JP4843830B2 - Printer and print control method - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a sublimation type printer and a print control method, and particularly, when printing a plurality of small size screens with a large size ink ribbon, reduces the possibility of ink ribbon breakage and print time. The present invention relates to a printer and a print control method that can ensure the efficiency of printing.

  The sublimation printer presses a thermal head against an ink ribbon to which a dye or pigment is applied and heats the thermal head to transfer the dye or pigment of the ink ribbon to a recording medium such as paper to form an image.

  FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of the printing unit of the sublimation printer. As shown in the drawing, on the upper surface side of the print paper 29 unwound from the roll paper 21 (supply side), the ink ribbon roll 22 (unused part) on the unwind side, the guide roll 23 for ink ribbon, the thermal The head 24 and the ink ribbon core 28 (used part) on the take-up side are arranged in this order. On the ink ribbon 1, ink layers of three colors Y (yellow), M (magenta), and C (cyan) (which may include an overcoat layer) are periodically arranged. The ink ribbon unwound from the ink ribbon roll 22 was guided by the guide roll 23 and superimposed on the print paper 29 unwound from the roll paper 21, and was conveyed between the thermal head 24 and the platen roll 25. Thereafter, the ink ribbon core 28 is wound up.

  On the lower surface side of the paper, a platen roll 25 is disposed at a position facing the thermal head 24, and the print paper 29 is appropriately pressed against a heating resistor (not shown) of the thermal head 24 by the platen roll 25. A feed roll 27 is disposed at a position facing the pinch roll 26. The printing paper 29 is sandwiched between the pinch roll 26 and the feed roll 27, and the feed roll 27 is rotationally driven to convey the paper. The feed roll 27 is connected to a pulse motor via a gear (not shown), and the pulse motor drives the feed roll 27. The thermal head 24 is attached to the head arm 30, and the thermal head 24 can be raised and lowered in the vertical direction (in the drawing) by rotating the head arm 30 about the rotation shaft 31. It is configured as follows.

  As described above, in a sublimation printer, due to the demand for shortening the printing time and the type of ink ribbon, for example, in a printer capable of printing 6 × 4 inch size and 6 × 8 inch size, 6 × 8 ink ribbon is used. Unification of ink ribbons for inch sizes has been carried out. It is also possible to print a plurality of sheets such as printing 8 sheets of 8 × 4 inch size using an 8 × 12 inch size ink ribbon. In addition, there are similar requirements such as 5 × 7 inch size and 5 × 3.5 inch size if the print paper has the same width.

  When the ink ribbons are unified in this way, the printing time can be reduced except for the time when energy is actually applied to the thermal head, for example, when printing 6 screens of 6 × 4 size.

  However, for example, when an odd number of sheets is printed in a case where a 6 × 4 inch size ink ribbon is printed on two screens with a 6 × 8 inch size ink ribbon, a loss occurs in the ink ribbon. Therefore, after the first image is printed, the ink ribbon is rewound in the next print order (print command), and printing is performed using the non-printing portion (the remaining unused portion of the ink layer surface on which the first image is printed). Can be considered.

  Printing in this case is performed as shown in FIG. The ink ribbon 1 shown in FIG. 7A is a 6 × 8 inch size ink ribbon. The ink ribbon 1 includes a Y (yellow) layer 2, an M (magenta) layer 3, and a C (cyan) layer 4. Three color ink layers and an overcoat (OP) layer 5 are periodically arranged. In this ink ribbon 1, as shown in FIG. 7B, first, the first image is printed by the areas 2a, 3a, 4a, and 5a of the first image, and the next print command (same as the first screen). 2), the ink ribbon 1 is rewound in the rewind direction side by the ink ribbon roll 22 and the ink ribbon core 28, and the Y, M, C colors of the ink ribbon 1 and the remaining OP layer The second image is printed in the areas 2b, 3b, 4b, and 5b.

  In such a case, for example, as shown in FIG. 9, when performing borderless printing of the first image, the thermal head is heated so that the ink ribbon 1 is heated in a range wider than the paper width W of the printing paper. Energize. As a result, even if the paper position is slightly shifted, marginless printing is possible without margins. In order to perform high-speed printing, power of 0.1 W to 0.2 W is required per dot.

  However, more energy than necessary is applied to the end G of the print paper. In normal printing, energy applied from the thermal head is transferred to the ink ribbon and the printing paper and transferred. After that, heat is transferred to the platen and also escapes to the left and right dots.

  However, at the end portion G of the print paper, heat cannot escape to the left and right, and since there is no paper, the temperature of the thermal head itself becomes higher than expected. As a result, a great amount of energy is applied to the ink ribbon. As a result, the ribbon may tear from the end G.

  Further, when the second image is printed, after the printing of each color is completed, when the printing paper is transported to the printing start position, the portion of the ink ribbon printed first comes into contact with the paper. The first printed part may damage the ink ribbon and may damage the ribbon. As a countermeasure, a sufficient space between the first image and the second image can be considered. However, widening the space increases the length of the ink ribbon, which affects the cost. Also, the capacity of the ink ribbon is reduced.

  Further, the damage of the ink ribbon 1 is large because a large amount of energy is applied when the density of the image to be printed is high and the density is high. For example, as shown in FIG. 8, when high density printing is performed on the first image, the separation plate 32 that separates the ink ribbon 1 and the paper disposed on the downstream side of the thermal head 24 when printing the second image. Comes into contact with the portion of the ink ribbon 1 printed earlier.

  Further, when continuous printing has been performed, the peeling plate 32 is also at a high temperature, which causes further damage to the damaged ink ribbon. As a result, the ribbon may be damaged. As for this measure, it is effective to take a sufficient space between the first image and the second image, but there are problems as described above.

  Further, when the second image is printed, the damaged ink ribbon is taken up again, and further stress is applied. (In normal cases, the damaged portion of the ink ribbon is wound while printing, but this step is added again). It is conceivable that the ribbon will break at this time as well. Even if the first image is not so damaged, if the pattern of the second image has a high density, the load may increase and the ribbon may be damaged.

  There is a conventional photographic printer (see, for example, Patent Document 1). This prior-art photographic printer incorporates multiple printers loaded with ribbons of different sizes in a photographic printing vending machine, and automatically selects the most efficient printer capable of high-speed printing according to the designated number of prints. An object of the present invention is to provide a photo printing vending machine that performs printing processing. For this reason, when odd-numbered printing is designated, first, one of the fractions is printed by an L-size printer, and the remaining even-numbered pages are printed by using a 2L-size printer. Are printed two by two. However, the present invention is intended to solve the problems that occur when the L-size printing is divided into two times using a 2L-size ink ribbon. Are different in purpose and structure.

There is also a conventional sublimation printer printing control method (see, for example, Patent Document 2). In this conventional sublimation printer printing control method, when a 2 L size ink ribbon is used and L size printing is performed in two steps, the ink ribbon after the 1 / 2th printing is rewound and reprinted. Provided is a printer that prints the second and second sheets without being affected by wrinkles generated in the ink-extracted portion of the ink ribbon. For this reason, when performing L size printing using an L size ink ribbon, instead of using the ink ribbon from the leading direction (ink ribbon winding direction) of the ink ribbon, which is normally considered, the rear (ink ribbon winding) is used. Use from the return direction. However, according to the present invention, the print position of the ink ribbon is determined according to the density of the image to be printed, and the ink ribbon is used efficiently, and the print efficiency is further taken into consideration. .
JP 2004-174716 A JP 2004-202941 A

  As described above, when printing a plurality of small size screens with a large size ink ribbon, for example, when printing a 6 × 4 inch size screen using a 6 × 8 inch size ink ribbon. When printing the second image, when the print paper is conveyed to the print start position, the ribbon portion printed first comes into contact with the paper. For this reason, there was damage to the portion printed earlier, and the ink ribbon could be damaged.

  Further, the damage of the ink ribbon is determined by the density of the image to be printed. When the density is high, a large amount of energy is added, so the damage of the ink ribbon is large. When high density printing is performed on the first image, the separation plate that separates the ink ribbon and the paper, which is located downstream of the thermal head when printing the second image, contacts the portion of the ink ribbon that was printed earlier. To do. When continuous printing is performed, the peeling plate is also heated, and the damaged ink ribbon is further damaged. As a result, the ink ribbon may be damaged.

  In addition, when the second image is printed, the damaged ink ribbon is taken up again, and it is conceivable that the ink ribbon is also cut at this time. Even if the first image is not so damaged, if the pattern of the second image has a high density, the load may increase and the ink ribbon may be damaged.

  The present invention has been made to solve such problems, and a first object is to print a plurality of small screens with a large ink ribbon, for example, a 6 × 8 inch ink ribbon. When printing 2 screens of 6 x 4 inch size and using the ink ribbon effectively, the possibility of breakage of the ink ribbon is reduced, and a stable printing process is realized and the density of the image to be printed Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to provide a printer and a print control method capable of ensuring the efficiency of print time by determining the use direction of the ink layer surface of the ink ribbon to be printed.

  The second purpose is to determine the damage of the ink ribbon when printing the second and subsequent images when printing a plurality of small size screens with a large size ink ribbon, and unused portions of the ink ribbon. By selecting whether to use (the remaining unused part of the ink layer surface on which the previous image was printed) or to use a new part of the ink ribbon (ink layer surface of the next page) It is an object of the present invention to provide a printer and a print control method that can reduce the possibility.

SUMMARY An advantage of some aspects of the invention is that a printer according to the invention presses an ink ribbon in which a plurality of ink layers of basic colors are periodically arranged against a sheet of paper and applies the ink ribbon to the ink ribbon. In a printer having a function of transferring an ink to a sheet by applying an external action to perform printing, and printing a plurality of screens having a size smaller than the surface of the ink layer, density information of an image to be printed is obtained. An image density information acquisition unit to be acquired, an image density determination unit that determines whether the density of the print target image acquired by the image density information acquisition unit is a predetermined value or more, and a print target by the image density determination unit When it is determined that the image density is a predetermined value or more, each ink layer surface is used from the rewind direction side, and the density information of the image to be printed is used. There If it is determined to be equal to or less than a predetermined value, characterized in that it comprises an ink layer surface using direction control means for using each ink layer surface from the take-up direction.
With such a configuration, when printing a plurality of screens having a size smaller than the surface of the ink layer in the sublimation printer, the density of the image to be printed is determined. When used from the rewind direction side and the density information of the image to be printed is not high, each ink layer surface is used from the take-up direction side.
This reduces the possibility of ink ribbon breakage when printing multiple small-size screens with a large-size ink ribbon, realizes a stable printing process, and ensures printing time efficiency. Can do.

The printer of the present invention further comprises means for using the overcoat layer surface from the take-up direction side for the overcoat layer when the ink layer surface use direction control means uses the ink layer surface from the rewind direction side. It is characterized by.
With such a configuration, even when each ink layer surface is used from the rewinding direction side, OP (overcoat layer) is used from the winding side direction.
Thereby, the efficiency of printing time can be ensured.

Further, the printer of the present invention presses an ink ribbon, in which a plurality of ink layers of basic colors are periodically arranged, against the paper, and applies an external action to the ink ribbon to transfer the ink onto the paper for printing. In the printer having a function of printing a plurality of screens having a size smaller than the surface of the ink layer, an average gradation value calculating means for calculating an average gradation value of an image to be printed; Based on the average gradation value calculated by the average gradation value calculation means for the printed image, if it is determined that the magnitude of thermal damage received by the ink ribbon is equal to or less than a predetermined value, the next image of the time of printing, as well as use the remaining unused portion rewinding the ink ribbon, when the size of the thermal damage caused ink ribbon is determined to more than a predetermined value, the following When the image of the print, characterized in that it comprises a thermal history control means for controlling whether to use a new portion of the ink ribbon.
With such a configuration, when the first image (or the previous image) is printed, the gradation of this image is recognized, the thermal damage received by the ink ribbon is calculated as the thermal history, and the magnitude of the damage is calculated. judge. That is, the damage received by the ink ribbon when the screen is printed depends on the pattern to be printed, and damage occurs when printing at a high density. Therefore, when printing a high-density image (when the damage received by the ink ribbon is large), when printing the next image, use a new part (ink layer surface of the next page) of the ink ribbon. Print. If a high-density image is not printed, the ink ribbon is rewound and the next screen is printed with the remaining unused portion.
This allows you to use a new part of the ink ribbon or rewind the ink ribbon to print the remaining screen when printing the next screen, depending on the thermal damage from the first (or first) image. It is possible to select whether to use an unused portion, and it is possible to reduce the breakage of the ink ribbon and to effectively use the ink ribbon.

In the printer of the present invention, when the next image is printed, it is determined that the magnitude of the thermal damage received by the ink ribbon is equal to or less than a predetermined value based on the average gradation value of the next image. When the next image is printed, the ink ribbon is rewound to use the remaining unused portion, and when the magnitude of the thermal damage received by the ink ribbon is determined to be a predetermined value or more, And means for using a new portion of the ink ribbon at the time of printing the next image .
With such a configuration, when the next screen is printed, based on the average gradation value of this image, it is calculated as a thermal history of thermal damage received by the ink ribbon, and the magnitude of the damage is determined. When the thermal damage is great, printing is performed using a new portion (ink layer surface of the next page) of the ink ribbon without rewinding the ink ribbon.
As a result, if the image may cause a problem during printing, it can be handled by a new portion of the ink ribbon without rewinding the ink ribbon. For this reason, breakage of the ink ribbon can be avoided.

The print control method of the present invention also transfers an ink onto a sheet by pressing an ink ribbon on which a plurality of basic color ink layers are periodically arranged against the sheet and applying an external action to the ink ribbon. And a print control method for a printer having a function of printing a plurality of screens having a size smaller than the surface of the ink layer, and a density of an image to be printed by the control unit in the printer An image density information acquisition procedure for acquiring information, an image density determination procedure for determining whether the density of the print target image acquired by the image density information acquisition procedure is a predetermined value or more, and the image density determination procedure When it is determined that the density of the print target image is equal to or higher than the predetermined value, each ink layer surface is used from the rewind direction side, and the print target If density information that the image is determined to be equal to or less than a predetermined value, characterized in that the ink layer surface using a direction control procedure using the ink layer surface from the take-up direction side is performed.
According to such a procedure, when printing a plurality of screens having a size smaller than the surface of the ink layer in the sublimation printer, the density of the image to be printed is determined. When used from the rewind direction side and the density information of the image to be printed is not high, each ink layer surface is used from the take-up direction side.
This reduces the possibility of ink ribbon breakage when printing multiple small-size screens with a large-size ink ribbon, realizes a stable printing process, and ensures printing time efficiency. Can do.

The print control method of the present invention also transfers an ink onto a sheet by pressing an ink ribbon on which a plurality of basic color ink layers are periodically arranged against the sheet and applying an external action to the ink ribbon. And a printing control method for a printer having a function of printing a plurality of screens having a size smaller than the surface of the ink layer, wherein the control unit in the printer averages images to be printed. Based on the average gradation value calculation procedure for calculating the gradation value and the average gradation value calculated by the average gradation value calculation procedure for the previously printed image, the magnitude of thermal damage received by the ink ribbon If There it is judged more than a predetermined value, when the next image printing, as well as use the remaining unused portion rewinding the ink ribbon, the ink ribbon is received And in the case where the magnitude of the thermal damage is determined to a predetermined value or more, when the next image print, characterized in that the heat history control procedure using a new portion of the ink ribbon is carried out .
Through this procedure, when the first image (or the previous image) is printed, the gradation of this image is recognized, the thermal damage received by the ink ribbon is calculated as the thermal history, and the magnitude of the damage is calculated. judge. That is, the damage received by the ink ribbon when the screen is printed depends on the pattern to be printed, and damage occurs when printing at a high density. Therefore, when printing a high-density image (when the damage received by the ink ribbon is large), when printing the next image, use a new part (ink layer surface of the next page) of the ink ribbon. Print. If a high-density image is not printed, the ink ribbon is rewound and the next screen is printed with the remaining unused portion.
This allows you to use a new part of the ink ribbon or rewind the ink ribbon to print the remaining screen when printing the next screen, depending on the thermal damage from the first (or first) image. It is possible to select whether to use an unused portion, and it is possible to reduce the breakage of the ink ribbon and to effectively use the ink ribbon.

  In the present invention, when printing a plurality of small screens with a large ink ribbon, for example, two 6 × 4 inch screens are printed with a 6 × 8 inch ink ribbon, and the ink ribbon is effective. In the case of using the ink ribbon, the possibility of breaking the ink ribbon can be reduced, and a stable printing process can be realized. Further, it is possible to ensure the efficiency of the printing time by arranging the usage direction of the ink layer surface of the ink ribbon to be printed according to the density of the image to be printed.

  Also, the thermal damage received by the ink ribbon is calculated based on the average gradation value of the image, and it is determined whether there is a possibility that a problem will occur during printing. For example, since the new part of the ink ribbon is used without rewinding the ink ribbon, breakage of the ink ribbon can be reduced, and the ink ribbon can be effectively used.

  Next, the best mode for carrying out the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

[First Embodiment]
FIG. 1 is a diagram for explaining the outline of the present invention. In the case of the conventional method shown in FIG. 1A, an ink layer of three colors, a Y (yellow) layer 2, an M (magenta) layer 3, and a C (cyan) layer 4, and an OP layer (overcoat layer) 5 are used. In this case, the areas 2a, 3a, 4a, and 5a used for printing the first image and the areas 2b, 3b, 4b, and 5b used for printing the second image are sequentially used from the winding direction side. In the present invention, as shown in FIG. 1B, the areas used for printing the first image are areas 2b, 3b, 4b, 5b, and the areas used for printing the second image are areas 2a, 3a, 4a. 5a so that the ink ribbon 1 can be used from the rewind direction side.

  A gap of about 3 mm is required between the inks of each color of the ink ribbon 1 in order to manufacture the ink ribbon 1. In the case of the method of the present invention shown in FIG. 1B, since there is a gap of about 3 mm, when the second image is printed, the ink ribbon used in the first image is used when the paper is transported and is not in contact with the print paper. It will be a position not to. In addition, the position of the peeling plate at the start of printing the second image can also be made at a position where it does not contact the used ribbon without lengthening the ribbon.

  FIG. 2 is a diagram for explaining an example in consideration of the density of a print image. FIG. 2A is a diagram showing an example in which the print image has a high density. In the three color ink layers of the Y (yellow) layer 2, the M (magenta) layer 3, and the C (cyan) layer 4, FIG. The areas used for printing the first image are areas 2b, 3b, and 4b, and the areas used for printing the second image are areas 2a, 3a, and 4a, and the ink ribbon 1 is used from the rewind direction side. However, the OP layer (overcoat layer) 5 has a considerably lower printing energy (transferable in half or less) compared to the Y, M, and C ink layers, and there is no damage to the ink ribbon. The ribbon patch for OP (overcoat layer) is performed in a conventional manner. This is because the conventional method has no waste in the ribbon transport time in the printing process, and the conventional method is advantageous in consideration of the printing time.

  As shown in FIG. 2B, if the image is recognized and the print is not high density, the Y (yellow) layer 2, the M (magenta) layer 3, and the C (cyan) layer 4 are the same as in the conventional method. In the three color ink layers, the areas used for printing the first image are areas 2a, 3a, and 4a, and the areas used for printing the second image are areas 2b, 3b, and 4b, and the ink ribbon 1 is wound up. Use from the direction side.

  In this way, if the density is high, printing is performed by using the ink ribbon from the rewinding side. If the density is not high, the ink ribbon is used from the winding side, and the printing time can be shortened. . In this case, whether to recognize an image and perform high density printing may be determined on the external host computer side, or may be determined by the printer itself.

  FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a configuration example of the printer according to the first embodiment of the present invention, and shows a part directly related to the present invention. The printer 10 illustrated in FIG. 3 includes a control unit 11 and a print unit 20.

  A print image data generation unit 12 in the control unit 11 receives an image to be printed from an external host computer (not shown) or the like, such as YMC (yellow (Y), magenta (M), cyan (C)). The YMC input image data is converted into image data for printing corresponding to the ink ribbon 1. This image data for printing is sent to the printing unit 20 and printed on the printing paper 29 by the thermal head 24 and the ink ribbon 1.

  The image density information acquisition unit (image density information acquisition unit) 13 is a processing unit for acquiring density information (for example, information on average density of the entire image) of the print target image. Information regarding the density of the print target image may be received from the external host computer side.

  The density information determination unit (density information acquisition unit) 14 is a processing unit for determining whether the density of the print target image is equal to or higher than a predetermined value.

  The ink layer surface usage direction control unit (ink layer surface usage direction control means) 15 sets each ink layer surface from the rewind direction side when the image density determination unit 14 determines that the density of the print target image is equal to or higher than a predetermined value. When the density information of the image to be printed is determined to be equal to or less than a predetermined value, each ink layer surface is set from the winding direction side and used for control.

  In response to a command signal from the ink layer surface usage direction control unit 15, the thermal head up / down control unit 16 raises / lowers the thermal head 24 by the head arm 30 when the ink ribbon 1 and the print paper 29 are unwound and rewound. It is a control part for performing a descent.

  The ink ribbon drive control unit 17 drives, for example, a pulse motor or the like (not shown) in response to a command signal from the ink layer surface usage direction control unit 15 to rotate the ink ribbon roll 22 and the ink ribbon core 28, and thereby the ink ribbon. Control of unwinding and unwinding of 1 is performed.

  The roll paper drive control unit 18 controls unwinding of the roll paper 21 and rewinding for cutting the roll paper in response to a command signal from the ink layer surface usage direction control unit 15.

  4 and 5 are diagrams showing a processing procedure of the sublimation printer of the present invention, which is an example in the case where two images are printed on the surface of one ink layer. An example is shown in which the first image is printed by the return side and the second image is printed by the first half (winding side) of the ink layer. Note that the OP (overcoat layer) prints the first image on the first half (winding side) of the ink layer and the second image on the second half (rewinding side) of the ink layer as usual.

First, the flow of processing for printing the first image by the latter half (rewinding side) of each ink layer surface will be described with reference to FIG.
First, the density information of the image to be printed is acquired (step S1), and it is determined whether or not the image to be printed has a predetermined density or higher (whether it is high density) (step S2).

  If it is determined in step S2 that the density is not high, printing is performed by a conventional method as usual. That is, the first image is printed by the first half (winding side) of each ink layer surface, and the second image is printed by the second half (rewinding side) of the ink layer surface.

  If it is determined in step S2 that the density is high, the thermal head is raised (step S3), and printing of the latter half (rewinding side) of the ink layer (first yellow (Y) layer) of the ink ribbon is started. The position and the print paper are aligned (step S4). Then, the thermal head is lowered (step S5), the thermal head is pressed against the ink ribbon, and printing is performed by pressing against the printing paper (step S6). When printing is completed (step S7), the thermal head is raised (step S8), and whether or not printing has been performed for the three ink layers of Y (yellow), M (magenta), and C (cyan) of the first image. Determine (step S9).

  If it is determined in step S9 that printing for each ink layer has not been completed, the process proceeds to step S4, and for the next ink layer, the print start position of the latter half (rewinding side) of the ink layer is set. Align the print paper and repeat the subsequent processing.

  If it is determined in step S9 that printing for each ink layer has been completed, the process proceeds to step S10, where the first half of the OP layer (winding side) is aligned with the printing paper (step S10). ) The thermal head is lowered (step S11), and the OP layer for the first image is printed (step S12). In the OP (overcoat layer) printing, the first image is printed by the front half (winding side) of the ink layer as usual. When the printing of the first image is completed, the thermal head is raised (step S13), and the printing paper for the first image is discharged (step S14).

Next, the flow of print processing for the second image will be described with reference to FIG.
First, the print start position of the first half (winding side) of the ink layer (first yellow (Y) layer) of the ink ribbon is aligned with the print paper (step S21). Then, the thermal head is lowered (step S22), the thermal head is pressed against the ink ribbon, and pressed against the printing paper to print the second image (step S23). When printing is completed (step S24), the thermal head is raised (step S25), and whether or not printing has been performed for the three ink layers Y (yellow), M (magenta), and C (cyan) of the second image. Determination is made (step S26).

  If it is determined in step S26 that printing for each ink layer has not been completed, the process proceeds to step S21, and for the next ink layer, the print start position of the first half (winding side) of the ink layer is set. Align the print paper and repeat the subsequent processing.

  If it is determined in step S26 that printing for each ink layer has been completed, the process proceeds to step S27, where the second half of the OP layer (rewinding side) is aligned with the printing paper (step S27). ) The thermal head is lowered (step S28), and the OP layer for the second image is printed (step S29). In the OP (overcoat layer) printing, the second image is printed by the latter half (rewinding side) of the ink layer as usual. When the printing of the second image is completed, the thermal head is raised (step S30), and the printing paper for the second image is discharged (step S31). Then, it waits until the next print command is received.

[Second Embodiment]
Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described. In the second embodiment of the present invention, an example in which two images are printed on one ink layer surface will be described.

  In the first embodiment, depending on the density of the image to be printed, whether to use the ink layer of the ink ribbon from the rewinding side or from the winding side is selected and controlled. In the second embodiment of the present invention, the remaining unused portion of the ink ribbon (the ink on which the previous image is printed) is recognized if the gradation of the image to be printed is recognized and the problem may occur. The new unused portion of the ink ribbon (the ink layer surface of the next page) is used without using the remaining unused portion of the layer surface.

  When the first image is printed, the damage received by the ink ribbon depends on the pattern to be printed. That is, damage occurs when printing at a high density. Therefore, for example, in the case of 200 gradations or more, printing is not performed on the remaining unused portion of the ink ribbon.

The density of an image to be printed is determined in a process of performing printer control on image data received from a host computer (PC or the like). This determination is made for each of the three ink layers of YMC (Y (yellow), M (magenta), C (cyan)).
“Condition 1: Average gradation value of Y component> 200”
“Condition 2: Average gradation value of M component> 200”
“Condition 3: Average gradation value of C component> 200”,
As described above, when any one of the components of each YMC has an average gradation value of 200 or more, it is determined as a high density.

FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of a printer according to the second embodiment of the present invention, and illustrates a portion directly related to the present invention.
The printer 10A shown in FIG. 10 includes an image buffer 40 that stores YMC image data transmitted from the host computer 50, and an average order of Y, M, and C components based on the image data stored in the image buffer 40. And an average gradation value calculation unit 13A for calculating a tone value.

  Further, based on the gradation value data of the first image printed, the thermal damage received by the ink ribbon is calculated as a thermal history, and it is determined whether or not the ink ribbon is rewound and printed at an unused portion. When printing the second image, the thermal damage received by the ink ribbon is calculated based on the gradation value data of the second image, and heat for determining whether to rewind the ink ribbon and print in the unused portion It has a history control unit 14A. Other components are the same as those indicated by the same reference numerals in the printer 10 shown in FIG.

  Note that, in the calculation process by the average gradation value calculation unit (average gradation value calculation unit) 13A and the thermal history control unit (thermal history control unit) 14A, the calculation amount of the average gradation value calculation is particularly large. DSP (Digital Signal Processor) is used. A DSP is also used for the calculation processing of the print image data generation unit 12.

(First image print processing)
Next, a processing procedure in the second embodiment will be described. First, the printing process for the first image will be described. When the first image is printed, it is determined whether the printed image is a dark image. If the image is dark, the ink ribbon is not rewound and printed in the next print. In this case, printing is performed from the next new part (the ink layer surface of the next page). If it is not a dark image, the ribbon is rewound and the second image is printed by the remaining unused portion of the ink layer surface on which the first image is printed.

The processing flow in this case is shown in FIG. Referring to FIG. 11, the process flow is as follows.
First, image data of the first image is input from a host computer (PC or the like) 50 and stored in the image buffer 40 (step S1).

  Next, the first image is printed (step S2). Further, the average data is calculated by reading out image data from the image buffer 40 by a DSP (Digital Signal Processor).

  Then, after the printer is finished, the average gradation value is obtained from the DSP, and if it is a dark image, the next print uses a new part of the ink ribbon. That is, the next print uses the new ink layer surface of the next page of the ink ribbon. If it is not a dark image, the ribbon is rewound and printed on the remaining unused portion of the ink layer surface on which the first image is printed (step S3).

(Second image print processing)
Next, the printing process for the second image will be described.
In this case, before printing the second image, it is determined whether the second image is a dark image. If the image is dark, the ink ribbon is not rewound, the ink ribbon is advanced to the next page, and the received image data is printed on the new part of the ink ribbon.

The flow of processing in this case is shown in FIG. Referring to FIG. 12, the process flow is as follows.
First, image data for the second image is input from a host computer (PC or the like) 50 and stored in the image buffer 40 (step S1). Next, the DSP is instructed to calculate the average gradation value. When the DSP receives the command, it reads out the image data from the image buffer 40 and calculates the average floor (step S2).

  Then, the average gradation value is acquired from the DSP, and if it is a dark image, preparation is made for printing with a new part of the ink ribbon (ink layer surface of the next page) (step S3), and the input image is printed (step S3). Step S4). If the image is not a dark image, the input image is printed on the remaining unused portion of the ink ribbon on which the first image has been printed (steps S3 and S4).

  As described above, when the ink ribbon is used effectively, there is a possibility of breakage due to the damage of the ink ribbon. However, in the second embodiment of the present invention, the gradation of the image to be printed is recognized and a problem occurs. If the image has a possibility of being changed, the remaining unused portion of the ink ribbon is not used, but a new portion of the ink ribbon is used. Thereby, the possibility of breakage of the ink ribbon can be reduced, and the ink ribbon can be effectively used according to the image to be printed.

  Although the embodiment of the present invention has been described above, the sublimation printer of the present invention is not limited to the above illustrated example, and various modifications can be made without departing from the gist of the present invention. Of course.

  In the present invention, when a plurality of small size screens are printed with a large size ink ribbon and the ink ribbon is effectively used, the possibility of breakage of the ink ribbon is reduced and a stable printing process is realized. In addition, according to the density of the image to be printed, the usage direction of the ink layer surface of the ink ribbon to be printed can be determined to ensure the efficiency of the printing time, and the gradation of the image to be printed can be recognized. Therefore, the present invention is useful for a printer, a print control method, and the like because it can be handled by a new portion of the ink ribbon without using the rest of the ink ribbon.

It is a figure for demonstrating the outline | summary of this invention. FIG. 6 is a diagram for describing an example in consideration of the density of a print image. FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of a printer in the first embodiment of the present invention. It is a figure which shows the flow of the process which prints the 1st image. It is a figure which shows the flow of the process which prints the 2nd image. It is a figure which shows the structural example of the printing part of a sublimation type printer. It is a figure for demonstrating the conventional printing method. It is a figure which shows the positional relationship of an ink ribbon and a peeling plate. It is a figure for demonstrating the damage which an ink ribbon receives. It is a figure which shows the structural example of the printer in the 2nd Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the flow of the process which prints the 1st image in 2nd Embodiment. It is a figure which shows the flow of the process which prints the 2nd image in 2nd Embodiment.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Ink ribbon 10, 10A Printer 11 Control part 12 Print image data generation part 13 Image density information acquisition part 13A Average gradation value calculation part 14 Image density determination part 14A Thermal history control part 15 Ink layer surface usage direction control part 16 Thermal head Ascent / Descent Control Unit 17 Ink Ribbon Drive Control Unit 18 Roll Paper Drive Control Unit 20 Print Unit 21 Roll Paper 22 Ink Ribbon Roll 23 Ink Ribbon Guide Roll 24 Thermal Head 25 Platen Roll 26 Pinch Roll 27 Feed Roll 28 Ink Ribbon Core 29 Print Paper 30 Head arm 31 Rotating shaft 32 Peeling plate 40 Image buffer 50 Host computer

Claims (6)

An ink ribbon in which a plurality of ink layers of basic colors are periodically arranged is pressed against the paper, and an external action is applied to the ink ribbon to transfer the ink onto the paper for printing. In a printer having a function of printing a plurality of screens of a size smaller than the surface,
Image density information acquisition means for acquiring density information of an image to be printed;
Image density determination means for determining whether the density of the print target image acquired by the image density information acquisition means is equal to or higher than a predetermined value;
When the density of the print target image is determined to be equal to or higher than a predetermined value by the image density determination unit, each ink layer surface is used from the rewind direction side, and the density information of the image to be printed is equal to or lower than the predetermined value. A printer comprising: an ink layer surface usage direction control unit that uses each ink layer surface from the winding direction side when it is determined to be present. The overcoat layer includes means for using the overcoat layer surface from the take-up direction side when the ink layer surface is used from the rewind direction side by the ink layer surface use direction control means. The printer described. An ink ribbon in which a plurality of ink layers of basic colors are periodically arranged is pressed against the paper, and an external action is applied to the ink ribbon to transfer the ink onto the paper for printing. In a printer having a function of printing a plurality of screens of a size smaller than the surface,
Average gradation value calculating means for calculating an average gradation value of an image to be printed;
Based on the average gradation value calculated by the average gradation value calculation means for the previously printed image, if it is determined that the magnitude of thermal damage received by the ink ribbon is not more than a predetermined value, When the image is printed, the ink ribbon is rewound to use the remaining unused portion, and if it is determined that the amount of thermal damage received by the ink ribbon is equal to or greater than a predetermined value, the next image is printed. And a thermal history control means for using a new portion of the ink ribbon when printing . When the next image is printed , if it is determined that the thermal damage received by the ink ribbon is equal to or less than a predetermined value based on the average gradation value of the next image, the next image At the time of printing, the ink ribbon is rewound to use the remaining unused portion, and when it is determined that the thermal damage received by the ink ribbon is greater than or equal to a predetermined value, the printing of the next image is performed. 4. The printer according to claim 3, further comprising means for using a new portion of the ink ribbon. An ink ribbon in which a plurality of ink layers of basic colors are periodically arranged is pressed against the paper, and an external action is applied to the ink ribbon to transfer the ink onto the paper for printing. A print control method in a printer having a function of printing a plurality of screens having a size smaller than a surface,
By the control unit in the printer,
An image density information acquisition procedure for acquiring density information of an image to be printed;
An image density determination procedure for determining whether the density of the print target image acquired by the image density information acquisition procedure is equal to or higher than a predetermined value;
When the image density determination procedure determines that the density of the print target image is equal to or higher than a predetermined value, each ink layer surface is used from the rewind direction side, and the density information of the image to be printed is equal to or lower than the predetermined value. If it is determined that there is an ink layer surface usage direction control procedure for using each ink layer surface from the winding direction side, a print control method. An ink ribbon in which a plurality of ink layers of basic colors are periodically arranged is pressed against the paper, and an external action is applied to the ink ribbon to transfer the ink onto the paper for printing. A print control method in a printer having a function of printing a plurality of screens having a size smaller than a surface,
By the control unit in the printer,
An average gradation value calculation procedure for calculating an average gradation value of an image to be printed;
Based on the average gradation value calculated by the average gradation value calculation procedure for the previously printed image, if it is determined that the magnitude of thermal damage received by the ink ribbon is equal to or less than a predetermined value, When the image is printed, the ink ribbon is rewound to use the remaining unused portion, and if it is determined that the amount of thermal damage received by the ink ribbon is equal to or greater than a predetermined value, the next image is printed. And a thermal history control procedure for controlling whether or not to use a new portion of the ink ribbon during printing.

Images