JP2017013257A - Printing system - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To appropriately correct a density of an image that a sublimation type printer prints, by detecting prescribed storage information serving as an index indicating a storage state of consumables and making the sublimation type printer acquire the detected information.SOLUTION: A printing system is constituted of a sublimation type printer (10) that transfers ink applied to an ink ribbon to recording paper and prescribed consumables(20), and is provided with a storage information detecting portion (21) that detects prescribed storage information of the consumables (20), together with the consumables (20). The sublimation type printer (10) comprises: a storage information acquiring portion (2) that acquires storage information detected by the storage information detecting portion (21); a memorizing portion (3) that memorizes a correction table (8) in which a relation between the storage information that the storage information acquiring portion (2) acquires and a correction value for correcting a density of ink to be used for printing is stipulated; and an image correcting portion (4) that corrects the density of ink for image formation, using the prescribed storage information acquired by the storage information acquiring portion (2) and the correction table (8).SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

  The present invention relates to a printing system, and more particularly, a sublimation printer that performs printing by transferring sublimation dye ink applied to an ink ribbon onto a recording paper, and a predetermined consumable used in the sublimation printer. It is related with the printing system which consists of.

  A sublimation printer uses an ink ribbon on which an ink layer of sublimation dye ink is formed, sublimates the dye ink of the ink layer formed on the ink ribbon, and thermally transfers the color material to a recording medium such as recording paper. Then, an image or a character is formed (printed).

  In a sublimation type printer, an ink ribbon is arranged on the thermal head side, a recording medium such as recording paper is arranged on the platen side, the ink ribbon and the recording medium are overlapped, and the ink ribbon and the recording medium are thermally bonded by the platen. The recording medium is conveyed in a predetermined direction by pressing against the head. At this time, by heating the ink layer of the ink ribbon from the back side of the ink ribbon by the thermal head, the sublimable dye ink of the ink layer is sublimated, and the color material is transferred onto the recording medium. Thereby, an image is formed on the recording medium.

  Some sublimation printers are provided with means for correcting the color and density of ink to be printed. Regarding the ink density and color correction technology of a sublimation printer, for example, Patent Document 1 discloses manufacturing date information in which a thermal sublimation printer is stored in a wireless communication unit of an ink ribbon cassette mounted on the printer body. Is obtained as management information, the printing process is controlled based on the obtained manufacturing date information, and correction corresponding to the change in the color development characteristics due to the change over time of the ink ribbon is performed.

  Patent Document 2 discloses a chromaticity correction device for a thermal sublimation printer. This chromaticity correction apparatus irradiates a white light source on an ink ribbon or an ink ribbon and a recording sheet, decomposes transmitted light into RGB using a filter, and measures chromaticity and density using three sensors corresponding to RGB. Next, the actually measured chromaticity and density are compared with the initial set values to extract error components, and RGB correction values are calculated from the error components. The image data from the host computer is multiplied by RGB correction values to calculate the chromaticity and density of each color of YMC, and data for head drive control is output from the calculated chromaticity and density using a lookup table.

  Patent Document 3 discloses a printing apparatus that periodically prints a predetermined density correction pattern and corrects the printing density based on the printed density correction pattern. This printing apparatus prints a density correction pattern immediately before printing a target image. At this time, the printing apparatus detects the density of the printed density correction pattern by a reading sensor included in the printing apparatus, performs printing density correction based on the detected density, and prints a target image.

JP 2008-114425 A JP-A-3-218867 JP 2012-111153 A

  In sublimation printers, color changes occur depending on the storage status of consumable ink ribbons and roll paper, and even when the same data is imaged by a sublimation printer, images are formed depending on the state of the ink ribbon or roll paper. The color and quality of the recorded image may change. The information indicating the storage state includes a temperature change and a humidity change when the ink ribbon or roll paper is stored. Also, the elapsed time after the consumables are manufactured also affects the image. For this reason, even when printing the same data, there is a problem that the color of the printed image changes depending on the state of the consumables.

In a conventional sublimation printer, the sublimation printer acquires information on storage status such as temperature, humidity, and elapsed time since manufacture, and the acquired information is automatically used for the density and chromaticity of the printed image. There is no way to reflect and correct.
Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2004-228561 describes that correction corresponding to a change in color development characteristics is performed based on manufacturing date information stored in the ink ribbon cassette. Here, the process from the manufacturing date of the ink ribbon cassette is described. It describes that the cyan density having the largest change in color development characteristics is corrected to the maximum when the time has passed. However, Patent Document 1 does not disclose a device that automatically corrects the density of a print image based on information related to a storage state such as elapsed time.

  In Patent Document 2, the head drive of a sublimation printer is controlled by actually measuring the chromaticity and density of an ink ribbon or recording paper. In Patent Document 3, a printing apparatus prints a predetermined density correction pattern, reads the density of the density correction pattern, and performs printing density correction. However, also in the cited documents 2 and 3, information related to storage information of consumables such as temperature, humidity, and elapsed time from manufacture is detected, the detection result is acquired, and the density of the print image is obtained based on the acquired result. What makes amendments is not disclosed.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and detects predetermined storage information serving as an index indicating the storage state of a predetermined consumable used in a sublimation printer, and the detected information is sublimated. It is an object of the present invention to provide a printing system in which the density of an image printed by a sublimation printer can be appropriately corrected by acquisition by a printer.

  In order to solve the above problems, a first technical means of the present invention uses a sublimation type printer that performs printing by transferring a sublimation dye ink applied to an ink ribbon onto a recording paper, and the sublimation type printer. A printing system comprising predetermined consumables, and a storage information detecting unit for detecting predetermined storage information serving as an index indicating a storage state of the predetermined consumables used in the sublimation printer, is provided together with the consumables. The sublimation printer includes a storage information acquisition unit that acquires storage information detected by the storage information detection unit, the predetermined storage information acquired by the storage information acquisition unit, and the density of ink printed by the sublimation printer. A storage unit storing a correction table that defines a relationship with a correction value for correcting the correction, the predetermined information acquired by the storage information acquisition unit, and the correction table stored in the storage unit. Te, the sublimation printer is that characterized by having, an image correcting unit that corrects the density of the ink images formed.

  According to a second technical means, in the first technical means, the storage information detection unit includes a sensor that detects the predetermined storage information and a storage unit that stores the storage information detected by the sensor in a predetermined method. And the storage information acquiring unit is configured to store the predetermined consumable item in a state where the predetermined consumable item is installed at a predetermined position of the sublimation printer. The predetermined storage information is acquired from the above.

  According to a third technical means, in the first technical means, the storage information detection unit includes a sensor that detects the predetermined storage information and a storage unit that stores the storage information detected by the sensor in a predetermined method. And the storage information acquisition unit includes the storage information in a state where the predetermined consumable is installed at a predetermined position of the sublimation printer. The predetermined storage information is acquired from a detection unit.

  According to a fourth technical means, in the first technical means, the storage information detection unit includes a reaction element whose appearance changes in response to a change in the predetermined storage information, and the storage information acquisition unit Is characterized in that a change in the appearance of the reaction element is detected, and the predetermined storage information is acquired based on the detected result.

  A fifth technical means is any one of the first to fourth technical means, wherein the consumable is the ink ribbon used in the sublimation printer, or a roll paper used as a recording medium for forming an image, Alternatively, both the ink ribbon and the roll paper are used.

  A sixth technical means is any one of the first to fifth technical means, wherein the sublimation printer detects an ink density of an ink ribbon installed at a predetermined position of the sublimation printer. The sensor includes a sensor and a correction table correction unit that corrects the correction table based on a detection result of the ink density detection sensor.

  A seventh technical means is any one of the first to fifth technical means, wherein the sublimation printer detects the density of ink printed on roll paper installed at a predetermined position of the sublimation printer. An ink density detection sensor and a correction table correction unit that corrects the correction table based on a detection result by the ink density detection sensor.

  According to an eighth technical means, in any one of the first to seventh technical means, the predetermined storage information serving as an index indicating a storage state of the predetermined consumable item is a predetermined consumption used by the sublimation printer. It is one or a plurality of temperature, humidity, and elapsed time since the manufacture of the predetermined consumable item.

  According to the present invention, the sublimation printer detects the predetermined storage information serving as an index indicating the storage state of the predetermined consumables used in the sublimation printer, and the sublimation printer acquires the detection information. It is possible to provide a printing system that can appropriately correct the density of an image to be printed.

FIG. 2 is a diagram schematically showing a main part of a sublimation printer according to an embodiment of the present invention. 1 is a block diagram for explaining a functional configuration of a sublimation printer and a consumable according to a first embodiment of a printing system according to the present invention. It is a figure which shows more specifically the installation state of the storage information detection part of the 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows an example of the memory | storage data of the storage information which a storage information detection part detects. It is a figure which shows the installation state of the storage information detection part of the 2nd Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows notionally the relationship between the temperature acquired from the temperature reaction element and the humidity reaction element, humidity, and correction data. It is a block diagram for demonstrating the function structure of the sublimation type printer which concerns on the 5th Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows typically the principal part of the sublimation type printer which concerns on the 5th Embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows an example of the process by the 5th Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows typically the principal part of the sublimation type printer which concerns on the 6th Embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows an example of the process by the 6th Embodiment of this invention.

(Embodiment 1)
FIG. 1 is a diagram schematically showing a main part of a sublimation printer according to an embodiment of the present invention. This sublimation printer shows a conventional general configuration and can be applied to the embodiment of the present invention. The sublimation printer uses an ink ribbon R and roll paper P as its consumables. The ink ribbon R and the roll paper P are used by being mounted at predetermined positions of the sublimation printer.

  The ink ribbon R is supplied from the supply reel 12, passes between the thermal head 14 and the platen roll 15, and is taken up by the take-up reel 11. The ink ribbon R is configured as a cassette type in which the supply reel 12 and the take-up reel 11 are integrated, and circulates in the state of the ink ribbon cassette. Then, the user can remove the link ribbon cassette from the distribution box and install it at a predetermined position of the sublimation printer 10 to enable printing. The ink ribbon R is formed of the same thermoplastic resin as the dye regions of Y, M, and C formed of, for example, sublimation dyes and thermoplastic resins of yellow (Y), magenta (M), and cyan (C). The protective layer region (overcoat region) is repeatedly formed in the longitudinal direction at regular intervals, and Y, M, and C dye regions and the protective layer region are combined to form a single image. ).

The roll paper P is mounted on the holder 13, is fed out from the holder 13, is transported by the transport roll 16, passes between the thermal head 14 and the platen roll 15, and is discharged from the rear transport roll 17. After the transport roll 17, for example, a cutter (not shown) for cutting roll paper is provided.
The platen roll 15 is provided at a position facing the thermal head 14 and supports the roll paper P being conveyed.

The thermal head 14 has a plurality of heat generating elements arranged, and the plurality of heat generating elements are selectively energized according to the gradation level of the print image, and generate thermal energy for transferring the ink on the ink ribbon R to the roll paper R. Occur. The thermal head 14 performs printing by transferring the ink of the ink ribbon R onto the roll paper P in a state where the ink ribbon R and the roll paper R are sandwiched between the thermal head 14 and the platen roll 15.
In the embodiment according to the present invention, predetermined storage information serving as an index indicating the storage state of the ink ribbon R and the roll paper P which are consumables of the sublimation printer 10 is detected, and the sublimation printer detects the detected storage information. Acquire and correct the ink density of the print image based on the acquired storage information. When correcting the ink density, a predetermined correction table is used, correction data is calculated from the detected storage information using the correction table, and the correction value is applied to control data for controlling the energization amount of the thermal head 14. By doing so, the ink density of the printed image is corrected.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram for explaining the functional configuration of the sublimation printer and consumables according to the first embodiment of the printing system of the present invention.
The consumable 20 is used in the sublimation printer 10 and is consumed according to image formation in the sublimation printer 10. Here, the consumable 20 is an ink ribbon and roll paper, or one of these. In the present embodiment, the consumable 20 is configured as an IC (Integrated Circuit) chip, for example, and the storage information detection unit 21 is directly attached to the main body of the consumable 20.
The storage information detection unit 21 is a memory that stores a control unit 22 by a control processor, a sensor 23 that detects predetermined storage information serving as an index indicating the storage state of the consumables 20, and a detection result detected by the sensor 23. The storage unit 24 includes a communication unit 25 that transmits information related to the detection result stored in the storage unit 24 to the sublimation printer 10. The storage information detection unit 21 is configured as an IC tag, for example, and in this case, the communication unit 25 is configured as an antenna that receives radio waves emitted from an IC tag reader of a sublimation printer and transmits information.

  Here, the predetermined storage information serving as an index indicating the storage state of the consumable 20 is the temperature and humidity in the storage environment of the consumable 20 and the elapsed time since the consumable 20 was manufactured. Further, any one or a plurality of these temperatures, humidity, and elapsed time since manufacture may be used. The sensor 23 functions as a sensor that detects temperature and humidity as the predetermined storage information. Based on the temperature and humidity detected by the sensor 23, the control unit 22 can calculate an integrated value of the temperature and humidity received in the past and store them in the storage unit 24. In addition, the storage unit 24 stores, for example, manufacturing date information of the consumable 20, and the control unit 22 can detect an elapsed time since the manufacturing date information is manufactured.

  Next, the configuration of the sublimation printer 10 will be described. The control unit 1 controls the entire apparatus of the sublimation printer, and is configured by a control processor such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit) or an MPU (Micro Processing Unit). The control unit 1 implements the function of the print system according to the embodiment of the present invention by reading out and executing the control program stored in the storage unit 3. The storage unit 3 includes a ROM (Read Only Memory) that stores a control program and various data, a RAM (Read Only Memory) that is used as a work area of the control unit 1 and temporarily stores data, image data, and the like. Various storage means such as SSD (Solid State Drive) or MicroSD (registered trademark) for storing data. The storage unit 3 stores a correction table 8 described later.

  The operation unit 5 is a hard key or buttons that accepts an operation input by a user, and is configured as a touch operation unit that is provided on the surface of the display unit 6 and constitutes a touch panel. The display unit is a display such as a liquid crystal display, and displays various information for user operation, print settings, print image selection, and the like.

The thermal head 14 performs image formation by transferring the ink ribbon dye onto a recording medium such as roll paper. The print control unit 7 controls the thermal head 14 and controls the heat generation of the heat generating elements of the thermal head to cause image formation of image data to be imaged.
The storage information acquisition unit 2 acquires temperature, humidity, and elapsed time since manufacture as predetermined storage information of the consumable 20 from the storage information detection unit 21 attached to the main body of the consumable 20. As an acquisition method, information can be acquired by communication with the storage information detection unit 21 that functions as an IC tag as described above. Moreover, it is good also as a structure which equips both the storage information acquisition part 2 and the storage information detection part 21 with the transmitter / receiver for information communication, and transmits / receives required information after establishing communication mutually. Further, a configuration may be adopted in which communication is possible when a predetermined communication terminal of the storage information acquisition unit 2 of the sublimation printer 10 and a communication terminal of the storage information detection unit 21 come into contact with each other.

The image correction unit 4 has a function of correcting the ink density of the print image based on the predetermined storage information acquired by the storage information acquisition unit 2. Here, in the storage unit 3 accessible by the image correction unit 4, ink density correction data corresponding to the combination of temperature, humidity, and elapsed time is stored in the correction table 8 as a lookup table. The lookup table corresponds to the correction table of the present invention.
For example, in general, the higher the temperature and humidity, and the longer the elapsed time from manufacture, the greater the degree of color loss of the ink ribbon, which requires correction to increase the ink density during image formation. Also, the higher the temperature and humidity, and the longer the elapsed time from manufacture, the more the change in the color of the roll paper occurs, making it necessary to correct the ink density. The look-up table outputs correction data for control data for controlling the thermal head of the sublimation printer according to a combination of three elements of temperature, humidity, and elapsed time.

  In other words, the sublimation printer 10 controls the thermal head 14 according to the RGB data of the input image data, and controls the heat generation of the heating elements according to each of YMC of the ink ribbon. Correction data acquired from the correction table based on temperature, humidity, and elapsed time from manufacture is applied to the control data, and the ink density is corrected in consideration of temperature, humidity, and elapsed time from manufacture. In the lookup table for obtaining correction data, appropriate corrections are made in advance according to changes in the ink density of the print image according to the combination of the temperature, humidity, and elapsed time since manufacture of the consumables. Data is set. In this case, the look-up table is configured as a look-up table that outputs a correction data of each YMC by inputting a combination of three elements of temperature, humidity, and elapsed time from manufacture of the consumables.

  Further, the predetermined storage information of the consumable 20 may be controlled using any one or two of temperature, humidity, and elapsed time since manufacture. For example, the temperature and humidity in the storage environment of the consumables 20 may be detected and stored, and correction data for correcting the control data of the thermal head using the correction table from the detection result of the temperature and humidity may be output. The look-up table in this case is configured as a look-up table for outputting YMC correction data from a combination of two elements, temperature and humidity. The same applies to other elements of the storage information.

  The print control unit 7 controls the thermal head 14 to form an image based on the control data corrected by the image correction data output from the image correction unit 4. Under the control of the print control unit 7, the thermal head 14 energizes the heating element to generate heat, and transfers the ink on the ink ribbon to the roll paper according to the control data corrected based on the correction data to form an image.

  FIG. 3 is a diagram more specifically showing an installation state of the storage information detection unit according to the first embodiment of the present invention. As described above, in this embodiment, the storage information detection unit 21 is directly attached to the main body of the consumable 20. For example, as shown in FIG. 3A, a storage information detection unit 21 configured as an IC chip is attached to the frame portion of the ink ribbon R. Further, as shown in FIG. 3B, a storage information detection unit 21 configured as an IC chip is attached to the paper tube portion at the center of the roll paper R. The storage information detection unit 21 is attached at a position that does not hinder the original functions of the ink ribbon R and the roll paper P, and the storage information stored in the storage information detection unit 21 can be acquired by the sublimation printer 10. Position.

FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of storage data of storage information detected by the storage information detection unit. As described above, the predetermined storage information serving as an index indicating the storage state of the consumable 20 includes the temperature and humidity in the storage environment of the consumable 20 and the elapsed time since the manufacture of the consumable.
FIG. 4A shows an example of stored data (temperature measurement log) based on the temperature detection result in the storage information. Here, the temperature in the consumable storage environment is periodically detected by the sensor 23, and a value obtained by integrating the count number of the detected temperature is shown. For example, the graph shown in FIG. 4A shows the integrated count number at a specific temperature (for example, 40 ° C.). That is, when the temperature in the storage environment of consumables detected periodically is 40 ° C., the accumulated count is increased by “1”. Therefore, the count number increases as the elapsed time elapses. With this data, it is possible to determine the frequency of the specific temperature environment in the past, and it can be used as an index indicating the storage environment. The storage information related to the temperature may be a count value of a specific temperature when the sublimation printer acquires the storage information from the storage information detection unit 21. The count number for each temperature as shown in FIG. 4A can be acquired as appropriate, such as another temperature (for example, 20 ° C., 30 °. Moreover, the temperature range at the time of counting can be determined suitably. For example, a range of 35 to 45 ° C. can be determined to be counted as the same temperature range.

  FIG. 4B shows an example of stored data (humidity measurement log) based on the humidity detection result in the storage information. Here, the humidity detection in the consumable storage environment is periodically performed, and a value obtained by integrating the count number of the detected humidity is shown. For example, the graph shown in FIG. 4B shows the integrated count number at a specific humidity (for example, 50%). That is, when the humidity in the storage environment for consumables that is detected periodically is 70%, the integrated count is increased by “1”. Therefore, the count number increases as the elapsed time elapses. With this data, it is possible to determine the frequency at which the humidity environment has become a specific humidity in the past, and it can be used as an index indicating the storage environment. The storage information related to humidity can be a specific humidity count when the sublimation printer 10 acquires storage information from the storage information detection unit 21. The count value for each humidity as shown in FIG. 4B can be acquired as appropriate, such as other temperatures (for example, 40%, 60%, 70%,...). Moreover, the humidity range when counting can be determined as appropriate. For example, a range of 45 to 55% can be determined to be counted as the same humidity range.

  In the present embodiment, the storage information detection unit 21 is directly attached to the main body of each of the ink ribbon R and the roll paper P that are consumables. Therefore, the sublimation printer 10 can acquire predetermined storage information (temperature, humidity, elapsed time since manufacture) serving as an index indicating the storage state of each of the ink ribbon R and the roll paper P. In this case, for example, in the sublimation printer 10, when the ink ribbon R to which the storage information detection unit 21 is attached is mounted at a predetermined position of the sublimation printer 10, the storage information is received from the storage information detection unit 21 of the ink ribbon R. The storage information acquisition unit 2 is arranged at a position where it can be acquired. Arranging the storage information acquisition unit 2 means arranging an interface that can communicate with the storage information detection unit 21 and receive the storage information. Thereby, when the ink ribbon R is mounted, the sublimation printer 10 can obtain storage information from the storage information detection unit 21 attached to the ink ribbon R.

  Similarly, in the sublimation printer 10, the storage information is acquired from the storage information detection unit 21 of the roll paper P when the roll paper P to which the storage information detection unit 21 is attached is mounted at a predetermined position of the sublimation printer 10. The storage information acquisition unit 2 is arranged at a position where it can be recorded. Thus, when the roll paper P is loaded, the sublimation printer 10 can obtain storage information from the storage information detection unit 21 attached to the roll paper P. In the storage information detection unit 21, identification information indicating whether the storage information is, for example, ink ribbon storage information or roll paper storage information can be added to the storage information.

The image correction unit 4 of the sublimation printer 10 corrects the ink density of the print image based on the storage information of the ink ribbon R acquired by the storage information acquisition unit 2 and the storage information of the roll paper P.
Here, the image correction unit 4 stores ink density correction data corresponding to a combination of temperature, humidity, and elapsed time in a lookup table. In this example, the ink ribbon is used as the lookup table. Two look-up tables for the roll paper and a look-up table for the roll paper can be provided.
The look-up table outputs correction data for control data for controlling the thermal head of the sublimation printer according to a combination of three elements of temperature, humidity, and elapsed time. In this case, correction data is output from both the ink ribbon look-up table and the roll paper look-up table, and both correction data are applied to control data for controlling the thermal head.
The sublimation printer 10 applies the correction data output from the respective look-up tables to the control data for controlling the thermal head in accordance with the RGB data of the input image data, and the temperature and humidity of the ink ribbon and roll paper. The ink density is corrected in consideration of the elapsed time since manufacture.

  Note that the consumable item for obtaining the storage information may be only one of the ink ribbon R and the roll paper P. In this case, when the storage information detection unit 21 is attached to either the main body of the ink ribbon R or the roll paper P, and the consumable with the storage information detection unit 21 attached is mounted at a predetermined position of the sublimation printer. In addition, the sublimation printer 10 acquires storage information from the attached consumables and performs ink density correction based on the storage information. In this case, the look-up table held by the image correction unit 4 is determined in advance for either the ink ribbon R or the roll paper P to which the storage information detection unit 21 is attached.

  With the above configuration, the sublimation printer prints by detecting predetermined storage information that is an index indicating the storage state of the predetermined consumables used in the sublimation printer, and acquiring the detection information by the sublimation printer. Thus, a print system capable of correcting the density of the image to be obtained is obtained.

(Embodiment 2)
In the printing system according to the first embodiment, the storage information detection unit 21 that detects predetermined storage information serving as an index indicating the storage state of the consumables is attached to the main body of the consumables, and the consumables are attached to the sublimation printer 10. When this is done, the sublimation printer 10 acquires the storage information from the storage information detection unit 21.
On the other hand, in the present embodiment, a storage state detection unit that detects predetermined storage information serving as an index indicating the storage state of consumables is included in a packing container that packs consumables to detect storage information. .

  FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating an installation state of the storage information detection unit according to the second embodiment of this invention. As shown in FIG. 5, in this embodiment, storage information detection configured as an IC chip inside a packing container 30 that packs the ink ribbon R and the roll paper P, which are consumables 20 used in the sublimation printer 10. The part 21 is enclosed. The storage information detection unit 21 can detect predetermined storage information in an environment where the consumables 20 are stored. The predetermined storage information is the temperature, humidity, and elapsed time since manufacture in the storage environment of the consumable 20 as in the first embodiment, or any one or a plurality of these. Similarly to the first embodiment, the storage information detection unit 21 can acquire temperature and humidity count integration data as shown in FIG.

In this embodiment, the ink ribbon R that is the consumable 20 and the roll paper P are set and packed in a common packing container 30. A storage information detection unit 21 is bundled inside the packaging container 30. In this case, the sublimation printer 10 obtains predetermined storage information (temperature, humidity, elapsed time since manufacture) serving as an index indicating the storage state of the ink ribbon R and the roll paper P from the common storage information detection unit 21. can do.
Further, the ink ribbon R and the roll paper P that are the consumables 20 may be individually packed and distributed. In this case, the storage information detection unit 21 is bundled in each packing container of the ink ribbon R and the roll paper P. Therefore, the sublimation printer 10 can acquire predetermined storage information serving as an index indicating the storage state of each of the ink ribbon R and the roll paper P.

In the case of this embodiment, for example, in the sublimation printer 10, the storage information acquisition unit 2 is arranged at a position where the storage information can be acquired from the storage information detection unit 21 held by the user. For example, the storage information acquisition unit 2 is arranged on the panel of the operation unit 5 or on a housing wall near the portion where the ink ribbon R or roll paper P is mounted. Arranging the storage information acquisition unit 2 means arranging an interface that can communicate with the storage information detection unit 21 and receive the storage information.
The user who has taken out the storage information detection unit 21 from the packing container in which the ink ribbon R or the roll paper P has been packed brings the storage information detection unit 21 thus taken out to a position where the storage information acquisition unit 2 can communicate with it. Thereby, the sublimation printer 10 can obtain storage information from the storage information detection unit 21. The storage information detection unit 21 determines whether the storage information is, for example, storage information for a single ink ribbon, storage information for a single roll paper, or common storage information for the ink ribbon R and the roll paper P. The identification information shown may be added to the storage information. Thus, the sublimation printer 10 that has acquired the storage information can determine whether the storage information is detected by the ink ribbon, the storage information detected by the roll paper, or the common storage information. it can.

Similarly to the first embodiment, the image correction unit 4 of the sublimation printer 10 uses the storage information of the ink ribbon R acquired by the storage information acquisition unit 2 and the storage information of the roll paper to determine the ink density of the print image. Correct.
Here, the image correction unit 4 stores ink density correction data corresponding to a combination of temperature, humidity, and elapsed time in a lookup table. In this example, the ink ribbon is used as the lookup table. Two look-up tables for the roll paper and a look-up table for the roll paper are provided. The look-up table outputs correction data for control data for controlling the thermal head of the sublimation printer according to a combination of three elements of temperature, humidity, and elapsed time. In this case, correction data is output from both the ink ribbon look-up table and the roll paper look-up table, and both correction data are applied to control data for controlling the thermal head.
In the sublimation printer 10, the correction data output from the respective look-up tables is applied to the control data for controlling the thermal head according to the RGB data of the input image data, and the temperatures of the ink ribbon R and the roll paper P are applied. The ink density is corrected in consideration of humidity, elapsed time from manufacture.
As in the first embodiment, the consumable item for acquiring the storage information may be only one of the ink ribbon R and the roll paper P.

  With the above configuration, the sublimation printer prints by detecting predetermined storage information that is an index indicating the storage state of the predetermined consumables used in the sublimation printer, and acquiring the detection information by the sublimation printer. Thus, a print system capable of correcting the density of the image to be obtained is obtained.

(Embodiment 3)
In the printing systems according to the first and second embodiments, a storage information detection unit that detects predetermined storage information that serves as an index indicating the storage state of the consumables is attached to the main body of the consumables or the same as the consumable packaging container. The sublimation printer acquires the storage information from the storage information detection unit.
On the other hand, in the present embodiment, as a storage information detection unit that detects predetermined storage information serving as an index indicating the storage state of consumables, a reaction in which part of the appearance changes according to an environment such as temperature and humidity. Using the element, the ink density in the sublimation printer is corrected based on the appearance of the reaction element.

  For example, a label-shaped temperature-responsive element is known as one whose appearance changes in response to environmental temperature. In this temperature-responsive element, an opaque temperature indicating element is disposed behind the transparent window, and black carbon is disposed behind the opaque temperature indicating element. The temperature indicating element melts beyond the melting point, so that the black carbon behind it can be visually recognized through the transparent window. By arranging a plurality of transparent windows and gradually changing the melting point of each temperature indicating element, it is possible to know how much the temperature has increased in the past environment by changing the appearance. In this way, if the temperature indicating element having a different melting point is colored and the melting point of the indicating element when the temperature indicating element melts at the ambient temperature and the coloring of the background can be visually recognized is known. The highest temperature level received in the past can be determined from its appearance.

  Further, a card-like humidity reaction element is known as one whose appearance changes in response to environmental humidity. In this humidity reaction element, each level of relative humidity is represented by a blue-colored crystal, and when exposed to a humidity of the indicated humidity percentage or more for a predetermined time or more, the blue crystal of the portion Dissolves and oozes on the card and changes color. A plurality of relative humidity levels are prepared, and by checking the relative humidity level at which the color change has occurred, the maximum humidity received in the environment can be known from the change in appearance.

In the present embodiment, the temperature reaction element and the humidity reaction element are used as the storage information detection unit 21 of the first and second embodiments. Accordingly, the storage information detection unit 21 of the present embodiment is configured as a temperature reaction element and a humidity reaction element, unlike the configuration of FIG.
These storage information detection units 21 are used by being directly attached to the main body of the consumables. Here, the consumable 20 is an ink ribbon and roll paper, or one of these. For example, as shown in FIG. 3A described in the first embodiment, a storage information detection unit 21 including a temperature reaction element and a humidity reaction element is attached to the frame portion of the main body of the ink ribbon R. Further, as shown in FIG. 3B, a storage information detection unit 21 composed of a temperature reaction element and a humidity reaction element is attached to the central paper tube portion of the roll paper R. The storage information detection unit 21 is attached at a position that does not hinder the original functions of the ink ribbon R and the roll paper P, and the storage information acquisition unit 2 of the sublimation printer 10 changes the appearance of the storage information detection unit 21. Is a position where can be detected.

The storage information acquisition unit 2 detects temperature and humidity as predetermined storage information of the consumable 20 from the storage information detection unit 21 attached to the consumable 20. The temperature and humidity are the past maximum temperature and maximum humidity in the storage environment detected by the temperature responsive element and the humidity responsive element.
Here, the storage information acquisition unit 2 detects, for each of the temperature reaction element and the humidity reaction element, the color change of the transparent window portion indicating the temperature and the color change (density for each wavelength region) of the plurality of regions indicating the humidity. And the level of temperature and humidity generated in the storage environment of the consumable 20 is determined. For example, the storage information acquisition unit 2 emits white light from the light source to each of the temperature reaction element and the humidity reaction element, and the reflected light is dispersed by the RGB filter and received by the light receiving element. The light receiving element is, for example, a sensor such as a photoelectric element, a CCD (Charge Coupled Device), a photo sensor, etc., photoelectrically converts the reflected light, outputs an analog voltage, and converts this digitally to each wavelength range by digital data. To obtain a concentration of Then, the past maximum temperature and maximum humidity in the storage environment of the temperature reaction element and the humidity reaction element are determined from the state of concentration change of the temperature reaction element and the humidity reaction element. These maximum temperature and maximum humidity are examples of predetermined storage information that serves as an index indicating the storage state of the consumables.

  In the sublimation type printer 10, when the ink ribbon R to which the storage information detection unit 21 using the temperature reaction element and the humidity reaction element is attached is attached to a predetermined position of the sublimation printer 10, the storage information detection unit of the ink ribbon R is used. The storage information acquisition unit 2 is arranged at a position where the storage information can be acquired from 21. Arranging the storage information acquisition unit 2 means arranging a light transmission / reception unit that can irradiate the storage information detection unit 21 with light and receive reflected light. Thereby, when the ink ribbon R is mounted, the sublimation printer 10 can acquire storage information based on a change in density of the storage information detection unit 21 attached to the ink ribbon R.

  Similarly, in the sublimation printer 10, when the roll paper P to which the storage information detection unit 21 based on the temperature reaction element and the humidity reaction element is attached is mounted at a predetermined position of the sublimation printer 10, the storage information of the roll paper P is stored. The storage information acquisition unit 2 is arranged at a position where the storage information can be acquired from the detection unit 21. Thereby, when the roll paper P is loaded, the sublimation printer 10 can obtain the storage information based on the color density change of the storage information detection unit 21 attached to the roll paper P.

  The image correction unit 4 corrects the ink density of the print image based on the predetermined storage information acquired by the storage information acquisition unit 2. Here, in the storage unit 3 accessible by the image correction unit 4, ink density correction data corresponding to the combination of temperature and humidity acquired by the storage information acquisition unit 2 is stored in the correction table 8 as a lookup table. deep. For example, in general, the higher the temperature and humidity, and the longer the elapsed time from manufacture, the greater the degree of color loss of the ink ribbon, which requires correction to increase the ink density during image formation. Also, the higher the temperature and humidity, and the longer the elapsed time from manufacture, the more the change in the color of the roll paper occurs, making it necessary to correct the ink density. The look-up table outputs correction data of control data for controlling the thermal head of the sublimation printer according to the acquired combination of temperature and humidity.

  FIG. 6 is a diagram conceptually illustrating an example of the relationship between the correction data and the temperature and humidity acquired from the temperature reaction element and the humidity reaction element. FIG. 6 shows how the correction amount is set according to the temperature detected from the temperature reaction element and the humidity detected from the humidity reaction element. The correction amount is represented by a number from 1 to 8, but does not indicate a specific correction amount, but is a number for explaining the correction amount. Here, the larger the correction amount number, the larger the correction amount. In the example of FIG. 6, the correction amount is set to increase as the temperature increases. In addition, the correction amount tends to increase as the humidity increases. In this case, the tendency is obvious in a region where the temperature is low. The look-up table stores correction data for determining a correction amount based on the relationship between temperature and humidity in advance, and the thermal head of the sublimation printer 10 is changed according to the combination of the actually acquired temperature and humidity. Outputs correction data for control data to be controlled.

As described above, the image correction unit 4 stores ink density correction data corresponding to the combination of temperature and humidity acquired from the temperature reaction element and the humidity reaction element in a lookup table. Can be provided with a look-up table for ink ribbon and a look-up table for roll paper.
The look-up table outputs correction data for control data for controlling the thermal head of the sublimation printer 10 in accordance with the combination of temperature and humidity acquired from the temperature reaction element and the humidity reaction element. In this case, correction data is output from both the ink ribbon look-up table and the roll paper look-up table, and both correction data are applied to control data for controlling the thermal head.
In the sublimation printer 10, the correction data output from the respective look-up tables is applied to the control data for controlling the thermal head according to the RGB data of the input image data, and the temperatures of the ink ribbon R and the roll paper P are applied. The ink density is corrected in consideration of humidity.

  Note that the consumable item for obtaining the storage information may be only one of the ink ribbon R and the roll paper P. In this case, a storage information detection unit 21 including a temperature reaction element and a humidity reaction element is attached to either the ink ribbon R or the roll paper P. When the consumable item to which the storage information detection unit 21 is attached is attached to a predetermined position of the sublimation printer, the sublimation printer 10 detects a change in density of the attached storage information detection unit 21, and the density is detected. Storage information based on temperature and humidity is acquired based on the change, and ink density correction is performed based on the storage information. In this case, the look-up table held by the storage unit 3 is determined in advance for either the ink ribbon R or the roll paper P to which the storage information detection unit 21 is attached.

  With the above configuration, the sublimation printer prints by detecting predetermined storage information that is an index indicating the storage state of the predetermined consumables used in the sublimation printer, and acquiring the detection information by the sublimation printer. Thus, a print system capable of correcting the density of the image to be obtained is obtained.

(Embodiment 4)
In the printing system according to the second embodiment, the storage information detection unit 21 that detects predetermined storage information serving as an index indicating the storage state of the consumables is packaged in the consumable packaging container, and the sublimation printer 10 includes the storage information detection unit 21. The storage information is acquired from the storage information detection unit 21. On the other hand, in the present embodiment, as the storage information detection unit 21 that detects predetermined storage information serving as an index indicating the storage state of the consumables, a part of its appearance changes depending on the environment such as temperature and humidity. The reaction element is used, and the ink density in the sublimation printer 10 is corrected based on the appearance of the reaction element.

As the storage information detection unit 21, as in the third embodiment, a temperature reaction element whose appearance changes in response to environmental temperature and a humidity reaction element whose appearance changes in response to environmental humidity can be used.
In the present embodiment, the storage information detection unit 21 is used by being bundled in a consumable packaging container. The consumable 20 is the ink ribbon R and the roll paper P, or one of these.
For example, as shown in FIG. 5 described in the second embodiment, the storage information detection unit 21 including a temperature reaction element and a humidity reaction element is packed with an ink ribbon R and a roll paper P, which are consumables used in the sublimation printer 10. It is packed inside the packing container 30 to be used.

  The storage information acquisition unit 2 detects the temperature and humidity that are predetermined storage information of the consumable 20 from the storage information detection unit 21 included in the consumable 20. Here, the storage information acquisition unit 2 detects, for each of the temperature reaction element and the humidity reaction element, the concentration change of the transparent window portion indicating the temperature and the concentration change of a plurality of regions indicating the humidity by the sensor. Determine the temperature and humidity levels that occur in the storage environment. The method for determining the density change by the sensor is the same as in the third embodiment.

In the sublimation printer 10, the storage information acquisition unit 2 is arranged at a position where the storage information can be acquired from the storage information detection unit 21 held by the user. For example, the storage information acquisition unit 2 is arranged on the panel of the operation unit 5 or on a housing wall near the portion where the ink ribbon R or roll paper P is mounted. Arranging the storage information acquisition unit 2 means arranging a light transmission / reception unit that can irradiate the storage information detection unit 21 with light and receive reflected light.
The user who has taken out the storage information detection unit 21 from the packing container 30 in which the ink ribbon R or the roll paper P has been packed carries the taken storage information detection unit 21 to a position where the sensor of the storage information acquisition unit 2 can detect it. Thus, the concentration change of the storage information detection unit 21 is detected by the sensor. Thereby, the sublimation printer can acquire storage information based on temperature and humidity based on the density change of the storage information detection unit 21 bundled with the ink ribbon R and the roll paper.

  When the user reads the density of the storage information detection unit 21 with the sensor of the storage information acquisition unit 2, the storage information is, for example, storage information of an ink ribbon alone, storage information of a roll paper alone, or an ink ribbon. Identification information indicating whether the information is common storage information for R and roll paper P may be input from the operation unit 5. Alternatively, the storage information acquisition unit 2 is provided with a temperature response element sensor and a humidity response element sensor separately, and whether the sublimation printer 10 that acquired storage information is storage information detected by an ink ribbon. It may be possible to determine whether the stored information is detected on the roll paper. In the case of the storage information detection unit 21 packaged in the packaging container 30 in which the ink ribbon R and the roll paper P are packaged together, the storage information detection unit 21 includes a temperature reaction element sensor and a humidity response. What is necessary is just to read a density change with both the sensor for elements.

  The image correction unit 4 corrects the ink density of the print image based on the predetermined storage information acquired by the storage information acquisition unit 2. This process is the same as in the third embodiment. That is, in this case, the storage unit 3 stores the correction data of the ink density corresponding to the combination of the temperature of the temperature reaction element acquired by the storage information acquisition unit 2 and the humidity of the humidity reaction element in the correction table 8 as a lookup table. The lookup table outputs correction data of control data for controlling the thermal head of the sublimation printer according to the detected combination of temperature and humidity.

Here, the storage unit 3 stores ink density correction data corresponding to a combination of temperature and humidity acquired from the temperature reaction element and the humidity reaction element in a lookup table. Two look-up tables for the ink ribbon and roll paper can be provided.
The look-up table outputs correction data for control data for controlling the thermal head of the sublimation printer according to the combination of temperature and humidity. In this case, correction data is output from both the ink ribbon look-up table and the roll paper look-up table, and both correction data are applied to control data for controlling the thermal head.
The sublimation printer 10 applies the correction data output from the respective look-up tables to the control data for controlling the thermal head in accordance with the RGB data of the input image data, and the temperature and humidity of the ink ribbon and roll paper. The ink density is corrected in consideration of the above.

  Further, the consumable item for acquiring the storage information may be only one of the ink ribbon R and the roll paper P. In this case, the storage information detection unit 21 is included in the packing container 30 in which either the ink ribbon R or the roll paper P is packed, and the sublimation printer 10 changes the density change of the storage information detection unit 21. Is detected, storage information is acquired based on the density change, and ink density correction is performed based on the storage information. In this case, the look-up table held by the storage unit 3 is determined in advance for either the ink ribbon R or the roll paper P to which the storage information detection unit 21 is attached.

  With the above configuration, the sublimation printer prints by detecting predetermined storage information that is an index indicating the storage state of the predetermined consumables used in the sublimation printer, and acquiring the detection information by the sublimation printer. Thus, a print system capable of correcting the density of the image to be obtained is obtained.

(Embodiment 5)
In the first to fourth embodiments, the storage information detection unit 21 is directly attached to the consumables of the ink ribbon R and the roll paper P, or is packed in a packing container for packing the consumables. The storage information acquisition unit 2 acquires the storage information, and outputs correction data of control data for controlling the thermal head of the sublimation printer using a correction table (lookup table). The print control unit 7 controls the thermal head 14 based on the correction data of the image output from the image correction unit 4 to form an image corrected based on the correction data. In the present embodiment, when printing is performed on the roll paper P based on the control data corrected in the first to fourth embodiments, the ink density of the ink ribbon is detected, and the correction table is stored based on the detection result. Correct it.

  FIG. 7 is a block diagram for explaining a functional configuration of a sublimation printer according to the fifth embodiment of the present invention. The sublimation printer according to the present embodiment includes an ink density detection sensor 40 and a correction table correction unit 41 in addition to the configuration of the sublimation printer shown in FIG. The ink concentration detection sensor 40 is a sensor that detects the ink concentration of the ink ribbon installed at a predetermined position of the sublimation printer 10. The correction table correction unit 41 corrects correction data for correcting the control data for controlling the energization amount of the thermal head based on the detection result by the ink density detection sensor 40. That is, in this embodiment, when the image data is formed by correcting the control data for controlling the thermal head by the correction data output from the image correction unit 4, the ink of the ink ribbon that has actually formed the image is formed. By detecting the density and comparing it with a predetermined reference value, the correction table for outputting correction data is corrected according to the comparison result. Thus, the correction table for correcting the density of the image printed by the sublimation printer can be further corrected by detecting the ink density of the ink ribbon that is actually used for printing. The other configurations in FIG. 7 are the same as those in FIG.

  FIG. 8 is a diagram schematically showing the main part of a sublimation printer according to the fifth embodiment of the present invention. In the present embodiment, the ink density of the ink ribbon is detected when printing is performed on the roll paper P based on the control data corrected in the first to fourth embodiments. In the present embodiment, an ink concentration detection sensor 40 that detects the ink concentration of the ink ribbon R is provided on the travel path of the ink ribbon of the sublimation printer 10. The ink density detection sensor 40 generates thermal energy by the thermal head 14, transfers the ink on the ink ribbon R onto the roll paper P, prints (image formation), and then uses the region of the ink ribbon R after the printing. The ink density is detected.

  The ink density of the ink ribbon can be detected by the same mechanism as the color change detection of the temperature reaction element or the humidity reaction element. For example, the ink ribbon is irradiated with white light from a light source, and the reflected light is dispersed by an RGB filter and received by a light receiving element. The light receiving element is, for example, a sensor such as a photoelectric element, a CCD, or a photosensor. The reflected light is photoelectrically converted to output an analog voltage, and this is digitally converted to obtain a density based on digital data. The ink density can be detected for each of C, M, and Y included in the ink ribbon. The sublimation printer 10 compares the density of the ink ribbon detected by the ink density detection sensor 40 with the density of a reference value prepared in advance for comparison. Here, the reference values prepared for each of C, M, and Y are compared with the detected values of the respective ink ribbons of C, M, and Y using the same color.

  Then, as a result of the comparison, in order to correct the ink density based on the predetermined storage information in the first to fourth embodiments, based on the difference between the ink density of the ink ribbon detected by the ink density detection sensor and the density of the reference value. Correct the correction table. By correcting the correction table, correction data for correcting control data for controlling the energization amount of the thermal head is corrected. Accordingly, the correction data for correcting the control data is further modified according to the detection result of the density of the ink ribbon based on the predetermined storage information, and image formation with a hue equivalent to the reference value can be made possible.

  In the above example, the ink ribbon ink density after image formation by the ink ribbon is detected. However, the ink ribbon ink density detection is performed on an unused ink ribbon before image formation. You may make it carry out with respect to. In this case, the reference value corresponding to the unused ink ribbon is stored in advance as the density of each color of the reference value. If correction of the correction table is performed before the image formation after density detection is performed on the unused portion, the user will have to wait while the correction table is corrected. It may be performed later.

  FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing an example of processing according to the fifth embodiment of the present invention. First, the sublimation printer 10 issues a print instruction based on a predetermined user operation, input of print image data from the outside, or the like (step S1). When a print instruction is issued, the sublimation printer 10 calculates thermal head control data based on the image data to be printed (step S2). Here, thermal head control data for forming an image is calculated according to the gradation of the image data based on a predetermined set value.

  Then, the sublimation printer 10 corrects the control data based on the correction table (step S3). Here, the storage information acquisition unit 2 of the sublimation printer 10 acquires predetermined storage information of the consumable by the processing of any of the first to fourth embodiments, and the relationship between the storage information and the ink density correction data is obtained. Correction data is calculated using the determined correction table, and the correction data is applied to the thermal head control data to correct the control data. The correction table is configured as a look-up table in which correction data of ink density is associated in accordance with a combination of temperature, humidity, elapsed time since manufacture, etc. in a consumable storage environment.

The sublimation printer 10 controls the temperature of the thermal head based on the thermal head control data corrected by the correction data (step S4), and transfers the ink on the ink ribbon onto the roll paper according to the temperature control. Formation is performed (step S5). Thereafter, in the sublimation type printer, the ink density of the ink ribbon after the image formation is detected by using the ink density detection sensor 40 (step S6).
The sublimation printer 10 compares the ink density of the ink ribbon detected by the ink density detection sensor 40 with the density of a reference value prepared for comparison in advance, and the ink ribbon detected by the ink density detection sensor 40. It is determined whether or not the difference between the density and the reference value is within a specified range (step S7).

  If the difference from the reference value is within the specified range, the process is terminated (step S7—Yes). If the difference from the reference value is not within the specified range (step S7-No), the sublimation printer 10 corrects the correction table for correcting the ink density (step S8). By correcting the correction table, correction data for correcting control data for controlling the energization amount of the thermal head is corrected. Accordingly, the correction data for correcting the control data is further modified according to the detection result of the density of the ink ribbon based on the predetermined storage information, and image formation with a hue equivalent to the reference value can be made possible.

  With the above configuration, the correction table for correcting the density of the image printed by the sublimation printer based on the predetermined storage information serving as an index indicating the storage state of the predetermined consumables used in the sublimation printer is actually By detecting the ink density of the ink ribbon used for printing, the ink ribbon can be further corrected, whereby the image quality stability of the image printed by the sublimation printer can be further improved.

(Embodiment 6)
FIG. 10 is a diagram schematically showing a main part of a sublimation printer according to the sixth embodiment of the present invention. In the fifth embodiment, the correction table is corrected by detecting the ink density of the ink ribbon. In the present embodiment, the ink density of the roll paper is detected when printing is performed on the roll paper based on the control data corrected in the first to fourth embodiments.
In the present embodiment, an ink concentration detection sensor 40 that detects the ink concentration of the roll paper P is provided on the travel path of the roll paper P of the sublimation printer 10. Although the present embodiment has the same configuration as that of FIG. 7, the ink density detection sensor 40 detects the density of the ink on the roll paper P instead of the ink ribbon R. The ink density detection sensor 40 generates thermal energy by the thermal head 14 to transfer the ink on the ink ribbon R to the roll paper P, and then detects the density of the ink on the roll paper P.

  The detection of the ink density of the roll paper can be performed by the same mechanism as in the fifth embodiment. That is, the roll paper P is irradiated with white light from a light source, and the reflected light is dispersed by an RGB filter and received by a light receiving element. The light receiving element photoelectrically converts the reflected light, outputs an analog voltage, and digitally converts the analog voltage to obtain a density based on digital data for each RGB wavelength range. In the sublimation type printer, the density of the roll paper P detected by the ink density detection sensor 40 is compared with the density of the reference value prepared for comparison in advance. In this case, if it is known which color of the ink ribbon was used for printing, the ink density detection value for the printed color (C, M, Y) and each of C, M, Y are prepared. Compared with the reference value.

  Then, as a result of the comparison, in order to correct the ink density based on the predetermined storage information in the first to fourth embodiments, based on the difference between the ink density of the roll paper detected by the ink density detection sensor and the density of the reference value. Correct the correction table. By correcting the correction table, correction data for correcting control data for controlling the energization amount of the thermal head is corrected. As a result, the correction data for correcting the control data based on the predetermined storage information is further modified according to the detection result of the ink density of the roll paper, and image formation with a hue equivalent to the reference value can be made possible. .

  FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing an example of processing according to the sixth embodiment of the present invention. In the sublimation printer 10, a print instruction is issued based on a predetermined user operation, input of print image data from the outside, or the like (step S11). When a print instruction is given, the sublimation printer 10 calculates thermal head control data based on the image data to be printed (step S12). Here, thermal head control data for forming an image is calculated according to the gradation of the image data based on a predetermined set value.

  The sublimation printer 10 corrects the control data based on the correction table (step S13). Here, the storage information acquisition unit 2 of the sublimation printer 10 acquires predetermined storage information of the consumable by the processing of any of the first to fourth embodiments, and the relationship between the storage information and the ink density correction data is obtained. Correction data is calculated using the determined correction table, and the correction data is applied to the thermal head control data to correct the control data. The correction table is configured as a look-up table in which correction data of ink density is associated in accordance with a combination of temperature, humidity, elapsed time since manufacture, etc. in a consumable storage environment.

  The sublimation printer 10 controls the temperature of the thermal head based on the thermal head control data corrected by the correction data (step S14), and transfers the ink ribbon ink onto the roll paper according to the temperature control. Formation is performed (step S15). Thereafter, in the sublimation type printer, the ink density of the roll paper after the image formation is detected by using the ink density detection sensor 40 (step S16). In the sublimation type printer 10, the ink density of the roll paper detected by the ink density detection sensor 40 is compared with the density of a reference value prepared for comparison in advance, and the roll paper detected by the ink density detection sensor 40. It is determined whether or not the difference between the ink density and the reference value is within a specified range (step S17).

  If the difference from the reference value is within the specified range, the process is terminated (step S17—Yes). If the difference from the reference value is not within the specified range (No in step S17), the sublimation printer 10 corrects the correction table for correcting the ink density (step S8). By correcting the correction table, correction data for correcting control data for controlling the energization amount of the thermal head is corrected. Accordingly, the correction data for correcting the control data is further modified according to the detection result of the density of the roll paper based on the predetermined storage information, and image formation with a hue equivalent to the reference value can be made possible.

  With the above configuration, the correction table for correcting the density of the image printed by the sublimation printer based on the predetermined storage information serving as an index indicating the storage state of the predetermined consumables used in the sublimation printer is actually By detecting the ink density of the roll paper used for printing, it can be further corrected, whereby the image quality stability of the image printed by the sublimation printer can be further improved.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Control part, 2 ... Storage information acquisition part, 3 ... Memory | storage part, 4 ... Image correction part, 5 ... Operation part, 6 ... Display part, 7 ... Print control part, 8 ... Correction table, 10 ... Sublimation type printer, DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 11 ... Take-up reel, 12 ... Supply reel, 13 ... Holder, 14 ... Thermal head, 15 ... Platen roll, 16 ... Conveyance roll, 17 ... Conveyance roll, 20 ... Consumable, 21 ... Storage information detection part, 22 ... Control , 23... Sensor, 24... Storage unit, 25 .. communication unit, 30.

Claims (8)

A sublimation printer that performs printing by transferring a sublimation dye ink applied to an ink ribbon onto a recording paper, and a printing system that includes predetermined consumables used in the sublimation printer,
A storage information detection unit that detects predetermined storage information serving as an index indicating a storage state of a predetermined consumable used in the sublimation printer is provided together with the consumable.
The sublimation printer includes a storage information acquisition unit that acquires storage information detected by the storage information detection unit;
A storage unit storing a correction table that defines a relationship between the predetermined storage information acquired by the storage information acquisition unit and a correction value for correcting the density of ink printed by the sublimation printer;
An image correction unit that corrects the density of ink formed by the sublimation printer using the predetermined storage information acquired by the storage information acquisition unit and the correction table stored in the storage unit. A printing system characterized by The printing system according to claim 1,
The storage information detection unit includes a sensor that detects the predetermined storage information and a storage unit that stores the storage information detected by the sensor in a predetermined method, and is directly attached to the predetermined consumable item. Retained,
The storage system is characterized in that the storage information acquisition unit acquires the predetermined storage information from the storage information detection unit in a state where the predetermined consumable item is installed at a predetermined position of the sublimation printer. The printing system according to claim 1,
The storage information detection unit includes a sensor that detects the predetermined storage information, and a storage unit that stores the storage information detected by the sensor in a predetermined method, and the storage information detection unit stores a predetermined consumable in the packing container. Shipped with
The storage system is characterized in that the storage information acquisition unit acquires the predetermined storage information from the storage information detection unit in a state where the predetermined consumable item is installed at a predetermined position of the sublimation printer. The printing system according to claim 1,
The storage information detection unit has a reaction element that changes a part of the appearance in response to a change in the predetermined storage information,
The storage information acquisition unit detects a change in the appearance of the reaction element, and acquires the predetermined storage information based on the detection result. In the printing system according to any one of claims 1 to 4,
The printing system, wherein the consumable is the ink ribbon used in the sublimation printer, roll paper used as a recording medium for forming an image, or both the ink ribbon and the roll paper. In the printing system according to any one of claims 1 to 5,
The sublimation printer includes an ink concentration detection sensor for detecting the ink concentration of an ink ribbon installed at a predetermined position of the sublimation printer;
A printing system comprising: a correction table correction unit that corrects the correction table based on a detection result by the ink density detection sensor. In the printing system according to any one of claims 1 to 5,
The sublimation printer includes an ink concentration detection sensor that detects the concentration of ink printed on roll paper installed at a predetermined position of the sublimation printer;
A printing system comprising: a correction table correction unit that corrects the correction table based on a detection result by the ink density detection sensor. The printing system according to any one of claims 1 to 7,
The predetermined storage information serving as an index indicating the storage state of the predetermined consumables includes the temperature and humidity at the storage location of the predetermined consumables used in the sublimation printer, and the elapsed time since the manufacture of the predetermined consumables. , Any one or a plurality of printing systems.

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