JP2003080766A - Print system - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a print system which can be constituted of small and inexpensive devices by making it possible to perform printing within a specified range at a plurality of positions on the print face of a recording medium, e.g. a CD-R (Compact Disk-Recordable). SOLUTION: Upon ending first time (first position) print in a specified print range H of an optical disc 4 mounted on the tray 5 of a printer 1 by a print mechanism, the tray 5 ejects the optical disc 4 on the tray 5 to a position where the optical disc 4 can be taken out or changing operation can be performed through driving of a tray stop mechanism in response to transmission of an ink jet signal or through action of a tray push out mechanism incident thereto. When print is set at two positions through setting of print layout, a print dialogue screen presenting an image and a guidance for changing the position of the optical disc 4 mounted on the tray 5 with respect to the print mechanism so that it corresponds with the second time print position is displayed.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

TECHNICAL FIELD The present invention relates to a CD-R (Compact
The present invention relates to a printing system for printing on a recording medium such as a disk-recordable).

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art A CD-R is an optical recording medium on which a user can freely write data, and it is convenient for management to print and display the title of written data on the surface of the CD-R. Is.

Conventionally, as a printing device for performing label printing on the printing surface of an optical disc such as a CD-R, there is one that performs printing by moving an ink jet nozzle in the radial direction of the optical disc while rotating the optical disc.

As another printing apparatus, there is a printing apparatus which linearly slides and feeds a table on which an optical disc is placed, and moves a print head in a direction orthogonal to the feeding direction to perform printing.

[0005]

In the printing apparatus described above, printing can be performed on the entire printing surface of the optical disk, but the apparatus becomes large and complicated accordingly.

The present invention has been made in order to solve the above-mentioned problems, and it is possible to print on a plurality of positions on the printing surface of a recording medium within a predetermined range, thereby making a small-sized and inexpensive apparatus. An object of the present invention is to provide a printing system that can be configured by.

[0007]

A first printing system according to the present invention is a printing apparatus for printing print data on a recording medium, and a print control for controlling the printing apparatus to print on the recording medium. A printing system including a device, wherein the printing device includes a supporting unit that supports the recording medium, and a printing unit that prints on the recording medium supported by the supporting unit in a predetermined range. A drive unit that moves the supporting unit to a position where the position of the recording medium on the supporting unit can be changed and operated, and the print control device sets at least one printing position on the recording medium. A print location setting unit for setting, a print data transmitting unit for transmitting print data to the printing apparatus, and a control unit for driving the driving unit when printing of one place on the printing apparatus is completed. Control signal transmitting means for transmitting a signal, judging means for judging whether or not there is a remaining printing spot, and recording supported by the supporting means when the judging means judges that there is a remaining printing spot Means for changing the position of the medium with respect to the printing means and for notifying information requesting an operation to correspond to the next printing position.

In the first printing system according to the present invention as described above, when the printing unit finishes printing at one place on the predetermined range of the recording medium supported by the supporting unit, the supporting unit is driven by the driving unit. Is moved to a position where the position of the recording medium on the support means can be changed, and when the determination means determines that there are remaining print locations because a plurality of print locations are set, Since the information requesting the operation of changing the position of the recording medium supported by the supporting means with respect to the printing means to correspond to the next printing location is notified, a plurality of printing locations are set on the printing surface of the recording medium. Even if the position of the recording medium on the supporting means is changed, the printing means should always print only on a limited range of the recording medium on the supporting means. It made.

A second printing system according to the present invention includes a printing device for printing print data on a recording medium, and a printing control device for controlling the printing device to print on the recording medium. In the system, the printing apparatus includes a supporting unit that supports the recording medium, a printing unit that prints on the recording medium supported by the supporting unit within a predetermined range, and a printing unit that performs printing. Rotation control means for rotating the support means so as to make the printing locations correspond to each other, and the print control device includes printing location setting means for setting at least one printing location on the recording medium; Print data transmitting means for transmitting print data to the printing device; determining means for determining whether or not there is a remaining print portion when printing at one place in the printing device is completed; When a step determines that there is a remaining printing spot, a control signal for driving the rotation driving means is transmitted, and a control signal for restarting printing of the next printing spot is transmitted to the printing device. And a control signal transmitting means for performing the control signal transmission.

In such a second printing system according to the present invention, when the printing means finishes printing at one location on the predetermined range of the recording medium supported by the supporting means, the remaining printing is performed by the judging means. If it is determined that there is a print spot, and if it is determined that there is a remaining print spot, then a drive control signal is sent to the rotation drive means of the support means so as to correspond the next print spot to the print means. Is sent and printing to the next print location is restarted, so even if multiple print locations are set on the print side of the recording medium,
The supporting means is rotated by the rotation driving means so as to correspond the printing position to the printing means, and the printing means always has to print only on a limited range of the recording medium on the supporting means. Become.

A third printing system according to the present invention includes a printing device for printing print data on a recording medium, and a printing control device for controlling the printing device to print on the recording medium. In the system, the printing apparatus includes a supporting unit that supports the recording medium, a printing unit that prints on the recording medium supported by the supporting unit within a predetermined range, and a printing unit that performs printing. A rotation drive mechanism capable of rotating the supporting means by a manual operation so as to correspond to a printing position on the recording medium, and the printing control device sets at least one printing position on the recording medium. A print location setting unit for performing print data, and a print data transmitting unit for transmitting print data to the printing device,
When the printing device finishes printing at one place, it determines whether or not there is a remaining printing portion, and when the above-mentioned determination means determines that there is a remaining printing portion And a notification unit for changing the position of the supported recording medium with respect to the printing unit to notify the information requesting the operation of the rotation drive mechanism to correspond to the next printing position.

In the third printing system according to the present invention as described above, when the printing unit finishes printing at one location on the predetermined range of the recording medium supported by the supporting unit, the remaining printing is performed by the determining unit. If it is determined whether there is a place, and when it is determined that there is a remaining printing place, the position of the recording medium supported by the supporting unit with respect to the printing unit is changed to correspond to the next printing place. Since the information requesting the operation of the rotation drive mechanism capable of rotating the support means by the manual operation is notified, the rotation drive of the support means can be performed even if a plurality of printing points are set on the print surface of the recording medium. Only by manually operating the mechanism, the printing means need always print only on a limited area of the recording medium on the support means.

A fourth printing system according to the present invention comprises a printing device for printing print data on a recording medium, and a printing control device for controlling the printing device to print on the recording medium. In the system, the printing device includes a supporting unit that supports the recording medium, a printing unit that prints on the recording medium supported by the supporting unit within a predetermined range, and a position with respect to the printing unit. The print control device includes a drive unit that moves the support unit to change the print medium, and the print control device sets a print location setting unit that sets at least one print location on the recording medium, and print data to the printing apparatus. A print data transmitting means for transmitting, a judging means for judging whether or not there is a remaining printing area when printing at one place in the printing apparatus is completed, and the judging means. In order to restart the printing of the next printing location to the printing device, while transmitting a control signal for driving the driving means to correspond to the next printing location when it is determined that there is a remaining printing location Control signal transmitting means for transmitting the control signal of.

In such a fourth printing system according to the present invention, when the printing means finishes printing at one place on the predetermined range of the recording medium supported by the supporting means, the remaining printing is performed by the judging means. If it is determined whether there is a place to be printed or not, and if it is determined that there is a remaining place to be printed, a drive control signal is sent to the movement drive means of the support means so as to correspond the next print location to the printing means. Since it is sent and printing to the next print location is restarted, even if multiple print locations are set on the print side of the recording medium,
The supporting means is moved by the movement driving means so as to correspond the printing position to the printing means, and the printing means always has to print only on a limited range of the recording medium on the supporting means.

[0015]

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.

(First Embodiment) FIG. 1 is an external view showing an overall configuration of a printing system according to an embodiment of the present invention.

This printing system includes a printing apparatus 1 and a personal computer (PC) 2 for controlling the printing apparatus 1.
The personal computer 2 and the printer 1 are connected via a USB (Universal Serial Bus) cable 3.

The apparatus main body 1a of the printing apparatus 1 is formed of a synthetic resin in a substantially thin box shape, has a thermal transfer printing mechanism, which will be described later, built-in, and is a CD as a printing medium.
Print data created and edited by the personal computer 2 is printed on the label printing surface of the optical disc 4 such as -R. A tray 5 as a support means for the optical disc 4 is provided on the inner bottom portion of the apparatus main body 1a. The optical disk 4 is provided on the upper surface of the tray 5 near the front end.
As shown by the arrow a, a rubber sheet 6 for mounting and supporting is provided for slip and cushion.

The tray 5 is located at a predetermined position in the apparatus body 1a in response to the operation of the eject button 7 provided on the right end of the front surface of the apparatus body 1a or the reception of the eject signal transmitted from the personal computer 2. The optical disk 4 is projected to the front and is moved to a position outside the apparatus main body 1a where the optical disk 4 can be attached and detached and the mounting position can be changed.

An opening 1b is formed in a portion extending from the front surface to a part of the upper surface of the apparatus main body 1a.
A printer cover 8 is provided that opens and closes the opening 1b by rotating the pin 8a in the up and down direction as a fulcrum. In the normal state, as shown in the figure, the printer cover 8 is closed in the opening 1b, and the opening 1b is closed.

The personal computer 2 has a keyboard 2a and a mouse 2b as input devices, and also has a CRT.
(Cathode Ray Tube) or LCD (Liquid Crystal Disp
a display device 2c composed of a lay) for creating and editing print data such as music titles and artists, print layout setting processing, and printing in order to print on the label printing surface of the optical disc 4 in the personal computer 2. A start designation process, a print guidance (dialog) display process, and a print control process of the printing apparatus 1 interface-connected with the process are performed.

2A and 2B are views showing the internal construction of the printing apparatus 1 in the printing system. FIG. 2A is a plan view showing the construction of the tray drive mechanism and the thermal transfer printing mechanism, and FIG. 2B is the thermal transfer printing. The front view showing the structure of the mechanism, FIG. 6C is an explanatory view of the disk detection mechanism.

A coil spring 9 which constitutes a pushing mechanism of the tray 5 is provided between the left and right inner surfaces of the rear portion of the apparatus main body 1a and a locking portion 10 provided at the rear portion of the tray 5.

A locking mechanism 11 for removably locking the tray 5 is provided at the center of the inner surface of the rear portion of the apparatus body 1a. The locking mechanism 11 is composed of a solenoid 12 and a locking lever 14 that rotates around a pin 13 in conjunction with a plunger of the solenoid 12.
A hook 14a is integrally formed at one end of the tray, and the hook 14a engages with a protrusion 15 formed on the rear portion of the tray 5 in a disengageable manner.

The coil spring 9 is compressed when the tray 5 is pushed into the apparatus main body 1a and disposed at a predetermined storage position, and the projection 15 of the tray 5 engages with the hook 14a of the locking lever 14. By this engagement, the tray 5 is held in the apparatus main body 1a against the elastic force of the coil spring 9.

An eject button 7 for inputting a control signal for driving the solenoid 12 of the locking mechanism 11 is provided at the right end portion of the front surface of the apparatus main body 1a. By pressing the eject button 7 with a fingertip, Solenoid 1
2 is excited, the excitation causes the plunger of the solenoid 12 to be attracted, and the action of this attraction causes the locking lever 14 to move to the pin 1
3. The hook 14a is rotated around the tray 3, and the hook 14a is moved to the tray 5 by this rotation.
The tray 5 is disengaged from the projection 15 and the tray 5 is pushed out to the front side of the apparatus main body 1a by a predetermined size by the elastic force of the coil spring 9 of the pushing mechanism according to the release of the engagement. There is. Then, the user can pull out the tray 5 pushed out by a certain size further forward with his or her hand so that the tray 5 can be largely projected to the maximum allowable distance on the front side of the apparatus main body 1a.

On the other hand, the tray 5 that has been pulled out is attached to the apparatus main body 1a.
When pushed in, the coil spring 9 is compressed and the protrusion 15 of the tray 5 causes the hook 15 of the locking lever 14 to move.
The tray 5 is held at a predetermined storage position in the apparatus main body 1a against the elastic force of the coil spring 9 by engaging with a.

On the other hand, a printing mechanism as a printing means is provided above the tray 5 in the front of the apparatus body 1a. That is, a metallic printer frame 16 extending across the tray 5 in the width direction of the apparatus main body 1a is attached, and the printer frame 16 is installed parallel to the lower side of the frame transverse beam facing the upper surface of the tray 5 and facing it. A carriage guide 17 is provided, and a rack 18 extending along the longitudinal direction is provided on the lower surface of the frame cross beam. A carriage 19 is provided along the carriage guide 17 so as to be movable in directions indicated by arrows x and y, and the ink ribbon cassette 2 is provided on the front surface of the carriage 19.
The mounting surface for mounting 0 is provided so as to face the opening 1b of the apparatus main body 1a.

On the front side of the carriage 19 which is the cassette mounting surface, the ink ribbon 20a of the mounted ink ribbon cassette 20 is exposed and is conveyed in a U-shaped recess 19a.
The thermal head 21 is set to the position.

Further, inside the carriage 19, a traveling drive mechanism of the carriage 19, a head moving mechanism of the thermal head 21, and a winding mechanism of an ink ribbon as a consumable material for printing are provided, and serve as a drive source of each of these mechanisms. A stepping motor M capable of rotating in the forward and reverse directions is attached to the rear surface of the carriage 19. An ink ribbon cassette 20 containing an ink ribbon 20a as a consumable material for printing is detachably attached to the front surface of the carriage 19.

In FIG. 2A, a band-shaped area indicated by a symbol H represents the position of the printable range of the printing mechanism P capable of printing when the carriage 19 carrying the thermal head 21 runs, and the optical disk. In a state where the tray 5 on which the No. 4 is placed is stored at a predetermined position in the apparatus main body 1a, the thermal head 21 moves toward the front side of the apparatus from the circular hole 4a provided at the center of the optical disc 4 and the printable range thereof. Printing is performed within H, and an area indicated by reference numeral H1 overlapping with the printable range H is a printing area (first area) set on the optical disc 4 where label printing is performed.
Is represented. As will be described later, in this printing apparatus, label printing can be performed at two locations on the label printing surface of the optical disc 4 by changing the placement position of the optical disc 4 on the tray 5 and repeating the printing process. Reference numeral H2 shown in FIG. 2 (A) indicates the position of a printing area (second area) in which another label printing is performed, and the second area H2 and the first area H1 sandwich the circular hole 4a. It is located on the opposite side and has the same size. When performing label printing on the second area H2, the optical disk 4 is rotated 180 ° on the tray 5 from the state shown in the drawing to replace the position of the second area H2 with the position of the first area H1, and the printing mechanism P Corresponding to the printable range H of.

Further, in FIG. 2C, an actuator 22a is projected toward the tray 5 at the rear portion inside the apparatus main body 1a at a position facing the outer peripheral edge portion of the optical disk 4 placed on the tray 5. A disc detection switch 22 including a micro switch is provided to detect the presence or absence of the optical disc 4 on the tray 5.

FIG. 3 is a diagram showing the construction of a carriage running drive mechanism, a head moving mechanism, and an ink ribbon winding mechanism provided in the carriage 19 of the printing apparatus 1. FIG. FIG. 3B is a diagram showing the configuration of FIG. 2B, and FIG.

A ribbon supply core 24 and a ribbon winding core 25 are provided in a case 23 of the ink ribbon cassette 20, and the ink ribbon 20a is wound around the ribbon supply core 24 in a roll shape. The ink ribbon 20a drawn from the plurality of guide pins 26
The ink ribbon 20a is wound around the take-up core 25, and the ink ribbon 20a is sequentially taken up by the take-up core 25 in accordance with the forward rotation of the take-up core 25. The middle of the ink ribbon 20a is exposed from the case 23 and runs on the lower surface side of the concave portion 19a where the thermal head 21 is located.

The traveling drive mechanism, the head moving mechanism, and the ribbon winding mechanism provided in the carriage 19 will be described. In the carriage 19, an output gear 27 attached to the output shaft of the stepping motor M is arranged. , The first gear 28a meshes with the output gear 27, and the second gear 28b is coaxial with the first gear 28a.
Is provided, and the second gear 28b is provided with a third gear 28c.
Mesh with each other, and the third gear 28c is engaged with the fourth gear 2
8d is meshed.

A ribbon take-up shaft 29 is coaxially provided on the rotary shaft of the fourth gear 28d via a one-way clutch (not shown). The ribbon take-up shaft 29 is mounted on the cassette mounting surface of the carriage 19. From the front of it,
The winding core 25 is engaged with the ribbon winding shaft 29 according to the mounting of the ink ribbon cassette 20 on the cassette mounting surface.

The third gear 28a meshes with the rack 18, and by this meshing, the carriage 19 reciprocates along the carriage guide in accordance with the forward and reverse rotations of the third gear 28c.

A cam gear 30 is provided in the carriage 19.
The cam gear 30 is provided with an arcuate cam groove 31 that is eccentric with respect to the center of rotation. A swing clutch 32 is provided between the cam gear 30 and the output gear 27.

This swinging clutch 32 has an output gear 27.
The sun gear 33 meshed with the sun gear 33 and a pair of planet gears 35a, 35b meshed with the sun gear 33 and movably supported in the circumferential direction of the sun gear 33 via an arm 34. During normal rotation (clockwise rotation), one planetary gear 35a meshes with the cam gear 30 and the other planetary gear 35b separates from the cam gear 30, and the sun gear 33 reversely rotates (counterclockwise rotation). At the time), one planetary gear 35a separates from the cam gear 30, and the other planetary gear 35b meshes with the cam gear 30.

Inside the carriage 19, a head arm 36 is provided which is rotatable about a shaft 42 in the vertical direction. The head arm 36 is provided with a spring 37 stretched at one end of the head arm 36. The head arm 36 is elastically biased in the circumferential direction, and a pin 38 is provided near the one end of the head arm 36. The pin 38 is slidably inserted into the cam groove 31 of the cam gear 30.

A head holder 39 is attached to the other end of the head arm 36.
Is projectingly extended to the front side of the carriage 19,
A head base 41 is supported on the lower surface of the head holder 39 via a shaft 40, and a thermal head 21 as a print head is attached to the lower surface of the head base 41. The thermal head 21 extends in the lower surface direction of the cassette recess 19a. It is arranged to face each other.

As a result, the thermal head 21 moves integrally with the carriage 19 along the carriage guide 17, and printing is performed in the printing area H1 (H2) of the label printing surface on the optical disk 4 within the moving range of the thermal head 21. It is supposed to be given.

That is, first, when the printing operation is on standby, the head arm 36 on the carriage 19 is held in a substantially horizontal state as shown in FIG.
1 is placed in a print standby position where it is separated from the surface of the optical disk 4 by a certain distance. Also carriage 1
9 is stopped at the home position position set near the left end of the movement range.

In this state, the stepping motor M is driven to rotate normally, and the output gear 27 rotates counterclockwise (direction of arrow a).
Rotate to. The rotational power of the output gear 27 is the first, second, third, and fourth gears 28a, 28b, 28c, 28.
is transmitted to d. And the third meshing with the rack 18
The rotation of the gear 28c in the counterclockwise direction (the direction of arrow a) moves the carriage 19 along the carriage guide 17 in the right direction indicated by the arrow x, and further by the rotation of the fourth gear 28d, the ribbon 19 and the ribbon are integrally formed. The take-up shaft 29 rotates in the ribbon take-up direction (the direction of arrow a), the take-up core 25 in the ink ribbon cassette 20 that engages with the ribbon take-up shaft 29 rotates, and the take-up rotation of the core 25 causes the ink to rotate. The ribbon 20a is sequentially wound and runs.

In parallel with this operation, the sun gear 33 of the swinging clutch 32 is driven and rotated by the rotation of the output gear 27, and one planetary gear 35a is transferred to the cam gear 30 in response to the rotation of the sun gear 33. Approaching that cam gear 3
0, and the rotational power of the sun gear 33 is transmitted to the cam gear 30 by this engagement, and the cam gear 30 rotates in the clockwise direction (direction of arrow i).

When the cam gear 30 rotates clockwise (i) in the positive direction, the pin 38 in the cam groove 31 moves upward together with the head arm 36. And pin 38
The head arm 36, which moves integrally with the head arm 36, rotates in the counterclockwise direction about the shaft 42.
As shown in (B), the thermal head 21 moves downward (arrow d
Direction) and tilt with respect to the horizontal.

A missing portion (not shown) is formed in a part of the peripheral edge of the cam gear 30, and when the cam gear 30 rotates by a certain angle, the planetary gear 35 is present in the missing portion.
a is depressed and idles, so that the thermal head 21
Is maintained at a printing position where it maintains a predetermined inclination angle and contacts the surface of the optical disc 4 with the ink ribbon 20a interposed therebetween. At this time, the thermal head 21 comes into contact with the surface of the optical disc 4 with a predetermined pressure by the elastic force of the spring 37. When the stepping motor M is further driven in the normal direction, the planetary gear 35a is located in the missing portion, so that the thermal head 21 is kept at the printing position and the carriage 19 is held.
The ink ribbon 20a is wound and driven while moving to the right.

Simultaneously with the movement of the carriage 19 and the winding of the ink ribbon 20a, the heating element of the thermal head 21 is driven to generate heat based on the print data created and edited by the personal computer 2, and the ink ribbon 20 is driven.
The ink a is sequentially melted and thermally transferred to the surface of the optical disc 4, and the carriage 19 on the surface of the optical disc 4 is transferred.
Characters such as characters and symbols are printed in a predetermined print range H corresponding to the movement range of the (thermal head 21).

After printing, the stepping motor M
Is driven in the reverse direction, and the output gear 27 rotates in the reverse direction (clockwise direction) indicated by the arrow b. The reverse rotation of the output gear 27 also reversely rotates the third gear 28c in the clockwise direction (arrow b direction), and the reverse rotation of the third gear 28c causes the carriage 19 to move in the reverse direction indicated by the arrow y along the carriage guide 17. Direction (to the left) and return to the home position.

Since the fourth gear 28d is connected to the ribbon winding shaft 29 through the one-way clutch, the reverse rotation of the fourth gear 28d is performed by the ribbon winding shaft 29.
And the ink ribbon 20a is not wound up.

At the same time, the sun gear 33 of the swinging clutch 32 is reversely rotated by the reverse rotation of the output gear 27 indicated by the arrow b, and one planetary gear 35a is separated from the cam gear 30 by the reverse rotation of the sun gear 33. The other planetary gear 35b approaches and meshes with the cam gear 30, and by this meshing, the rotational power of the sun gear 33 is transmitted to the cam gear 30 and the cam gear 30 rotates in the counterclockwise direction indicated by the arrow j.

The reverse rotation of the cam gear 30 causes the pin 38 in the cam groove 31 to move downward together with the head arm 36. Then, the head arm 36 that moves integrally with the pin 38 rotates clockwise around the shaft 42,
Due to this rotation, the thermal head 21 moves upward as indicated by the arrow u and separates from the surface of the optical disc 4, and the head arm 36 returns to the initial horizontal state. A missing portion (not shown) is formed in a part of the peripheral edge of the cam gear 30 so as to correspond to the planet gear 35b, the cam gear 30 rotates by a certain angle, and the thermal head 21 returns to the print standby position. When this happens, the planetary gear 35b falls into the missing portion and runs idle. After the planetary gear 35b is located in the missing portion, the thermal head 21 is held in the print standby position by the reverse driving of the stepping motor M, and only the carriage 19 is in the reverse direction (leftward direction) indicated by the arrow y.
Will be moved to.

The head arm 36 is rotated counterclockwise to the maximum extent, and the thermal head 21 is moved to the ink ribbon 2.
The cam gear 30 from the print position in which the head arm 36 rotates clockwise to the horizontal position to move the thermal head 21 upward to return to the print standby position from the print position in contact with the surface of the optical disc 4 via 0a. The step number of the reverse rotation of the stepping motor M required for the reverse rotation j of n is set to n steps, and at the print standby position, the cam gear 30
Even if the rotation is i, the radius of rotation of the cam groove 31 in which the pin 38 of the head arm 36 slides is in a fixed section, so that the head arm 36 is not rotated in the counterclockwise direction and the thermal head 21 is moved downward. The ink ribbon 20 is held without moving to d and the ink ribbon 20 is held by the normal rotation a of the ribbon winding shaft 29.
It is assumed that the number of drive steps of the positive rotation of the stepping motor M in which only the winding of a is performed is m steps.

Further, the head moving mechanism is operated by the forward rotation of the stepping motor M from the print standby position to completely lower the thermal head 21 to the printing position, and thereafter, the thermal head 21 is rotated by the reverse rotation of the stepping motor M.
Is set to the printing operation position until it rises and returns to the print standby position.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing the configuration of electronic circuits of the printing apparatus 1 and the person computer 2 in the printing system.

The printing apparatus 1 includes a controller 51, which is an interface (I / F) 52.
It is connected to the USB cable 3 via the and is connected to the personal computer (PC) 2.

The controller 51 is provided with a ROM 53 and a RAM 54, and the ROM 53 has a program such as a system program for controlling the operation of each unit of the printing apparatus 1 in response to a print control signal from the personal computer 2. Data is stored and also RAM
Reference numeral 54 denotes a print data memory 54 for storing print target data transmitted from the personal computer 2.
a is provided.

Printed data such as music titles and artists stored in the print data memory 54a are arranged in a character string direction according to a print layout (see FIG. 5) described later that is arbitrarily selected and set by the user. It is expanded and stored.

The controller 51 is also supplied with an eject signal according to the switch operation of the eject switch 7 and a disc detection signal according to the detection operation of the optical disc 4 by the disc detection switch 22.

The thermal head 21 is connected to the controller 51 through the head driver 55, the stepping motor M is connected through the motor driver 56, and the solenoid 12 is connected through the solenoid driver 57.
Are connected.

The controller 51 outputs a head control signal to the head driver 55 in response to the print control signal transmitted from the personal computer 2 to drive the thermal head 21, and outputs the motor control signal to the motor driver 5.
6 to drive the stepping motor M and output an excitation control signal to the solenoid driver 57 to drive the solenoid 12.

On the other hand, a personal computer (PC) 2
Is a CPU (Central Processing Un
It) 61, and the CPU 61 controls the operation of each unit using the RAM 63 as a work memory according to a system program stored in a storage device 62 including a hard disk and a flash memory.

In the storage device 62, a system program for controlling the overall operation of the personal computer 2 is stored in advance, and a document processing program and a browser program installed by the user as needed, and the embodiment of the present invention. Various application programs such as a print control program for the printing apparatus 1 installed by the introduction of the printing system are stored.

The RAM 63 is provided with a work memory according to the execution of various application programs,
The memory for execution of the print control program for the printing apparatus 1 is a print data memory 63a in which print data created and edited for printing on the label printing surface of the optical disc 4 is stored. The print layout setting memory 63b for storing the set number of the print layout (see FIG. 5), the optical disc 4
Print count memory 63 for counting and storing the number of prints in a predetermined printing range H on the label printing surface of
c is provided.

The CPU 61 has the storage device 6
2. In addition to the RAM 63 being connected, the USB cable 3 for connecting to the printing apparatus 1 is connected via the interface (I / F) 64, and the keyboard 2a is connected to the display controller via the keyboard controller 65. The display device 2c is connected via 66.

FIG. 5 is a view showing setting data of the label print layout which is selectively set by the personal computer 2 of the printing system.

This label printing layout is arbitrarily selected and set by the user in accordance with the printing process on the label printing surface of the optical disc 4 set in the printing apparatus 1, and is performed once for each label printing surface of the optical disc 4. A plurality of print layouts for printing the print character string in the upright state or the upside down state by the printing process of 1 or the printing process of twice at two places are prepared.

Some CD-Rs are preprinted on a part of the label printing surface.
With, the vertical direction of the disc can be determined based on the direction of the preprinted character image. FIG. 5 is a diagram for explaining print layouts for label printing when the optical disc 4 on which the preprinting Q is performed is used. The contents of these print layouts will be described below. Print layout No. for performing the print process once. In No. 1, the label print character string represented by label 1 is printed upright in the strip-shaped first region H1 located above the circular hole 4a of the disc.
Print layout No. to perform print processing on the location. In 2,
The label print character string represented by the label 1 is printed upright on the strip-shaped second region H2 located below the circular hole 4a of the disc. In addition, a print layout No. for performing print processing on each of the two locations on the label printing surface. 3, the label print character string printed by the first printing process represented by label 1 and the label print character string printed by the second printing process represented by label 2 are respectively the first area H of the disc.
The print layout No. 1 is printed upright in both the first and second areas H2, and the print processing is performed at two places. In 4, the print character string of label 1 printed in the first print process is inverted and printed in the first area H1 of the disc, and
The print character string of the label 2 printed in the second printing process is upright printed in the second area H2 of the disc.
Print layout No. 5, the label 1 print character string printed in the first print process is the first area H1 of the disc.
And the print character string of the label 2 printed in the second printing process is printed upside down in the second area H2 of the disc.

In the print control process of the personal computer 2, since the label 1 is printed by the first print output and the label 2 is printed by the second print output, the initial set of the optical disk 4 to the tray 5 of the printer 1 is performed. At the time of (initial placement), the label 1 is always printed on the front side of the apparatus main body 1a, that is, on the front side of the tray 5, so that the printer 1 is set such that the print dialog (FIG. 8 and FIG. 9A) described later is set. Guidance is displayed.

Next, the print control function in the personal computer 2 associated with label printing in the printing system of the first embodiment having the above-mentioned configuration will be described.

FIG. 6 is a flow chart showing the printing process of the first embodiment by the personal computer 2 of the printing system.

FIG. 7 is a flow chart showing a print data generation process accompanying the print process by the personal computer 2 of the printing system.

In the personal computer 2, the application program of this printing system is started, and in accordance therewith, print data for only label 1 or for label 1 and label 2 to be printed on the label printing surface of the optical disc 4 is created, edited, and displayed. When the "print" button displayed together with the device c is clicked, the print process shown in FIG. 6 is started. First, the data clear process for the print layout setting memory 63b and the print count memory 63c of the RAM 63, and the print for the printer 1 are performed. Initial processing such as initial position setting processing is executed (step S
1).

Then, for example, as shown in FIG. 5, a print layout setting screen for the label print surface of the optical disc 4 is displayed, and the print layout No. The user is prompted to select. On this print layout setting screen, the desired print layout No. When is selected and specified,
The specified print layout No. Data is R
It is stored and set in the print layout setting memory 63b in the AM 63 (step S2).

Then, the eject signal is transmitted from the CPU 61 via the interface (I / F) 64 to the printer 1 connected by the USB cable 3 (step S3). As a result, in the printing apparatus 1, the controller 5
When the excitation control signal is output from the solenoid driver 57 to the solenoid driver 57, the solenoid 12 is driven.
Is projected to the front side of the apparatus main body 1a.

Then, in the personal computer 2,
The print layout No. set in the print layout setting memory 63b in the RAM 63. Of the print dialog screen Gn (see FIGS. 8 and 9A) corresponding to the display device 2c.
And a guidance display for correctly placing the optical disc 4 on the tray 5 is displayed (step S
4).

FIG. 8 shows the print layout No. in accordance with the print processing by the personal computer 2 of the printing system.
It is a figure which shows the print dialog screen G1 at the time of 1 setting.

FIG. 9 shows the print layout No. according to the print processing by the personal computer 2 of the printing system.
3A and 3B are views showing a print dialog screen when 3 is set, wherein FIG. 1A shows a print dialog screen G3a at the time of label 1 printing, and FIG. 1B shows a print dialog screen G3b at the time of label 2 printing. Is.

That is, for example, the print data for the label 1 is printed upright in the first area H1 of the disc 4 1
Print layout No. of the part printing When 1 is set,
As shown in FIG. 8, a print dialog screen G1 showing a print layout image for the optical disc 4, a disc insertion direction for the tray 5 of the printing apparatus (printer) 1 and guidance thereof is displayed.

Further, for example, the print layout No. for two-point printing in which the respective print data for the label 1 and the label 2 are printed upright on the first area H1 and the second area H2 of the disk 4, respectively. When 3 is set, first, as shown in FIG.
As shown in (A), the print layout image on the optical disc 4 in which the print label 1 at the first position is highlighted, and the disc insertion direction into the tray 5 of the printing apparatus (printer) 1 at the time of printing the first position and its A print dialog screen G3a showing guidance is displayed.

The print dialog screens G1 and G3a for printing the first location as shown in FIGS. 8 and 9A.
Is provided with a "print start button" 71 for causing the printing apparatus 1 to start execution of printing corresponding to the print dialog and a "cancel" button 72 for canceling the execution.

Here, the user manually pulls out the tray 5 projecting from the apparatus main body 1a to the front side to the maximum allowable distance, and prints the first position on the rubber sheet 6 of the tray 5. The optical disk 4 as the medium to be printed is placed according to the guidance display by the print dialog screens G1 and G3a for use, and then the tray 5 is manually pushed into a predetermined storage position in the apparatus main body 1a.

Then, the print dialog screen G1 or G
When the "print start button" 71 provided in 3a is operated (step S5), it is determined whether the optical disc 4 is set on the tray 5 based on the disc detection signal output from the disc detection switch 22 of the printing apparatus 1. It is determined whether or not (step S6). At this time, the print count "1" is set in the print count memory 63c in the RAM 63.

Here, when the disc detection signal from the printer 1 is not obtained and it is judged that the optical disc 4 is not set on the tray 5, "Please set the disc on the tray" is displayed. An error message is displayed (steps S6 → S7).

On the other hand, when the disc detection signal from the printing apparatus 1 is obtained and it is determined that the optical disc 4 is reliably set on the tray 5, the process proceeds to the print data generation process in FIG. Step S6 → SA).

In this print data generation process, first, the R
Based on the print count data set in the print count memory 63c in the AM 63, it is determined whether or not it is the first (first place) print (step A1), and if it is determined that it is the first print. , The print layout No. set in the print layout setting memory 63b in the RAM 63. Is a print layout No. that requires inverted printing of print data in printing of label 1 by the printer 1. It is determined whether any one of 1, 3, 5 (step A1 → A
2).

Here, the print layout setting memory 6
Print layout No. set to 3b. Is a print layout No. that requires inverted printing of print data in printing of label 1 by the printer 1. When it is determined that the print data of the label 1 is stored in the print data memory 63a, the character string of the print data of the label 1 is rotated by 180 ° and expanded (steps A2 → A3). ).

On the other hand, even if it is determined in the step A1 that the printing is the first time (first location), the print layout N set in the step A2 is set.
o. Is No. No. 1, 3, or 5, that is, in the printing of the label 1 in the printing apparatus 1, the print layout No. 1 does not require the inverted printing of the print data. If it is determined that the print data memory 63a is either 2, 4,
The character string of the print data of label 1 stored in is developed without rotation (steps A2 → A4).

Then, the print data of the label 1 expanded in the print data memory 63a is transferred to the printing apparatus 1 and set in the print data memory 54a in the printing apparatus 1 (step S8), and at the same time, the printing apparatus 1 A print start command is transmitted to (step S9).

Then, in the printing apparatus 1, the controller 5
When the driving of the stepping motor M is started in response to the motor drive control signal output from the motor driver 56, the carriage traveling drive mechanism, the head moving mechanism, and the ink ribbon winding mechanism provided in the carriage 19 are activated. The print data memory 5 in the RAM 54 is driven while being driven.
The thermal head 21 is driven by the head driver 55 according to the print data of the label 1 stored in 4a. As a result, simultaneously with the movement of the carriage 19 and the winding of the ink ribbon 20a, the heating element of the thermal head 21 is driven to generate heat based on the print data of the label 1, and the character string of the label 1 is printed.

At this time, the setting print layout No. Is N
o. In the case of Nos. 1, 3, and 5, the character string of the label 1 is printed upside down (upright when viewed from the center of the disc) along the printing direction, and the set print layout No. No., No. 2 and No. 4, the character string of the label 1 is printed upright (upside down when viewed from the center of the disc) along the printing direction.

After this, the printing of the label 1 is completed, the stepping motor M is driven in reverse rotation, and the thermal head 2
When the print end signal output from the printing apparatus 1 is received by the personal computer 2 by raising 1 and returning the carriage 19 to the print standby position (step S10).
An eject signal is transmitted from the personal computer 2 to the printing apparatus 1 (step S11). As a result, in the printing apparatus 1, the tray 5 is again projected to the front side of the apparatus main body 1a, and the optical disk 4 on the tray 5 can be taken out and the mounting position can be changed.

Then, in the personal computer 2,
Based on the print count data set in the print count memory 63c in the RAM 63, it is determined whether or not the print of this time is the first (first place) print (step S12),
When it is determined that the printing is the first printing, the RAM 6
The print layout No. set in the print layout setting memory 63b in No. 3 On the basis of the above, it is determined whether the set print location is one location (No. 1, 2) or more (in this case, two locations (No. 3 to 5)) (step S13).

At the end of the first (first) printing, the print layout No. set in the print layout setting memory 63b is set. Based on the setting, the print location is 1
When it is determined that the location is the location (No. 1, 2), the series of printing processes is ended (step S13 → EN).
D).

On the other hand, at the end of the first printing (first location), the print layout No. set in the print layout setting memory 63b is set. If it is determined that there are more than one setting print location (No. 1 and 2) (in this case, two locations (No. 3 to 5)), there are two or more setting print locations. Setting print layout N
o. The second (second place) print dialog screen Gn (see FIG. 9B) corresponding to is displayed on the display device 2c,
Guidance is displayed to correctly position and place the optical disc 4 on the tray 5 (step S13).
→ S14).

That is, for example, Label 1, Label 2
Each print data for printing is printed upright in both the first area H1 and the second area H2 of the disc, and the print layout No. of two-point printing is used. If 3 is set,
As shown in FIG. 9B, the print layout image on the optical disc 4 in which the print label 2 at the second location is shown in highlighted characters and the printing device (printer) 1 at the time of printing at the second location
A print dialogue screen G3b showing the disc insertion direction for the tray 5 and its guidance is displayed.

The print dialog screen G3b for printing the second location has a "print start button" for causing the printer 1 to start the second (second location) print execution corresponding to the print dialog. 71 is provided.

Here, the first time (first location) that is placed on the tray 5 protruding from the apparatus main body 1a to the front side.
The placement position of the optical disc 4 on which the label 1 is printed by printing is changed according to the guidance display by the print dialog screen G3b for printing the second place, and the label is reloaded. That is, the first area H1 of the optical disk 4 corresponds to the position of the printable range H of the printing mechanism in the first printing, but the second area H1 of the optical disk 4 in the second printing.
In order to correspond to position 2 in the printable range H of the printing mechanism P, the mounting position of the optical disk 4 on the tray 5 is replaced with a position rotated by 180 ° from the position at the time of the first printing. After that, the tray 5 is pushed again into a predetermined storage position in the apparatus main body 1a.

When the "print start button" 71 provided on the print dialog screen G3b is operated (step S15), the disc of the printing apparatus 1 is processed in the same manner as in the first (first) print processing. Based on the disc detection signal output from the detection switch 22, it is determined whether or not the optical disc 4 is set on the tray 5 (step S6). At this time, the print count memory 63c in the RAM 63
The number of prints “2” is counted and set.

If it is determined that the optical disc 4 is set on the tray 5 by obtaining the disc detection signal from the printing apparatus 1, the process proceeds to the print data generation process in FIG. (Step S6 → SA).

Then, based on the print count data set in the print count memory 63c in the RAM 63, it is determined that it is not the first (first place) print, that is, the second print, and the print in the RAM 63 is performed. The print layout No. set in the layout setting memory 63b. Is a print layout No. that requires inverted printing of print data in printing the label 2 in the printing apparatus 1. It is determined whether or not 5 (step A1 → A5).

Here, the print layout setting memory 6
Print layout No. set to 3b. Is a print layout No. that requires inverted printing of print data in printing the label 2 in the printing apparatus 1. If it is determined to be 5, the character string of the print data of the label 2 stored in the print data memory 63a is rotated 180 ° and developed (steps A5 → A6).

On the other hand, in step A5, the print layout No. set is set. Is No. No. 5, that is, in the printing of the label 2 in the printing apparatus 1, the print layout No. 1 does not require the inverted printing of the print data. If it is determined to be either 3, 4, the character string of the print data of the label 2 stored in the print data memory 63a is processed without rotation (steps A5 → A).
7).

Then, the print data of the label 2 expanded in the print data memory 63a is transferred to the printing device 1 and set in the print data memory 54a in the printing device 1 (step S8), and at the same time, the printing device 1 A print start command is transmitted to (step S9).

Then, in the printing apparatus 1, the first time (1
As in the case of the printing process of the (th place), the driving of the stepping motor M is started in response to the motor drive control signal output from the controller 51 to the motor driver 56.
The carriage traveling drive mechanism, the head moving mechanism, and the ink ribbon winding mechanism provided in the carriage 19 are driven, and the head driver 55 responds to the print data of the label 2 stored in the print data memory 54a in the RAM 54. The thermal head 21 is driven. As a result, simultaneously with the movement of the carriage 19 and the winding of the ink ribbon 20a, the heating element of the thermal head 21 is driven to generate heat based on the print data of the label 2, and the character of the label 2 is printed.

At this time, the setting print layout No. Is N
o. In the case of No. 5, the character of the label 2 is printed upside down (upright when viewed from the center of the disc) along the printing direction, and the setting print layout No. Is N
In the case of o, 3, and 4, the characters of the label 2 are printed upright (upside down when viewed from the center of the disc) along the printing direction.

After this, the printing of the label 2 is completed, the stepping motor M is driven in the reverse rotation, and the thermal head 2
When the print end signal output from the printing apparatus 1 is received by the personal computer 2 by raising 1 and returning the carriage 19 to the print standby position (step S10).
An eject signal is transmitted from the personal computer 2 to the printing apparatus 1 (step S11). As a result, in the printing apparatus 1, the tray 5 is projected again to the front side of the apparatus main body 1a, and the optical disc 4 on the tray 5 can be taken out.

Then, in the personal computer 2,
Based on the print count data set in the print count memory 63c in the RAM 63, it is determined that the print of this time is not the first (first place) print, that is, the second (second place) print, A series of printing processes is completed (step S12 → END).

Therefore, according to the label printing function of the printing system of the first embodiment having the above-mentioned configuration, the printing area set on the label printing surface of the optical disk 4 placed on the tray 5 of the printing apparatus 1 is set. First time performed (1
When the printing of the (third position) is completed, the tray 5 takes out or changes the position of the optical disk 4 on the tray 5 by driving the tray locking mechanism 11 in response to the transmission of the eject signal and operating the tray pushing mechanism accordingly. It is projected to an operable position. Then, when printing at two places is set by the setting of the print layout, an image in which the position of the optical disc 4 placed on the tray 5 with respect to the printing mechanism is changed to correspond to the second print place, and Print dialog screen G3b showing guidance
Is displayed as a guide, the position of the optical disc 4 on the tray 5 that is automatically ejected is changed according to the guide display, and the second printing process is performed to print at two positions on the label printing surface of the optical disc 4. It can be carried out.

As described above, printing is performed in two areas of the label printing surface of the optical disc 4 by the simple printing mechanism in which the printable range in one printing process is limited to a part of the label printing surface of the optical disc 4. Therefore, it becomes possible to realize a compact and inexpensive disc label printing apparatus.

In the print data creating / editing process in the personal computer 2 in the first embodiment,
It is needless to say that print data of each label can be created by including print data of a plurality of lines in one label according to the print format setting.

Further, in the first embodiment, as the print layout setting, the case of the layout setting of one-point printing by only the label 1 and the layout setting of two-point printing by the labels 1 and 2 has been described. Even when the print layout can be set, it is possible to easily cope with it by simply setting the change angle of the disc position change guidance by the print dialog screen Gn after the second printing.

In the first embodiment, the printing device 1
When performing the label printing for the second time (second place) or later, the mounting position of the optical disk 4 on the tray 5 in FIG. 2 is configured to be manually changed according to the guidance display on the print dialog screen Gn. As will be described in the second embodiment, the disc mounting area on the tray 5 is a rotating table 5a (see FIG. 10) that automatically rotates, and a manual optical disc is used when performing label printing for the second time (second place) and thereafter. The position changing operation of 4 may be omitted.

(Second Embodiment) FIG. 10 is a sectional view showing the structure of a tray 5 having an automatic disk rotation mechanism in a printing apparatus 1 of a printing system according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

In the printing apparatus 1 in the printing system of the second embodiment, a rotary table 5a having a rubber sheet 6 on the surface is rotatably provided on the tray 5, and a rotary shaft 5b provided at the center of the rotary table 5a. Multiple gears in
The rotational force of the motor 73 is transmitted via the motors 4a and 74b. Position detection marks (not shown) are provided on the outer peripheral wall surface of the rotary table 5a at two positions different by 180 °, while position detection marks are provided at fixed positions on the tray 5 facing the outer peripheral wall surface of the rotary table 5a. A rotational position sensor 75 for detecting is provided, and the rotational position of the rotary table 5a is controlled based on the detection information of the rotational position sensor 75.

In this printing apparatus 1, the rubber sheet 6 is rotated by controlling the rotation angle of the rotary table 5a and rotating the rotary table 5a.
The first area H set on the optical disk 4 placed on the first area H.
The positions of 1 and the second area H2 correspond to the positions of the printable range H of the printing mechanism P.

In the printing apparatus 1 of the second embodiment,
A locking / pushing mechanism for the tray 5 itself, a carriage running drive mechanism provided in the carriage 19 of the printing mechanism,
The respective configurations of the head moving mechanism, the ink ribbon winding mechanism, and the disk detecting mechanism are the same as those of the printing apparatus 1 of the first embodiment.

The electronic circuits of the printer 1 and the microcomputer 2 of the second embodiment are the same as those of the first embodiment.
Although the configuration of the electronic circuit of the printing apparatus 1 and the microcomputer 2 in the embodiment is substantially the same (see FIG. 4), in the printing apparatus 1, the motor 73 of the rotary table 5a is used.
And the driver circuit thereof is additionally connected to the controller 51, and the rotational movement position detection signal from the rotational position sensor 75 is additionally output to the controller 51.

Next, the print control function in the personal computer 2 associated with label printing in the printing system of the second embodiment having the above-mentioned configuration will be described.

FIG. 11 is a flow chart showing the printing process of the second embodiment by the personal computer 2 of the printing system.

In the print processing of the second embodiment, 1
Steps B1 to B10 related to the first (first place) printing
The respective processes in step 1 are the print processes of the first embodiment (see FIG. 6).
Since the processing is the same as the processing in steps S1 to S10 in step 1, the description thereof will be omitted.

In the print dialog display process in step B4 in this case, the set print layout number. Irrespective of which is the print dialog so that the side for printing the label 1 is set on the front side of the apparatus main body 1a, that is, near the tray 5 corresponding to the printable range H by the printing mechanism P. Guidance is displayed.

That is, the label 1 for the optical disk 4 placed on the rotary table 5a on the tray 5 in the apparatus main body 1a according to the processing in steps B1 to B10 related to the first (first place) printing. When the printing end signal output from the printing apparatus 1 is received by the personal computer 2 by the end of printing (step B1)
0), in the personal computer 2, it is determined that the printing of this time is the first (first location) printing based on the printing number data set in the printing number memory 63c in the RAM 63 (step B11), and the RAM 63 is the same. The print layout No. set in the print layout setting memory 63b in the inside. Based on the above, the setting print location is 1 location (N
o. 1, 2) or more (in this case, two locations (N
o. 3-5)) is determined (step B1).
2).

At the end of the first (first) printing, the print layout No. set in the print layout setting memory 63b is set. Based on the setting, the print location is 1
When it is determined that the location is the location (No. 1, 2), the eject signal is transmitted from the personal computer 2 to the printing apparatus 1 (step B12 → B1).
3). As a result, in the printing apparatus 1, the tray 5 is projected to the front side of the apparatus body 1a, and the optical disk 4 placed on the rotary table 5a on the tray 5 can be taken out.

Then, the series of printing processes is completed (step B13 → END).

On the other hand, at the end of the first printing (first location), the print layout No. set in the print layout setting memory 63b. If it is determined that the number of set print locations based on the above is not one (No. 1 and 2) but two or more (in this case, two (No. 3 to 5)), the table is rotated with respect to the printing apparatus 1. A signal is transmitted (steps B12 → B14). At this time, the print count "2" is set in the print count memory 63c in the RAM 63.

Then, in the printing apparatus 1, the controller 5
The motor 73 is driven by a drive control signal to the motor 73 which is output from 1 and the rotary table 5a on the tray 5 is rotated. Then, the rotational drive of the motor 73 is stopped by detecting the position detection marks formed on the outer peripheral wall surface of the table at intervals of 180 ° in the rotational direction by the rotational movement position detection signal from the rotational position sensor 75. As a result, the optical disk 4 on the turntable 5a is
Indicates that the print area (second area) H2 for the label 2 has been repositioned in correspondence with the printable range H of the printing mechanism P.

Then, in the printing process (see FIG. 6) of the first embodiment, the second time (2
Similarly to the processing relating to the printing of the second portion, the processing relating to the second (second location) printing in steps BA to B10 in the second embodiment is also executed, and the label 2 of the label 2 is printed on the label printing surface of the optical disc 4. The string is printed.

After that, when the print end signal output from the printer 1 is received by the personal computer 2 (step B10), the personal computer 2 outputs RA.
Based on the print count data set in the print count memory 63c in M63, the last print is the first time (first position)
It is determined that it is not the second printing (that is, the second printing), and the eject signal is transmitted from the personal computer 2 to the printing apparatus 1 (steps B11 → B13). As a result, in the printing apparatus 1, the tray 5 is projected to the front side of the apparatus body 1a, and the optical disk 4 placed on the rotary table 5a on the tray 5 can be taken out.

Then, the series of printing processes is completed (step B13 → END).

Therefore, according to the label printing function of the printing system of the second embodiment having the above-mentioned configuration, the printing set on the label printing surface of the optical disc 4 placed on the rotary table 5a on the tray 5 of the printing apparatus 1 is performed. When the first (first place) printing performed on the area (H1 or H2) is finished, it is determined whether two places are set by the print layout setting, and two places are set. If it is determined that there is a 2
The rotary table 5 on the tray 5 so that the print area H2 of the position corresponds to the position of the printable range H of the printing mechanism P.
A drive control signal is transmitted to the rotation driving motor 73 of a, printing is performed on the second printing portion, and as a result,
Printing is performed at two places on the label printing surface of the optical disc 4.

As described above, it is possible to perform printing on two areas of the label surface of the optical disc 4 by the simple printing mechanism in which the printing range in one printing process is limited to a part of the label surface of the optical disc 4. , It becomes possible to realize a compact and inexpensive disc label printing device. In the first embodiment, the operation of returning the tray 5 to the apparatus by manually changing the placement position of the optical disk 4 on the tray 5 ejected between the first printing process and the second printing process. However, in the second embodiment, the position of the optical disk 4 with respect to the printing mechanism P is automatically changed while the tray 5 is held in the apparatus, which saves the manual operation. Is.

Even in the print data creating / editing process in the personal computer 2 in the second embodiment, as in the first embodiment, the print data of each label is stored in one label by the print format setting. Needless to say, it can be created by including a plurality of lines of print data.

Also in the second embodiment, as in the first embodiment, the label 1 is set as the print layout setting.
Layout setting for 1-point printing and label 1,
The case of the layout setting for printing at two places by 2 has been described, but even when the printing layout at three or more places can be set, the position change angle of the optical disc 4 due to the rotation detection / stop of the turntable 5a is set appropriately. Can be easily dealt with.

In the second embodiment, the motor 73 is provided on the tray 5 on which the optical disc 4 is placed so that the printing mechanism P located at a predetermined position is associated with the two printing areas H1 and H2 on the optical disc 4. Although the rotation mechanism including the rotation table 5a that is driven to rotate is provided, the printing apparatus described in the third embodiment described below is different from the second embodiment in that the tray 5 on which the optical disc 4 is mounted includes the rotation mechanism. Except that its rotating mechanism is manually operated without the need for a drive source such as a motor.

(Third Embodiment) FIG. 12 is a plan view showing the structure of a tray 5 having a disc manual rotation mechanism in a printing apparatus 1 of a printing system according to a third embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view showing the structure of the tray 5 having the disc manual rotation mechanism in the printing apparatus 1 of the printing system according to the third embodiment of the present invention.

As shown in FIGS. 12 and 13, the center of the rotary table 5a integrally provided with a disk-shaped outer shape and the manual operation dial 80 is pivotally supported on the rotary support shaft 5b provided on the upper surface of the tray 5. The tray 5 is rotatably provided on the upper surface of the tray 5. The manual operation dial 80 has a diameter larger than that of the rotary table 5a, and a part of the outer periphery of the manual operation dial 80 is exposed to the outside of the device from a front wall that is vertically installed on the front surface of the tray 5, and the manual operation dial 80 of the outside of the device is exposed. Rotation operation is possible. A rubber sheet 6 is installed on the upper surface of the rotary table 5a on which the optical disk 4 is mounted, and alignment recesses 80a and 80b are formed at positions facing each other at an angle of 180 ° on the outer peripheral wall of the rotary table 5a. On the other hand, on the table 5 facing the outer peripheral wall of the rotary table 5a, the rotary locking piece 7 fitted into either the alignment recess 80a or the alignment recess 80b by the urging force of a spring (not shown).
6 is provided.

In the printer 1 of the third embodiment,
A locking / pushing mechanism for the tray 5 itself, a carriage running drive mechanism provided in the carriage 19 of the printing mechanism,
The respective configurations of the head moving mechanism, the ink ribbon winding mechanism, and the disk detecting mechanism are the same as those of the printing apparatus 1 of the first embodiment.

The electronic circuits of the printer 1 and the microcomputer 2 of the third embodiment are the same as those of the first embodiment.
This is the same as the configuration of the electronic circuit of the printing apparatus 1 and the microcomputer 2 (see FIG. 4) in the embodiment.

Next, the print control function in the personal computer 2 associated with label printing in the printing system of the third embodiment having the above-mentioned configuration will be described.

FIG. 14 is a flow chart showing the printing process of the third embodiment by the personal computer 2 of the printing system.

In the print processing of the third embodiment, 1
Steps C1 to C10 related to the first (first place) printing
The respective processes in step 1 are the print processes of the first embodiment (see FIG. 6).
Since the processing is the same as the processing in steps S1 to S10 in step 1, the description thereof will be omitted.

Even in the print dialog display processing in step C4 in this case, the set print layout No. is set as in the second embodiment. Irrespective of which is the print area for printing the label 1 (first area H
1, but print layout No. 1 In case of 2, the second area H
The guidance is displayed by the print dialog so that the position 2) is set on the front side of the apparatus main body 1a, that is, on the front side of the tray 5 corresponding to the printable range H by the printing mechanism P.

That is, the label 1 for the optical disk 4 placed on the rotary table 5a on the tray 5 in the apparatus main body 1a according to the processing in steps C1 to C10 relating to the first (first place) printing. When the printing end signal output from the printing apparatus 1 is received by the personal computer 2 by the completion of printing (step C1)
0) In the personal computer 2, it is determined that the printing of this time is the first (first place) printing based on the printing number data set in the printing number memory 63c in the RAM 63 (step C11), and the RAM 63 is the same. The print layout No. set in the print layout setting memory 63b in the inside. Based on the above, the setting print location is 1 location (N
o. 1, 2) or more (in this case, two locations (N
o. 3-5)) is determined (step C1).
2).

At the end of the first (first) printing, the print layout No. set in the print layout setting memory 63b is set. Based on the setting, the print location is 1
When it is determined that it is the location (No. 1, 2), the eject signal is transmitted from the personal computer 2 to the printing apparatus 1 (step C12 → C1).
3). As a result, in the printing apparatus 1, the tray 5 is projected to the front side of the apparatus body 1a, and the optical disk 4 placed on the rotary table 5a on the tray 5 can be taken out.

Then, the series of printing processes is completed (step C13 → END).

On the other hand, at the end of the first printing (first location), the print layout No. set in the print layout setting memory 63b is set. When it is determined that the number of print positions set based on the above is not one (No. 1 and 2) (two (No. 3 to 5) in this case), it is exposed on the front surface of the apparatus main body 1a. Manual operation of the dial 80 rotating the optical disc 4 on the tray 5 to change its position by 180 ° causes guidance display by a print dialog screen (not shown) for printing the second location (steps C12 → C14). ).

In the print dialog screen for printing the second location, as in the first embodiment, "print start" for causing the printing apparatus 1 to start the second (second location) printing execution. A “button” 71 is provided.

Here, by manually rotating the dial 80 exposed to the front side from the apparatus main body 1a in accordance with the guidance display by the print dialog screen for printing the second location, the rotary locking piece 76 is rotated around the outer circumference of the rotary table 5a. The turntable 5a is rotated until it fits into and is locked in the next alignment recess 80a or 80b in the wall. As a result, the print area (second area) H2 for the label 2 of the optical disk 4 on the turntable 5a is in a position changed corresponding to the printable range H by the printing mechanism.

When the "print start button" 71 provided on the print dialog screen is operated (step C15), the print count "2" is set in the print count memory 63c in the RAM 63, Steps SA to S in the print process (see FIG. 6) of the first embodiment.
Similarly to the process related to the second (second position) printing in 10, the process related to the second (second position) printing in steps CA to C10 in the third embodiment is also executed,
The character string of Label 2 is printed.

After that, when the print end signal output from the printer 1 is received by the personal computer 2 (step C10), the personal computer 2 outputs RA.
Based on the print count data set in the print count memory 63c in M63, the last print is the first time (first position)
It is determined that it is not the second printing (that is, the second printing), and the ejection signal is transmitted from the personal computer 2 to the printing apparatus 1 (steps C11 → C13). As a result, in the printing apparatus 1, the tray 5 is projected to the front side of the apparatus body 1a, and the optical disk 4 placed on the rotary table 5a on the tray 5 can be taken out.

Then, the series of printing processes is completed (step C13 → END).

Therefore, according to the label printing function of the printing system of the third embodiment having the above-described configuration, the first (first place) printing can be performed on the optical disk 4 placed on the tray 5 of the printing apparatus 1. When the printing is completed, it is determined by the print layout setting whether two printing positions are set, and when it is determined that two printing positions are set, the printing table is placed on the rotary table 5a on the tray 5. In order to change the rotation direction position of the optical disk 4 so that the second print area H2 corresponds to the print position H of the printing mechanism P, the rotary table 5a can be manually rotated to operate the dial 80. The requested print dialog screen is displayed.
By performing the manual operation described above to associate the printing mechanism P with the second printing position H2 on the optical disc 4, and performing the second printing process, printing can be performed on two positions on the label printing surface of the optical disc 4. it can.

As described above, printing can be performed in two areas on the label surface of the optical disc 4 by a simple printing mechanism in which the printing range in one printing process is limited to a part of the label surface of the optical disc 4. , It becomes possible to realize a compact and inexpensive disc label printing device.

Further, in the first embodiment, the placement position of the optical disk 4 on the tray 5 ejected between the first printing process and the second printing process is manually changed to operate the tray 5 as an apparatus. Although it was necessary to carry out the operation of returning the inside, in the third embodiment, the position of the optical disk 4 with respect to the printing mechanism can be easily changed by the manual operation of the dial 80 while the tray 5 is held in the apparatus. It is convenient.

Even in the print data creating / editing process in the personal computer 2 in the third embodiment, as in the first embodiment, the print data of each label is stored in one label by the print format setting. Needless to say, it can be created by including a plurality of lines of print data.

Also in the third embodiment, the label 1 is set as the print layout setting as in the first embodiment.
Layout setting for 1-point printing and label 1,
The case of setting the layout for printing at two places by 2 has been described, but even when the layout for printing at three or more places can be set, the alignment concave portion 80 of the rotary table 5a is set.
This can be easily dealt with by simply setting the position change angle of the optical disk 4 by the a, 80b and the rotation locking piece 76.

In the second and third embodiments, when the optical disk 4 is placed on the rotary table 5a on the tray 5 in the printing apparatus 1 and the second and second label printing is performed, Although the printing position of the optical disk 4 with respect to the printing mechanism is changed by rotating the rotary table 5a, the automatic slide movement mechanism of the tray 5 with respect to the apparatus main body 1 (see FIG. 15) will be described as a fourth embodiment. (Refer to FIG. 3), and by changing the print position of the optical disc 4 with respect to the printing mechanism by the automatic slide of the tray 5 when performing label printing for the second time (second place) and thereafter, the position change operation of the optical disc 4 is manually performed. It may be omitted.

(Fourth Embodiment) FIG. 15 is a plan view showing the structures of a tray slide moving mechanism and a thermal transfer printing mechanism of a printing apparatus 1 in a printing system according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention. Is the tray storage position and the first time (1
FIG. 6B is a plan view showing the configuration at the (second) printing position, and FIG. 7B is a plan view showing the configuration at the second (second) printing position.

In the printing apparatus 1 of the printing system of the fourth embodiment, a rack 5c is provided on one side surface of the tray 5, and a pinion gear that is rotationally driven by a drive motor (not shown) and meshes with the rack 5c on the apparatus main body 1a. By providing the automatic slide movement mechanism of the tray 5 configured by providing 77, the printing mechanism P of the optical disk 4 placed on the tray 5 is provided.
The printing areas (H1, H2) at two locations corresponding to are automatically changeable.

In this case, the locking / pushing-out mechanism of the tray 5 itself provided in the first embodiment is omitted, and the tray 5 is discharged to the front side of the apparatus main body 1a in response to an eject signal and is moved to a predetermined storage position. The storage is performed by driving the automatic slide movement mechanism.

At a position facing the other side surface of the tray 5 along the exit / entry direction, a position alignment sensor 78 for detecting the position detection mark 79 formed on the side surface of the tray.
Is provided, and the slide movement position of the tray 5 where the printing mechanism P is set to face the second printing position (H2) on the optical disk 4 is detected by the detection of the position detection mark 79 by the position alignment sensor 78. To be done.

It should be noted that the printing mechanism P corresponds to the first printing area H1 on the optical disc 4 in the state where the tray 5 is stored in the predetermined storage position in the apparatus main body 1a.
This is similar to the first to third embodiments.

In the printing apparatus 1 of the fourth embodiment,
The carriage traveling drive mechanism, the head moving mechanism, the ink ribbon winding mechanism, and the disk detection mechanism, which are provided in the carriage 19 of the printing mechanism P, are the same as those in the first embodiment.
It is the same as each mechanism in the printing apparatus 1 of the embodiment.

The electronic circuits of the printer 1 and the microcomputer 2 of the fourth embodiment are the same as those of the first embodiment.
Although substantially the same as the configuration of the electronic circuit of the printing apparatus 1 and the microcomputer 2 (see FIG. 4) in the embodiment, in the printing apparatus 1, the drive motor (not shown) of the slide movement mechanism and its driver circuit are the controllers. 51
Is additionally connected to the controller 51, and a slide movement position detection signal from the position alignment sensor 78 is additionally output to the controller 51.

Next, the print control function in the personal computer 2 associated with label printing in the printing system of the fourth embodiment having the above-mentioned configuration will be described.

FIG. 16 is a flow chart showing the printing process of the fourth embodiment by the personal computer 2 of the printing system.

In the print processing of the fourth embodiment, 1
Steps D1 to D10 related to the first (first place) printing
The respective processes in step 1 are the print processes of the first embodiment (see FIG. 6).
Since the processing is the same as the processing in steps S1 to S10 in step 1, the description thereof will be omitted.

The ejecting operation of the tray 5 in the printer 1 accompanying the eject signal transmitting process in step D3 in this case is performed by driving the automatic slide moving mechanism.

Also in the print dialog display processing in step D4 in this case, the set print layout No. is set similarly to the second and third embodiments. Irrespective of whether the label is printed on the side of the apparatus main body 1a
The guidance is displayed by the print dialog so that the tray 5 is set on the front side of the tray 5, that is, on the front side of the tray 5 corresponding to the printable range H by the printing mechanism P.

That is, the printing of the label 1 on the optical disk 4 placed on the tray 5 in the apparatus main body 1a is completed in accordance with the processing in steps D1 to D10 relating to the first (first place) printing. As a result, the print end signal output from the printer 1 is transmitted to the personal computer 2
When it is received (step D10), the personal computer 2 determines that the printing of this time is the first printing (first location) based on the printing count data set in the printing count memory 63c in the RAM 63. (Step D11), the print layout No. set in the print layout setting memory 63b in the RAM 63. On the basis of the above, it is determined whether the set print location is one location (No. 1, 2) or more (in this case, two locations (No. 3 to 5)) (step D12).

At the end of the first (first) printing, the print layout No. set in the print layout setting memory 63b is set. Based on the setting, the print location is 1
If it is determined to be the location (No. 1, 2), the eject signal is transmitted from the personal computer 2 to the printing apparatus 1 (step D12 → D1).
3). As a result, in the printing apparatus 1, the tray 5 is discharged to the front side of the apparatus main body 1a by driving the automatic slide movement mechanism, and the optical disk 4 placed on the tray 5 can be taken out.

Then, the series of printing processes is completed (step D13 → END).

On the other hand, at the end of the first printing (first location), the print layout No. set in the print layout setting memory 63b. If it is determined that the number of print locations set based on the above is not one (No. 1 and 2) (more than two (No. 3 to 5 in this case)), the tray slide for the printing apparatus 1 is performed. The movement signal is transmitted (steps D12 → D14). At this time, the print count "2" is set in the print count memory 63c in the RAM 63.

Then, in the printing apparatus 1, the controller 5
The drive motor is driven by a drive control signal to a drive motor (not shown) of the slide moving mechanism output from the drive unit 1, and the tray 5 is driven from the pinion gear 77 via the rack 5c.
Is slid in the front direction of the apparatus body 1a (direction of arrow k). Then, when the position detection mark formed on the side surface of the tray is detected by the slide movement position detection signal from the position alignment sensor 78, the rotation drive of the drive motor is stopped. As a result, the print area (second area H2) for the label 2 of the optical disk 4 on the tray 5 is changed in position corresponding to the position of the printable range H by the printing mechanism P.

Then, in the printing process of the first embodiment (see FIG. 6), the second time (2
Similarly to the processing relating to the printing of the second portion, the processing relating to the second (second location) printing in steps DA to D10 in the fourth embodiment is also executed, and corresponds to the head movement range on the surface of the optical disc 4. The character of label 2 is printed in the second printing range H2.

In the fourth embodiment using the slide movement mechanism of the tray 5, the disk position from the first print area (first area H1) to the second print area (second area H2). The change is not the position change by the 180 ° rotation as shown in the first to third embodiments, but the position change by the parallel movement by the slide. Therefore, in the print data generation process relating to the second (second place) printing in step DA, the print layout No. set in the print layout setting memory 63b is set. Is No.
If it is determined to be 3 or 4, the print data memory 6
The character string of the print data of the label 2 stored in the label 3a is rotated 180 ° and developed, If it is determined that the print data is 5, the print data memory 63a
The character string of the print data of label 2 stored in is developed without rotation.

As a result, the print data of the label 1 and the label 2 are printed on the optical disc 5 according to the set print layout.

After that, when the print end signal output from the printer 1 is received by the personal computer 2 (step D10), the personal computer 2 outputs RA.
Based on the print count data set in the print count memory 63c in M63, the last print is the first time (first position)
It is determined that it is not the second printing (that is, the second printing), and the eject signal is transmitted from the personal computer 2 to the printing apparatus 1 (steps D11 → D13). As a result, in the printing apparatus 1, the tray 5 is discharged to the front side of the apparatus main body 1a by driving the automatic slide movement mechanism, and the optical disk 4 placed on the tray 5 can be taken out.

Then, the series of printing processes is completed (step D13 → END).

Therefore, according to the label printing function of the printing system of the fourth embodiment having the above-mentioned configuration, the predetermined printing range H of the optical disk 4 placed on the rotary table 5a on the tray 5 of the printing apparatus 1 is set. 1 by printing mechanism
When the printing of the first time (first place) is completed, it is judged whether the printing of two places is set by the setting of the print layout, and when it is judged that the printing of two places is set, the printing device 1, a drive control signal for slide movement is transmitted to the automatic slide movement mechanism of the tray 5 so that the second print area H2 on the optical disc 4 corresponds to the position of the printable range H of the print mechanism P. It Then, since the printing at the second printing portion is restarted in the same manner as the first printing, the printing layout (No.
3-5) is set, automatic control is performed by the tray 5 that is slid and moved by the slide movement mechanism so that the second printing portion on the optical disc 4 is made to correspond to the printing mechanism. The printing mechanism of No. 2 is to print repeatedly in a fixed printable range H at all times.

Thus, it is possible to realize a compact and inexpensive disc label printing apparatus which does not require the manual operation of taking out the optical disc 4 and the operation of changing the position when performing the second and subsequent label printing. become.

Even in the print data creating / editing process in the personal computer 2 in the fourth embodiment, as in the first embodiment, the print data of each label is stored in one label by the print format setting. Needless to say, it can be created by including a plurality of lines of print data.

Also in the fourth embodiment, as in the first embodiment, the label 1 is set as the print layout setting.
Layout setting for 1-point printing and label 1,
The case of setting the layout for printing at two places by 2 has been described. You can easily respond by simply setting to.

[0186]

As described above, according to the first printing system of the present invention, when the printing unit finishes printing at one place on the predetermined range of the recording medium supported by the supporting unit, the driving is performed. The supporting means is moved to a position where the position of the recording medium on the supporting means can be changed and operated by the means, and a plurality of printing locations are set, so that the determining means determines that there is a remaining printing location. Then, the information for requesting the operation of changing the position of the recording medium supported by the supporting unit with respect to the printing unit to correspond to the next printing position is notified, so that a plurality of prints are printed on the printing surface of the recording medium. Even if the location is set, the printing means always prints only on a limited range of the recording medium on the supporting means by only changing the position of the recording medium on the supporting means. It becomes strange.

Further, according to the second printing system of the present invention, when the printing unit finishes printing at one place on the predetermined range of the recording medium supported by the supporting unit, the determination unit prints the remaining printing. If it is judged whether there is a place to print, and it is judged that there are remaining print places,
Since the drive control signal is transmitted to the rotation driving means of the supporting means so as to correspond the next printing location to the printing means, and the printing to the next printing location is restarted, the printing surface of the recording medium Even if a plurality of printing locations are set on the print medium, the supporting means is rotated by the rotation drive means so as to correspond the printing location to the printing means, and the printing means is always limited to the recording medium on the supporting means. Only the range needs to be printed.

Further, according to the third printing system of the present invention, when the printing unit finishes printing at one location on the predetermined range of the recording medium supported by the supporting unit, the remaining printing is performed by the determining unit. If it is judged whether there is a place to print, and it is judged that there are remaining print places,
Information is requested to change the position of the recording medium supported by the supporting means with respect to the printing means and to operate the rotation drive mechanism capable of rotating the supporting means by manual operation so as to correspond to the next printing position. Therefore, even if a plurality of printing spots are set on the printing surface of the recording medium, the printing means can always limit the recording medium on the supporting means only by manually operating the rotation drive mechanism of the supporting means. It becomes necessary to print only in a specific range.

Further, according to the fourth printing system of the present invention, when the printing means finishes printing of one place on the predetermined range of the recording medium supported by the supporting means, the judgment means prints the rest. If it is judged whether there is a place to print, and it is judged that there are remaining print places,
A drive control signal is transmitted to the movement driving means of the supporting means to correspond the next printing location to the printing means, and printing at the next printing location is restarted. Even if a plurality of printing locations are set, the supporting means is moved by the movement driving means so as to correspond the printing location to the printing means, and the printing means is always on the limited range of the recording medium on the supporting means. Only need to print.

Therefore, according to the present invention, by making it possible to perform printing on a plurality of positions on the printing surface of the recording medium within a predetermined range, a printing system which can be constructed by an inexpensive apparatus having a small and simple structure. Can be provided.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is an external view showing the overall configuration of a printing system according to an embodiment of the present invention.

2A and 2B are diagrams showing an internal configuration of a printing apparatus in the printing system, FIG. 2A is a plan view showing configurations of a tray driving mechanism and a thermal transfer printing mechanism, and FIG. 2B is a configuration of a thermal transfer printing mechanism. FIG. 6C is a front view showing the configuration of the disk detection mechanism.

FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a configuration of a carriage traveling drive mechanism, a head moving mechanism, and an ink ribbon winding mechanism provided in a carriage in the printing apparatus 1, and FIG. FIG. 2B is a diagram showing the configuration during the printing operation.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing a configuration of electronic circuits of a printing apparatus and a person computer in the printing system.

FIG. 5 is a view showing setting data of a label printing layout which is selectively set by a personal computer of the printing system.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing a printing process of the first embodiment by a personal computer of the printing system.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing a print data generation process associated with the print process by the personal computer of the printing system.

FIG. 8 is a print layout No. associated with a print process by a personal computer of the print system. The figure which shows the print dialog screen at the time of 1 setting.

FIG. 9 is a print layout No. associated with a print process by a personal computer of the print system. 3A and 3B are views showing a print dialog screen at the time of setting 3; FIG. 4A is a view showing a print dialog screen at the time of label 1 printing; FIG. 3B is a view showing a print dialog screen at the time of label 2 printing.

FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view showing a configuration of a tray having a disk automatic rotation mechanism in a printing apparatus of a printing system according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing a printing process of a second embodiment by a personal computer of the printing system.

FIG. 12 is a plan view showing the configuration of a tray having a disc manual rotation mechanism in the printing apparatus of the printing system according to the third embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view showing the configuration of a tray having a disc manual rotation mechanism in a printing apparatus of a printing system according to a third embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 14 is a flowchart showing a printing process of a third embodiment by a personal computer of the printing system.

FIG. 15 is a plan view showing the configurations of a tray slide moving mechanism and a thermal transfer printing mechanism of a printing apparatus in a printing system according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention, FIG. FIG. 6B is a plan view showing the configuration at the (second) printing position, and FIG. 7B is a plan view showing the configuration at the second (second) printing position.

FIG. 16 is a flowchart showing a printing process of a fourth embodiment by a personal computer of the printing system.

[Explanation of symbols]

1… Printing device 1a ... Device body 2 ... Personal computer 2a ... keyboard 2b ... mouse 2c ... Display device 3 ... USB cable 4 ... Optical disc 5 ... Tray 5a ... rotary table 5c ... Tray slide rack 6 ... Rubber sheet 7 ... Eject switch 8… Printer cover 9… Coil spring for pushing out tray 11 ... Tray locking mechanism 12 ... Solenoid 14-Tray locking lever 15 ... Locking protrusion 16… Printer frame 17 ... Carriage guide 18 ... Rack for moving carriage 19 ... Carriage 20 ... Ink ribbon cassette 20a ... Ink ribbon 21 ... Thermal head 22 ... Disc detection switch 24 ... Ribbon supply core 25 ... Winding core 27 ... Motor output gear 29 ... Ribbon winding shaft 30 ... Cam gear 31 ... Cam groove 32 ... Pivoting clutch 33 ... sun gear 35a, 35b ... Planetary gear 36 ... Head arm 39 ... Head holder 42 ... Arm shaft 51 ... Print controller 52 ... Printer interface (I / F) 53 ... Printer ROM 54 ... Printing device RAM 54a ... Print data memory 61 ... CPU 62 ... Storage device 63 ... PC RAM 63a ... Print data memory 63b ... Printing layout setting memory 63c ... print count memory 64… Personal computer interface (I / F) 71 ... "Start printing" button 72… “Cancel” button 73 ... Table drive motor 75 ... Rotary position sensor 76 ... Rotating locking piece 77 ... Pinion gear for tray slide 78 ... slide alignment sensor 79… Slide position detection mark 80… Table rotation dial M: Stepping motor Gn ... Print dialog screen P ... Printing mechanism H ... Printing range of printing mechanism H1 ... Print range of the first part of the disk H2 ... Printing range of the second part of the disk

   ─────────────────────────────────────────────────── ─── Continued front page    (72) Inventor Yasushi Shiraishi             Casio 3-2-1 Sakaemachi, Hamura-shi, Tokyo             Computer Co., Ltd. Hamura Technical Center (72) Inventor Katsuyuki Matsuo             Casio 3-2-1 Sakaemachi, Hamura-shi, Tokyo             Computer Co., Ltd. Hamura Technical Center (72) Inventor Youtsu Hamada             Casio 3-2-1 Sakaemachi, Hamura-shi, Tokyo             Computer Co., Ltd. Hamura Technical Center F-term (reference) 2C062 RA01                 2C087 AB01 AB05 AC05 BA01 BA05                       BD24 CB20                 5B021 AA30 BB04 LG09                 5D121 AA03 JJ05

Claims (8)

[Claims] 1. A printing system comprising: a printing device that prints print data on a recording medium; and a print control device that controls the printing device to print on the recording medium, the printing device comprising: A supporting means for supporting the recording medium,
Printing means for performing printing on the recording medium supported by the supporting means within a predetermined range, and driving means for moving the supporting means to a position where the position of the recording medium on the supporting means can be changed and operated. The print control apparatus includes: a print location setting unit configured to set at least one print location on the recording medium; a print data transmission unit configured to transmit print data to the printing apparatus; Control signal transmitting means for transmitting a control signal for driving the driving means when printing at one place in
Determining means for determining whether or not there is a remaining printing spot, and changing the position of the recording medium supported by the supporting means with respect to the printing means when the determining means determines that there is a remaining printing spot. And a unit for notifying information requesting an operation to correspond to the next printing location. 2. The printing control device executes a printing resumption instruction unit for instructing printing resumption, and when the printing resumption instruction unit gives an instruction for resuming printing, the printing device executes printing of the remaining printing portions. The printing resuming means for transmitting a printing resuming signal so as to perform the printing, further comprising:
Printing system described in. 3. A printing system comprising: a printing device that prints print data on a recording medium; and a print control device that controls the printing device to print on the recording medium, the printing device comprising: A supporting means for supporting the recording medium,
The recording medium, which is supported by the supporting unit, includes a printing unit that performs printing within a predetermined range, and a rotation driving unit that rotates the supporting unit so that a printing position corresponds to the printing unit. The print control apparatus includes a print location setting unit that sets at least one print location on the recording medium, a print data transmission unit that transmits print data to the printing apparatus, and Determining means for determining whether or not there is a remaining printing portion when printing at one place is finished, and for driving the rotation driving means when the determining means determines that there is a remaining printing portion. A printing system, comprising: a control signal transmitting unit that transmits a control signal and transmits a control signal for restarting printing of a next printing portion to the printing apparatus. 4. A printing system comprising: a printing device that prints print data on a recording medium; and a print control device that controls the printing device to print on the recording medium, the printing device comprising: A supporting means for supporting the recording medium,
The supporting means can be rotated by a manual operation so that the printing means for printing the recording medium supported by the supporting means in a predetermined range and the printing portion of the recording medium corresponding to the printing means correspond to each other. A rotary drive mechanism, and the print control device includes a print location setting unit that sets at least one print location on the recording medium, and a print data transmission unit that transmits print data to the printing apparatus. Determination means for determining whether or not there is a remaining printing portion when printing of one place by the printing device is completed, and the supporting means when there is a remaining printing portion by the determination means. A notification unit for changing the position of the recording medium supported by the unit with respect to the printing unit to notify information requesting the operation of the rotation drive mechanism so as to correspond to the next printing position; Printing system, characterized in that it comprises. 5. The print control device executes print restart instruction means for instructing print restart, and when the print restart instruction means gives a print restart instruction, the printing device prints the remaining printing spots. 5. A printing resuming means for transmitting a printing resuming signal so as to perform the printing is further provided.
Printing system described in. 6. The printing system according to claim 4, wherein the rotation drive mechanism includes an operation unit that can be manually operated from outside the apparatus. 7. A printing system comprising: a printing device that prints print data on a recording medium; and a print control device that controls the printing device to print on the recording medium, the printing device comprising: A supporting means for supporting the recording medium,
The printing control device includes: a printing unit that prints on the recording medium supported by the supporting unit within a predetermined range; and a driving unit that moves the supporting unit to change a position with respect to the printing unit. , Printing location setting means for setting at least one printing location on the recording medium, print data transmitting means for transmitting print data to the printing apparatus, and printing at one location on the printing apparatus is completed. When the determination means determines whether there is a remaining print location, and when the determination means determines that there is a remaining print location, the drive means is driven to correspond to the next print location. Control signal transmitting means for transmitting a control signal and transmitting a control signal for restarting the printing of the next printing portion to the printing apparatus. Printing system. 8. The print control means rotates the print data in accordance with the print data direction setting means for setting the direction of the print data with respect to the recording medium, and the print data direction set by the print data direction setting means. The printing system according to any one of claims 1 to 7, further comprising a data processing unit.