JP5522594B2 - Printing control device, printing system - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a printing control apparatus that causes a printing apparatus that can be driven by a battery power source to print desired printing information, and a printing system including the printing control apparatus.

  For example, a portable printer is known as a printing apparatus driven by a battery power source. The portable printer includes a platen roller and a thermal line head. When the printing paper is taken into the conveyance path, the printing paper is conveyed by the platen roller, and desired printing is performed on the printing paper by the thermal line head. I do. Such a portable printer is excellent in convenience because the place of use is not limited.

  In a print control apparatus that prints desired print information on such a print apparatus, a print control apparatus that suppresses power consumption of the print apparatus when the remaining battery power of the print apparatus is low is known ( For example, see Patent Document 1). In this conventional print control apparatus, print data with a reduced print resolution is printed by the printing apparatus, thereby reducing the drive current of the print head and reducing power consumption.

JP 2003-316558 A

  In the above-described conventional print control apparatus, the print resolution is lowered by reducing the number of dots by thinning out the print dots of the print data. In this way, although the power consumption can be reduced, the print quality is also lowered. For this reason, it is inconvenient for a user who wants to perform printing without lowering the print quality.

  An object of the present invention is to provide a print control apparatus that can perform printing according to the remaining amount of battery power without lowering the print quality.

In order to achieve the above object, a print control apparatus according to a first aspect of the present invention is a print control apparatus that causes the print apparatus to print desired print information by transmitting the print control information to a print apparatus that can be driven by a battery power source. A remaining amount information acquisition unit that acquires the remaining amount information of the battery power source of the printing apparatus, an information conversion unit that converts the print information into the print control information, and the remaining amount acquired by the remaining amount information acquisition unit. A conversion mode changing unit that changes an information conversion mode by the information converting unit, a print control information transmitting unit that transmits the print control information converted by the information converting unit to the printing apparatus, and the conversion When the printing control information converted by the information conversion mode changed by the mode changing unit is transmitted to the printing device, the printing device corresponds to the printing control information. Whether it is possible to complete printing of serial printing information, and having an and determining print determination means based on the remaining amount information acquired by the remaining amount information acquisition unit.

  The print control apparatus converts the print information into print control information by the information conversion unit, and transmits the print control information to the printing apparatus by the print control information transmission unit, thereby causing the printing apparatus to print desired print information. The print control information is a control code for controlling the printing apparatus, and is information for causing the printing apparatus to print by designating a character or a format.

In the first invention of the present application, the remaining amount information acquiring unit acquires the remaining amount information of the battery power of the printing apparatus, and the conversion mode changing unit changes the information conversion mode by the information converting unit according to the acquired remaining amount information. To do. Thereby, it is possible to change the information conversion mode by the information conversion unit so that the power consumption is reduced, and to transmit the print control information converted in the changed mode to the printing apparatus. As a result, even if the printing device's battery power is low and printing information is printed normally, printing will end in the middle. You can print to the end. In addition, when the printability determination unit transmits the print control information converted in the information conversion mode changed by the conversion mode change unit to the printing apparatus, the printing apparatus completes printing of the print information corresponding to the print control information. Whether or not it is possible is determined based on the remaining amount information acquired by the remaining amount information acquiring means. As a result, the power consumption is reduced by changing the format, but it is possible to prevent the situation where the remaining battery power is insufficient to print the print information to the end, and to ensure that the print information is printed to the end by the printing apparatus. it can.

  In this way, by changing the format according to the remaining battery level and printing, simply reducing the number of dots by decimating the number of dots without reducing the print quality. Power consumption can be reduced. Therefore, it is possible to perform printing according to the remaining battery power without lowering the print quality. As a result, even when it is not desired to lower the print quality, the printing apparatus can be used without worrying about the remaining battery level, so the convenience can be improved.

A printing control apparatus according to a second aspect of the invention is a printing control apparatus that causes the printing apparatus to print desired printing information by transmitting the printing control information to a printing apparatus that can be driven by a battery power source , and the battery of the printing apparatus. In accordance with the remaining amount information acquired by the remaining amount information acquired by the remaining amount information acquiring unit that acquires the remaining amount information of the power source, the information converting unit that converts the print information into the print control information, and the remaining amount information acquiring unit A conversion mode changing unit that changes an information conversion mode by the conversion unit; a print control information transmitting unit that transmits the print control information converted by the information conversion unit to the printing apparatus; set according to the amount information having a memory means for storing a plurality of functions for converting the print information to the print control information, the storage unit, the species of the predetermined format For each of the plurality of functions, a function for normal power corresponding to a case where the remaining amount information is larger than a first threshold value, and a function for low power corresponding to a case where the remaining amount information is equal to or less than the first threshold value, , And a format in which the power consumption in the printing apparatus is reduced as compared with the case where the normal power function is used by changing the font as the predetermined format type as the low power function. storing the composed function, said information converting means, wherein when the remaining amount information the remaining amount information is greater than the first threshold value obtained by the obtaining means, the printing the print information using the function for normal power When the remaining amount information converted into control information and acquired by the remaining amount information acquiring unit is equal to or less than the first threshold value, the printing is performed using the low power function changed by the conversion mode changing unit. information The print control information is converted, the information conversion means converts the print information into the print control information using the function stored in the storage means, and the conversion mode changing means is the information conversion means. The information conversion mode by the information conversion means is changed by changing the function to be used to another function in the same type of format stored in the storage means.

  In the second invention of the present application, a plurality of functions for converting the print information into the print control information are set according to the remaining amount information for each type of the predetermined format, and stored in the storage means in advance. The information conversion unit converts the print information into the print control information using the function stored in the storage unit. The conversion mode change unit changes the information conversion mode by the information conversion unit by changing the function used in the information conversion unit to another function in the same type of format stored in the storage unit.

  Thereby, for example, in a predetermined format type, a function when the remaining battery level is high and a function that results in a format that consumes less power than when the remaining battery level is large are set and stored. If the battery power of the printing apparatus is low, the conversion mode changing unit changes the function when the battery power is high to a function when the battery power is low, thereby reducing power consumption. It becomes possible to change the information conversion mode by the information conversion means so as to be in the format. As a result, it is possible to reliably print the print information in a format that reduces power consumption.

  Further, by adopting a configuration in which the function is changed for each format type, it is possible to realize printing in which power consumption is reduced by changing various formats such as character size, font, and character style.

Further, the storage means, for each of the predetermined format types, as a plurality of functions, a function for normal power corresponding to the case where the remaining amount information is larger than a first threshold, and the remaining amount information is the first function. And a function for low power corresponding to a case where the remaining amount information acquired by the remaining amount information acquiring unit is larger than the first threshold. When the print information is converted into the print control information using a normal power function, and the remaining amount information acquired by the remaining amount information acquiring unit is equal to or less than the first threshold value, the conversion mode changing unit The print information is converted into the print control information using the changed low power function .

That is, for each predetermined format type, a normal power function corresponding to the case where the remaining amount information is larger than the first threshold and a low power function corresponding to the case where the remaining amount information is equal to or less than the first threshold are: It is stored in the storage means. When the remaining amount information acquired by the remaining amount information acquiring unit is larger than the first threshold value, the information converting unit converts the printing information into the printing control information using the normal power function, and the remaining amount information is the first remaining amount information. If it is equal to or less than one threshold value, the print information is converted into print control information using the low power function changed by the conversion mode changing means. Furthermore, the storage means is a format that consumes less power in the printing apparatus than when the normal power function is used by changing the font as the predetermined format type as the low power function. By storing the function, for example, by reducing the font size, such as reducing the character size or changing the Gothic font to the Mincho font, the actual number of printed dots can be reduced and consumed. A format with reduced power can be realized. As a result, even when the remaining amount of battery power of the printing apparatus is small, the print information can be surely printed to the end.

  Thus, if the function for low power is set to a function that has a format that consumes less power than the function for normal power, the conversion mode changing means can be used when the remaining battery power of the printing apparatus is low. Thus, by changing the normal power function to the low power function, the information conversion mode by the information conversion means can be reliably changed so that the power consumption is reduced. As a result, it is possible to reliably print the print information in a format that reduces power consumption.

A printing control apparatus according to a third aspect of the present invention is a printing control apparatus that causes the printing apparatus to print desired printing information by transmitting the printing control information to a printing apparatus that can be driven by a battery power source , and the battery of the printing apparatus. In accordance with the remaining amount information acquired by the remaining amount information acquired by the remaining amount information acquiring unit that acquires the remaining amount information of the power source, the information converting unit that converts the print information into the print control information, and the remaining amount information acquiring unit A conversion mode changing unit that changes an information conversion mode by the conversion unit; a print control information transmitting unit that transmits the print control information converted by the information conversion unit to the printing apparatus; Storage means for storing a plurality of functions for converting the print information into the print control information set according to the quantity information, and the storage means is a type of the predetermined format. For each of the plurality of functions, a function for normal power corresponding to a case where the remaining amount information is larger than a first threshold value, and a function for low power corresponding to a case where the remaining amount information is equal to or less than the first threshold value, , And for each type of the predetermined format, as the low power function, the remaining amount information is less than the first threshold value and is smaller than the second threshold value that is smaller than the first threshold value. By changing the character style as the type of the predetermined format so as to correspond to a large case, the first low-power-use format becomes a format in which the power consumption in the printing apparatus is reduced as compared with the case where the normal power function is used functions and the remaining amount information is the than with the first low-power function printing by changing the font size of a type of the predetermined format so as to correspond to the case where more than the second threshold value A second low-power function as a format power consumption is further reduced in location, stores, said information converting means, the remaining amount information acquired by the remaining quantity data acquiring unit said first threshold value If larger, the print information is converted into the print control information using the normal power function, and the remaining amount information acquired by the remaining amount information acquiring unit is equal to or less than the first threshold value. The print information is converted into the print control information using the low power function changed by the conversion mode changing unit, and the remaining amount information acquired by the remaining amount information acquiring unit is less than or equal to the first threshold value. If it is greater than the second threshold value, the print information is converted into the print control information using the first low power function changed by the conversion mode changing means, and the remaining amount information is obtained. The remaining amount information acquired by means Is less than or equal to the second threshold value, the print information is converted into the print control information using the second low power function changed by the conversion mode change unit, and the conversion mode change unit includes: The information conversion mode by the information conversion unit is changed by changing the function used in the information conversion unit to another function in the same type of format stored in the storage unit .

In the third invention of the present application, as the low power function, the first low power function corresponding to the case where the remaining amount information is larger than the second threshold and equal to or less than the first threshold, and the remaining amount information is the second threshold. The second low power function corresponding to the following case is stored in the storage means. As described above, by providing a plurality of types of functions in the low power function, it is possible to make a fine format change according to the degree of the remaining battery power. Further, the printing control apparatus according to the third aspect of the present invention is more effective in the printing apparatus than in the case where the normal power function is used by changing the character style as the predetermined format type as the first low power function. Than the case where the first low power function is used by changing the font size as the type of the predetermined format as the second low power function. Also stores a function that has a format that further reduces power consumption in the printing apparatus. In such a configuration, when the remaining amount of battery power is equal to or less than the first threshold and the remaining amount is relatively large, for example, black characters are changed to bag characters, emphasis characters, bold characters, and shaded characters. The character style is changed, such as canceling character decorations such as characters, frames, and underlines. If the remaining amount is relatively small, the font is changed to reduce the character size. In this way, even if the remaining battery level is low, the format can be changed so as not to reduce the font size as much as possible, and the visual change of the print result due to the format change can be reduced, making the user feel uncomfortable. Can be reduced.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in the first aspect , the storage unit uses the normal power function by changing a character style as the predetermined format type as the low power function. A function is stored that has a format in which power consumption in the printing apparatus is reduced more than in the case.

  This makes it possible to print substantially by changing the character style, for example, changing black characters to bag characters, or removing character decorations such as highlighted characters, bold characters, shaded characters, frames, and underlines. A format that reduces the number of dots and power consumption can be realized. As a result, even when the remaining amount of battery power of the printing apparatus is small, the print information can be surely printed to the end.

In order to achieve the above object, a printing system according to a fifth aspect of the present invention includes a printing device that can be driven by a battery power source, and a printing control device that prints desired printing information by transmitting printing control information to the printing device. A printing system comprising: a remaining amount detection unit that detects a remaining amount of the battery power; and a remaining amount that transmits remaining amount information based on a detection result of the remaining amount detection unit to the print control device. An information transmission unit; and a printing unit that prints the print information based on the print control information, wherein the print control apparatus acquires the remaining amount information transmitted by the remaining amount information transmission unit of the printing apparatus. According to the remaining amount information acquired by the remaining amount information acquiring unit, the information converting unit that converts the print information into the print control information, and the remaining amount information acquired by the remaining amount information acquiring unit. A conversion mode changing means for changing that information conversion mode, the print control information transmitting means for transmitting the print control information converted by the information converting unit to the printing apparatus, the information conversion mode changing by the conversion mode change means When the printing control information converted in step S1 is transmitted to the printing apparatus, the remaining amount information acquisition unit acquires whether the printing apparatus can complete printing of the printing information corresponding to the printing control information. Printing permission / inhibition determining means for determining based on the remaining amount information .

  In the printing system, the print control device converts the print information into print control information by the information conversion unit, and transmits the print control information to the printing device by the print control information transmission unit. Print the print information. The print control information is a control code for controlling the printing apparatus, and is information for causing the printing apparatus to print by designating a character or a format.

In the fifth invention of the present application, in the printing apparatus, the remaining amount detecting unit detects the remaining amount of the battery power source, and the remaining amount information transmitting unit transmits the remaining amount information based on the detection result to the printing control device. In the printing control apparatus, the remaining amount information acquiring unit acquires the remaining amount information transmitted from the printing device, and the conversion mode changing unit changes the information conversion mode by the information converting unit according to the acquired remaining amount information. To do. Thereby, it is possible to change the information conversion mode by the information conversion unit so that the power consumption is reduced, and to transmit the print control information converted in the changed mode to the printing apparatus. As a result, even if the printing device's battery power is low and printing information is printed normally, printing will end in the middle. You can print to the end. In addition, when the printability determination unit transmits the print control information converted in the information conversion mode changed by the conversion mode change unit to the printing apparatus, the printing apparatus completes printing of the print information corresponding to the print control information. Whether or not it is possible is determined based on the remaining amount information acquired by the remaining amount information acquiring means. As a result, the power consumption is reduced by changing the format, but it is possible to prevent the situation where the remaining battery power is insufficient to print the print information to the end, and to ensure that the print information is printed to the end by the printing apparatus. it can.

  In this way, by changing the format according to the remaining battery level and printing, simply reducing the number of dots by decimating the number of dots without reducing the print quality. Power consumption can be reduced. Therefore, it is possible to perform printing according to the remaining battery power without lowering the print quality. As a result, even when it is not desired to lower the print quality, the printing apparatus can be used without worrying about the remaining battery level, so the convenience can be improved.

  According to the present invention, it is possible to perform printing according to the remaining battery power without lowering the print quality.

1 is a system configuration diagram illustrating a configuration of a printing system according to an embodiment of the present invention. It is a perspective view showing the external appearance structure of a portable printer. It is a sectional side view by the III-III section in Drawing 2 showing the internal structure of a portable printer. It is a block diagram showing the functional structure of a portable printer and an operation terminal. It is a block diagram showing an example of a functional composition on processing control in an operation terminal. FIG. 3 is a diagram conceptually illustrating a main information flow when an instruction to start printing is given in the printing system. It is a flowchart showing the control content performed by CPU of an operating terminal. It is a figure showing the other example of a change of a format. FIG. 11 is a diagram conceptually illustrating a main information flow when a printing start is instructed in a printing system in a modification in which a plurality of types of low power functions are provided. It is a flowchart showing the control content performed by CPU of an operating terminal in the modification which provides the function for multiple types of low power. It is a flowchart showing the control content performed by CPU of an operating terminal in the modification which determines whether it can print to the last.

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

  The system configuration of the printing system according to this embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. In FIG. 1, the printing system PS includes a portable printer 100 that can be driven by a battery power source 107 (see FIG. 3 described later), and an operation terminal 200. The portable printer 100 and the operation terminal 200 are connected so that information can be transmitted and received by wired or wireless communication.

  The operation terminal 200 is a general-purpose personal computer that is commercially available, and includes a display unit 201 such as a liquid crystal display and an operation unit 202 such as a keyboard and a mouse. The operation terminal 200 transmits desired printer data by transmitting a printer code to the portable printer 100. The printer code is a control code for causing the portable printer 100 to print by designating characters and formats. Note that a mobile terminal 300 such as a mobile phone may be used instead of the operation terminal 200.

  The portable printer 100 corresponds to a printing apparatus described in the claims, and the operation terminal 200 and the portable terminal 300 correspond to a print control apparatus.

  The external configuration of the portable printer 100 will be described with reference to FIG.

  In FIG. 2, a portable printer 100 includes a housing 102 that is formed in a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape as a whole. A cover member 103 is provided on the upper surface of the housing 102 on the back side in the figure so as to be opened and closed. During printing, the printing paper S (see FIG. 4 described later) is inserted into the gap (not shown) of the cover member 103. In FIG. 2, the side surface located on the front side of the housing 102 corresponds to the back surface portion of the portable printer 100, and the battery chamber cover 104 is detachably provided on the back surface portion. In a state where the battery chamber cover 104 is removed, a battery storage chamber 105 (also see FIG. 3 to be described later) for accommodating the substantially rod-shaped battery power source 107 (see FIG. 3 to be described later) opens in the rear portion of the housing 102.

  The internal structure of the portable printer 100 will be described with reference to FIG.

  In FIG. 3, a platen roller 111 and a thermal line head 112 are provided in the housing 102. The platen roller 111 is rotatably supported inside the housing 102 and is driven to rotate by a driving mechanism (not shown) to convey the printing paper S (not shown in FIG. 3; see FIG. 4 described later). The thermal line head 112 is installed so as to be able to come into contact with and separate from the platen roller 111, and contacts the platen roller 111 with a predetermined pressing force during printing, and performs desired printing on the printing paper S inserted therebetween.

  In a normal case, the printing paper S is inserted into the gap conveyance path with the cover member 103 closed, so that the printing paper S is conveyed by the platen roller 111, and the thermal line head is applied to the printing paper S. The desired printing is performed by 112. In order to remove a paper jam, the cover member 103 is opened. At this time, since the platen roller 111 is released from the thermal line head 112, it is possible to easily pull out the paper.

  The housing 102 includes a top cover 121, an under cover 131, and two side covers (not shown). These are all made of a resin material.

  The thermal line head 112 corresponds to printing means described in the claims.

  The functional configurations of the portable printer 100 and the operation terminal 200 will be described with reference to FIG.

  In FIG. 4, the operation terminal 200 is a general-purpose personal computer that is generally commercially available as described above. The operation terminal 200 has a CPU 203, a memory 204 such as a RAM or a ROM, and instructions and information from the user. The operation unit 202 that is input, the display unit 201 that displays various types of information and messages, a large-capacity storage unit 205 that includes a hard disk device or the like and stores various types of information, and the portable printer 100 via wired or wireless communication. And a communication control unit 206 that performs control of information transmission / reception to / from.

  The CPU 203 performs signal processing in accordance with a program stored in advance in the ROM while utilizing the temporary storage function of the RAM, thereby transmitting and receiving various instruction signals and information signals to and from the portable printer 100. Yes.

  The mass storage device 205 (which may be the memory 204) has a creation command (described later) set according to the remaining amount of the battery power source 107 for each type of a predetermined format such as a character style and a font. A plurality of functions for converting the printer code into the printer code are stored. Although details will be described later, these functions correspond to a function for normal power corresponding to the case where the remaining amount of the battery power source 107 is relatively large and a case where the remaining amount is relatively small for each type of predetermined format. And a function for low power. The mass storage device 205 corresponds to the storage means described in the claims.

  On the other hand, the portable printer 100 controls communication performed between the thermal line head 112 that performs desired printing on the printing paper S, the platen roller 111, the control circuit 141, and the operation terminal 200. The communication control unit 142 for performing the operation, the battery power source 107, and a remaining amount detecting unit 143 for detecting the remaining amount of the battery power source 107 are provided.

  The control circuit 141 outputs the remaining amount information of the battery power source 107 detected by the remaining amount detection unit 143 to the operation terminal 200 via the communication control unit 142. Thereby, the CPU 203 of the operation terminal 200 can input the remaining amount information of the battery power source 107 via the communication control unit 206 and acquire the remaining amount information. The output of the remaining amount information by the control circuit 141 at this time corresponds to the remaining amount information transmitting means described in the claims.

  In such a configuration, when printing with the portable printer 100, the operator operates the application activated on the operation terminal 200 to input print data or the like to be printed on the surface of the printing paper S. At the same time, a print start instruction is input. As a result, a printer code corresponding to the print data is transmitted from the operation terminal 200 to the portable printer 100, and printing is performed by the thermal line head 112 based on the print data under the control of the control circuit 141 of the portable printer 100. .

  The remaining amount detecting unit 143 corresponds to remaining amount detecting means described in the claims.

  With reference to FIG. 5, a functional configuration for process control in the operation terminal 200 will be described.

  In FIG. 5, at least one application program AP and each program of the printer driver PD are activated and activated on the memory 204 of the operation terminal 200, and can transmit and receive an instruction signal and an information signal to each other. It has become. The application program AP transmits / receives a signal to / from the printer driver PD, and the printer driver PD transmits / receives a signal to / from the portable printer 100 via communication between the communication control units 206 and 142.

  Both the application program AP and the printer driver PD are executed by a single CPU 203 provided in the operation terminal 200. For example, the application program AP and the printer driver PD are individually independent by time-sharing interrupt control such as a time sharing system (TSS). To be executed. The printer driver PD may be pre-installed in the basic OS of the operation terminal 200 configured by a general-purpose personal computer, or may be a program that is individually activated on the OS like other applications. .

  Here, as specific examples applied as the application program AP, there are a document management application program for creating and managing documents, an image management application program for creating and managing images such as photographs and illustrations, and the like. These set each setting information (print data etc.) required in printing, and output a print start command including these setting information to the printer driver PD.

  The printer driver PD receives a print command output from the application program AP, and converts it into a corresponding printer code using the function stored in the mass storage device 205. The converted printer code is output to the portable printer 100. The portable printer 100 performs printing based on the printer code input from the printer driver PD.

  The flow of information among the application program AP, the printer driver PD, and the portable printer 100 will be described in detail below with reference to FIG.

  With reference to FIG. 6, the main information flow when a print start is instructed in the printing system PS of the present embodiment will be conceptually described. FIG. 6 shows an example in which the character “M King” is printed. Further, only the information flow among the application program AP, the printer driver PD, and the portable printer 100 is shown, and the hardware distinction between the operation terminal 200 and the portable printer 100 is omitted.

  In FIG. 6, when the operator instructs to start printing of desired print data by operating the application program AP, a print job signal is output from the application program AP to the printer driver PD. This print job is a set of creation commands each corresponding to printing one piece of print data. At this time, when a plurality of creation commands are output from the application program AP, the printer driver PD receives them in parallel, converts them into corresponding printer codes in the received command order, and outputs them to the portable printer 100. .

  In each creation command, print data to be printed on the printing paper S (characters “M” and “king” in the illustrated example), character size designation information (character size “400” in the illustrated example), and “king” ”Includes kanji mode designation information for using kanji.

  The printer driver PD that has received the print job including the creation command reads the function from the mass storage device 205 and converts the creation command into a corresponding printer code using the function. As described above, the large-capacity storage device 205 stores a function for normal power and a function for low power for each type of predetermined format, for example, for each character style and font, as the above function. The normal power function corresponds to a case where the remaining amount of the battery power source 107 detected by the remaining amount detection unit 143 of the portable printer 100 and acquired through the communication control units 142 and 206 is larger than a predetermined first threshold value. The low power function corresponds to the case where the remaining amount of the battery power source 107 is equal to or less than the first threshold value. The low power function is set to have a format in which power consumption is reduced as compared with the case where the normal power function is used. Then, when the remaining amount of the battery power source 107 is larger than the first threshold, the printer driver PD converts the creation command into a printer code using the normal power function, and the remaining amount of the battery power source 107 is equal to the first amount. If it is less than or equal to one threshold, the creation command is converted into a printer code using the low power function.

  The character style is, for example, a format relating to black characters, bag characters, emphasis characters, bold characters, shaded characters, framed characters, underlined characters, italic characters, and other character decorations. The font is a character size or a format related to a typeface such as Mincho or Gothic. Note that the format type is not limited to the character style and font described above, and the normal power function and the low power function may be provided for other format types. Other formats include, for example, the presence / absence of kanji designation, paper format, and line feed amount.

  For example, in the example shown in FIG. 6, in the character style related function, the function for black characters is set as the function for normal power, and the function for bag characters is set as the function for low power. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 6, a creation command consisting of character outputs “M” and “king”, in which the kanji mode is designated and the character size is designated “400”, is sent from the application program AP to the printer driver PD. When the remaining amount of the battery power source 107 is larger than the first threshold value, the printer driver PD converts the creation command into a printer code using the normal power function for each format type. In this example, “1C 26” in the printer code for normal power is obtained by converting the information specifying the kanji mode in the creation command using the normal power function of the kanji command related function (not shown). “1C 29 190” is obtained by converting information specifying the character size “400” in the creation command using the normal power function of the font command related function. “83 AA” is obtained by converting information for outputting the character “M” in the creation command using the normal power function of the character designation related function, and “89 A4” is the character “ The information for outputting “king” is converted using the normal power function of the character designation related function. Note that the conversion is performed using a function for making a black character included in the above-described character style related functions, but the portion specifying the black character is not described as a printer code. By outputting the printer code converted using the normal power function to the portable printer 100 as described above, the portable printer 100 can obtain a normal printing result according to the contents of the creation command as shown in FIG. .

  On the other hand, when the remaining amount of the battery power source 107 is equal to or less than the first threshold value, the printer driver PD converts the creation command into a printer code using the low power function in the character style related function. That is, in this example, in the character style related function, the function for black characters set as the normal power function is changed to the function for bag characters set as the low power function. As a result, among the printer codes at the time of low power, “1C 26” designated by the Chinese character mode and “1C 29 190” designated by the character size, and “83 AA” and “king” characters outputted by the character “M” are output. The output “89 A4” is the same as that at the normal power, but the printer code “1B 71 01” for designating the bag character is inserted between them. In FIG. 6, the inserted code portion is underlined. By outputting the printer code converted using the bag character function set as the low power function in this way to the portable printer 100, the portable printer 100 has the contents of the creation command as shown in FIG. A print result is obtained in which the characters are the same character size and bag characters.

  In this way, by changing the character style that makes black characters into bag characters, the number of print dots in print data can be reduced, and power consumption is reduced without reducing print quality. Can be realized.

  The creation command corresponds to print information described in the claims, and the printer code corresponds to print control information.

  The control content executed by the CPU 203 of the operation terminal 200 will be described with reference to FIG.

  In step S10, the CPU 203 determines whether or not there is a print job, in other words, the operator operates the application program AP to instruct the start of printing of desired print data, whereby the application program AP transmits to the printer driver PD. It is determined whether a print job signal is output. In a state where the operator does not instruct the start of printing and there is no print job, the CPU 203 repeats this determination and stands by in a loop. When the operator instructs to start the printing and the print job is output, the determination is satisfied. Then, the process proceeds to step S20.

  In step S <b> 20, the CPU 203 inputs the remaining amount information of the battery power supply 107 detected by the remaining amount detection unit 143 of the portable printer 100 and output by the control circuit 141 via the communication control unit 142 via the communication control unit 206. Then, the remaining amount information of the battery power source 107 is acquired.

  In step S30, the CPU 203 determines whether or not the acquired remaining amount information is equal to or less than a first threshold value. The first threshold value is set in advance as a value with which the remaining amount of the battery power source 107 has decreased to the extent that there is a possibility that printing will be terminated in the middle when printing data is printed normally, and is stored in the memory 204. If the acquired remaining amount information is less than or equal to the first threshold value, the determination is satisfied and the routine goes to Step S40. In step S40, the CPU 203 sets the function used by the printer driver PD as a low power function. Note that in which format type the function for low power is set is set in advance according to the specifications of the portable printer 100 or the like.

  On the other hand, when the acquired remaining amount information is larger than the first threshold value in step S30, the determination is not satisfied and the process proceeds to step S50. In step S50, the CPU 203 sets a function used by the printer driver PD as a normal power function.

  In step S60, the CPU 203 converts the creation command into a printer code using the low power function set in step S40 or the normal power function set in step S50.

  In step S <b> 70, the CPU 203 outputs the printer code generated by the conversion to the portable printer 100 via the communication control unit 206. This flowchart is complete | finished by the above.

  Note that step S20 functions as a remaining amount information acquisition unit described in the claims, step S60 functions as an information conversion unit, and step S70 functions as a print control information transmission unit. In steps S30, S40, and S50, the conversion mode in step S60 is converted in accordance with the remaining amount information acquired in step S20. Therefore, these steps S30, S40, and S50 function as conversion mode changing means described in the claims.

  An example of format changes other than those described above will be described with reference to FIG.

  For example, in the example shown in FIG. 8A, in the font command-related function, a function for relatively increasing the character size is set as a function for normal power, and a function for decreasing the character size is set as a function for low power. . By changing the function for normal power to the function for low power at low power and reducing the character size compared to that at normal power, the number of print dots in print data can be reduced, and the print quality The power consumption can be reduced without lowering.

  In the example shown in FIG. 8B, in the font command-related functions, the function that uses the typeface as the Gothic type is set as the normal power function, and the function that uses the typeface as the Mincho type is set as the low-power function. By changing the function for normal power to the function for low power at low power and changing the Gothic font to the Mincho font that is relatively thin, the number of print dots in print data can be reduced. Power consumption can be reduced without reducing print quality.

  In the example shown in FIG. 8C, in the character style related function, a function that makes the thickness of the character bold is a function for normal power, and a function that makes the thickness of the character normal or thin is a function for low power. Is set. By changing the function for normal power to the function for low power at low power, and by reducing the thickness of the characters compared to normal power, the number of print dots in print data can be reduced. Power consumption can be reduced without reducing print quality.

  In the example shown in FIG. 8D, in the character style-related functions, the function with the underlined character is set as the normal power function, and the function with the underlined character is set as the low power function. . By changing the function for normal power to the function for low power at low power and deleting the underline, the actual number of print dots in the print data can be reduced, reducing power consumption without lowering print quality. it can.

  In the example shown in FIG. 8E, in the character style related function, a function that uses a character as an italic character is set as a normal power function, and a function that uses a character that is released from the italic character is set as a low power function. . By changing the normal power function to the low power function at low power, canceling the italics and shortening the vertical line length of the characters, the actual number of print dots in the print data is reduced. Power consumption can be reduced without lowering the print quality.

  In the example shown in FIG. 8F, in the character style-related function, a function with a shadowed character is set as a normal power function, and a function with a shadowless character is set as a low power function. By changing the function for normal power to the function for low power and removing shadows at low power, the effective number of print dots in the print data can be reduced, reducing power consumption without reducing print quality. it can.

  In addition to the above, various types of formats can be adopted as long as the format is changed so that power consumption can be reduced.

  In the embodiment described above, the CPU 203 of the operation terminal 200 acquires the remaining amount information of the battery power source 107 of the portable printer 100 in step S20, and in steps S30 to S50 according to the acquired remaining amount information. In step S60, the information conversion mode from the creation command to the printer code is changed. Thereby, the information conversion mode in step S60 can be changed so that the power consumption is reduced, and the printer code converted in the changed mode can be transmitted to the portable printer 100. As a result, even when the remaining amount of the battery power source 107 of the portable printer 100 is small and printing is terminated in the middle when printing data is printed as usual, the format is changed to reduce power consumption. Print data can be printed to the end.

  In this way, by changing the format according to the remaining battery level and printing, the print quality is lowered as compared with the case where the power consumption in the portable printer 100 is reduced by simply thinning out the print dots and reducing the number of dots. Therefore, power consumption can be reduced. Therefore, printing according to the remaining amount of the battery power source 107 can be performed without lowering the print quality. As a result, even when it is not desired to lower the print quality, the portable printer 100 can be used without worrying about the remaining battery level, so the convenience can be improved.

  In the present embodiment, in particular, a plurality of functions for converting the creation command into the printer code are set according to the remaining amount information of the battery power source 107 for each predetermined format type, and stored in the mass storage device 205 in advance. Has been. In step S60, the CPU 203 converts the creation command into a printer code using the function stored in the mass storage device 205. In step S30 to step S50, the function used for the conversion in step S60 is changed to another function in the same type of format stored in the large-capacity storage device 205, thereby changing the information conversion mode in step S60. To do.

  In this way, by adopting a configuration in which the function is changed for each format type, it is possible to realize printing in which power consumption is reduced by changing various formats such as character size, font, and character style.

  Further, in the present embodiment, in particular, for each predetermined format type, a function for normal power corresponding to the case where the remaining amount information of the battery power source 107 is larger than the first threshold value and the remaining amount information is equal to or smaller than the first threshold value. Are stored in the large-capacity storage device 205. In step S60, when the remaining amount information acquired in step S20 is larger than the first threshold value, the CPU 203 converts the creation command into a printer code using the normal power function, and the remaining amount information is set to the first threshold value. In the following cases, the creation command is converted into a printer code using the low power function changed in steps S30 and S40.

  Thus, the function for low power is set to a function that has a format in which power consumption is reduced compared to the function for normal power. Therefore, when the remaining amount of the battery power source 107 of the portable printer 100 is small, By changing the normal power function to the low power function in steps S30 to S50, the information conversion mode in step S60 can be reliably changed so that the power consumption is reduced. As a result, it is possible to reliably print the print information in a format that reduces power consumption.

  In the present embodiment, in particular, the large-capacity storage device 205 is a portable printer 100 that uses the normal power function by changing the character style as the predetermined format type as the low power function. Stores a function that has a format that reduces power consumption. This makes it possible to print substantially by changing the character style, for example, changing black characters to bag characters, or removing character decorations such as highlighted characters, bold characters, shaded characters, frames, and underlines. A format that reduces the number of dots and power consumption can be realized. As a result, even when the remaining amount of the battery power source 107 of the portable printer 100 is small, the print data can be surely printed to the end.

  In the present embodiment, in particular, the large-capacity storage device 205 can be used in the portable printer 100 as compared with the case where the normal power function is used by changing the font as a predetermined format type as the low power function. It stores functions that have a format that reduces power consumption. This realizes a format that reduces the number of printed dots and reduces power consumption by changing the format, for example, by reducing the character size or changing the Gothic font to the Mincho font. be able to. As a result, even when the remaining amount of the battery power source 107 of the portable printer 100 is small, the print data can be surely printed to the end.

  The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and various modifications can be made without departing from the spirit and technical idea of the present invention. Hereinafter, such modifications will be described in order.

(1) In the case where a plurality of types of low power functions are provided In the above embodiment, only two types of functions, ie, a normal power function and a low power function, are set as functions. By providing a function of a type, it may be possible to make a fine format change according to the degree of the remaining amount of the battery power source 107.

  With reference to FIG. 9, a main information flow when a print start is instructed in the printing system PS of the present modification will be conceptually described. Similar to FIG. 6 described above, an example in which the character “M King” is printed is shown.

  In the present modification, the mass storage device 205 has the remaining amount information of the battery power source 107 equal to or lower than the first threshold value described above as a function for low power for each type of predetermined format, and from the first threshold value. A first low power function corresponding to a case where the value is larger than the second threshold which is a small value ("mode 1" shown in FIG. 9) and a second low power corresponding to the case where the remaining amount information is equal to or less than the second threshold. Function for use ("mode 2" shown in FIG. 9) is stored. The second low power function is set to have a format in which the power consumption in the portable printer 100 is further reduced as compared with the case where the first low power function is used. Then, when the remaining amount of the battery power source 107 is equal to or less than the first threshold and greater than the second threshold (hereinafter referred to as “first low power” as appropriate), the printer driver PD When the creation command is converted into a printer code using a power function, and the remaining amount of the battery power source 107 is equal to or less than the second threshold (hereinafter referred to as “second low power” as appropriate), the second Convert creation command to printer code using low power function

  For example, in the example shown in FIG. 9, in the character style related function, the function for black characters is set as the function for normal power, and the function for bag characters is set as the first function for low power. Thus, at the time of the first low power, the printer driver PD converts the creation command into a printer code using the first low power function in the character style related function. That is, as in FIG. 6 described above, in the character style related function, the function that is set as a black character set as a function for normal power is changed to a function that is set as a bag character set as a function for low power, As shown in FIG. 9, the portable printer 100 can obtain a print result in which the characters of the creation command content are bag characters with the same character size.

  On the other hand, in the font command-related functions, a function that sets the character size to “400” is set as a function for normal power, and a function that sets the character size to “200” is set as a second function for low power. Thereby, at the time of the second low power, the printer driver PD converts the creation command into the printer code using the second low power function in the font command related function. That is, in this example, in the character style related function, the function that sets the character size set as the normal power function to “400” and the character size set as the second low power function to “200”. Changed to function. As a result, the “1C 29 190” portion of the character size designation in the printer code at normal power is changed to “1C 29 C8”. In FIG. 9, the inserted code portion is underlined. The printer code converted by using the function with the character size “200” set as the second low power function is output to the portable printer 100 as shown in FIG. In 100, a print result is obtained by reducing the size of the characters of the creation command content.

  Thus, in the low power state, the first low power when the remaining amount is relatively large, the character style is changed to make the black characters a bag character, and at the second low power when the remaining amount is relatively small, By changing the font to reduce the font size, even if the battery level is low, you can change the font format so that the font size is not reduced as much as possible. This reduces the user's uncomfortable feeling.

  The content of control executed by the CPU 203 of the operation terminal 200 according to this modification will be described with reference to FIG.

  Steps S10 to S30 and S50 are the same as those in FIG. 7 described above, and the CPU 203 determines whether or not there is a print job. When the operator instructs the start of printing, the print job is output. The remaining amount information of the battery power source 107 is acquired. Then, it is determined whether or not the acquired remaining amount information is equal to or less than the first threshold value. If the acquired remaining amount information is larger than the first threshold value, the function used by the printer driver PD is set as the normal power function. On the other hand, when the acquired remaining amount information is equal to or less than the first threshold value, the determination in step S30 is satisfied and the process proceeds to step S35.

  In step S35, the CPU 203 determines whether or not the remaining amount information acquired in step S20 is equal to or less than the second threshold value. The second threshold value is set in advance to a value smaller than the first threshold value as a value that the remaining amount of the battery power source 107 is reduced to such a degree that there is a high possibility that printing will be finished halfway when printing data is printed normally. Stored in the memory 204. If the acquired remaining amount information is larger than the second threshold value, the determination is not satisfied and the process proceeds to step S41, and the CPU 203 sets the function used by the printer driver PD as the first low power function. On the other hand, if the acquired remaining amount information is equal to or smaller than the second threshold value, the determination is satisfied, the process proceeds to step S42, and the CPU 203 sets the function used by the printer driver PD as the second low power function. Note that in which format type the first low power function or the second low power function is set is set in advance according to the specifications of the portable printer 100 or the like.

  The subsequent steps S60 and S70 are the same as those in FIG.

  In the modified example described above, as the low power function, the first low power function corresponding to the case where the remaining amount information is larger than the second threshold and not more than the first threshold, and the remaining amount information is the second. The second low power function corresponding to the case where the value is equal to or less than the threshold value is stored in the mass storage device 205. As described above, by providing a plurality of types of functions in the low power function, it is possible to make a fine format change according to the degree of the remaining amount of the battery power source 107. In the above description, two types of functions for low power are provided, but three or more types may be used, and more detailed format changes may be performed.

(2) When determining whether or not printing can be performed to the end Although not performed in the above-described embodiment, if the normal power function is changed to the low power function at low power, can the print data be printed to the end? It may be determined whether or not.

  FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing the control contents executed by the CPU 203 of the operation terminal 200 according to this modification.

  Steps S10 to S40 are the same as those in FIG. 7 described above, and the CPU 203 determines whether or not there is a print job. When the operator issues a print start instruction and outputs the print job, the battery power The remaining amount information 107 is acquired. Then, it is determined whether or not the acquired remaining amount information is equal to or less than the first threshold value. If the remaining amount information is equal to or less than the first threshold value, the function used by the printer driver PD is set as a low power function.

  In the next step S45, when the CPU 203 transmits the printer code converted using the low power function to the portable printer 100, the portable printer 100 completes printing of print data corresponding to the printer code. Whether it is possible is determined based on the remaining amount information acquired in step S20. If it is determined that the printing cannot be completed, the determination is not satisfied and the process proceeds to step S47, where the CPU 203 outputs a display signal to the display unit 201 and performs a corresponding error display. Thereby, the user can recognize that the format change by the function for low power currently set cannot respond to the present battery remaining amount. Therefore, it is possible to take measures such as charging the battery power source 107 or resetting the low power function. Then, the CPU 203 ends this flowchart without converting the creation command into the printer code and outputting the printer code.

  On the other hand, if it is determined in step S45 that printing can be completed, the determination is satisfied and the routine goes to step S60. Steps S60 and S70 are the same as those in FIG.

  Note that the step S45 functions as a printability determination unit described in the claims.

  In the modification described above, when the CPU 203 transmits the printer code converted using the changed low power function to the portable printer 100 in step S45, the portable printer 100 supports the printer code. Whether or not printing of the print data thus completed can be completed is determined based on the remaining amount information of the battery power source 107. As a result, the power consumption is reduced by the format change, but the situation where the remaining amount of the battery power source 107 is insufficient to print the print data to the end is prevented, and the print data is reliably printed to the end by the portable printer 100. Can be made.

  (3) Other

  In the above, the arrows shown in each of FIGS. 4, 5, 6, etc. show an example of the signal flow, and do not limit the signal flow direction.

  The flowcharts shown in FIGS. 7 and 10 are not intended to limit the present invention to the procedure shown in the above-described flow, but to add / delete procedures or change the order within the scope of the gist and technical idea of the invention. May be.

  In addition to those already described above, the methods according to the above-described embodiments and modifications may be used in appropriate combination.

  In addition, although not illustrated one by one, the present invention is implemented with various modifications within a range not departing from the gist thereof.

100 Portable printer (printing device)
107 Battery power 112 Thermal line head (printing means)
143 Remaining amount detecting unit (remaining amount detecting means)
200 Operation terminal (printing control device)
205 Mass storage device (storage means)
300 Mobile terminal (printing control device)
PS printing system

Claims (5)

A print control apparatus that causes the printing apparatus to print desired print information by transmitting print control information to a printing apparatus that can be driven by a battery power source,
Remaining amount information acquisition means for acquiring remaining amount information of the battery power source of the printing apparatus;
Information conversion means for converting the print information into the print control information;
A conversion mode changing unit that changes an information conversion mode by the information conversion unit according to the remaining amount information acquired by the remaining amount information acquiring unit;
Print control information transmission means for transmitting the print control information converted by the information conversion means to the printing apparatus ;
Whether the printing apparatus can complete printing of the print information corresponding to the print control information when the printing control information converted by the information conversion aspect changed by the conversion aspect changing unit is transmitted to the printing apparatus. Whether or not printing is possible based on the remaining amount information acquired by the remaining amount information acquiring unit;
A printing control apparatus comprising: A print control apparatus that causes the printing apparatus to print desired print information by transmitting print control information to a printing apparatus that can be driven by a battery power source,
Remaining amount information acquisition means for acquiring remaining amount information of the battery power source of the printing apparatus;
Information conversion means for converting the print information into the print control information;
A conversion mode changing unit that changes an information conversion mode by the information conversion unit according to the remaining amount information acquired by the remaining amount information acquiring unit;
Print control information transmission means for transmitting the print control information converted by the information conversion means to the printing apparatus;
Storage means for storing a plurality of functions for converting the print information into the print control information, which is set in accordance with the remaining amount information for each predetermined format type;
Have
The storage means
Corresponding to the normal power function corresponding to the case where the remaining amount information is larger than the first threshold and the remaining amount information being equal to or less than the first threshold as the plurality of functions for each of the predetermined format types The power consumption function in the printing apparatus than when the normal power function is used by changing the font as the predetermined format type as the low power function. Memorize the function in the form of decreasing power,
The information conversion means includes
When the remaining amount information acquired by the remaining amount information acquisition unit is larger than the first threshold, the print information is converted into the print control information using the normal power function,
When the remaining amount information acquired by the remaining amount information acquiring unit is equal to or less than the first threshold value, the print information is converted into the print control information using the low power function changed by the conversion mode changing unit. Converted to
The conversion mode changing means includes
The information conversion mode by the information conversion unit is changed by changing the function used in the information conversion unit to another function in the same type of format stored in the storage unit. Print control device. A print control apparatus that causes the printing apparatus to print desired print information by transmitting print control information to a printing apparatus that can be driven by a battery power source,
Remaining amount information acquisition means for acquiring remaining amount information of the battery power source of the printing apparatus;
Information conversion means for converting the print information into the print control information;
A conversion mode changing unit that changes an information conversion mode by the information conversion unit according to the remaining amount information acquired by the remaining amount information acquiring unit;
Print control information transmission means for transmitting the print control information converted by the information conversion means to the printing apparatus;
Storage means for storing a plurality of functions for converting the print information into the print control information, which is set according to the remaining amount information for each type of predetermined format,
The storage means
Corresponding to the normal power function corresponding to the case where the remaining amount information is larger than the first threshold and the remaining amount information being equal to or less than the first threshold as the plurality of functions for each of the predetermined format types And memorize the function for low power
For each of the predetermined format types, as the low power function, the remaining amount information is equal to or smaller than the first threshold and larger than a second threshold that is smaller than the first threshold. A first low power function having a format in which power consumption in the printing apparatus is reduced as compared with the case where the normal power function is used by changing the character style as the predetermined format type;
In the printing apparatus, compared to the case where the first low power function is used by changing the font size as the type of the predetermined format so as to correspond to the case where the remaining amount information is equal to or less than the second threshold value. A second low power function that is in a format that further reduces power consumption,
The information conversion means includes
When the remaining amount information acquired by the remaining amount information acquisition unit is larger than the first threshold, the print information is converted into the print control information using the normal power function,
When the remaining amount information acquired by the remaining amount information acquiring unit is equal to or less than the first threshold value, the print information is converted into the print control information using the low power function changed by the conversion mode changing unit. Converted to
When the remaining amount information acquired by the remaining amount information acquiring unit is less than or equal to the first threshold and greater than the second threshold, the first low power function changed by the conversion mode changing unit The print information is converted into the print control information using
When the remaining amount information acquired by the remaining amount information acquiring unit is equal to or less than the second threshold value, the printing information is printed using the second low power function changed by the conversion mode changing unit. Converted to control information,
The conversion mode changing means includes
The information conversion mode by the information conversion unit is changed by changing the function used in the information conversion unit to another function in the same type of format stored in the storage unit. Print control device. The print control apparatus according to claim 1 ,
The storage means
As the low power function, a function having a format in which power consumption in the printing apparatus is reduced as compared with the case where the normal power function is used by changing a character style as the predetermined format type is stored. A printing control apparatus. A printing system comprising: a printing device that can be driven by a battery power source; and a printing control device that prints desired printing information by transmitting printing control information to the printing device,
The printing apparatus includes:
A remaining amount detecting means for detecting the remaining amount of the battery power;
Remaining amount information transmitting means for transmitting remaining amount information based on the detection result of the remaining amount detecting means to the print control device;
Printing means for printing the print information based on the print control information,
The print control device includes:
A remaining amount information acquiring unit that acquires the remaining amount information transmitted by the remaining amount information transmitting unit of the printing apparatus;
Information conversion means for converting the print information into the print control information;
A conversion mode changing unit that changes an information conversion mode by the information conversion unit according to the remaining amount information acquired by the remaining amount information acquiring unit;
Print control information transmission means for transmitting the print control information converted by the information conversion means to the printing apparatus ;
Whether the printing apparatus can complete printing of the print information corresponding to the print control information when the printing control information converted by the information conversion aspect changed by the conversion aspect changing unit is transmitted to the printing apparatus. Whether or not printing is possible based on the remaining amount information acquired by the remaining amount information acquiring unit;
A printing system comprising:

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