Printing method, computer-readable medium, printing apparatus, printing system, and pattern for correction

A first computer-readable medium comprising the following codes:

• a code for moving a movable print head by a first set amount from a reference position used when printing and printing a first reference pattern on a second medium;
• a code for returning said print head to the reference position after printing said first reference pattern;
• a code for detecting a position of an edge of the second medium disposed towards the reference position in the direction of movement of said print head;
• and
• a code for moving said print head from the reference position to a position that is apart by a second set amount from said position of the edge that has been detected and printing a second reference pattern.

A printing apparatus comprising:

• a movable print head for performing printing by forming dots on a medium;
• a sensor for detecting an edge of the medium;
• and
• a controller for controlling operation of said print head and said sensor;
• wherein said controller causes:
• said print head to move by a first set amount from a reference position used when printing and print a first reference pattern on the medium;
• said print head to move to the reference position after printing said first reference pattern;
• said sensor to detect a position of an edge of the medium on said reference position side in the direction of movement of said print head;
• and
• said print head to move the reference position to a position that is apart by a second set amount from said position of the edge that has been detected and print a second reference pattern.

A printing system comprising:

• a printing apparatus;
• and
• a computer that is capable of communicating with said printing apparatus;
• wherein said printing apparatus includes:
• a movable print head for performing printing by forming dots on a medium;
• a sensor for detecting an edge of the medium;
• and
• a controller for controlling operation of said print head and said sensor;
• and
• wherein said controller causes:
• said print head to move by a first set amount from a reference position used when printing and print a first reference pattern on the medium;
• said print head to move to the reference position after printing said first reference pattern;
• said sensor to detect a position of an edge of the medium disposed towards the reference position in the direction of movement of said print head;
• and
• said print head to move from the reference position to a position that is apart by a second set amount from said position of the edge that has been detected and print a second reference pattern.

A printing apparatus for printing target information on a medium by ejecting or sublimating ink to form dots, comprising:

• first reference pattern printing means for printing a first reference pattern at a first position on said medium that is apart by a predetermined set amount, in a main scanning direction, from a reference position used when printing;
• detecting means for detecting an edge of said medium disposed towards the reference position;
• second reference pattern printing means for printing a second reference pattern with a plurality of nozzles that are arranged along a direction in which said medium is fed at a second position that is apart by a predetermined set amount using the edge that has been detected by said detecting means as a reference, after said first reference pattern has been printed, said nozzles have been moved to the reference position, and said nozzles have been moved from the reference position to said second position;
• and
• print start position correcting means for printing either one of said first or second reference pattern while suitably changing its set amount to correct a print start position in accordance with a correction amount that is determined according to a relationship between said first and second reference patterns.