JP5315805B2 - Printed product manufacturing method and printer - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a printed matter manufacturing method which provides good printed matter by superimposing images one by one. <P>SOLUTION: Image data has: a first image in a first printing area in a printing area; a second image in a second area downstream of the first printing area in a conveying direction; and a third image in a third area downstream of the second area in the conveying direction. The method manufactures printed matter where the first, second, and third images are superimposed and printed on a medium by alternately performing a printing operation for making printing on the medium and a conveying operation for conveying the medium in a predetermined conveying amount based on the image data where the interval between the first and second areas and the interval between the second and third areas are different. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2010,JPO&amp;INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a printed matter manufacturing method.

As a printing apparatus that prints a large number of printed materials on a long medium, for example, a printing apparatus described in Patent Document 1 is known.
In this printing apparatus, a large number of printed materials are printed on a medium by alternately repeating a printing operation for printing a plurality of images on a medium located in a printing area and a conveying operation for conveying the medium in a conveying method. Is done.
JP 2003-118136 A

There is a case where it is desired to produce a printed material in which a plurality of images are superimposed on a medium. In the case of printing an image in an overlapping manner, the image is blurred unless the next image is printed after the previously printed image is sufficiently dried.
By the way, the time until the printed image is dried varies depending on the printing condition of the image. For example, an image having a larger amount of liquid (for example, ink) used for printing, such as a so-called solid image, is more difficult to dry. Conversely, an image with a smaller amount of liquid used for printing, such as characters, becomes easier to dry. Also, the drying time varies depending on the printing conditions such as the type of liquid (ink), medium, and drying apparatus. Therefore, if the next image (for example, a character image) is printed over the previously printed image without depending on the printing conditions at that time, the image may be blurred. On the other hand, depending on the image, bleeding may be allowed.
Therefore, an object of the present invention is to obtain an excellent printed matter by overlapping images.

The main invention for achieving the above object, prints the first image on the first region of the printing areas of the medium, the second image is printed on the second region in the transport direction downstream from said first region, A printing operation for printing a third image in a third area downstream of the second area in the transport direction, and depending on the amount of liquid for printing each image, the first area and the second area interval, a printing operation for printing in the different distance between the second region and the third region of,
A transport operation for transporting the medium by a predetermined transport amount;
The printed material manufacturing method is characterized by manufacturing a printed material in which the first image, the second image, and the third image are superimposed and printed on the medium.

  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 third area having a first image in a first area of the print area, a second image in a second area downstream of the first area in the transport direction, and downstream of the second area in the transport direction. Based on the image data having a third image and an interval from the first region to the second region and an interval from the second region to the third region are different. The first image, the second image, and the third image are overlaid and printed on the medium by alternately performing a printing operation for performing the printing operation and a conveyance operation for conveying the medium by a predetermined conveyance amount. A printed material manufacturing method characterized by manufacturing a printed material is clarified.
According to such a printed matter manufacturing method, it is possible to suppress bleeding when the images are overlaid and printed, so that a good printed matter can be obtained.

In this printed matter manufacturing method, at least one of the first image, the second image, and the third image is a background image, and at least one of the background image is a background image. It is desirable to be an image for viewing as.
According to such a printed matter manufacturing method, an image on the background becomes easy to see.

  Preferably, the first image and the second image are the same image, and the distance between the first area and the second area is narrower than the distance between the second area and the third area. Thereby, since the time from printing the second image to printing the third image can be set longer, bleeding of the third image can be suppressed.

  In addition, it is preferable that the second image and the third image are the same image, and the interval between the second region and the third region is narrower than the interval between the first region and the second region. Thereby, since the time from printing the first image to printing the second image can be set longer, bleeding of the first image can be suppressed.

In this printed matter manufacturing method, the interval between the regions of the image data may be determined according to the amount of liquid for printing each image. Further, the interval between the regions of the image data may be determined according to the type of liquid used for printing each image.
According to such a printed matter manufacturing method, it is possible to optimize the drying time of each image.

The first area of the print area has a first image, the second area has a second image downstream of the first area in the transport direction, and the second area has a second image downstream of the second area in the transport direction. By alternately performing a printing operation for printing on a medium based on image data having a third image in three regions and a conveying operation for conveying the medium by a predetermined conveying amount, the first operation is performed on the medium. A printed material manufacturing method for manufacturing a printed material in which an image, the second image, and the third image are overlaid on the medium, from printing the first image to printing the second image. The printed matter manufacturing method is characterized in that the number of times of conveyance differs from the number of times of conveyance of the medium from when the second image is printed to when the third image is printed.
According to such a printed matter manufacturing method, it is possible to suppress bleeding when the images are overlaid and printed, so that a good printed matter can be obtained.

Also, a printing operation for printing on a medium based on image data having a first image in a first area of the print area and having a second image in a second area downstream of the first area in the transport direction. And a printed material manufacturing method for manufacturing a printed material in which the first image and the second image are superimposed and printed on the medium by a printing process in which the medium is transported alternately by a predetermined transport amount. Then, the printed matter manufacturing method is characterized in that the number of times the medium is conveyed from the time when the first image is printed to the time when the second image is printed varies depending on the printing process.
According to such a printed matter manufacturing method, it is possible to adjust the length of the drying time according to the conditions of the printing process in which the first image and the second image are overprinted, and thus it is possible to obtain a good printed matter. .

  Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described using a printer which is one of printing apparatuses.

=== Configuration of Printer ===
<About printer configuration>
FIG. 1 is a block diagram of the overall configuration of the printer 1. FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of the overall configuration of the printer 1. FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram of the vicinity of the print area. Hereinafter, the basic configuration of the printer of this embodiment will be described.

  The printer 1 includes a transport unit 10, a carriage unit 20, a head unit 30, a heater unit 40, a detector group 50, and a controller 60. The printer 1 that has received print data from the computer 110, which is an external device, controls each unit (conveyance unit 10, carriage unit 20, head unit 30, heater unit 40) by the controller 60. The controller 60 controls each unit based on the print data received from the computer 110 and prints an image on a medium. The situation in the printer 1 is monitored by a detector group 50, and the detector group 50 outputs a detection result to the controller 60. The controller 60 controls each unit based on the detection result output from the detector group 50.

  The transport unit 10 transports a roll-shaped medium (for example, roll paper, roll-shaped sticker paper, etc.) in a predetermined direction (hereinafter referred to as a transport direction). The transport unit 10 includes a supply mechanism 11, transport rollers 12 </ b> A to 12 </ b> F, and a winding mechanism 13. The conveyance rollers 12 </ b> A to 12 </ b> B convey the medium supplied from the supply mechanism 11 to the printing area, and convey the medium printed in the printing area to the winding mechanism 13. When the controller 60 controls a transport motor (not shown), the rotation amount of the transport rollers 12A to 12F is controlled, and the transport amount of the medium is controlled.

  The carriage unit 20 moves the head in the moving direction, and includes a carriage 21 that moves in a predetermined direction (moving direction) and a guide 22 that guides the carriage 21 in the moving direction. The movement of the carriage 21 is controlled by the controller 60 controlling a carriage motor (not shown). In the printer of this embodiment, the carriage 21 moves in the same direction as the medium transport direction of the transport unit 10.

  The head unit 30 has a head 31 that ejects ink onto a medium. Since the head 31 is mounted on the carriage 21, when the carriage 21 moves in the movement direction, the head 31 also moves in the movement direction. A nozzle row is provided on the lower surface of the head 31 along the medium width direction. This nozzle row is provided over a length corresponding to the width of the medium. By ejecting ink while the head 31 is moving in the movement direction, the medium is printed in the printing area.

  Although not shown, on the lower surface of the head 31, a nozzle row for discharging color inks such as cyan, magenta, yellow, and black is provided. Further, on the lower surface of the head 31, a nozzle row for discharging white ink, a nozzle row for discharging a fixing agent, a nozzle row for discharging a coating agent, and the like are also provided. In addition, a part or all of each liquid may be a UV curable type.

  The heater unit 40 includes a hot platen 41 and a drying mechanism 42. The hot platen 41 supports the medium in the printing area and incorporates a heater, and promotes drying of the printed image on the printing area by heating the medium on the printing area. The drying mechanism 42 is provided on the downstream side of the printing area, and promotes drying of the printed material outside the printing area by heating the medium printed in the printing area. The maximum heating range of the drying mechanism 42 is not less than the range corresponding to the printing area. However, the heating range of the drying mechanism 42 can be switched by the controller 60. For example, the printed material can be heated only in a range corresponding to one region (for example, region A in FIG. 3). The power consumption of the drying mechanism 42 is smaller when only the range corresponding to the two regions is heated than when the range corresponding to the print region (six regions in FIG. 3) is heated. .

  The hot platen 41 and the drying mechanism 42 may be any device that can dry a printed image or printed matter on a medium. For example, the hot platen 41 and the drying mechanism 42 are devices that apply electromagnetic waves such as warm air, infrared rays, and microwaves to the medium. It's okay. Further, when the liquid to be discharged is of a UV curable type, a UV irradiation device may be used.

  The detector group 50 includes, for example, a mark detection sensor 51. The mark detection sensor 51 is used to detect a mark printed on the medium, and the conveyance amount of the medium by the conveyance unit 10 is controlled based on the detection result. The detector group 50 also includes an encoder for detecting the rotation amount of the transport rollers 12A to 12F, a linear encoder for detecting the position of the carriage 21 in the moving direction, and the like.

  The controller 60 is a control unit (control unit) for controlling the printer. The controller 60 includes an interface unit 61, a CPU 62, a memory 63, and a unit control circuit 64. The interface unit 61 transmits and receives data between the computer 110 which is an external device and the printer 1. The CPU 62 is an arithmetic processing unit for controlling the entire printer. The memory 63 is a storage medium that secures an area for storing a program of the CPU 62, a work area, and the like. The memory 63 stores image data to be printed. The CPU 62 controls each unit via the unit control circuit 64 according to a program stored in the memory 63, and executes a printing process described later. Further, the CPU 62 prints an image indicated by the image data on the medium by ejecting ink or the like from each nozzle (not shown) of the head 31 according to the image data stored in the memory 63.

  When the printing process is executed, the printer 1 discharges ink from the head 31 based on the image data based on the transport operation in which the transport unit 10 transports the medium in the transport direction, and the head 31 is moved by the carriage unit 20. A printing operation for printing an image on a medium is alternately repeated to print a printed material on the medium at equal intervals. As will be described later, the printed matter is printed by superimposing a plurality of images.

In the following description, the print area is divided into six areas, and an image is printed in each area. The six areas are an area A, an area B, an area C, an area D, an area E, and an area F in order from the upstream area in the transport direction (see FIG. 3).
Note that the number of print area divisions is not limited to six. Further, the range of the print area is variable according to the size of the printed matter, and is not necessarily the maximum printable range of the printer 1 (the movable range of the carriage 21).

=== First Embodiment ===
<Printed matter of the first embodiment>
FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram of a printed matter according to the first embodiment.
The medium is composed of a sealing member (base material), one of which is a printing surface and the other of which is an adhesive surface, and a peeling member that covers the adhesive surface of the sealing member. The seal member is made of a transparent film. However, the sealing member does not need to be transparent and may be a translucent member. Further, the medium may not be a sticker sheet, may be a transparent film without an adhesive surface, or may be paper.

  The printed matter according to the first embodiment is obtained by printing three images on a medium in an overlapping manner. The first image printed on the medium is a mirror image of the characters “ABC” (hereinafter, mirror image “ABC”). The image printed on the mirror image “ABC” is a rectangular image formed by applying white ink (hereinafter, “white image”). The image printed on the white image is an image of the characters “XYZ” (hereinafter “image XYZ”). In other words, this printed matter is obtained by forming the first layer of the mirror image “ABC”, the second layer of the white image, and the third layer of the image “XYZ” on the medium.

  If the peeling member of this printed matter is removed and the adhesive surface of the seal member is attached to a window from the indoor side, for example, the characters “XYZ” can be seen from the indoor side, and the characters “ABC” can be seen from the outdoor side through the seal member. (The letters “ABC” can be seen from the side opposite to the printing surface of the seal member). That is, this printed matter is one in which images can be seen from both sides. When the printed material is used in this way, the sealing member may be a transparent or translucent member, and the first layer image may be a mirror image.

  Since a white image is formed between the mirror image ABC and the image XYZ, the image XYZ is not visible when the character “ABC” is viewed from the outside of the room, and conversely, the character “XYZ” is displayed from the indoor side. The mirror image ABC cannot be seen when viewed. As described above, since the background image (white image) is provided for the mirror image ABC and the image XYZ, the characters ABC and the characters XYZ are easy to see.

  Note that the ink that prints the background image does not transmit light, makes it easy to visually recognize the image printed on top of the ink, and imparts the color of the ink to the medium. . If it is such an ink, it may not be white ink.

<Printing method of comparative example>
Before describing the printing method of the first embodiment, a comparative example will be described. The printed material of the comparative example has the same configuration as the printed material of the first embodiment. However, the printing method and image data used for printing are different from those in the first embodiment.

  FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram of image data for the printing operation of the comparative example. As shown in FIG. 5, the image data of the comparative example includes one mirror image ABC for printing in the area A, one white image for printing in the area C, and one piece for printing in the area E. Image XYZ. Thus, three images are arranged at regular intervals (every other area) in this image data. The image data also has a mark for printing in the area F.

  FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram of a printing method of a comparative example. As will be described below, the printer 1 repeats the printing operation based on the image data in FIG. 5 and the conveying operation of the conveying amount corresponding to the length of one printed matter.

  First, in the first printing operation, the printer 1 prints the mirror image ABC in the area A while moving the head 31 in the moving direction, and prints the white image in the area C downstream of the conveyance direction in the conveyance direction. Then, the image XYZ is printed in the area E downstream of the area C in the transport direction. At this time, images are not printed in the regions B, D, and F. In the first printing operation, a mark is printed in the area F.

  After the first printing operation, the printer 1 transports the medium by a transport amount corresponding to the length of one printed matter (transport operation). By this transport operation, a medium on which an image has not yet been printed is transported to the region A, and the mirror image ABC printed in the region A is transported to the region B during the first print operation, and during the first print operation. The white image printed in the area C is conveyed to the area D, and the image XYZ printed in the area E is conveyed to the area F in the first printing operation.

  Also in the second printing operation, the printer 1 prints the mirror image ABC in the area A, the white image in the area C, and the image XYZ in the area E, as in the first printing operation. After the second printing operation, the printer 1 alternately repeats the same conveyance operation and printing operation. As can be seen from FIG. 6, a white image is printed on the mirror image ABC printed in the area A in the first printing operation by the third printing operation. Further, the image XYZ is printed on the white image printed in the region C in the first printing operation by the third printing operation. That is, the time from when the mirror image ABC is printed to when the white image is printed thereon is equal to the time from when the white image is printed until the image XYZ is printed thereon.

  In the fifth and subsequent printing operations, the printer 1 prints the mirror image ABC in the area A, the white image in the area C, and the image XYZ in the area E, as in the first printing operation. . However, in the fifth and subsequent printing operations, the region C has a mirror image ABC, and the region E has a white image printed on the mirror image ABC. For this reason, a white image is printed on the mirror image ABC in the area C by the fifth and subsequent printing operations, and one printed matter is completed in the area E. In the fifth and subsequent transport operations, a medium on which an image has not yet been printed is transported to the area A, and the mirror image ABC printed in the area A during the previous print operation is transported to the area B, and the previous print During the operation, the white image printed on the mirror image ABC in the region C is conveyed to the region D. Further, the printed matter completed in the area E at the time of the previous printing operation is conveyed to the area F.

<Printing Method of First Embodiment>
FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram of image data for the printing operation of the first embodiment. Compared with the comparative example, the position of the image XYZ is different. Specifically, the image data of the first embodiment has an image XYZ in a region F downstream of the region E in the transport direction. As shown in FIG. 7, an area corresponding to one printed matter is vacant between the mirror image ABC and the white image. That is, the mirror image ABC and the white image have an interval corresponding to twice the carry amount. On the other hand, an area for two printed materials is vacant between the white image and the image XYZ. That is, the white image and the image XYZ have an interval corresponding to three conveyance amounts.

  FIG. 8 is an explanatory diagram of the printing method of the first embodiment. The printer 1 repeats the printing operation based on the image data of FIG. 7 and the conveying operation of the conveying amount corresponding to the length of one printed matter.

  First, in the first printing operation, the printer 1 prints the mirror image ABC in the area A while moving the head 31 in the moving direction, and prints the white image in the area C downstream of the conveyance direction in the conveyance direction. Then, the image XYZ is printed in the area F downstream of the area C in the transport direction. At this time, no images are printed in the regions B, D, and E. In the first printing operation, a mark is printed in the area F.

  After the first printing operation, the printer 1 transports the medium by a transport amount corresponding to the length of one printed matter (transport operation). By this transport operation, a medium on which an image has not yet been printed is transported to the region A, and the mirror image ABC printed in the region A is transported to the region B during the first print operation, and during the first print operation. The white image printed in the area C is conveyed to the area D, and the image XYZ printed in the area F in the first printing operation is conveyed outside the printing area.

Also in the second printing operation, the printer 1 prints the mirror image ABC in the area A, the white image in the area C, and the image XYZ in the area F, as in the first printing operation.
After the second printing operation, the printer 1 conveys the medium by a conveyance amount corresponding to the length of one printed matter (conveying operation). By this transport operation, a medium on which an image has not yet been printed is transported to the region A, and the mirror image ABC printed in the region A is transported to the region B during the second print operation, and during the second print operation. A white image printed in area C is conveyed to area D. Also, the image XYZ printed in the area F during the second printing operation is conveyed outside the printing area.

Also in the third printing operation, the printer 1 prints the mirror image ABC in the area A, prints the white image in the area C, and prints the image XYZ in the area F, as in the first and second printing operations. . However, in the third printing operation, the region C has a mirror image ABC. Therefore, a white image is printed on the mirror image ABC in the region C by the third printing operation. At this time, the white image printed in the area C during the first printing operation is located in the area E. Therefore, the image ABC is printed on the white image is the next printing operation (fourth printing operation). That is, the time from printing the white image to printing the image XYZ on it is longer than the time from printing the mirror image ABC to printing the white image thereon.
After the third printing operation, the printer 1 alternately repeats the same conveyance operation and printing operation.

  In the sixth and subsequent printing operations, the printer 1 prints the mirror image ABC in the region A, the white image in the region C, and the image XYZ in the region F, as in the first printing operation. . However, in the sixth and subsequent printing operations, the region C has a mirror image ABC, and the region F has a white image printed on the mirror image ABC. For this reason, the mirror image ABC is printed in the region A, the white image is printed on the mirror image ABC in the region C, and one printed matter is completed in the region F by the sixth and subsequent printing operations. Further, in the sixth and subsequent transport operations, a medium on which an image has not yet been printed is transported to the area A, and the mirror image ABC printed in the area A during the previous print operation is transported to the area B, and the previous print During the operation, the white image printed on the mirror image ABC in the region C is conveyed to the region D.

<Comparison>
The drying time varies depending on the printing conditions of the image. For example, an image with a larger amount of ink used for printing such as a so-called solid image is harder to dry, and conversely, an image with a smaller amount of ink used such as a character image is easier to dry.

  Therefore, in the case of the printed matter of FIG. 4, it is more likely that the white image is more difficult to dry (the time until drying is longer) than the mirror image ABC. Nevertheless, in the comparative example, the time from printing the white image to printing the image XYZ thereon is equal to the time from printing the mirror image ABC to printing the white image thereon. ing. For this reason, the image XYZ may be printed in a state where the white image is not sufficiently dried. If the image XYZ is printed in a state where the white image is not dried, the image XYZ is blurred and the image quality is deteriorated.

  On the other hand, in the first embodiment, the time from printing the white image to printing the image XYZ thereon is longer than the time from printing the mirror image ABC to printing the white image thereon. It is getting longer. This is because the interval between the white image of the image data and the image XYZ is set wider than the interval between the mirror image ABC and the white image. Thus, by setting the position of each image of the image data according to the printing conditions, it is possible to adjust the drying time of the image. In this embodiment, since the time from printing a white image to printing an image XYZ thereon becomes longer, the image XYZ can be printed after the white image is sufficiently dried on the hot platen 41. it can. Thereby, blurring of the image XYZ can be suppressed.

  If the mirror image ABC is less likely to dry than the white image, it is preferable to prepare image data in which the interval between the mirror image ABC and the white image is set wider than the interval between the white image and the image XYZ. For example, image data having a mirror image ABC in the region A, a white image in the region D, and an image XYZ in the region F may be used. Thereby, the time until the white image is printed on the mirror image ABC can be lengthened. In this way, blurring of an image can be suppressed by setting a wide interval between an image that takes time to dry and an image located downstream thereof.

=== Second Embodiment ===
<Printed matter of the second embodiment>
FIG. 9 is an explanatory diagram of a printed matter according to the second embodiment. Compared to the first embodiment, the first layer image and the third layer image are different.

  The medium is composed of a sealing member, one of which is a printing surface and the other of which is an adhesive surface, and a peeling member that covers the adhesive surface of the sealing member. The seal member is made of a transparent film. However, the sealing member does not need to be transparent, and may be a translucent member or an opaque member. Further, the medium may not be a sticker sheet, may be a transparent film without an adhesive surface, or may be paper.

  The printed matter of the second embodiment is obtained by printing three images on the medium in the same manner as in the first embodiment. The first image printed on the medium is the first white image. The image printed on the first white image is the second white image. The image printed on the white image of the second layer is a character image “ABC” (hereinafter “image ABC”). In other words, the printed matter is obtained by forming the first and second layers of the white image and the third layer of the image ABC on the medium. In the second embodiment, since a plurality of white images are formed in an overlapping manner, the white image layer becomes thick. For this reason, the background image can be printed darkly, and the character “ABC” can be easily seen.

  In this case, since the white image on the first layer and the white image on the second layer are the same image, even if they are blurred, only the same color ink (white ink) is mixed, and the image quality is not affected. Therefore, in the second embodiment, as will be described later, the time from when the first white image is printed until the second white image is printed thereon is printed. The time until the image ABC is printed on the image ABC is shortened.

<Printing Method of Second Embodiment>
FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram of image data for the printing operation of the second embodiment. As shown in the figure, the image data includes two white images for printing in the area A and the area C, and an image ABC for printing in the area F. The image data also has a mark for printing in the area F. The white image in the area A is a first layer image (first white image), and the white image in the area C is a second layer image (second white image). As shown in FIG. 10, an area for one printed material is vacant between the first white image and the second white image. That is, the white image on the first layer and the white image on the second layer have an interval corresponding to twice the carry amount. On the other hand, an area for two printed materials is vacant between the white image on the second layer and the image ABC. That is, the second layer white image and the image ABC have an interval of three conveyance amounts.

  FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram of a printing operation according to the second embodiment. The printer 1 repeats the printing operation based on the image data of FIG. 10 and the conveying operation of the conveying amount corresponding to the length of one printed matter.

First, during the first printing operation, the printer 1 prints a white image in the area A and the area C downstream of the conveyance direction from the area A while moving the head 31 in the movement direction. The image ABC is printed in the region F on the downstream side in the transport direction. At this time, no images are printed in the regions B, D, and E. In the first printing operation, a mark is printed in the area F.
After the first printing operation, the printer 1 transports the medium by a transport amount corresponding to the length of one printed matter (transport operation). By this transport operation, a medium on which an image has not yet been printed is transported to the area A, and the white image printed in the area A is transported to the area B in the first print operation, and the first print operation is performed. The white image printed in the area C is conveyed to the area D, and the image ABC printed in the area F at the first printing operation is conveyed outside the printing area.

Also in the second printing operation, the printer 1 prints a white image in the area A and the area C and prints an image ABC in the area F as in the first printing operation.
After the second printing operation, the printer 1 conveys the medium by a conveyance amount corresponding to the length of one printed matter (conveying operation). By this transport operation, a medium on which an image has not yet been printed is transported to the area A, and the white image printed in the area A is transported to the area B in the second print operation, and the second print operation is performed. A white image printed in area C is conveyed to area D. Further, the image ABC printed in the area F during the second printing operation is conveyed outside the printing area.

Also in the third printing operation, the printer 1 prints a white image in the region A and the region C and prints an image ABC in the region F, as in the first and second printing operations. However, in the third printing operation, the area C includes the first white image. For this reason, in the area C, the second white image is printed on the first white image by the third printing operation. At this time, the white image printed in the area C during the first printing operation is located in the area E. Therefore, the image ABC is printed on the white image is the next printing operation (fourth printing operation). In other words, the second layer white image (the white image printed in the region C) is printed more than the time from when the first layer white image is printed until the second layer white image is printed thereon. It takes longer to print the image ABC on it.
After the third printing operation, the printer 1 alternately repeats the same conveyance operation and printing operation.

  In the sixth and subsequent printing operations, the printer 1 prints a white image in the area A and the area C and prints an image ABC in the area F, as in the first printing operation. However, in the sixth and subsequent printing operations, the region C has a first white image and the region F has a two-layer printed white image. For this reason, in the printing operation after the sixth time, the first white image is printed in the area A, the second white image is printed on the first white image in the area C, and 1 in the area F. Pieces of printed matter are completed. Further, in the sixth and subsequent transport operations, a medium on which an image has not yet been printed is transported to the area A, and the white image printed in the area A during the previous print operation is transported to the area B, and the previous print During the operation, the second-layer white image printed on the first-layer white image in the region C is conveyed to the region E.

  As described above, in the second embodiment, by using the image data of FIG. 10, the time from when the first white image is printed to when the second white image is printed thereon is 2 The time from printing the white image of the layer to printing the image ABC thereon is longer. Therefore, the image ABC can be printed after the two-layer white image is sufficiently dried on the hot platen 41. Thereby, the blur of the image ABC can be suppressed.

  In the second embodiment, the first layer and the second layer are white images, but are not limited to white images, and may be background images of other colors, for example. In short, the same image may be used. As described above, when the same image is overlapped, the image quality is not affected even if the ink bleeds. Therefore, the time from printing the first layer image to printing the second layer image may be short. . In this case, the interval between the first layer image and the second layer image of the image data can be narrowed, thereby increasing the interval between the second layer image and the third layer image. By doing so, it is possible to set a long time from printing the second layer image to printing the third layer image thereon. Therefore, the third layer image can be printed after the second layer image is sufficiently dried, and bleeding of the third layer image can be suppressed.

=== Third Embodiment ===
<Printed matter of the third embodiment>
FIG. 12 is an explanatory diagram of a printed matter according to the third embodiment. Compared to the second embodiment, the image under the image ABC is different.

  The medium is composed of a sealing member, one of which is a printing surface and the other of which is an adhesive surface, and a peeling member that covers the adhesive surface of the sealing member. The seal member is made of a transparent film. However, the sealing member does not need to be transparent, and may be a translucent member or an opaque member. Further, the medium may not be a sticker sheet, may be a transparent film without an adhesive surface, or may be paper.

  This printed matter is obtained by printing three images on a medium in a superimposed manner. The first image printed on the medium is a rectangular image formed by applying a fixing agent (hereinafter referred to as “background image”). In the third embodiment, the second-layer background image is formed on the first-layer background image. The image printed on the second layer background image is an image ABC. In other words, this printed matter is obtained by forming the first and second layers of the base image and the third layer of the image ABC on the medium. In this case as well, the first layer background image and the second layer background image are the same image as in the second embodiment. Therefore, in the third embodiment, as will be described later, the time from when the first layer background image is printed to when the second layer background image is printed thereon is printed after the second layer background image is printed. The time until the image ABC is printed is set to be shorter.

  The fixing agent has a function of promoting ink absorption. By printing the base image with such a fixing agent on the medium, it becomes easy to print the image (here, the image ABC) on the medium that hardly absorbs ink. In this embodiment, since the fixing agent is stacked in two layers, the fixing agent can be formed (applied) thickly. A fixing agent having another function may be used.

<Printing Method of Third Embodiment>
FIG. 13 is an explanatory diagram of image data for the printing operation of the third embodiment. As shown in the figure, the image data has two background images for printing in the area A and the area C, and an image ABC for printing in the area F. The image data also has a mark for printing in the area F. Note that the background image in the region A is the first layer image (first layer background image), and the background image in the region C is the second layer image (second layer background image). As shown in FIG. 13, an area corresponding to one printed matter is vacant between the first layer background image and the second layer background image. That is, there is an interval corresponding to twice the carry amount between the first layer background image and the second layer background image. On the other hand, an area corresponding to two printed materials is vacant between the second-layer background image and the image ABC. That is, the second layer base image and the image ABC have an interval corresponding to three conveyance amounts.

  FIG. 14 is an explanatory diagram of a printing operation according to the third embodiment. The printer 1 repeats the printing operation based on the image data in FIG. 13 and the conveying operation for a conveying amount corresponding to the length of one printed matter.

First, in the first printing operation, the printer 1 prints a base image in the area A and the area C downstream of the conveyance direction from the area A while moving the head 31 in the movement direction. The image ABC is printed in the region F on the downstream side in the transport direction. At this time, no image is printed in the region B, the region D, and the region E. In the first printing operation, a mark is printed in the area F.
After the first printing operation, the printer 1 transports the medium by a transport amount corresponding to the length of one printed matter (transport operation). By this transport operation, a medium on which an image has not yet been printed is transported to the region A, and the ground image printed in the region A is transported to the region B during the first print operation, and during the first print operation. The background image printed in the area C is conveyed to the area D, and the image ABC printed in the area F in the first printing operation is conveyed outside the printing area.

Also in the second printing operation, the printer 1 prints the background image in the area A and the area C and prints the image ABC in the area F, as in the first printing operation.
After the second printing operation, the printer 1 conveys the medium by a conveyance amount corresponding to the length of one printed matter (conveying operation). By this transport operation, a medium on which an image has not yet been printed is transported to the region A, and the base image printed in the region A is transported to the region B during the second print operation, and during the second print operation. The base image printed in area C is conveyed to area D. Further, the image ABC printed in the area F during the second printing operation is conveyed outside the printing area.

Also in the third printing operation, the printer 1 prints the base image in the area A and the area C and prints the image ABC in the area F, as in the first and second printing operations. However, in the third printing operation, the region C includes the first layer base image. For this reason, in the area C, the second-layer background image is printed on the first-layer background image by the third printing operation. At this time, the base image printed in the area C in the first printing operation is located in the area E. Therefore, the image ABC is printed on the base image in the next printing operation (fourth printing operation). That is, after printing the first layer background image and printing the second layer background image thereon, the second layer background image (the background image printed in the region C) is printed and then The time until the image ABC is printed is longer.
After the third printing operation, the printer 1 alternately repeats the same conveyance operation and printing operation.

  In the sixth and subsequent printing operations, the printer 1 prints the background image in the area A and the area C and prints the image ABC in the area F as in the first printing operation. However, in the sixth and subsequent printing operations, the area C has a first background image and the area F has a two-layer background image printed in an overlapping manner. For this reason, in the area C, the second-layer background image is printed on the first-layer background image by the sixth and subsequent printing operations, and in the area F, one printed matter is completed. Further, in the sixth and subsequent transport operations, a medium on which an image has not yet been printed is transported to the area A, and the base image printed in the area A during the previous print operation is transported to the area B, and the previous print During operation, the base image printed on the base image in region C is conveyed to region D.

  As described above, in the third embodiment, by using the image data of FIG. 13, the second layer lower than the time from when the first background image is printed until the second layer background image is printed thereon. The time from printing the ground image to printing the image ABC thereon is longer. Therefore, the image ABC can be printed after the two-layer base image is sufficiently dried on the hot platen 41. Thereby, the blur of the image ABC can be suppressed.

Note that in the third embodiment, two layers of base images are stacked. As described in the second embodiment, when a plurality of the same images are stacked, even if the ink bleeds, the image quality is not affected. Therefore, after the first (first layer) background image is printed, the next (second layer) The time required to print the background image may be short. That is, the interval between the positions of the background image in the image data can be reduced, and the interval between the background image and the image ABC can be increased. By doing this, it is possible to set a long time from printing the background to printing the image ABC thereon. Therefore, the image ABC can be printed after the background image is sufficiently dried, and bleeding of the image ABC can be suppressed.
Further, by overlaying the base image in two layers, the fixing agent can be formed thickly (applied), and the image ABC can be more easily printed.

=== Fourth Embodiment ===
<Printed matter of 4th Embodiment>
FIG. 15 is an explanatory diagram of a printed matter according to the fourth embodiment. Compared with the first embodiment, the image of each layer is different.
The medium is composed of a sealing member, one of which is a printing surface and the other of which is an adhesive surface, and a peeling member that covers the adhesive surface of the sealing member. The seal member is made of a transparent film. However, the sealing member does not need to be transparent, and may be a translucent member or an opaque member. Further, the medium may not be a sticker sheet, may be a transparent film without an adhesive surface, or may be paper.

  This printed matter is obtained by printing three images on a medium in a superimposed manner. The first image printed on the medium is a white image. An image printed on the white image is an image ABC. The image printed on the image ABC is a rectangular image (hereinafter, “coating image”) formed by applying a coating agent. In other words, the printed material is obtained by forming a first layer of a white image, a second layer of an image ABC, and a third layer of a coating image on the medium. In the present embodiment, it is assumed that the image ABC is easier to dry than the white image.

  A coating agent has the effect | action which improves glossiness, the effect | action which improves water resistance, etc. That is, by forming such a coating agent as the third layer, the gloss of the image ABC can be improved, and the water resistance of the printed matter can be improved. In addition, you may use the coating agent with another effect | action.

<Printing Method of Fourth Embodiment>
FIG. 16 is an explanatory diagram of image data for the printing operation of the fourth embodiment. As shown in the figure, the image data includes a white image to be printed in the area A, an image ABC to be printed in the area D, and a coating image to be printed in the area F. The image data also has a mark for printing in the area F. As shown in FIG. 16, there is an area for two printed materials between the white image and the image ABC. That is, the white image and the image ABC have an interval corresponding to three conveyance amounts. On the other hand, an area for one printed matter is vacant between the image ABC and the coating image. In other words, the image ABC and the coating image have an interval corresponding to the transport amount twice.

  FIG. 17 is an explanatory diagram of a printing operation according to the fourth embodiment. The printer 1 repeats the printing operation based on the image data in FIG. 16 and the conveying operation of the conveying amount corresponding to the length of one printed matter.

First, during the first printing operation, the printer 1 prints a white image in the area A, prints an image ABC in the area D, and prints a coating image in the area F while moving the head 31 in the moving direction. To do. At this time, no images are printed in the regions B, C, and E. In the first printing operation, a mark is printed in the area F.
After the first printing operation, the printer 1 transports the medium by a transport amount corresponding to the length of one printed matter (transport operation). By this transport operation, a medium on which an image has not yet been printed is transported to the area A, and the white image printed in the area A is transported to the area B in the first print operation, and the first print operation is performed. The image ABC printed in the area D is conveyed to the area E, and the coating image printed in the area F in the first printing operation is conveyed outside the printing area.

Also in the second printing operation, the printer 1 prints the white image in the area A, the image ABC in the area D, and the coating image in the area F, as in the first printing operation.
After the second printing operation, the printer 1 conveys the medium by a conveyance amount corresponding to the length of one printed matter (conveying operation). By this transport operation, a medium on which an image has not yet been printed is transported to the area A, and the white image printed in the area A is transported to the area B in the second print operation, and the second print operation is performed. The image ABC printed in the area D is conveyed to the area E.

Also in the third printing operation, the printer 1 prints a white image in the area A, prints an image ABC in the area D, and prints a coating image in the area F, as in the first and second printing operations. . However, in the third printing operation, an image ABC exists in the area F. Therefore, the coating image is printed on the image ABC in the region F by the third printing operation. At this time, the white image printed in the area A during the first printing operation is located in the area C. Therefore, the image ABC is printed on the white image is the next printing operation (fourth printing operation). That is, the time from printing the white image to printing the image ABC thereon is longer than the time from printing the image ABC to printing the coating image thereon.
After the third printing operation, the printer 1 alternately repeats the same conveyance operation and printing operation.

  In the sixth and subsequent printing operations, the printer 1 prints a white image in the area A, prints an image ABC in the area D, and prints a coating image in the area F, as in the first printing operation. . However, in the sixth and subsequent printing operations, the region D has a white image, and the region F has an image ABC printed on the white image. For this reason, the image ABC is printed on the white image in the region D by the sixth and subsequent printing operations, and one printed matter is completed in the region F. Further, in the sixth and subsequent transport operations, a medium on which an image has not yet been printed is transported to the area A, and the white image printed in the area A during the previous print operation is transported to the area B, and the previous print During operation, the image ABC printed on the white image in the region D is conveyed to the region E.

  In the fourth embodiment, the time from printing the white image to printing the image ABC thereon is longer than the time from printing the image ABC to printing the coating image thereon. ing. Therefore, after the white image that is difficult to dry is sufficiently dried by the hot platen 41, the image ABC can be printed thereon. Therefore, bleeding of the image ABC can be suppressed. Further, since the coating image is printed on the image ABC, the gloss of the image ABC can be further improved, and the water resistance of the printed matter can be further improved.

  In general, an image with a larger printing area (an image with a larger amount of ink to be used) is more difficult to dry, and therefore, it is sufficient to increase the time until the next image is printed. That is, the interval between the next image in the image data (the image on the downstream side in the transport direction) may be increased. Conversely, an image with a smaller printing area (an image with a smaller amount of ink to be used) can be dried more easily, so that the time until the next image is printed may be shortened. That is, the interval with the next image (image on the downstream side in the transport direction) in the image data may be narrowed. Thus, by determining the arrangement of the image data according to the difference in printing conditions (in this case, the ink amount), the drying time of each image can be optimized.

  For example, compare the image data of the first embodiment (FIG. 7) and the image data of the fourth embodiment (FIG. 16).

  Focusing on the first layer image, it is a mirror image ABC in FIG. 7 and a white image in FIG. Since the white image is a so-called solid image, the amount of ink used for printing is larger than the amount of ink used for printing the mirror image ABC. That is, the white image is more difficult to dry than the mirror image ABC. Therefore, when the first layer is a mirror image ABC (FIG. 7), the second layer image (white image) is defined as a region C, whereas when the first layer is a white image (FIG. 16), the second layer The layer image (image ABC) is defined as a region D downstream of the region C in the transport direction. When the first layer image is difficult to dry (an image with a large amount of ink) as described above, the second layer image is determined on the downstream side in the transport direction, so that the second layer image is printed and then the second layer image is printed. The time until the layer image is printed can be set longer. On the other hand, when the image of the first layer is easy to dry like the mirror image ABC of FIG. 7, the image of the second layer and the image of the third layer are determined by determining the image of the second layer on the upstream side in the transport direction. Can be widened. That is, the time from printing the second layer image to printing the third layer image can be set longer.

  Focusing on the second layer image, FIG. 7 shows a white image and FIG. 16 shows an image ABC. Also in this case, a white image with a large amount of ink is less likely to dry than an image ABC. 7 and 16, the position of the third layer image is the region F. Therefore, in FIG. 16, the second layer image (image ABC) is defined as the region D, whereas in FIG. 7, the second layer image (white image) is defined in the region C upstream of the region D in the transport direction. It has established. In this way, in the case where the second layer image is difficult to dry (an image with a large amount of ink), the second layer image is determined on the upstream side in the transport direction, whereby the second layer image is printed and then the third layer image is printed. The time until the layer image is printed can be set longer. Conversely, in the case where the image of the second layer is easy to dry like the image ABC in FIG. 16, the image of the first layer and the image of the second layer are determined by determining the image of the second layer on the downstream side in the transport direction. Can be widened. That is, it is possible to set a long time from printing the first layer image to printing the second layer image.

  As described above, the arrangement of the image data may be determined according to the first layer image. Or you may determine the arrangement | positioning of the image of image data according to the image of a 2nd layer. The arrangement of the image data may be determined by a combination of the first layer image and the second layer image.

=== Fifth Embodiment ===
<Printed matter of 5th Embodiment>
FIG. 18 is an explanatory diagram of a printed matter according to the fifth embodiment. Compared with the printed matter of the first embodiment, the image of the uppermost layer (third layer) is different.
The medium is composed of a sealing member, one of which is a printing surface and the other of which is an adhesive surface, and a peeling member that covers the adhesive surface of the sealing member. The seal member is made of a transparent film. However, the sealing member does not need to be transparent and may be a translucent member. Further, the medium may not be a sticker sheet, and may be a transparent film having no adhesive surface.

  This printed matter is obtained by printing three images on a medium in a superimposed manner. The first image printed on the medium is the mirror image ABC. The image printed on the mirror image ABC is two white images. In other words, this printed matter is obtained by overlapping the first layer of the mirror image ABC with the second and third layers of the white image.

  Similarly to the first embodiment, if the peeling member of this printed matter is removed and the adhesive surface of the seal member is attached to, for example, a window from the indoor side, the letters “ABC” can be seen from the outside through the seal member ( The character “ABC” can be seen from the side opposite to the printing surface of the seal member). When the printed material is used in this way, the sealing member may be a transparent or translucent member, and the first layer image may be a mirror image. In the fifth embodiment, since a plurality of white images are formed in an overlapping manner, the white image layer becomes thick. For this reason, since the background image can be printed darkly, for example, when used as described above, it is easy to see the characters “ABC” from the outdoor side.

  As described above, when the same image is overlaid, even if it blurs, only the same color ink is mixed and the image quality is not affected. Therefore, in the fifth embodiment, as will be described later, the time from when the first white image (second layer) is printed until the second white image (third layer) is printed thereon. The time from when the mirror image ABC (first layer) is printed to when the first white image (second layer) is printed thereon is shorter.

<Printing Method of Fifth Embodiment>
FIG. 19 is an explanatory diagram of image data for the printing operation of the fourth embodiment. As shown in the figure, the image data includes a mirror image ABC for printing in the area A and two white images for printing in the area D and the area F. The image data also has a mark for printing in the area F.

  The white image in the region D is a second layer image (first layer white image), and the white image in the region F is a third layer image (second layer white image). As shown in FIG. 19, there is an area for two printed materials between the mirror image ABC and the first white image. In other words, the mirror image ABC and the white image of the first layer have an interval corresponding to three conveyance amounts. On the other hand, an area corresponding to one printed matter is vacant between the first white image and the second white image. That is, the white image on the first layer and the white image on the second layer have an interval corresponding to twice the carry amount.

  FIG. 20 is an explanatory diagram of a printing method according to the fifth embodiment. As will be described below, in the fifth embodiment, the printer repeats the printing operation based on the image data in FIG. 19 and the carrying operation for the carrying amount corresponding to the length of one printed matter.

First, in the first printing operation, the printer 1 prints the mirror image ABC in the area A while moving the head 31 in the moving direction, and respectively prints the area D and the area F downstream of the area A in the transport direction. Print a white image. In the first printing operation, a mark is printed in the area F.
After the first printing operation, the printer 1 transports the medium by a transport amount corresponding to the length of one printed matter (transport operation). This transport operation also serves as a standby operation for drying the white image and the image ABC. By this transport operation, a medium on which an image has not yet been printed is transported to the region A, and the mirror image ABC printed in the region A during the first printing operation is transported to the region B, and the white image printed in the region D The image is conveyed to region E. In addition, the white image printed in the area F during the first printing operation is conveyed outside the printing area.

Also in the second printing operation, the printer 1 prints the mirror image ABC in the area A and prints white images in the area D and the area F, respectively, as in the first printing operation.
After the second printing operation, the printer 1 conveys the medium by a conveyance amount corresponding to the length of one printed matter (conveying operation). By this transport operation, a medium on which an image has not yet been printed is transported to the region A, and the mirror image ABC printed in the region A is transported to the region B during the second print operation, and during the second print operation. The white image printed in area D is conveyed to area E. In addition, the white image printed in the area F during the second printing operation is conveyed outside the printing area.

Also in the third printing operation, the printer 1 prints the mirror image ABC in the area A and prints white images in the area D and the area F, respectively, as in the first printing operation. However, in the third printing operation, the region F includes a first-layer white image (a white image printed in the region D). For this reason, in the area F, the second white image is printed on the first white image by the third printing operation. At this time, the mirror image ABC printed in the area A in the first printing operation is located in the area C. Therefore, the white image is printed on the mirror image ABC is the next printing operation (fourth printing operation). That is, the time from printing the mirror image ABC to printing the first layer white image is longer than the time from printing the first layer white image to printing the second layer white image thereon. The time is longer.
After the third printing operation, the printer 1 alternately repeats the same conveyance operation and printing operation.

  Also in the sixth printing operation, the printer 1 prints the mirror image ABC in the area A and prints the white images in the area D and the area F, respectively, as in the first and second printing operations. However, in the sixth printing operation, the region D has a mirror image ABC, and the region F has a white image printed on the mirror image ABC. For this reason, a white image is printed on the mirror image ABC in the region D by the sixth and subsequent printing operations, and one printed matter is completed in the region F. Further, in the sixth and subsequent transport operations, a medium on which an image has not yet been printed is transported to the area A, and the mirror image ABC printed in the area A during the previous print operation is transported to the area B, and the previous print During the operation, the white image printed on the mirror image ABC in the region D is conveyed to the region E.

  As described above, in the fifth embodiment, by using the image data of FIG. 19, the mirror image is longer than the time from when the first white image is printed to when the second white image is printed thereon. The time from printing ABC to printing a white image on it is longer. Therefore, the white image can be printed after the mirror image ABC is sufficiently dried on the hot platen 41. Thereby, blurring of the mirror image ABC can be suppressed.

  Note that, as described above, when the same image is printed in an overlapping manner, even if the ink is blurred, the image quality is not affected. In the case of the fifth embodiment, among the three-layer images formed on the medium, the second-layer image and the third-layer image are the same image (white image). Therefore, in this case, the time from printing the second layer image (first white image) to printing the third layer image (second white image) may be short. . In other words, the interval between the second layer image and the third layer image of the image data can be narrowed, and thereby the interval between the first layer image and the second layer image can be widened. By doing so, the time from printing the first layer image to printing the second layer image thereon becomes longer. Therefore, after the image of the first layer is sufficiently dried, the image of the second layer can be printed, and bleeding of the image of the first layer can be suppressed.

=== Sixth Embodiment ===
<Printed Material of Sixth Embodiment>
FIG. 21 is an explanatory diagram of a printed matter according to the sixth embodiment. Compared to the first embodiment, the number of image layers is different. Further, as will be described later, the configuration of the white image is also different.
The medium is composed of a sealing member, one of which is a printing surface and the other of which is an adhesive surface, and a peeling member that covers the adhesive surface of the sealing member. The seal member is made of a transparent film. However, the sealing member does not need to be transparent and may be a translucent member. Further, the medium may not be a sticker sheet, and may be a transparent film having no adhesive surface.

  This printed matter is obtained by printing four images on a medium in a superimposed manner. The first image printed on the medium is the mirror image ABC. In addition, two white images are printed on the mirror image ABC. The image printed on the white image is the image XYZ. In other words, this printed matter is obtained by overlapping the first layer of the mirror image ABC, the second and third layers of the white image, and the fourth layer of the image XYZ.

  If the peeling member of this printed matter is removed and the adhesive surface of the seal member is attached to a window from the indoor side, for example, the characters “XYZ” can be seen from the indoor side, and the characters “ABC” can be seen from the outdoor side through the seal member. (The letters “ABC” can be seen from the side opposite to the printing surface of the seal member). That is, this printed matter is one in which images can be seen from both sides. When the printed material is used in this way, the sealing member may be a transparent or translucent member, and the first layer image may be a mirror image.

  In the sixth embodiment, since a plurality of white images are formed in an overlapping manner, the white image layer is thicker than in the first embodiment. For this reason, in the sixth embodiment, compared to the first embodiment, when the character “ABC” is viewed from the outdoor side, the image XYZ is less transparent, and conversely, the character “XYZ” is viewed from the indoor side. Sometimes the mirror image ABC is difficult to see through.

<Printing Method of Sixth Embodiment>
FIG. 22 is an explanatory diagram of image data for the printing operation of the sixth embodiment. As shown in the figure, the image data includes a mirror image ABC for printing in the area A, two white images for printing in the area C and the area D, and an image XYZ for printing in the area F. Note that the white image to be printed in the region C is the second layer image (first layer white image), and the white image to be printed in the region D is the third layer image (second layer white image). The image data also has a mark for printing in the area F.

  As shown in FIG. 22, there is an area for one printed material between the mirror image ABC and the first white image. That is, the mirror image ABC and the white image of the first layer have an interval corresponding to twice the carry amount. The first white image and the second white image are adjacent to each other. That is, the first white image and the second white image have an interval corresponding to one conveyance amount. Further, the second layer white image and the image XYZ have an area for one printed matter. That is, the second layer white image and the image XYZ have an interval corresponding to twice the carry amount.

  Here, focusing on the mirror image ABC and the two white images, the interval between the first layer white image and the second layer white image is narrower than the interval between the mirror image ABC and the first layer white image. ing. When attention is paid to the two white images and the image XYZ, the interval between the first white image and the second white image is smaller than the interval between the second white image and the image XYZ. Yes. This is because, as described above, when the same image is printed in an overlapping manner, the drying time may be short because there is no influence of bleeding of the image. Thus, by narrowing the interval between the two white images, the interval between the mirror image ABC and the first white image, and the second layer white image and the image XYZ can be increased. As a result, as described later, it is possible to lengthen the time from printing the mirror image ABC to printing the white image and the time from printing the white image to printing the image XYZ. It is possible to suppress bleeding of ABC and image XYZ.

  FIG. 23 is an explanatory diagram of a configuration of two white images according to the sixth embodiment. Black circles in the figure indicate dots formed with white ink. In this example, dots of white ink are not formed on all pixels (rather than a so-called solid image), dots are formed in a checkered pattern. In addition, two white images on the image data are set so that dots of the other white image are formed at pixels where no dots are formed in one white image.

  FIG. 24 is an explanatory diagram of a printing method according to the sixth embodiment. As will be described below, in the sixth embodiment, the printer 1 repeats the printing operation based on the image data in FIG. 22 and the conveyance operation of the conveyance amount corresponding to the length of one printed matter.

First, in the first printing operation, the printer 1 prints the mirror image ABC in the area A while moving the head 31 in the moving direction, and respectively prints the area C and the area D downstream of the area A in the transport direction. A white image is printed, and an image XYZ is printed in a region F downstream of the regions C and D in the transport direction. In the first printing operation, a mark is printed in the area F.
After the first printing operation, the printer 1 transports the medium by a transport amount corresponding to the length of one printed matter (transport operation). This conveying operation also serves as a standby operation for drying the mirror image ABC and the white image. By this transport operation, a medium on which an image has not yet been printed is transported to the region A, and the mirror image ABC printed in the region A is transported to the region B during the first print operation, and during the first print operation. The white images printed in the areas C and D are respectively conveyed to the adjacent areas on the downstream side in the conveyance direction.

  Also in the second printing operation, the printer 1 prints a mirror image ABC in the area A, prints a white image in each of the areas C and D, and prints an image XYZ in the area F, as in the first printing operation. To do. After the second printing operation, the printer 1 alternately repeats the same conveyance operation and printing operation.

  In the sixth and subsequent printing operations, the printer 1 prints the mirror image ABC in the area A, prints the white image in the area C and the area D, and prints the image in the area F, as in the first printing operation. XYZ is printed. However, in the printing operation after the sixth time, the area C has a mirror image ABC, the area D has a one-layer white image printed on the mirror image ABC, and the area F has 2 printed on the mirror image ABC. There is a white image of the layer. Therefore, by the sixth and subsequent printing operations, the first layer white image is printed on the mirror image ABC in the region C, and the second layer is printed on the first layer white image printed on the mirror image ABC in the region D. In the region F, one printed matter is completed.

  In the sixth embodiment, the time from when the first (first layer) white image is printed until the next (second layer) white image is printed (that is, the time during which the same image is overlaid and printed). However, it is shorter than the time from printing the mirror image ABC to printing the first white image and the time from printing the second white image to printing the image XYZ.

  In the sixth embodiment, the two white images are not so-called solid images but may be thinned-out images in which dots are complementary to each other, and are composed of, for example, checkered dots. That is, when printing a white image in the region C or the region D, the dots of white ink ejected from the head are thinned out and printed in two times, so that the ink of the dots of adjacent pixels is mixed. Can be prevented and drying can be accelerated. However, since the background image is composed of the same color ink, even if the dots constituting the first white image and the next white image are blurred, only the same color ink is mixed and the image quality is hardly affected. For this reason, the time from printing the first white image to printing the second white image can be shortened. Thereby, it is possible to set a long time from printing the white image of the second layer to printing the image XYZ. Further, it is possible to set a long time from printing the mirror image ABC to printing the first white image.

  In the above embodiment, the two white images are in a checkered pattern, but the two white images may be solid images, and dots may be formed on the same pixel. Even in this case, since the same color inks are mixed, there is little influence on the image quality, and recording the white ink thickly increases the light shielding property and improves the visibility of the mirror image ABC and the image XYZ. The drying time may be short.

  In the sixth embodiment, since the time from printing the mirror image ABC to printing the white image becomes longer, the white image can be printed after the mirror image ABC is sufficiently dried on the hot platen 41. Thereby, blurring of the mirror image ABC can be suppressed. In the sixth embodiment, since the time from printing a white image to printing the image XYZ becomes longer, the image XYZ can be printed after the white image is sufficiently dried on the hot platen 41. . Thereby, the blur of the image XYZ can be suppressed.

  As described above, even when three or more images are formed in an overlapping manner, blurring of the image can be suppressed by determining the arrangement of each image of the image data according to the printing conditions.

=== Seventh Embodiment ===
You may make it print the image (for example, image ABC or image XYZ) of embodiment mentioned above using the UV ink hardened | cured by irradiation of UV light (ultraviolet light). In this case, for example, a UV light source (not shown) for irradiating UV light may be provided on the carriage 21 so as to be upstream of the head 31 in the movement direction. Thus, when the carriage 21 and the head 31 move in the movement direction during the printing operation, the UV light source also moves in the movement direction. In this movement, the UV light source may irradiate the medium with UV light.

  With the above configuration, the UV ink ejected from the head 31 in the printing operation is irradiated with the UV light from the UV light source after landing on the medium. As a result, the UV ink is cured (dried) and fixed to the medium.

  Thus, by printing using UV ink, the image can be dried in a short time. Therefore, for example, in the case where the image ABC is printed with UV ink in the fourth embodiment, since the drying time of the UV ink is short, the position of the image ABC of the image data is set to the region E downstream of the region D in the transport direction. May be. Thereby, the image ABC can be printed after the white image is surely dried, and bleeding of the image ABC can be further suppressed.

In the seventh embodiment, the case of using UV ink has been described. However, the arrangement of each image of image data may be determined according to the type of liquid used, such as dye ink, pigment ink, and fixing material. .
For example, in the case of an image using a liquid that is easy to dry, the time until the next image is printed may be shortened. That is, the interval with the next image (image on the downstream side in the transport direction) in the image data may be narrowed. Conversely, in the case of an image using a liquid that is difficult to dry, the time until the next image is printed may be increased. That is, the interval between the next image in the image data (the image on the downstream side in the transport direction) may be increased. In this way, by determining the arrangement of the image data according to the type of liquid, the drying time of each image can be optimized.

=== Other Embodiments ===
The above-described embodiment is mainly described for a printer. Among them, a printing apparatus, a recording apparatus, a liquid ejection apparatus, a printing method, a recording method, a liquid ejection method, a printing system, a recording system, and a computer system are included. Needless to say, the disclosure includes a program, a storage medium storing the program, a method for producing a printed material, and the like.

  Moreover, although the printer etc. as one embodiment were demonstrated, said embodiment is for making an understanding of this invention easy, and is not for limiting and interpreting this invention. The present invention can be changed and improved without departing from the gist thereof, and it is needless to say that the present invention includes equivalents thereof. In particular, the embodiments described below are also included in the present invention.

<About printing devices>
In the above-described embodiment, the image data is stored in the memory 63 of the printer 1. However, the memory for storing the image data may not be the memory 63 of the printer 1. For example, the image data may be stored in a memory (not shown) of the external computer 110. In this case, the computer 110 and the printer 1 constitute a printing apparatus.

<About the printer>
In the printer 1 described above, a single printing operation for printing on the entire surface of the printing area is possible by moving the carriage once in the transport direction. However, the printer is not limited to such a printer. For example, the printer may be configured such that the carriage is moved two-dimensionally on the printing area and a printing operation is performed once in the printing area by a plurality of movements. With such a printer, the printing operation takes longer time than the above-described printer, but the size of the head can be reduced, for example.

  In each of the above-described embodiments, one area is conveyed by one conveyance operation. However, two or more areas may be conveyed by one conveyance operation. However, the transport amount of each transport operation during one printing process is constant.

  Further, according to the present invention, in each of the above-described embodiments, the number of times the medium is transported from when the first image is printed to when the second image is overlaid on the first image, and further, the second image is printed. It is also possible to vary the number of times the medium is conveyed from when the third image is overlaid and printed. If the number of times of conveyance is different, the drying time until the images are overlaid and printed differs, so that the length of the drying time can be adjusted according to the image. In the case of a printing process in which three or more images are printed in a superimposed manner, the first image and the second image, or the second image and the third image are printed in a superimposed manner 2 Any one image can be used.

  In addition, the present invention prints the first image after printing the first image for each printing process in which printing is performed by alternately performing the printing operation based on the image data and the predetermined amount of conveying operation. It is also possible to vary the number of times of transporting the medium (hereinafter simply referred to as the number of transports) until printing is repeated. For example, the number of conveyances may vary depending on the image to be printed. Specifically, in the case of an image that is easy to dry, the number of times of conveyance may be one, and in the case of an image that is difficult to dry, the number of times of conveyance may be two. Further, when it is difficult to dry but there is no influence of bleeding (for example, when the first image and the second image are white images), the number of conveyances may be set to one. Further, for example, the number of conveyances may be varied depending on the drying conditions. Specifically, when a drying apparatus such as the hot platen 41 is used, the number of times of conveyance may be set to one, and when the hot platen 41 is not used, the number of times of conveyance may be set to two. Further, for example, the number of conveyances may be varied depending on the type of medium. Specifically, when printing on a medium that easily absorbs ink, the number of times of conveyance may be one, and when printing on a medium that does not easily absorb ink, the number of times of conveyance may be two. As described above, if the number of times of conveyance is different, the drying time until the images are printed on top of each other is different. Therefore, the length of the drying time can be adjusted according to the printing conditions such as the image, the medium type, and the drying conditions. . Thereby, a good printed matter can be obtained.

  In the case of a printing process in which three or more images are printed in an overlapping manner, the first image and the second image may be two images that are printed in an overlapping manner, or two images. May be a printing process in which In this case, the length of the transport amount transported in one transport operation may vary depending on the printing process, but the transport amount of one transport during one print process is constant.

<About images>
In the above-described embodiment, the image ABC, the mirror image ABC, the image XYZ, and the like are printed. However, the image to be printed is not limited to a character image, and may be a graphic or the like.

  In the above-described embodiment, a white image is printed as a background image for making the image ABC or the like easier to see. However, the background image is not limited to a white image (white), and may be an image of another color. When the image ABC is printed on a transparent medium, the image ABC is particularly easy to see due to the presence of the background image, and the image ABC is further easy to see by forming the background thick.

  In the above-described embodiment, the undercoat image such as the background image, the background image, the coating image, or the like is a rectangle, but is not limited to a rectangle. For example, such an undercoat image may have a shape similar to ABC or a shape that borders ABC in accordance with the image ABC. In this case, the image arrangement of the image data may be determined according to the drying time of the image of each layer.

  In the above-described embodiment, the base image and the coating image are formed to perform processing for improving the ink absorbency, glossiness, and water resistance, but the processing image for processing is the above-described base image. It is not limited to images and coating images. For example, the processing image may be an adhesive layer image for forming an adhesive layer, or a concealing layer for forming a concealing layer for a scratch card (a card that appears when a silver concealing layer is shaved with a coin). It may be an image.

<About printed matter>
As an example of use of the printed material on which the mirror image ABC and the image XYZ are printed, the application to the window or the like has been described. However, the method of using the printed material is not limited to this. For example, it can be used as a tag. Assuming that the printed material is used like a tag, it will be understood that the medium does not have to have an adhesive surface like a sticker sheet.

<About drying mechanism>
In the above-described embodiment, the heating range of the drying mechanism 42 can be switched by the controller 60. However, in the above-described embodiment, one printed matter is completed by one printing operation, so a drying mechanism 42 having a small heating range (for example, a drying mechanism 42 having a heating range corresponding to one region) is prepared from the beginning. May be. Thereby, space saving and cost reduction can be achieved.

1 is a block diagram of an overall configuration of a printer 1. FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of an overall configuration of a printer 1. FIG. It is explanatory drawing of the printing area vicinity. It is explanatory drawing of the printed matter of 1st Embodiment. It is explanatory drawing of the image data for printing operation of a comparative example. It is explanatory drawing of the printing method of a comparative example. It is explanatory drawing of the image data for printing operation of 1st Embodiment. It is explanatory drawing of the printing method of 1st Embodiment. It is explanatory drawing of the printed matter of 2nd Embodiment. It is explanatory drawing of the image data for printing operation of 2nd Embodiment. It is explanatory drawing of the printing method of 2nd Embodiment. It is explanatory drawing of the printed matter of 3rd Embodiment. It is explanatory drawing of the image data for printing operation of 3rd Embodiment. It is explanatory drawing of the printing method of 3rd Embodiment. It is explanatory drawing of the printed matter of 4th Embodiment. It is explanatory drawing of the image data for printing operation of 4th Embodiment. It is explanatory drawing of the printing method of 4th Embodiment. It is explanatory drawing of the printed matter of 5th Embodiment. It is explanatory drawing of the image data for printing operation of 5th Embodiment. It is explanatory drawing of the printing method of 5th Embodiment. It is explanatory drawing of the printed matter of 6th Embodiment. It is explanatory drawing of the image data for printing operation of 6th Embodiment. It is explanatory drawing of a structure of the two white images of 6th Embodiment. It is explanatory drawing of the printing method of 6th Embodiment.

Explanation of symbols

1 printer, 10 transport unit, 11 supply mechanism,
12A-12F Conveyance roller, 13 Winding mechanism,
20 Carriage unit, 21 Carriage, 22 Guide,
30 head units, 31 heads,
40 heater unit, 41 hot platen, 42 drying mechanism,
50 detector groups, 51 mark detection sensors,
60 controller, 61 interface unit, 62 CPU,
63 memory, 64 unit control circuit,
110 computers

Claims (8)

A first image is printed in a first area of the print area of the medium, a second image is printed in a second area downstream of the first area in the transport direction, and the second image is printed downstream of the second area in the transport direction. into three regions a printing operation for printing the third image, depending on the amount of liquid for printing each image, a distance between the first region and the second region, the said second region first A printing operation for printing differently from the interval between the three areas;
A transport operation for transporting the medium by a predetermined transport amount;
The printed material manufacturing method is characterized by manufacturing a printed material on which the first image, the second image, and the third image are superimposed and printed on the medium.   It is a printed matter manufacturing method according to claim 1,
  In the printing operation, when the amount of the liquid for printing the first image is smaller than the amount of the liquid for printing the second image, an interval between the first region and the second region is The printed matter manufacturing method, wherein printing is performed so as to be narrower than an interval between the second region and the third region.   It is a printed matter manufacturing method according to claim 1,
  In the printing operation, when the amount of the liquid for printing the first image is larger than the amount of the liquid for printing the second image, an interval between the first region and the second region is The printed matter manufacturing method, wherein printing is performed so as to be wider than an interval between the second region and the third region. A first image is printed in a first area of the print area of the medium, a second image is printed in a second area downstream of the first area in the transport direction, and the second image is printed downstream of the second area in the transport direction. A printing operation for printing a third image in three areas;
A transport operation for transporting the medium by a predetermined transport amount;
A printed matter production method for producing a printed matter in which the first image, the second image, and the third image are overlaid on the medium by alternately performing
Depending on the amount of liquid for printing each image, the number of times the medium is transported from the time when the first image is printed to the time when the second image is printed on the first image, and the second image It said third and transport number of the medium before printing the image Ru was not different printed matter manufacturing method characterized by on of the second image after print.   Head,
  A transport roller;
  The head is controlled to print a first image in a first area of the print area of the medium, print a second image in a second area downstream of the first area in the transport direction, and the second area The printing operation for printing the third image in the third region downstream of the transport direction and the transport operation for controlling the transport roller to transport the medium in the transport direction by a predetermined transport amount are alternately performed. A controller that prints the first image, the second image, and the third image on the medium,
      A controller that varies an interval between the first region and the second region and an interval between the second region and the third region according to the amount of liquid for printing each image;
A printer comprising: The printer according to claim 5,
  When the amount of the liquid for printing the first image is smaller than the amount of the liquid for printing the second image, the controller sets an interval between the first region and the second region, A printer characterized by being narrower than an interval between the second area and the third area.   The printer according to claim 5,
  When the amount of the liquid for printing the first image is larger than the amount of the liquid for printing the second image, the controller sets an interval between the first region and the second region, A printer characterized in that it is wider than the interval between the second area and the third area.   Head,
  A transport roller;
  The head is controlled to print a first image in a first area of the print area of the medium, print a second image in a second area downstream of the first area in the transport direction, and the second area The printing operation for printing the third image in the third region downstream of the transport direction and the transport operation for controlling the transport roller to transport the medium in the transport direction by a predetermined transport amount are alternately performed. A controller that prints the first image, the second image, and the third image on the medium,
      Depending on the amount of liquid for printing each image, the number of times the medium is transported from the time when the first image is printed to the time when the second image is printed on the first image, and the second image A controller for differentiating the number of times the medium is conveyed from the time when the medium is printed to the time when the third image is printed on the second image;
A printer comprising:

Images