JP3730648B2 - Thermal printer drive control method - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a drive control method for a thermal printer that uses roll paper having thermal color development.

  2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, a technique for guiding print contents using a single print medium has been proposed for both a person with normal visual ability (hereinafter referred to as a healthy person) and a visually impaired person.

  For example, as disclosed in Patent Document 1, an expandable ink layer containing a foaming agent and a resin binder on a base sheet, and a heat-meltable colored layer having a colorable substance and a heat-meltable binder, However, by using the heat transfer sheet for forming image formation provided alternately in the length direction of the base sheet (in the publication: configured so as to be provided in plane order), the healthy person and the visually impaired person For both, there is a technique in which the contents of printing are guided by a single printing medium.

  When printing information to guide a healthy person using the raised image forming thermal transfer sheet disclosed in the publication, the heated image forming thermal transfer sheet is melted in a state of being superimposed on a transfer medium (printing medium). The ink coloring layer (hereinafter referred to as characters) that can be visually recognized by a healthy person is printed by melting the heat-sensitive coloring layer with a thermal head or the like and transferring the melted heat-melting coloring layer to a transfer target (printing medium). .

  In addition, when printing information to guide a visually impaired person using the raised image forming thermal transfer sheet disclosed in the publication, the raised image forming thermal transfer sheet is overlaid on the transfer target (printing medium). After the expansive ink layer is melted by a thermal head or the like, the molten expansive ink layer is transferred to a transfer target (printing medium), and then heat energy is applied to the transfer target (printing medium). By expanding the expandable ink layer transferred to the transfer target, Braille that can be recognized by a visually impaired person is printed.

  When printing using a thermal transfer sheet for image formation, a heat-fusible colored layer is aligned in the area where characters are printed, and an expandable ink layer is aligned in the area where braille is printed, so that a single transferred object is transferred. Characters or Braille can be selectively printed on the body (printing medium).

JP-A-9-52450

  By the way, in printing using the image-forming thermal transfer sheet disclosed in Patent Document 1, the expandable ink layer and the heat-fusible colored layer in the image-forming thermal transfer sheet are alternately arranged in the length direction of the base sheet. Since it is provided, as described above, it is necessary to align the region for printing characters and the hot-melt coloring layer, or to align the region for printing Braille and the expandable ink layer. In addition, a mechanism for feeding / winding up the heated image forming thermal transfer sheets sequentially (or winding up) in accordance with the position of the thermal head or the like is required. This complicates the structure of the device and increases the size.

  In printing using the thermal transfer sheet for image formation disclosed in Patent Document 1, the expandable ink layer and the heat-meltable colored layer in the thermal transfer sheet for image formation are alternately arranged in the length direction of the base sheet. Therefore, as described above, the feeding / winding is performed for the alignment between the region for printing characters and the hot-melt coloring layer, or for the alignment between the region for printing Braille and the expandable ink layer. It is necessary to control the mechanism that performs the removal. This complicates control during printing.

  Furthermore, when printing using the thermal transfer sheet for image formation disclosed in Patent Document 1, as described above, after the expandable ink layer is transferred to the transfer medium (print medium), the transfer medium (printing medium) Since the expansive ink layer must be expanded by applying heat energy to the medium), a mechanism for applying heat energy is required. This complicates the structure of the device and increases the size.

  In addition, in the technique disclosed in Patent Document 1, the expandable ink layer and the heat-meltable colored layer provided on the base sheet are used as the expandable ink layer and the heat-meltable colored layer in the thermal transfer sheet for image formation. Are alternately provided in the length direction of the base material sheet, and depending on the print data, a case where the expandable ink layer (or the heat-meltable colored layer) is fed in advance can be considered. In such a case, the raised image forming thermal transfer sheet is unnecessarily consumed by the amount fed in the idle.

  SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION An object of the present invention is to make it possible to guide print contents to both a normal person and a visually impaired person with a single print medium without complicating the configuration of the apparatus.

  It is an object of the present invention to be able to guide print contents to both a normal person and a visually handicapped person with a single print medium without increasing the size of the apparatus.

  SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION An object of the present invention is to make it possible to guide print contents to both a normal person and a visually handicapped person by a single print medium without complicating control during printing.

The present invention provides a thermal layer that develops color when a predetermined amount or more of thermal energy is applied, a thermal layer that is disposed at a position overlapping the thermal layer, and that develops color when a predetermined amount or more of thermal energy is applied, and the thermal layer. A foam layer that is disposed at a position overlapping the layer and foams when a predetermined amount or more of heat energy is applied, and the foam layer is a long shape provided in one side of the width direction in the length direction. A plurality of thermal heads that contact the platen via the thermal printing medium with respect to the thermal printing medium guided by the guiding means. One line print data indicating the print contents with the heating resistor facing each other, and a sentence indicating whether the print contents included in the one line print data are character data or braille data / Based on the print data including the Braille code and the print position code for specifying the print position of the one-line print data, the predetermined heat energy is applied to the thermal print medium by driving the predetermined heating resistor. A printing process to be applied, and the print content included in the one-line print data indicated as character data by the character / braille code is printed on the thermal layer, and is the braille data by the character / braille code. The print position is specified by the print position code so that the print content included in the one-line print data shown is printed on the foam layer.
Another aspect of the present invention is that the thermal layer that develops color when a predetermined amount or more of thermal energy is applied and the thermal layer that is disposed at a position overlapping the thermal layer are cured by applying a predetermined or more amount of thermal energy. A thermosetting resin layer, and the thermosetting resin layer continuously guides the long thermal printing medium provided in the length direction on one side of the width direction in the length direction. A line of print data indicating print contents by causing a plurality of heating resistors of a thermal head contacting the platen through the thermal print medium to face the thermal print medium guided by the guide means; A print including a character / braille code indicating whether the print content included in the one-line print data is character data or braille data, and a print position code for specifying the print position of the one-line print data A printing step of applying a predetermined pattern of thermal energy to the thermal printing medium by driving the predetermined heating resistor based on the data, and the character data by the character / braille code Is printed on the thermal layer, and the print content included in the one-line print data indicated as braille data by the character / braille code is printed on the thermosetting resin layer. As described above, the print position is specified by the print position code.

  According to the present invention, both a healthy person and a visually handicapped person can be obtained by a single printing medium without complicating or increasing the size of the apparatus and without complicating the control during printing. You can guide the printed contents.

  An embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 1 is an external perspective view showing a thermal paper according to an embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional perspective view showing an enlarged part thereof. The roll paper 1 of the present embodiment is a roll-shaped roll paper 1 obtained by winding up a long thermal print medium 2 that develops color when printing energy is applied from one end side in the length direction. A foamed layer 4 is formed on one side portion in the width direction of the thermal printing medium 2 in the length direction of the thermal printing medium 2.

  Specifically, a thermal printing medium (hereinafter referred to as thermal paper) 2 constituting the roll paper 1 has a long shape, and is rolled up from one end in the length direction so as to be a roll body shape. It has been.

  The thermal paper 2 is formed on an under layer 6 formed on one surface of the base 5 and has a thermal layer 7 that develops color when printing energy such as heat is applied. In the present embodiment, the side on which the color development of the thermal layer 7 can be visually recognized is referred to as a “color development surface” and is described with reference numeral 3. The under layer 6 is for improving the adhesion of the thermal layer 7 to the base 5, and the type varies depending on the type of the base 5, the surface condition, etc., and the condition of the type of the base 5, the surface condition, etc. Depending on the case, it may not be applied.

  The foam layer 4 is laminated on the surface of the thermal layer 7 opposite to the base 5, and as shown in FIG. 3, the entire area of the thermal paper 2 in the length direction is formed on one side of the thermal paper 2 in the width direction. It is formed over. The foam layer 4 includes a foaming agent 9 having a property of foaming when a predetermined amount or more of thermal energy is applied. The foaming agent 9 is laminated on the thermal layer 7 in a state of being dispersed in a binder resin or the like as necessary. The foaming agent of the present embodiment is foamed by heat energy applied from the outside.

  In addition, the ratio of the dimension of the width direction of the foam layer 4 in the width direction of the thermal paper 2 is not limited to this Embodiment. For example, it is possible to increase or decrease the ratio of the dimension in the width direction of the foamed layer 4 in the width direction of the thermal paper 2 depending on the application.

  The thermal layer 7 is covered with an overcoat layer 10 that protects the thermal layer 7. In the present embodiment, the thermal layer 7 is covered with the overcoat layer 10. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and for example, the thermal layer 7 and the foamed material as in the thermal paper 2 ′ shown in FIG. The layer 4 may be covered with the overcoat layer 10. Depending on the material forming the thermal layer 7, the overcoat layer 10 may not be provided, and the thermal layer 7 and the foamed layer 4 may be the uppermost layer.

  FIG. 4 is an external perspective view showing a thermal paper according to another embodiment, and FIG. 5 is an enlarged sectional perspective view showing a part thereof. The roll paper 11 shown in FIG. 4 is a roll-shaped roll paper 11 in which a long thermal printing medium (thermal paper) 12 that develops color when printing energy is applied is wound up from one end in the length direction. A thermosetting resin layer 13 that is cured when a predetermined amount or more of thermal energy is applied is formed on one side portion in the width direction of the thermal printing medium 12 in the length direction of the thermal printing medium 12.

  Specifically, as shown in FIG. 5, the thermal paper 12 constituting the roll paper 11 is formed by sequentially laminating an under layer 6, a thermal layer 7, and a thermosetting resin layer 13 on one surface of the base 5. It is configured. The thermosetting resin layer 13 of the present embodiment is formed on one side of the base 5 in the width direction over the entire length direction.

  The thermal layer 7 is covered with an overcoat layer 10 that protects the thermal layer 7. In the present embodiment, the thermosetting resin layer 13 functions to protect the thermal layer 7 in the same manner as the overcoat layer 10. In the present embodiment, the thermal layer 7 is covered with the overcoat layer 10. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the thermal layer 7 and the thermosetting resin layer 13 are covered with the overcoat layer 10. You may make it coat | cover (refer FIG. 3). Depending on the material forming the thermal layer 7, the overcoat layer 10 may not be provided, and the thermal layer 7 may be the uppermost layer.

  The thermosetting resin layer 13 is formed of a thermosetting resin having a property of being cured when a predetermined amount or more of thermal energy is applied. Examples of the thermosetting resin include a phenol resin, an amino resin (a urea resin, a melamine resin), an unsaturated polyester resin, an epoxy resin, an acrylic resin, silicone, polyurethane, polyimide, and polyamideimide.

  In addition, the ratio of the dimension of the width direction of the thermosetting resin layer 13 in the width direction of the thermal paper 12 is not limited to this Embodiment. For example, it is possible to increase / decrease the ratio of the dimension in the width direction of the thermosetting resin layer 13 in the width direction of the thermal paper 12 according to the application.

  Such a roll paper 1 (or roll paper 11) is, for example, a thermal printer 20 (see FIG. 4) having a thermal head 21 capable of applying thermal energy to the thermal paper 2 (or thermal paper 12). used.

  Next, a thermal printer 20 that performs printing using the above-described roll paper 1 (or roll paper 11) will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 6 is a vertical side view showing an outline of the thermal printer 20. The thermal printer 20 is connected to a POS terminal (not shown) and used to print on the roll paper 1 (or roll paper 11) based on the print data 100 (see FIG. 8) transmitted from the POS terminal. Issue receipts.

  The thermal printer 20 according to the present embodiment includes a guide unit that continuously guides the long thermal print medium 2 (or thermal paper 12) in the length direction, and the thermal print medium 2 that is guided by the guide unit ( Alternatively, a plurality of heating resistors are made to face the thermal paper 12), and a predetermined heating resistor is driven based on print data including character data and Braille data, thereby causing the thermal printing medium 2 (or thermal printing). Printing means for applying a predetermined pattern of thermal energy to the paper 12), and the printing means applies the thermal printing medium 2 (or The heating resistor within a predetermined range in the width direction of the thermal paper 12) is driven.

  Specifically, one end portion of the guide path 22 serving as a guide means communicates with a roll paper holding portion 23 that holds the roll paper 1 (or the roll paper 11) from one end in the lengthwise direction. The other end of the guide path 22 communicates with a cutter mechanism 24 that cuts the roll paper 1 (or roll paper 11) after printing.

  The thermal head 21 is positioned between the roll paper holding unit 23 and the cutter mechanism 24 in the guide path 22 so that the plurality of heating resistors face the guide path 22 from above. A platen 25 is provided below the thermal head 21 so as to face the thermal head 21 with the guide path 22 therebetween. The thermal head 21 is urged to abut against the platen 25 with a predetermined pressure by an urging mechanism (not shown). The platen 25 is also driven to rotate by a platen motor 26 (see FIG. 7), and also fulfills the function of transporting the roll paper 1 (or the roll paper 11). In the present embodiment, the printing unit 27 is configured by the platen 25 and the thermal head 21.

  The cutter mechanism 24 is positioned downstream of the printing unit 27 in the guide path 22 in the roll paper conveyance direction. The cutter mechanism 24 is a combination of a long plate-like fixed blade 24a and a movable blade 24b, and the roll paper 1 (which is conveyed along the guide path 22 when the movable blade 24b slides with respect to the fixed blade 24a). Alternatively, the roll paper 11) is cut at an arbitrary position. The movable blade 24b of the cutter mechanism 24 is driven using a cutter motor 28 (see FIG. 7) as a drive source.

  Next, the electrical connection of each part provided in the thermal printer 20 will be schematically described with reference to FIG. FIG. 7 is a block diagram schematically showing the electrical connection of each part provided in the thermal printer 20. The thermal printer 20 includes a microcomputer 29, and the microcomputer 29 drives and controls each part in the thermal printer 20. The microcomputer 29 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 30 that centrally drives and controls each unit in the thermal printer 20, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 31 in which fixed data such as a control program is stored in advance, and a variable A random access memory (RAM) 32 that stores various data in a rewritable manner and functions as a work area of the CPU is connected via a bus line 33.

  A character generator ROM 34 is connected to the CPU 30. In the character generator ROM 34, a character character indicating a character to be printed and a Braille character indicating a Braille character to be printed are stored and held corresponding to each character code. Since it is a well-known technique, explanation is omitted, but Braille is represented by 6 points from 1 to 6 points called squares. Each is indicated by whether it is set to “0” or “1”.

  The ROM 31 stores a head energization table (not shown). The head energization table stores information relating to the energization pulse width in association with each heating element of the thermal head 21 during printing processing to be described later.

  Although not particularly illustrated, the RAM 32 includes various buffers such as a reception buffer that temporarily stores the print data 100 (see FIG. 8) received from the POS terminal and an edit buffer that performs dot expansion of the print data temporarily stored in the reception buffer. It is secured.

  As shown in FIG. 8, the print data 100 transmitted from the POS terminal includes one-line print data 101 composed of character codes indicating print contents, a print command 102 for specifying that the one-line print data 101 is print data, one line A character / braille code 103 indicating whether the print content included in the print data 101 is character data or braille data, a font of a character to be printed when the data included in the one-line print data 101 is character data, and the like. The character attribute code 104 indicates a print position code 105 that specifies the print position of the one-line print data 101, the end code 106 indicates the end of the print data 100, and the like.

  The print position code 105 is printed by the character / braille code 103 so that the print content included in the one-line print data 101 indicated as character data by the character / braille code 103 is printed on the thermal layer 7. The print position is specified so that the print content included in the one-line print data 101 indicated as being present is printed on the foam layer 4 (or the thermosetting resin layer 13).

  The editing buffer is dot-expanded so that the print content included in the print data 100 temporarily stored in the reception buffer is printed in the form of a character or braille character corresponding to the font indicated by the character attribute code 104. The At this time, on the basis of the character / braille code 103 and the print position code 105, the one-line print data 101 indicated as character data is printed on the thermal layer 7, and one line indicated as braille data. The print data 101 is dot-developed so as to be printed on the foam layer 4 (or the thermosetting resin layer 13).

  Below, each part drive-controlled by the microcomputer 29 is demonstrated.

  The thermal head 21 is driven on the basis of print data (DATA) from the CPU 30, a clock signal (CLOCK), which is a basic signal for a print operation, and a strobe signal (STROBE).

  A platen motor 26 that rotates the platen 25 is connected to the CPU 30 via a platen motor driver 35. The platen motor driver 35 drives and controls the platen motor 26 based on a control signal from the microcomputer 29.

  The cutter motor 28 that rotationally drives the movable blade 24 b is connected to the CPU 30 via the cutter motor driver 36. The cutter motor driver 36 drives and controls the cutter motor 28 based on a control signal from the microcomputer 29.

  In addition, a communication I / F 37 that performs data communication with the POS terminal is connected to the CPU 30. The print data 100 transmitted from the POS terminal is received via the communication I / F 37.

  Next, the operation when the thermal printer 20 performs printing on the roll paper 1 (or the roll paper 11) will be described. Since the thermal printer 20 includes a line-type thermal head, when printing on the roll paper 1 (or the roll paper 11), dots are developed in the editing buffer by referring to the energization table. By selectively driving each resistance heating element (not shown) of the thermal head 21 based on the print data 100, the roll paper 1 (or roll paper 11) continuously conveyed through the guide path 22 is obtained. ) Is applied with a predetermined printing energy. Printing energy that causes the thermal layer 7 to develop color is applied from the heating resistor facing the thermal layer 7. The one-line print data 101 indicated as braille data corresponds to the braille data in the print data because the dot expansion is performed so as to be printed on the foam layer 4 (or the thermosetting resin layer 13) in the editing buffer. When the thermal energy of the pattern to be applied is applied, the heating resistor within a predetermined range in the width direction of the thermal printing medium 2 (or thermal paper 12) is driven, and the foam layer 4 (or thermosetting resin layer 13). Printing energy is applied as thermal energy that causes foaming (or thermosetting). Here, the function as the printing means is executed.

  Here, “a heating resistor within a predetermined range” is opposed to the foam layer 4 (or thermosetting resin layer 13) of the thermal printing medium 2 (or thermal paper 12) conveyed through the guide path 22. This means a heating resistor. As described above, the ratio of the dimension in the width direction of the foamed layer 4 (or thermosetting resin layer 13) in the width direction of the thermal printing medium 2 (or thermal paper 12) is limited to this embodiment. Therefore, the “heating resistor within a predetermined range” is appropriately changed depending on the thermal printing medium used in the thermal printer 20.

  The thermal layer 7 of the roll paper 1 (or the roll paper 11) is colored in dot units according to the applied energy when printing energy as a predetermined amount or more of thermal energy is applied by the thermal head 21.

  A healthy person can recognize the contents printed on the thermal paper 2 (or the thermal paper 12) by visually recognizing the characters on the thermal layer 7.

  When the roll paper 1 is used, when the thermal energy from the thermal head 21 is applied to the foam layer 4, the foaming agent 9 in the foam layer 4 is foamed. When the foaming agent 9 is foamed, the foamed portion is raised from the surface of the thermal paper 2 to form Braille.

  The visually handicapped person can recognize the braille printed on the thermal paper 2 by touching the foam layer 4 and touching the dots raised from the surface of the thermal paper 2.

  Thus, since the thermal paper 2 itself develops / foams, for example, compared with the case where the thermal transfer sheet for raised image formation disclosed in Patent Document 1 is used, the thermal transfer sheet for raised image formation is fed / rolled up. No mechanism is required, and the print contents can be guided to both healthy persons and visually impaired persons by the single thermal paper 2 without complicating the configuration of the thermal printer 20.

  Further, as compared with the case where the raised image forming thermal transfer sheet disclosed in Patent Document 1 is used, a mechanism for feeding / rewinding the raised image forming thermal transfer sheet is not required, and thus the apparatus is not enlarged. The printed contents can be guided to both the healthy person and the visually handicapped person.

  Furthermore, since a mechanism for feeding / winding up the thermal transfer sheet for forming image formation is not required, complicated control for feeding / winding up the thermal transfer sheet for forming image forming is not required. The control can be facilitated.

  In addition, by using the roll paper 1 in the thermal printer 20, the ratio between the thermal layer 7 and the foamed layer 4 in the width direction of the roll paper 1 is always constant regardless of where the roll paper 1 is cut in the length direction. Therefore, even if the cutting position is indefinite because the required length differs for each printing, such as a receipt, the control for detecting the printing position according to the cutting position is performed at the next printing. Since it is not necessary to carry out the control, the control on the thermal printer 20 side can be facilitated.

  Further, by using the roll paper 1 in which the thermal layer 7 and the foam layer 4 are provided on the same surface with respect to the base 5, it is possible to perform character printing and Braille printing with a single thermal head 21. For this reason, since it becomes possible to use the conventional thermal printer 20, it is possible to guide the contents of printing to both healthy persons and visually impaired persons without complicating the configuration of the thermal printer 20. .

  When the roll paper 11 is used, when applied energy as a predetermined amount or more of thermal energy from the thermal head 21 is applied to the thermosetting resin layer 13, the heat of the portion to which the applied energy is applied. The curable resin is thermally cured. When the thermosetting resin is thermoset, the thermoset portion becomes a lump in comparison with the non-thermoset portion and forms braille.

  The visually handicapped person recognizes the Braille printed on the thermal paper 12 by touching the thermosetting resin layer 13 and touching the thermosetting resin that has become a lump in the surface of the thermal paper 12. Can do. As a result, it is possible to guide the print contents to both the healthy person and the visually impaired person.

  As a result, the thermal paper 12 itself is colored / heat-cured. For example, compared with the case where the thermal transfer sheet for raised image formation disclosed in Patent Document 1 is used, the thermal transfer sheet for raised image formation is fed / wound up. A mechanism for performing the operation is unnecessary, and the print contents can be guided to both a normal person and a visually impaired person by the single thermal paper 12 without complicating the configuration of the thermal printer 20.

  Further, as compared with the case where the raised image forming thermal transfer sheet disclosed in Patent Document 1 is used, a mechanism for feeding / rewinding the raised image forming thermal transfer sheet is not required, and thus the apparatus is not enlarged. The printed contents can be guided to both the healthy person and the visually handicapped person.

  Furthermore, since a mechanism for feeding / winding up the thermal transfer sheet for forming image formation is not required, complicated control for feeding / winding up the thermal transfer sheet for forming image forming is not required. The control can be facilitated.

  In addition, by using the roll paper 11 in the thermal printer 20, the thermal layer 7 and the thermosetting resin layer 13 in the width direction of the roll paper 11 can be cut at any position in the length direction of the roll paper 11. Since the ratio is always the same, the print position is detected according to the cutting position at the next printing even if the cutting position is indefinite because the required length differs for each printing, such as a receipt. Therefore, it is possible to facilitate the control on the thermal printer 20 side.

  Further, by using the roll paper 11 in which the thermal layer 7 and the thermosetting resin layer 13 are provided on the same surface with respect to the base 5, character printing and Braille printing are performed with a single thermal head 21. Can do. For this reason, since it becomes possible to use the conventional thermal printer 20, it is possible to guide the contents of printing to both healthy persons and visually impaired persons without complicating the configuration of the thermal printer 20. .

  In the present embodiment, the thermosetting resin layer 13 is formed on the same surface side as the thermal layer 7 with respect to the base 5. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the thermal layer 7 is interposed via the base 5. It may be formed on the opposite side. A roll paper (not shown) in which the thermosetting resin layer 13 is formed on the opposite side of the thermal layer 7 through the base 5 is replaced with a thermal printer 20 having a single thermal head 21 as shown in FIG. When using, the thermal energy which can thermoset the thermosetting resin layer 13 formed in the opposite side to the thermal layer 7 through the base 5 is applied.

  In addition, when the roll paper 11 is used, the thermal paper 12 that has passed through the printing unit 27 is drawn out linearly, and the thermosetting resin layer 13 is in a state in which the drawn thermal paper 12 is straight. The curled wrinkles after printing can be buffered even when the heat-sensitive paper 12 is curled by winding the heat-sensitive paper 12 in a roll shape.

  When the roll paper 11 is used, the thermal layer 7 is not colored by, for example, a heater (not shown) with respect to the thermal paper 12 drawn in a straight line after passing through the printing unit 27. The curled wrinkles of the thermal paper 12 can be more effectively buffered by applying the above heat and thermosetting the entire thermosetting resin layer 13 in a straight state.

  By the way, when information is guided by Braille, more space is required on the thermal paper 2 (or thermal paper 12) than when information of the same content is guided by characters.

  For example, when a receipt is issued by the thermal printer 20 connected to a POS terminal, the date of purchase, individual product name, unit price, quantity, total purchase amount, deposit amount, change amount, etc. are printed in characters. If all transaction details are printed in Braille, a very long print area is required, and an excessively long receipt is issued. Moreover, when issuing a coupon by the thermal printer mentioned above, it is the same also when printing all the transaction contents printed by characters, such as a coupon name and detailed usage conditions, in Braille.

  On the other hand, instead of printing the entire contents of the transaction in Braille, for example, when issuing a receipt, the foamed layer 4 or thermosetting with information regarding money such as the date of purchase, the total amount of purchase, the amount of change, etc. as Braille When the coupon is issued, the limited information such as the amount discounted by the coupon may be printed on the foamed layer 4 or the thermosetting resin layer 13 as Braille. As a result, necessary information can be reliably guided, and the receipts and coupons issued can be prevented from becoming excessively long.

It is an external appearance perspective view which shows the thermal paper of one embodiment of this invention. It is a cross-sectional perspective view which shows the one part. It is a cross-sectional perspective view which expands and shows a part of thermal paper of another embodiment. It is an external appearance perspective view which shows another thermal paper. It is a cross-sectional perspective view which expands and shows a part of another thermal paper. It is a vertical side view which shows the outline of a thermal printer. It is a block diagram which shows roughly the electrical connection of each part with which a thermal printer is provided. It is a schematic diagram which shows the data structure of print data.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Roll paper, 2 ... Thermal printing medium, 4 ... Foam layer, 11 ... Roll paper, 12 ... Thermal printing medium, 13 ... Thermosetting resin layer, 20 ... Thermal printer, 21 ... Thermal head, 22 ... Guide means

Claims (2)

A thermal layer that develops color when a thermal energy of a predetermined amount or more is applied, and a foam layer that is disposed at a position overlapping the thermal layer and foams when a thermal energy of a predetermined amount or more is applied , the foaming A guide step for continuously guiding a long thermal printing medium provided in the length direction on one side of the width direction in the length direction;
A plurality of heating resistors of a thermal head that comes into contact with the platen through the thermal printing medium are opposed to the thermal printing medium guided by the guiding means, and one line printing data indicating printing contents and the one line Based on print data including a character / braille code indicating whether the print content included in the print data is character data or braille data , and a print position code specifying the print position of the one-line print data, A printing step of applying a predetermined pattern of thermal energy to the thermal printing medium by driving a heating resistor;
Comprising
Print contents included in one-line print data indicated as character data by the character / braille code are printed on the thermal layer, and print contents included in one-line print data indicated as braille data by the character / braille code A printing control method for a thermal printer , wherein the printing position is specified by the printing position code so that is printed on the foam layer . A thermal layer that develops color when a predetermined amount or more of thermal energy is applied, and a thermosetting resin layer that is disposed at a position overlapping the thermal layer and is cured when a predetermined amount or more of thermal energy is applied. The thermosetting resin layer is a guide step for continuously guiding the long thermal printing medium provided in the length direction on one side of the width direction in the length direction;
A plurality of heating resistors of a thermal head that comes into contact with the platen through the thermal printing medium are opposed to the thermal printing medium guided by the guiding means, and one line printing data indicating printing contents and the one line Based on print data including a character / braille code indicating whether the print content included in the print data is character data or braille data , and a print position code specifying the print position of the one-line print data, A printing step of applying a predetermined pattern of thermal energy to the thermal printing medium by driving a heating resistor;
Comprising
Print contents included in one-line print data indicated as character data by the character / braille code are printed on the thermal layer, and print contents included in one-line print data indicated as braille data by the character / braille code A printing control method for a thermal printer , wherein the printing position is specified by the printing position code so that the printing position code is printed on the thermosetting resin layer .

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