JP2021028116A - Thermal transfer recording device, thermal transfer recording system, and thermal transfer recording method - Google Patents

Abstract

To suppress decline in production efficiency while reducing consumption of ink ribbons.SOLUTION: A thermal transfer recording device 1 performs control when a first recording area of a first image to be recorded on one of two cards Ca subjected to continuous recording does not overlap a second recording area of a second image that is an image to be recorded on the other of the two cards and that is rotated by 180 degrees along the first recording area, which control comprising: recording the first image in the first recording area; rewinding an ink ribbon 41 having been used for recording in the first recording area; and recording the second image in the second recording area.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 5

Description

The present invention relates to a thermal transfer recording device, a thermal transfer recording system, and a thermal transfer recording method for recording an image on a recording medium using an ink ribbon.

Conventionally, a thermal transfer recording device for recording an image on a recording medium using an ink ribbon is known. In such a thermal transfer recording device, the ink ribbon unwound from the ink ribbon supply roll is heated by the thermal head to transfer the ink to the transfer medium and then collected on the ink ribbon recovery roll. However, the conventional thermal transfer recording device has a problem that the used ink ribbon cannot be reused and the consumption cannot be reduced.

On the other hand, Patent Document 1 discloses a thermal transfer printing apparatus that effectively uses an ink ribbon and reduces consumption by rewinding a used ink ribbon and using it for printing again. Since the thermal transfer printing apparatus of Patent Document 1 uses an ink ribbon in which the color material layer contains an amount of color material that enables multiple printings with one set of dye layers, an image for one screen is used. One set of dye layers used for formation can be reused for image formation for another screen.

JP-A-2017-30306

However, in Patent Document 1, when the print areas overlap when printing repeatedly on a plurality of recording media, only the ink layer of the portion of the ink ribbon used for printing the print area is reduced. As a result, the ink ribbon cannot be sufficiently reused, and there is a problem that consumption cannot be reduced. Further, in Patent Document 1, when the ink ribbon is reused, it is necessary to rewind the ink ribbon back to the reusable part, so that it takes time to rewind the ink ribbon and the production efficiency is significantly improved. Has the problem of decreasing to.

An object of the present invention is to provide a thermal transfer recording apparatus and a thermal transfer recording method capable of suppressing a decrease in production efficiency and reducing consumption of an ink ribbon.

The thermal transfer recording apparatus according to the present invention has two recording means, a recording means for recording an image on a recording medium using an ink ribbon, and an ink ribbon transport means for feeding or rewinding the ink ribbon to the recording means. When the first recording area of the first image to be recorded on one of the media and the second recording area of the second image in which the image to be recorded on the other side is rotated by a predetermined amount do not overlap, the recording is performed. The first image is recorded in the first recording area by means, the ink ribbon used for recording in the first recording area is rewound by the ink ribbon transport means, and the recording means rewinds the first image. It is characterized by having a control means for controlling the recording of the second image in the recording area 2.

The thermal transfer recording method according to the present invention is a thermal transfer recording method in a thermal transfer recording apparatus, in which a step of recording an image on a recording medium by a recording means using an ink ribbon and a feeding or rewinding of the ink ribbon with respect to the recording means. And the first recording area of the first image to be recorded on one of the two recording media to be recorded and the second recording area of the second image in which the image to be recorded on the other is rotated by a predetermined amount. When the above and the image do not overlap, the first image is recorded in the first recording area by the recording means, and the ink ribbon used for recording in the first recording area is rewound to record the first image. It is characterized by having a step of controlling recording of the second image in the second recording area by means.

Further, the thermal transfer recording method according to the present invention is a thermal transfer recording method in a thermal transfer recording system having a thermal transfer recording device and a display device, and includes a step of recording an image on a recording medium by a recording means using an ink ribbon. A predetermined amount of a step of feeding out or rewinding the ink ribbon to the recording means, a first recording area of a first image to be recorded on one of two recording media, and an image to be recorded on the other. When the second recording area of the rotated second image and the second recording area do not overlap, the first image is recorded in the first recording area by the recording means, and the first image is recorded in the first recording area. The step of rewinding the ink ribbon used in the above and controlling the recording of the second image in the second recording area by the recording means, and the first image and the second image are described. It is characterized by having a step of displaying on one screen on a display device.

According to the present invention, it is possible to suppress a decrease in production efficiency and reduce consumption of an ink ribbon.

It is a figure which shows the structure of the thermal transfer recording system which concerns on Embodiment 1 of this invention. It is a block diagram which shows the structure of the thermal transfer recording system which concerns on Embodiment 1 of this invention. It is a schematic diagram which shows the structure of the thermal transfer recording apparatus which concerns on Embodiment 1 of this invention. It is a flow chart which shows the thermal transfer recording process which concerns on Embodiment 1 of this invention. It is a figure which shows the specific example of the thermal transfer recording process which concerns on Embodiment 1 of this invention. It is a flow chart which shows the thermal transfer recording process which concerns on Embodiment 2 of this invention. It is a figure which shows the specific example of the thermal transfer recording process which concerns on Embodiment 2 of this invention. It is a figure which shows other specific example of the thermal transfer recording process which concerns on Embodiment 2 of this invention.

Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

(Embodiment 1)
<Structure of thermal transfer recording system>
The configuration of the thermal transfer recording system 200 according to the first embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to FIGS. 1 and 2.

The thermal transfer recording system 200 includes a thermal transfer recording device 1, a host device 201, a monitor 202, an input device 203, and an image input device 204.

The thermal transfer recording device 1 is connected to the host device 201 via an interface (not shown). The thermal transfer recording device 1 receives a signal, print data, image data, magnetic or electrical recording data, or the like instructing a recording operation from the host device 201. Based on these received data, the thermal transfer recording device 1 forms characters or images (print recording) or magnetically or electrically records information on a card as a recording medium. The details of the configuration of the thermal transfer recording device 1 will be described later.

The host device 201 transmits print data, image data, magnetic or electrical recording data, or the like to the thermal transfer recording device 1 to instruct the thermal transfer recording device 1 to execute a recording operation or the like. The host computer 201 is, for example, a host computer such as a personal computer.

The monitor 202 as a display device is connected to the host device 201 and displays based on the data or the like generated by the host device 201. The monitor 202 is, for example, a liquid crystal display or the like.

The input device 203 is connected to the host device 201 and inputs a command or data to the host device 201. The input device 203 is, for example, a keyboard or a mouse, and here, a keyboard is exemplified.

The image input device 204 is connected to the host device 201 and outputs the image data of the acquired image to the host device 201. The image input device 204 is a digital camera that outputs an captured image as image data, a scanner that outputs an image read from a document or the like as image data, or the like, and a digital camera is exemplified here.

<Structure of thermal transfer recording device>
The configuration of the thermal transfer recording device 1 according to the first embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to FIGS. 2 and 3.

The thermal transfer recording device 1 has a housing 2, and the information recording unit A, the printing unit B, the medium accommodating unit C, the accommodating unit D, the rotating unit F, the operation panel unit 5, and the information recording unit A, the printing unit B, the medium accommodating unit C, the rotating unit F, and the operating panel unit 5 are contained in the housing 2. It includes a control unit 100 and a power supply unit 120.

The information recording unit A records characters and images on the card Ca supplied from the medium storage unit C, and also records magnetic or electrical information. The information recording unit A carries the card Ca, which has recorded characters and images and has recorded magnetic or electrical information, toward the printing unit B.

The printing unit B has a film-like medium transport mechanism for transporting the transfer film 46 as a transfer medium. The printing unit B has a carry-in path P1 provided on the extension of the medium transport path 65 to transfer the card Ca supplied from the medium storage section C, and a carry-in path P1 provided on the extension line of the carry-in path P1 to print on the storage section D. A carry-out route P2 for transporting the later card Ca is provided. The printing unit B forms an image such as a face photograph or character data on the front surface, the front surface and the back surface of the card Ca conveyed from the rotating unit F.

The medium accommodating portion C stores a plurality of cards Ca in an arrangement in a standing position. The medium accommodating unit C sequentially feeds out the card Ca in the front row by the pickup roller 19, and supplies the drawn card Ca to the information recording unit A through the separation opening 7. The card Ca is preferably a standard size card, for example, a card having a width of 85.6 mm and a length of 53.9 mm.

The accommodating unit D accommodates the card Ca conveyed from the printing unit B in the accommodating stacker 60. The accommodating stacker 60 is configured to be movable in the vertical direction in FIG. 3 by an elevating mechanism 61.

The rotation unit F is configured to be able to rotate, and is arranged in the carry-in path P1. The rotation unit F conveys the card Ca supplied from the medium accommodating unit C toward the printing unit B or the information recording unit A, and conveys the card Ca conveyed from the printing unit B toward the information recording unit A. .. The rotation unit F conveys the card Ca on which the information is recorded by the information recording unit A toward the printing unit B.

The operation panel unit 5 is an operation display unit, and outputs a signal corresponding to a recording operation or the like instructed by a user operation to the operation display control unit 106.

The control unit 100 as a control means controls the entire operation of the thermal transfer recording device 1.

The power supply unit 120 converts a commercial AC power supply into a DC power supply and supplies it to the control unit 100, the thermal head 40, the operation panel unit 5, the information recording unit A, and the like.

<Structure of information recording unit>
The configuration of the information recording unit A of the thermal transfer recording device 1 according to the first embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to FIGS. 2 and 3.

The information recording unit A includes a non-contact type IC recording unit 23, a magnetic recording unit 24, and a contact type IC recording unit 27.

The non-contact IC recording unit 23 is provided on the outer periphery of the rotating unit F so as to face the rotating unit F. The non-contact type IC recording unit 23 records electrical information in a non-contact manner with respect to the card Ca conveyed from the rotating unit F, and directs the card Ca on which the electrical information recording is performed toward the rotating unit F. Transport.

The magnetic recording unit 24 is provided on the outer periphery of the rotating unit F so as to face the rotating unit F. The magnetic recording unit 24 magnetically records information on the card Ca conveyed from the rotating unit F, and conveys the card Ca on which the magnetic information is recorded toward the rotating unit F.

The contact type IC recording unit 27 is provided on the outer periphery of the rotating unit F so as to face the rotating unit F. The contact type IC recording unit 27 records electrical information while contacting the card Ca conveyed from the rotating unit F, and conveys the card Ca on which the electrical information recording has been performed toward the rotating unit F. To do.

<Structure of printing unit>
The configuration of the printing unit B of the thermal transfer recording device 1 according to the first embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to FIGS. 2 to 4.

The printing unit B includes an image forming unit B1, a transfer unit B2, a decal mechanism 12, a transfer roller 29, a transfer roller 30, a pinch roller 32a, a pinch roller 32b, a transfer roller 37, and a transfer roller 38. , Is equipped. Further, the printing unit B includes a film transport roller 49, a retransfer film set 50, a sensor Se1, a sensor Se2, and a sensor Se3. The image forming unit B1 and the transfer unit B2 form a recording means for recording an image on the card Ca using the ink ribbon 41.

The image forming unit B1 superimposes each color image of the ink ribbon 41 on the image forming region of the transfer film 46 conveyed by the film conveying mechanism by the thermal head 40 to form a color image or the like.

Specifically, the image forming unit B1 includes a peeling roller 25, a thermal head 40, an ink ribbon cassette 42, and a platen roll 45.

At the time of image formation, the peeling roller 25 guides the transfer film 46 and the ink ribbon 41 in an overlapping state with the peeling roller 28 of the ink ribbon cassette 42. The release roller 25 separates the transfer film 46 and the ink ribbon 41 by guiding the transfer film 46 in a direction away from the ink ribbon 41.

The thermal head 40 is arranged so as to face the platen roll 45 via the ink ribbon 41 and the transfer film 46. The thermal head 40 is driven by the control of the thermal head control unit 105, which will be described later, to heat the ink ribbon 41 and the transfer film 46 in an overlapping state, and form an image on the transfer film 46 with the ink of the ink ribbon 41.

The ink ribbon cassette 42 is detachably attached to the housing 2 of the thermal transfer recording device 1. The ink ribbon cassette 42 unwinds and winds the ink ribbon 41, which is a heat transfer ink ribbon such as a sublimation type ink ribbon.

Specifically, the ink ribbon cassette 42 includes a peeling roller 28, a supply spool 43, and a take-up spool 44. The ink ribbon 41 is wound between the supply spool 43 and the take-up spool 44. The supply spool 43 and the take-up spool 44 form an ink ribbon transport means for feeding or rewinding the ink ribbon 41 with respect to the image forming unit B1 and the transfer unit B2.

The peeling roller 28 is rotatably supported by the ink ribbon cassette 42. At the time of image formation, the peeling roller 28 guides the transfer film 46 and the ink ribbon 41 in an overlapping state together with the peeling roller 25. The peeling roller 28 peels the transfer film 46 and the ink ribbon 41 by guiding the ink ribbon 41 in a direction away from the transfer film 46.

The supply spool 43 is rotated in the forward direction (clockwise in FIG. 3) by being driven by the motor Mr3, and the ink ribbon 41 is fed out between the thermal head 40 and the platen roll 45. The supply spool 43 is rotated in the opposite direction (counterclockwise in FIG. 3) by being driven by the motor Mr3, and rewinds the ink ribbon 41 drawn out between the thermal head 40 and the platen roll 45.

The take-up spool 44 is rotated in the forward direction (counterclockwise in FIG. 3) by being driven by the motor Mr1, and the ink ribbon 41 forming an image on the transfer film 46 between the thermal head 40 and the platen roll 45. Take up. The take-up spool 44 is rotated in the opposite direction (clockwise in FIG. 3) by being driven by the motor Mr1, and the wound ink ribbon 41 is paid out between the thermal head 40 and the platen roll 45.

The platen roll 45 is arranged so as to face the thermal head 40 via the ink ribbon 41 and the transfer film 46. The platen roll 45 is provided so as to be movable with respect to the thermal head 40. The platen roll 45 conveys the transfer film 46 loaded in the retransfer film set 50.

The transfer unit B2 has a face formed on the transfer film 46 transported from the image forming unit B1 with respect to the front surface or the front surface and the back surface of the card Ca transported from the information recording unit A on the carry-in path P1. Retransfer images such as photographs or text data. The transfer unit B2 conveys the card Ca on which the image has been re-transferred toward the information recording unit A or the storage unit D.

Specifically, the transfer unit B2 includes a transfer platen 31 and a transfer roller 33.

The transfer platen 31 is arranged so as to face the transfer roller 33 via the transfer film 46.

The transfer roller 33 is arranged so as to face the transfer platen 31 via the transfer film 46. The transfer roller 33 is composed of a heat roller, and is pressed against or separated from the transfer platen 31. The transfer roller 33 generates heat under the control of the control unit 100 to heat the transfer film 46 and the card Ca.

The decal mechanism 12 is provided between the transfer roller 37 and the transfer roller 38. The decal mechanism 12 includes a decal unit 39 that is convex downward, and an eccentric cam 36 that is arranged and rotatable according to the information of the decal unit 39.

The decal unit 39 is configured to be movable in the vertical direction in FIG. 3 by being pressed by the eccentric cam 36 or being released from the pressure by the eccentric cam 36. The decal mechanism 12 presses the central portion of the card Ca whose both ends in the transport direction are sandwiched (nip) by the transport roller 37 and the transport roller 38 with the decal unit 39. The decal mechanism 12 corrects the warp (curl) generated in the card Ca by the thermal transfer by the transfer roller 33 by sandwiching the card Ca between the decal unit 39 and the decal unit 39.

The transfer roller 29 is arranged in the carry-in path P1 and is connected to a transfer motor (not shown) so that the transfer roller 29 can rotate in the forward rotation direction or the reverse rotation direction by driving the transfer motor. The transfer roller 29 conveys the card Ca conveyed from the rotary unit F toward the transfer roller 30, or conveys the card Ca conveyed from the transfer roller 30 toward the rotary unit F.

The transfer roller 30 is arranged in the carry-in path P1 and is connected to a transfer motor (not shown) so that the transfer roller 30 can rotate in the forward rotation direction or the reverse rotation direction by driving the transfer motor. The transfer roller 30 conveys the card Ca transferred from the transfer roller 29 toward the transfer roller 33 and the transfer platen 31, or the card Ca transferred from between the transfer roller 33 and the transfer platen 31. Is conveyed toward the transfer roller 29.

The pinch roller 32a and the pinch roller 32b are arranged on the outer peripheral surface of the film transport roller 49.

The transport roller 37 is arranged on the carry-out route P2. The transfer roller 37 is connected to a transfer motor (not shown), and is rotated by being driven by the transfer motor to nip the card Ca that has passed between the transfer platen 31 and the transfer roller 33. The transport roller 37 transports the nipped card Ca to the downstream side in the transport direction of the card Ca (hereinafter, simply referred to as “transport direction”).

The transport roller 38 is arranged on the carry-out route P2. The transfer roller 38 is connected to a transfer motor (not shown), and is rotated by driving the transfer motor to nip the card Ca that has passed through the decal mechanism 12 and transfer it to the downstream side in the transfer direction.

The film transfer roller 49 is connected to the transfer motor Mr5 and rotates when the transfer motor Mr5 drives the film transfer roller 49. The film transport roller 49 rotates to direct the transfer film 46, on which an image is formed by the thermal head 40 and the platen roll 45, together with the pinch roller 32a and the pinch roller 32b, between the transfer platen 31 and the transfer roller 33. And transfer.

The retransfer film set 50 is detachably attached to the housing 2. The retransfer film set 50 includes a transfer film 46, a supply spool 47, and a take-up spool 48, and the transfer film 46 is wound around the supply spool 47 and the take-up spool 48.

The supply spool 47 is rotated by being driven by the motor Mr2 to supply the transfer film 46 between the thermal head 40 and the platen roll 45.

The take-up spool 48 is rotated by being driven by the motor Mr4, and takes up the transfer film 46 after the image is transferred to the card Ca by the transfer platen 31 and the transfer roller 33.

The sensor Se1 detects the positioning mark provided on the transfer film 46, and outputs a signal according to the detection result to the control unit 100.

The sensor Se2 is a transmissive sensor that detects an empty mark indicating the usage limit of the ink ribbon 41 attached to the ink ribbon 41, and outputs a signal according to the detection result to the control unit 100.

The sensor Se3 detects the positioning mark provided on the transfer film 46, and outputs a signal according to the detection result to the control unit 100.

<Structure of rotating unit>
The configuration of the rotating unit F of the thermal transfer recording device 1 according to the first embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to FIG.

The rotating unit F includes rollers 20 and 21, a carry-in roller 22, and a rotating frame 80.

The roller pairs 20 and 21 are rotatably supported by the rotating frame 80. The roller pairs 20 and 21 form a medium transport path 65 for transporting the card Ca. The roller pairs 20 and 21 convey the card Ca conveyed by the carry-in roller 22 toward either the printing unit B or the non-contact type IC recording unit 23, the magnetic recording unit 24, or the contact type IC recording unit 27. The roller pairs 20 and 21 convey the card Ca conveyed from any of the non-contact type IC recording unit 23, the magnetic recording unit 24, and the contact type IC recording unit 27 toward the printing unit B.

The carry-in roller 22 conveys the card Ca supplied from the separation opening 7 toward the rotating frame 80.

The rotating frame 80 is bearing-supported by the housing 2 so as to be rotatable.

A temperature sensor Th such as a thermistor that detects the environmental temperature (outside air temperature) is arranged in the vicinity of the rotating unit F. The temperature sensor Th outputs an electric signal corresponding to the detection result of the environmental temperature to the signal processing unit 103 of the control unit 100.

<Structure of control unit>
The configuration of the control unit 100 of the thermal transfer recording device 1 according to the first embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to FIG.

The control unit 100 includes a memory 101, a microcomputer unit (hereinafter referred to as “MCU”) 102, a signal processing unit 103, an actuator control unit 104, a thermal head control unit 105, and an operation display control unit 106. , Is equipped.

The memory 101 temporarily stores the print data to be printed on the card Ca received from the host device 201. The memory 101 temporarily stores the recorded data received from the host device 201 for recording on the magnetic stripe of the card Ca, the recorded data for magnetically or electrically recording on the IC, and the like.

The MCU 102 performs the entire control process of the thermal transfer recording device 1. The MCU 102 includes a CPU that operates at a high-speed clock as a central arithmetic processing unit (not shown), a ROM that stores a control program, a RAM that works as a work area of the CPU, and an internal bus that connects them. The MCU 102 controls the operation of the actuator control unit 104 or the thermal head control unit 105 based on the signal input from the signal processing unit 103 or the operation display control unit 106, the recorded data stored in the memory 101, and the like.

The signal processing unit 103 operates under the control of the MCU 102. The signal processing unit 103 processes the signal input from the temperature sensor Th, the sensor Se1, the sensor Se2, or the sensor Se3, and outputs the signal corresponding to the processing to the MCU 102. The signal processing unit 103 processes the signals input from the encoders of the motor Mr2, the motor Mr4, or the transport motor Mr5, and outputs the signal corresponding to the processing to the MCU 102.

The actuator control unit 104 operates under the control of the MCU 102. The actuator control unit 104 includes a motor driver for driving the motor Mr1, the motor Mr2, the motor Mr3, the motor Mr4, and the transfer motor Mr5. The actuator control unit 104 supplies drive pulses and drive power to the motor Mr1, the motor Mr2, the motor Mr3, the motor Mr4, and the transfer motor Mr5, and drives the motor Mr1, the motor Mr2, the motor Mr3, the motor Mr4, and the transfer motor Mr5.

The thermal head control unit 105 operates under the control of the MCU 102. The thermal head control unit 105 controls the thermal energy supplied to the ink ribbon cassette 42 and the transfer film 46 from a heat generating element (not shown) provided in the thermal head 40.

The operation display control unit 106 controls the operation of the operation panel unit 5 by the control of the MCU 102, and outputs a signal such as a recording operation instruction input from the operation panel unit 5 to the MCU 102.

<Thermal transfer recording process>
The thermal transfer recording process in the thermal transfer recording system 200 according to the first embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to FIGS. 4 and 5.

The thermal transfer recording process shown in FIG. 4 is started at the timing when the power of each device of the thermal transfer recording system 200 is turned on. Further, the ink ribbon 41 used in the thermal transfer recording process is a set of dye layers including a plurality of colors of yellow layer (Y), magenta layer (M) and cyan layer (C) provided along the transport direction. A plurality of (ink layers) and black layers (K) are continuously provided along the transport direction.

First, the host device 201 selects the print data of the image to be printed by the user's operation on the input device 203 (S1). Specifically, the host device 201 selects print data A and print data B for printing the image of FIG. 5A on a card Ca such as an employee ID card or a membership card in a specific fixed format.

Next, the host device 201 determines whether or not energy-saving mode printing is selected based on the mode selection signal input from the input device 203 by the user's operation on the input device 203 (S2). Here, the energy-saving mode printing is a mode in which the amount of ink ribbon used is suppressed as much as possible when printing a plurality of employee ID cards or membership cards in a specific standard format, and is set by the user by inputting to the input device 203. can do.

When the energy-saving mode printing is selected (S2: Yes), the host device 201 expands the print data to a RAM (not shown) (S3).

Next, the host device 201 shifts to a mode for confirming whether or not adjacent cards Ca can be printed as a set in the energy saving mode, and analyzes the layout of a plurality of print data (S4). Specifically, the host device 201 decomposes the images of the print data A and the print data B that are continuously printed on the adjacent cards Ca at the time of printing into each color and analyzes the layout.

Next, the host device 201 includes an image recording area to be recorded on one of the adjacent cards Ca when printing, and an image recording area in which the image to be recorded on the other is rotated 180 degrees along this recording area. In addition, it is determined for each color whether or not there is an overlap (S5). Here, one of the adjacent cards Ca when printing is an odd number (Xth) (X is an odd number of 1 or more), and the other is an even number (X + 1). is there.

Specifically, the host device 201 captures the image of the X + 1th print data B (second image) along the recording area of the image of the Xth print data A (first image) (FIG. Rotate 180 degrees (parallel to the paper at 5). In addition, the host device 201 includes a recording area for the image of the print data A (first recording area) and a recording area for the image obtained by rotating the image of the print data B by 180 degrees along the recording area (second recording). Area) and overlap.

Then, the host device 201 determines whether or not the color images composed of yellow, magenta, and cyan in the superimposed recording areas do not overlap with each other. Further, the host device 201 determines whether or not the monochrome images composed of black in each of the superimposed recording areas do not overlap with each other.

When there is no overlap in the print data (S5: Yes), the host device 201 rotates the image of the X + 1th print data by 180 degrees along the recording area of the image of the X + 1 print data, and X + 1 The print data of the first sheet is created (S6). Specifically, in the case shown in FIG. 5B, the host device 201 records an image recording area of print data A and an image in which the image of print data B is rotated 180 degrees along this recording area. It is determined that the color image or the monochrome image in the area does not overlap. In this case, the host device 201 creates the X + 1th print data.

Then, the host device 201 starts printing and transfers the print data of the Xth sheet and the print data of the created X + 1th sheet to the thermal transfer recording device 1. Further, the thermal transfer recording device 1 stores the print data of the Xth sheet and the X + 1th sheet transferred from the higher-level device 201 in the memory 101.

Next, the MCU 102 of the thermal transfer recording device 1 controls the operations of the actuator control unit 104 and the thermal head control unit 105 based on the print data of the Xth sheet stored in the memory 101, and the Xth card Ca The image is printed on (S7).

Specifically, the MCU 102 superimposes the ink ribbon 41 and the transfer film 46, conveys them between the thermal head 40 and the platen roll 45, and heats the ink ribbon 41 by the thermal head 40 to heat the transfer film 46. Ink is transferred to. Then, the MCU 102 superimposes the transfer film on which the ink is transferred and the card Ca, conveys them between the transfer platen 31 and the transfer roller 33, and heats the transfer film 46 by the transfer roller 33 to heat the Xth sheet. The image is retransferred to the card Ca to form it. The image retransferred to the Xth card Ca in this way is an image of print data A.

In the ink ribbon 41 after printing an image on the Xth card Ca, a white portion as a first recording area shown in FIG. 5C is used for color printing.

Next, the MCU 102 controls the operation of the actuator control unit 104 to rewind the ink ribbon 41 used for printing the Xth card Ca by the supply spool 43 and the take-up spool 44 (S8).

Next, the MCU 102 controls the operations of the actuator control unit 104 and the thermal head control unit 105 based on the print data of the X + 1th sheet stored in the memory 101, and prints an image on the X + 1th card Ca. (S9).

Specifically, the MCU 102 superimposes the rewound used ink ribbon 41 and the transfer film 46, and conveys them between the thermal head 40 and the platen roll 45. Further, the MCU 102 heats the ink ribbon 41 by the thermal head 40 to transfer the ink to the transfer film 46. Then, the MCU 102 superimposes the transfer film on which the ink is transferred and the card Ca, conveys them between the transfer platen 31 and the transfer roller 33, and heats the transfer film 46 by the transfer roller 33 to heat the X + 1th sheet. The image is retransferred to the card Ca to form it.

The image retransferred to the X + 1th card Ca in this way is an image obtained by rotating the image of the print data B by 180 degrees along the recording area of the image of the print data A.

In the ink ribbon 41 after printing an image on both the Xth card Ca and the X + 1th card Ca, the white portion shown in FIG. 5D is used for color printing. As described above, the thermal transfer recording device 1 prints in the energy-saving mode printing in the case of FIG. 5D. As shown in FIG. 5D, for printing the X + 1th card Ca, an unused portion of the ink ribbon 41 when printing the Xth card Ca is used. Although the description is omitted in FIGS. 5C and 5D, the recording area of the image to be printed in monochrome on the Xth card Ca and the image to be printed in monochrome on the X + 1th card Ca are recorded. It does not overlap with the recording area of the image rotated 180 degrees along the area.

Next, the MCU 102 determines whether or not there is the next print data in the memory 101 (S10).

When there is no next print data (S10: No), the MCU 102 ends the thermal transfer recording process by finishing the printing of a predetermined number of cards Ca.

On the other hand, the MCU 102 returns to the process of step S7 when there is the next print data (S10: No). As a result, when printing on a plurality of cards Ca, the thermal transfer recording device 1 can record an image on the recording area of the Xth card Ca and record an image on the recording area of the X + 1th card Ca. Alternately. In this case, when printing on the X + 1th card Ca, the ink ribbon 41 only needs to be rewound by the amount printed on one card Ca, so that a decrease in production efficiency can be reliably suppressed.

Further, the host device 201 creates print data in normal operation when normal mode printing is selected (S2: No) or when there is an overlap with print data (S5: No) (S11). .. Here, the normal mode printing is a mode in which the amount of the ink ribbon 41 used is not a concern. Then, the host device 201 transfers the created print data to the thermal transfer recording device 1. Further, the thermal transfer recording device 1 stores the print data transferred from the host device 201 in the memory 101.

Next, the MCU 102 of the thermal transfer recording device 1 controls the operations of the actuator control unit 104 and the thermal head control unit 105 based on the print data stored in the memory 101, and prints an image on the card Ca corresponding to the number of printed sheets. (S12).

Next, the MCU 102 determines whether or not there is the next print data in the memory 101 (S13).

When there is no next print data (S13: No), the MCU 102 ends the thermal transfer recording process by finishing the printing of a predetermined number of cards Ca.

On the other hand, the MCU 102 returns to the process of step S12 when there is the next print data (S13: No).

By repeatedly printing on the card Ca in a standard format by the above thermal transfer recording process, it is possible to reduce the consumption of the ink ribbon when printing in the standard format.

Here, between the process of step S4 and the process of step S5 in the above thermal transfer recording process, the host device 201 causes the monitor 202 to display an image of print data to be printed on the Xth sheet and the X + 1th sheet. May be good. Specifically, the host device 201 may display the image shown in FIG. 5B on the monitor 202. As a result, the user can visually check whether or not the print data of the adjacent card Ca overlaps with each other before starting the printing of the card Ca.

In the present embodiment, an image in which the first recording area of the image to be recorded on one of the two cards Ca to be recorded continuously and the image to be recorded on the other are rotated 180 degrees along the first recording area. It is determined whether or not the image overlaps with the second recording area of. If it is determined that they do not overlap, the image to be recorded on one side is recorded in the first recording area. Then, the ink ribbon 41 used for recording in the first recording area is rewound, and the image recorded on the other side is rotated 180 degrees along the first recording area, and the image is recorded in the second recording area. .. As a result, it is possible to suppress a decrease in production efficiency and reduce the consumption of the ink ribbon.

(Embodiment 2)
The image forming system according to the second embodiment of the present invention has the same configuration as that of FIGS. 1 and 2, and the configuration of the thermal transfer recording device according to the present embodiment has the same configuration as that of FIGS. 2 and 3. The explanation is omitted.

<Thermal transfer recording process>
The thermal transfer recording process in the thermal transfer recording system 200 according to the second embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to FIGS. 6 to 8.

In FIG. 6, the same step reference numerals are given to the parts that have the same processing as in FIG. 4, and the description thereof will be omitted.

The host device 201 selects print data C and print data D for printing the image of FIG. 7 (a) on a card Ca such as an employee ID card or a membership card in a specific standard format (S1).

Further, the host device 201 decomposes the images of the print data C and the print data D that are continuously printed on the adjacent cards Ca at the time of printing into each color and analyzes the layout (S4).

Then, the host device 201 sets the image recording area to be recorded on one of the adjacent cards Ca at the time of printing and the image recording area to be recorded on the other card 180 degrees along the recording area. , It is determined for each color whether or not there is an overlap (S5).

Specifically, the higher-level device 201 captures the X + 1th print data B image (second image) along the recording area of the Xth print data C image (first image) (FIG. Rotate 180 degrees (parallel to the paper surface at 7). In addition, the host device 201 includes a recording area for the image of the print data C (first recording area) and a recording area for the image obtained by rotating the image of the print data D by 180 degrees along the recording area (second recording). Area) and overlap.

Then, the host device 201 determines whether or not the color images composed of yellow, magenta, and cyan in the superimposed recording areas do not overlap with each other. Further, the host device 201 determines whether or not the monochrome images composed of black in each of the superimposed recording areas do not overlap with each other.

When there is an overlap in the print data (S5: No), the host device 201 causes the monitor 202 to display an image including the overlapped portion of the print data to be printed on the Xth sheet and the X + 1th sheet (S21). Specifically, the host device 201 causes the monitor 202 to display the image shown in FIG. 7B.

Next, the host device 201 modifies the layout of the print data to be printed on the Xth sheet and the X + 1th sheet based on the signal input from the input device 203 according to the operation of the user who modifies the layout (S22). ). Specifically, the host device 201 modifies the layout of the image shown in FIG. 7 (c).

Next, the host device 201 includes an image recording area to be recorded on one of the adjacent cards Ca when printing, and an image recording area in which the image to be recorded on the other is rotated 180 degrees along this recording area. In addition, it is determined for each color whether or not there is an overlap (S23).

The MCU 102 determines that the print data is completed without overlapping the print data by the host device 201 (S23: Yes), and the X-th card is based on the X-th print data stored in the memory 101. The image is printed on Ca (S7).

On the other hand, when the host device 201 determines that there is an overlap in the print data (S23: No), the processing returns to step S22.

Further, the host device 201 skips the processes of steps S21 to S23 and executes the process of step S7 when there is no overlap in the print data (S5: Yes).

As a result, in the ink ribbon 41 after printing the image on the Xth card Ca, the white portion shown in FIG. 7D is used for color printing. Further, in the ink ribbon 41 after printing an image on both the Xth card Ca and the X + 1th card Ca, the white portion shown in FIG. 7E is used for color printing.

As described above, in the present embodiment, when the energy saving mode is selected, the recording area of the image printed on the Xth sheet and the image printed on the X + 1th sheet are rotated 180 degrees along this recording area. The monitor 202 makes it possible to confirm that the image recording area does not overlap with each color. At this time, if the recording area of the image printed on the Xth sheet and the recording area of the image printed on the X + 1th sheet are rotated 180 degrees along this recording area overlap, the energy saving mode is used. Cannot move to. In this case, the print data can be repeatedly corrected until the overlapping portion disappears.

Subsequently, another specific example of the thermal transfer recording process will be described with reference to FIG.

The host device 201 selects print data E and print data F for printing the image of FIG. 8A on a card Ca such as an employee ID card or a membership card in a specific standard format (S1).

Further, the host device 201 decomposes the images of the print data E and the print data F that are continuously printed on the adjacent cards Ca at the time of printing into each color and analyzes the layout (S4).

Then, the higher-level device 201 transfers the image (second image) of the X + 1th print data F along the recording area of the image (first image) of the Xth print data E (paper surface in FIG. 8). Rotate 180 degrees (parallel to). Further, the host device 201 includes a recording area for the image of the print data E (first recording area) and a recording area for the image obtained by rotating the image of the print data F by 180 degrees along the recording area (second recording). Area) and overlap.

Then, the host device 201 determines whether or not the color images composed of yellow, magenta, and cyan in the superimposed recording areas do not overlap with each other. Further, the host device 201 determines whether or not the monochrome images composed of black in each of the superimposed recording areas do not overlap with each other.

The host device 201 causes the monitor 202 to display the image shown in FIG. 8B when there is an overlap in the print data (S21).

The host device 201 modifies the layout of the image shown in FIG. 8 (c) (S22).

As a result, in the ink ribbon 41 after printing the image on the Xth card Ca, the white portion shown in FIG. 8D is used for color printing. Further, in the ink ribbon 41 after printing an image on both the Xth card Ca and the X + 1th card Ca, the white portion shown in FIG. 8E is used for color printing.

In the present embodiment, a recording area of one image of adjacent cards Ca and a recording area of an image obtained by rotating the other image by 180 degrees along this recording area are displayed on one screen when printing. Further, the recording area of one image and the recording area of the image obtained by rotating the other image by 180 degrees along this recording area can be changed. Thereby, in addition to the effect of the first embodiment described above, the layouts of the images to be printed on the adjacent cards Ca can be modified so as not to overlap.

It goes without saying that the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment and can be variously modified without departing from the gist thereof.

Specifically, in the first embodiment and the second embodiment, the monitor 202 and the input device 203 are provided separately, but a device having both the functions of the display device and the input device may be provided by a touch panel or the like. Good.

Further, in the first embodiment and the second embodiment, the color image and the monochrome image are printed on the card Ca, but only the monochrome image or only the color image may be printed on the card Ca.

A Information recording unit B Printing unit C Media storage unit Ca card D Storage unit F Rotation unit 1 Thermal transfer recording device 31 Transfer platen 33 Transfer roller 40 Thermal head 41 Ink ribbon 42 Ink ribbon cassette 43 Supply spool 44 Winding spool 45 Platen roller 46 Transfer Film 49 Film transfer roller 100 Control unit 101 Memory 102 MCU
103 Signal processing unit 104 Actuator control unit 105 Thermal head control unit 106 Operation display control unit 200 Thermal transfer recording system 201 Superior device 202 Monitor 203 Input device 204 Image input device

Claims (14)

A recording means for recording an image on a recording medium using an ink ribbon,
An ink ribbon transporting means for feeding or rewinding the ink ribbon with respect to the recording means, and
The first recording area of the first image to be recorded on one of the two recording media and the second recording area of the second image obtained by rotating the image to be recorded on the other by a predetermined amount do not overlap. In this case, the first image is recorded in the first recording area by the recording means, and the ink ribbon used for recording in the first recording area is rewound by the ink ribbon conveying means, and the said. A control means for controlling the recording of the second image in the second recording area by the recording means, and
A thermal transfer recording device characterized by having. The control means
The control is performed when repeatedly recording an image in a fixed format on a plurality of recording media by the recording means.
The thermal transfer recording apparatus according to claim 1. The control means
In the control, the recording means alternately records the first image in the first recording area and the second image in the second recording area on a plurality of recording media. ,
The thermal transfer recording apparatus according to claim 1 or 2. The recording means
An image is recorded on a recording medium using the ink ribbon in which ink layers of a plurality of colors are sequentially and repeatedly arranged along a transport direction.
The control means
The control is performed when the first recording area and the second recording area of a color image recorded on a recording medium by the plurality of color ink layers by the recording means do not overlap.
The thermal transfer recording apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3. The control means
The control is performed when the first recording area and the second recording area of a monochrome image recorded on a recording medium by the recording means do not overlap.
The thermal transfer recording apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 4. The thermal transfer recording device according to any one of claims 1 to 5.
A display device that displays the first image recorded in the first recording area and the second image recorded in the second recording area on one screen by the recording means.
A thermal transfer recording system characterized by having. The first recording area and the second recording area displayed on the display device can be changed.
The thermal transfer recording system according to claim 6. A thermal transfer recording method in a thermal transfer recording device.
A step of recording an image on a recording medium by a recording means using an ink ribbon,
A step of feeding or rewinding the ink ribbon with respect to the recording means, and
The first recording area of the first image to be recorded on one of the two recording media and the second recording area of the second image obtained by rotating the image to be recorded on the other by a predetermined amount do not overlap. In the case, the first image is recorded in the first recording area by the recording means, the ink ribbon used for recording in the first recording area is rewound, and the second image is recorded by the recording means. A step of controlling the recording of the second image in the recording area of
A thermal transfer recording method characterized by having. The control is performed when repeatedly recording an image in a fixed format on a plurality of recording media by the recording means.
The thermal transfer recording method according to claim 8, wherein the method is characterized by the above. In the control, the recording means alternately records the first image in the first recording area and the second image in the second recording area on a plurality of recording media. ,
The thermal transfer recording method according to claim 8 or 9, wherein the method is characterized by the above. An image is recorded on a recording medium using the ink ribbon in which ink layers of a plurality of colors are sequentially and repeatedly arranged along a transport direction, and a color image is recorded on the recording medium by the ink layers of the plurality of colors by the recording means. The control is performed when the first recording area and the second recording area do not overlap.
The thermal transfer recording method according to any one of claims 8 to 10, wherein the thermal transfer recording method is characterized. The control is performed when the first recording area and the second recording area of a monochrome image recorded on a recording medium by the recording means do not overlap.
The thermal transfer recording method according to any one of claims 8 to 11. A thermal transfer recording method in a thermal transfer recording system having a thermal transfer recording device and a display device.
A step of recording an image on a recording medium by a recording means using an ink ribbon,
A step of feeding or rewinding the ink ribbon with respect to the recording means, and
The first recording area of the first image to be recorded on one of the two recording media and the second recording area of the second image obtained by rotating the image to be recorded on the other by a predetermined amount do not overlap. In the case, the first image is recorded in the first recording area by the recording means, the ink ribbon used for recording in the first recording area is rewound, and the second image is recorded by the recording means. A step of controlling the recording of the second image in the recording area of
A step of displaying the first image and the second image on the display device on one screen,
A thermal transfer recording method characterized by having. The first recording area and the second recording area displayed on the display device can be changed.
A thermal transfer recording method characterized by this.

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