JP2013071394A - Printer, printing method, print data correction program - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a printer, a printing method, and a print data correction program which can reduce deterioration of print quality.SOLUTION: With respect to a coordinate whose print data indicates unnecessity of printing, that is, a third coordinate between a first coordinate whose print data indicates necessity of printing and a second coordinate separating by a previously determined number from the first coordinate, a print data correction part generates a correction print data which sets the print data of the third coordinate as the necessity of printing when there is no coordinate whose print data indicates the necessity of printing between the third coordinate and the second coordinate, and sets the print data of the third coordinate as the unnecessity of printing when there is a coordinate whose print data indicates the necessity of printing between the third coordinate and the second coordinate. A print part performs printing based on the generated correction print data.

Description

  The present invention relates to a printing apparatus, a printing method, and a print data correction program.

Printers that print images composed of characters, symbols, and the like include thermal printers that print by bringing a heated printing element into contact with a paper medium (thermal paper) that changes color when heat is applied. As the paper medium, there is a copy thermal paper configured by superposing a plurality of thermal papers. Thereby, the same image can be printed on a plurality of sheets at a time.
For example, in the line thermal printer described in Patent Document 1, printing is prevented from being thickened by thinning out dots from a regular character pattern. If dots are simply thinned out from the regular character pattern, print blur may occur. Therefore, in order to prevent such print blur, dots from the regular character pattern may be generated. Replenish.

JP 2002-166582 A

  However, in order to conceal the image printed on the surface of the thermal paper, there is a copy thermal paper provided with another information protection paper (so-called blindfold sheet) whose color does not change even when heat is applied. When the associated thermal printer prints on such copy thermal paper, the information protection paper absorbs and diffuses heat from the printing elements. Therefore, the print quality may be deteriorated, for example, the image printed on the second and subsequent thermal papers may be blurred.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above points, and provides a printing apparatus, a printing method, and a print data correction program capable of reducing deterioration in print quality.

(1) The present invention has been made in order to solve the above-described problem. According to one aspect of the present invention, the print data for the first coordinate represents the printing necessity, and is determined in advance from the first coordinate. As for the third coordinate between the second coordinates separated by a number and the print data indicating printing failure, the print data needs to be printed between the third coordinate and the second coordinate. If there is no coordinate to be displayed, the print data of the third coordinate is set as print-needed, and if the print data has a coordinate representing print-needed between the third coordinate and the second coordinate, A print data correction unit that generates corrected print data in which the print data of the coordinates is set as print rejected, and a print unit that performs printing based on the generated corrected print data are provided.

(2) According to another aspect of the present invention, in the printing apparatus, the printing apparatus includes print data indicating printing failure for the third coordinates, and printing is required for coordinates between the third coordinates and the second coordinates. Input pattern information that does not include print data that represents and correction pattern information that includes print data that represents print requirements for the coordinates, and stores print data that represents print rejection for the third coordinates, The input pattern information including print data indicating the printing necessity for the coordinates between the third coordinates and the second coordinates and the correction pattern information including the print data indicating the printing failure for the coordinates are stored in association with each other. A correction pattern storage unit, wherein the print data correction unit reads correction pattern information corresponding to input pattern information matching the print data from the correction pattern storage unit. Put out and generates the correction print data.

(3) According to another aspect of the present invention, in the printing apparatus, the print data correction unit is configured such that the second coordinate is separated from the first coordinate in one of a horizontal direction and a vertical direction. The corrected print data is generated when the second coordinates are separated from the first coordinates in the other direction with respect to the generated corrected print data.

(4) According to another aspect of the present invention, the print data for the first coordinate indicates that printing is required, and the third coordinate between the second coordinate and a second coordinate separated from the first coordinate by a predetermined number. In the case where the print data indicates that printing is not permitted, if there is no coordinate indicating that printing is necessary between the third coordinate and the second coordinate, the print data of the third coordinate is displayed. If the print data is set as print-necessary and the print data includes a coordinate indicating the print-necessity between the third coordinate and the second coordinate, corrected print data in which the print data at the coordinate is set as print reject is generated. And a printing process based on the generated corrected print data.

(5) According to another aspect of the present invention, in the computer included in the printing apparatus, the print data corresponding to the first coordinate represents the printing necessity for the computer included in the printing apparatus, and a predetermined number from the first coordinate. Regarding the coordinates that are the third coordinates between the second coordinates that are distant and the print data indicates that printing is not permitted, the coordinates that the print data indicates that printing is necessary between the third coordinates and the second coordinates If there is no coordinate, the print data at the third coordinate is set as print-needed, and if there is a coordinate indicating the print-needed print data between the third coordinate and the second coordinate, the coordinate is Is a print data correction program for executing a procedure for generating corrected print data in which the print data is set to be print rejected.

  According to the present invention, it is possible to reduce deterioration in print quality.

It is a conceptual diagram which shows the example of the input print data in this embodiment, and correction | amendment print data. It is the schematic which shows the structure of the printing apparatus which concerns on this embodiment. It is a conceptual diagram showing the positional relationship with the function part relevant to the paper in this embodiment. 6 is a flowchart illustrating print processing according to the present embodiment. It is a flowchart showing the horizontal direction correction process which concerns on this embodiment. It is a flowchart showing the vertical direction correction process which concerns on this embodiment. It is a conceptual diagram which shows an example of the input pattern information and correction pattern information which concern on this embodiment. It is a conceptual diagram which shows the other example of the input pattern information which concerns on this embodiment, and correction pattern information. It is a conceptual diagram which shows an example of the input print data which concerns on this embodiment. It is a conceptual diagram which shows an example of the correction | amendment print data based on this embodiment. It is a conceptual diagram which shows the other example of the correction | amendment print data which concerns on this embodiment.

Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.
In the printing apparatus 10 according to the present embodiment, the print data with respect to the first coordinate (target coordinate) indicates that printing is necessary, and a predetermined number from the first coordinate (α and α are integers greater than 2 or 2). As for the third coordinate between the second coordinate and the second coordinate that is apart from each other and the print data indicates that printing is not permitted, the coordinate that the print data indicates that printing is necessary is between the third coordinate and the second coordinate. If not, the print data of the third coordinate is set to be printed. The printing apparatus 10 sets the print data of the third coordinate as “no print” when the print data includes a coordinate indicating printing necessity between the third coordinate and the second coordinate. The printing apparatus 10 generates the set print data as corrected print data, and performs printing based on the generated corrected print data.

Next, examples of print data (input print data) input to the printing apparatus 10 and print data (corrected print data) corrected by the printing apparatus 10 will be described.
FIG. 1 is a conceptual diagram showing an example of input print data and corrected print data in the present embodiment.
In FIG. 1, an arrow from left to right indicates an x-axis representing a horizontal direction. FIG. 2 shows (1-a) input print data, (1-b) corrected print data, (2-a) input print data, and (2-b) input print data in order from the top row to the bottom. In the example of FIG. 1, α = 2.
The print data is a signal that indicates whether printing is necessary for each coordinate. The print data is, for example, binary data including a signal that takes a value 1 indicating that printing is required at each coordinate or a value 0 indicating that printing is not possible at that coordinate. The print data is divided for each print page. Each print page includes signal values of a predetermined number of coordinates in the horizontal direction and the vertical direction. For example, the number of horizontal coordinates (number of dots) per page is 1280, and the number of vertical coordinates is 800. Output command information indicating execution of printing is included at the end of each print page. The input print data is print data that is input from the outside by the printing apparatus 10. The corrected print data is print data generated by the printing apparatus 10 correcting based on the input print data as will be described later.

  Square frames arranged in the horizontal direction indicated by each print data indicate the value of the data at each coordinate. An upward arrow represents a target coordinate. A black circle is a symbol indicating that printing is necessary. A blank indicates that printing is not allowed. A black square mark is a symbol indicating that the print data correction unit 102 has newly determined that printing is necessary. A white square mark is a symbol indicating that the print data correction unit 102 has determined that printing is not permitted.

(1-a) The input print data indicates that the first to third coordinates from the leftmost column need to be printed, and the fourth to eighth coordinates from the leftmost column indicate that printing is not permitted. Among them, the third coordinate from the leftmost column is the attention coordinate (first coordinate).
(1-b) The corrected print data indicates that the first to fourth coordinates from the leftmost column need to be printed, and the fifth to eighth coordinates from the leftmost column indicate that printing is not permitted. Among them, the fourth coordinate (third coordinate) from the leftmost column is a coordinate between the target coordinate and a coordinate (second coordinate) two away from the target coordinate. The corrected print data at this coordinate is print data that is newly set to be printed by the printing apparatus 10.

(2-a) The input print data indicates that the 1st to 3rd and 5th coordinates from the leftmost column need to be printed, and the 4th and 6th to 8th coordinates from the leftmost column indicate printing failure. It shows that. Among them, the third coordinate from the leftmost column is the target coordinate.
(2-b) The corrected print data indicates that the first to third and fifth coordinates from the leftmost column need to be printed, and the fourth and sixth to eighth coordinates from the leftmost column indicate printing failure. It shows that. Among them, the fourth coordinate (third coordinate) from the leftmost column is a coordinate between two coordinates (second coordinate) separated from the target coordinate. The corrected print data at the coordinates is print data that is newly set as print rejection by the printing apparatus 10. Note that a process in which the print data correction unit 102 generates corrected print data will be described later.

Next, the configuration of the printing apparatus 10 according to the present embodiment will be described.
FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram illustrating a configuration of the printing apparatus 10 according to the present embodiment.
The printing apparatus 10 includes an external interface unit 101, a print data correction unit (CPU, Central Processing Unit) 102, a thermal head (printing unit) 103, a RAM (Random Access Memory, random access memory) 104, and a thermal device. The head control unit 105, the conveyance system motor control unit 106, the platen, the sensor control unit 108, the positioning sensor 109, and a ROM (Read Only Memory) 110 are configured.

  The external interface unit 101 includes a terminal that receives print data from outside the printing apparatus 10, and outputs the received print data to the print data correction unit 102. The external interface unit 101 is a printer port, for example.

The print data correction unit 102 generates the above-described corrected print data based on the input print data input from the external interface unit 101. Here, the print data correction unit 102
If the print data indicates that printing is not possible between the second coordinates that are a distance apart from the target coordinate, and there is no coordinate indicating that printing data needs to be printed between the coordinates and the second coordinates, Set the print data of coordinates as need printing. If the print data includes a coordinate indicating that printing is necessary between the coordinate and the second coordinate, the print data correction unit 102 sets the print data at that coordinate as “no print”. The print data correction unit 102 generates corrected print data including the print data set as described above.

The print data correction unit 102 generates corrected print data for one coordinate axis direction, for example, for the horizontal coordinate axis direction, and then uses the generated corrected print data as input print data for the second coordinate axis direction for the vertical coordinate axis direction. Dimensionally corrected print data is generated.
The print data correction unit 102 outputs the generated corrected print data to the thermal head 103.

  Based on the corrected print data input from the print data correction unit 102, the thermal head 103 drives a printing element corresponding to each coordinate in a certain coordinate axis direction to print on a copy thermal paper (hereinafter also simply referred to as a paper). The thermal head 103 includes printing elements arranged at regular intervals (for example, 1/8 mm) in a direction perpendicular to the paper traveling direction. Each printing element is heated to a predetermined temperature (eg, 90 ° C.). Accordingly, printing is performed on a portion where the printing element is in contact with the paper.

  The RAM 104 includes a pattern storage unit 1041, a reception buffer unit 1042, a drawing buffer unit 1043, an editing buffer unit 1044, and a print buffer unit 1045.

  The pattern storage unit 1041 stores input pattern information in association with correction pattern information. The input pattern information is information representing a pattern of input print data in a target area and a predetermined area around it. The input pattern information includes print data that indicates printing failure for the coordinates between the second coordinates that are separated from the target coordinates by α, and the printing data that indicates the necessity of printing for the coordinates between the coordinates and the second coordinates. Some of them include and some do not. For example, the input pattern information is information including input print data that indicates the necessity of printing for the coordinate of interest and the necessity of printing for α + γ coordinates arranged in a certain coordinate axis direction from the coordinate. γ is 1 or a predetermined integer larger than 1, for example, 1.

  The correction pattern information is information including correction print data corresponding to the input print data included in the input pattern information. The correction pattern information includes print data that indicates the necessity of printing for coordinates between the target coordinates and the second coordinates, and print data that indicates print rejection for coordinates between the target coordinates and the second coordinates. For example, the corrected print data is print data that indicates printing failure for at least one of the above α−1 coordinates when the number of α−1 coordinates is equal to or greater than γ. is there. That is, γ represents a threshold value for the number of coordinates in which the input pattern information is a coordinate indicating printing failure and is in the opposite direction to the above-described coordinate axis direction and the input pattern information is sandwiched between coordinates indicating the necessity of printing. An example of the input pattern information and the correction pattern information will be described later.

The reception buffer unit 1042 temporarily stores print data received by the external interface unit 101.
The drawing buffer unit 1043 temporarily stores the input print data converted by the print data correction unit 102 for print drawing.
The editing buffer unit 1044 temporarily stores the corrected print data that has been subjected to the editing process by the print data correction unit 102.
The print buffer unit 1045 temporarily stores corrected print data read by the thermal head control unit 105 in order to perform printing.

  The thermal head control unit 105 reads the corrected print data from the print buffer unit 1045 and receives target position information from the sensor control unit 108 described later. The target position information is information representing coordinate values in the paper transport direction related to the printing position at the next time. The thermal head control unit 105 generates a printing element driving signal indicating a printing element to be driven and a time at which the printing element is driven based on the read correction print data and the input target position information. The thermal head control unit 105 outputs the generated printing element driving signal to the thermal head 103. As a result, the thermal head 103 drives the printing element based on the printing element drive signal input from the thermal head control unit 105. Therefore, printing is performed on a portion of the surface of the paper where the printing element contacts or a portion where heat from the printing element is transmitted.

The transport system motor control unit 106 includes a motor that transmits power to a platen 107, which will be described later, and rotates the platen 107 so that the sheet reaches the position represented by the target position information input from the sensor control unit 108. Further, when printing is performed by driving the printing element, the platen 107 is stopped to fix the paper.
The platen 107 is fixed when printing is performed by sandwiching a sheet with the thermal head 103 and driving a printing element. Further, the platen 107 sends out the sandwiched paper by rotating when changing the printing position.

The positioning sensor 109 detects a signal indicating the position of the paper and outputs the detected signal to the sensor control unit 108. The positioning sensor 109 is, for example, a photocoupler.
The sensor control unit 108 determines the target position information of the paper at the next time based on the signal input from the positioning sensor 109. As a result, the sheet is conveyed at a predetermined conveyance pitch (for example, dot interval, 1/8 mm). The sensor control unit 108 outputs the generated target position information to the thermal head control unit 105 and the transport system motor driving unit 106.

  The ROM 110 stores a program for operating the print data correction unit 102, the above-described input pattern information, and correction pattern information. The print data correction unit 102 reads a program, input pattern information, and correction pattern information from the ROM 110 at the time of activation, and installs the read program. The print data correction unit 102 stores the read input pattern information and correction pattern information in the pattern storage unit 1041.

Next, the positional relationship between the sheet and the functional unit related to the present embodiment will be described.
FIG. 3 is a conceptual diagram showing the positional relationship between the sheet and the related functional unit in the present embodiment.
In FIG. 3, two straight lines from the left center portion to the right center portion indicate the copy thermal paper 20.
Of the two straight lines, the upper thin straight line indicates the information protection sheet 201. The lower thick straight line indicates the thermal paper 202. A triangle below the center of the copy thermal paper 20 indicates the positioning sensor 109.
The triangle on the upper left of the copy thermal paper 20 indicates the thermal head 103. The lower left circle of the copy thermal paper 20 indicates the platen 107. The arrow shown inside this circle indicates the direction of rotation of the platen. Further, the arrow on the left side of the copy thermal paper 20 is an arrow indicating the conveyance direction of the copy thermal paper 20. That is, FIG. 4 shows that the thermal head 103 and the platen 104 sandwich the copy thermal paper 20 and the copy thermal paper 20 is conveyed by the rotation of the platen 107.

  The copy thermal paper 20 is configured by superimposing an information protection paper 201 on the surface of the thermal paper 202. The surface of the information protection paper 201 is not coated with a heat sensitive agent that directly contacts the printing element of the thermal head 103 but changes its color when heat is applied. On the other hand, the thermal paper 202 is coated with a thermal agent. Therefore, it is not printed on the information protection sheet 201. On the other hand, the heat of the printing element is transmitted to the thermal paper 202 through the information protection paper 201, and the portion where the heat is transmitted is printed. In the related printing apparatus, since the information protection paper 201 diffuses the heat of the printing element, it is difficult for heat to be transmitted to the thermal paper 202, resulting in deterioration of print quality. For example, the print quality tends to be deteriorated particularly in a figure composed of thin lines such as characters expressed in the Mincho style.

Next, the overall flow of the printing process according to the present embodiment will be described.
FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing print processing according to the present embodiment.
(Step S101) The external interface unit 101 receives print data from the outside of the printing apparatus 10, and stores the received print data in the reception buffer unit 1042. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S102.
(Step S102) The print data correction unit 102 reads the print data from the reception buffer unit 1042, analyzes the signal value represented by the read print data, represents one frame image, and represents the two-dimensional coordinates corresponding to each print element. Input print data including signal values is generated. An image of one frame is composed of print data composed of signal values for each coordinate obtained by multiplying a predetermined number of elements in the horizontal direction and the number of elements in the vertical direction. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S103.

(Step S103) The print data correction unit 102 stores the generated input print data in the drawing buffer unit 1043. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S104.
(Step S104) The print data correction unit 102 determines whether or not the page to be printed has been confirmed. The print data correction unit 102 makes the determination based on, for example, whether the read print data represents the above-described output command information. If it is determined that the page has been confirmed (Y in step S104), the process proceeds to step S105. If it is determined that the page is not fixed (N in step S104), the process proceeds to step S101.

(Step S105) The print data correction unit 102 determines whether or not to perform a process of correcting the input print data. For example, the print data correction unit 102 determines whether or not a paper type signal indicating the type of paper that needs to be enlarged and corrected by a user operation is input from an operation input unit (not shown). When it is determined that correction processing is to be performed (Y in step S105), the process proceeds to step S106. If it is determined not to perform the correction process (N in step S105), the process proceeds to step S108.

(Step S106) The print data correction unit 102 executes horizontal direction correction processing for enlarging the print area in the horizontal direction. The horizontal direction correction process will be described later. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S107.
(Step S107) The print data correction unit 102 executes vertical direction correction processing for enlarging the print area in the vertical direction. The vertical direction correction process will be described later. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S109.
(Step S108) The print data correction unit 102 reads the input print data from the drawing buffer unit 1043, and stores the read input print data in the print buffer unit 1045 as corrected print data as it is. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S109.

(Step S109) The thermal head control unit 105 reads the corrected print data from the print buffer unit 1045, and generates a printing element drive signal based on the read corrected print data and the target position information input from the sensor control unit 108. The thermal head control unit 105 outputs the generated printing element driving signal to the thermal head 103, and drives the printing element of the thermal head 103 based on the output printing element driving signal to print on the paper. Thereafter, the process ends.

Next, the horizontal direction correction process according to the present embodiment will be described.
FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing the horizontal direction correction processing according to this embodiment.
(Step S201) The print data correction unit 102 initializes variables related to the processing. The variables to be initialized include, for example, the horizontal direction (x-axis direction) index x and the vertical direction (y-axis direction) index y of the target coordinate to be processed in the input print data, and the input pattern for the horizontal direction. This is an index p _xa representing a set of information and correction pattern information. Their initial values are, for example, x = y = 0 (origin) and p _xa = 1. In addition, the print data correction unit 102 sets the correction pattern information stored in the editing buffer unit 1044 to 0 indicating printing failure for all coordinates. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S202.
(Step S202) The print data correction unit 102 reads input print data from the drawing buffer unit 1043. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S203.

(Step S203) The print data correction unit 102 determines whether or not all the input pattern information has been collated with the input print data related to the target coordinate. If it is determined that all input pattern information has been collated (Y in step S203), the process proceeds to step S208. If it is determined that all input pattern information has not been collated (step S203 N), the process proceeds to step S204.
(Step S <b> 204) The print data correction unit 102 stores α + γ (for example, α = 2, γ = 1) coordinate input print data arranged in the horizontal direction from the target coordinate, and the pattern storage unit 1041. One of the input pattern information is collated. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S205.
(Step S205) The print data correction unit 102 determines whether the collated input print data matches the input pattern information. If it is determined that they match (Y in step S205), the process proceeds to step S207. When it is determined that they do not match (N in step S205), the process proceeds to step S206.
(Step S206) The print data correction unit 102 changes the input pattern information to be collated. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S203.
(Step S207) The print data correction unit 102 reads correction pattern information corresponding to the collated input print data from the pattern storage unit 1041. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S208.

(Step S <b> 208) When there is input pattern information that matches the collated input print data, the print data correction unit 102 displays the corrected print data represented by the read correction pattern information in the horizontal direction from the target coordinates of the edit buffer unit 1044. Are stored in the storage area for storing the α + γ coordinates arranged in the. However, when there is no such input pattern information, the print data correction unit 102 stores the input print data at the coordinate of interest in the corresponding storage area of the editing buffer unit 1044. In this step, when the print data correction unit 102 stores data in the editing buffer unit 1044, OR drawing is performed. The OR drawing is a process for storing data having a larger value when a value indicated by already stored data is different from a value indicated by data to be stored. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S209.

(Step S209) The print data correction unit 102 determines whether or not the process has been completed in the horizontal direction, for example, whether or not the target coordinate in the input print data of a certain page has been processed up to the end coordinate in the horizontal direction. to decide. If it is determined that the process has been completed in the horizontal direction (Y in step S209), the process proceeds to step S211. If it is determined that the process has not been completed in the horizontal direction (N in step S209), the process proceeds to step S210.
(Step S210) The print data correction unit 102 updates the horizontal attention coordinate. Here, when there is input pattern information that matches the collated input print data, the print data correction unit 102 moves α coordinates of interest in the horizontal direction. Further, when there is no input pattern information that matches the collated input print data, the print data correction unit 102 moves one target coordinate in the horizontal direction. In addition, the print data correction unit 102 returns the index _pxa representing the set of input pattern information and correction pattern information to an initial value. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S202.

(Step S211) The print data correction unit 102 determines whether or not the process has been completed in the vertical direction, for example, whether or not there is a coordinate that has not been processed in the vertical direction any more. If it is determined that the process has been completed in the vertical direction (Y in step S211), the process ends. If it is determined that the process has not been completed in the vertical direction (NO in step S211), the process proceeds to step S212.
(Step S212) The print data correction unit 102 updates the attention coordinate in the vertical direction. Here, the print data correction unit 102 moves one target coordinate in the vertical direction. In addition, the print data correction unit 102 returns the index _pxa representing the set of input pattern information and correction pattern information to an initial value. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S202.

Next, the vertical direction correction process according to the present embodiment will be described.
In the vertical direction correction processing, the print data correction unit 102 generates corrected print data indicating the necessity of printing for β-1 (β is an integer greater than 2 or 2) coordinates arranged in the vertical direction from the target coordinate. . However, among the β-1 coordinates, the input print data indicates printing failure, and from the coordinates, the coordinates in the coordinate axis direction and the coordinates in the opposite direction indicate δ (δ is 1). (Or an integer greater than 1) or more than δ, the print data correction unit 102 generates corrected print data indicating printing failure for at least one of the coordinates. However, the print data correction unit 102 uses the corrected print data generated by the horizontal direction correction process as input print data. The thermal head control unit 105 uses the corrected print data generated by the vertical direction correction process for the print process.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing the vertical direction correction processing according to this embodiment.
(Step S301) The print data correction unit 102 initializes variables related to the process. The variables to be initialized include, for example, the horizontal direction (x-axis direction) index x, the vertical direction (y-axis direction) index y of the target coordinate to be processed in the input print data, and the input pattern information about the vertical direction. And an index p _ya representing a set of correction pattern information. Further, the print data correction unit 102 resets the correction pattern information stored in the editing buffer unit 1044 by setting 0 indicating printing failure for all coordinates. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S302.
(Step S302) The print data correction unit 102 reads the corrected print data from the editing buffer unit 1044 as input print data. Also in the following description, the corrected print data read from the editing buffer unit 1044 is read as input print data and distinguished from the generated corrected print data. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S303.

(Step S303) The print data correction unit 102 determines whether or not all input pattern information has been collated with the input print data relating to the target coordinate. If it is determined that all input pattern information has been collated (Y in step S303), the process proceeds to step S308. If it is determined that all input pattern information has not been collated (N in step S303), the process proceeds to step S304.
(Step S <b> 304) The print data correction unit 102 stores β + δ (for example, β = 3, δ = 1) coordinate input print data arranged in the horizontal direction from the target coordinate, and the pattern storage unit 1041. One of the input pattern information is collated. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S305.
(Step S305) The print data correction unit 102 determines whether the collated input print data matches the input pattern information. If it is determined that they match (Y in step S305), the process proceeds to step S307. When it is determined that they do not match (N in step S305), the process proceeds to step S306.
(Step S306) The print data correction unit 102 changes the input pattern information to be collated. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S303.
(Step S307) The print data correction unit 102 reads correction pattern information corresponding to the collated input print data from the pattern storage unit 1041. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S308.

(Step S308) If there is input pattern information that matches the collated input print data, the print data correction unit 102 displays the corrected print data represented by the read correction pattern information in the vertical direction from the target coordinates of the print buffer unit 1045. OR drawing is performed in a storage area for storing the coordinates of β + δ arranged in the memory. However, if there is no such input pattern information, the print data correction unit 102 stores the input print data at the target coordinate by performing OR drawing in the storage area of the print buffer unit 1045 that stores the target coordinate. To do. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S309.

(Step S309) The print data correction unit 102 determines whether or not the process has been completed in the vertical direction, for example, whether or not the target coordinate in the input print data of a certain page has been processed to the end coordinate in the vertical direction. to decide. If it is determined that the process has been completed in the vertical direction (Y in step S309), the process proceeds to step S311. When it is determined that the process has not been completed in the vertical direction (N in step S309), the process proceeds to step S310.
(Step S310) The print data correction unit 102 updates the attention coordinate in the vertical direction. Here, when there is input pattern information that matches the collated input print data, the print data correction unit 102 moves the target coordinates in the vertical direction by β. Further, when there is no input pattern information that matches the collated input print data, the print data correction unit 102 moves one target coordinate in the vertical direction. Further, the print data correction unit 102 returns the index p _ya representing the set of input pattern information and correction pattern information to an initial value. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S302.

(Step S311) The print data correction unit 102 determines whether or not the processing has been completed in the horizontal direction, for example, whether or not there are any coordinates that have not been processed in the horizontal direction any more. If it is determined that the process has been completed in the horizontal direction (Y in step S311), the process ends. If it is determined that the process has not been completed in the horizontal direction (N in step S311), the process proceeds to step S312.
(Step S312) The print data correction unit 102 updates the horizontal attention coordinate. Here, the print data correction unit 102 moves one target coordinate in the horizontal direction. Further, the print data correction unit 102 returns the index p _ya representing the set of input pattern information and correction pattern information to an initial value. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S302.

Next, examples of input pattern information and correction pattern information according to the present embodiment will be described.
FIG. 7 is a conceptual diagram showing an example of input pattern information and correction pattern information according to the present embodiment. The input pattern information and the correction pattern information shown in FIG. 7 are used for the above-described horizontal direction correction process.
In FIG. 7, the index p _xa , input pattern information, and correction pattern information are shown in order from the leftmost column to the right side. A rectangular frame in each column of input pattern information and correction pattern information indicates print data at each coordinate. The coordinates in the leftmost column of each input pattern information and correction pattern information indicate coordinates corresponding to the target coordinates. Here, α = 2 and γ = 1, that is, the number of coordinates included in each pattern information is three. The left and right arrows indicate that the coordinate axis direction is the horizontal direction (x axis). Black circles indicate print data indicating that printing is required, black squares indicate print data indicating that printing is newly required, and white squares indicate print data indicating that printing is to continue. The blank is print data indicating printing failure.

  In the second line from the top line in FIG. 7, the print data of the input pattern information corresponding to the index 1 indicates that the first column requires printing, the second column does not print, and the third column does not print. The output pattern information indicates that the first column requires printing, the second column requires printing, and the third column indicates printing failure. Here, it is shown that the print data of the output pattern in the second column is newly corrected to be printed.

  In the third line from the top line in FIG. 7, the input pattern information corresponding to the index 2 indicates that the first column requires printing, the second column does not print, and the third column requires printing. The output pattern information indicates that the first column requires printing, the second column does not print, and the third column requires printing. Here, the print data of the input pattern at the coordinates of the second column is printing failure, and the third column of print data positioned in the horizontal direction and the first column of print data positioned in the opposite direction need to be printed. On the other hand, the print data of the output pattern in the second column is determined to be unprintable.

  In the fourth line from the top line in FIG. 7, the print data of the input pattern information corresponding to the index 3 indicates that the first column requires printing, the second column requires printing, and the third column does not print. The output pattern information indicates that the first column requires printing, the second column requires printing, and the third column indicates printing failure. Here, the print data of the output pattern in the second column indicates that the print data of the input pattern with the corresponding coordinates needs to be printed, and therefore needs to be printed.

  In the fifth line from the top line of FIG. 7, the print data of the input pattern information corresponding to the index 4 indicates that the first column requires printing, the second column requires printing, and the third column requires printing. The output pattern information indicates that the first column requires printing, the second column requires printing, and the third column requires printing. Here, the print data of the output pattern in the second column indicates that the print data of the input pattern with the corresponding coordinates needs to be printed, and therefore needs to be printed.

  Note that when the input pattern information corresponding to the index 3 is selected in step S205 described above, unlike the other input pattern information, one target coordinate is moved in the horizontal direction in step S210. As a result, in the next loop, whether or not printing is necessary is determined again with respect to the coordinates representing the printing failure in the current loop in the two horizontal directions away from the target coordinate. In step S208, since OR drawing is performed when the corresponding corrected print data is stored in the editing buffer unit 1044, the setting result is reflected even if a new print request is set for this coordinate in the next loop. Is done.

FIG. 8 is a conceptual diagram illustrating another example of input pattern information and correction pattern information according to the present embodiment. The input pattern information and the correction pattern information shown in FIG. 8 are used for the above-described vertical direction correction processing.
In FIG. 8, the index p _ya , input pattern information, and correction pattern information are shown in order from the top row to the bottom. A rectangular frame in each column of input pattern information and correction pattern information indicates print data at each coordinate. The coordinates of the top line of each input pattern information and correction pattern information indicate coordinates corresponding to the target coordinates. Here, β = 3 and γ = 1, that is, the number of coordinates included in each pattern information is four. The arrows going up and down indicate that the coordinate axis direction is the vertical direction (y-axis). Black circles indicate print data indicating that printing is required, black stars indicate print data indicating that printing is newly required, and white stars indicate print data indicating that printing will continue to be rejected. The blank is print data indicating printing failure.

  In the second column from the leftmost column in FIG. 8, the print data of the input pattern information corresponding to the index 1 requires the first line to be printed, the second line to be printed, the third line to be printed, and the fourth line to be printed. Indicates that printing is not allowed. The output pattern information indicates that the first line requires printing, the second line requires printing, the third line requires printing, and the fourth line does not print. Here, the print data of the output pattern in the second line and the third line indicates that it is newly corrected to be printed.

  In the third column from the leftmost column in FIG. 8, the input pattern information corresponding to the index 2 is required to be printed on the first line, not printed on the second line, printed on the third line, and printed on the fourth line. Indicates that there is. The output pattern information indicates that the first line requires printing, the second line does not print, the third line requires printing, and the fourth line requires printing. Here, the print data of the input pattern at the coordinates of the second line is print rejection, and the print data of the output pattern is continuously determined as print rejection.

  In the fourth column from the leftmost column in FIG. 8, the input pattern information corresponding to the index 3 indicates that the first line requires printing, the second line does not print, the third line requires printing, and the fourth line does not print. Indicates that there is. The output pattern information indicates that the first line requires printing, the second line does not print, the third line requires printing, and the fourth line does not print. Here, the print data of the input pattern at the coordinates of the second line is print rejection, and the print data of the output pattern is continuously determined as print rejection.

  In the fifth column from the leftmost column in FIG. 8, the input pattern information corresponding to the index 4 requires that the first line needs printing, the second line does not print, the third line does not print, and the fourth line requires printing. Indicates that there is. The output pattern information indicates that the first line requires printing, the second line does not print, the third line requires printing, and the fourth line requires printing. Here, the print data of the input pattern at the coordinates of the second row and the third row is printing failure. On the other hand, the print data of the output pattern in the third line far from the target coordinate is still not printed, and the print data of the output pattern in the second line closer to the target coordinate is newly printed and corrected. Indicates that In the present embodiment, the print data of the output pattern in the second line instead of the third line may be print rejection.

  In the sixth column from the leftmost column in FIG. 8, the input pattern information corresponding to the index 5 requires that the first line is printed, the second line is printed, the third line is printed, the fourth line is printed, and the fourth line is printed. Indicates that there is. The output pattern information indicates that the first line requires printing, the second line requires printing, the third line does not print, and the fourth line requires printing. Here, the print data of the input pattern at the coordinates of the third line is print rejection, and the print data of the output pattern is continuously determined as print rejection.

  In the 7th line from the top line in FIG. 8, the print data of the input pattern information corresponding to the index 6 requires the first line to be printed, the second line to be printed, the third line to be printed, and the fourth line to be printed. Indicates no. The output pattern information indicates that the first line requires printing, the second line requires printing, the third line requires printing, and the fourth line does not print. Here, the print data of the output pattern in the third line indicates that the print data of the input pattern is not printable, so that it is newly determined to be printed.

  In the 8th line from the leftmost column in FIG. 8, the print data of the input pattern information corresponding to the index 7 requires the first line to be printed, the second line to be printed, the third line to be printed, and the fourth line to be printed. Indicates that printing is not allowed. The output pattern information indicates that the first line requires printing, the second line requires printing, the third column requires printing, and the fourth column indicates that printing is not permitted. Here, the print data of the output pattern in the second line and the third line indicates that the print data of the input pattern of the corresponding coordinates needs to be printed, so that it is necessary to continue printing.

  In the ninth line from the leftmost column in FIG. 8, the print data of the input pattern information corresponding to the index 8 requires the first line to be printed, the second line to be printed, the third line to be printed, and the fourth line to be printed. Indicates that printing is necessary. The output pattern information indicates that the first line requires printing, the second line requires printing, the third column requires printing, and the fourth column requires printing. Here, the print data of the output pattern in the second line and the third line indicates that the print data of the input pattern of the corresponding coordinates needs to be printed, so that it is necessary to continue printing.

  Note that when the input pattern information corresponding to the index 3, 6 or 7 is selected in the above-described step S305, unlike the other input pattern information, two coordinates of interest are moved in the vertical direction in step S310. As a result, in the next loop, the necessity of printing is determined again at the coordinates representing the printing rejection that is three pieces away from the target coordinate in the vertical direction in the current loop. In step S308, since OR drawing is performed when the corresponding corrected print data is stored in the print buffer unit 1045, the setting result is reflected even if a new print request is set for this coordinate in the next loop. Is done.

Next, input print data according to the present embodiment will be described.
FIG. 9 is a conceptual diagram showing an example of input print data according to the present embodiment.
FIG. 9 shows two-dimensional input print data of an image representing the character “A”. In FIG. 9, square frames arranged in a grid form represent print data for each coordinate. Here, black circles are print data indicating the necessity of printing, and blanks are print data indicating printing failure. The x-axis direction represents the horizontal direction, and the y-axis direction represents the vertical direction.

Next, the corrected print data according to the present embodiment will be described.
FIG. 10 is a conceptual diagram illustrating an example of corrected print data according to the present embodiment.
The corrected print data illustrated in FIG. 10 is two-dimensional corrected print data generated by the printing apparatus 10 performing the above-described horizontal direction correction processing on the two-dimensional input print data of the image representing the character “A”.
In FIG. 10, square frames arranged in a lattice form represent print data for each coordinate. Here, a black circle is print data indicating that printing is necessary, a black square is print data indicating that the printing is newly corrected, and a blank is print data indicating printing rejection. The x-axis direction represents the horizontal direction, and the y-axis direction represents the vertical direction. The image represented by the two-dimensional corrected print data shown in FIG. 10 indicates that it is enlarged by 1 (= α−1) coordinates in the horizontal direction than the two-dimensional input print data representing the character “A” in FIG.

FIG. 11 is a conceptual diagram illustrating another example of the corrected print data according to the present embodiment.
The corrected print data shown in FIG. 11 is two-dimensional corrected print data generated by the printing apparatus 10 performing the above-described vertical direction correction processing on the two-dimensional corrected print data shown in FIG.
In FIG. 11, square frames arranged in a lattice form represent print data for each coordinate. Here, black circles indicate print data indicating that printing is required, black stars indicate print data indicating that printing is newly required, and white stars indicate that printing is not allowed. The print data to be displayed and the blank are print data to indicate printing failure. The x-axis direction represents the horizontal direction, and the y-axis direction represents the vertical direction. The image represented by the two-dimensional corrected print data shown in FIG. 11 generally indicates that the image indicated by the two-dimensional corrected print data in FIG. 10 is enlarged by 2 (= β−1) coordinates in the horizontal direction.

According to the present embodiment, the area in which the printing element heated to the area of the coordinates representing the necessity of printing contacts the information protection paper 201 on the front surface is enlarged. Since heat is transferred to the thermal paper 202 covered with the information protection paper 201, deterioration of print quality such as curling of characters is avoided.
Further, in FIG. 11, the print data at the coordinates indicated by the white star indicates that printing is not allowed. The print data needs to be printed for both the coordinates adjacent to the coordinates in the vertical direction and in the opposite direction. Therefore, the printing quality deterioration such as the crushing of characters can be avoided by rejecting printing at the coordinates indicated by the white stars.
That is, in the input print data, if there is a coordinate indicating printing rejection in a narrow area sandwiched between coordinates indicating printing necessity, enlargement of the printed area is avoided up to the coordinates indicating printing rejection.
Therefore, even if the image represented by the input print data represents a fine character, symbol, symbol, or the like in which the area indicating the printing necessity and the area indicating the printing failure are complicated, the area indicating the printing failure is secured. Deterioration of print quality (for example, crushing of characters) is avoided.

In the above description, α, β, γ, and δ are assumed to be constant. However, the present embodiment is not limited to this. For example, different values of α, β, γ, or δ may be used depending on the page (or frame) or area (for example, the upper half or the lower half of a certain page) related to printing.
In the present embodiment, when the image related to printing includes an image representing a character, different values of α, β, γ, or δ may be used depending on the character type (font) or thickness designation. For example, α = 2, β = 3, γ = δ = 2 as the larger values for the Mincho style with a thin image, and α = 1, β = 2, γ = δ as the smaller values for the Gothic style with a thick image. = 1.

Also, by combining these, in the present embodiment, different values of α, β, γ, or δ may be used depending on the combination of the character type or thickness designation and the page or coordinates. Therefore, in the present embodiment, characters represented by different types and thicknesses depending on the page and coordinates (for example, a location where a Mincho font is specified, a location where a Gothic font is specified, and a barcode are specified) Printing is performed using different values of α, β, γ, or δ depending on the location.
As a result, in this embodiment, for example, it is possible to avoid deterioration in print quality according to character type, thickness designation, page, coordinates, etc. without necessarily using a preset built-in font or built-in barcode. .

In the above description, it is assumed that the printing apparatus 10 according to the present embodiment performs printing on the thermal paper 202 corresponding to the second sheet of the copy thermal paper 20, but the present embodiment does not include this. Not limited. In the present embodiment, printing may be performed on a copy thermal paper 20 (which does not necessarily include an information protection paper) on which thermal paper of an arbitrary number of copies is superimposed. Here, in the present embodiment, larger values of α and β may be used as the number of sheets from the surface of the thermal paper to be printed increases. For example, in this embodiment, α = β = 1 and γ = δ = 0 are set for the first thermal paper for a certain print area, and printing is performed based on the input print data as it is. For other print areas, α = 2, β = 2, and γ = δ = 1 are set for the second thermal paper, and α = 3 for the third thermal paper for the other print areas. Set β = 3 and γ = δ = 2. Thereby, in this embodiment, deterioration of print quality can be avoided according to the print area and the number of copies.
In the related printing device, the current applied to the thermal head is adjusted according to the number of copies. However, it is difficult to adjust the temperature for each printing element included in the thermal head, and the life of the thermal head increases as the temperature is adjusted. There was a problem that was shortened. In this embodiment, since it is not necessary to change the temperature applied to the thermal head, it is possible to avoid the problem of shortening the lifetime.

In the present embodiment, in step S208 of the horizontal direction correction process or step S308 of the vertical direction correction process described above, the process of storing the corrected print data in the print buffer unit 1045 may be omitted in a predetermined case. . Here, the predetermined case is a case where the input pattern information matching the input print data is equal to the read correction pattern information. For example, this is a case where the input pattern information and the correction pattern information of the index p _xa = 2, 3, 4 in FIG. 7 and the index p _ya = 2, 3, 5, 7, 8 in FIG. 8 are selected. This eliminates redundant processing and improves processing efficiency.

As described above, according to the present embodiment, the print data for the first coordinate (target coordinate) represents the necessity of printing, and the second coordinate that is separated from the first coordinate by a predetermined number α is between the first coordinate and the second coordinate. If the print data is the third coordinate and the print data indicates that printing is not permitted, the print data of the third coordinate is displayed when there is no print data indicating that printing is necessary between the third coordinate and the second coordinate. Is set as required for printing. The printing apparatus 10 sets the print data of the third coordinate as “no print” when the print data includes a coordinate indicating printing necessity between the third coordinate and the second coordinate. The printing apparatus 10 generates the set print data as corrected print data, and performs printing based on the generated corrected print data. Accordingly, in the present embodiment, an image printed based on the corrected print data is input print Since the printed image is enlarged rather than the image based on the data, heat passes to the thermal paper through the information protection paper in contact with the printing element. Further, in the input print data, when there is a coordinate indicating printing rejection in a narrow area sandwiched between coordinates indicating printing necessity, enlargement of the printed area is avoided up to the coordinate indicating printing rejection. As a result, deterioration of print quality is avoided.

  In the above description, the case where one coordinate axis direction is the positive direction of the coordinate axis (for example, the horizontal direction or the vertical direction) has been described as an example. However, the present embodiment is not limited to this. In the present embodiment, the one coordinate axis direction may be the negative direction of the coordinate axis.

A part of the printing apparatus 10 in the above-described embodiment, for example, the print data correction unit 102, the thermal head control unit 105, the transport system motor control unit 106, and the sensor control unit 108 may be realized by a computer. . In that case, the program for realizing the control function may be recorded on a computer-readable recording medium, and the program recorded on the recording medium may be read by a computer system and executed. Here, the “computer system” is a computer system built in the printing apparatus 10 and includes an OS and hardware such as peripheral devices. The “computer-readable recording medium” refers to a storage device such as a flexible medium, a magneto-optical disk, a portable medium such as a ROM and a CD-ROM, and a hard disk incorporated in a computer system. Furthermore, the “computer-readable recording medium” is a medium that dynamically holds a program for a short time, such as a communication line when transmitting a program via a network such as the Internet or a communication line such as a telephone line, In such a case, a volatile memory inside a computer system serving as a server or a client may be included and a program that holds a program for a certain period of time. The program may be a program for realizing a part of the functions described above, and may be a program capable of realizing the functions described above in combination with a program already recorded in a computer system.
Further, part or all of the printing apparatus 10 in the above-described embodiment may be realized as an integrated circuit such as an LSI (Large Scale Integration). Each functional block of the printing apparatus 10 may be individually made into a processor, or a part or all of them may be integrated into a processor. Further, the method of circuit integration is not limited to LSI, and may be realized by a dedicated circuit or a general-purpose processor. Further, in the case where an integrated circuit technology that replaces LSI appears due to progress in semiconductor technology, an integrated circuit based on the technology may be used.

  As described above, the embodiment of the present invention has been described in detail with reference to the drawings. However, the specific configuration is not limited to the above, and various design changes and the like can be made without departing from the scope of the present invention. It is possible to

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 ... Printing apparatus, 101 ... External interface part, 102 ... Print data correction part,
103 ... thermal head, 104 ... RAM,
1041 ... Pattern buffer unit, 1042 ... Reception buffer unit, 1043 ... Drawing buffer unit,
1044 ... Editing buffer unit, 1045 ... Print buffer unit,
105 ... Thermal head control unit, 106 ... Conveyance system motor control unit, 107 ... Platen,
108 ... sensor control unit, 109 ... positioning sensor, 110 ... ROM

Claims (5)

The print data corresponding to the first coordinate indicates a printing necessity, and is a third coordinate between the second coordinate separated from the first coordinate by a predetermined number and the print data indicates the printing failure. about,
If there is no print data indicating that printing is necessary between the third coordinate and the second coordinate, the print data of the third coordinate is set as printing necessary, and the third coordinate and the second coordinate are set. A print data correction unit that generates corrected print data in which the print data of the third coordinate is set as print rejected when the print data includes a coordinate indicating printing necessity between the second coordinate and the second coordinate;
A printing unit that performs printing based on the generated corrected print data;
A printing apparatus comprising: Input pattern information including print data indicating printing failure for the third coordinates, and not including print data indicating printing necessary for coordinates between the third coordinates and the second coordinates; Storing the correction pattern information including the print data representing the printing necessity for the coordinates in association with each other;
Input pattern information including print data indicating printing failure with respect to the third coordinates, and including print data indicating printing necessity with respect to coordinates between the third coordinates and the second coordinates, and the third coordinates A correction pattern storage unit that stores correction pattern information including print data that indicates printing rejection in association with each other,
2. The printing according to claim 1, wherein the print data correction unit reads the correction pattern information corresponding to the input pattern information that matches the print data from the correction pattern storage unit and generates the correction print data. apparatus.   The print data correction unit has the second coordinate for the corrected print data generated when the second coordinate is separated from the first coordinate in one of a horizontal direction and a vertical direction. The printing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the correction print data is generated when the print data is separated from the first coordinate in the other direction. The print data corresponding to the first coordinate indicates a printing necessity, and is a third coordinate between the second coordinate separated from the first coordinate by a predetermined number and the print data indicates the printing failure. about,
If there is no print data indicating that printing is necessary between the third coordinate and the second coordinate, the print data of the third coordinate is set as printing necessary, and the third coordinate and the second coordinate are set. A process of generating corrected print data in which the print data of the third coordinate is set as print rejected when the print data includes a coordinate indicating printing necessity between the second coordinate and the second coordinate;
A process of performing printing based on the generated corrected print data;
A printing method comprising: In the computer equipped with the printing device,
The print data corresponding to the first coordinate indicates a printing necessity, and is a third coordinate between the second coordinate separated from the first coordinate by a predetermined number and the print data indicates the printing failure. When the print data does not have a coordinate indicating that printing is required between the third coordinate and the second coordinate, the print data of the third coordinate is set as printing required, and the third coordinate Generating corrected print data in which the print data of the third coordinate is set as print rejected when there is a coordinate indicating that printing is necessary between the print data and the second coordinate;
Print data correction program to execute.

Images