JP2023141634A - Printer, control method, and program - Google Patents

Abstract

To control the ejection of a medium to be printed without damaging user's convenience.SOLUTION: A printer (1) includes a reception part (a communication part 124) for receiving print data transmitted by an information processing device (2), and a control part (120) for controlling time until the cutting of a medium to be printed (3) is executed in a state in which the next print data can be received and printed on the medium to be printed after performing printing on the medium to be printed on the basis of the print data received by the reception part.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 6

Description

The present invention relates to a printing device, a control method, and a program.

Printing devices that print on tape-shaped printing media are capable of cutting the printing medium after printing and ejecting the portion of the printing medium that includes the printed area as a label. There is something. Some printing devices of this type are equipped with a function that automatically ejects printed labels and tags that remain inside the printing device without the need for the user to monitor the timing of the cutting operation (for example, patented (See Reference 1).

Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2008-238745

The above-mentioned function of automatically discharging printed labels and tags may lack convenience for the user depending on the usage status of the printing device. For example, if the user wishes to continue printing on the printing medium with the printed label or tag left in the printing device, the printed label or tag may be removed against the user's wishes. may be automatically ejected.

An object of one aspect of the present invention is to provide a technique that can control ejection of a print medium without impairing user convenience.

A printing device according to one aspect of the present invention includes a receiving unit that receives print data transmitted by an information processing device, and after printing on a printing medium based on the print data received by the receiving unit, The present invention is characterized in that it includes a control unit that controls a time until the printing medium is cut in a state in which printing data can be received and printing on the printing medium can be performed.

According to the above aspect, it is possible to control the ejection of the print medium without impairing user convenience.

FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of a printing device according to an embodiment. FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of a mechanism that performs processing on a printing medium in a printing apparatus according to an embodiment. FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a first example of label creation using a printing device. It is a figure explaining the 2nd example of label production using a printing device. FIG. 7 is a sequence diagram illustrating a conventional example of a procedure for creating a label in a second example of label creation. FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration example of a printing device and an information processing device according to an embodiment. 2 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a process performed by an information processing apparatus according to an embodiment. 3 is a flowchart illustrating an example of processing performed by a printing apparatus according to an embodiment. 3 is a flowchart illustrating an example of print processing according to an embodiment.

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. In the following description, a printing apparatus called a label printer or the like, which is capable of printing on a tape-shaped printing medium and cutting the printing medium, will be mentioned as an example of the printing apparatus according to the present invention. Furthermore, the illustrated printing apparatus is of a thermal type that performs printing by applying heat to a printing medium having a heat-sensitive material layer using a thermal head. In the following description, detailed descriptions regarding the well-known hardware configuration, functional configuration, operation, etc. of the illustrated thermal printing apparatus will be omitted.

FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of a printing apparatus according to an embodiment. The printing device 1 illustrated in FIG. 1 is capable of wireless communication with an information processing device 2 such as a smartphone or a tablet computer, and based on print data transferred (sent) from the information processing device 2 to the printing device 1. Printing on the printing medium 3 can be performed.

The printing device 1 includes a device casing 101 having a cartridge mounting portion into which a cartridge containing a printing medium 3 can be mounted, and a device casing 101 that can be freely attached to and detached from the device casing 101 so as to cover the cartridge mounting portion of the device casing 101. and a lid part 102. A tape roll 4 obtained by winding up a tape-shaped printing medium 3 into a roll is housed in a cartridge installed in the device housing 101. The printing device 1 prints on a printing medium 3 that has been unwound from the tape roll 4 and pulled out of the cartridge. Inside the device housing 101, there are a transport mechanism that transports the print medium 3 pulled out of the cartridge, a printing mechanism that prints on the print medium 3, and a cut mechanism that cuts the print medium 3. It is arranged along the conveyance path of the print medium 3. The printing medium 3 conveyed along the conveyance path can be discharged to the outside of the printing apparatus 1 through a discharge port 103 provided in the apparatus housing 101.

A plurality of operation buttons 104 and a plurality of display lamps 105 are arranged on the outer surface of the device housing 101 of the printing device 1 illustrated in FIG. 1 . The plurality of operation buttons 104 include, for example, a button for turning on and off the power of the printing apparatus 1, a button for selecting the type (standard) of wireless communication, a button for transporting the printing medium 3, and a button for transporting the printing medium 3. Contains a button for repeating printing on the print medium based on the print data. The plurality of display lamps 105 are, for example, light emitting components such as LED (Light Emitting Diode) lamps. The plurality of display lamps 105 include, for example, a display lamp that indicates the on/off state of the power supply, and a display lamp that indicates the type of wireless communication and the communication status.

The printing device 1 can perform wireless communication with an external device according to short-range wireless communication standards such as BLE (Bluetooth Low Energy (registered trademark)) and Wi-Fi (registered trademark). The information processing device 2 is an electronic device that is implemented in the printing device 1 and is capable of wireless communication in accordance with the short-range wireless communication standard, and is also capable of executing an application program for creating print data to be transferred to the printing device 1. That's fine. The information processing device 2 is not limited to the above-mentioned smartphone or tablet computer, but may be another type of general-purpose computer or dedicated computer. A user of the information processing device 2 can edit the layout of objects (characters, figures, etc.) to be printed on the printing medium 3 and create a print image. For example, a user of the information processing device 2 can create a print image by operating the touch panel display 201, which is an integrated display device and input device. The information processing device 2 generates print data based on the created print image and various settings related to print processing and the like to be executed by the printing device 1.

The printing device 1 and the information processing device 2 according to the present embodiment are not limited to the external configuration illustrated in FIG. 1, but may have other external configurations. The printing device 1 may be equipped with a keyboard device that can be used to input objects to be printed on the printing medium 3, a dot matrix display, etc. that displays information input by the keyboard device, etc. good. The information processing device 2 may be a notebook computer, a desktop computer, or the like.

FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of a mechanism that performs processing on a printing medium in a printing apparatus according to an embodiment. FIG. 2 schematically shows the main components of the above-described transport mechanism, printing mechanism, and cutting mechanism, which are arranged along the transport path of the printing medium 3 in a straight line. Upstream and downstream in FIG. 2 indicate the relative positional relationship of the conveyance path and the print medium 3 along the conveyance direction of the print medium 3.

The print medium 3 unwound from the tape roll 4 and pulled out from the cartridge is conveyed along a conveyance path passing between the thermal head 111 and the platen roller 112. The thermal head 111 is one of the components of the printing mechanism, and a plurality of heating elements that apply heat to the printing medium 3 are lined up in a direction perpendicular to the conveying direction of the printing medium 3. The platen roller 112 is one of the components of the transport mechanism, and is arranged so that its side surface (circumferential surface) is in contact with the surface of the print medium 3 on the opposite side from the surface to be printed (the surface in contact with the thermal head 111). has been done. The thermal head 111 and the platen roller 112 sandwich the printing medium 3 at least while conveying the printing medium 3 (including while printing on the printing medium 3). In the following description, the position on the conveyance path where the printing medium 3 is sandwiched between the thermal head 111 and the platen roller 112 will be referred to as the "printing position".

The platen roller 112 in the printing device 1 according to the present embodiment rotates in a rotational direction that moves the printing medium 3 downstream (normal rotation) and rotates in a rotational direction that moves the printing medium 3 upstream. (reversal). That is, the printing apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment performs forward transport in which the printing medium 3 is transported downstream of the transport path, and reverse transport in which the printing medium 3 is transported upstream in the transport path. I can do it.

A full cutter 113 that completely cuts the printing medium 3 and a half cutter 114 that cuts the printing medium 3 in half are disposed downstream of the printing position in the printing path. For example, after printing on the printing medium 3 is finished, the full cutter 113 can be used for cutting the entire printing medium 3 to remove a portion (label) including the printed area and for subsequent printing. This is a cutter that separates into two parts. The half cutter 114 is a cutter that partially cuts the printing medium 3. For example, when the printing medium 3 has a multilayer structure in which a base material layer including a heat-sensitive material layer, an adhesive layer, and a separator (release paper) are laminated, the half cutter 114 cuts only the base material layer and the adhesive layer. do. For example, the half cutter 114 may be a cutter that cuts the printing medium 3 so that there are cut sections and uncut sections along the cut line (for example, like a perforation). . In the following description, the position on the conveyance path where the printing medium 3 is cut by the full cutter 113 is referred to as a "full cut position", and the position where the printing medium 3 is cut by the half cutter 114 is referred to as a "half cut position".

As described above, the printing apparatus 1 of this embodiment can transport the printing medium 3 toward the upstream side of the transport path. In this type of printing device 1, for example, the leading edge (the most downstream end) of the printing medium 3 is located at a "cue position (see FIG. 2)" downstream of the printing position and close to the printing position. After the printing medium 3 is conveyed in such a manner that printing can be started. Further, in this type of printing device 1, for example, after performing a half cut at a position on the upstream side by a predetermined distance from the leading edge of the printing medium 3, the half-cut position of the printing medium 3 is set at the print position or the head. Printing can be started after the printing medium 3 is transported to the output position. Furthermore, in this type of printing device 1, after printing on the printing medium 3 is completed, a predetermined position on the upstream side of the printing area on the printing medium 3 is fully cut, and printing is performed. The cut piece (label) of the printing medium 3 including the area can be discharged from the discharge port 103.

FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating a first conventional example of label creation using a printing device. FIG. 3 shows a first example of a conventional production procedure in which a plurality of labels are successively produced without setting a full cut execution time, which will be described later with reference to FIGS. 6 to 9. As an example of multiple labels to be created in succession, Figure 3 shows two labels: one with the character string ``Aiueo'' printed on it and the other with the character string ``Kakikukeko'' printed on it. are doing. It is assumed that the printing medium 3 used to create the label is a laminated layer of a base material layer including a heat-sensitive material layer, an adhesive layer, and a separator.

In the first conventional example of the creation procedure shown in FIG. 3, first, first print data for printing the character string "AIUEO" on the printing medium 3 is transmitted from the information processing device 2 to the printing device. The printing device that has received the first print data creates a first label 300 that includes an area 306 in which the character string "AIUEO" is printed. The first label 300 is half-cut at a line 302 located upstream by a distance L0 from the starting edge 301, which was the leading edge of the printing medium 3 at the time of creation, and the area 306 extends from the line 302 to the ending edge 303. It is included in the section 305 of . That is, of the section 304 from the starting end 301 to the line 302 and the section 305 from the line 302 to the terminal end 303 in the first label 300, only the section 305 is used as a label. The section 304 from the starting end 301 to the line 302 in the first label 300 is a section called an ear section etc., and for example, the section 304 in the section 305 in the first label 300 is used to make it easier to peel off the base material layer and adhesive layer from the separator. established in

After creating the first label 300, when the information processing device 2 transmits the second print data for printing the character string “Kakikukeko” on the printing medium 3 to the printing device, the printing device prints “Kakikukeko”. A second label 310 is created that includes an area 316 in which a character string "Kakikukeko" is printed. At this time, the printing device prints the first label 300 so that the new leading edge 311 of the printing medium 3 resulting from the full cut performed when creating the first label 300 becomes the starting edge 311 of the second label 310. A second label 310 is created using the same procedure as when creating the label 300. Therefore, in the second label 310, a half-cut is performed on a line 312 located upstream by a distance L0 from the starting edge 311, which was the leading edge of the printing medium 3 at the start of creation, and a region 316 is formed from the line 312. It is included in the section 315 up to the terminal end 313. That is, of the section 314 (edge) from the starting end 311 to the line 312 of the second label 310 and the section 315 from the line 312 to the terminal end 313, only the section 315 is used as a label. .

In this way, in the first conventional example of the creation procedure, each time the process of printing on the print medium 3 based on the received print data is completed, the print medium 3 is automatically cut completely to create a label. can do. However, in such a creation procedure, as illustrated in FIG. 3, the first label 300 created based on the first print data and the second label 310 created based on the second print data are Both are provided with ears (section 304 and section 314). That is, the length LE1 of the printing medium 3 consumed when the first label 300 and the second label 310 are created according to the first conventional example is expressed by the following equation 1.
LE1=L0×2+L1+L2 (Formula 1)
In Equation 1, L1 is the length of the section 305 used as the label of the first label 300, and L2 is the length of the section 315 used as the label of the second label 310.

The edge portions (section 304 and section 314) of each label 300, 310 are portions that are not printed based on print data and are not used as labels. For this reason, when a label is created according to the first conventional example of the creation procedure, the amount of printing medium 3 that is not used as a label increases.

FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating a second conventional example of label creation using a printing device. FIG. 4 shows a second example of a conventional production procedure in which a plurality of labels are successively produced without setting a full cut execution time, which will be described later with reference to FIGS. 6 to 9. As an example of multiple labels to be created in succession, Figure 4 shows a first label with the character string "Aiueo" printed on it and a second label with the character string "Kakikukeko" printed on it. Two labels are illustrated. It is assumed that the printing medium 3 used to create the label is a laminated layer of a base material layer including a heat-sensitive material layer, an adhesive layer, and a separator.

In the second conventional example of the creation procedure shown in FIG. 4, first, first print data for printing the character string "AIUEO" on the printing medium 3 is transmitted from the information processing device 2 to the printing device. The printing device that has received the first print data half-cuts the line 302 located upstream by a distance L0 from the leading edge 301 of the printing medium 3, and then cuts the line 302 further upstream from the line 302 into an "aiueo" section. The character string is printed and the processing based on the first print data is ended without cutting the print medium 3 completely.

After the processing based on the first print data is completed, when the information processing device 2 transmits the second print data for printing the character string “Kakikukeko” on the printing medium 3 to the printing device, the printing device Half-cuts a line 307 located upstream of the area 306 in which the character string "AIUEO" is printed on the printing medium 3. Thereafter, as illustrated in FIG. 4, the printing device transports the printing medium 3 so that the line 307 of the printing medium 3 is located at the printing position, and prints the character string "Kakikukeko" on the printing medium 3. to print. Also at this time, the printing device ends the process based on the second print data without fully cutting the print medium 3.

After the processing based on the second print data is completed, for example, when a command instructing the execution (implementation) of a full cut is sent from the information processing device 2 to the printing device, the printing device The line on the upstream side of the area 316 where the character string "Kakikukeko" is printed is completely cut. As a result, as illustrated in FIG. 4, one label 320 is created that includes an area 306 where the character string "Aiueo" is printed and an area 316 where the character string "Kakikukeko" is printed. Ru.

In the label 320 created by the second conventional example, lines 302 and 307 are half-cut. That is, the set of the base material layer and the adhesive layer in the label 320 includes a section 304 (edge) from the starting edge 301 to the line 302, a section 305 from the line 302 to the line 307, and a section 315 from the line 307 to the terminal end 313. It is separated into three sections. An area 306 where the character string "Aiueo" is printed is within the section 305, and an area 316 where the character string "Kakikukeko" is printed is within the section 315. That is, one label 320 created according to the second conventional example can use the section 305 as the first label and the section 315 as the second label. Furthermore, the only ear in label 320 is section 304. Therefore, the length LE2 of the printing medium 3 consumed when one label 320 including the portions usable as the first label and the second label is created according to the second conventional example is calculated using the following formula 2. It is expressed as
LE1=L0+L1+L2 (Formula 2)

In this way, in the second conventional example of the creation procedure, after printing on the printing medium based on the received print data is completed, the printing device is instructed to perform a full cut, thereby printing the material that will not be used as a label. The amount of print media 3 can be reduced.

However, when creating a label using the second conventional example of the creation procedure, there is a risk that user convenience may be reduced.

FIG. 5 is a sequence diagram illustrating an example of a procedure for creating a label in a second conventional example of label creation.

In the second conventional example of the label creation procedure described above with reference to FIG. 4, for example, as shown in FIG. 5, first, the information processing device 2 edits the print image according to input from the user. (Step S21). Thereafter, when an operation for printing is performed, the information processing device 2 generates print data based on the print image (step S22), and performs wireless connection processing with the printing device (step S23). In step S23, the information processing device 2 first transmits a wireless connection request to the printing device. The printing device that received the request performs a wireless connection process (step S11) with the information processing device 2 that sent the request. For example, UDP (User Datagram Protocol) is used for the wireless connection processing in step S23 and step S11.

When the information processing device 2 becomes ready to send print data to the printing device through the wireless connection processing in steps S23 and S11, the information processing device 2 sends the first print data to the printing device (step S24), Waits to receive a print completion notification from the printing device. The printing device that has received the first print data performs printing processing based on the first print data (step S12), and sends a print completion notification to the information processing device 2 (step S13).

After receiving the print completion notification from the printing device, the user who wishes to send the next print data to the printing device operates the information processing device 2 to send the second print data from the information processing device 2 to the printing device. can be transmitted (step S25). The process of generating the second print data may be performed before receiving the print end notification, or may be performed after receiving the print end notification. After transmitting the second print data, the information processing device 2 waits to receive a print completion notification from the printing device. The printing device that has received the second print data performs print processing based on the second print data (step S14), and sends a print completion notification to the information processing device 2 (step S15).

After receiving the printing completion notification from the printing device, the user who wishes to finish label creation can, for example, operate the information processing device 2 to send a full cut instruction from the information processing device 2 to the printing device. It is possible (step S26). After transmitting the full cut instruction, the information processing device 2 waits to receive a full cut completion notification from the printing device. The printing device that has received the full cut instruction performs a full cut process (step S16), and sends a full cut completion notification to the information processing device 2 (step S17).

After receiving the full cut completion notification from the printing device, the user who wishes to finish label creation may, for example, operate the information processing device 2 to cancel the wireless connection between the information processing device 2 and the printing device. (Step S27) can be performed. When the printing device performs the process of canceling the wireless connection with the information processing device (step S18) in response to the wireless connection cancellation process of the information processing device 2, the wireless connection between the information processing device 2 and the printing device is canceled. . When the wireless connection between the information processing device 2 and the printing device is canceled, the printing device wirelessly connects with another information processing device 2 or with the same information processing device 2 again, and prints data based on new print data. Printing on the printing medium 3 can be performed.

In this way, in the second conventional example of the label creation procedure, by sending a full cut instruction from the information processing device 2 to the printing device, the printing device fully cuts the printing medium 3, as illustrated in FIG. A label 320 is discharged. Therefore, for example, the printing device may continue to wait for the next print data to be transmitted from the wirelessly connected information processing device 2 until the user of the information processing device 2 performs an operation to send a full cut instruction. become.

Further, a printing device capable of wirelessly connecting to the information processing apparatus 2 generally cannot wirelessly connect to a plurality of information processing apparatuses 2 at the same time. Therefore, a printing device that is wirelessly connected to a certain information processing device 2 performs a full cut in response to a full cut instruction from that information processing device 2, and waits until the wireless connection with that information processing device 2 is canceled. The print data from the information processing device 2 cannot be received. When only one user uses one printing device, even if the printing device operates in this manner, full cutting can be performed at the timing desired by the user. However, for example, if one printing device can be used by multiple users, the printing device will have to perform a full cut in consideration of the use by other users, which will reduce user convenience. There is a risk that it will decrease.

FIG. 6 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration example of a printing device and an information processing device according to an embodiment. Each block of the printing device 1 and the information processing device 2 illustrated in FIG. and implemented by software executed by hardware.

The printing device 1 includes a control section 120, a storage section 121, an input section 122, a display section 123, a communication section 124, a detection section 125, a conveyance section 126, a printing section 127, and a cutting section 128.

The detection unit 125 detects whether or not a cartridge is installed in the printing device 1, and detects the type of printing medium 3 supplied from the installed cartridge (for example, the width of the printing medium 3, the color of the printing surface, etc.). ) is detected. The transport unit 126 corresponds to the transport mechanism described above, and includes a platen roller 112, a motor connected to the platen roller 112, and a drive circuit that drives the motor. The printing unit 127 corresponds to the above-described printing mechanism, and includes the thermal head 111 and a drive circuit that applies current to the heating element of the thermal head 111. The cutting section 128 corresponds to the above-described cutting mechanism, and includes a full cutter 113 and a half cutter 114, a motor that operates the full cutter 113 and the half cutter 114, and a drive circuit that drives the motor.

The control unit 120 controls various operations of the printing apparatus 1. The control unit 120 is, for example, a processor such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit), and controls the operation of the printing apparatus 1 by executing a program stored in the storage unit 121. The processor as the control unit 120 performs a process of printing on a printing medium based on print data, which will be described later with reference to FIGS. 8 and 9, and a timing for executing a full cut based on a full cut execution time. It is possible to execute the processes and programs to be controlled.

The control section 120 includes a determination section 120a and a drive control section 120b. The determination unit 120a determines whether or not to perform a full cut based on the set full cut implementation time. The drive control section 120b performs various controls regarding the operations of the conveying section 126, the printing section 127, and the cutting section 128. The drive control unit 120b generates, for example, a control signal for controlling the rotation direction, rotation speed, and number of rotations (rotation angle) of the motor connected to the platen roller 112 of the conveyance unit 126, and rotates (drives) the motor. ) is output to the drive circuit. The drive control unit 120b generates, for example, a control signal for controlling the application of current to a heating element included in the thermal head 111 of the printing unit 127, and outputs the control signal to a drive circuit that applies current to the heating element. The drive control unit 120b generates, for example, a control signal for controlling the operation of the motor connected to the full cutter 113 and the half cutter 114 of the cutting unit 128, and outputs it to a drive circuit that rotates the motor.

The storage unit 121 stores various information such as programs executed by the processor as the control unit 120, data referred to during program execution, and generated data. The storage unit 121 includes a RAM (Random Access Memory) and a ROM (Read Only Memory) as a main storage device. The storage unit 121 may include, for example, an auxiliary storage device such as an SSD (Solid State Drive) in addition to the RAM and ROM as the main storage device. The storage unit 121 includes, in addition to storage devices built into the printing device 1 such as RAM and ROM serving as main storage devices, a portable recording medium such as a USB (Universal Serial Bus) memory and a card-type memory. But that's fine.

The input unit 122 receives various inputs regarding the operation of the printing apparatus 1. The input unit 122 includes the plurality of operation buttons 104 described above with reference to FIG. The input unit 122 may include an input device such as a keyboard that can input objects such as characters and graphics. The display section 123 displays various information regarding the operation of the printing apparatus 1, various information inputted through the input section 122, and the like. The display section 123 includes the plurality of display lamps 105 described above with reference to FIG. The display unit 123 may include a dot matrix display device (for example, a liquid crystal display device, etc.) that can display information such as characters and graphics. Further, the printing device 1 may include a touch panel display in which a position detector (digitizer) as the input section 122 is placed on a display surface of a liquid crystal display device as the display section 123.

The communication unit 124 performs wireless communication with an external device such as the information processing device 2 according to a known short-range wireless communication standard. The communication unit 124 can perform wireless communication according to wireless communication standards such as BLE and Wi-Fi, for example. In addition to wireless communication, the communication unit 124 may be capable of communicating with an external device such as the information processing device 2 via a transmission cable such as a USB cable. The communication unit 124 is an example of a receiving unit that receives print data transmitted from the information processing device 2. The communication unit 124 (receiving unit) can receive print data as well as information indicating whether to continue printing (information indicating whether the information processing device 2 will transmit the next print data).

Note that in the printing apparatus 1 of this embodiment, a plurality of functions illustrated as a plurality of blocks in FIG. 6 may be implemented by a single piece of hardware. For example, the printing device 1 includes an FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array), an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit), etc., including a processor functioning as the control unit 120 and part or all of RAM and ROM as the storage unit 121. of It may also include a single integrated circuit device.

The information processing device 2 includes a control section 220, a storage section 221, an input section 222, a display section 223, and a communication section 224.

The control unit 220 controls various operations of the information processing device 2. The control unit 220 is, for example, a processor such as a CPU, and controls the operation of the information processing device 2 by executing a program stored in the storage unit 221. The processor as the control unit 220 performs a process of editing a print image, a process of generating print data, and a process of selecting (designating) whether or not to continue printing, which will be described later with reference to FIG. You can run programs containing

The control section 220 includes an editing section 220a and a print data generation section 220b. The editing unit 220a creates layout data (print image) of objects such as characters and figures to be printed on the printing medium 3 in response to a user's input operation. For example, the editing unit 220a causes the print image to be displayed within an editing screen displayed on the display unit 223. The print data generation unit 220b generates print data by converting the print image created by the editing unit 220a into data in a format compatible with printing on the printing medium 3 in the printing device 1. The print data generated by the print data generation unit 220b includes, for example, the number of times a print image is printed based on the print data, and the setting of the presence or absence of the edges (section 304 and section 314) described above with reference to FIGS. 3 and 4. , information indicating whether to continue printing or not.

The storage unit 221 stores various information such as programs executed by the processor as the control unit 220, data referred to during program execution, and generated data. The storage unit 221 includes a RAM and a ROM as a main storage device. The storage unit 221 may include, for example, an auxiliary storage device such as an SSD or an HDD (Hard Disk Drive) in addition to the RAM and ROM as the main storage device. The storage unit 221 may include, in addition to storage devices built into the information processing device 2 such as RAM and ROM serving as main storage devices, a portable recording medium such as a USB memory or a card-type memory.

The input unit 222 receives various inputs regarding the operation of the information processing device 2 . The input unit 222 includes the position detector (digitizer) of the touch panel display 201 described above with reference to FIG. The input unit 222 may include an input device such as a keyboard and a mouse that can be used to input objects such as characters and figures, change the position of the input objects, and the like. The display unit 223 displays various information related to the operation of the information processing device 2, various information input through the input unit 222, and the like. The display unit 223 may be the display device of the touch panel display 201 described above with reference to FIG. The display unit 223 may include a dot matrix display device (for example, a liquid crystal display device, etc.) that is separate from the touch panel display 201 (separate from input).

The communication unit 224 performs wireless communication with an external device such as the printing device 1 according to a known short-range wireless communication standard. The communication unit 224 can perform wireless communication according to wireless communication standards such as BLE and Wi-Fi, for example. The communication unit 224 may be capable of communicating with an external device such as the printing device 1 via a transmission cable such as a USB cable, in addition to short-range wireless communication.

Note that in the information processing device 2 of this embodiment, a plurality of functions illustrated as a plurality of blocks in FIG. 6 may be implemented by a single piece of hardware. For example, the information processing device 2 may include a single integrated circuit device such as an FPGA or an ASIC that includes a processor functioning as the control unit 220 and part or all of RAM and ROM as the storage unit 221. It's okay. Furthermore, in the information processing device 2 of this embodiment, the functions illustrated in a single block in FIG. 6 may be implemented by a plurality of pieces of hardware. For example, the functions of the control unit 220 may be implemented by a CPU and a DSP (Digital Signal Processor). Furthermore, the information processing device 2 of this embodiment may be capable of performing other functions in addition to the functions described above with reference to FIG. For example, the information processing device 2 may be capable of making phone calls via a telephone network, such as the above-mentioned smartphone.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart illustrating an example of processing performed by the information processing device according to an embodiment. When the user of the information processing device 2 performs an operation to execute (start) an application for creating a label using the printing device 1, the information processing device 2 starts the process illustrated in FIG.

The information processing device 2 first edits a print image according to the input from the user (step S201). In step S201, the information processing apparatus 2 accepts operations such as inputting objects and changing positions, as well as operations regarding various settings related to printing. Operations for various settings related to printing include, for example, operations for selecting (designating) the number of copies to be printed and whether or not to print continuously. The selection of whether to continue printing is the selection of whether to send another print data after sending the print data. Thereafter, when an operation for executing printing is performed, the information processing device 2 generates print data based on the print image (step S202), and performs a wireless connection process with the printing device 1 (step S203).

When the information processing device 2 is connected wirelessly to the printing device 1 and becomes ready to send print data, the information processing device 2 determines whether or not printing continues (step S204). If printing is not to be continued (step S204; NO), the information processing device 2 sends only print data to the printing device 1 (step S205), and waits to receive a print completion notification from the printing device 1 (step S207). . When printing continues (step S204; YES), the information processing device 2 transmits print data and information indicating that printing will continue (step S206), and receives the print end notification from the printing device 1. Wait for reception (step S207). Note that the information transmitted to the printing apparatus 1 in steps S205 and S206 is not limited to this. For example, step S205 is a process of transmitting print data including information indicating not to continue printing to the printing device 1, and step S206 is a process of transmitting print data including information indicating continuing printing to the printing device 1. It may be a process.

After step S205 or S206, the information processing device 2 repeats the determination in step S207 until it receives the print end notification from the printing device 1. Upon receiving the print end notification (step S207; YES), the information processing device 2 determines whether or not it is set to continue printing (step S208). The determination result of step S208 matches the determination result of step S204 performed most recently. When printing continues (step S208; YES), the process performed by the information processing device 2 returns to step S201, for example (in this case, the wireless connection process in step S203 may be omitted). If the generation of print data to be transmitted next is completed at the time of making the determination in step S208, the process performed by the information processing apparatus 2 may return to step S204, for example.

If printing is not to be performed continuously (step S208; NO), the information processing device 2 performs a process of canceling the wireless connection with the printing device 1 (step S209), and ends the process illustrated in FIG. 7. Note that the process performed by the information processing device 2 omits the determination in step S204, and when transmitting print data, always includes information indicating whether or not to continue printing together with the print data (or includes it in the print data). ) It may also be a process of transmitting to the printing device 1.

In this way, when the information processing device 2 according to the present embodiment transmits (transfers) print data to the printing device 1, it also transmits information indicating whether or not to continue printing. Then, the printing apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment sets the time until performing a full cut after printing is completed based on the information received together with the print data and indicates whether or not to continue printing. Perform a full cut based on time.

FIG. 8 is a flowchart illustrating an example of processing performed by a printing apparatus according to an embodiment. FIG. 9 is a flowchart illustrating an example of print processing according to an embodiment. When the printing device 1 is turned on, it performs a predetermined self-check. The self-check includes, for example, checking whether there are any errors in the conveyance mechanism, printing mechanism, cutting mechanism, and wireless communication function, and whether a cartridge is installed in the printing device 1 and the printing medium 3 is on the conveyance path. Checks, etc. will be carried out. If no error is detected in the self-check and it is confirmed that the printing medium 3 is on the transport path, the printing device 1 shifts to a standby state and starts the main processing illustrated in FIG. 8 .

When the main process is started, the printing apparatus 1 determines whether or not it has received a wireless connection request from the information processing apparatus 2 while remaining in a standby state (step S101). Until a wireless connection request is received (step S101; NO), the printing apparatus 1 continues to make the determination in step S101 while performing processing related to full cut execution based on the setting of the full cut execution time (steps S107 to S111). The processing in steps S107 to S111 will be described later. Upon receiving the wireless connection request (step S101; YES), the printing device 1 performs wireless connection processing with the information processing device 2 (step S102), and then determines whether print data from the information processing device 2 has been received. A determination is made (step S103). Until the print data is received from the information processing device 2 (step S103; NO), the printing device 1 performs the processing related to performing a full cut based on the setting of the full cut time (steps S107 to S111) while performing the processing in step S103. Continue to judge.

Upon receiving the print data from the information processing device 2 (step S103; YES), the printing device 1 performs a print process (step S104) to print on the printing medium 3 based on the received print data. As the printing process in step S104, the printing apparatus 1 of this embodiment performs, for example, a process according to the flowchart illustrated in FIG. 9.

In the printing process, the printing apparatus 1 first determines whether or not it has received information indicating that printing will be continued together with print data (step S121). For example, if the printing device 1 receives information indicating to continue printing, if the print data includes information indicating to continue printing, or if it does not receive information indicating not to continue printing. In some cases, if information clearly indicating that printing is not to be continued has not been received, it is determined that information to be printed continuously has been received (step S121; YES).

If information indicating that printing is to be continued is received (step S121; YES), the printing device 1 temporarily sets a full cut execution time to be performed after the currently executed printing process is completed (step S122). The full cut execution time is the time until a full cut is executed to eject the portion of the printing medium 3 that has been printed based on the received print data as a label. For example, if information indicating a full cut implementation time is received together with the print data, the printing device 1 temporarily sets the full cut implementation time based on the received information. The information indicating the execution time of the full cut may be, for example, the elapsed time from the time when printing on the printing medium 3 ended, or the time or date and time at which the full cut is executed. If the printing device 1 has not received the information indicating the execution time of the full cut, the printing device 1 may, for example, determine the elapsed time from the time when printing on the printing medium 3 ended, which is set in advance in the printing device 1, or the full cut. Temporarily set the full cut implementation time based on the time, date and time, etc.

After the process in step S122, the printing apparatus 1 performs a half cut to provide the edge portion (for example, the section 304 of the first label 300) described with reference to FIGS. 3 and 4 (step S123). Thereafter, printing is performed on the printing medium 3 based on the received print data (step S124). Further, if information indicating that printing is to be continued is not received (step S121; NO), the printing apparatus 1 skips the process of step S122 and performs the processes of steps S123 and S124.

After step S124, the printing apparatus 1 again determines whether or not it has received information indicating that printing will continue (step S125). The determination result in step S125 matches the determination result in step S121 in the print process currently being performed. If information indicating that printing is to be continued is not received (step S125; NO), the printing device 1 completely cuts the printing medium 3 (step S126), and, for example, prints the first label illustrated in FIG. Eject labels like 300. After completely cutting the printing medium 3, the printing device 1 sends a print completion notification to the information processing device 2 (step S127), and ends the printing process illustrated in FIG. 9 (i.e., step S104 in FIG. 8). .

On the other hand, if information indicating that printing is to be continued is received (step S125; YES), the printing apparatus 1 performs a process of setting a full cut execution time (step Steps S128 to S131) are performed.

If the printing apparatus 1 does not receive information indicating that printing will continue, the printing apparatus 1 next determines whether a full cut execution time has been set (step S128). In step S128, the printing apparatus 1 determines whether or not the full cut execution time has been provisionally set in step S122, which is currently being performed. Determine the presence or absence. In other words, in step S128, the printing apparatus 1 determines whether a full cut execution time has been set in a print process performed before the currently performed print process.

If the full cut execution time has not been set (step S128; NO), the printing device 1 sets the full cut execution time (temporary setting time) provisionally set in step S122 to the official full cut execution time (step S128; NO). S129). After setting the full cut execution time, the printing device 1 transmits a print completion notification to the information processing device 2 (step S127), and ends the printing process illustrated in FIG. 9 (step S104 in FIG. 8).

If the full cut execution time has been set (step S128; YES), the printing apparatus 1 next temporarily determines the time interval until the set full cut execution time (set time) arrives in step S122. It is determined whether or not the time interval until the set full cut implementation time (temporary set time) arrives (step S130). In other words, in step S130, the printing apparatus 1 performs a full cut based on the currently set full cut execution time (set time) and a full cut execution time temporarily set in step S122 (temporary set time). It is determined which will be performed first, a full cut based on the following.

If the time interval until the set time arrives is less than or equal to the time interval until the provisional set time arrives (step S130; YES), the printing device 1 changes the setting of the full cut execution time to the set time, that is, the current time. The set full cut execution time is left unchanged (step S131). If the time interval until the tentatively set time arrives is shorter than the time interval until the set time arrives (step S130; NO), the printing device 1 prints the full cut execution time tentatively set at step S122 (temporarily set time) is set as the official full cut execution time (step S129). That is, when the official full cut execution time is set, the printing device 1 uses the time specified by the set execution time and the full cut execution time (tentatively set time) provisionally set in step S122. The implementation time corresponding to the time that comes first among the specified times is set as the new full cut implementation time. After setting the full cut execution time in step S129 or S131, the printing device 1 sends a print completion notification to the information processing device 2 (step S127), and ends the printing process illustrated in FIG. 9 (step S104 in FIG. 8). do.

When the printing process (step S104) in FIG. 8 is completed, the printing apparatus 1 determines whether or not it has received information indicating that printing will be continued together with the print data used in the printing process (step S104) (step S105). ). The determination result in step S105 matches the determination result in steps S121 and S125 (see FIG. 9) in the most recently performed printing process. If information indicating that printing is to be continued is received (step S105; YES), the process performed by the printing device 1 returns to step S103. If information indicating that printing will continue is not received (step S105; NO), the printing device 1 performs a process of canceling the wireless connection with the information processing device 2 (step S106), and then returns to step S101. return.

In this way, when the printing device 1 receives the print data from the information processing device 2 and performs printing on the print medium 3 based on the print data, the printing device 1 selects the print medium 3 depending on whether or not to continue printing. The process after printing on the print medium 3 is completed is changed. If printing is not to be performed continuously, the printing medium 3 is fully cut after printing is completed, and the printing process is ended, as described above with reference to FIG. When printing continues, as described above with reference to FIG. 9, after printing is completed, do not perform a full cut, but instead set the time until the full cut is performed and end the printing process. . In addition, a full cut performed when printing is not performed continuously is considered to be a full cut in which the time until the full cut is performed is set immediately after printing is completed (for example, a short time of 1 second or less or a few seconds). be able to.

Next, the processing of steps S107 to S111 performed by the printing device 1 when print data from the information processing device 2 is not received will be described. If the printing device 1 is not connected wirelessly to the information processing device 2 (step S101; NO), or if print data is not received from the information processing device 2 connected wirelessly (step S103; NO), the printing device 1 , performs the processing of steps S107 to S111.

In step S107, the printing apparatus 1 checks whether a full cut execution time has been set. For example, the printing apparatus 1 checks whether the full cut execution time set in step S129 or S131 of the printing process illustrated with reference to FIG. 9 is held. If the full cut execution time is not set (step S107; NO), the printing apparatus 1 determines whether or not it is wirelessly connected to the information processing apparatus 2 without executing the full cut (step S111). . If the wireless connection is in progress (step S111; YES), the processing performed by the printing device 1 returns to step S103; if the wireless connection is not in progress (step S111; NO), the processing performed by the printing device 1 returns to the determination in step S101. return.

If the full cut execution time has been set (step S107; YES), the printing apparatus 1 determines whether the full cut execution time has arrived (step S108). If the full cut execution time is indicated by the elapsed time since the end of the printing process, in step S108, the printing device 1 determines, for example, if the timer that started operating at the end of printing is in operation (counting). , it is determined that it has not arrived. Further, when the full cut execution time is indicated by time or date and time, in step S108, the printing device 1 determines that the current time or date and time specified by the clock or calendar built into the printing device 1 is the full cut execution time. If it is before the time or date indicated by , it is determined that it has not arrived. If the full cut implementation time has not arrived (step S108; NO), the printing device 1 determines whether or not it is wirelessly connected to the information processing device 2 without performing a full cut (step S111). ). If the wireless connection is in progress (step S111; YES), the processing performed by the printing device 1 returns to step S103; if the wireless connection is not in progress (step S111; NO), the processing performed by the printing device 1 returns to the determination in step S101. return.

If the full cut implementation time has arrived (or the implementation time has passed) (step S108; YES), the printing device 1 performs a process of fully cutting the printing medium 3 (step S109), and The setting of the cut execution time is canceled (step S110). In step S109, the printing apparatus 1, for example, transports the printing medium 3 in the forward direction by a transport amount corresponding to the distance from the printing position to the full cut position on the transport path, and then fully cuts the printing medium 3. As a result, for example, the object on the printing medium 3 whose conveyance was stopped when printing was completed is located at a position upstream from the printed area (for example, the areas 306 and 316 illustrated in FIGS. 3 and 4). The printing medium 3 can be completely cut. After steps S109 and S110, the printing device 1 determines whether it is wirelessly connected to the information processing device 2 (step S111). If the wireless connection is in progress (step S111; YES), the processing performed by the printing device 1 returns to step S103; if the wireless connection is not in progress (step S111; NO), the processing performed by the printing device 1 returns to the determination in step S101. return.

In this way, the printing device 1 of the present embodiment prints on the print medium 3 based on the received print data, and then receives the next print data and prints on the print medium 3. The time required to perform a full cut of the printing medium 3 is controlled in such a state that the print medium 3 is fully cut. For example, if information indicating that printing on the print medium 3 is to be continued is received together with the print data, after the printing on the print medium 3 based on the print data is completed, the print medium 3 is Set the time until performing a full cut and wait for the next print data to be received. That is, the printing apparatus 1 of this embodiment cuts the printing medium 3 when the set time arrives, for example, without receiving a full cut instruction as described above with reference to FIG. 5 from the information processing apparatus 2. can be cut automatically. In addition, if the printing device 1 does not receive information indicating that printing will continue on the printing medium 3, the printing device 1 automatically changes the printing medium 3 at the timing when the printing medium 3 is finished based on the print data. Make a full cut. In addition, by setting the full cut execution time in the printing device 1 and controlling the time until the full cut is executed, the full cut can be performed even after the wireless connection between the information processing device 2 and the printing device 1 is terminated. It can be implemented. Therefore, in the printing apparatus 1 of this embodiment, a full cut can be performed at a time desired by the user, and convenience is improved. In particular, when one printing device 1 is shared by multiple users, that printing device 1 performs printing based on print data received from a certain information processing device 2, and then prints data based on print data received from a certain information processing device 2. It becomes possible to cancel the wireless connection and receive print data from another information processing device 2. Therefore, the printing device 1 of the present embodiment reduces the frequency and waiting time of other users to wait for printing due to the wireless connection of one user's information processing device 2, thereby improving user convenience. improves.

In addition, in the printing device 1 of the present embodiment, when setting the full cut execution time in the printing process, the execution time that has already been set (set time) and the temporarily set execution time (temporary setting time) are selected. The time that comes after is set as the full cut execution time. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the user's convenience from being degraded due to the delay in full cut execution due to the extension of the full cut execution time every time information indicating that printing is to be continued is received. Furthermore, by setting the time at which the full cut is to be performed as the elapsed time after printing on the printing medium 3 is finished, or a specific time or date, the user can easily understand the timing at which the full cut will be performed. This prevents the created label from being lost due to being left in front of the printing device 1 for a long time. In particular, the user can select the time until the full cut is performed, and information indicating the time until the full cut is performed is sent from the information processing device 2 to the printing device 1 together with the print data. This makes it easier for users to understand the timing of implementation.

The embodiments described above are merely illustrative to facilitate understanding of the invention. That is, the printing device, control method, and program according to the present invention are not limited to the embodiments described above, and various modifications and changes can be made without departing from the scope of the claims.

For example, in the printing process described above with reference to FIG. 9, if information indicating that printing will continue is not received, a full cut is performed at the end of printing. However, the printing process performed by the printing apparatus 1 according to the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the printing process performed by the printing apparatus 1 according to the present invention is not limited to this. It may also be a process of setting a full cut execution time.

Further, for example, when the printing device 1 receives information indicating that it will continue printing together with the print data by wirelessly connecting with the information processing device 2, the printing device 1 prints the next print data by the time a predetermined period elapses. If not received, the wireless connection with the information processing device 2 may be canceled. By doing this, for example, when one printing device 1 is shared by multiple users, if the state of waiting for reception of the next print data from the information processing device 2 continues, other information processing devices 2, it is possible to prevent the occurrence of a situation in which print data cannot be transmitted.

Furthermore, the printing apparatus 1 according to the present invention may be one in which the half cutter 114 that cuts the printing medium 3 in half may be omitted. The printing device 1 is not limited to the above-mentioned thermal type, but may also be a thermal transfer type that heats and transfers ink from an ink ribbon, or other printing methods (for example, an inkjet type or an electrophotographic type). It may be of.

Hereinafter, the invention described in the original claims of this application will be additionally described.
[Additional note 1]
a receiving unit that receives print data transmitted by the information processing device;
After printing on the print medium based on the print data received by the receiving unit, the print medium is in a state where it is possible to receive the next print data and print on the print medium. a control unit that controls the time until the cut is performed;
A printing device comprising:
[Additional note 2]
The control unit is configured to control the time required to cut the printing medium when the receiving unit receives information indicating that the information processing device that has transmitted the print data will transmit the next print data. The printing device according to supplementary note 1, characterized in that:
[Additional note 3]
Supplementary note 2, wherein the control unit sets the elapsed time from the end of printing on the printing medium based on the print data to the time until cutting of the printing medium is performed. Printing device as described.
[Additional note 4]
Supplementary note 2, wherein the control unit sets a time later than a time when printing on the print medium based on the print data ends as a time until cutting of the print medium is performed. The printing device described in .
[Additional note 5]
The control unit includes a time period until cutting of the printing medium that is set when receiving the information indicating that the next print data is to be transmitted, and an indication that the next print data is to be transmitted. Controlling the time until the cutting of the printing medium is performed based on the time that comes first among the times until the cutting of the printing medium that is set before receiving the information. The printing device according to appendix 2, characterized in that:
[Additional note 6]
If the information processing apparatus that has transmitted the print data does not transmit information indicating that the next print data will be transmitted, the control unit may adjust the time period until cutting of the printing medium according to the The printing device according to appendix 1, wherein the printing device is set immediately after finishing printing on the printing medium based on print data.
[Additional note 7]
When the receiving unit receives information indicating the time to cut the print medium transmitted together with the print data, the control unit determines the time to cut the received print medium. The printing apparatus according to any one of appendices 1 to 6, wherein the printing apparatus controls the time until cutting of the printing medium is performed based on the information indicating.
[Additional note 8]
The printing device's computer
receiving print data transmitted by the information processing device;
After causing the printing unit of the printing device to print on the printing medium based on the received print data, in a state where the next print data can be received and printing on the printing medium, controlling the time required to cause a cutting unit of the printing device to cut the printing medium;
A control method characterized by carrying out.
[Additional note 9]
to the computer,
receiving print data transmitted by the information processing device;
After causing the printing unit of the printing device to perform printing on the printing medium based on the received print data, the above-mentioned printing unit is in a state where it is possible to receive the next print data and perform printing on the printing medium. controlling the time until a cutting unit of a printing device cuts the printing medium;
A program characterized by executing.

1 Printing device 101 Device housing 102 Lid section 103 Ejection port 104 Operation button 105 Display lamp 111 Thermal head 112 Platen roller 113 Full cutter 114 Half cutter 2 Information processing device 201 Touch panel display 120, 220 Control section 121, 221 Storage section 122, 222 Input section 123, 223 Display section 124, 224 Communication section 125 Detection section 126 Conveying section 127 Printing section 128 Cutting section 3 Printed medium 300, 310, 320 Label 304 Ear section 305, 315 Section (used as a label)

Claims (9)

a receiving unit that receives print data transmitted by the information processing device;
After printing on the print medium based on the print data received by the receiving unit, the print medium is in a state where it is possible to receive the next print data and print on the print medium. a control unit that controls the time until the cut is performed;
A printing device comprising: The control unit is configured to control the time required to cut the printing medium when the receiving unit receives information indicating that the information processing device that has transmitted the print data will transmit the next print data. The printing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the printing apparatus sets: . 2. The control unit sets the elapsed time from the end of printing on the print medium based on the print data to the time until the print medium is cut. The printing device described in . 2. The control unit sets a time later than a time when printing on the print medium based on the print data ends as a time until cutting of the print medium is performed. 2. The printing device according to 2. The control unit includes a time period until cutting of the printing medium that is set when receiving the information indicating that the next print data is to be transmitted, and an indication that the next print data is to be transmitted. Controlling the time until the cutting of the printing medium is performed based on the time that comes first among the times until the cutting of the printing medium that is set before receiving the information. The printing device according to claim 2, characterized in that: If the information processing apparatus that has transmitted the print data does not transmit information indicating that the next print data will be transmitted, the control unit may adjust the time period until cutting of the printing medium according to the The printing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the setting is made immediately after printing on the printing medium based on print data is completed. When the receiving unit receives information indicating the time to cut the print medium transmitted together with the print data, the control unit determines the time to cut the received print medium. The printing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the printing apparatus controls the time until cutting of the printing medium is performed based on the information indicating. The printing device's computer
receiving print data transmitted by the information processing device;
After causing the printing unit of the printing device to print on the printing medium based on the received print data, in a state where the next print data can be received and printing on the printing medium, controlling the time required to cause a cutting unit of the printing device to cut the printing medium;
A control method characterized by carrying out. to the computer,
receiving print data transmitted by the information processing device;
After causing the printing unit of the printing device to perform printing on the printing medium based on the received print data, the above-mentioned printing unit is in a state where it is possible to receive the next print data and perform printing on the printing medium. controlling the time until a cutting unit of a printing device cuts the printing medium;
A program characterized by executing.

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