism needs to be adjusted,
When it is determined that the adjustment is necessary based on the detection result of the sensor, a mark sheet for adjusting at least one of a transport operation of the transport mechanism and an ink discharge operation of the print head is printed on the print mechanism. Let the sensor detect a mark sheet for adjusting the operation, adjust the operation based on the detection result of the sensor ,
When it is determined that the adjustment is unnecessary based on the detection result of the sensor, the sensor detects a check box corresponding to the list of images, and the image selected based on the detection result of the sensor is printed. A printing apparatus comprising: a controller for causing the mechanism to print; and (D). The printing apparatus according to claim 1,
The printing mechanism prints the image by ejecting the ink from the reciprocating print head,
The controller adjusts the ink ejection timing of the return path with respect to the forward path based on the detection result of the sensor. The printing apparatus according to claim 1 or 2,
The printing apparatus, wherein the controller adjusts a conveyance amount of the conveyance mechanism based on a detection result of the sensor. The printing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3,
The mark sheet for adjusting the operation has a plurality of patterns printed with different adjustment amounts of the transport operation or the ink ejection operation,
When the sensor detects that there is a mark in a check box of two patterns of the plurality of patterns, the controller uses the adjustment amount intermediate between the two adjustment amounts corresponding to the two patterns. A printing apparatus that adjusts a transport operation or the ink discharge operation. The printing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 4,
The mark sheet for adjusting the operation has a check box for confirmation,
When the sensor detects that the check box for confirmation is filled, the printing apparatus reprints the mark sheet by the adjusted operation. The printing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 5,
The print head includes a plurality of nozzles,
The printing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the controller adjusts clogging of the nozzles based on a detection result of the sensor. The printing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 6,
In the image selection mark sheet, a check box for determining whether the printing mechanism needs to be adjusted is formed in an area detected by the sensor before the check box corresponding to the list of images. Characteristic printing device. The printing apparatus according to claim 7, wherein
The controller detects a check box corresponding to the list of images when determining that the adjustment is necessary based on a detection result of the sensor with respect to a check box for determining whether or not the adjustment of the printing mechanism is necessary. And printing the mark sheet for adjusting the operation on the printing mechanism. A printing method for printing an image on the medium by repeating a conveying operation for conveying a medium and an ink discharging operation for discharging ink from a moving print head,
Prints a list of images to be printed, and check boxes that correspond to the list of the image, the image selection mark sheet including a check box to determine the necessity of adjustment,
Before the sensor detects a check box corresponding to the list of images, the sensor detects a check box for determining whether or not the adjustment is necessary,
When it is determined that the adjustment is necessary based on the detection result of the sensor, a mark sheet for adjusting at least one of the transport operation and the ink discharge operation is printed, and the mark sheet for adjusting the operation was detected by the sensor, to adjust the operation of at least one of prior SL transportation operation and the ink ejection operation on the basis of the detection result of the sensor,
If it is determined that the adjustment is unnecessary based on the detection result of the sensor, the sensor detects a check box corresponding to the list of images, and prints the image selected based on the detection result of the sensor. <br/> A printing method characterized by the above. A method for adjusting a printing apparatus that repeats a transport operation for transporting a medium and an ink discharge operation for discharging ink from a moving print head to print an image on the medium,
Prints a list of images to be printed, and check boxes that correspond to the list of the image, the image selection mark sheet including a check box to determine the necessity of adjustment,
Before the sensor detects a check box corresponding to the list of images, the sensor detects a check box for determining whether or not the adjustment is necessary,
When it is determined that the adjustment is necessary based on the detection result of the sensor, a mark sheet for adjusting at least one of the transport operation and the ink discharge operation is printed, and the mark sheet for adjusting the operation was detected by the sensor, to adjust the operation of at least one of prior SL transportation operation and the ink ejection operation on the basis of the detection result of the sensor,
If it is determined that the adjustment is unnecessary based on the detection result of the sensor, the sensor detects a check box corresponding to the list of images, and prints the image selected based on the detection result of the sensor. <br/> An adjustment method characterized by the above. A printing mechanism for printing an image on the medium, comprising a conveyance mechanism for conveying the medium and a print head for discharging ink during movement;
A sensor for detecting the image printed on the medium;
A printing apparatus having a controller that acquires a detection result of the sensor and adjusts at least one of a transport operation of the transport mechanism and an ink discharge operation of the print head.
A list of images to be printed, and check boxes that correspond to the list of the image, a function to print an image selection mark sheet including a check box to determine the necessity of adjustment of the printing mechanism to the printing mechanism When,
A function of causing the sensor to detect a check box for determining whether or not to adjust the printing mechanism before the sensor detects a check box corresponding to the list of images;
When it is determined that the adjustment is necessary based on the detection result of the sensor, a mark sheet for adjusting at least one of a transport operation of the transport mechanism and an ink discharge operation of the print head is printed on the print mechanism. And a function of causing the sensor to detect a mark sheet for adjusting the operation, and adjusting the operation based on a detection result of the sensor ;
When it is determined that the adjustment is unnecessary based on the detection result of the sensor, the sensor detects a check box corresponding to the list of images, and the image selected based on the detection result of the sensor is printed. A program characterized by realizing a function to be printed by a mechanism .