JP2016020080A - Print data generation program, print data generation device, and print data generation method - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a print data generation program, a print data generation device, and a print data generation method for generating print data from which a printing result having stable printing quality can be obtained by one-time conveyance of a printing media capable of developing a plurality of colors.SOLUTION: A CPU of a printer acquires an environmental temperature (S3, S5) and acquires a heat accumulation correction value of each color according to the environmental temperature from a heat accumulation correction table (S9). The CPU determines a first total sum Am obtained by integrating the heat accumulation correction values of dots on the m-th line to be processing objects of print image data (S17), and further determines a second total sum Dm obtained by integrating the first total sum Am of each line up to the m-th line (S19). When the second total sum Dm becomes not less than a threshold Fn provided in a plurality of steps (S23:YES), the CPU stores the m (S25). The CPU generates print command data by changing an energization pattern at timing on the basis of the value of the m obtained by repeating the processing of S17 to S31 (S41).SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 8

Description

  The present invention relates to a print data generation program, a print data generation apparatus, and a print data generation method for generating print data.

  2. Description of the Related Art A printing apparatus is known that applies energy from a print head including a plurality of heating elements to form a plurality of dots on a print medium. The print head stores heat by the heat generated by the heating element. For this reason, the printing apparatus performs heat storage control for reducing the energy given to the print head according to the progress of printing, thereby stabilizing the print quality. For example, the printing apparatus described in Patent Document 1 counts the number of heating elements that are energized with respect to a print line that is printed at once by the thermal head, compares it with the number of reference dots, and stores heat for controlling the energization time based on the comparison result. Control is in progress.

Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 7-251519

  However, when a print medium capable of coloring in multiple colors is to be printed, the magnitude of energy applied by the print head to the print medium, the application time of energy, and the cooling time differ for each color to be developed. For this reason, when a plurality of colors are developed by a single conveyance of the print medium, it is difficult to stabilize the print quality even if the heat storage control described in Patent Document 1 is applied.

  The present invention relates to a print data generation program, a print data generation apparatus, and a print data generation method for generating print data that can obtain a print result with a stable print quality by conveying a print medium that can develop a plurality of colors at one time. The purpose is to provide.

  According to the first aspect of the present invention, print data used in a printing apparatus that forms a plurality of dots on the print medium in a single conveyance of the print medium capable of developing a plurality of colors according to applied energy. Is a program executable by a computer, and is generated on the basis of image data, and information on the plurality of dots formed on the print medium corresponding to a plurality of pixels constituting the image data Obtained in the first obtaining step, the second obtaining step for obtaining a heat storage correction value in which a value corresponding to each color that can be developed on the printing medium is set, and the first obtaining step. The plurality of dots constituting the dot data are sequentially arranged for each set of dots arranged on the same line in the scanning direction orthogonal to the transport direction of the print medium. A first calculation step for calculating a sum of the heat storage correction values corresponding to each dot included in the processing target set as a first total, and the first calculation according to the change of the processing target set Each time the first sum is calculated in the step, a second calculation step of calculating a second sum obtained by integrating the first sum, and the second sum calculated in the second calculation step is equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold value A determination step for determining whether or not the second sum is determined to be equal to or greater than the threshold value in the determination step; A first changing step for changing the application mode to be applied to each dot included in the set, and each of the information of the plurality of dots of the dot data Print data generation program, characterized in that to execute a generating step of generating the print data according to the said application forms are provided. By executing the print data generation program according to the first aspect, the computer can change the energy application mode based on the sum of the different heat storage correction values for each color of dots formed on the print medium. Therefore, the computer can generate print data that can obtain stable print quality.

  In the first aspect, in the case of forming one dot on the print medium, the application mode is set by setting the energy amount applied according to the color to be developed on the print medium and the cooling time provided after the application as one unit. May be. In this case, the heat storage correction value becomes smaller as the cooling time is longer when the amount of energy applied in the formation of one dot is assumed to be constant regardless of the color to be developed on the printing medium. It may be set. The computer can change the energy application mode based on the sum of the heat storage correction values that are smaller as the cooling time is longer. Therefore, the computer can appropriately change the application form and generate print data that can obtain stable print quality.

  In the first aspect, in the case of forming one dot on the print medium, the application mode is set by setting the energy amount applied according to the color to be developed on the print medium and the cooling time provided after the application as one unit. May be. In this case, the heat storage correction value is set to a larger value as the amount of energy increases, assuming that the cooling time provided in forming one dot is constant regardless of the color to be developed on the printing medium. May be. The computer can change the energy application mode based on the sum of the heat storage correction values having larger values as the energy amount is larger. Therefore, the computer can appropriately change the application form and generate print data that can obtain stable print quality.

  In the first aspect, in the case of forming one dot on the print medium, the application mode is set by setting the energy amount applied according to the color to be developed on the print medium and the cooling time provided after the application as one unit. May be. In this case, in the formation of one dot, the heat storage correction value may be set to a larger value as the energy amount is larger and the cooling time is shorter. The computer can change the energy application mode based on the sum of the heat storage correction values that are larger as the amount of energy is larger and the cooling time is shorter. Therefore, the computer can appropriately change the application form and generate print data that can obtain stable print quality.

  In the first aspect, the heat storage correction value may be set to a predetermined value other than 0 for the non-colored dots when forming the non-colored dots on the print medium. The printing apparatus may apply energy even when forming a non-colored dot so that energy can be quickly applied when forming a colored dot. The computer can change the energy application mode based on the sum of the heat storage correction values in which predetermined values other than 0 are set for the non-colored dots. Therefore, the computer can appropriately change the application form and generate print data that can obtain stable print quality.

  In the first aspect, a third acquisition step of acquiring information corresponding to the environmental temperature of the printing apparatus may be further executed. In this case, in the second acquisition step, the heat storage correction value in which a value corresponding to the environmental temperature is further set may be acquired. The computer can change the energy application mode based on the sum of the heat storage correction values in consideration of the environmental temperature. Therefore, the computer can appropriately change the application form and generate print data that can obtain stable print quality.

  In the first aspect, in the second acquisition step, the heat storage correction value in which a value corresponding to the gradation of the color to be developed on the print medium is further set may be acquired. The computer can change the energy application mode based on the sum of the heat storage correction values in which corresponding values are set according to the color gradation. Therefore, the computer can appropriately change the application form and generate print data that can obtain stable print quality.

  In the first aspect, a dividing step of dividing the plurality of dots constituting the dot data into a plurality of blocks in the scanning direction may be further executed. In this case, the first calculation step, the second calculation step, the determination step, and the first change step may be executed for each block. The computer can change the energy application mode based on the sum of the heat storage correction values for each block. Therefore, the computer can finely change the application form in units of blocks and generate print data that can obtain more stable print quality.

  In the first aspect, a fourth acquisition step of acquiring information corresponding to the printing speed of the printing apparatus may be further executed. In this case, in the second acquisition step, the heat storage correction value in which a value corresponding to the printing speed is further set may be acquired. The computer can change the energy application form based on the sum of the heat storage correction values in which corresponding values are set according to the printing speed. Therefore, the computer can appropriately change the application form and generate print data that can obtain stable print quality.

  In the first aspect, the printing medium is a color-developing layer capable of color development on the condition of a combination of a base material, a magnitude of applied energy, and a time during which energy is applied, and is laminated on the base material. In addition, the medium may include a plurality of color forming layers that develop different colors under different conditions. When a computer forms dots for a plurality of colors on a printing medium in which a plurality of color layers for coloring different colors are laminated on a substrate, the computer calculates energy based on the sum of different heat storage correction values for each color. The application form can be changed. Therefore, the computer can generate print data that can obtain stable print quality.

  In the first aspect, the printing medium is laminated on the base material under the condition of a combination of the base material, the magnitude of energy to be applied, and the time for which the energy is applied, and develops different colors under different conditions. It may be a medium provided with one possible coloring layer. The computer forms energy dots based on the sum of the heat storage correction values that differ for each color when forming dots that generate multiple colors on a print medium in which a single color-developing layer that develops multiple colors is laminated on the substrate. The application form can be changed. Therefore, the computer can generate print data that can obtain stable print quality.

  According to the second aspect of the present invention, print data used in a printing apparatus that forms a plurality of dots on the print medium in a single transport of the print medium capable of developing a plurality of colors according to applied energy. Dot data representing information on the plurality of dots generated on the print medium in correspondence with a plurality of pixels constituting the image data. The first acquisition means for acquiring, the second acquisition means for acquiring a heat storage correction value in which a value corresponding to each color that can be developed on the print medium is set, and the dot data acquired by the first acquisition means The plurality of dots to be processed are sequentially processed for each set of dots arranged on the same line in the scanning direction orthogonal to the transport direction of the print medium, and each dot included in the set to be processed Each time the first calculation means calculates the first sum as the first calculation means calculates the sum of the heat storage correction values corresponding to each as the first sum, and the change of the set of the processing target, A second calculating unit that calculates a second total obtained by integrating the first total, a determining unit that determines whether the second total calculated by the second calculating unit is equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold, and the determining unit includes: When the second sum is determined to be equal to or greater than the threshold, the application form of energy applied to form the dots on the print medium, and the application form applied to each dot included in the set to be processed Print data generation, comprising: a first change means for changing the print data; and a generation means for generating the print data to which the application mode corresponding to each of the information of the plurality of dots of the dot data is applied. apparatus It is provided. By using the print data generated by the print data generation device according to the second aspect, the printing device can change the energy application mode based on the sum of the heat storage correction values that differ for each color of dots formed on the print medium. And stable print quality can be obtained.

  According to the third aspect of the present invention, print data used in a printing apparatus that forms a plurality of dots on the print medium in a single transport of the print medium capable of developing a plurality of colors according to applied energy. The dot data representing the information of the plurality of dots generated on the print medium corresponding to the plurality of pixels constituting the image data, which is generated based on the image data. A first acquisition step of acquiring, a second acquisition step of acquiring a heat storage correction value in which a value corresponding to each color that can be developed on the print medium is set, and the dot data acquired in the first acquisition step. The plurality of dots to be configured are set as processing targets in order for each set of dots arranged on the same line in the scanning direction orthogonal to the transport direction of the print medium, and the processing target set The first total is calculated in the first calculation step of calculating the total sum of the heat storage correction values corresponding to each of the included dots as the first total, and in the first calculation step in accordance with the change of the set to be processed. Each time, a second calculation step of calculating a second sum obtained by integrating the first sum, a determination step of determining whether the second sum calculated in the second calculation step is a predetermined threshold value or more, In the determination step, when it is determined that the second sum is equal to or greater than the threshold, it is an application mode of energy applied to form the dots on the print medium, and for each dot included in the set to be processed A first change step of changing the application form to be applied, and the mark to which the application form according to each of the information of the plurality of dots of the dot data is applied. Print data generation method characterized by comprising a generation step of generating data is provided. By executing the process based on the print data generation method according to the third aspect, the energy application mode can be changed based on the sum of the different heat storage correction values for each color of the dots formed on the print medium, and stable. Print data capable of obtaining print quality can be generated.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the printing apparatus 1 with an upper cover unit 5 opened. FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating an electrical configuration of the printing apparatus 1. 4 is a diagram for explaining a configuration of a tape 30. FIG. 4 is a graph for explaining color development conditions of a heat sensitive color development layer 32. 4 is a diagram for explaining an energization pattern table 80. FIG. 4 is a graph for explaining an application pattern of energy applied to the thermosensitive coloring layer 32; It is a figure for demonstrating the heat storage correction table. 5 is a flowchart of print data generation processing. It is a figure for demonstrating the printing image data 70 in the case of printing 6 dots in the sequence direction of the heat generating element 61A, and 8 dots in a conveyance direction. It is a figure for demonstrating the thermal storage correction table. 10 is a flowchart of a modification of print data generation processing. 3 is a diagram for explaining a configuration of a tape 130. FIG.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. The drawings to be referred to are used for explaining the technical features that can be adopted by the present invention, and the configuration of the apparatus described is not intended to be limited to this, but merely an illustrative example. A printing apparatus 1 shown in FIG. 1 is a printer that prints characters, graphics, and the like on a print medium by a thermal method. The print medium is, for example, thermal paper. In the present embodiment, a printing tape 30 in which a plurality of thermosensitive coloring layers 32 (see FIG. 3) are laminated on a base material 33 is taken as an example of a printing medium. The printing apparatus 1 can be connected to an external terminal via a USB cable, Bluetooth (registered trademark), a wireless LAN, or the like. The external terminal is, for example, a general-purpose personal computer (PC) 100 (see FIG. 2), a portable terminal (not shown), a tablet terminal (not shown), or the like. A CPU (not shown) of the PC 100 executes driver software (not shown) installed in the PC 100 and creates print image data from the image data. The print image data is data obtained by decomposing pixel data into a plurality of dot data and corresponding to each pixel constituting the image data by a plurality of dots on the print medium. The printing apparatus 1 receives print image data from the PC 100 and generates print command data based on the print image data. The print command data is data for driving each of the plurality of heating elements 61A included in the print head 61 based on an energization pattern corresponding to each dot data of the print image data. The printing apparatus 1 can perform color printing in which energy applied to the tape 30 is controlled for each of the heating elements 61A, and a plurality of colors are developed on the tape 30 in units of dots.

  The configuration of the printing apparatus 1 will be described. In the following description, the lower left side, upper right side, upper left side, lower right side, upper side, and lower side in FIG. 1 are defined as the front side, the rear side, the left side, the right side, the upper side, and the lower side of the printing apparatus 1, respectively. The printing apparatus 1 includes a housing 2 and an upper cover unit 5. The upper cover unit 5 can be opened and closed with respect to the housing 2 by rotating around a shaft portion (not shown) provided at the rear end of the housing 2. The upper cover unit 5 includes a touch panel 51, a liquid crystal panel 52, and an operation button unit 53 (see FIG. 2) at the upper part when the upper cover unit 5 is closed with respect to the housing 2. The touch panel 51 allows the user to input various information (for example, print quality setting) by a touch operation. The liquid crystal panel 52 can display various information. The operation button unit 53 includes a power button, a status button, a feed button, and the like.

  On the front surface of the printing apparatus 1, a first discharge port 6A and a second discharge port 6B are provided. The first discharge port 6 </ b> A is formed by a front-side upper edge portion of the housing 2 and a front-side lower edge portion of the upper cover unit 5 with the upper cover unit 5 closed with respect to the housing 2. The tape 30 printed by the print head 61 is discharged from the first discharge port 6 </ b> A to the outside of the housing 2. On the inner side of the lower edge portion of the upper cover unit 5 on the first discharge port 6A side, a cutting blade 8 is attached downward. The printed tape 30 is cut by the cutting blade 8. The second discharge port 6B is provided below the first discharge port 6A. When the tape 30 is a label tape, the release material layer peeled off from the printed tape 30 is discharged to the outside of the housing 2 from the second discharge port 6B.

  The printing apparatus 1 includes a concave roll storage portion 4 behind the internal space of the housing 2. The roll storage unit 4 can store the roll 3 in which the tape 30 is wound in a roll shape. The roll 3 accommodated in the roll accommodating portion 4 is rotatably held with the winding center of the tape 30 extending in the left-right direction.

  A print head 61 is provided below the front end of the upper cover unit 5. The print head 61 includes a plurality of heating elements 61 </ b> A arranged in a line in a direction orthogonal to the transport direction of the tape 30 in the printing apparatus 1. A platen roller 66 is provided on the upper side of the front end of the housing 2 so as to face the print head 61 in the vertical direction. When the upper cover unit 5 is closed with respect to the housing 2, a transport path for transporting the tape 30 from the roll storage portion 4 toward the first discharge port 6 </ b> A is formed. In the following description, the direction in which the tape 30 is transported along the transport path is referred to as the transport direction. In the transport path, the roll storage unit 4 side is referred to as an upstream side in the transport direction, and the first discharge port 6A side is referred to as a downstream side in the transport direction. The tape 30 on the transport path is sandwiched between the print head 61 and the platen roller 66, and the print head 61 is ready to print on the tape 30. Further, the transport motor 217 (see FIG. 2) is connected to a roller shaft (not shown) of the platen roller 66 through a gear (not shown), so that the platen roller 66 can be rotated. Printing on the tape 30 is performed for each line corresponding to the heater elements 61A in one row.

  The electrical configuration of the printing apparatus 1 will be described with reference to FIG. The printing apparatus 1 includes a CPU 201 that controls the printing apparatus 1. The CPU 201 is connected to a ROM 202, a flash memory 203, a RAM 204, a CGROM 205, a communication interface (I / F) 206, drive circuits 209 to 212, an output circuit 213, and input circuits 214 to 216. The ROM 202 stores various programs executed by the CPU 201 (for example, the print data generation processing program in FIG. 8). The ROM 202 also stores various data (calculation formulas, threshold values Fn, etc., which will be described later), various tables (a heat storage correction table 90 (see FIG. 7)), and an energization pattern table 80 (see FIG. 5). ) Etc.) is stored.

  The flash memory 203 stores setting values related to the operation of the printing apparatus 1 set by the user. The RAM 204 stores temporary data including various variables described below. The CGROM 205 stores dot pattern data for printing for printing the text to be printed on the tape 30. The communication I / F 206 is an interface for connecting to an external terminal (for example, the PC 100).

  The drive circuit 209 is an electronic circuit for driving the plurality of heating elements 61 </ b> A provided in the print head 61. The drive circuit 210 is an electronic circuit for driving the transport motor 217. The drive circuit 211 is an electronic circuit for driving a cutter motor 218 that operates the cutting blade 8. The drive circuit 212 is an electronic circuit for driving the touch panel 51. The output circuit 213 is an electronic circuit that performs display control of the liquid crystal panel 52. The input circuit 214 is an electronic circuit for detecting the temperature of the print head 61 (hereinafter referred to as “head temperature”) by a thermistor 61 </ b> B provided in the print head 61. The input circuit 216 is an electronic circuit for detecting the temperature of the substrate (hereinafter referred to as “substrate temperature”) by a thermistor 219 provided on a substrate (not shown) on which an electronic circuit including the CPU 201 is mounted. At least one of the head temperature and the substrate temperature is referred to as “environment temperature”.

  The tape 30 according to this embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 3 and 4. As described above, the tape 30 is a print medium that can develop a plurality of colors in dot units according to the energy applied from the individual heating elements 61A of the print head 61. The tape 30 is pulled out on the transport path from the roll 3 wound in a roll shape, and is sandwiched between the print head 61 and the platen roller 66. In the following description, the surface facing the print head 61 during printing is the main surface of the tape 30, and the opposite surface is the back surface. In FIG. 3, the main surface of the tape 30 faces upward.

  As shown in FIG. 3, the tape 30 includes a protective layer 31, a thermosensitive coloring layer 32, a base material 33, and a release paper 34 in order from the main surface side. The protective layer 31 protects the surface on the main surface side of the tape 30. The protective layer 31 is a transparent layer. The heat-sensitive coloring layer 32 develops color when heated by a heating element 61A of the print head 61 to a predetermined temperature for a predetermined period. The thermosensitive coloring layer 32 includes three coloring layers capable of developing different colors by heating. As an example, the thermosensitive coloring layer 32 of this embodiment includes a yellow coloring layer 32Y, a magenta coloring layer 32M, and a cyan coloring layer 32C in this order from the main surface side of the tape 30. The yellow color forming layer 32Y contains a developer and a leuco dye that generates a yellow (hereinafter abbreviated as “Y”) dye when reacted with the developer. The magenta color-developing layer 32M contains a developer and a leuco dye that generates a magenta (hereinafter abbreviated as “M”) dye when reacted with the developer. The cyan coloring layer 32C contains a developer and a leuco dye that generates a cyan (hereinafter abbreviated as “C”) dye when reacted with the developer. The yellow coloring layer 32Y, the magenta coloring layer 32M, and the cyan coloring layer 32C are all transparent layers when not coloring.

  As shown in FIG. 4, the yellow color forming layer 32Y is heated at a temperature equal to or higher than the first temperature for a time equal to or longer than a third time, whereby the leuco dye and the developer melt and react to develop yellow. When the magenta coloring layer 32M is heated at a second temperature higher than the first temperature for at least a second time, the leuco dye and the developer melt and react to develop color on magenta. The second time is shorter than the third time. When the cyan coloring layer 32C is heated at a third temperature higher than the second temperature for at least a first time, the leuco dye and the developer are melted and reacted to develop cyan. The first time is shorter than the second time.

  The CPU 201 of the printing apparatus 1 can cause the thermosensitive coloring layer 32 to develop a desired color by controlling the application conditions of energy applied to the thermosensitive coloring layer 32. When the heat-sensitive color forming layer 32 is heated at a second temperature or higher and lower than a third temperature for a third time or longer, the yellow color forming layer 32Y and the magenta color forming layer 32M develop color, and the yellow and magenta dyes are mixed to form red (hereinafter referred to as “red”). And abbreviated as “R”). When the thermosensitive coloring layer 32 is heated at a third temperature or higher and for a second time or more and less than a third time, the magenta coloring layer 32M and the cyan coloring layer 32C are colored to mix the magenta and cyan dyes, and blue (hereinafter referred to as the blue color). , And abbreviated as “B”). When the thermosensitive coloring layer 32 is heated at a third temperature or more for a third time or more, the yellow coloring layer 32Y, the magenta coloring layer 32M, and the cyan coloring layer 32C are colored, and yellow, magenta, and cyan dyes are mixed. Color develops in black (hereinafter abbreviated as “K”).

  As shown in FIG. 3, the base material 33 serves as a base for supporting other layers of the tape 30. The color of the base material 33 is, for example, white (hereinafter abbreviated as “W”). The heat-sensitive coloring layer 32 is a transparent layer as described above in the case of non-coloring. Therefore, when the thermosensitive coloring layer 32 is non-coloring, the color of the tape 30 is W of the color of the base material 33. An adhesive is applied to the back side of the substrate 33. The release paper 34 is provided so as to be able to come into contact with and separate from the back surface of the base material 33 and protects the adhesive of the base material 33. By separating the release paper 34 after printing, the user can attach the tape 30 to a desired place with an adhesive.

  As described above, the CPU 201 of the printing apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment controls the application conditions of energy applied to the thermosensitive coloring layer 32 to thereby control yellow (Y), red (R), blue (B), black ( The four colors K) are developed on the tape 30. The color of the portion of the tape 30 where no color is developed is white (W), which is the color of the base material 33. In a print data generation process described later, the CPU 201 generates print command data in which a command based on an energization pattern for energizing the heating element 61A of the print head 61 is associated with each dot data. The print command data for forming one dot includes a command for controlling energization to the heating element 61A based on the energization pattern and a command for controlling energization during the cooling time T6 (see FIG. 6) provided after energization. Set as a unit. The CPU 201 performs printing on the tape 30 by performing a process for forming a plurality of dots for one line by a single line of the heating elements 61A for a plurality of lines. The print command data used in one printing is created by providing one unit of print command data according to the number of dots.

  As shown in FIG. 5, the energization pattern to the heating element 61 </ b> A is stored in the energization pattern table 80 of the ROM 202. In the print data generation process to be described later, the CPU 201 determines the shift amount according to the comparison result between the second sum Dm (described later) corresponding to the heat storage state of the tape 30 and the threshold value Fn (described later). The amount of energy applied is controlled based on the shift amount. For example, when the second total sum Dm is greater than or equal to the threshold value F2 and less than F3, the shift amount is determined to be ± 0. The energization patterns of Y, R, B, and K when the shift amount is ± 0 are “20/140 × 50”, “20/100 × 63”, “1200”, and “800 + 20/60 × 36”, respectively. Note that the item of shift amount in the energization pattern table 80 indicates the size by which the reference position of the energization pattern of each color referred to by the CPU 201 is changed according to the comparison result between the second total sum Dm and the threshold value Fn. In this embodiment, the threshold value Fn of 2nd total sum Dm is provided as an example, four types of F1-F4. Accordingly, there are five types of energization patterns for each color, and the groups are classified into shift amounts of -2, -1, ± 0, +1, and +2.

  As shown in FIG. 6, in the energization pattern “20/140 × 50” of Y, 140 μs is one cycle, and the heating element 61A is energized for 20 μs and de-energized for 120 μs in one cycle, and this is repeated for 50 cycles. It is an energization pattern. The CPU 201 energizes the heating element 61A in accordance with the Y energization pattern, thereby heating the portion of the thermosensitive coloring layer 32 that contacts the heating element 61A that satisfies only the Y coloring condition. The heat-sensitive coloring layer 32 is heated at a temperature not lower than the first temperature and lower than the second temperature for a T1Y time longer than the third time, so that only the coloring condition of the yellow coloring layer 32Y is satisfied and a dot that develops Y is formed. .

  Similarly, the energization pattern “20/100 × 63” of R is an energization pattern in which 100 μs is one cycle, the heating element 61A is energized for 20 μs and non-energized for 80 μs in one cycle, and this is repeated for 63 cycles. . The CPU 201 energizes the heating element 61A in accordance with the R energization pattern, thereby heating the portion where the heating element 61A of the thermosensitive coloring layer 32 is in contact with the Y and M coloring conditions. The yellow coloring layer 32Y develops Y by being heated for a T1R time that is equal to or higher than the first temperature and longer than the third time. The magenta coloring layer 32M develops M by being heated for a T2R time longer than the second time at the second temperature or higher. Since the cyan coloring layer 32C is heated at a temperature lower than the third temperature, it does not develop color. Therefore, the heat-sensitive color developing layer 32 forms dots that color Y by mixing Y and M.

  The energization pattern “1200” of B is an energization pattern in which energization is continuously performed for 1200 μs. The CPU 201 energizes the heating element 61A in accordance with the B energization pattern, thereby heating the portion where the heating element 61A of the thermosensitive coloring layer 32 is in contact with the coloring condition of M and C. The magenta coloring layer 32M develops M by being heated at a temperature equal to or higher than the second temperature for a T2B time longer than the second time. The cyan coloring layer 32C develops C by being heated at a temperature equal to or higher than the third temperature for a T3B time longer than the first time. However, since the T1B time during which heating is performed at the first temperature or higher is shorter than the third time, the yellow coloring layer 32Y does not develop color. Therefore, the thermosensitive coloring layer 32 can form dots that are colored by mixing M and C into B.

  In the energization pattern “800 + 20/60 × 36” of K, after energizing for 800 μs continuously, 60 μs is set as one cycle, and the heating element 61A is energized for 20 μs and de-energized for 40 μs in one cycle, and this is repeated for 36 cycles. It is an energization pattern. The CPU 201 energizes the heating element 61A in accordance with the K energization pattern, thereby heating the portion where the heating element 61A of the thermosensitive coloring layer 32 is in contact with the coloring conditions of Y, M, and C. The yellow color-developing layer 32Y develops Y by being heated at a temperature equal to or higher than the first temperature for a T1K time longer than the third time. The magenta color-developing layer 32M develops M by being heated at the second temperature or higher for T2K time longer than the second time. The cyan coloring layer 32C develops C by being heated at a temperature equal to or higher than the third temperature for T3K time longer than the first time. Therefore, the thermosensitive coloring layer 32 can form dots that mix Y, M, and C and color K.

  In the print data generation process described later, the CPU 201 controls the energization based on the energization pattern for forming dots of Y, R, B, and K, and the cooling time T6 (T6Y, T6R, T6B) corresponding to each color. , T6K, see FIG. 6), a unit command for forming one dot is generated from the command for controlling energization. As shown in FIG. 6, the cooling time T6 is provided for lowering the temperature of the heating element 61A to the standby temperature after energization for forming one dot. The standby temperature is a temperature at which the temperature of the heating element 61A is equal to or higher than normal temperature and lower than the first temperature. By maintaining the heating element 61A at the standby temperature, the CPU 201 can quickly raise the temperature of the heating element 61A when forming dots of Y, R, B, and K colors. Further, as shown in the energization pattern, the heating time T5 (T5Y, T5R, T5B, T5K) for energization based on the energization pattern of each color is different for each color to be developed. On the other hand, as described above, printing on the tape 30 is performed for each line corresponding to one row of the heating elements 61A. Accordingly, the cooling time T6 for each color is equal to the heating time T5 for each dot color so that the time for printing one line, that is, the time (1 unit time) T4 required for executing one unit command is constant. The length is set accordingly.

  In the present embodiment, the CPU 201 also energizes the heat generating element 61 </ b> A when forming white (W) dots that do not color the thermal color forming layer 32 during printing. As shown in FIG. 5, for example, when the shift amount is ± 0, the energization pattern for energizing the heating element 61 </ b> A corresponding to the W dot is “20/240 × 21”. Although not shown in FIG. 6, the energization pattern of W is an energization pattern in which 240 μs is one cycle, the heating element 61 </ b> A is energized for 20 μs and 220 μs is de-energized in one cycle, and this is repeated for 21 cycles. The CPU 201 energizes the heating element 61A according to the W energization pattern, so that the portion of the thermosensitive coloring layer 32 in contact with the heating element 61A is equal to or higher than the standby temperature and lower than the first temperature, that is, higher than room temperature, Y, M, Heat at a temperature that does not satisfy any of the coloring conditions of C. The thermosensitive coloring layer 32 does not develop color, and W dots based on the color of the substrate 33 are formed. Even in the formation of W dots, by energizing the heating element 61A, the CPU 201 can maintain the temperature of the heating element 61A at a standby temperature higher than normal temperature or higher than the standby temperature and lower than the first temperature. . Therefore, as described above, the CPU 201 can quickly raise the temperature of the heating element 61A when forming dots of Y, R, B, and K colors.

  Thus, in addition to the formation of Y, R, B, and K color dots, energy is also applied in the formation of W dots, so that the tape 30 stores heat as printing progresses. If the amount of energy applied to the thermosensitive coloring layer 32 is kept constant regardless of the heat storage state of the tape 30, color shading may occur in the printing result. Therefore, in the print data generation process described later, the CPU 201 generates print command data in which the amount of energy applied is increased or decreased based on the heat storage state of the tape 30 based on the energization pattern table 80. The energization pattern table 80 (see FIG. 5) is a table describing energization patterns in which the magnitude of energy applied to the tape 30 or the heating time T5 is increased or decreased according to the heat storage state of the tape 30.

  As shown in FIG. 5, for example, when the shift amount is −1, the energization patterns of Y, R, K, and W are set so that the number of repetitions of the energization cycle is two times smaller than the energization pattern with a shift amount of ± 0. Has been. That is, the heating time T5 (see FIG. 6) based on the energization pattern of each color is set to be short within a range that does not affect the color development of each color. In the energization pattern of B, the time for continuous energization is 40 μs less, and the heating time T5B is set to be short in a range that does not affect the color development of B. When the shift amount is -1, the amount of energy applied to the thermosensitive coloring layer 32 is smaller than when it is ± 0. In other words, the heat storage amount of the tape 30 by the energy applied based on the energization pattern when the shift amount is −1 is smaller than the heat storage amount when the shift amount is ± 0.

  Similarly, in the energization pattern when the shift amount is −2, the heating time T5 (see FIG. 6) is set to be short so that the heat storage amount of the tape 30 is smaller than the heat storage amount when the shift amount is −1. ing. The same applies to the case where the shift amount is +1 and the case where the shift amount is +2. Each energization pattern of Y, R, B, K, and W when the shift amount is +1 has a longer heating time T5 (see FIG. 6) than the energization pattern with a shift amount of ± 0. When the shift amount is +2, each of the energization patterns of Y, R, B, K, and W is set to have a longer heating time T5 (see FIG. 6) than the energization pattern of the shift amount of +1.

  As described above, printing on the tape 30 is performed for each line corresponding to the heating elements 61A in one row. In this embodiment, since energy is applied not only when Y, R, B, and K dots are formed, but also when W dots are formed, the amount of heat stored in the tape 30 increases every time one line is printed. On the other hand, as described above, the amount of energy applied to the tape 30 by the heating element 61A to form one dot differs depending on the color of the dot. Therefore, in the print data generation process to be described later, the CPU 201 determines the shift amount of the energization pattern based on the heat storage correction value akm set to a different value depending on the dot color.

  The heat storage correction value akm is a value set in advance according to the amount of energy applied to the tape 30 by the heating element 61A corresponding to the color of the dot in forming one dot. The heat storage correction value akm is set to a larger value as the heat storage amount of the tape 30 in the formation of one dot is relatively larger. The heat storage correction value akm is set in correlation with the amount of energy applied to the tape 30 based on the energization pattern and the length of the cooling time T6 in one unit time T4. The amount of heat stored in the tape 30 increases as the amount of energy applied increases, that is, as the total time for continuous and intermittent energization increases. Therefore, the heat storage correction value akm is set to a larger value as the energy amount is larger when the cooling time T6 of the tape 30 in one unit time T4 is assumed to be constant regardless of the dot color. Further, the heat storage amount of the tape 30 becomes smaller because the heat of the tape 30 is radiated as the cooling time T6 is longer. Therefore, the heat storage correction value akm is set to a smaller value as the cooling time T6 is longer when the amount of energy applied to the tape 30 in one unit time T4 is assumed to be constant regardless of the color of the dots. Therefore, the heat storage correction value akm is set to a larger value as the amount of energy applied to the tape 30 in one unit time T4 is larger and the cooling time T6 is shorter. Since energy is applied to form dots of each color, a predetermined value other than 0 is set as the heat storage correction value akm. In addition, since energy is also applied during the formation of W dots, a predetermined value other than 0 is set for the heat storage correction value akm corresponding to the W dots.

  As shown in FIG. 7, the heat storage correction value akm corresponding to each color is set in the heat storage correction table 90 corresponding to the environmental temperature (head temperature, substrate temperature). In print data generation processing to be described later, the CPU 201 obtains the environmental temperature before printing. In the heat storage correction table 90, combinations of heat storage correction values akm different for each color are set according to the environmental temperature at the start of printing. The substrate temperature correlates with the temperature of the tape 30 fed out from the roll 3 stored in the roll storage unit 4 and affects the heat storage amount of the tape 30 at the start of printing. The head temperature correlates with the temperature of the tape 30 receiving heat conduction from the print head 61 that contacts in the transport path, and similarly affects the amount of heat stored in the tape 30 at the start of printing. Therefore, in the heat storage correction table 90, the head temperature and the substrate temperature are divided into three stages of large, medium and small, respectively, at a predetermined temperature as an example. The heat storage correction value akm for each color is set to a larger value as the head temperature is higher and the substrate temperature is higher.

  With reference to FIG. 8, a print data generation process executed by the printing apparatus 1 of the present embodiment will be described. In the print data generation process of the present embodiment, the CPU 201 generates print command data based on print image data 70 (see FIG. 9) received from an external device (for example, the PC 100) connected via the communication I / F 206. . The CPU 201 outputs print command data to print processing executed according to another program (not shown), and performs printing on the tape 30 based on the print command data for each line. In this embodiment, since energy is applied not only when Y, R, B, and K dots are formed, but also when W dots are formed, the amount of heat stored in the tape 30 increases every time one line is printed. On the other hand, the amount of energy applied to the tape 30 by the heating element 61A for forming one dot differs depending on the color of the dot. Therefore, the CPU 201 obtains the heat storage correction value akm corresponding to the color of each dot for each line based on the heat storage correction table 90 (see FIG. 7), and is the sum of the heat storage correction values akm for one line. One sum Am is calculated. Further, the CPU 201 obtains a second sum Dm that is an integrated value of the first sum in the order of printing of each line. Further, the CPU 201 compares the second total sum Dm with the threshold value Fn, and determines the shift amount of the energization pattern referred to in the energization pattern table 80 (see FIG. 5). Thereby, the CPU 201 performs control to decrease the amount of energy applied to the tape 30 in accordance with the increase in the heat storage amount of the tape 30. The print data generation process is started when print image data transmitted from the PC 100 is received, and is executed by the CPU 201 in accordance with a program stored in the ROM 202. The CPU 201 secures storage areas for various variables and data in the RAM 204 when the program is executed.

  As shown in FIG. 8, the CPU 201 acquires the print image data received from the PC 100 and stores it in the RAM 204 (S1). In the present embodiment, the following description will be given by taking print image data 70 (see FIG. 9) of 6 dots and 8 lines as an example. As shown in FIG. 9, the print image data 70 of 6 dots and 8 lines is 6 dots in the arrangement direction of the heating elements 61A (also referred to as “scanning direction” for convenience) and 8 dots in the transport direction of the tape 30. This is data for printing. In other words, the print image data 70 is data for printing one line composed of six dots arranged in the scanning direction for eight lines in the transport direction. Note that the printing apparatus 1 can form dots corresponding to the number of the heating elements 61A provided on the print head 61 in the arrangement direction at a time in the scanning direction.

  As shown in FIG. 8, the CPU 201 acquires the head temperature detected by the thermistor 61B and input via the input circuit 214 (S3). Further, the CPU 201 acquires the substrate temperature detected by the thermistor 219 and input via the input circuit 216 (S5). The CPU 201 acquires the heat storage correction value akm for each color according to the environmental temperature from the heat storage correction table 90 (see FIG. 7), and stores it in the RAM 204 (S9). For example, it is assumed that both the head temperature and the substrate temperature are medium temperatures. In this case, the heat storage correction values akm of Y, R, B, K, and W are 2.0, 2.5, 1.5, 3.0, and 1.0, respectively.

  The CPU 201 sets initial values of various variables (S15). The CPU 201 sets 1 to each of the variable m and the variable n secured in the RAM 204. The variable m is a variable used for determining the processing target line of the print image data 70. The variable n is a variable used for determining the threshold value Fn. The CPU 201 sets 4 to the variable J secured in the RAM 204. The variable J is a value representing the number of threshold values Fn (that is, the maximum number of steps). The CPU 201 sets 0 as D1 as an initial value of the second total sum Dm secured in the RAM 204. The CPU 201 sets 8 which is the number of lines of the print image data 70 to the variable X secured in the RAM 204.

The CPU 201 obtains the first sum Am of the processing target lines (m-th line) of the print image data 70 according to the equation (1) (S17).
Am = Σakm (1)
(However, m indicates a line to be processed, k indicates the number of dots arranged in the scanning direction, and takes a value of 1 to (the total number of dots in the m-th line).)
When m = 1, the first line (m = 1) (see FIG. 9) is set as a processing target. The colors of the dots of the first line (m = 1) in the transport direction of the print image data 70 (see FIG. 9) are W, W, B, R, B, and R. Based on the heat storage correction table 90 (see FIG. 7), the heat storage correction value akm of each dot when the head temperature and the substrate temperature are medium temperatures is 1.0, 1.0, 1.5, 2.5, 1.. 5,2.5. When the first sum Am is obtained based on the equation (1), A1 = Σak1 = 1.0 + 1.0 + 1.5 + 2.5 + 1.5 + 2.5 = 10.0.

Next, the CPU 201 obtains the second total sum Dm according to the equation (2) (S19).
Dm = D (m−1) + Am (2)
When the second total sum Dm is obtained based on the equation (2), D1 = D0 + A1 = 10.0.

  The CPU 201 determines whether n is equal to or less than J (S21). As long as n does not exceed the maximum number of steps of the threshold value Fn (4 in this embodiment) (S21: YES), the CPU 201 determines whether Dm is equal to or greater than Fn (S23). For example, when F1 = 20, D1 is less than F1 (S23: NO), and the CPU 201 adds 1 to m and updates (S29). The CPU 201 determines whether m after the update is X or less (S31). m is incremented by 1 and becomes 2. However, since X indicating the total number of lines is 8, m is equal to or less than X (S31: YES). Therefore, since there are still unprocessed lines, the CPU 201 returns the process to S17.

  The CPU 201 obtains the first sum A2 and the second sum D2 of the next processing target line (second line). The colors of the dots of the second line (m = 2) of the print image data 70 (see FIG. 9) are W, Y, B, K, R, and R. The heat storage correction value akm is 1.0, 2.0, 1.5, 3.0, 2.5, 2.5. The first sum A2 of the second line is 12.5. The second total sum D2 is D2 = D1 + A2 = 22.5. In S23, when Dm is Fn or more (S23: YES), the CPU 201 stores the value of m in the RAM 204 (S25). For example, when F1 = 20, since D2 ≧ F1 is satisfied, the CPU 201 stores m = 2 in the RAM 204. The CPU 201 adds 1 to n and updates it (S27), and returns the process to S21. In S23, the CPU 201 compares the second total sum D2 with the next threshold value F2. For example, when F2 = 40, since D2 <F2, the CPU 201 adds 1 to m and then returns the process to S17.

  Thus, by repeating the processing of S17 to S31, the CPU 201 sequentially changes the processing target lines, and the first sum Am of the thermal storage correction values akm of the dots included in each line and the first to the processing target lines. The two sum Dm is obtained and compared with the threshold value Fn. If the second sum Dm indicates a value greater than or equal to the maximum threshold Fn (F4 in this embodiment) in the process of S23, if n is updated in the process of S27, n becomes a value greater than J (S21: NO), the CPU 201 advances the process to S29. Thereafter, the CPU 201 does not compare the second total sum Dm with the threshold value Fn.

  If all lines are to be processed and m becomes a value greater than X while the processes of S17 to S31 are repeated (S31: NO), the CPU 201 advances the process to S33. Based on the value of m stored in the RAM 204, the CPU 201 determines the timing for changing the energization pattern referred to in the energization pattern table 80 (see FIG. 5) (S33). The value of m stored in the RAM 204 corresponds to the line number for changing the energization pattern.

  CPU201 acquires the energization pattern corresponding to a dot in order from the 1st line based on energization pattern table 80 (refer to Drawing 5) (S39). At the start of acquisition, an energization pattern classified as shift amount-2 is acquired. When the CPU 201 acquires the energization pattern of the line indicated by the value of m stored in the RAM 204, the CPU 201 changes the shift amount by one. For example, when m = 2 is stored, the CPU 201 acquires an energization pattern classified as shift amount −1 when acquiring the energization pattern of the second line. Similarly, the CPU 201 acquires energization patterns corresponding to all dots according to the shift amount.

  The CPU 201 generates print command data for controlling energization to the heating element 61A corresponding to each dot based on the energization pattern of each dot and the cooling time corresponding to each energization pattern according to a predetermined format (S41). ). The CPU 201 outputs print command data to a print process executed by another program and prints it on the tape 30.

  As described above, by executing the print data generation process, the CPU 201 changes the energization pattern to the heating element 61A based on the second total sum Dm of the heat storage correction values akm that differ for each color of dots formed on the tape 30. can do. Therefore, the CPU 201 can generate print command data that can obtain stable print quality.

  The CPU 201 can generate print command data capable of obtaining stable print quality by appropriately changing the energization pattern based on the second total sum Dm of the heat storage correction values akm having smaller values as the cooling time is longer.

  The CPU 201 can generate print command data capable of obtaining stable print quality by appropriately changing the energization pattern based on the second total sum Dm of the heat storage correction value akm having a larger value as the energy amount is larger.

  The CPU 201 generates print command data that can obtain stable print quality by appropriately changing the energization pattern based on the second total sum Dm of the heat storage correction value akm having a larger value as the energy amount is larger and the cooling time is shorter. can do.

  The printing apparatus applies energy also in the formation of W dots so that energy can be quickly applied in the formation of Y, R, B, and K dots. Therefore, a predetermined value other than 0 is set in the heat storage correction value akm corresponding to the W dot. The CPU 201 can generate print command data that can obtain stable print quality by appropriately changing the energization pattern based on the second total sum Dm of the heat storage correction values akm. In the present embodiment, the heat storage correction value akm corresponding to each color dot of Y, R, B, K, W is a positive value. Therefore, the CPU 201 can obtain the first sum Am and the second sum Dm only by performing a calculation by simple addition, and can reduce the processing load.

  The CPU 201 can generate print command data capable of obtaining stable print quality by appropriately changing the energization pattern based on the second total sum Dm of the heat storage correction values akm considering the environmental temperature.

  When the yellow color forming layer 32Y, the magenta color developing layer 32M, and the cyan color developing layer 32C form dots that are colored in a plurality of colors on the tape 30 laminated on the base material 33, the first heat storage correction value akm different for each color is formed. The energization pattern can be changed based on the two sum Dm. Therefore, the CPU 201 can generate print command data that can obtain stable print quality.

  In addition, this invention is not limited to the said embodiment, A various change is possible. The case where the threshold value Fn for comparing the second total sum Dm is four types has been described as an example, but the threshold value Fn may be one type, two types, three types, or five or more types. In the energization pattern table 80 (see FIG. 5), the energization pattern groups of the respective colors have been described by taking five types as an example. However, one type may be used, and there may be two types, three types, four types, or six types or more. . In the present embodiment, the heat storage correction value akm has a positive value for any color. For example, when the heat storage amount of the tape 30 can decrease, such as when the cooling time is set long. May set a negative value.

  Further, for example, when the heat-sensitive color developing layer 32 of the tape 30 can control the gradation in color development of each color according to the heating time, the heat storage correction value akm may be set to a different value according to the gradation. For example, the thermosensitive coloring layer 32 corresponds to Y, R, B, K, and W, as well as Y, R, B, and K, and has high brightness, light yellow (LY), light red (LR), and light blue. (LB) and gray (Gr) can be developed. In this case, as in the heat storage correction table 190 shown in FIG. 10, the combination of the heat storage correction values akm according to the environmental temperature is further subdivided, and the heat storage correction values that differ depending on the tone values of each dot in the print image data A combination of akm may be set. Thus, by determining an appropriate energization pattern change timing according to the color gradation, the CPU 201 can generate print command data that can obtain stable print quality.

  Alternatively, the print command data may be generated in which the dots constituting the print image data are divided into a plurality of blocks in the scanning direction and the timing for changing the energization pattern is determined for each block. For example, a modification example of the print data generation process shown in FIG. 11 includes the processes of S11 and S13 between S9 and S15 and between S33 and S39 in the print data generation process (see FIG. 8) of the present embodiment, respectively. The processes of S35 and S37 are added, and the process of S17 is changed to the process of S18.

  As shown in FIG. 11, the CPU 201 acquires and stores the heat storage correction value akm of each color in the process of S9, and then divides the dots constituting the print image data into a plurality of (for example, Z) blocks in the scanning direction. (S11). The value of Z may be set, for example, in driver software that generates print image data in the PC 100, or may be set in advance and stored in the ROM 202. The CPU 201 sets 1 to the variable L secured in the RAM 204 (S13), and advances the processing to S15. In step S15, the CPU 201 sets initial values of various variables, and in step S18, obtains a first sum Am of print image data processing lines (mth line) in the L block (S18).

  The CPU 201 obtains the second total sum Dm of the dot heat storage correction values akm up to m lines to be processed in the L block by repeating the processes of S18 to S31, and becomes Dm ≧ Fn compared with the threshold value Fn. Save time m. The CPU 201 determines the timing for changing the energization pattern referred to in the energization pattern table 80 (see FIG. 5) based on m stored in the RAM 204 in the process of S33. The CPU 201 adds 1 to L and updates (S35). If the updated value of L is equal to or smaller than Z (S37: YES), the CPU 201 returns the process to S15 and resets the initial values of various variables. Thus, by repeating the processing of S15 to S37, the CPU 201 determines the timing for changing the energization pattern referred to in the energization pattern table 80 (see FIG. 5) for each block. If the value of L is larger than Z in S37 (S37: NO), the CPU 201 advances the process to S39, and generates print command data in which the energization pattern change timing is adjusted for each block. As described above, the print image data is divided into a plurality of blocks, and the energization pattern is finely changed in units of blocks, whereby the CPU 201 can generate print data that can obtain more stable print quality. Note that the processing of S11 corresponds to the “division step” in the present invention.

  Further, the CPU 201 may acquire information corresponding to the printing speed on the tape 30 and acquire the heat storage correction value akm of each color according to the printing speed. As described above, the cooling time in forming each color dot is set to a length corresponding to the heating time of each dot so that one unit time required for executing one unit command is constant. Since the heat storage amount of the tape 30 can be reduced if the cooling time is long, the printing apparatus 1 can stabilize the printing quality. However, since one unit time is long, the printing time of the tape 30 is long. Take it. That is, the printing speed of the tape 30 depends on the print quality. Therefore, for example, the print quality may be set by the setting at the time of printing in the driver software of the PC 100. Alternatively, for example, the print quality may be set according to the characteristics of the tape 30 wound around the roll 3 mounted on the printing apparatus 1.

  Then, like the modified example of the print data generation process shown in FIG. 11, the process of S7 is added between S5 and S9 of the print data generation process (see FIG. 8) of the present embodiment, and the CPU 201 adjusts the print speed. Corresponding information, for example, print quality setting information may be acquired. Although not shown, the printing apparatus 1 may include a heat storage correction table in which a combination of different heat storage correction values akm is set in the ROM 202 according to information corresponding to the printing speed. The CPU 201 acquires a heat storage correction value akm for each color according to the printing speed from the heat storage correction table based on the information corresponding to the acquired printing speed. By using the heat storage correction value akm, the CPU 201 can generate print command data in which the energization pattern change timing is adjusted according to the printing speed. Thus, by determining an appropriate energization pattern change timing according to the printing speed, the CPU 201 can generate print command data that can obtain stable print quality. The process of S7 corresponds to the “fourth acquisition step” in the present invention.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 12, the printing apparatus 1 may perform printing on a tape 130 in which the thermosensitive coloring layer 132 is composed of one layer. For example, the thermosensitive coloring layer 132 is configured by arranging microcapsules 135Y, 135M, and 135C that melt when heated to a predetermined temperature for a predetermined period in a binder containing the developer 136. The microcapsule 135Y contains a leuco dye 132Y that develops yellow when it reacts with the developer 136, and is destroyed by being heated at a first temperature or higher for a third time or longer. The microcapsule 135M contains a leuco dye 132M that develops magenta when reacted with the developer 136, and is destroyed by being heated at a second temperature or higher for a second time or longer. The microcapsule 135C contains a leuco dye 132C that develops cyan when it reacts with the developer 136, and is destroyed by being heated at a third temperature or higher for a first hour or longer. If the tape 130 having such a thermosensitive coloring layer 132 is used, the CPU 201 determines an appropriate energization pattern change timing according to the color and applies the print data generation processing of the present embodiment as it is, and is stable. Print command data that can obtain print quality can be generated. The thermosensitive coloring layer 132 corresponds to “one coloring layer” in the present invention.

  Further, the CPU 201 acquires print image data generated from image data by the driver software of the PC 100 and generates print command data. However, the print image data may be acquired from another program executed by the CPU 201. In this case, the CPU 201 may acquire image data from the PC 100 via the communication I / F 206 and generate print image data by executing another program. Alternatively, the printing apparatus 1 is provided with a USB I / F (not shown) or the like, and the CPU 201 acquires image data from a USB memory (not shown) or the like via the USB I / F and generates print image data. Also good.

  Further, each step of the print data generation process is not limited to the example executed by the CPU 201 of the printing apparatus 1. For example, the print data generation processing program may be provided as driver software of the PC 100 and executed by the CPU of the PC 100. In this case, the printing apparatus 1 may receive print command data generated by the CPU of the PC 100 and perform printing on the tape 30 based on the print command data for each line. Further, for example, an electronic component such as an ASIC may be incorporated in the printing apparatus 1, and a part or all of the print data generation processing may be executed by the ASIC.

  In the present invention, the tape 30 corresponds to a “print medium”. The print command data corresponds to “print data”. The print image data corresponds to “dot data”. The process of S1 corresponds to a “first acquisition step”. The process of S9 corresponds to a “second acquisition step”. The process of S17 corresponds to a “first calculation step”. The process of S19 corresponds to a “second calculation step”. The process of S23 corresponds to a “determination step”. The process of S33 corresponds to a “first change step”. The process of S41 corresponds to a “generation step”. The processes of S3 and S5 correspond to a “third acquisition step”. The thermosensitive coloring layer 32 corresponds to “a plurality of coloring layers”.

1 Printing device 30, 130 Tape 32, 132 Thermal coloring layer 33, 133 Base material 90 Thermal storage correction table 201 CPU
akm Heat storage correction value Am First sum Dm Second sum Fn Threshold

Claims (13)

Computer-executable for generating print data used in a printing apparatus that forms a plurality of dots on the print medium in a single transport of the print medium capable of developing a plurality of colors according to applied energy A program,
A first acquisition step of acquiring dot data that is generated based on image data and that represents information of the plurality of dots formed on the print medium corresponding to a plurality of pixels constituting the image data;
A second acquisition step of acquiring a heat storage correction value in which a value corresponding to each color that can be developed on the print medium is set;
The plurality of dots constituting the dot data acquired in the first acquisition step are sequentially processed for each set of dots arranged on the same line in the scanning direction orthogonal to the transport direction of the print medium, A first calculation step of calculating a sum of the heat storage correction values corresponding to each dot included in the set to be processed as a first sum;
A second calculation step of calculating a second sum obtained by integrating the first sum every time the first sum is calculated in the first calculation step in accordance with the change of the set to be processed;
A determination step of determining whether or not the second total calculated in the second calculation step is equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold;
In the determination step, when it is determined that the second total is equal to or greater than the threshold value, the energy is applied to form the dots on the print medium, and for each dot included in the set to be processed A first changing step of changing the application form to be applied,
And a generation step of generating the print data to which the application form corresponding to each of the information of the plurality of dots of the dot data is applied. In the case where one dot is formed on the print medium, the application mode is set with the amount of energy applied according to the color to be developed on the print medium and the cooling time provided after application as one unit,
The heat storage correction value is set to a smaller value as the cooling time is longer, assuming that the amount of energy applied in forming one dot is constant regardless of the color to be developed on the printing medium. The print data generation program according to claim 1. In the case where one dot is formed on the print medium, the application mode is set with the amount of energy applied according to the color to be developed on the print medium and the cooling time provided after application as one unit,
The heat storage correction value is set to a larger value as the amount of energy increases, assuming that the cooling time provided in the formation of one dot is constant regardless of the color to be developed on the print medium. The print data generation program according to claim 1, wherein: In the case where one dot is formed on the print medium, the application mode is set with the amount of energy applied according to the color to be developed on the print medium and the cooling time provided after application as one unit,
The print data generation program according to claim 1, wherein the heat storage correction value is set to a larger value as the energy amount is larger and the cooling time is shorter in forming one dot.   5. The heat storage correction value is set to a predetermined value other than 0 for the non-colored dots when the non-colored dots are formed on the print medium. 6. The print data generation program described in the above. Further executing a third acquisition step of acquiring information corresponding to the environmental temperature of the printing apparatus;
The print data generation program according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein in the second acquisition step, the heat storage correction value in which a value corresponding to the environmental temperature is further set is acquired. .   7. The heat storage correction value in which a value corresponding to a gradation of a color to be developed on the printing medium is further acquired in the second acquisition step. 8. Print data generation program described in 1. Further executing a dividing step of dividing the plurality of dots constituting the dot data into a plurality of blocks in the scanning direction;
The print data generation program according to claim 1, wherein the first calculation step, the second calculation step, the determination step, and the first change step are executed for each block. Further executing a fourth acquisition step of acquiring information corresponding to the printing speed of the printing apparatus;
The print data generation program according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein in the second acquisition step, the heat storage correction value in which a value corresponding to the printing speed is further set is acquired. . The print medium is
A substrate;
A color-developing layer capable of producing a color under a combination of the magnitude of applied energy and the time during which energy is applied, and a plurality of color developments that are stacked on the substrate and produce different colors under different conditions 10. The print data generation program according to claim 1, wherein the print data generation program is a medium including a layer. The print medium is
A substrate;
It is a medium provided with one color-developing layer that is laminated on the base material and can develop different colors under different conditions, on the condition of the combination of the magnitude of applied energy and the time during which energy is applied. The print data generation program according to claim 1, wherein: An apparatus for generating print data used in a printing apparatus for forming a plurality of dots on a print medium in a single transport of a print medium capable of developing a plurality of colors according to applied energy,
First acquisition means for acquiring dot data generated based on image data and representing information of the plurality of dots formed on the print medium corresponding to a plurality of pixels constituting the image data;
Second acquisition means for acquiring a heat storage correction value in which a value corresponding to each color that can be developed on the print medium is set;
The plurality of dots constituting the dot data acquired by the first acquisition means are sequentially processed for each set of dots arranged on the same line in the scanning direction orthogonal to the transport direction of the print medium, and the processing First calculation means for calculating a sum of the heat storage correction values corresponding to each dot included in the target set as a first sum;
Each time the first calculation unit calculates the first total with the change of the set to be processed, second calculation unit that calculates a second total obtained by integrating the first total;
Determining means for determining whether the second total calculated by the second calculating means is equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold;
When the determination unit determines that the second total is equal to or greater than the threshold value, it is an application mode of energy applied to form the dots on the print medium, and for each dot included in the set to be processed First changing means for changing the application form to be applied,
A print data generation apparatus comprising: a generation unit configured to generate the print data to which the application form according to each of the plurality of dot information of the dot data is applied. A method for generating print data used in a printing apparatus that forms a plurality of dots on a print medium in a single transport of a print medium capable of developing a plurality of colors according to applied energy,
A first acquisition step of acquiring dot data that is generated based on image data and that represents information of the plurality of dots formed on the print medium corresponding to a plurality of pixels constituting the image data;
A second acquisition step of acquiring a heat storage correction value in which a value corresponding to each color that can be developed on the print medium is set;
The plurality of dots constituting the dot data acquired in the first acquisition step are sequentially processed for each set of dots arranged on the same line in the scanning direction orthogonal to the transport direction of the print medium, A first calculation step of calculating a sum of the heat storage correction values corresponding to each dot included in the set to be processed as a first sum;
A second calculation step of calculating a second sum obtained by integrating the first sum every time the first sum is calculated in the first calculation step in accordance with the change of the set to be processed;
A determination step of determining whether or not the second total calculated in the second calculation step is equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold;
In the determination step, when it is determined that the second total is equal to or greater than the threshold value, the energy is applied to form the dots on the print medium, and for each dot included in the set to be processed A first changing step of changing the application form to be applied,
And a generation step of generating the print data to which the application mode corresponding to each of the information of the plurality of dots of the dot data is applied.