Patent Description:
The invention further relates to print support means having a surface on which a calibration element has been printed, which can be used in the above-mentioned method.

In multiple fields of the technology, ink-jet printing devices having a certain number of printing bars are used, each of which comprises a plurality of printing heads side by side.

The printing devices of the above-mentioned type are generally used to apply one or more inks, according to a desired pattern, on supports to be printed which are moved below the printing bars along a preset advancement direction. Each printing bar is generally configured to apply a given ink and extends transversally, for example perpendicularly, to the advancement direction of the supports to be printed. From the combination of the patterns printed with each ink, a desired image is reproduced on the support.

The ink-jet printing devices need to be periodically calibrated by printing a calibration target on a print support. A calibration target is normally a set of coloured areas or patches, printed with known amounts of ink. The calibration target is measured with a measurement instrument, for example a spectrometer, which measures the colour of each patch for subsequent processing.

In some technical fields, in which it is necessary to print on supports having a significant dimension transversally to the advancement direction of the supports, printing bars are used whose length, i.e., whose dimension taken transversally to the advancement direction, is very significant. For example, this situation occurs in the ceramic sector, wherein ceramic slabs are produced and printed which can have a width greater than one metre, but also in the sector of printing on paper or on fabric.

In these cases, to calibrate the printing device, it is known to print a calibration target whose width is at least equal to the length of the printing bars. This calibration target needs to be measured with measurement devices of known type, which is not an easy operation. In fact, it is difficult, if not impossible, to have measurement devices available which are capable of acquiring, in a single step, a calibration element whose width is at least equal to the length of the printing bar.

<CIT> discloses a method for controlling a colour calibration target to be used during a digital printing process, i.e., to determine if the calibration target has been printed correctly and can therefore be used successfully for further operations, in particular to generate a descriptor of the calibration target, i.e., a file containing information on the calibration target.

To this end, <CIT> teaches to use a printing device to print a calibration target comprising a plurality of coloured zones, each of which corresponds to a predetermined combination of inks which the printing device is capable of printing. The calibration target further comprises a plurality of control zones for controlling whether the printing heads of the printing device apply the respective inks uniformly, or whether there is a lack of uniformity between one printing head and the other.

Each control zone is printed by a single printing head and is therefore obtained with a single ink. Each printing head can print several control zones, corresponding to different nominal amounts of ink, i.e., different printing densities.

The control zones and coloured zones are measured and their measurements are used for different purposes.

In particular, the measurements of the control zones are processed to check whether the corresponding printing heads meet a predetermined uniformity criterion.

If it is determined from the measurements of the control zones that the uniformity criterion is met, it is possible to continue to process the data deriving from the measurement of the calibration target, by taking into account the data related to the coloured zones. If, on the other hand, by measuring the control zones it is determined that one or more printing heads, for one or more values of the printing density considered, do not meet the uniformity requirements, an alarm message or signal is generated to allow an operator to intervene in the printing process.

The coloured zones and the control zones can be measured in a single measurement step or in several measurement steps. More specifically, the coloured zones can be measured during the same measurement step in which the control zones are measured, or they can be measured only after the control zones have been measured and have made it possible to determine that the printing heads work sufficiently uniformly.

In any case, the control zones are used to determine whether the coloured zones forming the calibration target can be successfully processed. In <CIT>, the measurements of the control zones are not combined with the measurements of the control zones.

Other examples of calibration targets according to the state of the art are known from <CIT> and <CIT>.

An object of the invention is to improve the calibration of an ink-jet printing device, particularly but not exclusively intended for applying inks on ceramic supports, but also on supports of other materials, for example paper or fabric.

Another object is to provide a calibration element, suitable for calibrating an ink-jet printing device, which can be easily measured with ordinary measurement devices, in particular with acquisition devices which do not have a very large acquisition area.

Owing to the first aspect of the invention, it is possible to calibrate ink-jet printing devices comprising one or more printing bars having relevant longitudinal dimensions, for example of several tens of centimetres, without necessarily using special measurement devices which are expensive and difficult to find.

In fact, the calibration element is measured, for example scanned, by means of a plurality of partial measurements, which can be carried out one at a time, using a simple and compact measurement device.

The latter can for example be positioned on a surface region of the print support means having the calibration element, to measure only that region, for example by scanning it. Thereafter, the measurement device is moved at another region of the calibration element to also measure this region as well, and so on until the entire calibration element has been measured. At this point, the data obtained from the partial measurements and their subsequent analysis can be combined to obtain information on the ink-jet device in its entirety, which makes it possible to obtain information on all the printing heads which make up the ink-jet device.

In an embodiment, for calibrating the ink-jet printing device there is provided to reconstruct the calibration element by processing the information obtained from the partial measurements of the parts of the calibration element which has been printed on the print support means by the ink-jet printing device.

In other words, the measurement of the calibration element is divided into a plurality of images and therefore of partial measurements, each of which provides information on a part of the calibration element. By processing the information obtained during the partial measurements, it is possible to reconstruct the entire calibration element, which can be used to calibrate the ink-jet printing device.

In an embodiment, a virtual image of the calibration element is printed, the virtual image comprising a plurality of portions of the calibration element, said plurality of portions comprising at least a first portion and at least a second portion offset with respect to one another, an edge of the first portion which extends parallel to the advancement direction being aligned with an edge of the second portion.

In an embodiment, the print support means comprise a single print support on which the entire virtual image of the calibration element is printed.

In an alternative embodiment, the print support means comprise a plurality of print supports on each of which a part of the virtual image of the calibration element has been printed.

The part of the virtual image of the calibration element that has been printed on a print support of the plurality of print supports can comprise a single portion of the calibration element.

In a second aspect of the invention, there is provided a print support having a surface on which a plurality of portions of a calibration element are printed, said plurality of portions comprising at least a first portion of the calibration element and at least a second portion of the calibration element offset with respect to one another, an edge of the first portion which extends along a direction being aligned with an edge of the second portion adjacent to the first portion.

The print support provided by the second aspect of the invention can be used in the method according to the first aspect of the invention and can be an example in which the entire virtual image of the calibration element is printed on a single print support.

In a third aspect of the invention, print support means are provided comprising a plurality of print supports on each of which a portion of a calibration element is printed, an identification number being printed on each print support and associated with the corresponding portion of the calibration element, the identification number being intended to identify the calibration element after a plurality of patches of each portion have been measured by a measurement device.

The print support means according to the third aspect of the invention can be used in the method according to the first aspect of the invention and can be an example in which each portion of the calibration element is printed on a specific print support.

In a fourth aspect of the invention, a print support is provided having a surface on which at least a first portion of a calibration element and at least a part of a second portion of the calibration element are printed, said at least a first portion and said at least a part of the second portion being offset with respect to one another, an edge of said at least a first portion which extends along a direction being aligned with an edge of said at least a part of the second portion adjacent to said at least a first portion.

The print support according to the fourth aspect of the invention can be used in the method according to the first aspect of the invention and is an example in which the virtual image of the calibration element is printed on multiple print supports.

The invention can be better understood and implemented with reference to the attached drawings, which illustrate some embodiments thereof by way of non-limiting example, wherein:.

<FIG> shows print support means <NUM> comprising a print support <NUM>, delimited by a print surface <NUM> on which it is possible to apply one or more inks according to respective desired patterns.

The print support <NUM> can be a ceramic support, for example a tile, or a support made of paper, or fabric, or other materials.

The print support <NUM> can have a quadrangular plan shape, for example like a rectangle or a square. Alternatively, the print support <NUM> can be a portion of continuous web, or it can have any other shape.

The print support <NUM> is delimited by a plurality of sides <NUM>.

The print support <NUM> is intended to interact with an ink-jet printing device not shown, suitable for applying one or more inks according to a desired pattern on the print support <NUM>. To this end, the printing device and the print support <NUM> are movable with respect to one another in an advancement direction F. For example, the printing device can be arranged in a fixed position, while the print support <NUM> advances near the printing device by moving along the advancement direction F. Alternatively, the print support <NUM> can be arranged in a fixed position, while the printing device moves in the advancement direction F.

The printing device comprises at least one printing bar not shown, preferably a plurality of printing bars extending transversally, for example perpendicularly, to the advancement direction F. The printing bars cover the entire width of the print support <NUM> transversally to the advancement direction F.

Each printing bar comprises a plurality of printing heads arranged side by side along the printing bar. Each printing head comprises at least one nozzle for applying, on the print support <NUM>, respective drops of ink.

Different printing bars can be configured to print different inks. In an example embodiment, four printing bars can be provided, configured to apply cyan, magenta, yellow and black inks, respectively. In this case, the printing device works according to the four-colour principle. However, the printing device can comprise a number of bars other than four and/or operate according to techniques other than four-colour printing.

The printing device is configured to print on the print surface <NUM> of the print support <NUM> a calibration element comprising a plurality of portions <NUM> of the calibration element, the set of which is intended to calibrate the printing heads of the printing device.

The portions <NUM> of the calibration element can have a square or rectangular shape.

In the example shown in <FIG>, the portions <NUM> of the calibration element have been depicted as empty rectangles. This has been done because <FIG> is simply intended to show the layout which the portions <NUM> of the calibration element have on the print support <NUM>. It is understood that the portions <NUM> of the calibration element can be parts of any desired calibration element, i.e., of a calibration element whose coloured zones or patches can be set according to any kind of calibration elements. Some examples of how the portions <NUM> of the calibration element can be made will be shown below. In the example shown in <FIG>, the portions <NUM> of the calibration element comprise at least a first portion 4a and at least a second portion 4b, which are arranged on the print surface <NUM> in a position offset with respect to one another. The first portion 4a and the second portion 4b are offset along the advancement direction F. This means that the first portion 4a and the second portion 4b are not at the same level along the advancement direction F, since the first portion 4a is arranged downstream of the second portion 4b with respect to the advancement direction F.

More specifically, there is provided a plurality of first portions 4a, aligned with each other along a transverse direction, in particular perpendicular, to the advancement direction F, and a plurality of second portions 4b, aligned with each other along a transverse direction, in particular perpendicular, to the advancement direction F.

The first portions 4a and the second portions 4b which are in adjacent positions transversally to the advancement direction F are delimited by edges aligned along the advancement direction F. In the illustrated example, this means that each first portion 4a is delimited by at least one edge <NUM>, extending in the advancement direction F, which is aligned with a further edge <NUM> of the second portion 4b arranged in an adjacent position, i.e., closest, to the second portion 4a, as shown by the straight line L1. This means that, by moving perpendicularly to the advancement direction F on the print surface <NUM>, the second portion 4b begins where the first portion 4a ends.

Owing to the offset arrangement of the portions <NUM> of the calibration element, and using a calibration element suitably made, it is possible to ensure that all the nozzles of all the printing heads forming each printing bar print on the print surface <NUM>.

The first portions 4a can be arranged along a first line <NUM> extending transversally, in particular perpendicularly, to the advancement direction F. The second portions 4b can instead be arranged along a second line <NUM> extending transversally, in particular perpendicularly, to the advancement direction F. The first line <NUM> and the second line <NUM> are arranged in sequence along the advancement direction F.

In the illustrated example, the first line <NUM> is formed by two portions 4a and the second line <NUM> is formed by two portions 4b. However, this condition is not necessary and the number of portions of the calibration element present in each line can be different from two.

An unprinted area <NUM> is interposed between two first portions 4a arranged in sequence transversally to the advancement direction F, i.e., belonging to the first line <NUM>, and two second portions 4b arranged in sequence transversally to the advancement direction F, i.e., belonging to the second line <NUM>.

When a first portion 4a is interposed between two second portions 4b, the first portion 4a is delimited by two edges <NUM> each of which is aligned with a corresponding edge <NUM> of a second portion 4b, as shown by the lines L2 and L3 in <FIG>.

A plurality of graphic reference signs <NUM>, of known type, is arranged along a peripheral region of each portion <NUM>, the graphic reference signs <NUM> being arranged to allow to identify the portions <NUM> of the calibration element after a plurality of patches forming each portion <NUM> has been measured by a measurement device, for example acquired by a scanning device.

The graphic reference signs <NUM> can extend along all the edges of a portion <NUM>, so as to define a frame around the portion <NUM>. The graphic reference signs <NUM> extend outside each portion <NUM>.

The portions <NUM> can be spaced along the advancement direction F, for example by a distance D shown in <FIG>.

The portions <NUM> can have an area of dimensions measurable by portable and compact measurement devices available on the market, for example an area of <NUM> X <NUM>.

When it is desired to calibrate the printing device, the latter prints the portions <NUM> on the print surface <NUM>.

Subsequently, each portion <NUM> is measured using a measurement device, suitable for measuring the colour of the patches making up the portion <NUM>. The measurement device can comprise a scanning device, for example a spectral scanner, but also a different type of colour measurement device, based for example on RGB technology, such as a camera.

To this end, the scanning device or more generally the measurement device can be restning on the print surface <NUM> at each portion <NUM>, so as to acquire, one after the other, the images of the portions <NUM>. A plurality of partial measurements of the calibration element are thus carried out. The images acquired during each partial measurement are analysed and processed by combining them as if they were part of a single calibration element, having a width, perpendicular to the advancement direction F, equal to the sum of the widths W of all the portions <NUM>. The widths W of the portions <NUM> can be equal to each other.

The information obtained by processing each image acquired by the measurement device, i.e., the images of each portion <NUM>, are then processed according to known techniques and used to calibrate the printing heads of the printing device, so that the nozzles of the individual printing heads which are part of a printing bar discharge the ink uniformly on the supports to be printed, i.e., without inconsistency between one nozzle and the other in the amounts of ink applied by each nozzle.

It is thereby possible to calibrate printing devices having printing bars of significant size, using compact sized acquisition devices, which are easy to transport and handle, as well as inexpensive and easily available.

<FIG> shows an embodiment of print support means <NUM> comprising a print support <NUM> on which a calibration element is printed, the calibration element having the layout shown in <FIG>.

In this case, each portion <NUM> comprises four coloured regions printed with different inks applied by distinct printing bars of the printing device, which works according to the four-colour technique.

In particular, each portion <NUM> comprises a first coloured region <NUM>, a second coloured region <NUM>, a third coloured region <NUM> and a fourth coloured region <NUM>, arranged in sequence along the advancement direction F.

The first coloured region <NUM> can be for example printed with cyan ink, the second coloured region <NUM> with magenta ink, the third coloured region <NUM> with yellow ink and the fourth coloured region <NUM> with black ink.

Each coloured region <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> is formed by lines of patches having a constant printing density along a direction perpendicular to the advancement direction F and a printing density for example gradually increasing or decreasing along the advancement direction F.

<FIG> shows a further example of print support means <NUM> comprising a print support <NUM> on which a calibration element having a layout similar to that shown in <FIG> is printed.

In this example, each portion <NUM> comprises a coloured region printed with a single ink, for example cyan, and is formed by lines <NUM> of patches having a constant printing density along a direction perpendicular to the advancement direction F and a gradually increasing printing density along the advancement direction F.

The examples of print support means <NUM> shown in <FIG> comprise a single print support <NUM>, or <NUM>, or <NUM>, on which the portions <NUM> of the calibration element are printed.

In an alternative embodiment, it is possible to divide the print support means into a plurality of distinct print supports, on each of which a part of the calibration element has been printed.

<FIG> shows a virtual image <NUM> of a calibration element which is generated, for example in a control unit which controls an ink-jet printing device, by managing a printing process which the printing device implements.

The virtual image <NUM> can comprise a plurality of portions <NUM> of the calibration element which is desired to print on print support means. In the illustrated example, the calibration element defined by the portions <NUM> is the same calibration element which, in the example of <FIG>, has been printed on a single print support <NUM>.

Unlike what is described with reference to <FIG>, it is possible to print the virtual image <NUM> of the calibration element on a plurality of print supports, as will be better described below with reference to <FIG> and <FIG>.

<FIG> shows an example of print support means <NUM> comprising a plurality of print supports, in particular a first print support 31a and a second print support 31b. The first print support 31a and the second print support 31b can comprise respective ceramic tiles, in the case where the printing process in which the calibration element is to be used is a ceramic tile decoration process. In an alternative embodiment, in which the printing process in which the calibration element is used occurs on materials other than ceramic, the print support means <NUM> comprise a plurality of distinct supports made of the same material on which the printing process is intended to print, for example made of paper or, in an alternative embodiment, fabric.

Although print support means <NUM> are shown in the example of <FIG> comprising only two print supports 31a, 31b, it is understood that the virtual image <NUM> of the calibration element to be printed can also be divided and printed on a number of print supports other than two.

As shown in <FIG>, the virtual image <NUM> of the calibration element to be printed was in this case divided along a first ideal line R1 and along a second ideal line R2.

In the illustrated example, the first ideal line R1 and the second ideal line R2 are straight lines, arranged parallel to the advancement direction F. This condition is not necessary, however, and the ideal lines R1 and R2 could also be lines which are not straight, or not arranged parallel to the advancement direction F.

The part of the virtual image <NUM> arranged to the left of the first ideal line R1 was printed on the first print support 31a, while the part of the virtual image <NUM> arranged to the right of the second print line R2 was printed on the second print support 31b.

In particular, the part of the virtual image <NUM> printed on the first print support 31a comprises a first portion 4a, a second portion 4b and an incomplete portion 4c. The first portion 4a and the second portion 4b are entire portions offset from each other along the advancement direction F, as previously described with reference to <FIG> and <FIG>. The incomplete portion 4c is a part of a first portion 4a of the virtual image <NUM>, arranged adjacent to the second portion 4b printed entirely on the first support 31a. The incomplete portion 4c has an edge <NUM>, arranged along the advancement direction F, which is aligned with an edge <NUM> of the second portion 4b, as better described above with reference to <FIG> and <FIG>.

The part of the virtual image <NUM> printed on the second support 31b comprises a first portion 4a, a second portion 4b, which have been printed entirely on the second support 31b and which are offset from each other along the advancement direction F, as previously described with reference to <FIG> and <FIG>. On the second support 31b there is also a further incomplete portion 4d, which corresponds to a part of a portion <NUM> included in the image <NUM>. More specifically, the further incomplete portion 4d corresponds to a part of a second portion 4b of the virtual image <NUM>, arranged in an adjacent position to the first portion 4a printed entirely on the second support 31b.

The position of the first ideal line R1 and the second ideal line R2 on the virtual image <NUM> is chosen so that the first ideal line R1 and the second ideal line R2 define in the virtual image <NUM> two image parts which have a common region or overlapping region RS. This is intended to ensure that all the points of the virtual image <NUM> are printed on the print support means <NUM>.

During operation, the virtual image <NUM> which is to be printed on the support means <NUM> is generated or taken from a memory in the control unit which controls the ink-jet printing device.

Parts of the virtual image <NUM> are then printed on different print supports 31a, 31b, for example by positioning the print supports 31a, 31b in succession on a conveyor arranged below the ink-jet printing device. The print supports 31a, 31b are positioned on the conveyor taking care that there is an overlap between the image parts which are printed on each print support, so that all the portions <NUM> in which the calibration element has been divided are printed entirely on the print supports 31a, 31b.

The print supports 31a, 31b on which the portions <NUM> of the virtual image <NUM> have been printed are then measured, for example acquired, by the measurement device, by means of a plurality of measurements or partial acquisitions.

The graphic reference signs <NUM> allow each portion <NUM> to be correctly positioned with respect to a measurement area, for example an area of image acquisition, of the measurement device, even if the portions <NUM> are printed with edges not perfectly parallel to the edges of the corresponding print support.

The images of the portions <NUM> printed on each print support which have been measured by the measurement device, for example acquired by the scanning device, during the partial measurements are then processed and combined to reconstruct the entire calibration element, by which it is possible to calibrate the ink-jet printing device.

The incomplete portion 4c can be helpful in understanding, starting from the individual print supports 31a, 31b, how the image part printed on the print support 31a, 31b considered is positioned in the virtual image <NUM> of the calibration element.

<FIG> shows print support means <NUM> according to an alternative embodiment, which comprise a plurality, specifically two, print supports 41a, 41b. In this case, on the first print support 41a the part of the virtual image <NUM> of the calibration element arranged above the ideal line R3 was printed, while on the second print support 41b the further part of the virtual image <NUM> arranged below the further ideal line R4 was printed.

In particular, on the first print support 41a two entire first portions 4a and two incomplete parts 4e of second portions 4b have been printed. On the second print support 41b, instead, two entire second portions 4b and two incomplete parts 4f of first portions 4a have been printed.

Again, the ideal line R3 and the further ideal line R4 define in the virtual image <NUM> two image parts which have an overlapping region or common region RC. This is intended to ensure that all the points of the virtual image <NUM> are printed on the print support means <NUM>.

By printing the virtual image <NUM> on a plurality of print supports instead of on a single print support, relatively small print supports can be used, for example whose dimensions are equal to, or slightly greater than, the maximum size of the image acquisition area of the measurement device used.

This makes it easier to transport and handle the print supports on which the print of the virtual image <NUM> has been divided.

In an embodiment, the dimensions of the print supports 31a, 31b, 41a, 41b can be for example <NUM> x <NUM>.

It should be noted that the ideal lines R1, R2, R3, R4 are not actually present in the virtual image <NUM> of the calibration element, but are theoretical lines used in this description for a clearer understanding of <FIG> and <FIG>, which ideally divide the virtual image <NUM> into parts, whose arrangement and shape depend on how the print supports are positioned with respect to the ink-jet printing device during the printing process.

<FIG> shows print support means <NUM> according to an alternative embodiment, comprising a plurality of print supports 51a, 51b, 51c, 51d on each of which a portion 4a or 4b of the virtual image <NUM> of the calibration element is printed. The portion 4a, 4b printed on each print support 51a, 51b, 51c, 51d is a complete portion chosen from the offset portions in which the calibration element has been divided in the virtual image <NUM>, surrounded by the relative graphic reference signs <NUM>. There are no incomplete portions on the print supports 51a, 51b, 51c, 51d.

An identification number associated with the portion <NUM> of the calibration element printed on that print support can be printed on each print support 51a, 51b, 51c, 51d. The identification number can be a sequential number. The identification number can be printed outside the portion <NUM>, for example near the graphic reference signs <NUM>. The identification number allows the control unit which controls the measurement processing process to recombine the measured values of the calibration element, after the measurements of each portion have been acquired by the measurement device.

The identification number can be provided not only on the print supports 51a, 51b, 51c, 51d described with reference to <FIG>, but also with reference to all the other print support means mentioned in this description. The print supports 51a, 51b, 51c, 51d are obtained from the virtual image <NUM> shown in <FIG>, by printing on the print support 51a the portion 4a at the top left in <FIG>, on the print support 51b the portion 4a at the top right in <FIG>, on the print support 51c the portion 4b at the bottom left in <FIG>, and on the print support 51d the portion 4b at the bottom right in <FIG>.

The dimensions of each print support 51a, 51b, 51c, 51d are only slightly larger than the dimensions of the portions <NUM> of the virtual image <NUM>. This makes it possible to minimise the size of the print supports 51a, 51b, 51c, 51d, which are particularly easy to transport and handle.

The number of portions <NUM> forming the virtual image <NUM> of the calibration element can be chosen freely.

The shape, size and number of portions <NUM> printed on the print support can vary, as can the shape, number and size of the incomplete portions which are printed on the single print support.

<FIG> shows print support means <NUM> according to an alternative embodiment, comprising a single print support <NUM> which can be a ceramic slab, or a piece of fabric, or paper or other materials. A calibration element is provided on a surface <NUM> of the print support <NUM>, which has been printed using an ink-jet printing device. The calibration element is intended to be processed in order to ensure that the printing heads of the ink-jet printing device apply the corresponding ink uniformly between one printing head and the other, or - more specifically - between one nozzle and the other of each printing head.

The calibration element is complete, in the sense that it has been entirely printed on the print support <NUM>.

The print support <NUM> has been printed by mutually moving the print support <NUM> and the ink-jet printing device along the advancement direction F.

The ink-jet printing device to be calibrated comprises one or more printing bars, each of which has a plurality of nozzles mounted on an active portion of the printing bar. The active portions of the printing bars on which the nozzles are mounted each have a length K, which coincides with the maximum dimension along which the printing bar can print perpendicularly to the advancement direction F. The calibration element printed on the print support <NUM> has, perpendicular to the advancement direction, a dimension equal to the length K. Thereby, it is certain that all the nozzles of each printing bar apply the respective ink on the print support <NUM>.

In the example shown in <FIG>, the calibration element printed on the print support <NUM> comprises a plurality of coloured regions, each of which is printed with a different colour ink. In particular, the calibration element of <FIG> comprises a first coloured region <NUM> which can be for example printed with cyan ink, a second coloured region <NUM> which can be printed with magenta ink, a third coloured region <NUM> which can be printed with yellow ink and a fourth coloured region <NUM> which can be printed with black ink.

Each coloured region <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> is formed by a plurality of lines of patches, each of which extends perpendicularly to the advancement direction F. The patches of each line have a constant printing density, while for example the printing density gradually increases along the advancement direction F.

The calibration element shown in <FIG> further comprises a plurality of graphic reference signs <NUM>, intended to allow the measurement device to correctly acquire the values of the calibration element patches. The graphic reference signs <NUM> are arranged upstream and/or downstream of the coloured regions <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> with respect to the advancement direction F, i.e., above and/or below the coloured regions <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>. The graphic reference signs are distributed within the width K, i.e., within the maximum overall dimensions of the coloured regions <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> measured perpendicularly to the advancement direction F. Thus, the patches of the reference element are printed by all the nozzles of the ink-jet printing device, and some nozzles of the ink-jet printing device print both the patches of the calibration element and the graphic reference signs <NUM>.

During operation, the calibration element is printed on the surface <NUM> of the print support <NUM> by means of the ink-jet printing device. Next, the measurement device acquires a plurality of measurements of the patches present in the calibration element, for example by positioning the measurement device resting on the surface <NUM>.

More specifically, since the dimensions of the calibration element are larger than the dimensions of the maximum image acquisition area of the measurement device, the measurement device carries out a plurality of partial measurements of the calibration element. During each partial measurement, the patches of a part of the calibration element compatible with the dimensions of the maximum area measurable by the measurement device are measured.

In the example of <FIG>, it is possible, for example, to measure, during a first partial measurement, the patches of the part of the calibration target defined by the two pairs of graphic reference signs <NUM> arranged more to the left. During a subsequent partial measurement, it is possible to measure the patches of the part of the calibration element defined between the second and the third pair of graphic reference signs <NUM>, and so on until the entire calibration element is acquired by subsequent partial measurements. The information obtained from the individual partial measurements is subsequently combined, for example by means of a control unit of the measurement device, to calibrate the ink-jet printing device, for example so as to ensure that the printing nozzles of the ink-jet printing device, for the same amount of ink requested, produce an equivalent amount of ink with respect to each other.

<FIG> shows print support means <NUM> comprising a print support <NUM> according to an alternative embodiment. While the print support <NUM> shown in <FIG> had a calibration element comprising a plurality of coloured regions <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> printed with different inks from each other, the print support <NUM> shown in <FIG> has a calibration element comprising a single coloured region <NUM>, i.e., it is made with a single type of ink, for example cyan ink. The coloured region <NUM> comprises a plurality of lines of patches, each line extending perpendicularly to the advancement direction F. The patches of each line have the same printing density, while for example the printing density increases by moving from one line of patches to another in parallel to the advancement direction F.

The image of the calibration element present on the print support <NUM> can be acquired by the measurement device by means of a plurality of partial measurements, during each of which the measurement device is moved to a different region of the print support <NUM> to measure the respective patches.

Summing up, in the method according to the invention the values of the patches of the calibration element are measured by means of a plurality of partial measurements, each of which allows the measurement of a part of the aforesaid calibration element. More specifically, each partial measurement can derive from a theoretical subdivision of the calibration element. The theoretical subdivision can occur after the calibration element has been printed, by subsequently moving the measurement device on the surface <NUM> to measure each time a different part of the print support. Alternatively, the theoretical subdivision can occur before the calibration element is printed, using a virtual image of the calibration element, which is divided into portions intended to be printed on different print supports or on a single print support.

It is thereby possible to simplify the measurement of the calibration element, which can occur with a simple measurement device having a small size, even in the case in which the maximum width K printable by the ink-jet printing device is significant.

Claim 1:
A method comprising the steps of:
- providing an ink-jet printing device;
- providing print support means (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>) delimited by a print surface (<NUM>);
- printing a calibration element on the print support means (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>) using the ink-jet printing device, by moving the print support means (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>) and the ink-jet printing device with respect to one another along an advancement direction (F),
- using a measurement device, carrying out a plurality of partial measurements of respective parts of the calibration element printed on the print support means (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>);
- calibrating the ink-jet printing device by processing information obtained during the partial measurements,
characterized in that the calibration element has dimensions larger than the dimensions of the maximum image acquisition area of the measurement device and in that in order to calibrate the ink-jet printing device there is provided reconstructing the calibration element by combining information obtained from the partial measurements of said parts of the calibration element which has been printed on the print support means (<NUM>; <NUM>; <NUM>; <NUM>), the partial measurements being carried out by positioning the measurement device on a region of the print surface (<NUM>) and acquiring the image of one of said parts of the calibration element, moving the measurement device at another region of the print surface (<NUM>) and acquiring the image of the corresponding part of the calibration element, and so on until the entire calibration element has been measured.