U.S. patent number RE47,981 [Application Number 15/135,867] was granted by the patent office on 2020-05-12 for ink jet recording method for recording pattern layer and white overlaying layer on longitudinal sheet.
This patent grant is currently assigned to Seiko Epson Corporation. The grantee listed for this patent is Seiko Epson Corporation. Invention is credited to Tsuyoshi Sano.
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United States Patent |
RE47,981 |
Sano |
May 12, 2020 |
Ink jet recording method for recording pattern layer and white
overlaying layer on longitudinal sheet
Abstract
The present invention relates to an ink jet recording method for
recording a white overlaying layer and a non-white pattern layer to
a recording medium, printed matters obtained by the recording
method, and systems for realizing the recording method thereof.
Inventors: |
Sano; Tsuyoshi (Shiojiri,
JP) |
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Seiko Epson Corporation |
Tokyo |
N/A |
JP |
|
|
Assignee: |
Seiko Epson Corporation (Tokyo,
JP)
|
Family
ID: |
1000003698413 |
Appl.
No.: |
15/135,867 |
Filed: |
April 22, 2016 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
Issue Date |
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12231402 |
May 13, 2014 |
8721062 |
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Reissue of: |
13707152 |
Dec 6, 2012 |
8702222 |
Apr 22, 2014 |
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Foreign Application Priority Data
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Aug 30, 2007 [JP] |
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2007-223541 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B41J
3/407 (20130101); B41J 2/07 (20130101); B41J
3/407 (20130101); B41M 5/50 (20130101); B41J
3/60 (20130101); B41J 15/04 (20130101); B41J
3/60 (20130101); B41J 2/07 (20130101); B41J
15/04 (20130101); Y10T 428/24802 (20150115); Y10T
428/24802 (20150115); B41M 5/50 (20130101) |
Current International
Class: |
B41J
2/01 (20060101); B41J 3/60 (20060101); B41J
2/07 (20060101); B41M 5/50 (20060101); B41J
15/04 (20060101); B41J 3/407 (20060101) |
Field of
Search: |
;347/100,101,95,96 |
References Cited
[Referenced By]
U.S. Patent Documents
Foreign Patent Documents
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57-038185 |
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Mar 1982 |
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JP |
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60-168651 |
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Sep 1985 |
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JP |
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60-171143 |
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Sep 1985 |
|
JP |
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60-232990 |
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Nov 1985 |
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JP |
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60-234879 |
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Nov 1985 |
|
JP |
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60-245588 |
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Dec 1985 |
|
JP |
|
61-074879 |
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Apr 1986 |
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JP |
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61-132377 |
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Jun 1986 |
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JP |
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61-134290 |
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Jun 1986 |
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JP |
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61-181679 |
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Aug 1986 |
|
JP |
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62-184879 |
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Aug 1987 |
|
JP |
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62-220383 |
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Sep 1987 |
|
JP |
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04-214382 |
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Aug 1992 |
|
JP |
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04-282282 |
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Oct 1992 |
|
JP |
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04-285650 |
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Oct 1992 |
|
JP |
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06-199035 |
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Jul 1994 |
|
JP |
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06-237351 |
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Aug 1994 |
|
JP |
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07-082694 |
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Mar 1995 |
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JP |
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08-218018 |
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Aug 1996 |
|
JP |
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10-203006 |
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Aug 1998 |
|
JP |
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11-129613 |
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May 1999 |
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JP |
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11-138786 |
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May 1999 |
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JP |
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11-140365 |
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May 1999 |
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JP |
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2000-103995 |
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Apr 2000 |
|
JP |
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2001-234093 |
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Aug 2001 |
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JP |
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2001-328344 |
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Nov 2001 |
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JP |
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2002-038063 |
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Feb 2002 |
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JP |
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2002-332433 |
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Nov 2002 |
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JP |
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2002-348513 |
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Dec 2002 |
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JP |
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2003-220698 |
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Aug 2003 |
|
JP |
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2003-342505 |
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Dec 2003 |
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JP |
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2004-018546 |
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Jan 2004 |
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JP |
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2004-034384 |
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Feb 2004 |
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JP |
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3562754 |
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Sep 2004 |
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JP |
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2004-306591 |
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Nov 2004 |
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JP |
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3639479 |
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Apr 2005 |
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JP |
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2005-125690 |
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May 2005 |
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JP |
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2005-126584 |
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May 2005 |
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JP |
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Primary Examiner: Nguyen; Minh
Attorney, Agent or Firm: Nutter McClennen & Fish LLP
Parent Case Text
.[.The entire disclosures of U.S. patent application Ser. No.
12/231,402, filed Sep. 2, 2008, and Japanese Patent Application No.
2007-223541, filed Aug. 30, 2007, are expressly incorporated by
reference herein..]. .Iadd.This is an application for reissue of
U.S. Pat. No. 8,702,222, which is issued from U.S. application Ser.
No. 13/707,152, filed Dec. 6, 2012, which is a continuation of U.S.
application Ser. No. 12/231,402 (now U.S. Pat. No. 8,721,062),
filed Sep. 2, 2008, which claims the benefit of Japanese Patent
Application No. 2007-223541, filed Aug. 30, 2007. These
applications, in their entirety, are incorporated herein by
reference. A second Reissue application of U.S. Pat. No. 8,702,222,
which is issued from U.S. application Ser. No. 13/707,152, filed
Dec. 6, 2012, which is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No.
12/231,402 (now U.S. Pat. No. 8,721,062), filed Sep. 2, 2008, which
claims the benefit of Japanese Patent Application No. 2007-223541,
filed Aug. 30, 2007, was filed on Apr. 21, 2016, and is now
abandoned. .Iaddend.
Claims
What is claimed is:
.[.1. A recording method in which a printing image including a
white ink layer and a non-white ink layer is recorded to a
recording medium, the method comprising: providing, in a case where
the recording medium is opaque, the white ink layer and providing
the non-white ink layer on the white ink layer; wherein a
resolution of the white ink layer is higher than a resolution of
the non-white ink layer; and wherein an ink discharge amount per
unit area of the white ink layer is larger than an ink discharge
amount per unit area of the non-white ink layer..].
.[.2. The method according to claim 1, further comprising drying
the white ink, the non-white ink layer being provided after the
drying..].
.[.3. The method according to claim 1 wherein the resolution per
unit inch of the white ink layer is 600 to 9600 dpi, and the
resolution per unit inch of the non-white ink layer is 180 to 1440
dpi..].
.[.4. The method according to claim 1, wherein a size of white ink
droplets discharged for recording the white ink layer is either
larger or smaller than non-white ink droplets discharged for
recording the non-white ink layer..].
.[.5. The method according to claim 1, wherein the non-white ink
layer is a color layer, a black layer, or a gray layer..].
.[.6. A recording method in which a printing image including a
white ink layer and a non-white ink layer is recorded to a
recording medium, the method comprising: providing, in a case where
the recording medium is transparent, the non-white ink layer and
providing the white ink layer to the white ink layer; wherein a
resolution of the white ink layer is higher than a resolution of
the non-white ink layer; and wherein an ink discharge amount per
unit area of the white ink layer is larger than an ink discharge
amount per unit area of the non-white ink layer..].
.[.7. The method according to claim 6, further comprising drying
the non-white ink, the white ink layer being provided after the
drying..].
.[.8. The method according to claim 6, wherein the resolution per
unit inch of the white ink layer is 600 to 9600 dpi, and the
resolution per unit inch of the non-white ink layer is 180 to 1440
dpi..].
.[.9. The method according to claim 6, wherein a size of white ink
droplets discharged for recording the white ink layer is either
larger or smaller than non-white ink droplets discharged for
recording the non-white ink layer..].
.[.10. The method according to claim 6, wherein the non-white ink
layer is a color layer, a black layer, or a gray layer..].
.Iadd.11. A recording method in which a printing image including a
white ink layer and a non-white ink layer is recorded to a
recording medium, the method comprising: providing, in a case where
the recording medium is opaque, the white ink layer and providing
the non-white ink layer on the white ink layer; wherein a
resolution of the white ink layer is higher than a resolution of
the non-white ink layer, the resolution of the white ink layer
being the number of ink droplets of a white ink per unit area in a
region where the white ink layer is provided on the non-white ink
layer, and the resolution of the non-white ink layer being the
number of ink droplets of a non-white ink per unit area in the
region; and wherein an ink discharge amount per unit area of the
white ink layer is larger than an ink discharge amount per unit
area of the non-white ink layer, the ink discharge amount per unit
area of the white ink layer being the discharge amount of the white
ink per unit area in the region where the white ink layer is
provided on the non-white ink layer, and the ink discharge amount
of the non-white ink layer being the discharge amount of the
non-white ink per unit area in the region. .Iaddend.
.Iadd.12. The method according to claim 11, further comprising
drying the white ink, the non-white ink layer being provided after
the drying. .Iaddend.
.Iadd.13. The method according to claim 11, wherein the resolution
per unit inch of the white ink layer is 600 to 9600 dpi, and the
resolution per unit inch of the non-white ink layer is 180 to 1440
dpi. .Iaddend.
.Iadd.14. The method according to claim 11, wherein a size of white
ink droplets discharged for recording the white ink layer is either
larger or smaller than non-white ink droplets discharged for
recording the non-white ink layer. .Iaddend.
.Iadd.15. The method according to claim 11, wherein the non-white
ink layer is a color layer, a black layer, or a gray layer.
.Iaddend.
.Iadd.16. A recording method in which a printing image including a
white ink layer and a non-white ink layer is recorded to a
recording medium, the method comprising: providing, in a case where
the recording medium is transparent, the non-white ink layer and
providing the white ink layer to the non-white ink layer; wherein a
resolution of the white ink layer is higher than a resolution of
the non-white ink layer, the resolution of the white ink layer
being the number of ink droplets of a white ink per unit area in a
region where the white ink layer is provided on the non-white ink
layer, and the resolution of the non-white ink layer being the
number of ink droplets of a non-white ink per unit area in the
region; and wherein an ink discharge amount per unit area of the
white ink layer is larger than an ink discharge amount per unit
area of the non-white ink layer, the ink discharge amount per unit
area of the white ink layer being the discharge amount of the white
ink per unit area in the region where the white ink layer is
provided on the non-white ink layer, and the ink discharge amount
of the non-white ink layer being the discharge amount of the
non-white ink per unit area in the region. .Iaddend.
.Iadd.17. The method according to claim 16, further comprising
drying the non-white ink, the white ink layer being provided after
the drying. .Iaddend.
.Iadd.18. The method according to claim 16, wherein the resolution
per unit inch of the white ink layer is 600 to 9600 dpi, and the
resolution per unit inch of the non-white ink layer is 180 to 1440
dpi. .Iaddend.
.Iadd.19. The method according to claim 16, wherein a size of white
ink droplets discharged for recording the white ink layer is either
larger or smaller than non-white ink droplets discharged for
recording the non-white ink layer. .Iaddend.
.Iadd.20. The method according to claim 16, wherein the non-white
ink layer is a color layer, a black layer, or a gray layer.
.Iaddend.
Description
BACKGROUND
1. Technical Field
The present invention relates to an ink jet recording method for
recording a pattern layer (e.g., a color pattern layer, or a black
or gray pattern layer) and a white overlaying layer on a
longitudinal film base material, and a longitudinal printed matter
obtained by the recording method. According to one aspect of the
present invention, remote proofing during package printing of such
a type that a color image is printed on a white background can
precisely be realized by an inexpensive ink jet system.
2. Related Art
To package commodities such as sweets, a method is broadly
performed in which a packaging outer box made of paper is covered
with a transparent film, and the transparent film is partially or
entirely printed so as to arrange a color image on a white
background. An alternative method is also broadly performed in
which the surface of a packaging bag member made of a plastic is
printed so as to arrange the color image on the white background.
In such printing, offset printing or flexo printing is usually
employed.
In the printing industry, not only high quality in printing but
also cost reduction in printed matters and shortening of the
printing and delivering time are strictly demanded, and the use of
digital data has advanced from decision of design to the start of
actual printing by a printing machine. For example, in the work
flow of the preparation of printed matters, the steps of the
preparation of original data, calibration by direct digital color
proofing (DDCP), the preparation of a plate by computer to plate
(CTP) and actual printing by a printing machine advance in this
order. Even during a DDCP calibrating operation performed to decide
the original data, the digital data is frequently sent via
electronic mail.
In the above DDCP calibrating operation, a person in charge of
calibration or a person in charge of design ordering who has
received the digital data via electronic mail not only performs a
calibrating or confirming operation on a computer screen but also
carries out the calibrating or confirming operation by actual
printing on sheets. In this case, as an output system, an ink jet
system, a toner system, a thermal transfer system, a dot system or
the like is used. However, the printing performed so as to arrange
the color image on the white background has a problem such that a
satisfactory output quality level cannot necessarily be obtained by
the most inexpensive ink jet system.
On the other hand, with a white ink for use in ink jet recording,
the ink which contains therein hollow polymer fine particles has
been proposed by (e.g., Japanese Patent No. 3562754 or Japanese
Patent No. 3639479). However, until now it has not been proposed
that the white ink containing these hollow polymer fine particles
be used in the remote proofing by the ink jet system.
SUMMARY
The present inventor has intensively researched a novel method for
obtaining a high-quality image by utilizing the ink let system to
constitute an output system in a case where a printed matter (e.g.,
an offset printed matter) including the color image arranged on the
white background is remote-proofed, and has come to a conclusion
such that an intended purpose can be achieved by successively
guiding a longitudinal film base material into two consecutive ink
jet printers to individually record a pattern layer (especially, a
color pattern layer) and a white overlaying layer.
The present invention is based on such development.
In accordance with one aspect of the present invention, there is
provided an ink jet recording method in which a printing unit
including a white overlaying layer and a non-white pattern layer is
recorded on the surface of a longitudinal film base material by two
liquid discharge means, the method including:
(A) providing the white overlaying layer by the first liquid
discharge means in a case where the longitudinal film base material
is opaque, and providing the non-white pattern layer on the dry
white overlaying layer by the second liquid discharge means after
the white overlaying layer has been dried;
(B) providing, in a case where the longitudinal film base material
is transparent, the non-white pattern layer by the first liquid
discharge means and providing the white overlaying layer on the dry
non-white pattern layer by the second liquid discharge means after
the non-white pattern layer has been dried; or
(C) providing alternatively, in a case where the longitudinal film
base material is transparent, the non-white pattern layer or the
white overlaying layer on one surface of the longitudinal film base
material by the first liquid discharge means and subsequently
providing the white overlaying layer or the non-white pattern layer
on the other surface of the longitudinal film base material in a
position corresponding to the non-white pattern layer or the white
overlaying layer by the second liquid discharge means.
In the method according to another aspect of the present invention,
a plurality of printing units are successively recorded in a state
where the printing units are disposed to be separated away from one
another.
In the method according to a further aspect of the present
invention, a position to be recorded by the second liquid discharge
means is determined by a recording position confirmation
mechanism.
In the method according to a still further aspect of the present
invention, the non-white pattern layer is a color layer or a black
or gray layer.
In the method according to a further aspect of the present
invention, the white overlaying layer is provided to cover all over
the whole non-white pattern layer provided on the surface of the
transparent film base material.
In the method according to a furthermore aspect of the present
invention, a white ink composition for the white overlaying layer
contains hollow polymer fine particles or a porous inorganic
pigment as a colorant.
In the method according to a still further aspect of the present
invention, the longitudinal film base material having an ink
reception layer is used.
The present invention also relates to a printed longitudinal matter
obtained by the above-described method.
According to the recording method of an aspect of the present
invention, high-quality printing can be obtained so that a color
image is reflected on a clear white base, and there can be
provided, for example, a printed matter which sufficiently
satisfies a printing quality level demanded in a DDCP calibrating
operation.
Moreover, in the recording method of an aspect of the present
invention, one longitudinal film base material is consecutively
guided into the two ink jet printers to print the white overlaying
layer and the non-white pattern layer, respectively, so that the
printing position of the white overlaying layer can precisely be
brought into registration with that of the non-white pattern
layer.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
FIG. 1 is a sectional view schematically showing the layered
structure of a printed image formed on a longitudinal film base
material by a single-sided printing type recording method of the
present invention;
FIG. 2 is a sectional view schematically showing the layered
structure of a printed image formed on a transparent longitudinal
film base material by the single-sided printing type recording
method of the present invention;
FIG. 3 is a sectional view schematically showing the layered
structure of a printed image formed on a transparent longitudinal
film base material by a double-sided printing type recording method
of the present invention;
FIG. 4 is an explanatory view schematically showing the structure
of a device suitable for performing the single-sided printing type
recording method according to the present invention; and
FIG. 5 is an explanatory view schematically showing the structure
of a device suitable for performing the double-sided printing type
recording method according to the present invention.
DESCRIPTION OF EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS
In a recording method of the present invention, a printing unit
including a white overlaying layer and a non-white pattern layer is
formed on the surface of a longitudinal film base material. Here,
the non-white pattern layer forms the pattern portion of the
resultant printed image, and the white overlaying layer forms a
white background (a base color portion). Moreover, in the recording
method of the present invention, both the white overlaying layer
and the non-white pattern layer can be laminated to form the
printing unit on one surface of the longitudinal film base
material. In addition, when the longitudinal film base material is
a transparent base material, one of the white overlaying layer and
the non-white pattern layer may be formed on the one surface of the
material, and the other layer of the non-white pattern layer and
the white overlaying layer may be formed on the opposite-side
surface of the material to form the printing unit. It is to be
noted that in the following description, the former configuration
is sometimes referred to as a "single-sided printing type", and the
latter configuration is sometimes referred to as a "double-sided
printing type".
In the present invention, as liquid discharge means, a head of an
ink jet printer capable of discharging a fine liquid may be
preferably employed.
In the single sided printing type recording method according to one
embodiment of the present invention, as shown in, for example, FIG.
1, a plurality of printing units D1, D2 and D3 can continuously be
formed on a longitudinal film base material S1 in a state in which
the units are disposed away from one another. The printing unit D1
includes a white overlaying layer W1 and a non-white pattern layer
P1 successively provided by an ink jet recording system. Here, the
white overlaying layer W1 becomes a white background (a base color
portion), and the non-white pattern layer P1 becomes a pattern
portion. Similarly, the printing units D2, D3 include white
overlaying layers W2, W3 and non-white pattern layers P2, P3,
respectively. These printed images can be observed from the printed
surface side of the longitudinal film base material S1 as shown by
an arrow A of FIG. 1 to perform, for example, a DDCP calibrating
operation.
When the longitudinal film base material is constituted of a
transparent material, as shown in, for example, FIG. 2, a plurality
of printing units D1, D2 and D3 can continuously be formed on a
longitudinal film base material 32 in a state in which the units
are disposed away from one another. The printing unit D1 includes a
non-white pattern layer P1 and a white overlaying layer W1
successively provided by the ink jet recording system. Here, the
white overlaying layer W1 becomes a white background, and the
non-white pattern layer P1 becomes a pattern portion. Similarly,
the printing units D2, D3 include non-white pattern layers P2, P3
and white overlaying layers W2, W3, respectively. These printed
images can be observed from the side opposite to the printed
surface of the longitudinal film base material S2 as shown by an
arrow A of FIG. 2 to perform, for example, the DDCP calibrating
operation.
Furthermore, when the longitudinal film base material is
constituted of a transparent material, as shown in, for example,
FIG. 3, non-white pattern layers P1, P2 and P3 constituting pattern
portions are formed on one surface of a longitudinal film base
material S3. Similarly, white overlaying layers W1, W2 and W3
constituting white backgrounds (base color portions) are formed on
the other surface of the material, whereby a plurality of printing
units D1, D2 and D3 can continuously be formed in a state in which
the units are disposed away from one another. These printed images
can be observed from the printed-surface side of the non-white
pattern layers P1, P2 and P3 of the transparent longitudinal film
base material S3 as shown by an arrow A, of FIG. 3 to perform, for
example, the DDCP calibrating operation.
Examples of a material for use as the film base material usable in
the method of the present invention include a polyester film, a
polyolefin film, a resin film of polyvinyl chloride or the like,
plain paper, coated paper, tracing paper, paper coated with a resin
and synthetic paper. Examples of a material for use as the
transparent film base material include a polyester film, a
polyolefin film, a resin film of polyvinyl chloride or the like,
plain paper, coated paper, tracing paper, paper coated with a resin
and synthetic paper.
The film base material preferably has an ink reception layer on the
surface on which the printed image is to be formed. As the ink
reception layer, a known ink reception layer usually provided on a
recording medium for an ink jet recording method may be used. In a
case where the film base material is constituted of a transparent
material, the known ink reception layer usually provided on the
recording medium for the ink jet recording method may be used as
long as the material has transparency to such an extent that the
observation from the non-printed-surface side of the transparent
film base material is not disturbed.
Examples of the known ink reception layer is an ink reception layer
made of a resin, and examples of the resin for use in the ink
reception layer include various ink absorbing polymers such as a
polyvinyl pyrrolidone or vinyl pyrrolidone-vinyl acetate copolymer
disclosed in JP-A-57-38185, JP-A-62-184879; a resin composition
mainly made of polyvinyl, alcohol disclosed in JP-A-60-168651,
JP-A-60-171143 and JP-A-61-134290; a copolymer of vinyl alcohol,
olefin or styrene and maleic anhydride disclosed in JP-A-60-234879;
a crosslinked material of polyethylene oxide and isocyanate
disclosed in JP-A-61-74879; a mixture of carboxymethyl cellulose
and polyethylene oxide disclosed in JP-A-61-181679; a graft polymer
of methacrylic amide with polyvinyl alcohol disclosed in
JP-A-61-132377; an acrylic polymer having a carboxyl group as
disclosed in JP-A-62-220383; a polyvinyl-acetal-based polymer
disclosed in JP-A-4-214382 and the like; and a crosslinking acrylic
polymer disclosed in JP-A-4-282282 and JP-A-4-285650.
Moreover, as the known ink reception layer, in JP-A-4-282282,
JP-A-4-285650 and the like, the ink reception layer is disclosed in
which a polymer matrix constituted of a crosslinking polymer and an
absorbing polymer are used together. Furthermore, an ink reception
layer using alumina hydrate (cationic alumina hydrate) is also
known. For example, in JP-A-60-232990 and JP-A-60-245588,
JP-B-3-24906 and JP-A-6-199035 and JP-A-7-82694, a recording medium
is disclosed in which the surface of a base material is coated with
a fine quasi-boehmite type alumina hydrate together with a
water-soluble binder. Moreover, for example, in JP-A-10-203006, an
ink reception layer is disclosed in which synthetic silica having
primary particle diameters of 3 nm to 30 nm and prepared mainly by
a gas phase process is used. Furthermore, in JP-A-2001-328344, an
ink reception layer including an inorganic pigment and a polymer
adhesive is disclosed.
In the method of the present invention, the film base material
provided with any of the above ink reception layers can be
used.
In the method of the present invention, as the white ink
composition for the white overlaying layer, an arbitrary white ink
composition usually for use in the ink jet recording method may be
used. Examples of such a white pigment include an inorganic white
pigment, an organic white pigment and white hollow polymer fine
particles. As the white ink composition, an aqueous ink composition
containing the hollow polymer fine particles as colorant components
is preferably used.
Examples of the inorganic white pigment include alkaline earth
metal sulfate such as barium sulfate, alkaline earth metal
carbonate such as calcium carbonate, fine silicic acid powder,
silica such as synthetic silicate, calcium silicate, alumina,
alumina hydrate, titanium oxide, zinc oxide, talc and clay. In
particular, titanium oxide is known as a white pigment which has
preferable hiding properties, coloring properties and scattered
particle diameters.
Examples of the organic white pigment include an organic compound
salt disclosed in JP-A-11-129613 and an alkylene bis melamine
derivative disclosed in JP-A-11-140365 and JP-A-2001-234093.
Examples of the specific product of the above white pigment include
Shigenox OWP, Shigenox OWPL, Shigenox FWP, Shigenox FWG, Shigenox
UL and Shigenox U (they are trade names manufactured by Hakkoru
Chemical Co.).
The hollow polymer fine particles contained as the colorant
components are, for example, fine particles having outer diameters
of about 0.1 to 1 .mu.m and inner diameters of about 0.05 to 0.8
.mu.m. The particles need to be insoluble in a solvent of the white
ink composition, and it is necessary that the particles do not
chemically react with another component such as a binder resin
component.
The hollow polymer fine particles have walls formed of a synthetic
polymer through which a liquid can pass, and the liquid can enter
and exit from the central spaces of the hollow polymer fine
particles through the walls thereof. Therefore, the central spaces
of the hollow polymer fine particles are filled with a solvent in
an ink composition state, the specific gravity of the hollow
polymer fine particles becomes substantially equal to that of the
ink composition, and the hollow polymer fine particles are stably
scatted in the ink composition. On the other hand, when this ink
composition is printed on the printing surface and dried, the
central spaces of the hollow polymer fine particles are replaced
with air. Therefore, incident light are diffusely reflected by the
resin and a space part, to substantially exhibit a white color.
Moreover, as described above, the hollow polymer fine particles can
be of such a type that the particles contain a liquid before
printing. However, after the printing, the liquid which has entered
the fine particles passes through the walls of the fine particles,
and diffuses, and the fine pore; of the fine particles are filled
with air. Alternatively, the particles can be of such a completely
sealed type that the particles include air therein from the
beginning.
It is demanded that the hollow polymer fine particles for use in
the white ink composition should not be precipitated in the ink
composition, and hence the particles preferably have a specific
gravity substantially equal to that of an ink composition solution.
Therefore, the specific gravity of the ink composition solution is
preferably adjusted using a specific gravity regulator such as
glycerol if necessary.
Examples of commercially available hollow polymer fine particles
which satisfy the above properties include Ropaque OP-62
distributed by Rohm and Haas Co. This is an aqueous dispersant
containing 38 wt % of hollow polymer fine particles formed of an
acryl-styrene copolymer. The fine particles have inner diameters of
about 0.3 .mu.m and outer diameters of about 0.5 .mu.m, and the
particles are filled with water.
Moreover, the hollow polymer fine particles can be obtained by a
known manufacturing method such as a method disclosed in U.S. Pat.
No. 4,089,800. The hollow polymer fine particles are substantially
made of an organic polymer, and exhibit thermal plasticity.
Examples of a thermally plastic resin for use in manufacturing the
hollow polymer fine particles preferably include a cellulose
derivative, an acryl resin, polyolefin, polyamide, polycarbonate,
polystyrene, a copolymer of styrene or another vinyl monomer, vinyl
acetate, vinyl alcohol, a vinyl polymer such as a homo polymer or
copolymer of vinyl chloride or vinyl butyral, and a homo polymer or
copolymer of diene. Examples of the especially preferable
thermoplastic polymer include a 2-hexyl acrylate copolymer, a
copolymer of methyl methacrylate and a copolymer of styrene and
another vinyl monomer such as acrylonitrile.
The content of the hollow polymer fine particles in the white ink
composition for use in the method of the present invention can be
set to, for example, 0.1 to 20 wt %. When the content of the hollow
polymer fine particles is set to 0.1 wt % or more, a sufficient
white degree can be obtained. On the other hand, when the content
is set to 20 wt % or less, the sufficient amount of ink binder
resin components necessary for securing the viscosity required for
the ink composition for ink jet printing can be contained, and
eventually sufficient printing close contact properties can be
secured.
In the present invention, the above white pigments may be used
alone or together. The pigments can be dispersed using a ball mill,
a sand mill, an attritor, a roll mill, an agitator, Henschel mixer,
a colloid mill, an ultrasonic homogenizer, a pearl mill, a wet type
jet mill, a paint shaker or the like. When the pigments are
dispersed, a dispersant may be added.
In addition to white colorant components, the white ink composition
for use in the method of the present invention may contain various
components usually contained in the ink composition for ink jet
printing, for example, a resin component, a dispersant component, a
solvent component (especially water) or the like. Moreover, as the
white ink composition containing the hollow polymer fine particles
as the white colorant, the composition disclosed in, for example,
Japanese Patent No. 3562754 or Japanese Patent No. 3639479 may be
used.
Examples of a non-white ink composition for the non-white pattern
layer used in the method of the present invention include a color
ink composition, a black ink composition, and a gray ink
composition. Moreover, examples of the color ink composition
include a cyan ink composition, a magenta ink composition, a yellow
ink composition, a light cyan ink composition, a light magenta ink
composition, a red ink composition, a green ink composition and a
blue ink composition.
As the non-white ink composition, an arbitrary non-white ink
composition usually used in the ink jet recording method may be
used, and an aqueous ink composition containing a dye or a pigment
as a colorant component is preferably used. In particular, it is
preferable to use the ink composition which exhibits satisfactory
properties (e.g., coloring and fixing properties) with respect to
the transparent film base material or the ink reception layer.
In the single-sided printing type recording method of the present
invention, when the longitudinal film base material is opaque, the
white overlaying layer is first provided. After the layer is dried,
the non-white pattern layer is printed. In this case, the
resolution of the white overlaying layer can be set to a level
equal to that of the resolution of the non-white pattern layer to
perform the printing of both the layers. In addition, the printing
of both the layers can be performed so that the resolution of the
white overlaying layer becomes higher than that of the non-white
pattern layer. The "resolution" in the printing (or a printer)
according to the ink jet recording system is the number of dots
(the number of ink droplets) per unit area. In the case of color
printing, an intermediate color needs to be represented by a
plurality of types of color ink droplets (dots). Therefore, in a
case where the resolution is low, the amount of the ink (an ink
discharge amount) per unit area needs to be decreased as compared
with a case where the resolution is high. This is because the
influence of ink bleeds needs to be considered. That is, in the
case of the low resolution, the size of one ink droplet (dot)
becomes larger than that of one ink droplet (dot) in the case of
the high resolution. Therefore, the amount of the ink to be
discharged needs to be decreased in order to prevent the generation
of the ink bleed between the adjacent ink droplets (dots). On the
other hand, in the case of the high resolution, the size of one ink
droplet (dot) becomes smaller than that of the ink droplet (dot) in
the case of the low resolution, and a problem such that the ink
bleed between the adjacent ink droplets (dots) might take place
decreases. A comparatively large amount of ink liquid can be
discharged. Accordingly, in the single-sided printing type
recording method of the present invention, in a case where the
longitudinal film base material is opaque, when the resolution of
the white overlaying layer is set to a resolution higher than that
of the non-white pattern layer to perform the printing, the ink
discharge amount per unit area of the white overlaying layer
becomes larger than that per unit area of the non-white pattern
layer. In consequence, the whole image becomes clear, and the
high-quality image can be obtained. In this case, the resolution of
the white overlaying layer is preferably 600 to 9600 dpi, and the
resolution of the non-white pattern layer is preferably 180 to 1440
dpi, more preferably 360 to 720 dpi.
In a case where the opaque longitudinal film base material is
subjected to the single-sided printing type recording method of the
present invention, the printing of both the layers can be performed
so that the resolution of the non-white pattern layer becomes
higher than that of the white overlaying layer. When the resolution
of the non-white pattern layer is set to a resolution higher than
that of the white overlaying layer to perform the printing, the ink
discharge amount per unit area of the white overlaying layer to be
printed before the printing of the non-white pattern layer can be
suppressed to a comparatively small level. Therefore, even when a
highly concentrated region is present in the non-white pattern
layer to be printed later, the total ink discharge amount per unit
area does not exceed the amount allowed by the film base material,
and the ink does not overflow. An appropriate-level printed matter
can be obtained. In this case, the resolution of the white
overlaying layer is preferably 180 to 1440 dpi, more preferably 360
to 720 dpi, and the resolution of the non-white pattern layer is
preferably 600 to 9600 dpi.
Moreover, in a case where the opaque longitudinal film base
material is subjected to the single-sided printing type recording
method of the present invention, when the white overlaying layer
containing a porous inorganic pigment is used, the white overlaying
layer can exert a function as the ink reception layer with respect
to the non-white pattern layer to be printed on the white
overlaying layer. Therefore, even in a case where the white
overlaying layer is printed in a high concentration and then the
non-white pattern layer is printed in a higher concentration, the
ink of the non-white pattern layer does not overflow the white
overlaying layer. Thus, the high-quality printed matter having a
highly concentrated color pattern on a thick white base can be
obtained.
On the other hand, when the transparent longitudinal film base
material is subjected to the single-sided printing type recording
method of the present invention, the non-white pattern layer is
first printed on one surface of the transparent film base material,
and then the white overlaying layer is provided on the non-white
pattern layer. Even in this case, the resolution of the white
overlaying layer can be set to the level equal to that of the
resolution of the non-white pattern layer to perform the printing
of both the layers. In addition, both the layers can be printed so
that the resolution of the white overlaying layer becomes higher
than that of the non-white pattern layer. When the resolution of
the white overlaying layer is set to a resolution higher than that
of the non-white pattern layer to perform the printing, the ink
discharge amount per unit area of the white overlaying layer
becomes larger than that per unit area of the non-white pattern
layer. Therefore, the whole image becomes clear, and the
high-quality image can be obtained. In this case, the resolution of
the white overlaying layer is preferably 600 to 9600 dpi, and the
resolution of the non-white pattern layer is preferably 180 to 1440
dpi, more preferably 360 to 720 dpi.
Moreover, in a case where the transparent longitudinal film base
material is subjected to the single-sided printing type recording
method of the present invention, the printing of both the layers
can be performed so that the resolution of the non-white pattern
layer becomes higher than that of the white overlaying layer. When
the resolution of the non-white pattern layer is set to a
resolution higher than that of the white overlaying layer to
perform the printing, the ink discharge amount per unit area of the
white overlaying layer to be printed after the printing of the
non-white pattern layer becomes comparatively small. Therefore,
even when a highly concentrated region is present in the non-white
pattern layer, the total ink discharge amount per unit area does
not exceed the amount allowed by the transparent film base
material, and the ink does not overflow. An appropriate-level
printed matter can be obtained. In this case, the resolution of the
white overlaying layer is preferably 180 to 1440 dpi, more
preferably 360 to 720 dpi, and the resolution of the non-white
pattern layer is preferably 600 to 9600 dpi.
The single-sided printing type recording method of the present
invention can be performed using, for example, a device shown in
FIG. 4.
A longitudinal film base material 12 to be rewound and supplied
from a roll 11 in the direction of an arrow B is guided into a
first ink jet printer 13 by appropriate conveyance means. In the
first ink jet printer 13, a white ink composition (or a non-white
ink composition such as a color ink composition) is discharged from
a printer head 14 to the surface of the longitudinal film base
material 12 to form a white overlaying layer (or a non-white
pattern layer). The longitudinal film base material 12 which
carries the wet white overlaying layer (or non-white pattern layer)
is guided into a drying chamber 15 by appropriate conveyance means,
and the white overlaying layer (or the non-white pattern layer) is
dried in the drying chamber 15. The longitudinal film base material
12 carrying the thus dried white overlaying layer (or the dried
non-white pattern layer) is guided into a second ink jet printer 21
by appropriate conveyance means. In the second ink jet printer 21,
a non-white ink composition (or a white ink composition) is
discharged from a printer head 22 to the surface of the
longitudinal film base material 12 above the dry white overlaying
layer (or the dry non-white pattern layer), to form the non-white
pattern layer (or the white overlaying layer). Thus, a printing
unit including the white overlaying layer and the non-white pattern
layer is continuously formed on one-side surface of the
longitudinal film base material 12. Subsequently, the material is
guided into cutting means 25 by appropriate conveyance means, and
cut into regions each including the printing unit, whereby a
desired printed matter 26 can be obtained. It is to be noted that
instead of the cutting means 25, a wind-up roll may be provided,
and the longitudinal material may be stored as it is until a
cutting step is performed.
A double-sided printing type recording method according to the
present invention can be performed using, for example, a device
shown in FIG. 5.
A longitudinal film base material 12 to be rewound and supplied
from a roll 11 in the direction of an arrow B is guided into a
first ink jet printer 13 by appropriate conveyance means. In the
first ink jet printer 13, a white ink composition (or a non-white
ink composition such as a color ink composition) is discharged from
a printer head 14 to one surface of the longitudinal film base
material 12 to form a white overlaying layer (or a non-white
pattern layer). The longitudinal film base material 12 which
carries the wet white overlaying layer (or non-white pattern layer)
is guided into a drying chamber 15 by appropriate conveyance means,
and the white overlaying layer (or the non-white pattern layer) is
dried in the drying chamber 15. The longitudinal film base material
12 carrying the thus dried white overlaying layer (or the dried
non-white pattern layer) on one surface 12a is guided into a second
ink jet printer 21 by appropriate conveyance means. In the second
ink jet printer 21, a non-white ink composition (or a white ink
composition) is discharged from a printer head 22 to the surface
12b opposite to the surface 12a carrying the dry white overlaying
layer for the dry non-white pattern layer), to form the non-white
pattern layer (or the white overlaying layer). Thus, a printing
unit including the white overlaying layer and the non-white pattern
layer is continuously formed on the both-side surfaces of the
longitudinal film base material 12. Subsequently, the material is
transported to a wind-up roll 28 by appropriate conveyance means,
and the longitudinal material is stored as it is until a cutting
step is performed. It is to be noted that instead of the wind-up
roll 28, cutting means may be provided, and the material may be cut
into regions each including the printing unit.
In the present invention, a drying step is performed between the
printing performed by the first ink let printer and the printing
performed by the second ink jet printer. In this drying step,
arbitrary means capable of drying a recording layer formed by the
first ink jet printer may be used, and the drying can be performed
by, for example, heating, air drying or leaving to stand.
When the double-sided printing type recording method of the present
invention is performed, the recording layer formed by the first ink
jet printer and the recording layer formed by the second ink jet
printer are provided on separate surfaces. Therefore, when the
longitudinal film base material carrying the recording layer formed
by the first ink jet printer is conveyed into the second ink jet
printer, any drying step does not have to be performed as long as
the recording layer is not influenced by the conveyance means.
In the present invention, a recording position confirmation
mechanism is preferably used so that the position of the recording
layer formed by the first ink jet printer and the position of the
recording layer formed by the second ink jet printer are exactly
adjusted. The recording position confirmation mechanism includes a
positional mark provided on the surface of the longitudinal film
base material, a detection sensor which detects the positional
mark, and control means for discharging ink droplets from the
printer head of the second ink jet printer to the printing position
of the longitudinal film base material in accordance with a signal
from the detection sensor.
The positional mark may be provided on the surface of the
longitudinal film base material by the first ink jet printer. In
this case, the positional mark is preferably associated with the
position of the recording layer formed by the first ink jet
printer, and formed. Instead of forming the positional mark by the
first ink jet printer, the longitudinal film base material already
provided with the positional mark may be used. In this case, the
recording layer is formed by the first ink jet printer in
association with the positional mark on the longitudinal film base
material, and then the recording layer may be formed by the second
ink jet printer.
The method of the present invention can preferably be used in a
case where printing is actually performed on sheets to perform
calibrating and confirming during the remote proofing of a printed
matter (e.g., an offset printed matter) including a color image
arranged on a white base. Moreover, in general, the printed matter
including the color image arranged on the white base is provided on
the surface of the transparent film base material, and broadly used
in a printing method for observing the printed matter from a
non-printed surface.
EXAMPLE
The present invention will hereinafter specifically be described in
accordance with an example, but the example does not restrict the
scope of the present invention.
As output machines, two ink jet printeks PX7500 [manufactured by
SEIKO EPSON CORPORATION] were prepared and vertically arranged. The
upper ink jet printer was used for color printing, and the lower
ink jet printer was used for white output. The upper ink jet
printer was provided with a pure color ink cartridge, and a white
ink cartridge was inserted into a cartridge for black ink in the
lower ink jet printer. As white ink, the white ink disclosed in
Example 8 of Japanese Patent No. 3639479 was used. In a recording
medium, a transparent film [manufactured by SEIKO EPSON
CORPORATION] for ink jet wound around a roll was used.
First, usual color printing was performed by the upper ink jet
printer, and the roll distal end of the printer was connected as it
was to the lower ink jet printer to confirm that a printed color
recording layer had dried. Afterward, the white ink was output.
When the color printing was performed by the upper ink jet printer,
a pattern for position confirmation was recorded in a portion
corresponding to the upper left portion of an image. In the lower
ink jet printer, a position confirmation sensor was provided in a
head carriage portion, and the position confirmation pattern
recorded during color output was read. Then, the output position of
the white output was recognized, and white overlaying output was
performed.
According to the method of the present invention, for example,
remote proofing during package printing of such a type that a color
image is printed on a white base can precisely be realized by an
inexpensive ink jet system.
* * * * *