JP2021104689A - Printer, printing method and program - Google Patents

Abstract

To provide a printer and the like which can improve the appearance of a printing result while reducing the burden on a user.SOLUTION: A printer 100 includes a printing unit 170 and a control unit 190. The printing unit 170 prints a print image along one direction in a printing region of a printing medium when being relatively moved with respect to the printing medium. The control unit 190 includes: an input reception part 191 which receives input of the length in the one direction of the printing region; and a printing position setting part 192 which sets the printing position of the print image in the printing region on the basis of the length in the one direction of the printing region so that the center portion in the one direction of the print image is arranged on the center in the one direction of the printing region.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

The present invention relates to printing devices, printing methods and programs.

In recent years, various printing devices have become widespread. For example, stationary printing devices such as laser printers, dot matrix printers, and inkjet printers, and manual scanning printing devices called handheld printers, direct printers, handy printers, etc., which are easy for users to carry, are known. ..

For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a handheld printer having a function of acquiring a printed image by receiving from an external device and a function of acquiring a printed image by scanning.

Such a manual scanning type printing device is convenient when printing on a document that has already been printed. For example, the user can additionally print at a desired position on the paper by manually scanning the paper.

By the way, roller stamps that decorate the paper surface, the surface of packaging, etc. so that the same character string, figure, or the like repeats in one direction are widespread. In addition, tapes that are pre-decorated and repeat the same character string, figure, etc. in one direction are also widespread. Even in a manual scanning type printing device as in Patent Document 1, the user prints the same printed image repeatedly in one direction by devising the setting of the printed image, the manual scanning of the printing device, and the like. It is possible.

The "one direction" means the rotational movement direction in the roller stamp, the tape pull-out direction in the tape, and the sub-scanning direction in the printing apparatus. Further, in the following description, "center" means a central position in one direction.

Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2008-94101

Even when the printing device is used to decorate the same character string, figure, etc. in one direction so that the same character string, figure, etc. repeats, the print is performed so that the center of the repeated character string, figure, etc. is located in the center of the printing area. That is difficult. As a result, the appearance of the printed result may be deteriorated.

Specifically, when there is a part to be conspicuous (for example, a company logo, a character string indicating a store name, a figure, etc.) in the center of a repeated character string, a figure, etc., that part is from the center of the print area. If it is misaligned, that part will be less noticeable. Further, even if the decoration to be printed is only a pattern, when printing is performed on a plurality of objects, if the part that comes to the center of the print area changes each time the print is made, the decorations of the plurality of objects become cohesive. It will disappear.

The above-mentioned Patent Document 1 does not disclose a configuration for printing so that the center of a repeated character string, a figure, or the like is located at the center of a print area. If such printing is performed using the printing apparatus disclosed in Patent Document 1, the user considers the dimensions of the print area and the dimensions of one section of a repeated character string, graphic, or the like. Then, the print start position of the printed image must be set. Therefore, the burden on the user becomes large. Further, such a printing apparatus usually does not have a function of starting printing from a position in the middle of the printed image and repeating printing of the printed image.

Even when the above-mentioned roller stamp, tape, or the like is used, the center of the repeated character string, figure, or the like may be deviated from the center of the print area, and the appearance may be deteriorated. Further, in order to ensure that the center of the repeated character strings, figures, etc. is located at the center of the printing area, the user can consider the dimensions of the rollers and tapes as in the case of the printing apparatus of Patent Document 1. The print start position must be shifted in advance. Therefore, the burden on the user becomes large.

Even if the length of the print area in one direction is shorter than the length of the print image in one direction, the central portion of the print image is the print area unless the user sets the print start position by shifting the print start position in advance. Not placed in the center of. Therefore, even in such a case, the same problem as described above occurs.

Therefore, the present invention has been made in view of such circumstances, and an object of the present invention is to provide a printing apparatus or the like capable of improving the appearance of the printed result while reducing the burden on the user. do.

In order to achieve the above object, the printing apparatus according to the first aspect of the present invention is
A printing unit that prints a print image along one direction in the print area of the print medium when it is moved relative to the print medium.
The input receiving unit that receives an input of the length in the one direction of the print area and the central portion of the print image in the one direction are arranged at the center of the print area in the one direction. A control unit having a print position setting unit that sets the print position of the print image in the print area based on the length of the print area in the one direction.
To be equipped.

According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a printing apparatus or the like capable of improving the appearance of a printing result while reducing the burden on the user.

It is a figure which shows the appearance and the printing example of the printing apparatus which concerns on embodiment. It is a block diagram which shows the structural example of the printing apparatus which concerns on embodiment. It is a figure which shows an example of the stored print image. It is a figure which shows an example of the print area of a print medium. It is a figure which shows an example of the printing result which concerns on the comparative example. It is a conceptual diagram for demonstrating the setting method of the print start position of the printing apparatus which concerns on embodiment, (A) shows a print result, (B) is a print image and a print image printed from a print start position. Shows the relationship. It is a figure which shows an example of the operation screen in the 1st input mode of the printing apparatus which concerns on embodiment. It is a figure which shows an example of the operation screen in the 2nd input mode of the printing apparatus which concerns on embodiment. It is a figure which shows the manual scanning method in the 3rd input mode of the printing apparatus which concerns on embodiment. 9 is a diagram showing an operation screen corresponding to FIG. 9, FIG. 9A is an operation screen for determining a print end position, FIG. 9B is an operation screen indicating that manual scanning is in progress, and FIG. 9C is an operation screen. Is an operation screen for confirming the print start position. It is a figure which shows the flowchart of the input process of the printing apparatus which concerns on embodiment. It is a figure which shows the flowchart of the printing process of the printing apparatus which concerns on embodiment. It is a figure which shows the manual scanning method in the 3rd input mode of the printing apparatus which concerns on a modification.

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

(Embodiment)
The printing device 100 according to the present embodiment is called a handheld printer, a direct printer, a handy printer, or the like, and is a manual scanning type printing device that is easy for the user to carry.

FIG. 1 shows an example in which the character string “Sample 1” is printed on the print medium S by the printing apparatus 100. At the time of printing, the user moves (that is, scans) the bottom surface of the printing apparatus 100 in the sub-scanning direction (one direction) indicated by the arrow while contacting the printing medium S. Then, the printing device 1 detects the movement, and prints the character string "sample 1" which is a print image on the print medium S in accordance with the detected movement.

Here, the printing medium S is, for example, printing paper, a label, corrugated cardboard, or the like. The print medium is also referred to as a recording medium or a print object. The material of the print medium may be any material such as paper, film, or fibrous material to which ink easily adheres or a material capable of thermal transfer.

The shape of the print medium S is not limited to a flat shape such as a sheet shape or a tape shape, but may be a three-dimensional shape such as a box or a PET bottle. In other words, unlike the stationary printing apparatus, it is not necessary to convey the printing medium, so that the manual scanning printing apparatus 100 can print on the printing medium S having any shape. The printed image is an image drawn on a print medium at the time of printing, and is, for example, characters, figures, symbols, patterns, pictures, or a combination thereof.

The width of the printed image in the main scanning direction is determined and constant according to the print head of the printing apparatus. On the other hand, the width in the sub-scanning direction (one direction) of the printed image (the total width when the printed images are repeated) is variable. The details will be described later.

Hereinafter, the configuration of the printing apparatus 100 will be described with reference to FIG.

The printing device 100 includes a communication unit 110, a movement detection unit 120, an operation unit 130, a display unit 140, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 150, a RAM (Random Access Memory) 160, a printing unit 170, and timekeeping. A unit 180 and a control unit 190 are provided.

The communication unit 110 is composed of, for example, a radio frequency (RF: Radio Frequency) circuit, a base band (BB: Base Band) circuit, an integrated circuit (LSI: Large Scale Integration), and the like. The communication unit 110 transmits and receives signals via an antenna (not shown), and wirelessly communicates with an external device (not shown). The communication unit 110 may be configured to perform wired communication with an external device.

The movement detection unit 120 is provided on the bottom surface of the printing device 100, and includes an optical sensor that detects the movement of the printing device 100 when the printing device 100 moves on the printing medium S. Specifically, the movement detection unit 120 reads an image formed by the light emitted from the LED (Light Emitting Diode) and reflected by the printing medium S by an optical sensor, and prints based on the change in the read image. The amount of movement and the direction of movement of the device 100 are detected.

The operation unit 130 includes operation buttons, a touch panel, and the like. The operation unit 130 is an interface for receiving user operations such as power on / off, printing execution start, and input of a length in a sub-scanning direction (one direction) of a print area.

The display unit 140 is composed of, for example, an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display), an EL (Electroluminescence) display, or the like, and displays characters, colors, images, and the like in response to an input signal from the control unit 190.

The ROM 150 is composed of a non-volatile memory such as a flash memory, and a program for the control unit 190 to control various functions (a program for causing the printing device 100 to execute an input process, and for causing the printing device 100 to execute a printing process). (Including the program of) and various data (including data indicating various operation screens described later) are stored.

The RAM 160 is composed of a volatile memory, and data for the control unit 190 to perform various processes (including data indicating the print image B1 and data indicating the length L2 of the print area A in the sub-scanning direction, which will be described later). Is used as a work area for temporarily storing.

A part of the printing unit 170 is provided so as to be exposed from the bottom surface of the printing device 100, and a printed image is printed on the printing medium S in accordance with the movement of the printing device 100 on the printing medium S. The printing unit 170 may be configured to be printable on the printing medium S by an inkjet method, or may be configured to be printable on the printing medium S by a thermal transfer method.

In the case of the inkjet method, the printing unit 170 is composed of an ink tank filled with ink, a heating element for heating the ink, a printing head (thermal inkjet head) for ejecting ink, and the like. In this case, the printing unit 170 sprays ink onto the printing medium S from a plurality of nozzles arranged in the main scanning direction and the sub-scanning direction of the print head to print.

In the case of the thermal transfer method, the printing unit 170 is composed of a printing head (thermal head) having a heating element that generates heat when energized. In this case, the printing unit 170 prints on the printing medium S (for example, thermal paper) made of a material that reacts with heat energy by generating heat from the heating element of the printing head.

The time measuring unit 180 is composed of a timer circuit and measures the time. In various control processes of the printing apparatus 100, when counting a certain time, the time measured by the time measuring unit 180 is used.

The control unit 190 is a processor and is composed of a CPU (Central Processing Unit). The control unit 190 controls the overall operation of the printing device 100 by executing various programs stored in the ROM 150.

Here, the functional configuration of the control unit 190 of the printing apparatus 100 will be described. The control unit 190 functions as an input reception unit 191, a print position setting unit 192, and a print execution unit 193.

The input receiving unit 191 receives the input of the length L2 in the sub-scanning direction of the print area A. This length L2 is input by a method according to the input mode. The input mode includes a first input mode, a second input mode, and a third input mode. Of these three input modes, the input mode selected by the user via the operation unit 130 is used. The details of each input mode will be described later.

The print position setting unit 192 sets the print position of the printed image in the print area A. That is, when the length of the print area A received by the input reception unit 191 in the sub-scanning direction is longer than the length of the print image in the sub-scanning direction, the sub-scanning direction of the print image is centered C in the sub-scanning direction of the print image. The print position of the printed image is set so that the central portion in the scanning direction is arranged. On the other hand, when the length of the print area A received by the input reception unit 191 in the sub-scanning direction is equal to or less than the length of the print image in the sub-scanning direction, the print position of the print image is the end of the print image, that is, Set to the normal print position.

In any of the above cases, the print position setting unit 192 sets the print position of the print image so that the central portion of the print image in the sub-scanning direction is arranged in the center C of the print area A in the sub-scanning direction. It may be configured to do so. The detailed setting method of the print position in the print position setting unit 192 will be described later.

The print execution unit 193 controls the print unit 170 to execute printing. The print execution unit 193 reads out the data indicating the print image B1 stored in the RAM 160, and prints the print image B1 from the print position set by the print position setting unit 192 of the print medium S.

When the print image B1 is repeatedly printed in the sub-scanning direction, the print position setting unit 192 sets the print start position of the print image B1 as the print position, and the print execution unit 193 sets the first print image (print image B5 described later). ) Is printed from the print start position, and the subsequent print image is printed from the end of the print image B1. After that, the print execution unit 193 repeatedly reads out and prints the data indicating the print image B1 until the movement amount detected by the movement detection unit 120 reaches the length L2 in the sub-scanning direction of the print area A.

The configuration of the printing apparatus 100 has been described above. Here, an example will be described in which the user repeatedly prints the same printed image B1 in the sub-scanning direction.

First, in order to facilitate understanding of this example, the relationship between the print image B1 stored in the RAM 160, the print area A of the print medium S, and the print result B2 printed on the print medium S by the printing apparatus 100. Explain sex.

As shown in FIG. 3, in the printed image B1 stored in the RAM 160, for example, in the sub-scanning direction, a character string indicating the store name "ABC department store" is arranged in the center, and the heads are placed on both sides of the character string. A circled mark is placed around the letter A. Here, the length of the printed image B1 in the sub-scanning direction is defined as the length L1.

In the state of being stored in the RAM 160, the printed image B1 is merely data indicating a set of dot groups. Therefore, the printed image B1 in such a state does not have the concept of physical sub-scanning direction, length, position, and the like. However, in the printed image B1 in such a state, what corresponds to the physical sub-scanning direction, length, position, etc. when actually printed can be said to be substantially the same as those concepts. can. Therefore, in the following description, in order to simplify the description, the two will be described as the same without distinction.

As shown in FIG. 4, the print area A of the print medium S is a rectangle long in the width direction of the print medium S, as shown by the broken line. At the time of printing, the longitudinal direction of the printing area A corresponds to the sub-scanning direction of the printing device 100, and the lateral direction of the printing area A corresponds to the main scanning direction of the printing device 100.

Here, the length of the print area A in the longitudinal direction, that is, the length in the sub-scanning direction is defined as the length L2. An example described here is a case where the printed image B1 is repeatedly printed in the sub-scanning direction, so that the length L2 is longer than the length L1.

When the print image B1 having the length L1 is repeatedly printed in the print area A having the length L2, if the print image B1 is simply printed from the end in the sub-scanning direction, the central portion of the print image B1 is printed. Is rarely located in the center of the print area A. For example, as in the print result B3 according to the comparative example shown in FIG. 5, the character “100” located at the center of the print image B1 is deviated from the center C of the print area A.

Of course, even with such a printing method, if the length L2 is an odd multiple of the length L1, the central portion of the printed image B1 will be located at the center of the print area A. But that is the result of chance, and it is rare.

Further, when printing is performed on the premise that the length L2 is set to an odd multiple of the length L1, the printing in which the central portion of the printed image B1 is located in the center of the print area A should be realized. Is possible. However, in a printing method having such a precondition, at least one of the length L2 and the length L1 cannot be set to an arbitrary length desired by the user, and the decorative appearance of the printed result cannot be set. I can't maintain my sex.

On the other hand, the printing apparatus 100 according to the present embodiment can print so that the central portion of the printed image B1 is located at the center of the print area A even without the above preconditions. For example, FIG. 6A shows an example of the print result B2 when printed by the printing apparatus 100. In this print result B2, the character "hundred" located in the center of the print image B1 is located in the center C of the print area A.

Hereinafter, a method of setting the print start position for realizing such printing will be described. At the left end of the print result B2 of FIG. 6A, the print image B1 is printed from the middle. FIG. 6B shows the relationship between the print image B1 and the print image B5 printed from the middle (that is, the print start position).

Here, the length of the printed image B5 printed from the middle in the sub-scanning direction is defined as the length L4. The length of the non-printed portion of the printed image B1 in the sub-scanning direction is defined as the offset length L3. Then, the length L4 corresponds to the length L1 in the sub-scanning direction of the printed image B1 minus the offset length L3.

The offset length L3 can be calculated by the relational expression between the length L2 in the sub-scanning direction of the print area A and the length L1 in the sub-scanning direction of the printed image B1. For example, the offset length L3 can be calculated by the relational expression L3 = L1-((L2 / 2-L1 / 2)% L1). % Is the modulo operator.

The method for calculating the offset length L3 is not limited to the above relational expression. For example, the above relational expression may be changed to a variable length or a substantially equivalent expression. Further, in the present embodiment, a configuration for calculating the offset length L3 and setting the print start position will be described. However, instead of the offset length L3, the length L4 in the sub-scanning direction of the printed image B5 is calculated by the relational expression L4 = (L2 / 2-L1 / 2)% L1 to set the print start position. Is substantially the same.

Therefore, a method of setting the print start position will be conceptually described. The print start position may be finally set so that the length corresponding to half of the remainder when the length L2 is divided by the length L1 becomes the length L4.

For example, in the print result B2 shown in FIG. 6A, it is assumed that the length L2 is 3.4 times the length L1. In this case, the remainder when the length L2 is divided by the length L1 corresponds to 0.4 times the length L1. The length obtained by halving this remainder is the length L4 in the sub-scanning direction of the printed image B5. That is, the length L4 is a length corresponding to 0.2 times the length L1.

At the right end of the print result B2, there is a print image B6 printed halfway through the print image B1. The length of the printed image B6 in the sub-scanning direction is the same as the length L4. In this way, since the print image B5 and the print image B6 having the same length L4 are arranged at the right end and the left end of the print result B2, the plurality of print images B1 arranged between them are arranged in the center of the print area A. NS.

In this way, the print start position can be set based on the length L1 of the print image B1 in the sub-scanning direction and the length L2 of the print area A in the sub-scanning direction. The length L1 of the printed image B1 in the sub-scanning direction is known at the stage when the printed image B1 is set. Therefore, if the user inputs the length L2 of the print area A in the sub-scanning direction to the printing device 100, the printing device 100 can calculate the printing start position.

The method of setting the print start position has been described above. Therefore, a method of inputting the length L2 of the print area A in the sub-scanning direction, which is required for the method of setting the print start position, will be described below. The printing apparatus 100 has three input modes as described above. Therefore, the input method of the length L2 differs depending on the input mode selected by the user.

First, a case where the first input mode is selected and the length L2 is input by the first input mode will be described. FIG. 7 shows an example of an operation screen in the first input mode of the printing apparatus 100. When the first input mode is selected, the printing apparatus 100 causes the display unit 140 to display this operation screen.

By operating the operation unit 130, the user operates a plurality of paper sizes such as "A3 Portrait", "A3 Landscape", "A4 Landscape", "A4 Landscape", and "Letter Portrait" displayed on the operation screen. Select one of.

Here, in the RAM 160 of the printing apparatus 100, the lengths corresponding to each of these paper sizes are stored in association with each other in advance. Such a length setting may be stored in advance by the manufacturer or the distributor, or may be changed and stored by the user.

For the length corresponding to the paper size, for example, for "A3 Portrait", the length corresponding to the width when the A3 paper is arranged vertically is set. For "A4 Landscape", a length corresponding to the width when A4 paper is arranged horizontally is set. For "Letter Portrait", a length corresponding to the width when the letter paper is arranged vertically is set. The "corresponding length" may be the width of the paper or the width of the paper excluding the margins.

As described above, in the first input mode, the length corresponding to the paper size selected by the user is input as the length L2. Next, a case where the second input mode is selected and the length L2 is input by the second input mode will be described.

FIG. 8 shows an example of an operation screen in the second input mode of the printing apparatus 100. When the second input mode is selected, the printing apparatus 100 causes the display unit 140 to display this operation screen.

By operating the operation unit 130, the user changes the length of "80.0 mm" displayed on the operation screen to the length of the print area A. As described above, in the second input mode, the length input by the user is input as the length L2.

Next, a case where the third input mode is selected and the length L2 is input by the third input mode will be described. In the third input mode, the length L2 measured by the user manually scanning and scanning the printing apparatus 100 is input.

First, when the third input mode is selected, the printing device 100 causes the display unit 140 to display the operation screen shown in FIG. 10A. In this state, as shown by the solid line in FIG. 9, the user arranges the movement detection unit 120 of the printing device 100 at the print end position, which is the right end position of the print area A, and presses the OK button of the operation unit 130.

When the OK button of the operation unit 130 is pressed, the printing device 100 causes the display unit 140 to display the operation screen shown in FIG. 10B. In this state, as shown by the broken line in FIG. 9, the user manually scans the movement detection unit 120 of the printing device 100 to the print start position, which is the left end position of the print area A, and stops the movement. The broken line arrow indicates the direction of movement during manual scanning.

When the movement is stopped and the movement amount detected by the movement detection unit 120 is no longer detected, the printing device 100 causes the display unit 140 to display the operation screen shown in FIG. 10 (C). When the operation screen of FIG. 10 (B) is changed to the operation screen of FIG. 10 (C), the frame line of "Finish" is changed from the broken line to the solid line. This means that the printing device 100 is in a state of accepting the pressing of the Finish button of the operation unit 130.

In such a state, when the user presses the Finish button of the operation unit 130, the scan is completed. The printing device 100 receives the movement amount (integrated value) detected by the movement detection unit 120 between the time when the OK button of the operation unit 130 is pressed and the time when the Finish button is pressed as the input of the length L2.

The method of inputting the length L2 of the print area A in the sub-scanning direction has been described above. Therefore, the input process executed by the control unit 190 of the printing apparatus 100 will be described below with reference to FIG.

The input process is a process for realizing the above-mentioned input method of the length L2 of the print area A in the sub-scanning direction. The input process is executed when the user inputs an instruction to perform the input process via the operation unit 130, or during the print process described later.

First, the input receiving unit 191 of the control unit 190 causes the display unit 140 to display the input mode selection screen (not shown) stored in the RAM 160 based on the program stored in the ROM 150 (step S101). The user operates the operation unit 130 to select one of the first input mode, the second input mode, and the third input mode while the input mode selection screen is displayed on the display unit 140. ..

The input receiving unit 191 of the control unit 190 determines whether or not the selected input mode is the third input mode (step S102).

When the input receiving unit 191 of the control unit 190 determines that the third input mode has been selected (step S102; Yes), the input receiving unit 191 displays the operation screen of the third input mode on the display unit 140 (step S103).

Specifically, the input receiving unit 191 of the control unit 190 first causes the display unit 140 to display the operation screen shown in FIG. 10A. In this state, when the OK button of the operation unit 130 is pressed, the input reception unit 191 of the control unit 190 causes the display unit 140 to display the operation screen shown in FIG. 10B. At this time, the input reception unit 191 of the control unit 190 activates the movement detection unit 120 to make the movement of the printing device 100 detectable.

When the movement of the printing device 100 is stopped and the movement amount detected by the movement detection unit 120 is no longer detected, the input reception unit 191 of the control unit 190 displays the operation screen shown in FIG. 10C on the display unit 140. Let me. In this state, when the Finish button of the operation unit 130 is pressed, the input reception unit 191 of the control unit 190 terminates the detectable state of the movement detection unit 120, assuming that the scan is completed.

The input receiving unit 191 of the control unit 190 sets the movement amount (integrated value) detected by the movement detection unit 120 between the time when the OK button of the operation unit 130 is pressed and the time when the Finish button is pressed as the length L2. Set (step S104). The set length L2 is stored in the RAM 160.

On the other hand, when the input receiving unit 191 of the control unit 190 determines that the third input mode is not selected (step S102; No), whether or not the selected input mode is the second input mode is determined. Discrimination (step S105).

When the input receiving unit 191 of the control unit 190 determines that the second input mode has been selected (step S105; Yes), the display unit 140 displays the operation screen of the second input mode shown in FIG. 8 (step S105; Yes). S106).

The input receiving unit 191 of the control unit 190 receives an input operation of the length of the print area A of the user via the operation unit 130. The input receiving unit 191 of the control unit 190 sets the length of the input print area A as the length L2 (step S107). The set length L2 is stored in the RAM 160.

On the other hand, when the input receiving unit 191 of the control unit 190 determines that the second input mode is not selected (step S105; No), the operation screen of the first input mode shown in FIG. 7 is displayed on the display unit 140. Display (step S108).

The input reception unit 191 of the control unit 190 receives the user's paper size selection operation via the operation unit 130. The input receiving unit 191 of the control unit 190 sets the length corresponding to the selected paper size as the length L2 (step S109). The set length L2 is stored in the RAM 160.

The input process executed by the control unit 190 of the printing apparatus 100 has been described above. Hereinafter, the printing process executed by the control unit 190 of the printing apparatus 100 will be described with reference to FIG. The print process is executed by the control unit 190 responding when the user inputs an instruction to execute printing via the operation unit 130.

When the print process is executed, first, the control unit 190 displays a registration screen (not shown) for registering the print image B1 on the display unit 140, and accepts the registration of the print image B1 (step S201).

For example, the control unit 190 causes the display unit 140 to display a plurality of print images B1 stored in the RAM 160, and causes the user to select one of the plurality of print images B1. The control unit 190 may be configured to receive data indicating the print image B1 from an external device via the communication unit 110 and register it as the print image B1.

Next, the input receiving unit 191 of the control unit 190 executes the input process shown in FIG. 11 described above to receive the input of the length L2 of the print area A (step S202). Note that this input process may be skipped according to the user operation when the length L2 previously input is continuously used as it is.

When the input process is completed, the print position setting unit 192 of the control unit 190 sets the print start position of the print image B1 (step S203).

Specifically, the print position setting unit 192 of the control unit 190 has a length L1 of the print image B1 stored in the RAM 160 in the sub-scanning direction and a length of the print area A stored in the RAM 160 in the sub-scanning direction. The offset length L4 is calculated based on the value L2. The print position setting unit 192 of the control unit 190 sets the print start position based on the calculated offset length L4.

The set print start position is stored in the RAM 160. The specific setting method of the print start position is as described above.

When the setting of the print start position is completed, the control unit 190 displays on the display unit 140 that printing is possible, and notifies the user that printing is possible. Further, the print execution unit 193 of the control unit 190 activates the movement detection unit 120 to bring the movement (or movement amount) of the printing device 100 into a detectable state.

The print execution unit 193 of the control unit 190 determines whether or not the movement of the printing device 100 is detected by the movement detection unit 120 (step S204).

When the movement detection unit 120 determines that the movement of the printing device 100 has not been detected (step S204; No), the movement detection unit 120 continues to detect the movement amount until the movement is detected. On the other hand, when the movement detection unit 120 determines that the movement of the printing device 100 has been detected (step S204; Yes), the print execution unit 193 of the control unit 190 controls the printing unit 170 to execute printing (step S205). ).

Since the first print image B1 is printed from the print start position, the print image B5 is printed. After that, the print image B1 is repeatedly printed.

The print execution unit 193 of the control unit 190 determines whether or not the movement amount of the printing device 100 detected by the movement detection unit 120 reaches the length L2 in the sub-scanning direction of the print area A (step S206).

When the print execution unit 193 of the control unit 190 determines that the detected movement amount has reached the length L2 in the sub-scanning direction of the print area A (step S206; Yes), the print execution unit 193 ends the printing of the print unit 170. At this end stage, the printed image B1 is in a state of being printed halfway, so that the printed image B6 is in a printed state. On the other hand, when the print execution unit 193 of the control unit 190 determines that the detected movement amount does not reach the length L2 in the sub-scanning direction of the print area A (step S206; No), the print unit 170 prints. Let it continue.

With such control, the printing process ends when the printing unit 170 prints all of the printed images. For example, in the case of FIG. 6A, all of the printed images are a printed image B5, a plurality of printed images B1, and a printed image B6.

The printing process of the printing apparatus 100 has been described above. Hereinafter, advantages in use of the printing apparatus 100 will be described.

First, according to the printing apparatus 100 according to the present embodiment, even when the same character string, figure, or the like (printed image B1) is repeatedly decorated in one direction (secondary scanning direction), the repetition is repeated. It is possible to print so that the central portion of the character string, the figure, etc. (printed image B1) to be printed is located at the center C of the print area A. Therefore, the appearance of the print result B2 can be improved.

Further, for example, as shown in the print result B2 of FIG. 6A, a portion to be conspicuous (character string "ABC department store" indicating the store name) is located in the center of the repeated character string, figure, etc. in the print area A. It is placed in the center C of. Therefore, the part to be conspicuous becomes conspicuous. Further, even when the decoration to be printed is printed on a plurality of print media S, the portion in the center of the print area A does not change. Therefore, it is possible to maintain cohesion among the decorations of the plurality of print media S.

When performing such printing using a conventional printing device, the user sets the print start position in consideration of the dimensions of the print area A and the dimensions of one section of repeated character strings, figures, and the like. Must be set. However, according to the printing apparatus 100 according to the present embodiment, the user only needs to input the length L2 of the print area A in the sub-scanning direction by the above input method. After that, the print position setting unit 192 of the printing device 100 automatically sets the print start position, so that the burden on the user can be reduced.

As described above, according to the printing apparatus 100 according to the present embodiment, it is possible to improve the appearance of the printing result while reducing the burden on the user.

Further, according to the first input mode of the printing apparatus 100 according to the present embodiment, the user can input the length L2 of the print area A in the sub-scanning direction only by selecting the paper size. In this case, it is suitable for printing on a print medium S having a dimensional standard.

According to the second input mode of the printing apparatus 100 according to the present embodiment, the user can input the length L2 of the print area A in the sub-scanning direction by an arbitrary numerical value. In this case, it is suitable for printing on a plurality of print media S having different lengths L2 in the sub-scanning direction of the print area A.

According to the third input mode of the printing device 100 according to the present embodiment, the user can input the length L2 of the printing area A in the sub-scanning direction by manually scanning the printing device 100. Further, the manual scanning for inputting the length L2 of the print area A in the sub-scanning direction is performed by moving the print area A from the print end position to the print start position.

In this case, the print start position is the position where the manual scanning for inputting the length L2 in the sub-scanning direction of the print area A is completed. Therefore, the user can continue printing from that position without rearranging the printing device 100.

The above is the description of the embodiment. The above-described embodiment is an example, and the specific configuration and processing contents of each device are not limited to those described in the above-described embodiment, and can be changed as appropriate. Hereinafter, a modified example of the above embodiment will be described.

(Modification example)
In the first input mode, the input receiving unit 191 of the above embodiment is configured to store the lengths corresponding to a plurality of paper sizes in the RAM 160 so that the user can select from them. However, the present invention is not limited to this.

For example, it may be a plurality of predetermined lengths corresponding to various lengths of business cards, wrapping paper, etc., instead of the lengths corresponding to a plurality of paper sizes. That is, the input receiving unit 191 of the above embodiment may be configured to store a plurality of predetermined lengths in the RAM 160 in the first input mode so that the user can select from them.

In the third input mode, the input receiving unit 191 of the above embodiment sets the movement amount detected by the movement detecting unit 120 as the length L2 of the print area A in the sub-scanning direction. However, the present invention is not limited to this.

For example, the input receiving unit 191 receives a value obtained by multiplying the movement amount detected by the movement detecting unit 120 by a predetermined magnification in the third input mode as the length L2 in the sub-scanning direction of the print area A. It may be configured as follows.

For example, the user manually scans the printing device 100 from the center C of the printing area A to the edge of the printing area A, and the input receiving unit 191 is twice as long as the movement amount detected by the movement detecting unit 120 in the manual scanning. May be the length L2 of the print area A in the sub-scanning direction. In this case, the distance that the user moves the printing device 100 for inputting the length L2 in the manual scanning can be shortened. Therefore, it is suitable when the length L2 of the print area A in the sub-scanning direction is long.

Further, the input receiving unit 191 sub-scans the print area A by adding a value obtained by adding a length based on a predetermined dimension of the own device to the movement amount detected by the movement detecting unit 120 in the third input mode. It may be configured to be accepted as the length L2 in the direction.

For example, FIG. 13 shows a manual scanning method in the third input mode of the printing apparatus 200 according to such a modification. Here, the dimension of the printing apparatus 200 in the sub-scanning direction is defined as the width W. The configuration of the printing device 200 differs from the configuration of the printing device 100 according to the embodiment only in the function of the input receiving unit 191 in the third input mode. Therefore, the components of the printing device 200 will be described with the same reference numerals as the components of the printing device 100 according to the embodiment.

In this case, the user does not first align the movement detection unit 120 of the printing device 200 with the printing end position (right end) of the printing area A, but aligns the end (right end) of the printing device 200 with the printing end of the printing area A. Adjust to the position (right end). The user causes the movement detection unit 120 of the printing device 200 to detect the amount of movement from that position until the end (left end) of the printing device 100 reaches the printing start position (left end) of the printing area A. This amount of movement corresponds to the length L5 shown in FIG.

The input receiving unit 191 of the printing apparatus 200 receives the value obtained by adding the width W to the length L5 which is the detected movement amount as the length L2 in the sub-scanning direction of the printing area A. The sum of the length L5 and the width W is substantially the same as the length L2.

Normally, the movement detection unit 120 is not provided at the end (right end or left end) of the printing devices 100 and 200, and is provided near the center of the lower portion of the printing devices 100 and 200. Therefore, it may be difficult for the user to grasp whether or not the movement detection unit 120 is located at the end of the print area A as shown in FIG. Further, as shown in FIG. 9, the printing apparatus 100 may protrude from the printing medium S during manual scanning.

In this regard, according to the above modification, when the user inputs the length L2 of the print area A in the sub-scanning direction, the end portion (right end or left end) of the printing apparatus 200 is aligned with the end portion of the print area A. Just do it. Therefore, the user does not have to know whether or not the movement detection unit 120 is located at the end of the print area A. Further, as shown in FIG. 13, since the printing apparatus 200 is located inside the printing medium S during manual scanning, it does not protrude from the printing medium S. In this case, since the printing device 100 does not get on or off the printing medium S, manual scanning becomes easy.

As described above, the input receiving unit 191 of the printing devices 100 and 200 does not necessarily have to receive the movement amount detected by the movement detecting unit 120 as the length L2. The input receiving unit 191 of the printing devices 100 and 200 may be configured to receive a value based on the movement amount detected by the movement detecting unit 120 as the length L2.

In the input processing or printing processing of the printing devices 100 and 200, the user performs manual scanning. This manual scanning moves the printing devices 100 and 200 in the sub-scanning direction. If the user does not move the printing devices 100 and 200 along the sub-scanning direction, printing and input of the length L2 cannot be performed accurately. Therefore, in order to prevent the occurrence of such a problem, the printing devices 100 and 200 may be provided with a member that regulates the moving direction so that the printing devices 100 and 200 move only in the sub-scanning direction.

In the above embodiment, as shown in FIG. 6A, the printing apparatus 100 prints not only the entire printed image B1 but also the printed images B5 and B6 which are a part of the printed image B1. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the printing device 100 may be configured not to print the printed images B5 and B6. In this case, the printing device 100 prints only an integer number of printed images B1.

In the above embodiment, the printing device 100 is a manual scanning type printing device. However, the printing device 100 may be a stationary printing device. However, it is preferable that the printing device 100 is a manual scanning type printing device. This is because a manual printing device is suitable for additional decorative printing when the printing medium S is a printed document or the like.

The input process, the print process, and the like executed by the control unit 190 of the printing device 100 are not limited to the flowcharts shown in FIGS. 11 and 12, and can be changed as appropriate. For example, the order of each step may be changed.

In the above embodiment, the data stored in the ROM 150 may be stored in the RAM 160. The data stored in the RAM 160 may be stored in the ROM 150.

In the above embodiment, the printing apparatus 100 repeatedly reads out the data indicating the print image B1 stored in the RAM 160 and executes printing. However, the present invention is not limited to such a printing method. For example, a print image in which a plurality of print images B1 are arranged in the sub-scanning direction is stored in advance in the RAM 160, and the printing apparatus 100 stores the printed images in which the plurality of print images B1 are arranged in the sub-scanning direction in advance. A portion corresponding to the length L2 may be extracted and printed. In this case, the control unit 190 of the printing device 100 performs a process of trimming a part of the printed image stored in the RAM 160 based on the printing start position set by the printing position setting unit 192.

In the above embodiment, when the length L2 of the print area A is longer than the length L1 of the print image B1, the print position setting unit 192 is located in the center of one direction of the print area A in one direction of the print image B1. The print position of the print image B1 in the print area A is set so that the central portion is arranged.

However, even when the length L2 of the print area A is shorter than the length L1 of the print image B1, the print position setting unit 192 has a central portion in one direction of the print image B1 at the center of one direction of the print area A. The print position of the print image B1 in the print area A may be set so that In this case, for example, when an important character string is arranged in the central portion of the print image B1, even if only 0.7 print images B1 are contained in the print area A, the important characters. The columns can be placed in the center of the print area A for printing.

Further, the input processing, the printing process, and the like of the above-described embodiment are not realized by the printing apparatus 100, but may be realized by, for example, executing a program by a computer. Even if such a program is stored in a computer-readable recording medium such as a USB (Universal Serial Bus) memory, a CD-ROM (Compact Disc-Read Only Memory), a DVD (Digital Versatile Disc), or an HDD (Hard Disc Drive). It may be downloaded to a computer via a network.

Although the preferred embodiments and modifications of the present invention have been described above, the present invention is not limited to the specific embodiment, and the present invention is the same as the invention described in the claims. The range is included. The inventions described in the claims of the original application of the present application are described below.

(Appendix 1)
A printing unit that prints a print image along one direction in the print area of the print medium when it is moved relative to the print medium.
The input receiving unit that receives an input of the length in the one direction of the print area and the central portion of the print image in the one direction are arranged at the center of the print area in the one direction. A control unit having a print position setting unit that sets the print position of the print image in the print area based on the length of the print area in the one direction.
A printing apparatus comprising.

(Appendix 2)
When the print unit repeatedly prints the print image on the print area along the one direction, the print position setting unit is located at the center of the print area in the one direction of the print image. The print start position of the print image is set based on the length of the print area in the one direction so that the central portion of the direction is arranged.
The control unit controls the printing unit so that the printing unit repeatedly prints the printed image on the printing area from the printing start position.
The printing apparatus according to Appendix 1, wherein the printing apparatus is characterized by the above.

(Appendix 3)
Further equipped with a storage unit for storing a plurality of predetermined lengths,
The input receiving unit receives any one of a plurality of predetermined lengths stored in the storage unit selected by the user as the length in the one direction of the printing area.
The printing apparatus according to Appendix 1 or 2, wherein the printing apparatus is characterized by the above.

(Appendix 4)
The input receiving unit receives the numerical value input by the user as the length of the printing area in the one direction.
The printing apparatus according to Appendix 1 or 2, wherein the printing apparatus is characterized by the above.

(Appendix 5)
A movement detection unit for detecting the movement of the printing device with respect to the printing medium is further provided.
The input receiving unit receives a value based on the movement amount in the one direction detected by the movement detecting unit as the length of the print area in the one direction.
The printing apparatus according to Appendix 1 or 2, wherein the printing apparatus is characterized by the above.

(Appendix 6)
The input receiving unit receives a value obtained by multiplying the movement amount detected by the movement detecting unit by a predetermined magnification as the length of the print area in the one direction.
The printing apparatus according to Appendix 5, wherein the printing apparatus is characterized by the above.

(Appendix 7)
The input receiving unit receives a value obtained by adding a length based on the dimensions of the printing device to the movement amount detected by the movement detecting unit as the length of the printing area in the one direction.
The printing apparatus according to Appendix 5, wherein the printing apparatus is characterized by the above.

(Appendix 8)
It is a printing method of a printing device.
The printing apparatus includes a printing unit that prints a printed image along one direction in a printing area of the printing medium when it is moved relative to the printing medium.
An input reception step that accepts an input of the length in the one direction of the print area, and
The print position of the print image in the print area is set to the length of the print area in the one direction so that the central portion of the print image in the one direction is arranged at the center of the print area in the one direction. The print position setting step to be set based on the
A printing method comprising.

(Appendix 9)
A program executed by a computer that controls a printing device.
The printing apparatus includes a printing unit that prints a printed image along one direction in a printing area of the printing medium when it is moved relative to the printing medium.
In the computer
The input of the length in the one direction of the print area is accepted, and the input is accepted.
The print position of the print image in the print area is set to the length of the print area in the one direction so that the central portion of the print image in the one direction is arranged at the center of the print area in the one direction. Let's set based on
A program characterized by that.

100, 200 ... printing device, 110 ... communication unit, 120 ... movement detection unit, 130 ... operation unit, 140 ... display unit, 150 ... ROM, 160 ... RAM, 170 ... printing unit, 180 ... timekeeping unit, 190 ... control unit , 191 ... Input reception unit, 192 ... Print position setting unit, 193 ... Print execution unit

To achieve the above object, a printing apparatus of a first embodiment according to the present invention, while being phase TaiUtsuri movement in a predetermined direction relative to the print medium, repeated image sub-image has been chosen in the predetermined direction Is a printing device capable of printing, and when the printing device performs a predetermined relative movement operation with respect to the printing medium prior to printing the repeated image, based on the predetermined relative movement operation. A detection means for detecting a print area on which the repeated image should be printed on the print medium, and the repeat at the center position of the print area in the predetermined direction regardless of the length of the sub image in the predetermined direction. It is characterized by including an adjusting means for adjusting the printing position of the repeated image so that the center position of any of the sub-images in the image matches .
Further, the printing device of the second aspect according to the present invention is a printing device capable of printing a repeated image in which sub-images are connected in the predetermined direction while being moved relative to the print medium in a predetermined direction. When the printing apparatus performs a predetermined relative movement operation on the print medium prior to printing the repeated image, the repetition is performed on the print medium based on the predetermined relative movement operation. In the repeated image, the detection means for detecting the length of the image to be printed in the predetermined direction and the half position of the length detected by the detection means regardless of the length of the sub-image in the predetermined direction. It is characterized by providing an adjusting means for adjusting the printing position of the repeated image so that the center position of any of the sub-images in the above is aligned.
Further, the printing method of the first aspect according to the present invention is executed by a printing apparatus capable of printing a repeated image in which sub-images are connected in the predetermined direction while being moved relative to the print medium in a predetermined direction. In this printing method, when the printing apparatus performs a predetermined relative movement operation with respect to the printing medium prior to printing the repeated image, the printing medium is based on the predetermined relative movement operation. In the repeated image, the detection step of detecting the print area on which the repeated image should be printed and the center position of the print area in the predetermined direction regardless of the length of the sub image in the predetermined direction It is characterized by including an adjustment step of adjusting the print position of the repeated image so that the center positions of any of the sub-images match.
Further, the printing method of the second aspect according to the present invention is executed by a printing apparatus capable of printing a repeated image in which sub-images are connected in the predetermined direction while being moved relative to the print medium in a predetermined direction. In this printing method, when the printing apparatus performs a predetermined relative movement operation with respect to the printing medium prior to printing the repeated image, the printing medium is based on the predetermined relative movement operation. A detection step for detecting the length of the repeated image to be printed in the predetermined direction, and a half position of the length detected in the detection step regardless of the length of the sub image in the predetermined direction. Is characterized by including an adjustment step of adjusting the print position of the repeated image so that the center position of any of the sub-images in the repeated image matches.
Further, the program of the first aspect according to the present invention is a computer of a printing apparatus capable of printing a repeated image in which sub-images are connected in the predetermined direction while being moved relative to the print medium in a predetermined direction. When the printing apparatus performs a predetermined relative movement operation on the print medium prior to printing the repeated image, the repeated image is performed on the print medium based on the predetermined relative movement operation. A detection means for detecting a print area to be printed on, regardless of the length of the sub image in the predetermined direction, at the center position of the print area in the predetermined direction of any of the sub images in the repeated image. It is characterized in that it functions as an adjusting means for adjusting the printing position of the repeated image so that the center positions match.
Further, the program of the second aspect according to the present invention is a computer of a printing apparatus capable of printing a repeated image in which sub-images are connected in the predetermined direction while being moved relative to the print medium in a predetermined direction. When the printing apparatus performs a predetermined relative movement operation on the print medium prior to printing the repeated image, the repeated image is performed on the print medium based on the predetermined relative movement operation. A detection means for detecting the length to be printed in the predetermined direction, any of the sub-images in the repeated image at a position half of the length detected by the detection means regardless of the length in the predetermined direction. It is characterized in that it functions as an adjusting means for adjusting the printing position of the repeated image so that the center positions of the sub-images match.

Claims (9)

A printing unit that prints a print image along one direction in the print area of the print medium when it is moved relative to the print medium.
The input receiving unit that receives an input of the length in the one direction of the print area and the central portion of the print image in the one direction are arranged at the center of the print area in the one direction. A control unit having a print position setting unit that sets the print position of the print image in the print area based on the length of the print area in the one direction.
A printing apparatus comprising. When the print unit repeatedly prints the print image on the print area along the one direction, the print position setting unit is located at the center of the print area in the one direction of the print image. The print start position of the print image is set based on the length of the print area in the one direction so that the central portion of the direction is arranged.
The control unit controls the printing unit so that the printing unit repeatedly prints the printed image on the printing area from the printing start position.
The printing apparatus according to claim 1. Further equipped with a storage unit for storing a plurality of predetermined lengths,
The input receiving unit receives any one of a plurality of predetermined lengths stored in the storage unit selected by the user as the length in the one direction of the printing area.
The printing apparatus according to claim 1 or 2. The input receiving unit receives the numerical value input by the user as the length of the printing area in the one direction.
The printing apparatus according to claim 1 or 2. A movement detection unit for detecting the movement of the printing device with respect to the printing medium is further provided.
The input receiving unit receives a value based on the movement amount in the one direction detected by the movement detecting unit as the length of the print area in the one direction.
The printing apparatus according to claim 1 or 2. The input receiving unit receives a value obtained by multiplying the movement amount detected by the movement detecting unit by a predetermined magnification as the length of the print area in the one direction.
The printing apparatus according to claim 5. The input receiving unit receives a value obtained by adding a length based on the dimensions of the printing device to the movement amount detected by the movement detecting unit as the length of the printing area in the one direction.
The printing apparatus according to claim 5. It is a printing method of a printing device.
The printing apparatus includes a printing unit that prints a printed image along one direction in a printing area of the printing medium when it is moved relative to the printing medium.
An input reception step that accepts an input of the length in the one direction of the print area, and
The print position of the print image in the print area is set to the length of the print area in the one direction so that the central portion of the print image in the one direction is arranged at the center of the print area in the one direction. The print position setting step to be set based on the
A printing method comprising. A program executed by a computer that controls a printing device.
The printing apparatus includes a printing unit that prints a printed image along one direction in a printing area of the printing medium when it is moved relative to the printing medium.
In the computer
The input of the length in the one direction of the print area is accepted, and the input is accepted.
The print position of the print image in the print area is set to the length of the print area in the one direction so that the central portion of the print image in the one direction is arranged at the center of the print area in the one direction. Let's set based on
A program characterized by that.

Images