JP5935452B2 - Calibration device, thermal printer, and program - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a thermal printer that prints on an object to be printed by heat generated by a thermal head, a calibration device used therefor, and a program used for these operations.

  2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, thermal printers that perform printing by transporting a print object on a thermal head and applying heat by the thermal head are well known.

  In general, such a thermal printer generates head control data to be given to a thermal head in a printer or a computer connected to the printer based on image data to be printed, and causes the thermal head to output heat based on the head control data. Control is performed.

  Further, among thermal printers, there is a thermal transfer type thermal printer that transfers a transfer material on the surface of a thermal transfer ribbon onto a sheet by the heat of a thermal head as a state in which the thermal transfer ribbon is polymerized on the sheet as an object to be printed. Also, even thermal transfer type thermal printers are divided into various types depending on the type of thermal transfer ribbon to be used. Generally, ink made of a dye or the like is used as a transfer material, and an ink area is formed on the surface. Thermal transfer type thermal printers that transfer ink on the surface using an ink ribbon are well known.

  In such a thermal transfer type thermal printer, image data is expressed as a collection of fine dots during printing, and a plurality of color inks are transferred while changing the gradation (density) corresponding to each dot. Has been. Such a change in the color density of each color depends on the amount of heat generated from the individual heating elements constituting the thermal head, and is controlled by a current value determined as head control data. That is, in the printer or the computer connected to the printer, the head control data is generated as the current value corresponding to the amount of ink to be transferred for each dot at the time of printing from the image data to be printed, and the thermal control is generated accordingly. A current is applied to the head.

  However, even if the same control amount (current value) is always given to the thermal head, the same color density is not always obtained. This is because the same control amount is given due to various factors such as a difference in the type and moisture content of the paper as a printing object used for printing, or a difference in the production lot of ink used in the ink ribbon. This is because the amount of ink transferred also changes. Furthermore, if the color and thickness of the paper to be printed are slightly different, the color density after printing may appear to change even if the amount of ink transferred is constant.

  These problems are not limited to the above-mentioned thermal printers, but are the same for ink jet printers. To solve this problem, various printers having a calibration function for correcting color density during printing are available. Has been proposed (for example, Patent Document 1).

  In a printer having such a calibration function, generally, a predetermined patch pattern consisting of a plurality of gradations is printed as a reference for calibration, and each patch is detected by a sensor provided in a path to the discharge port. After performing color measurement, the color density at the time of printing is corrected based on the color measurement result. Since patch pattern printing, colorimetry, and printing for color density correction are automatically performed, the user cannot know the change in printing conditions after color density correction.

JP 2010-158824 A

  On the other hand, in the expression of photographic prints and the like, there is a demand for higher-definition and richer hues, and there is a demand for the user to finely manage the color gradation and color balance when printing image data. It is increasing.

  From this point of view, it is preferable that the user can confirm the actual color density change before and after the color density correction, but this cannot be realized with the current printer. In addition, even if measures are taken to simply print a patch pattern again after color density correction, it is not possible to easily compare the color density before and after correction, and wasteful consumption of paper for printing. I will.

  An object of the present invention is to effectively solve such problems. Specifically, it is possible for a user to easily compare color densities before and after correction while suppressing consumption of an object to be printed. It is an object to provide a calibration device, a thermal printer, and a program.

  In order to achieve this object, the present invention takes the following measures.

That is, the calibration device of the present invention moves the print object while regulating the position by the thermal head and prints on the print object by causing the thermal head to generate heat with a pattern corresponding to the input image data. In addition to operating the colorimetric sensor, the colorimetric sensor is provided in the middle of the transport path of the print object and can measure the color density of the printed object after printing. A calibration control unit that generates a color density correction value based on the color density information obtained from the color sensor and supplies the color density correction value to the thermal printer, thereby correcting the color density at the time of printing. When performing a calibration operation, giving a calibration operation command to the thermal printer A calibration pattern printing step for printing a patch pattern composed of a plurality of patches whose color density is changed at a predetermined gradation in order to obtain the color density information, and a rewinding step for rewinding the printing object. A calibration pattern printing step for printing the patch pattern again after color density correction, and a patch pattern and color density for obtaining color density information for performing color density correction The patch pattern after reflecting the correction result is printed in parallel in the print area of the same sheet .

  With this configuration, printing twice before and after color density correction is performed in a single print area, resulting in before and after color density correction in the same print target print area. Printing results can be obtained in parallel, and the user can easily compare the color densities of both, and can also know the change in color density while checking the effect of color density correction. It becomes possible to manage the color density setting by itself. In addition, printing twice is performed in a single printing area, which leads to saving of a printing object.

  In addition, in a thermal transfer type thermal printer using a thermal transfer ribbon, in order to simultaneously save not only the object to be printed but also the thermal transfer ribbon, the thermal printer to be added prints the transfer material on the surface by the heat generated by the thermal head. A thermal transfer ribbon to be transferred to an object is provided, and the calibration control unit is configured to rewind the thermal transfer ribbon in addition to the print object in the rewinding step, thereby performing color density correction. It is preferable that the patch pattern for obtaining the color density information and the patch pattern after reflecting the color density correction result be printed using a set of transfer material areas for normal printing. .

  Further, the thermal printer of the present invention is configured to be provided with the above-described calibration device, and can be suitably configured as a thermal printer including a retrofit type calibration device.

Also, another thermal printer different from the above moves the print object while regulating the position by the thermal head, and generates heat on the print object by causing the thermal head to generate heat in a pattern corresponding to the input image data. In a thermal printer that performs printing, a colorimetric sensor that can measure the color density of a printed object after printing is provided in the middle of the conveyance path of the print object, and color is determined based on color density information obtained from the colorimetric sensor. all SANYO performing density correction, upon execution of the calibration operation, the color density information predetermined pattern for calibration to print the patch pattern composed of a plurality of patches of varying color density gradation for obtaining A printing step, a rewinding step for rewinding the printing object, and the patch pattern is printed again after color density correction. A confirmation pattern printing step of, configured to run, paper and patch pattern after reflecting the patch pattern and a color density correction result obtaining color density information for color density correction, the same Are printed in parallel in the print area .

  When configured in this way, it can be suitably configured as a thermal printer having a calibration function without adding a retrofitting device, and in the same manner as described above, two printings before and after color density correction can be performed in a single manner. By printing in the print area, the print results before and after color density correction can be obtained in parallel within the print area of the same print object, so that the user can easily compare the color densities of both. It is possible to check the effect of color density correction and know the change in color density. Furthermore, it is possible to save paper by performing printing twice in a single printing area.

  In addition, in order to save not only the printing object but also the thermal transfer ribbon in the thermal transfer type using a thermal transfer ribbon, a thermal transfer ribbon that transfers the transfer material on the surface to the printing object by the heat generated by the thermal head is provided. In the rewinding step, the thermal transfer ribbon is also rewound in addition to the print object, and the patch pattern for obtaining color density information for performing color density correction and the color density correction result are reflected. It is preferable that the patch pattern is printed using a set of transfer material areas for normal printing.

  Furthermore, in order to appropriately obtain the color density information corresponding to each color patch while conveying the printing object with a simple operation pattern without complicating the apparatus configuration and control, the patch pattern includes a print direction. In addition, patches of different color types are arranged in the direction orthogonal to each other, and patches of different gradations are arranged in the printing direction, and colorimetric sensors are respectively provided at positions corresponding to the color types of the patches. It is preferable to configure as provided.

In addition, the program of the present invention performs printing on a print object by moving the print object while regulating the position by the thermal head and causing the thermal head to generate heat with a pattern corresponding to input image data. Thus, it is read and executed by a thermal printer having a colorimetric sensor capable of measuring the color density of the printed object after printing in the middle of the conveyance path of the printed object, or a computer directly or indirectly connected to the thermal printer A program for performing color density correction at the time of printing by the thermal printer by generating a color density correction value based on the color density information obtained from the colorimetric sensor and setting it in the thermal printer, In order to obtain color density information, a patch pattern composed of a plurality of patches whose color density is changed at a predetermined gradation A calibration pattern printing step for causing the thermal printer to print, a rewinding step for causing the thermal printer to rewind the printing object, and a confirmation pattern printing step for causing the thermal printer to print the patch pattern again after color density correction; , And a patch pattern that reflects color density correction results and a patch pattern for obtaining color density information for color density correction. The pattern is printed in parallel in the print area of the same sheet .

  With this configuration, even if the thermal printer itself or a program in an external computer connected directly or indirectly to the thermal printer is constructed, the calibration operation is performed on the thermal printer as described above. It is possible to obtain the same effect.

  According to the present invention described above, color density before and after correction can be easily compared by the user while suppressing wasteful consumption of the print target, and the user can manage the setting of the color density by himself / herself. It is possible to provide a calibration device, a thermal printer, and a program that can be performed.

1 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of a thermal printer and a calibration device according to a first embodiment of the present invention. The perspective view of the calibration apparatus main body in the calibration apparatus. The schematic diagram of the ink ribbon used for the thermal printer and the calibration apparatus. FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of a sheet on which patch patterns before and after color density correction are printed using the thermal printer and the calibration apparatus. FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of a usage state of an ink ribbon when a patch pattern before and after color density correction is printed using the thermal printer and the calibration device. 6 is a flowchart of a calibration operation performed in the thermal printer and the calibration apparatus. 1 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of a thermal printer according to a first embodiment of the present invention. The figure which shows the structure of the thermal printer which concerns on 2nd Embodiment of this invention. FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the vicinity of a colorimetric sensor in the thermal printer. FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of a sheet on which patch patterns before and after color density correction are printed using the thermal printer. FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the position of an ink ribbon in use when a patch pattern before and after color density correction is printed using the thermal printer.

  Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.

<First Embodiment>
The thermal printer 1 and the calibration device 4 according to the first embodiment are configured as shown in FIG. 1, and the calibration device 4 is provided in a form added to the thermal printer 1.

  The thermal printer 1 is a thermal transfer type thermal printer that performs printing by polymerizing a sheet 7 as a printing object and an ink ribbon 8 as a thermal transfer ribbon, and gives a command to the printer main body 2 that is an apparatus portion. The printer control unit 3 is configured to perform control. Similarly, the calibration device 4 includes a calibration device body 5 that is a device portion and a calibration control unit 6 that controls the calibration device body 5.

  The calibration device 4 is configured to be retrofitted to the thermal printer 1, and by adding this, the thermal printer 1 can have a calibration function. For this purpose, the calibration control unit 4 can give an operation command to the printer control unit 3 through a calibration execution command unit 61 to be described later in order to cause the thermal printer 1 to perform a predetermined calibration operation. Yes.

  The printer main body 2 holds a paper roll 71 so as to be rotationally driven therein, and the paper 7 can be pulled out therefrom and transported using the transport rollers 23 to 23. Here, the transport rollers 23 to 23 refer to rollers that contribute to transport of the paper 7 and include both driving and driven types. One of these is driven, so that a conveying force can be applied to the sheet 7, and the direction and speed of moving the sheet 7 can be regulated.

  The sheet 7 is fed to a printing position P formed between the platen roller 22 and the thermal head 21 in a state of being superposed on the ink ribbon 8, and the amount of movement is controlled by the transport rollers 23 to 23 while being regulated by these. Printing is performed while being controlled.

  The ink ribbon 8 is a base material made of a band-shaped synthetic film, in which ink as a transfer material is provided while dividing a region, and is drawn from a pre-use ribbon roll 81 formed in a roll shape. As above, after being transported along the path formed by the guide rollers 24 to 24 and sent to the printing position P in a state of being superposed on the paper 7 as described above and used for printing, as a used ribbon roll 82 It is wound up into a roll again.

  Here, the direction (X direction in the figure) in which the paper 7 is pulled out from the paper roll 71 is defined as the transport direction. In printing, since the sheet is moved in the direction opposite to the transport direction (Z direction in the figure), this direction (Z direction) is defined as the printing direction. For this reason, the transport direction (X direction) is also referred to as an anti-printing direction.

  Also in the ink ribbon 8, the direction (Z direction in the figure) drawn from the ribbon roll 81 before use is defined as the printing direction, and the opposite direction (X direction in the figure) is defined as the anti-printing direction.

  Further, the width direction of the paper 7 and the ink ribbon 8 is defined as a direction orthogonal to these directions. The width direction is configured so that the axial directions of the conveying rollers 23 to 23 and the guide rollers 24 to 24 coincide with each other.

  As schematically shown in FIG. 3, the ink ribbon 8 has yellow, magenta, and cyan ink regions Y, M, and C in the transport direction and an overcoat ink region OP sandwiching the boundary region 8S. The ink areas Y, M, C, and OP are sequentially formed on a single print area set on the paper 7 and are printed in sequence. For example, when printing on a certain print area of the paper 7, the print is first performed by superimposing with the yellow ink area Y, and then the paper 7 is rewound in the reverse printing direction separately from the ink ribbon 8. Then, the ink is superposed on the magenta ink region M and printing is performed again. As described above, a total of four printing operations are performed on one printing area on the paper 7 corresponding to each ink area Y, M, C, and OP. That is, each ink area Y, M, C, OP forms a set at one place and is used in one printing.

  The thermal head 21 can be raised or lowered with respect to the platen roller 22 by a drive mechanism (not shown). When the thermal head 21 is lowered, the thermal head 21 is elastically contacted with the surface of the platen roller 22 so as to be in contact with the platen roller 22. A printing position P is formed. The printing position P is formed corresponding to the width direction of the paper 7 and the ink ribbon 8, and minute heating resistors are arranged on the surface of the thermal head 21 in this range.

  Further, a cutter 25 is provided on the downstream side of the printer main body 2 in the transport direction of the paper 21. After the printed paper 7 is aligned with this position, the cutter 25 is moved in the width direction by a drive source (not shown). By operating, the sheet 7 can be cut and discharged for each predetermined printing area.

  In order to operate the printer main body 2, the printer control unit 3 is configured as follows.

  First, the printer control unit 3 includes a paper conveyance control unit 31, an ink ribbon conveyance control unit 32, a head control unit 33, and a head up / down control unit 34 corresponding to each unit of the printer main body 2. Further, a head control data generation unit 35 that generates head control data as a current value to be given to each heating resistor of the thermal head 21 through the head control unit 33, and a color density correction value used when generating the head control data are stored. A color density correction value storage unit 36 is provided.

  Among these, the paper transport control unit 31 controls the rotation of the paper roll 71 that pulls out the paper 7, the transport roller 23 that regulates the paper 7, and the platen roller 22, and the direction in which the paper 7 is moved through such rotation control. And configured to be able to control the speed. On the other hand, the ink ribbon transport control unit 32 can control the direction and speed of moving the ink ribbon 8 by controlling the rotation of the pre-use ribbon roll 81 and the used ribbon roll 82 connected to the ink ribbon 8. It is configured to be able to.

  The head controller 33 is configured to give each heating resistor of the thermal head 21 a current value corresponding to the head control data generated by the head control data generator 35. Further, the head raising / lowering control unit 34 is configured to be able to change the thermal head 21 between the raised position and the lowered position. When the thermal head 21 is in the raised position, the superposition state of the paper 7 and the ink ribbon 8 is released so that the two are separated from each other. It can be moved.

  The head control data generation unit 35 generates head control data as a current value to be given to each heating resistor of the thermal head 21 through the head control unit 33 based on the input image data. Specifically, when the image data is expressed by printing, the color density required for each dot is determined, and then the color density is handled based on the correspondence between the preset color density and the current value. The current value to be applied is determined for each dot. At this time, the correspondence between the color density and the current value is assumed to be shifted corresponding to the individual difference of the thermal printer 1 and the paper 7 or ink ribbon 8 to be used. The color density correction value for correcting the correspondence relationship is stored in the color density correction value storage unit 36, and the head control data generation unit 35 corrects the current value while referring to the color density correction value. ing. Therefore, if the color density correction value is changed, even when the same image data is used, it is possible to generate different head control data and change the hue at the time of printing.

  Furthermore, the thermal printer 1 in the present embodiment is provided with a calibration device 4.

  The calibration device body 5 includes transport rollers 55 to 55 that can transport the paper 7 continuously from the printer body 2, and includes a colorimetric sensor 51 in the middle of the transport path. Further, a support plate 54 is provided at a position facing the colorimetric sensor 51 with the paper 7 interposed therebetween. The colorimetric sensor 51 is mainly composed of a light emitting unit 51a and a light receiving unit 51b, and can perform an output corresponding to the amount of light received by the light from the light emitting unit 51a reflected on the surface of the paper 7 and reaching the light receiving unit 51b. It is possible. As will be described later, the calibration control unit 6 can obtain color density data as color density information based on the output value from the colorimetric sensor 51.

  Further, the colorimetric sensor 51 is provided with a cover 52 for blocking light from the outside outside the light emitting unit 51a and the light receiving unit 51b, and prevents direct light incident on the light receiving unit 51b from the light emitting unit 51a. A partition portion 52a is formed between the two.

  Here, a perspective view of the calibration device body 5 is shown in FIG. Three colorimetric sensors 51 to 51 corresponding to three colors of yellow, magenta, and cyan are arranged in the width direction of the sheet 7 and are provided on the lower surface 53 a of the same sensor support 53. Further, the sensor support 53 is configured to be vertically changeable, and by moving the sensor support 53 up and down, the three colorimetric sensors 51 to 51 are simultaneously separated from or brought close to the surface of the paper 7. It is possible. When close to each other, there is almost no gap between the cover 52 and the sheet 7, so that light from the outside is effectively blocked.

  Further, while the three colorimetric sensors 51 to 51 are configured as a set, the support plate 54 is continuously formed so as to be larger than the width direction of the paper 7. In this way, when the color density measurement is performed by bringing the colorimetric sensors 51 to 51 close to each other, the position of the sheet 7 is stabilized over the entire width direction, and the transmission of light from the back surface is suppressed to ensure accuracy. The high measurement can be performed.

  Returning to FIG. 1, the calibration control unit 6 includes a calibration execution command unit 61 that gives a command to the printer control unit 3, a colorimetric sensor up / down control unit 62, a color density correction value generation unit 63, and a color density. And a data acquisition unit 64.

  Among these, the calibration execution command unit 61 causes the printer main body 2 to perform a calibration operation through a command given to the printer control unit 3. The colorimetric sensor raising / lowering control unit 62 can change the vertical position of the sensor support 53 described above. The color density data acquisition unit 64 is a part that controls the operation of the colorimetric sensor 51 and obtains its output value as color density data. Further, the color density correction value generation unit 63 is a part that generates color density correction value data corresponding to the gradation value of each color by comparing the color density data obtained by the color density data acquisition unit 64 with a reference density. It is. The reference density is a reference color density corresponding to the gradation value. The reference density is set in advance and stored in a storage unit (not shown), and the color density correction value generation unit 63 appropriately selects this color density. The reference density is read and used for comparison with the color density data. The color density correction value data generated here is output to the printer control unit 3, and can be stored and set as new color density correction value data in the internal color density correction value storage unit 36.

  Here, a patch pattern for performing printing by giving a command to the printer control unit 3 through the calibration execution command unit 61 by performing a calibration operation will be described.

  FIG. 4 shows a state of the sheet 7B after printing is performed through the calibration operation. In the present embodiment, the print area 72 used for a series of calibration operations is set to be the same as the area where normal printing is performed. As described above, this is because the ink regions Y, M, and C (see FIG. 3) of each color in the ink ribbon 3 are limited, and it is necessary to correspond to this size.

  In the first printing area 72a for printing a patch pattern as a calibration pattern for obtaining color density information for color density correction on the first half of the printing direction (Z direction) in the single printing area 72. It is set. Furthermore, the second printing area 72b is set on the second half of the printing direction (Z direction) to print a patch pattern as a confirmation pattern after color density correction.

  The first print area 72a and the second print area 72b are each divided into three areas 73a, 73b, and 73c in the width direction, and are printed using single colors of yellow, magenta, and cyan, respectively. Coated. Further, in each of the print areas 72a and 72b, printing is performed by changing the gradation for each color, and in the drawing, printing is performed as a patch divided into five gradations. Each patch is printed while being controlled according to the reference color density, but the actual color density changes depending on conditions including the type and lot of paper and ink ribbon.

  For this reason, in the present embodiment, the actual color density is measured using the calibration pattern printed in the first print area 72a, and then the color density is corrected so as to match the predetermined color density. In the above, after the correction is reflected, the same patch pattern is again printed in the second print area as a confirmation pattern.

  The calibration device 4 configured as described above is configured to perform the calibration operation shown in the flowchart of FIG. 4 including the printer body 2 side. The description will be made based on FIG. 6 with reference to FIG.

  First, when correcting the color density as calibration, a predetermined patch pattern as a calibration pattern is printed in the first print area 72a (see FIG. 4) of the paper 7 (ST1). At this time, corresponding to the color areas 73a to 73c shown in FIG. 4, the color areas Y, M, C, and OP in the ink ribbon 8B shown in FIG. 5 are referred to as first printing use areas 83a to 83d. Limited areas are used sequentially.

  By performing such printing, the printing area on the paper 7 is moved to the downstream side in the printing direction with respect to the printing position P, that is, the paper roll 71 side, and the used area when printing the ink ribbon 8 is the used ribbon roll 82 side. Will be moved to.

  After this state is reached, the thermal head 21 is raised and the first patch of the calibration pattern printed on the paper 7 is conveyed to the bottom of the colorimetric sensor 51 (ST2). Further, the colorimetric sensor 51 is lowered and brought close to the paper 7. Thereafter, the conveyance of the paper 7 is started (ST4), and the color density measurement by the colorimetric sensor 51 is started.

  At this time, since the individual colorimetric sensors 51 are provided corresponding to the printed color regions 73a to 73c, complicated control is performed simply by transporting the paper 7 in one direction under the colorimetric sensor 51. It is possible to easily measure the color density of all the patches without accompanying.

  To measure the color density, first, the initial value of the number of patches n is set to 0 (ST5), then 1 is added to n (ST6), and the color density data is acquired as the color density measurement data of the nth patch. Part 64 acquires. Such data acquisition is repeated until n satisfies the measurement end determination condition (ST8) in which n reaches the number N of patches of each color, that is, the number of gradations. If the measurement end determination is made, the paper conveyance is stopped (ST9), and the colorimetric sensor 51 is raised. Based on each color × N color density data obtained by the color density data acquisition unit 64, the color density correction value generation unit 63 creates a color density correction value (ST11). Further, the color density correction value generated by the color density correction value generation unit 63 is stored and set in the color density correction value storage unit 36 of the printer control unit 3 so as to be updated as new color density correction value data. .

  Next, the printing area of the paper 7 is rewound again to the printing position P, and the use area during printing of the ink ribbon 8 is also rewound to the ribbon roll 81 side before use (ST13). Then, the same patch pattern as described above is printed as a confirmation pattern on the second print area 72b (see FIG. 4) of the paper 7 (ST14). Since the confirmation pattern reflects new color density correction value data, it is printed with a color density different from the color density of each patch when the calibration pattern is printed. In this way, printing is performed twice for a single print area 72 (see FIG. 4), and as a result, a pattern indicating the print result before and after color density correction within the same print area of the paper 7 Are obtained in parallel, so that the color densities of the two can be easily compared and the paper 7 can be saved. Further, when printing the confirmation pattern, limited areas such as second printing use areas 84a to 84d are sequentially used among the color areas Y, M, C, and OP in the ink ribbon 8B shown in FIG. The second printing use areas 84a to 84d are in the same color areas Y, M, C, and OP as the first printing use areas 83a to 83d, but are set at different positions, thereby improving the print quality. Printing can be performed appropriately without dropping, and at the same time, the ink ribbon 8 can be saved.

  In this way, when printing of the confirmation pattern is completed, a series of operations as calibration is completed, and the sheet 7 is cut using the cutter 25 with the print area 72 as one unit, and the calibration is performed. It passes through the main body 5 and is discharged to the outside. Further, the used ink ribbon 8 is wound on the used ribbon roll 82 side, and enters a standby state for the next printing.

  The series of calibration operations as described above are preferably configured to start when the paper 7 or the ink ribbon 8 is replaced, and an operation command is given by manual input means provided on the calibration device 4 side. It is also preferable to configure so as to start on the occasion.

  As described above, the calibration device 4 according to the present embodiment moves the paper 7 while restricting the position by the thermal head 21, and generates heat by causing the thermal head 21 to generate heat in a pattern corresponding to input image data. The colorimetric sensor 51 is provided in the middle of the conveyance path of the paper 7 and is capable of measuring the color density of the paper 7 after printing, and the colorimetric sensor 51. And a calibration control unit 6 that operates and generates a color density correction value based on the color density information obtained from the colorimetric sensor 51 and applies it to the thermal printer 1 to correct the color density during printing. A calibration device 4 in which the calibration control unit 6 performs the calibration operation. A calibration pattern printing step of printing a patch pattern composed of a plurality of patches whose color density is changed at a predetermined gradation in order to obtain the color density information by giving a calibration operation command to the thermal printer 1 ST1 and a rewinding step ST13 for rewinding the paper 7 and a confirmation pattern printing step ST14 for printing the patch pattern again after color density correction are executed for a single print area 72. Is.

  With this configuration, two printings before and after the color density correction are printed in the single print area 72 of the paper 7, and as a result, in the same print area of the paper 7. The print results before and after color density correction are obtained in parallel, and the user can easily compare the color densities of both, confirm the effect of color density correction, and know the change in color density. Therefore, the user can manage the settings while grasping the settings and characteristics of the color density. In addition, since printing for two times is performed in the single printing area 72, the paper 7 can be saved.

  Further, the thermal printer 1 to be added is provided with an ink ribbon 8 that transfers the ink on the surface to the paper 7 by the heat generated by the thermal head 21, and the calibration control unit 6 performs the rewinding step ST13. In this case, in addition to the paper 7, the ink ribbon 8 is also rewound so that a patch pattern for obtaining color density information for performing color density correction and a patch pattern after reflecting the color density correction result are obtained. Since it is configured to print using a set of ink ribbon areas Y, M, C, and OP for normal printing, two sets of ink ribbon areas Y, M, C, and OP are printed. By using it, the ink ribbon 8 can be saved.

  Further, the thermal printer 1 to which the calibration device 4 is added can be provided with a function of correcting the color density in a retrofit manner, and also saves the paper 7 and the ink ribbon 8 when performing the calibration operation. It becomes possible to plan.

  The patch pattern is configured by arranging patches of different color types in a direction orthogonal to the printing direction and patches of different gradations in the printing direction. Since each of the colorimetric sensors 51 is provided at the corresponding position, it is not necessary to convey the sheet 7 with a complicated operation pattern in order to obtain color density information of each color, and the calibration is performed by a simple apparatus configuration and control. Can be performed.

Second Embodiment
FIG. 7 shows a thermal printer 101 according to the second embodiment. In this embodiment, a calibration device is not added to the thermal printer as a retrofit, but an example in which the calibration device portion is configured integrally with the inside of the thermal printer 101 is shown. About the same part as 1st Embodiment, the same code | symbol is attached | subjected and description is abbreviate | omitted.

  The printer main body 102 has the same configuration as that obtained by adding the calibration device main body 5 (see FIG. 1) to the printer main body 2 in the first embodiment.

  The printer control unit 103 for controlling the printer main body 102 is configured to have the functions of the printer control unit 2 and the calibration control unit 6 (see FIG. 1) in the case of the first embodiment. Specifically, the sheet conveyance control unit 131, the ink ribbon conveyance control unit 132, the head control unit 133, the head up / down control unit 134, the head control data generation unit 135, the color density correction value storage unit 136, and the color density data acquisition unit. 137, a color density correction value generation unit 138, and a colorimetric sensor up / down control unit 139. Note that since the printer control unit 2 and the calibration control unit 6 (see FIG. 1) are not divided as in the case of the first embodiment, the calibration execution command unit 61 is not provided, but one printer control unit. A series of calibration operations can be integrated into the printer main body 102 as 103.

  That is, the printer control unit 103 can also perform an operation according to the flowchart shown in FIG.

  The printer control unit 103 includes a CPU having an interface for communicating with the printer main body 102 and a program on a ROM or RAM for operating the CPU. That is, it is possible to change the presence or absence of the calibration function by changing the program.

  The printer control unit 103 is not necessarily configured integrally with the printer main body 102, but may be configured as a computer connected to the printer main body 102 and a program for operating the computer. This program is connected to the computer. It is also stored in the hard disk and can be configured to be read and used as appropriate. Furthermore, the computer is not limited to a computer directly connected to the printer main body 102, and can communicate with the printer main body 102 even if it is indirectly connected through a LAN line or an Internet line. As long as the printer main body 102 is controlled through the communication, the printer main body 102 can be controlled.

  As described above, even when the calibration device is configured integrally with the inside of the thermal printer 101 and is controlled by the printer control unit 103, the same as the thermal printer 1 of the first embodiment. The operation can be performed, and the same effect can be obtained.

  As described above, the thermal printer 101 according to the present embodiment moves the paper 7 while restricting the position by the thermal head 21 and generates heat by causing the thermal head 21 to generate heat in a pattern corresponding to the input image data. In the thermal printer 101 that performs printing, a colorimetric sensor 51 that can measure the color density of the printed paper 7 is provided in the middle of the conveyance path of the paper 7, and the color density information obtained from the colorimetric sensor 51 includes A color density correction is performed based on the calibration, and when executing a calibration operation, a calibration is performed to print a patch pattern composed of a plurality of patches whose color density is changed at a predetermined gradation in order to obtain the color density information. Pattern printing step ST1, rewinding step ST13 for rewinding paper 7, and color density compensation A confirmation pattern printing step ST14 to print the patch pattern again after, in which was configured to run as against a single printing region.

  Even when the thermal printer 101 having the calibration function is configured without adding a retrofitting device as described above, the printing is performed twice before and after the color density correction as in the first embodiment. 7, printing results before and after color density correction can be obtained in parallel within the same print area of the paper 7 as a result, and the user can easily obtain both color densities. Since it is possible to check the effect of color density correction and to know the change in color density, it becomes possible for the user to manage the color density settings and characteristics while grasping the settings themselves. . In addition, since printing for two times is performed in the single printing area 72, the paper 7 can be saved.

  Furthermore, an ink ribbon 8 for transferring the ink on the surface to the paper 7 by heat generation of the thermal head 21 is provided, and the ink ribbon 8 is rewound in addition to the paper 7 in the rewinding step ST13. A patch pattern for obtaining color density information for performing color density correction, and a patch pattern after reflecting the color density correction result, use a set of ink ribbon regions Y, M, C, and OP for normal printing. Since printing is performed, the ink ribbon 8 can be saved by performing printing twice using one set of ink ribbon areas Y, M, C, and OP.

The program in the present embodiment for operating the thermal printer 101 moves the paper 7 while regulating the position by the thermal head 21, and causes the thermal head 21 to generate heat with a pattern corresponding to the input image data. In this way, printing on the sheet 7 is performed, and is read and executed by the thermal printer 101 including the colorimetric sensor 51 capable of measuring the color density of the printed sheet 7 in the middle of the conveyance path of the sheet 7. A program for generating a color density correction value based on the color density information obtained from the colorimetric sensor 51 and setting it in the thermal printer 101 to perform color density correction during printing of the thermal printer 101, A patch pattern consisting of a plurality of patches whose color density is changed at a predetermined gradation to obtain color density information A calibration pattern printing step ST1 for printing the thermal printer 101, a rewinding step ST13 for rewinding the paper 7 to the thermal printer 101, and the patch pattern printed on the thermal printer 101 again after color density correction. The confirmation pattern printing step ST14 is configured to be executed by the thermal printer 101 for the single print area 72. The thermal printer 101 is preferably operated as described above, and An effect can be obtained.
<Third Embodiment>

  FIG. 8 shows a thermal printer 201 according to the third embodiment. In this embodiment, as in the case of the second embodiment, the calibration device portion is configured integrally with the inside of the thermal printer 201. About the same part as 1st Embodiment and 2nd Embodiment, the same code | symbol is attached | subjected and description is abbreviate | omitted.

  FIG. 9 is an enlarged perspective view showing the periphery of the colorimetric sensor 51. In the present embodiment, only one colorimetric sensor 51 is provided, and the sensor support 253 attached to the lower surface 253a can be moved in the width direction of the paper 7 along the rail 253b. It is configured.

  In order to control the position of the colorimetric sensor 51, as shown in FIG. 8, the printer control unit 203 includes a colorimetric sensor movement control unit 239 instead of the colorimetric sensor up / down control unit 139 (see FIG. 7). Yes.

  As described above, when the colorimetric sensor 51 is configured, the color density of the patch is measured in the same manner as in the first embodiment or the second embodiment by moving in the width direction as appropriate. Color density correction can be performed for colors. In addition, since the position of the colorimetric sensor 51 can be changed, it is possible to freely measure the color density corresponding to various patch patterns.

  For example, it is also possible to use a sheet 7C printed with a patch pattern as shown in FIG. In this example, with respect to a single print area 72, a first print area 272a is set in the first half of the print direction (Z direction), a second print area 272b is set in the second half, and each is used for calibration. A pattern and a patch pattern as a confirmation pattern are printed. Further, each of the print areas 272a and 272b is divided into yellow, magenta, and cyan color areas 273a to 273c in the print direction, and each of the color areas 273a to 273c has a plurality of gradations changed in the transport direction. It is divided and formed as a patch.

  In order to perform such printing, as shown in FIG. 11, first use areas 283a to 283d corresponding to the first print area 272a within the set of color areas Y, M, C, and OP of the ink ribbon 8c; Since the second printing use areas 284a to 284d corresponding to the second print area 272b are set independently, it is possible to appropriately perform printing while suppressing consumption.

  In the thermal printer 201 configured as described above, the same effect can be obtained by performing the same operation as the thermal printer shown in the first and second embodiments.

  The specific configuration of each unit is not limited to the above-described embodiment.

  For example, the patch pattern printed on the sheet 7 shown in FIGS. 4 and 10 is composed of patches of 3 colors × 5 gradations in both the first print area 72a (272a) and the second print area 72b (272b). However, as long as the color density can be determined by the colorimetric sensor 51, the number of gradations can be increased or decreased. The color density correction accuracy and the time required for calibration execution are taken into account as appropriate according to the purpose. It is preferable to change it. In the above embodiment, it is assumed that the number of colors is only three colors of yellow, magenta, and cyan. However, when the number of colors is larger than this, the first embodiment or the second embodiment is used. As a premise, it is sufficient to change the number of colorimetric sensors 51 as appropriate. Of course, if the configuration of the third embodiment is assumed, it is only necessary to change the moving range of the colorimetric sensor 51. Furthermore, not only the first print area 72a (272a) and the second print area 72b (272b) but also other third and subsequent print areas may be set simultaneously in one print area 72 of the paper 7. It is possible to use it when the color density correction is further repeated.

  In the above embodiment, the patch pattern to be printed in the second print area 72b (272b) is used only for visual confirmation by the user as a confirmation pattern. This confirmation pattern is also a colorimetric sensor. It is also possible to add the second color density correction by performing the color density measurement at 51 to further improve the accuracy of the color density correction.

  In the above embodiment, the thermal printer 1 (101, 201) is configured as a thermal transfer type thermal printer that prints on the paper 7 using the ink ribbon 8, but various other forms of printers are used. Even so, the present invention can be applied. For example, instead of the ink ribbon 8 having four color regions, a printer that uses an ink ribbon composed of only a single color, or a printer that uses a thermal transfer ribbon having a special transfer material such as a conductive thin film layer on the surface instead of ink. Even if it exists, it is applicable and can be used when correcting the color density as the transfer amount of the transfer material by printing, as described above. Further, the paper 7 may be a thermal paper that develops color by heat without using a thermal transfer ribbon. Further, instead of the paper 7, a type using a synthetic film or a cloth as a printing object may be used.

  Other configurations can be variously modified without departing from the spirit of the present invention.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Thermal printer 2 ... Printer main body 3 ... Printer control part 4 ... Calibration 5 ... Calibration apparatus main body 6 ... Calibration control part 7 ... Paper 8 ... Ink ribbon 21 ... Thermal head 51 ... Colorimetric sensor P ... Printing position Y ... Yellow ribbon area M ... Magenta ribbon area C ... Cyan ribbon area OP ... Overcoat ribbon area

Claims (7)

While moving the print object while regulating the position by the thermal head, it is added to the thermal printer that prints on the print object by generating heat with a pattern corresponding to the input image data,
A colorimetric sensor provided in the middle of the print object conveyance path and capable of measuring the color density of the printed object after printing, and operating the colorimetric sensor, and based on color density information obtained from the colorimetric sensor A calibration control unit that performs color density correction at the time of printing by generating a color density correction value and giving it to the thermal printer,
The calibration control unit includes a plurality of patches whose color density is changed at a predetermined gradation in order to obtain the color density information by giving a calibration operation command to the thermal printer when executing the calibration operation. A calibration pattern printing step for printing a patch pattern to be printed,
A rewind step for rewinding the print object;
A confirmation pattern printing step for printing the patch pattern again after color density correction;
A calibration device configured to perform
The patch pattern for obtaining color density information for color density correction and the patch pattern after reflecting the color density correction result are printed in parallel in the same print area of the paper. A featured calibration device. The thermal printer to be added is provided with a thermal transfer ribbon that transfers the transfer material on the surface to the print object by the heat generated by the thermal head,
A patch pattern and color density correction result for obtaining color density information for performing color density correction by configuring the calibration control unit to rewind the thermal transfer ribbon in addition to the printing object in the rewinding step. The calibration apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the patch pattern after reflecting the pattern is printed using a set of transfer material regions for performing normal printing.   A thermal printer to which the calibration device according to claim 1 is added. In a thermal printer that prints on a print object by moving the print object while performing position regulation with the thermal head and generating heat in the pattern corresponding to the input image data,
A color measurement sensor capable of measuring the color density of the printed object after printing is provided in the middle of the conveyance path of the print object, and performs color density correction based on the color density information obtained from the color measurement sensor. The
A calibration pattern printing step for printing a patch pattern composed of a plurality of patches whose color density is changed at a predetermined gradation in order to obtain the color density information when performing the calibration operation;
A rewind step for rewinding the print object;
A check pattern printing step for printing the patch pattern again after color density correction , and
The patch pattern for obtaining color density information for color density correction and the patch pattern after reflecting the color density correction result are printed in parallel in the same print area of the paper. Features a thermal printer.   A thermal transfer ribbon that transfers the transfer material on the surface to the object to be printed by the heat generated by the thermal head is provided. Color density correction is achieved by rewinding the thermal transfer ribbon in addition to the object to be printed in the rewinding step. The patch pattern for obtaining color density information for performing printing and the patch pattern after reflecting the color density correction result are printed using a set of transfer material areas for normal printing. The thermal printer according to claim 4.   The patch pattern is configured by arranging patches of different color types in a direction orthogonal to the printing direction and arranging patches of different gradations in the printing direction, and corresponds to each color type of the patch. The thermal printer according to claim 3, wherein a colorimetric sensor is provided at each position. The print target is moved while the position is regulated by the thermal head, and the thermal head is heated with a pattern corresponding to the input image data to print on the print target. The colorimetric sensor is read and executed by a thermal printer provided with a colorimetric sensor capable of measuring the color density of a printed object after printing or a computer connected directly or indirectly to the thermal printer. A program for generating a color density correction value based on the obtained color density information and setting it in a thermal printer to perform color density correction at the time of printing of the thermal printer,
A calibration pattern printing step for causing the thermal printer to print a patch pattern composed of a plurality of patches whose color density is changed at a predetermined gradation in order to obtain the color density information;
A rewinding step for causing the thermal printer to rewind the printing object;
A confirmation pattern printing step for causing the thermal printer to print the patch pattern again after color density correction;
Is configured to cause the thermal printer or the computer to execute on a single printing area ,
The patch pattern for obtaining color density information for color density correction and the patch pattern after reflecting the color density correction result are printed in parallel in the same print area of the paper. A featured program.

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