JP2018161837A - Printing device, printing system, printing control method, and program - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a technique that can achieve both speed-up of printing speed and higher resolution of print contents.SOLUTION: The printing device comprises a thermal head 10 that performs printing on a medium to be printed by energizing a heater element, and a control circuit 5. The control circuit generates, in the printed image in a case where an original image formed with first definition is printed by the plurality of print dots according to the first printing data with second definition lower than the first definition, interpolated data for printing interpolated dots, in which energizing time during which the heater element is energized is set to any of a plurality of divided energizing times defined by dividing energizing time set in print dots, in a level difference part which is generated in a printed image by deterioration in resolution; converts the first printing data to second printing data to which the interpolated data is added; and performs control so that printing is performed by the thermal head according to the second printing data.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 6

Description

  The present specification relates to a printing apparatus, a printing system, a printing control method, and a program.

  Conventionally, in the field of printing apparatuses, it has been desired to increase the printing speed and to increase the resolution of printed contents. Such a demand also exists in a printing apparatus including a thermal head as described in Patent Document 1, for example.

JP-A-5-77526

  However, in a printing apparatus including a thermal head, if the period for performing printing for one line is shortened as the printing speed is increased, a sufficient cooling period for the thermal head cannot be provided during the period. As a result, heat tends to accumulate in the thermal head, and it becomes difficult to form fine print dots.

  By reducing the resolution of the print data, it is possible to secure a longer period for performing printing for one line. However, with this method, it is possible to achieve both higher printing speed and higher resolution of printing contents. Have difficulty.

  In light of the above situation, an object according to one aspect of the present invention is to provide a technique that achieves both high printing speed and high resolution of printed content.

  A printing apparatus according to an aspect of the present invention includes a thermal head that includes a heat generating element and performs printing on a print medium by energizing the heat generating element, and a control circuit. The control circuit prints the original image formed at the first resolution with a decrease in resolution in a print image obtained by printing with a plurality of print dots according to the first print data of the second resolution lower than the first resolution. In order to print the interpolated dots set to any one of a plurality of divided energizing times obtained by dividing the energizing time set for the print dots on the stepped portion generated in the image. Interpolation data is generated, the first print data is converted to second print data obtained by adding the interpolation data to the first print data, and the printing is performed according to the second print data by the thermal head. Control.

  The printing system which concerns on 1 aspect of this invention is a printing system provided with a printing apparatus and a printing control apparatus, Comprising: The said printing apparatus has a heat generating element, and it supplies to a printing medium by energizing the said heat generating element. A thermal head for performing printing and a control circuit are provided. The print control apparatus is configured to print the original image formed at the first resolution with a plurality of print dots according to the first print data at the second resolution lower than the first resolution, and the print control device causes the reduction in resolution. Interpolation dots set to any one of a plurality of divided energizing times obtained by dividing the energizing time set for the print dots are printed on the stepped portion of the printed image. Interpolation data is generated, the first print data is converted into second print data obtained by adding the interpolation data to the first print data, and the second print data is output to the printing apparatus. The control circuit controls the thermal head to perform the printing according to the second print data.

  A print control method according to an aspect of the present invention provides a print image when an original image formed at a first resolution is printed with a plurality of print dots in accordance with first print data at a second resolution lower than the first resolution. The energizing time for energizing the heat generating elements of the thermal head is set to any one of a plurality of divided energizing times obtained by dividing the energizing time set for the print dots at the step portion generated in the printed image due to the decrease in resolution. Generating interpolation data for printing the interpolated dots, converting the first print data into second print data obtained by adding the interpolation data to the first print data, and generating the heat according to the second print data The thermal head is controlled so that printing is performed on a printing medium by energizing the element.

  According to one aspect of the present invention, a program included in a printing apparatus having a thermal head prints a plurality of original images formed at a first resolution according to first print data at a second resolution lower than the first resolution. In the printed image when printed with dots, the energizing time for energizing the heating element of the thermal head is divided into the energizing time set for the printing dots at the stepped portion generated in the printed image due to a decrease in resolution. Interpolation data for printing interpolation dots set in any of the divided energization times is generated, and the first print data is converted into second print data obtained by adding the interpolation data to the first print data The thermal head is configured to perform printing on a printing medium by energizing the heating element according to the second print data. To execute a process of controlling.

  According to the above aspect, it is possible to achieve both higher printing speed and higher resolution of the printing content.

1 is a perspective view of a printing apparatus 1. FIG. FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a tape cassette 30 stored in the printing apparatus 1. 3 is a perspective view of a cassette storage unit 19 of the printing apparatus 1. FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the printing apparatus 1. FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating a hardware configuration of the printing apparatus 1. FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating a functional configuration of the printing apparatus 1. FIG. 4 is a timing chart of signals input to the head drive circuit 9; It is a flowchart of a printing process. It is a flowchart of a data conversion process. It is a figure for demonstrating the production | generation method of division data. It is a figure for demonstrating the production | generation method of interpolation data. It is a flowchart of a line printing process. 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of printing by the printing apparatus 1. FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating another example of printing by the printing apparatus 1. FIG. FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating still another example of printing by the printing apparatus. FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating still another example of printing by the printing apparatus. 1 is a diagram illustrating a printing system 100. FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a functional configuration of the printing system 100. FIG.

[First Embodiment]
FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a printing apparatus 1 according to the first embodiment. The printing apparatus 1 is a printing apparatus that includes a thermal head that performs printing on a printing medium. For example, the printing apparatus 1 is a label printer that performs printing on a long printing medium M using a single-pass method. Hereinafter, a thermal transfer type label printer using an ink ribbon will be described as an example, but the printing method is not particularly limited. For example, a thermal method using thermal paper may be used. The print medium M is, for example, a tape member having a base material having an adhesive layer and a release paper that is attached to the base material so as to be peelable so as to cover the adhesive layer. The print medium M may be a tape member without release paper.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the printing apparatus 1 includes an apparatus housing 2, an input unit 3, a display unit 4, an opening / closing lid 18, and a cassette storage unit 19. An input unit 3, a display unit 4, and an opening / closing lid 18 are disposed on the upper surface of the apparatus housing 2. Although not shown, the apparatus housing 2 is provided with a power cord connection terminal, an external device connection terminal, a storage medium insertion port, and the like.

  The input unit 3 includes various keys such as an input key, a cross key, a conversion key, and a determination key. The display unit 4 is, for example, a liquid crystal display panel, and displays a selection menu for various settings, messages related to various processes, and the like corresponding to characters input from the input unit 3. Further, during printing, contents such as characters and graphics instructed to be printed on the printing medium M (hereinafter referred to as print contents) may be displayed, and the progress of the printing process may be displayed. The display unit 4 may be provided with a touch panel unit. In that case, the display unit 4 may be regarded as a part of the input unit 3. Further, the display unit 4 may display a predetermined message when an abnormality of the printing apparatus 1 is detected to notify the user of the abnormality of the printing apparatus 1. That is, the display unit 4 is a notification unit that notifies the abnormality of the printing apparatus 1.

  The opening / closing lid 18 is disposed on the upper portion of the cassette housing 19 so as to be opened and closed. The opening / closing lid 18 is opened by pressing the button 18a. The opening / closing lid 18 is formed with a window 18b so that it is possible to visually confirm whether or not the tape cassette 30 (see FIG. 2) is stored in the cassette storage portion 19 even when the opening / closing lid 18 is closed. ing. A discharge port 2 a is formed on the side surface of the apparatus housing 2. The printing medium M on which printing has been performed in the printing apparatus 1 is discharged out of the apparatus from the discharge port 2a.

  FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the tape cassette 30 housed in the printing apparatus 1. FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the cassette storage unit 19 of the printing apparatus 1. FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of the printing apparatus 1. The tape cassette 30 shown in FIG. 2 is detachably stored in the cassette storage unit 19 shown in FIG. FIG. 4 shows a state in which the tape cassette 30 is stored in the cassette storage unit 19.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the tape cassette 30 includes a cassette case 31 that accommodates a printing medium M and an ink ribbon R in which a thermal head insertion portion 36 and an engagement portion 37 are formed. The cassette case 31 is provided with a tape core 32, an ink ribbon supply core 34, and an ink ribbon winding core 35. The print medium M is wound around a tape core 32 inside the cassette case 31 in a roll shape. In addition, the thermal transfer ink ribbon R is wound around the ink ribbon supply core 34 inside the cassette case 31 in a state where the leading end of the ink ribbon R is wound around the ink ribbon winding core 35.

  As shown in FIG. 3, the cassette housing part 19 of the apparatus housing 2 is provided with a plurality of cassette receiving parts 20 for supporting the tape cassette 30 at a predetermined position. The cassette receiving unit 20 is provided with a tape width detection switch 24 for detecting the width of the tape (the printing medium M) accommodated in the tape cassette 30. The tape width detection switch 24 is a width detection unit that detects the width of the printing medium M based on the shape of the cassette.

  The cassette storage unit 19 further includes a thermal head 10 that has a plurality of heating elements and performs printing on the printing medium M, a platen roller 21 that is a conveyance unit that conveys the printing medium M, and a tape core engagement shaft. 22 and an ink ribbon winding drive shaft 23 are provided. Further, a thermistor 13 is embedded in the thermal head 10. The thermistor 13 is a head temperature measuring unit that measures the temperature of the thermal head 10.

  In the state in which the tape cassette 30 is stored in the cassette storage unit 19, as shown in FIG. 4, the engaging unit 37 provided in the cassette case 31 is supported by the cassette receiving unit 20 provided in the cassette storage unit 19. The thermal head 10 is inserted into a thermal head insertion portion 36 formed in the cassette case 31. Further, the tape core 32 of the tape cassette 30 is engaged with the tape core engaging shaft 22, and the ink ribbon winding core 35 is engaged with the ink ribbon winding drive shaft 23.

  When a printing instruction is input to the printing apparatus 1, the printing medium M is fed out from the tape core 32 by the rotation of the platen roller 21. At this time, the ink ribbon winding drive shaft 23 rotates in synchronization with the platen roller 21, whereby the ink ribbon R is fed out from the ink ribbon supply core 34 together with the printing medium M. As a result, the printing medium M and the ink ribbon R are conveyed in an overlapping state. The ink ribbon R is heated by the thermal head 10 when passing between the thermal head 10 and the platen roller 21, whereby the ink is transferred to the printing medium M and printing is performed.

  The used ink ribbon R that has passed between the thermal head 10 and the platen roller 21 is wound around the ink ribbon winding core 35. On the other hand, the printed medium M that has passed between the thermal head 10 and the platen roller 21 is cut by the half-cut mechanism 16 and the full-cut mechanism 17 and discharged from the discharge port 2a.

  FIG. 5 is a block diagram illustrating a hardware configuration of the printing apparatus 1. In addition to the input unit 3, display unit 4, thermal head 10, thermistor 13, half-cut mechanism 16, full-cut mechanism 17, platen roller 21, and tape width detection switch 24, the printing apparatus 1 includes a control circuit 5, ROM (Read Only Memory) 6, RAM (Random Access Memory) 7, display unit drive circuit 8, head drive circuit 9, transport motor drive circuit 11, stepping motor 12, cutter motor drive circuit 14, cutter motor 15, and power supply A circuit 40 is provided. At least the control circuit 5, the ROM 6, and the RAM 7 constitute a computer of the printing apparatus 1.

  The control circuit 5 includes a processor 5a such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit). The control circuit 5 controls the operation of each unit of the printing apparatus 1 by developing and executing a program stored in the ROM 6 in the RAM 7.

  For example, the control circuit 5 supplies a control signal (strobe signal, latch signal, clock signal) and print data to the head drive circuit 9, and controls the thermal head 10 via the head drive circuit 9. The control circuit 5 controls the motors (stepping motor 12 and cutter motor 15) via the motor drive circuits (conveyance motor drive circuit 11 and cutter motor drive circuit 14).

  The ROM 6 stores a printing program for printing on the printing medium M and various data (for example, fonts, energization tables, etc.) necessary for executing the printing program. The ROM 6 also functions as a storage medium in which a program readable by the control circuit 5 is stored. The RAM 7 includes a print data storage unit that stores data (hereinafter referred to as print data) indicating a pattern of print contents. Further, the RAM 7 includes a display data storage unit that stores display data.

  The display unit drive circuit 8 controls the display unit 4 based on the display data stored in the RAM 7. The display unit 4 may display the print contents under a control of the display unit drive circuit 8, for example, in a manner in which the progress status of the printing process can be recognized.

  The head drive circuit 9 is a head drive unit that drives the thermal head 10 based on the control signal and print data supplied from the control circuit 5, and includes a latch circuit 9a that holds the print data. More specifically, the head drive circuit 9 controls energization or de-energization of the plurality of heating elements 10a based on the print data output from the latch circuit 9a during the energization period in which the strobe signal is ON. To do.

  The thermal head 10 is a print head having a plurality of heating elements 10a arranged in the main scanning direction. The head driving circuit 9 generates heat by selectively flowing a current to the heating element 10a in accordance with the print data output from the latch circuit 9a during the energization period specified by the strobe signal supplied from the control circuit 5. The element 10a generates heat and heats the ink ribbon R. As a result, the thermal head 10 performs printing on the printing medium M line by line by thermal transfer. That is, the printing apparatus 1 is a thermal line printer.

  The conveyance motor drive circuit 11 drives the stepping motor 12. The stepping motor 12 rotates the platen roller 21. The platen roller 21 is a transport unit that rotates by the power of the stepping motor 12 and transports the print medium M in the longitudinal direction (sub-scanning direction) of the print medium M.

  The cutter motor drive circuit 14 drives the cutter motor 15. The half-cut mechanism 16 and the full-cut mechanism 17 operate by the power of the cutter motor 15 and half-cut or full-cut the print medium M. The full cut is an operation of cutting the base material of the printing medium M along the width direction together with the release paper, and the half cut is an operation of cutting only the base material along the width direction.

  The power supply circuit 40 is a power supply unit that generates an output voltage from a DC voltage (for example, 24 V) from the AC adapter 50 and supplies power to each unit of the printing apparatus 1.

  FIG. 6 is a block diagram illustrating a functional configuration of the printing apparatus 1. FIG. 7 is a timing chart of signals input to the head drive circuit 9. FIG. 6 mainly shows the functional configuration of the control circuit 5 included in the printing apparatus 1. The control circuit 5 includes a data conversion unit 60 and a head control circuit 70. The data conversion unit 60 and the head control circuit 70 may be configured by dedicated circuits, respectively, or may be realized by the processor 5a executing a program stored in the ROM 6.

  The data conversion unit 60 prints print data (hereinafter referred to as first print data) indicating print contents with print data (hereinafter referred to as second print data) having a higher resolution in the transport direction of the printing medium M than the first print data. And converted into second print data in which the step portion indicated by the first print data is interpolated. The first print data used in the data conversion unit 60 is read from the print data storage unit 7 a of the RAM 7. Here, the “step portion” is a step corresponding to one print dot generated between two adjacent lines, and “the step portion is interpolated” means that data is part of the step portion. This means that the step has been smoothed.

  Specifically, the data conversion unit 60 generates divided data and interpolation data from the first print data, and generates second print data based on at least the divided data and the interpolation data. For example, if the divided data and the interpolation data are binary data, the second print data may be generated by obtaining the logical sum of the divided data and the interpolation data in dot units. The data converter 60 may generate divided data, interpolation data, and preheating data from the first print data, and may generate second print data based on the divided data, interpolation data, and preheating data. For example, the main heating data may be generated by obtaining the logical sum of the divided data and the interpolation data in dot units, and the second print data may be generated based on the main heating data and the preliminary heating data. The second print data generated by the data conversion unit 60 may be stored in the print data storage unit 7 a or may be output to the head control circuit 70. The divided data, interpolation data, and preheating data will be described later.

  More specifically, the data conversion unit 60 includes a divided data generation unit 61, an interpolation data generation unit 62, and a preheating data generation unit 63.

  The divided data generation unit 61 divides the energization time in each of the plurality of dot data included in the first print data into a plurality of divided energization times, and generates divided data including the divided dot data. Thereby, for example, when the energization time is divided into two, each of the two divided energization times is half of the energization time, and in the divided data, the information amount in the transport direction is doubled.

  The interpolation data generation unit 62 is an interpolation data having a resolution corresponding to the divided data based on the first print data, and interpolates a step portion for one print dot in the print content indicated by the first print data Generate data. As a result, the resolution of the print content indicated by the data can be made substantially the same as the resolution of the data. Here, “generate based on the first print data” is generated based on the divided data generated from the first print data, for example, in addition to the case of generating directly based on the first print data. That is, it includes the case of generating indirectly based on the first print data.

  Specifically, the interpolation data generation unit 62 first specifies a step portion based on the first print data, and then generates interpolation data to be added to a part of the specified step portion.

  The method for identifying the stepped portion is not particularly limited. For example, each dot is determined based on each dot indicated by the first print data and the surrounding eight dots (for example, ON / OFF, “1” / “0”). It may be determined whether or not corresponds to a step portion for one print dot. More specifically, a determination is made based on whether or not the pattern formed by each dot and the surrounding 8 dots matches a pattern (for example, an L-shaped pattern) registered in advance as a pattern corresponding to the stepped portion. Also good.

  The preliminary heating data generation unit 63 generates preliminary heating data based on the first print data. Preheating refers to preheating and heating the thermal head 10 to an extent that no printing dots are formed before forming printing dots on the printing medium M, and mainly for suppressing the occurrence of sticking. Done. The preheating data is data for selectively performing preheating in dot units, and has a resolution corresponding to the first print data.

  Specifically, the preheating data generation unit 63 may generate preheating data so that all dots have an ON state. In this case, preheating data can be easily generated. Further, the preheating data generation unit 63 may generate the preheating data so as to have an ON state only in the vicinity of the dots where the printing dots are formed. In this case, useless heating of the thermal head 10 can be avoided and power consumption can be suppressed.

  The head control circuit 70 outputs at least the strobe signal, the latch signal, and the second print data to the head drive circuit 9. The strobe signal is a first control signal that specifies an energization period in which a voltage is applied to the heating element 10a of the thermal head 10. The latch signal is a second control signal that instructs switching of data held in the latch circuit 9a. The head control circuit 70 may further output a clock signal or the like to the head drive circuit 9.

  Specifically, the head control circuit 70 determines the duration of the energization period (the preheating energization time, the main heating energization time based on the energization time data read from the energization table storage unit 6 a of the ROM 6 and the head temperature measured by the thermistor 13. Is calculated). Then, a strobe signal corresponding to the energization time is output to the head drive circuit 9. For example, if the energization time for preheating is time T1 and the energization time for main heating is time T2, the head control circuit 70 designates an energization period having a length of T1 + T2, as shown in FIG. A strobe signal SS is generated and output to the head drive circuit 9.

  Further, the head control circuit 70 instructs switching of data held in the latch circuit 9a at the start of the preheating energization period, at the start of the main heating energization period, and during the main heating energization period. A latch signal is output. For example, if the number of divisions in the divided data generation unit 61 is 2, as shown in FIG. 7, the head control circuit 70 switches the data at the start of the preheating energization period and the main heating energization. A latch signal LS instructed when the period starts and when half of the energization period for main heating has elapsed is generated and output to the head drive circuit 9.

  As a result, in the head drive circuit 9, the latch circuit 9a outputs the preheating data to the driver IC of the head drive circuit 9 during a predetermined period (preheating energization period) from the start of the energization period, and the heating element 10a It is selectively heated according to the heating data. Further, during the energization period for the main heating, the latch circuit 9a outputs the main heating data to the driver IC of the head driving circuit 9, and the heating element 10a is selectively heated according to the main heating data. More specifically, the latch circuit 9a sequentially outputs a plurality of dot data of the second print data corresponding to the single dot data of the first print data according to the latch signal during the main heating energization period.

  According to the printing apparatus 1 configured as described above, the print content indicated by the second print data having a higher resolution than the first print data and interpolating the stepped portion is printed on the printing medium M. Can do. Therefore, it is possible to express the level difference smoothly without reducing the printing speed as compared with the case where printing is performed based on the first print data, and it is possible to increase the printing speed and increase the resolution of the print contents. It can be compatible.

  FIG. 8 is a flowchart of the printing process. FIG. 9 is a flowchart of data conversion processing. FIG. 10 is a diagram for explaining a method of generating divided data. FIG. 11 is a diagram for explaining a method of generating interpolation data. FIG. 12 is a flowchart of the line printing process. Hereinafter, the printing process performed by the printing apparatus 1 will be described in detail with reference to FIGS. 8 to 12.

  When the printing process shown in FIG. 8 is started, the printing apparatus 1 first performs the data conversion process shown in FIG. 9 (step S100), and then performs the line printing process shown in FIG. 12 (step S200). The data conversion process is performed by the data conversion unit 60, and the line printing process is performed by the head control circuit 70.

  In the data conversion process, as shown in FIG. 9, the data conversion unit 60 first generates divided data based on the first print data (step S101). Here, the divided data generation unit 61 generates divided data by dividing each of a plurality of dot data included in the first print data into, for example, two along the transport direction. Thus, for example, if the first print data is (vertical, horizontal) = (400 dpi × 200 dpi), divided data (400 dpi × 400 dpi) is generated.

  FIG. 10 shows the contents of the print data before and after the division process. In FIG. 10A, an image to be printed (hereinafter referred to as an original image) is formed at a relatively high first resolution, and a part of the edge of the original image is inclined downwardly to the right indicated by B. When the image has a shape, the original image corresponds to the edge B of the original image formed in an image (hereinafter referred to as a print image) when printed according to the first print data having the second resolution lower than the first resolution. The case where the edge portion of the printed image has the shape indicated by the contour line OL1 is shown. That is, as the print image, the print content PC1 by the lines L1 to L4 indicated by the first print data is drawn, and each of the plurality of print dots d1 is a plurality of dot data included in the first print data. It corresponds to each of the data of ON state. In this case, as shown in FIG. 10A, due to the fact that the second resolution of the first print data is lower than the first resolution in the original image, a step f1, which does not exist in the original image, appears on the contour OL1. f2 and f3 are formed. That is, these steps f1, f2, and f3 are caused by the difference in resolution due to the second resolution of the first print data being lower than the first resolution of the original image, and are not present in the original image. Therefore, it should be interpolated to smooth the step. On the other hand, a step present at the same position in both the original image and the print image is not caused by a difference in resolution, and the step is not a step to be interpolated. The interpolation process using the interpolation data performed in the present invention is performed for the step to be interpolated. In FIG. 10B, the print content PC2 indicated by the divided data is drawn, and each of the plurality of divided dots d2 is an ON state data of the plurality of dot data included in the divided data. It corresponds to each. Although not shown, the first print data and the divided data include dot data in an OFF state. FIG. 10B shows an example in which two divided dots d2 are formed along the transport direction in one line in order to clarify the correspondence with the divided data. As a result of the continuous formation of the two divided dots d2, one printed dot d1 is formed.

  Next, the data converter 60 generates interpolation data (step S102). Here, the interpolation data generation unit 62 generates interpolation data having a resolution corresponding to the divided data and interpolating a step portion to be interpolated indicated by the first print data, based on the first print data. To do. That is, if the divided data is (400 dpi × 400 dpi), the interpolation data is also (400 dpi × 400 dpi) data.

  More specifically, the interpolation data generating unit 62 specifies the stepped portion to be interpolated based on the first print data, and the interpolation data added to a part of the stepped portion to interpolate the specified stepped portion. Is generated. FIG. 11A shows the stepped portion ST identified by the interpolation data generating unit 62. In FIG. 11B, the print content PC3 indicated by the divided data and the interpolation data is drawn, and each of the interpolation dots d3 is each of the ON state data among the plurality of dot data included in the interpolation data. It corresponds to. In FIG. 11B, the interpolation dot d3 is provided in a portion of the stepped portion ST that is in contact with the two divided dots d2 of two adjacent lines constituting the step.

  Furthermore, the data converter 60 generates preheating data (step S103). Here, the preheating data generation unit 63 generates preheating data having a resolution corresponding to the first print data based on the first print data. That is, if the first print data is data of (400 dpi × 200 dpi), the preheating data is also data of (400 dpi × 200 dpi).

  Finally, the data conversion unit 60 generates second print data based on the divided data, the interpolation data, and the preheating data generated in steps S101 to S103 (step S104). Note that the processing from step S101 to step S103 may be performed in an arbitrary order, or may be processed in parallel in time. The generated second print data is stored in the print data storage unit 7a.

  When the data conversion process shown in FIG. 9 is completed, the head control circuit 70 starts the line printing process shown in FIG. First, the head control circuit 70 acquires head temperature data of the thermal head 10 output from the thermistor 13 (step S201).

  Next, the head control circuit 70 acquires the energization time from the energization table storage unit 6a of the ROM 6 (step S202). Here, the head control circuit 70 refers to the energization table stored in the energization table storage unit 6a, and acquires the energization time (preliminary heating time, main heating time) according to the head temperature.

  When the energization time is acquired, the head control circuit 70 acquires the second print data for one line from the print data storage unit 7a of the RAM 7 (step S203). Hereinafter, the second print data for one line is referred to as second print line data.

  Thereafter, the head control circuit 70 outputs the second print line data, the strobe signal as the first control signal, and the latch signal as the second control signal to the head drive circuit 9 (step S204). Here, the head control circuit 70 generates a strobe signal corresponding to the energization time (preheating heating energization time, main heating energization time) acquired in step S 202, and outputs the strobe signal to the head drive circuit 9. In addition, a latch signal instructing switching of data held in the latch circuit 9a is output at the start of the energization period for preheating, at the start of the energization period for main heating, and during the energization period for main heating. . Further, preliminary heating data and main heating data included in the second print line data are sequentially output in accordance with the latch signal.

  As a result, the head drive circuit 9 drives the thermal head 10 based on the second print line data and the control signal (strobe signal, latch signal), and printing for one line is performed on the printing medium M by the thermal head 10. .

  Finally, the head control circuit 70 determines whether or not the second print line data acquired in step S203 is the last line data (step S205). If the data is the last line data, the line printing process is terminated. On the other hand, if it is not the data of the last line, steps S201 to S205 are repeated until it is determined in step S205 that it is the last line.

  FIGS. 13 to 16 are diagrams illustrating examples of printing by the printing apparatus 1. 13 and 14 are examples in which the printing range at the upper end or lower end of the image of the print content is narrowed by one dot for each line as printing progresses in lines L1 to L4. The direction of is different. 15 and 16 are examples in which the print range at the upper end or lower end of the image of the print content is widened by one dot for each line as the printing progresses in the lines L1 to L4. The direction is different.

  In the printing apparatus 1, divided data indicating the print content PC 12 in FIG. 13B is generated from the first print data indicating the print content PC 11 in FIG. Further, interpolation data for interpolating the step portion is added to the divided data, and second print data indicating the print content PC 13 in FIG. 13C is generated. Then, printing is performed based on the second print data.

  At that time, with the interpolation dot d3 shown in FIG. 13C, the heating element 10a is heated only during a part of the main heating period (here, the latter half period). The amount of heat applied from the heating element 10a to the ink ribbon R during this period does not lead to melting or sublimation of the ink on the ink ribbon R alone, but is the amount of heat applied to form the print dot d1 around the interpolation dot d3. The ink is barely dissolved or sublimated when a part of the ink flows in. For this reason, as shown in FIG. 13D, the ink is thinly attached only to the portion of the interpolation dot d3 that is close to the three printing dots d1, and the minute dot d4 is formed. As a result, it is possible to obtain a printing result PR13 having an outline OL2 configured with a step smaller than the outline OL1 of the print content PC11.

  Note that similar results are shown in FIGS. That is, it is possible to obtain a print result (PR23, PR33, PR43) having the contour line OL2 configured with a step smaller than the contour line OL1 of the print content (PC21, PC31, PC41) indicated by the first print data. Here, when the print range at the upper end or lower end of the image of the print content for each line becomes narrower by one dot as shown in FIGS. 13 and 14, for example, in the adjacent lines L1 and L2, the first half of the main heating period. The complementary dot d3 corresponding to the period is added to the line L2. When the print range at the upper end or lower end of the image of the print content shown in FIG. 15 and FIG. 16 is widened by one dot, for example, the adjacent lines L1 and L2 correspond to the latter half of the main heating period. The complementary dot d3 to be added is added to the line L1.

  As described above, when the printing apparatus 1 performs the printing process illustrated in FIG. 8, it is possible to express the outline of the print content with a small step without decreasing the printing speed, and the step may be inconspicuous. it can. Therefore, according to the printing apparatus 1, it is possible to achieve both higher printing speed and higher resolution of the printed content.

In particular, since the control circuit 5 includes the divided data generation unit 61 and the interpolation data generation unit 62, the second print data having a higher resolution than the first print data can be easily generated. In addition, since the control circuit 5 includes the preheating data generation unit 63, it is possible to suppress the occurrence of a phenomenon called sticking caused by a rapid decrease in the temperature of the thermal head 10.
[Second Embodiment]

  FIG. 17 is a diagram illustrating a printing system 100 according to this embodiment. FIG. 18 is a block diagram illustrating a functional configuration of the printing system 100. The printing system 100 includes a printing control device 80 and a printing device 1a. The print control device 80 is a standard computer such as a notebook personal computer, and includes a processor, a memory, a storage, and the like. The printing system 100 is different from the printing apparatus 1 in that a part of the processing of the printing apparatus 1 according to the first embodiment is performed by the printing control apparatus 80. Note that the print control apparatus 80 and the printing apparatus 1a may exchange data by wireless communication as shown in FIG. 17, or may exchange data by wired communication.

  As illustrated in FIG. 18, the print control apparatus 80 includes a data conversion unit 90 that functions in the same manner as the data conversion unit 60 of the printing apparatus 1 when a processor executes a program. The data conversion unit 90 includes a divided data generation unit 91 that functions similarly to the divided data generation unit 61 of the printing apparatus 1, an interpolation data generation unit 92 that functions similarly to the interpolation data generation unit 62, and a preheating data generation unit 63. Is provided with a preheating data generation unit 93 that functions in the same manner as in FIG. In other words, the print control device 80 is configured to convert the first print data into the second print data and output the second print data to the printing device 1a.

  The printing apparatus 1a is different from the printing apparatus 1 in that a control circuit 5b is provided instead of the control circuit 5. The control circuit 5b includes the head control circuit 70 but does not include the data conversion unit 60. Therefore, in the printing apparatus 1a, the head control circuit 70 reads the second print data output from the print control apparatus 80 and stored in the print data storage unit 7a, and outputs the second print data to the head drive circuit 9. Alternatively, the printing apparatus 1a may include a determination unit that determines whether the print data read from the print data storage unit 7a is the second print data.

  Also with the printing system 100 and the printing apparatus 1a according to the present embodiment, similarly to the printing apparatus 1, it is possible to achieve both higher printing speed and higher printing content. In the printing system 100, since the data conversion process is performed by the print control device 80, the amount of calculation processing in the printing device 1a can be suppressed to the same level as that of the conventional printing device.

  The embodiments described above are specific examples for facilitating understanding of the invention, and the present invention is not limited to these embodiments. Various modifications and changes can be made to the printing apparatus, the printing system, the printing control method, and the program without departing from the scope of the claims.

  In the above-described embodiment, the example in which the dot data of the first print data is divided into two along the transport direction has been described, but the number of divisions may be three or more. Moreover, although the example which produces | generates interpolation data so that one of several parts divided by dividing a level | step-difference part into several along a conveyance direction has an ON state was shown, a part of several parts Interpolation data may be generated so as to have an ON state, and two or more of the plurality of portions may have an ON state. Moreover, although the example which equally divides this heating period into the same number as a division | segmentation number was shown, this heating period should just be divided | segmented into the same number as a division | segmentation number, and does not necessarily need to be divided | segmented equally.

Hereinafter, the invention described in the scope of claims at the beginning of the application of the present application will be added.
[Appendix 1]
A thermal head that has a heating element and performs printing on a printing medium by energizing the heating element;
A control circuit;
With
The control circuit includes:
A step portion generated in the print image due to a decrease in resolution in a print image when the original image formed at the first resolution is printed with a plurality of print dots according to the first print data of the second resolution lower than the first resolution. And generating interpolation data for printing an interpolation dot set to any one of a plurality of divided energization times obtained by dividing the energization time for energizing the heat generating element. And
Converting the first print data into second print data obtained by adding the interpolation data to the first print data;
Controlling to perform the printing according to the second print data by the thermal head,
A printing apparatus characterized by that.

[Appendix 2]
In the printing apparatus according to attachment 1,
The control circuit includes:
The printed image is formed by a plurality of lines that are sequentially printed on a printing medium, and the step portion is formed between a first line in the plurality of lines and a second line that is printed after the first line. When the shape of the step portion is a first step shape formed by reducing the number of print dots between the first line and the second line, the interpolation data is printed on the first line. To generate the interpolated dots while printing
When the shape of the step portion is a second step shape formed by increasing the number of print dots between the first line and the second line, the interpolation data is printed on the second line. Generate the interpolated dots to print during
A printing apparatus characterized by that.

[Appendix 3]
In the printing apparatus according to attachment 1,
The control circuit includes:
Dividing the energization time set in each of the plurality of dot data corresponding to the plurality of print dots in the first print data into the plurality of divided energization times to generate divided data;
Generating the second print data based on at least the interpolation data and the divided data;
A printing apparatus characterized by that.

[Appendix 4]
In the printing apparatus according to attachment 3,
The control circuit includes:
Generating preheating data based on the first print data;
Generating the second print data based on the preliminary heating data, the interpolation data, and the divided data;
A printing apparatus characterized by that.

[Appendix 5]
A printing system comprising a printing device and a printing control device,
The printing apparatus includes:
A thermal head that has a heating element and performs printing on a printing medium by energizing the heating element;
A control circuit,
The print control device includes:
A step portion generated in the print image due to a decrease in resolution in a print image when the original image formed at the first resolution is printed with a plurality of print dots according to the first print data of the second resolution lower than the first resolution. And generating interpolation data for printing an interpolation dot set to any one of a plurality of divided energization times obtained by dividing the energization time for energizing the heat generating element. And
Converting the first print data into second print data obtained by adding the interpolation data to the first print data;
Outputting the second print data to the printing apparatus;
The control circuit controls the thermal head to perform the printing according to the second print data;
A printing system characterized by that.

[Appendix 6]
A step portion generated in the print image due to a decrease in resolution in a print image when the original image formed at the first resolution is printed with a plurality of print dots according to the first print data of the second resolution lower than the first resolution. In addition, interpolation data for printing interpolation dots set to any one of a plurality of divided energization times obtained by dividing the energization time set for the print dots by energizing the heating elements of the thermal head. Generate
Converting the first print data into second print data obtained by adding the interpolation data to the first print data;
Controlling the thermal head to perform printing on a print medium by energizing the heating element according to the second print data;
And a printing control method.

[Appendix 7]
In a computer provided in a printing apparatus having a thermal head,
A step portion generated in the print image due to a decrease in resolution in a print image when the original image formed at the first resolution is printed with a plurality of print dots according to the first print data of the second resolution lower than the first resolution. In addition, the interpolation data for printing the interpolation dot set in any of a plurality of divided energization times obtained by dividing the energization time set in the print dots for energizing the heating element of the thermal head Produces
Converting the first print data into second print data obtained by adding the interpolation data to the first print data;
Controlling the thermal head to perform printing on a print medium by energizing the heating element according to the second print data;
A program characterized by causing processing to be executed.

  DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1, 1a ... Printing apparatus, 2 ... Apparatus housing, 2a ... Discharge port, 3 ... Input part, 4 ... Display part, 5, 5b ... Control circuit, 5a ... -Processor, 6 ... ROM, 6a ... energization table storage unit, 7 ... RAM, 7a ... print data storage unit, 8 ... display unit drive circuit, 9 ... head drive circuit, DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 9a ... Latch circuit, 10 ... Thermal head, 10a ... Heat generating element, 11 ... Transport motor drive circuit, 12 ... Stepping motor, 13 ... Thermistor, 14 ... Cutter motor Drive circuit, 15 ... cutter motor, 16 ... half cut mechanism, 17 ... full cut mechanism, 18 ... open / close lid, 18a ... button, 18b ... window, 19 ... cassette Storage part, 20 ... cassette receiving part, 21 ... plate Roller, 22 ... tape core engaging shaft, 23 ... ink ribbon winding drive shaft, 24 ... tape width detection switch, 30 ... tape cassette, 31 ... cassette case, 32 ... tape core 34 ... Ink ribbon supply core, 35 ... Ink ribbon take-up core, 36 ... Thermal head insertion part, 37 ... Engagement part, 40 ... Power supply circuit, 50 ... AC Adapter, 60, 90 ... Data conversion unit, 61, 91 ... Division data generation unit, 62, 92 ... Interpolation data generation unit, 63, 93 ... Preheating data generation unit, 70 ... Head control circuit, 80 ... print control device, 100 ... print system, M ... medium to be printed, R ... ink ribbon, d1 ... print dots, d2 ... divided dots, d3. ..Interpolation dots, d4 · Fine dots, OL1, OL2 ··· contour, ST · · · step portion, f1, f2, f3 ··· step, B · · · edges

Claims (7)

A thermal head that has a heating element and performs printing on a printing medium by energizing the heating element;
A control circuit;
With
The control circuit includes:
A step portion generated in the print image due to a decrease in resolution in a print image when the original image formed at the first resolution is printed with a plurality of print dots according to the first print data of the second resolution lower than the first resolution. And generating interpolation data for printing an interpolation dot set to any one of a plurality of divided energization times obtained by dividing the energization time for energizing the heat generating element. And
Converting the first print data into second print data obtained by adding the interpolation data to the first print data;
Controlling to perform the printing according to the second print data by the thermal head,
A printing apparatus characterized by that. The printing apparatus according to claim 1,
The control circuit includes:
The printed image is formed by a plurality of lines that are sequentially printed on a printing medium, and the step portion is formed between a first line in the plurality of lines and a second line that is printed after the first line. When the shape of the step portion is a first step shape formed by reducing the number of print dots between the first line and the second line, the interpolation data is printed on the first line. To generate the interpolated dots while printing
When the shape of the step portion is a second step shape formed by increasing the number of print dots between the first line and the second line, the interpolation data is printed on the second line. Generate the interpolated dots to print during
A printing apparatus characterized by that. The printing apparatus according to claim 1,
The control circuit includes:
Dividing the energization time set in each of the plurality of dot data corresponding to the plurality of print dots in the first print data into the plurality of divided energization times to generate divided data;
Generating the second print data based on at least the interpolation data and the divided data;
A printing apparatus characterized by that. The printing apparatus according to claim 3.
The control circuit includes:
Generating preheating data based on the first print data;
Generating the second print data based on the preliminary heating data, the interpolation data, and the divided data;
A printing apparatus characterized by that. A printing system comprising a printing device and a printing control device,
The printing apparatus includes:
A thermal head that has a heating element and performs printing on a printing medium by energizing the heating element;
A control circuit,
The print control device includes:
A step portion generated in the print image due to a decrease in resolution in a print image when the original image formed at the first resolution is printed with a plurality of print dots according to the first print data of the second resolution lower than the first resolution. And generating interpolation data for printing an interpolation dot set to any one of a plurality of divided energization times obtained by dividing the energization time for energizing the heat generating element. And
Converting the first print data into second print data obtained by adding the interpolation data to the first print data;
Outputting the second print data to the printing apparatus;
The control circuit controls the thermal head to perform the printing according to the second print data;
A printing system characterized by that. A step portion generated in the print image due to a decrease in resolution in a print image when the original image formed at the first resolution is printed with a plurality of print dots according to the first print data of the second resolution lower than the first resolution. In addition, interpolation data for printing interpolation dots set to any one of a plurality of divided energization times obtained by dividing the energization time set for the print dots by energizing the heating elements of the thermal head. Generate
Converting the first print data into second print data obtained by adding the interpolation data to the first print data;
Controlling the thermal head to perform printing on a print medium by energizing the heating element according to the second print data;
And a printing control method. In a computer provided in a printing apparatus having a thermal head,
A step portion generated in the print image due to a decrease in resolution in a print image when the original image formed at the first resolution is printed with a plurality of print dots according to the first print data of the second resolution lower than the first resolution. In addition, the interpolation data for printing the interpolation dot set in any of a plurality of divided energization times obtained by dividing the energization time set in the print dots for energizing the heating element of the thermal head Produces
Converting the first print data into second print data obtained by adding the interpolation data to the first print data;
Controlling the thermal head to perform printing on a print medium by energizing the heating element according to the second print data;
A program characterized by causing processing to be executed.

Images