JP6219732B2 - Printing apparatus and printing method - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a printing apparatus and a printing method.

  Conventionally, in a printing apparatus having a function of cutting a printed medium at a predetermined length by a cutting machine after printing characters on a long medium such as a tape or a ribbon, the planned cutting position of the medium is a cutting blade. When the medium is transported downstream by a predetermined number of dots from the position, the printing operation is interrupted, the medium is transported by several dots, and the medium is returned by a length that is a combination of the predetermined number of dots and the number of dots. Then, the printing is resumed from the position where the medium is conveyed by a length obtained by subtracting one dot from the predetermined number of dots (for example, see Patent Document 1). As a result, overlapping printing can be performed for only one row of dots, so that printing can be resumed without dividing characters after the medium is cut.

JP-A-5-294221

  However, in the conventional printing apparatus, when printing characters (characters), barcodes, etc., as shown in FIG. As shown, there was a problem that dots were originally printed in a blank area.

  FIG. 2 is a first diagram for explaining the problem of duplicate printing by a conventional printing apparatus, and FIG. 3 is a second diagram for explaining the problem of duplicate printing by a conventional printing apparatus.

  The present invention solves the problems in the conventional printing apparatus, and corrects the size of the print dots in the overlapping print region based on the print data pattern and the dot pattern of the print dots and the surrounding print dots. An object of the present invention is to provide a printing apparatus and a printing method capable of performing high-quality printing without generating a white line or a black line even when a medium on which printing has been performed is cut.

Therefore, in the printing apparatus of the present invention, a medium conveying apparatus for conveying a medium, a print head for printing on the medium, a medium cutting machine for cutting the medium, the medium conveying apparatus, the print head, and a medium cutting machine. When the medium cutting machine cuts the medium, the print head moves between the print start position and the print end position of the print data when the medium is cut. When printing is interrupted, the control device sets an overlap print area, and after the medium transport device transports the medium in the reverse direction by the overlap print area, the print head resumes printing of print data. The medium conveyance device resumes conveyance of the medium and performs overlapping printing in the overlapping print area, and the control device sets the type of print data and the overlapping printing area. Based on the dot pattern around the printed dots of the print dots and the printing dots, to implement the correction to reduce the size of the printing dots in the overlapping printing area.

  According to the present invention, the printing apparatus corrects the size of the print dot in the overlapping print region based on the print data pattern and the dot pattern of the print dot and the surrounding print dots. Thereby, even when the printed medium is cut, high-quality printing can be performed without generating a white line or a black line.

1 is a schematic configuration diagram of a printing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. It is the 1st figure explaining the problem of the duplication printing by the conventional printing apparatus. It is a 2nd figure explaining the problem of the duplication printing by the conventional printing apparatus. FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a functional configuration of a printing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. 6 is a flowchart for explaining an operation in the first half of a print control process in the embodiment of the present invention. 6 is a flowchart illustrating an operation in the latter half of the print control process according to the embodiment of the present invention. It is a flowchart which shows the subroutine of the decoding process of the received data in embodiment of this invention. It is a figure explaining the calculation method of the white line generation | occurrence | production position in embodiment of this invention. It is a figure explaining the white line generation | occurrence | production area | region in embodiment of this invention. It is a figure explaining the duplication printing field in an embodiment of the invention. It is a figure explaining the logical coordinate in embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the subroutine of the duplication printing area | region calculation process in embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the subroutine of the duplication printing control determination process in embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the subroutine of the duplication print pattern production | generation process in embodiment of this invention. It is a figure explaining the positional relationship of the said dot in the printing dot data in embodiment of this invention, and the adjacent dot adjacent to it. It is a figure explaining the duplication print pattern of the character data in embodiment of this invention. It is a figure explaining the result of the duplication printing of the character data in embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the subroutine of the character duplication print pattern production | generation process in embodiment of this invention. It is a figure explaining the duplication print pattern of the other image data in embodiment of this invention. It is the 1st figure explaining the result of duplication printing of other image data in an embodiment of the invention. It is the 2nd figure explaining the result of duplication printing of other image data in an embodiment of the invention. It is a flowchart which shows the subroutine of the other image duplication print pattern production | generation process in embodiment of this invention. It is a figure explaining the duplication printing pattern of barcode data in an embodiment of the invention. It is the 1st figure explaining the result of duplication printing of barcode data in an embodiment of the invention. It is the 2nd figure explaining the result of duplication printing of barcode data in an embodiment of the invention. It is a flowchart which shows the subroutine of barcode duplication print pattern generation processing in embodiment of this invention.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

  FIG. 1 is a schematic configuration diagram of a printing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 4 is a block diagram illustrating a functional configuration of the printing apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention.

  In FIG. 1, reference numeral 10 denotes a printing apparatus, which uses various image forming methods such as an ink jet method, an impact dot method, an electrophotographic method, a thermal transfer method, and the like on a strip-like long medium 21 such as a tape or a ribbon. Any type of printing device may be used as long as it can perform printing, and it may be a monochrome printing device or a color printing device. In the present embodiment, the case where the printing apparatus 10 is a heat-sensitive monochrome printing apparatus will be described.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the medium 21 is prepared in a state of a roll 21 a wound around a core 21 b in advance, and can be rotated around the core 21 b. 10 is attached. Then, the medium 21 is fed from the roll 12 a by being conveyed by the platen roller 22. In the present embodiment, the medium 21 will be described as a long thermal paper.

  The printing apparatus 10 includes a medium sensor 19 as a medium detector, a print head 11 as a printing unit, a platen roller 22 as a medium conveyance apparatus, and a medium cutting machine along the conveyance path of the medium 21. A cutter 12 is provided.

  The medium sensor 19 is a sensor that detects the presence or absence of the medium 21 and also detects a black mark or a gap between sheets. The print head 11 is a head for printing on the medium 21. For example, on the surface on the medium 21 side, a heating element that generates heat when a voltage is applied is orthogonal to the conveyance direction of the medium 21. A plurality of elements are arranged in the direction (the width direction of the medium 21), and each heating element selectively generates heat, thereby printing a desired print pattern on the medium 21 that is thermal paper.

  The platen roller 22 is disposed so as to face the print head 11 across the conveyance path of the medium 21, and presses the medium 21 against the surface of the print head 11 on the medium 21 side. Further, the platen roller 22 is driven by a medium transport motor 13 as a drive source and rotates in the forward and reverse directions, so that the medium 21 is transported by a desired length in the front-rear direction (left-right direction in FIG. 1). The cutter 12 includes a movable blade that is driven by a drive source (not shown) and extends in the width direction of the medium 21, and the movable blade operates to move the medium 21 to a desired length. Cut off.

  Further, the printing apparatus 10 includes a calculation unit such as a CPU and an MPU, a storage unit such as a magnetic disk and a semiconductor memory, a communication interface, and the like, and includes a control unit (not shown) for controlling the operation of each unit.

  And from a functional viewpoint, this control apparatus has the data receiving part 15, the main control part 16, the data recording part 17, and the mechanism control part 14, as FIG. 4 shows.

  The data receiving unit 15 performs communication control for receiving data including a control command, a print command, and the like transmitted from a host device via a communication line such as an IEEE 1284 line, an RS-232c line, or a USB line (not shown). To do. Then, after receiving data from the host device, the data receiving unit 15 stores the received data in a reception buffer (not shown) provided in the data recording unit 17.

  Further, the main control unit 16 decodes data including the control command, the print command, etc. received by the data receiving unit 15 to distinguish whether it is print data, the type of print data, the print data size, etc. Get information. If the received data is print data, bitmap data (hereinafter referred to as “print dot data”) developed into a dot pattern adapted to the print head 11 is generated based on the command information, and printing is performed. Therefore, the data is stored in a print buffer (not shown) and printing is started. When the received data is a command such as a print speed setting or a print density setting that requires a setting change of the printing apparatus 10, the main control unit 16 changes the setting of the printing apparatus 10. Further, the main control unit 16 records and reads data in the data recording unit 17 and executes an instruction to the mechanism control unit 14. When there is print dot data stored in the data recording unit 17, the main control unit 16 issues a print instruction to the mechanism control unit 14.

  The main control unit 16 includes an overlapping print pattern generation unit 16a, an overlapping printing area calculation unit 16b, and an overlapping printing control determination unit 16c. The duplication print control determination unit 16c determines whether the white line is based on whether the dot pattern of the next print dot data straddles the position of the print head 11 when the medium 21 is cut by the cutter 12. It is determined whether or not the dot pattern is generated. Then, the overlap print area calculation unit 16b calculates information such as a white line occurrence position necessary for the overlap print control determination unit 16c to determine whether or not the dot pattern has a white line. Further, the duplicate print pattern generation unit 16a generates a dot pattern for performing duplicate printing when the duplicate print control determination unit 16c determines that duplicate print is to be performed. Then, the overlapping print area calculation unit 16b calculates an overlap printing start position and an overlap printing end position (white line occurrence position) by setting a predetermined distance from the white line generation position as an overlap printing area. In addition, the duplicate print pattern generation unit 16a applies a correction to reduce the size of the print dot of the duplicate print based on the type of print data, the dot pattern of the print dot and the print dot around the print dot, and the duplicate print. A dot pattern to be generated is generated.

  Further, the data recording unit 17 has a function of storing various settings of the printing apparatus 10 and storing temporary print data and the like. The data recording unit 17 includes a first divided printing dot data recording unit 17a, a second divided printing dot data recording unit 17b, and an overlapping printing correction area recording unit 17c. Print dot data printed before cutting the medium 21 among the print dot data generated by decoding the received data by the main control unit 16 when the overlap print control determination unit 16c determines to perform overlap printing Is recorded in the first divided print dot data recording unit 17a, and print dot data to be printed after the medium 21 is cut is recorded in the second divided print dot data recording unit 17b. Further, data related to the overlapping print area such as the overlapping printing start position and the overlapping printing end position is recorded in the overlapping print correction area recording unit 17c.

  Further, the mechanism control unit 14 includes a print head drive control unit 14a, a cutter drive control unit 14b, and a medium transport motor drive control unit 14c. The print head drive control unit 14 a controls the voltage applied to each heating element of the print head 11. The cutter drive control unit 14b controls the operation of the cutter 12 and operates the movable blade. Further, the medium transport motor drive control unit 14 c controls the operation of the medium transport motor 13 and controls the transport of the medium 21.

  The detection circuit 18 connected to the main control unit 16 detects whether or not the roll 21a of the medium 21 is mounted, whether or not a cover (not shown) of the printing apparatus 10 is open, and the like. Based on the output of the sensor 19, the presence / absence of the medium 21 and the black mark or gap between sheets are detected.

  In the printing apparatus 10 according to the present embodiment, when the cutter 12 cuts the medium 21, the print head 11 interrupts printing between the print start position and the print end position of the print data when the medium 21 is cut. After the main control unit 16 sets the overlapping printing area and the platen roller 22 transports the medium 21 in the reverse direction by the overlapping printing area, the print head 11 resumes printing the print data and the platen roller 22 moves to the medium 21. The main control unit 16 performs duplication based on the print data type and the dot pattern of the print dots in the overlap print area and the print dots around the print dot. The print dot size in the print area is corrected. Therefore, even when the printed medium 21 is cut, high-quality printing can be performed without generating white lines or black lines.

  Next, the operation of the printing apparatus 10 having the above configuration will be described. First, a print control process performed by the main control unit 16 will be described. Since the print control process can be distinguished into the first half and the second half, first, the first half of the print control process will be described.

  FIG. 5 is a flowchart for explaining the operation of the first half of the print control process according to the embodiment of the present invention.

  When the first half of the print control process is started, first, in step S1, the main control unit 16 determines whether there is received data. Specifically, it is determined whether or not the data received by the data receiving unit 15 is in the reception buffer of the data recording unit 17.

  If there is received data, the received data is a command such as a print speed setting and a print density setting that require a setting change of the printing apparatus 10, or is print data such as a barcode, a character (character), and other images. In order to determine and decode such, the main control unit 16 performs a decoding process on the received data in step S2. When the data received by the data receiving unit 15 is data that changes a setting such as a speed change, the main control unit 16 changes the setting of the printing apparatus 10, and the received data is a barcode, character, In the case of print data such as other images, the main control unit 16 acquires information for creating print dot data such as the type and print direction of the print data.

  If there is no received data, in step S1, the main control unit 16 repeats the determination of whether there is received data.

  In step S3, the main control unit 16 determines whether there is print data. Specifically, it is determined whether or not the decoded data is print data. If there is no print data, in step S1, the main control unit 16 repeats the determination of whether there is received data.

  If there is print data, the main control unit 16 performs a duplicate print control determination process in step S4. Specifically, the overlapping print control determination unit 16c is data that crosses the head position that is the position of the print head 11 when the print data cuts the medium 21, and data that may cause a white line. It is determined whether or not duplication printing control is to be performed. Then, the flag is turned on when the duplicate print control is performed, and the flag is turned off when the duplicate print control is not performed.

  Subsequently, in step S5, the main control unit 16 generates print dot data based on the print data.

  Subsequently, in step S6, the main control unit 16 determines whether or not the duplicate print control is ON. Specifically, it is determined whether or not the duplicate print control is to be performed based on the flag turned ON or OFF in the duplicate print control determination process.

  If the duplicate print control is not ON, that is, if it is determined that the flag is OFF and the duplicate print control is not performed, in step S7, the main control unit 16 does not perform the division of the print dot data. In order to perform the print control, the print dot data is stored in a print buffer (not shown) of the data recording unit 17, and in step S11, the print is started and the first half of the print control process is completed.

  If the duplicate print control is ON, that is, if it is determined that the flag is ON and the duplicate print control is to be performed, the main control unit 16 performs the duplicate print pattern generation process in step S8. If the print dot data is data that straddles the head position, which is the position of the print head 11 when cutting the medium 21, a positional shift occurs because the printing is temporarily interrupted and the medium 21 is cut. If printing is resumed in a state where it has occurred, a white line will occur. Therefore, when it is determined that the print data is data that crosses the head position that is the position of the print head 11 when the medium 21 is cut, the main control unit 16 generates a duplicate print pattern in order to perform duplicate printing. Implement the process. By executing the duplicate print pattern generation process, the print dot data is divided into a portion of data to be printed before cutting the medium 21 and a portion of data to be printed after the medium 21 is cut, and the print dot data is printed after the medium 21 is cut. A print pattern is generated for an area where the partial data is printed in duplicate.

  In step S9, the main control unit 16 stores the divided print data (before cutting) in the print buffer. Specifically, the data of the divided print dot data to be printed before cutting the medium 21 is recorded in the first divided print dot data recording unit 17 a of the data recording unit 17.

  In step S10, the main control unit 16 stores the divided print data (after cutting) in the print buffer. Specifically, the data of the divided print dot data that is to be printed after the medium 21 is cut is recorded in the second divided print dot data recording unit 17 b of the data recording unit 17.

  In step S11, the main control unit 16 activates printing and ends the first half of the print control process.

Next, a flowchart will be described.
Step S1: It is determined whether there is received data. If there is received data, the process proceeds to step 2. If there is no received data, the determination is repeated.
Step S2: The received data is decoded.
Step S3: It is determined whether there is print data. If there is print data, the process proceeds to step S4, and if there is no print data, the process returns to step S1.
Step S4: Duplicate print control determination processing is performed.
Step S5 Print dot data is generated.
Step S6: It is determined whether or not duplicate printing control is ON. If the duplicate print control is ON, the process proceeds to step S8, and if the duplicate print control is not ON, the process proceeds to step S7.
Step S7: The print dot data is stored in the print buffer.
Step S8: A duplicate print pattern generation process is performed.
Step S9: The divided print data (before cutting) is stored in the print buffer.
Step S10: The divided print data (after cutting) is stored in the print buffer.
Step S11: Printing is started and the first half of the print control process is terminated.

  Next, the second half of the print control process will be described. The second half of the print control process is control executed after print dot data is stored in the print buffer and printing is started. The print dot data stored in the print buffer is printed on the medium 21 line by line. This is a process for controlling the operation of cutting the medium 21 at a predetermined position. The lines are lines of printing dots extending in a direction perpendicular to the conveyance direction of the medium 21 (width direction of the medium 21), and correspond to lines of heating elements provided in the print head 11. To do.

  FIG. 6 is a flowchart for explaining the latter half of the print control process according to the embodiment of the present invention.

  When the second half of the print control process is started, first, in step S21, the main control unit 16 determines whether or not there is data in the print buffer. Specifically, it is determined whether or not the print dot data is in the print buffer of the data recording unit 17.

  If there is data, the main control unit 16 acquires data for one line in step S22, and performs printing for one line in step S23. Specifically, print dot data corresponding to one line of the print head 11 is acquired from the print buffer, the print head 11 is operated by instructing the print head drive control unit 14a, and print dots corresponding to one line are printed. Data is printed on the medium 21.

  If there is no data in the print buffer, the main control unit 16 repeats the determination of whether there is data in the print buffer in step S21.

  Subsequently, in step S24, the main control unit 16 determines whether the data is the final line data. Specifically, it is determined whether or not one line on which data is acquired and printed is the final line. If it is not the data of the last line, in step S22, the main control unit 16 obtains data for one line again and repeats the subsequent operations.

  If it is the data of the last line, in step S25, the main control unit 16 determines whether or not duplicate printing control is ON. Specifically, it is determined whether or not the duplicate print control is to be performed based on the flag turned ON or OFF in the duplicate print control determination process.

  If the duplicate print control is not ON, that is, if it is determined that the flag is OFF and the duplicate print control is not to be performed, the main control unit 16 transports the medium 21 to the cutter position in step S26, and the step In S27, the medium 21 is cut. Specifically, the medium transport motor drive control unit 14 c is commanded to operate the medium transport motor 13, and the medium 21 is reached until the planned cutting position in the medium 21 reaches the cutter position corresponding to the movable blade of the cutter 12. Transport. Then, the cutter drive control unit 14b is instructed to operate the movable blade of the cutter 12, and the cutting position of the medium 21 is cut.

  Subsequently, in step S28, the main control unit 16 conveys the medium 21 to the print start position. Specifically, the medium transport motor drive control unit 14c is commanded to operate the medium transport motor 13, and the medium 21 is moved until the print start position on the medium 21 reaches the head position as the position where the print head 11 performs printing. Transport.

  Finally, in step S32, the main control unit 16 determines whether there is next print dot data. That is, it is determined whether or not the next print dot data is in the print buffer. Then, the main control unit 16 ends the second half of the print control process when there is no next print dot data. If there is the next print dot data, the main control unit 16 again outputs the data for one line in step S22. Acquire and repeat the subsequent operations.

  If it is determined whether or not the duplicate printing control is ON and is ON, that is, if it is determined that the flag is ON and the duplicate printing control is to be performed, in step S29, the main control unit 16 Print divided print data (before cutting). Specifically, the medium transport motor drive control unit 14 c is commanded to operate the medium transport motor 13, and the medium 21 is reached until the planned cutting position in the medium 21 reaches the cutter position corresponding to the movable blade of the cutter 12. Is acquired from the first divided print dot data recording unit 17a of the data recording unit 17 to obtain the print dot data that has been divided and to be printed before cutting the medium 21, and the print head drive control unit The print head 11 is actuated by commanding 14 a to print the divided print dot data on the medium 21.

  Subsequently, in step S30, the main control unit 16 cuts the medium 21. Specifically, the cutter drive control unit 14b is instructed to operate the movable blade of the cutter 12, and the cutting position of the medium 21 is cut.

  Subsequently, in step S31, the main control unit 16 causes the medium 21 to be conveyed in the reverse direction by the overlapping print area. Specifically, the medium transport motor drive control unit 14c is instructed to operate the medium transport motor 13, and the medium 21 is transported in the reverse direction by a distance corresponding to the overlapping print region in the medium 21.

  Finally, in step S32, the main control unit 16 determines whether there is next print dot data. That is, it is determined whether or not the next print dot data is in the print buffer. When the divided print data (before cutting) is printed, the data of the divided print dot data to be printed after cutting the medium 21 is stored in the second divided print dot data recording unit 17b of the data recording unit 17. Since it remains, the main control unit 16 determines that there is next print dot data. Then, the main control unit 16 acquires and prints the divided print dot data, which is data to be printed after the medium 21 is cut.

Next, a flowchart will be described.
Step S21: It is determined whether or not there is data in the print buffer. If there is data in the print buffer, the process proceeds to step S22. If there is no data in the print buffer, the determination is repeated.
Step S22: Data for one line is acquired.
Step S23: One line is printed.
Step S24: It is determined whether the data is the last line. If it is the data of the last line, the process proceeds to step S25, and if it is not the data of the last line, the process returns to step S22.
Step S25: It is determined whether or not duplicate printing control is ON. If the duplicate print control is ON, the process proceeds to step 29. If the duplicate print control is not ON, the process proceeds to step S26.
Step S26: The medium 21 is conveyed to the cutter position.
Step S27 The medium 21 is cut.
Step S28: The medium 21 is conveyed to the printing start position.
Step S29 The divided print data (before cutting) is printed.
Step S30: The medium 21 is cut.
Step S31 The medium 21 is conveyed in the reverse direction by the overlapping print area.
Step S32: It is determined whether there is next print dot data. If there is next print dot data, the process returns to step S22. If there is no next print dot data, the second half of the print control process is terminated.

  Next, a reception data decoding process subroutine will be described.

  FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing a subroutine of received data decoding processing in the embodiment of the present invention.

  In the received data decoding process, it is determined whether the data received by the data receiving unit 15 is a command for changing settings of the printing apparatus 10 such as a printing speed and a printing density, or printing data such as a barcode and a character. Information for determining and generating print dot data based on command information when it is print data (for example, in the case of barcode, information such as barcode type, print direction, bar width, and bar ratio) It is a process to acquire. In this process, the main control unit 16 analyzes the data received by the data receiving unit 15. If the data received by the data receiving unit 15 is print data, the main control unit 16 performs print control processing as shown in FIGS. Note that if the data received by the data receiving unit 15 is not print data, the print operation does not occur, so the print control process is not performed.

  When the decoding process of received data is started, in step S2-1, the main control unit 16 first determines whether it is print data. Specifically, it is determined whether or not the data received by the data receiving unit 15 in the reception buffer of the data recording unit 17 is print data.

  If it is not print data, in step S2-2, the main control unit 16 determines whether or not margin setting is performed. Specifically, it is determined whether or not the data received by the data receiving unit 15 is data related to margin setting. The margin is a range on the medium 21 from the leading end of the cut medium 21 to the print start position of the next print data when the medium 21 is cut by the cutter 12.

  If the margin is not set, the main control unit 16 performs various decoding processes in step S2-5 and ends the decoding process of the received data. If the margin is set, the main control unit 16 sets a margin position in step S2-3, performs a duplicate print area calculation process in step S2-4, and ends the decoding process of the received data. . In the overlap print area calculation process, a white line occurrence position (duplicate print end position), which is information necessary for determining overlap print, is calculated. In addition, since it can be calculated based on the white line occurrence position, the overlap printing start position is also calculated. When the print start position of various print data is designated as a relative position, the determination is made based on the information on the distance from the head position of the printable area to the head position.

  If it is print data by determining whether it is print data, in step S2-6, the main control unit 16 determines whether it is a barcode. That is, it is determined whether the print data is barcode print data.

  If it is barcode print data, the main control unit 16 obtains the narrow bar width in step S2-7, obtains the barcode size in step S2-8, and prints the print direction in step S2-9. In step S2-10, the print start position is acquired. In step S2-11, normal barcode data decoding processing is performed, and the received data decoding processing is terminated.

  If the barcode is not a barcode, the main control unit 16 determines whether the image data is other image data in step S2-12. That is, it is determined whether the print data is other image data.

  If it is not other image data, it is considered to be character print data, so the main control unit 16 acquires the character print size in step S2-13, and acquires the print start position in step S2-14. In step S2-15, the print direction setting is acquired. In step S2-16, normal character data decoding processing is performed, and the decoding processing of the received data is completed.

  If the image data is other image data, the main control unit 16 obtains the other image size in step S2-17, obtains the print start position in step S2-18, and obtains other normal image data in step S2-19. The image data decoding process is executed, and the received data decoding process is terminated.

  In the received data decoding process in the present embodiment, in addition to the normal command decoding process for received data, information necessary for determining whether to perform duplicate printing is acquired.

Next, a flowchart will be described.
Step S2-1: It is determined whether or not the print data. If it is print data, the process proceeds to step S2-6. If it is not print data, the process proceeds to step S2-2.
Step S2-2: It is determined whether or not the margin is set. If the margin is set, the process proceeds to step S2-3. If the margin is not set, the process proceeds to step S2-5.
Step S2-3 Set a margin position.
Step S2-4: The overlapping print area calculation process is performed, and the received data decoding process is terminated.
Step S2-5: Various decoding processes are performed, and the received data decoding process is terminated.
Step S2-6: It is determined whether or not the barcode is used. If it is a barcode, the process proceeds to step S2-7, and if it is not a barcode, the process proceeds to step S2-12.
Step S2-7: The narrow bar width is acquired.
Step S2-8: Obtain the barcode size.
Step S2-9: Print direction setting is acquired.
Step S2-10: The print start position is acquired.
Step S2-11: The barcode data decoding process is performed, and the decoding process of the received data is completed.
Step S2-12: It is determined whether the image data is other image data. If it is other image data, the process proceeds to step S2-17, and if it is not other image data, the process proceeds to step S2-13.
Step S2-13: The character print size is acquired.
Step S2-14: The print start position is acquired.
Step S2-15: Print direction setting is acquired.
Step S2-16: The character data decoding process is performed, and the received data decoding process is terminated.
Step S2-17: The other image size is acquired.
Step S2-18: The print start position is acquired.
Step S2-19: The other image data decoding process is performed, and the received data decoding process is terminated.

  Next, a subroutine for the overlapping print area calculation process will be described.

  FIG. 8 is a diagram for explaining a method for calculating a white line occurrence position in the embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 9 is a diagram for explaining a white line occurrence region in the embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 10 is an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 11 is a diagram for explaining logical coordinates in the embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing a subroutine for overlapped print area calculation processing in the embodiment of the present invention. .

  In the present embodiment, the white line occurrence position is calculated in order to determine whether or not the print data designated by the relative position is data that may generate a white line. Further, based on the white line generation position, a position at which overlapping printing is started, that is, a overlapping printing start position is also calculated.

  The white line is generated at a position where the positional deviation is generated by the cutting operation that is the operation of the cutter 12 that cuts the medium 21. Therefore, as shown in FIGS. 8 and 10, the white line is generated at the head position, which is the position of the print head 11 when the medium 21 is cut.

  8 is a diagram schematically showing a positional relationship among the medium 21, the print head 11, and the cutter 12 when viewed from above in FIG. 1. A line A indicates a head position, and a line B Indicates the cutter position which is the position of the cutter 12 movable blade. 8 is a diagram schematically showing the positional relationship among the medium 21, the head position, the cutter position, and the print data printing range when viewed from above in FIG. 10 and 11 are the same as the lower part of FIG. FIG. 9 shows the relationship between the white line generation region (the horizontal direction in the figure is the conveyance direction of the medium 21), the change in the printing speed, and the temperature of the heating element of the print head 11, that is, the change in the head temperature. FIG.

  As shown in FIG. 8, the distance from the cutter position to the white line generation position is equal to the cut margin as the distance from the cutter position to the head position. The distance from the head of the print data to the head position is equal to the distance obtained by subtracting the margin setting amount (the distance from the cutter position to the head of the print data) from the cut margin. Then, as shown in FIG. 11, the position shifted from the cutter position toward the print head 11 by the margin setting amount is the logical origin position. Therefore, the white line occurrence position can be calculated by subtracting the distance from the cut margin to the position of the logical origin, that is, the margin setting amount.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 9, the white line generation region is the amount of misalignment due to cutting of the medium 21 and the time from when the voltage is finally applied to the heating element of the print head 11 when the printing speed is reduced until it stops. It corresponds to the number of pulses and the number of pulses from the start of acceleration to color development due to a temperature drop or the like. The number of pulses from when the voltage is last applied to the heating element of the print head 11 until it stops and the number of pulses until the color is developed is slightly different depending on the type of the print head 11 and the like. Since the fluctuation is small, the white line generation area may be set to a predetermined amount. Further, when the temperature information of the usage environment of the printing apparatus 10 can be acquired, the white line generation region can be calculated in consideration of the temperature information. By applying the white line generation area as the overlapping print area, the generation of the white line can be surely prevented. Therefore, the overlapping print start position is a position obtained by subtracting the distance of the white line generation area from the white line generation position.

  When the overlap print area calculation process is started, the overlap print area calculation unit 16b of the main control unit 16 first acquires the margin setting amount in step S2-4-1, and in step S2-4-2, the cut is performed. Get the margin amount.

  Subsequently, in step S2-4-3, the overlapping print area calculation unit 16b calculates a white line occurrence position (overlapping printing end position). Specifically, a value obtained by subtracting the margin setting amount from the cut margin amount is set as the white line generation position. In step S2-4-4, the overlapping print area calculation unit 16b stores the white line occurrence position. Specifically, the calculated white line occurrence position is stored in the data recording unit 17 and saved.

  Subsequently, in step S2-4-5, the overlapping print area calculation unit 16b calculates an overlapping printing start position. Specifically, a value obtained by subtracting the white line generation area (overlapping print area) from the white line generation position is set as the overlapping print start position. In step S2-4-6, the overlapping printing area calculation unit 16b stores the overlapping printing start position and ends the overlapping printing area calculation process. Specifically, the calculated duplicate printing start position is stored in the data recording unit 17 and saved.

Next, a flowchart will be described.
Step S2-4-1: A margin setting amount is acquired.
Step S2-4-2: A cut margin amount is acquired.
Step S2-4-3: White line generation position (overlapping printing end position) is calculated. A value obtained by subtracting the margin setting amount from the cut margin amount is set as a white line generation position.
Step S2-4-4: The white line generation position is stored.
Step S2-4-5: The overlapping print start position is calculated. A value obtained by subtracting the white line generation area (overlapping print area) from the white line generation position is set as the overlap printing start position.
Step S2-4-6: The duplicate print start position is saved, and the duplicate print area calculation process is terminated.

  Next, a duplicate print control determination process subroutine will be described.

  FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing a subroutine of duplicate print control determination processing in the embodiment of the present invention.

  In this embodiment, whether or not to perform duplicate printing based on information such as the print start position of the print data acquired in the received data decoding process and the white line occurrence position calculated in the duplicate print area calculation process Determine whether. Whether or not to perform duplicate printing is determined depending on whether or not the print data straddles the head position. Therefore, the white line generation position (duplicate print end position) is the print data print start position and print end position. It is necessary to check whether it is between.

  When the duplicate print control determination process is started, in step S4-1, the duplicate print control determination unit 16c of the main control unit 16 first determines whether the print data is a barcode. That is, it is determined whether the print data is barcode print data.

  In the case of barcode print data, since the size of the print data differs depending on whether or not the print is vertical, in step S4-2, the duplicate print control determination unit 16c determines whether or not the print direction is vertical. To do.

  When the print direction is not vertical, that is, when printing is performed in the horizontal direction, in step S4-3, the duplicate print control determination unit 16c calculates a barcode print end position as a print end position of the print data. When printing in the horizontal direction, the size of the print data in the conveyance direction of the medium 21 is the height of the barcode, so the barcode print end position is at the barcode print start position as the print start position of print data. It becomes the position where the height of the code is added.

  If the print direction is determined to be vertical and the print direction is vertical, the duplicate print control determination unit 16c calculates the barcode width from the narrow bar width and the barcode data in step S4-4. In S4-5, the barcode printing end position is calculated. When printing in the vertical direction, the size of the print data in the conveyance direction of the medium 21 is the size in the width direction of the barcode. Therefore, after calculating the barcode width from the narrow bar width and the barcode data, the duplicate printing control determination unit 16c calculates a value obtained by adding the barcode width to the barcode printing start position as the barcode printing end position. .

  Subsequently, in step S4-11, the duplicate print control determination unit 16c determines whether the white line generation position is between the print start position and the print end position of the print data. Specifically, whether the print start position value of the print data is smaller than the white line occurrence position value and the white line occurrence position value is smaller than the print end position value of the print data is satisfied Determine whether or not.

  In step S4-13, the duplicate print control determination unit 16c turns on a flag for performing duplicate print control if the condition is satisfied, and in step S4-12, the condition is not satisfied. In this case, the flag for executing the duplicate print control is turned OFF, and the duplicate print control determination process is ended.

  If it is determined whether the print data is a bar code and is not a bar code, in step S4-6, the duplicate print control determination unit 16c determines whether it is other image data. That is, it is determined whether the print data is print data of other image data.

  If the image data is other image data, the duplicate print control determination unit 16c calculates the print end position in step S4-7. Specifically, a value obtained by adding the other image size to the other image print start position as the print start position of the print data is calculated as the print end position of the print data.

  Subsequently, in step S4-11, the duplicate print control determination unit 16c determines whether or not the white line generation position is between the print start position and the print end position of the print data, and steps S4-12 or S4. In −13, the flag for performing the duplicate print control is turned ON or OFF, and the duplicate print control determination process is ended.

  If the image data is not other image data by determining whether it is other image data, that is, if it is character data, the size of the print data differs depending on whether it is vertical printing. Therefore, in step S4-8, duplicate printing is performed. The control determination unit 16c determines whether or not the printing direction is vertical.

  When the print direction is not vertical, that is, when printing is performed in the horizontal direction, in step S4-9, the duplicate print control determination unit 16c calculates the print end position of the print data. Specifically, the print end position is a value obtained by adding the character height to the character print start position as the print start position of the print data.

  If the print direction is vertical, in step S4-10, the duplicate print control determination unit 16c sets a value obtained by adding the character width to the character print start position as the print start position of the print data. Calculate as position.

  Subsequently, in step S4-11, the duplicate print control determination unit 16c determines whether or not the white line generation position is between the print start position and the print end position of the print data, and steps S4-12 or S4. In −13, the flag for performing the duplicate print control is turned ON or OFF, and the duplicate print control determination process is ended.

Next, a flowchart will be described.
Step S4-1: It is determined whether the print data is a barcode. If the print data is a barcode, the process proceeds to step S4-2, and if the print data is not a barcode, the process proceeds to step S4-6.
Step S4-2: It is determined whether or not the printing direction is vertical. If the print direction is vertical, the process proceeds to step S4-4. If the print direction is not vertical, the process proceeds to step S4-3.
Step S4-3: The barcode printing end position is calculated. The barcode printing end position is a position obtained by adding the barcode height to the barcode printing start position.
Step S4-4: Calculate the barcode width from the narrow bar width and barcode data.
Step S4-5: The barcode printing end position is calculated. A value obtained by adding the barcode width to the barcode printing start position is calculated as the barcode printing end position.
Step S4-6: It is determined whether the image data is other image data. If it is other image data, the process proceeds to step S4-7, and if it is not other image data, the process proceeds to step S4-8.
Step S4-7: The print end position is calculated. A value obtained by adding the other image size to the other image print start position is calculated as the print end position of the print data.
Step S4-8: It is determined whether the printing direction is vertical. If the printing direction is vertical, the process proceeds to step S4-10. If the printing direction is not vertical, the process proceeds to step S4-9.
Step S4-9: The print end position is calculated. The print end position is a value obtained by adding the character height to the character print start position.
Step S4-10: A value obtained by adding the character width to the character print start position is calculated as the print end position.
Step S4-11: It is determined whether or not the white line generation position is between the print start position and the print end position. If the white line generation position is between the print start position and the print end position, the process proceeds to step S4-13. If the white line generation position is not between the print start position and the print end position, the process proceeds to step S4-12. move on.
Step S4-12: The flag for executing the duplicate print control is turned OFF, and the duplicate print control determination process is terminated.
Step S4-13: The flag for executing the duplicate print control is set to ON, and the duplicate print control determination process is terminated.

  Next, a subroutine for duplicate print pattern generation processing will be described.

  FIG. 14 is a flowchart showing a subroutine of duplicate print pattern generation processing in the embodiment of the present invention.

  In the present embodiment, generation of a print pattern for an area where print dot data is divided and overlapped printing is performed on the medium 21 before and after cutting the medium 21 is performed according to the type of print data.

  When the duplicate print pattern generation process is started, in step S8-1, the duplicate print pattern generation unit 16a of the main control unit 16 first converts the print dot data from the top of the image to the white line occurrence position into print dots before cutting. Extract as data. Specifically, since printing dot data is not changed in printing performed before cutting the medium 21, printing dot data from the front end of the printing dot data to the white line occurrence position is extracted as printing dot data before cutting. In step S8-2, the duplicate print pattern generation unit 16a stores the extracted print dot data before cutting in the data recording unit 17.

  Subsequently, in order to generate the print dot data after cutting, in step S8-3, the duplicate print pattern generation unit 16a extracts the duplicate print area and the next one line of print dot data. In other words, in order to perform correction using adjacent dot data, print dot data for the next line is extracted in addition to the print dot data in the overlapping print region.

  Subsequently, in step S8-4, the duplicate print pattern generation unit 16a determines the print data type in the duplicate print area. Specifically, it is determined whether the print dot data in the overlapping print area is character data, barcode data, or other image data.

  In the case of character data, the duplicate print pattern generation unit 16a performs the character duplicate print pattern generation process in step S8-5, and in the case of barcode data, the duplicate print pattern generation process in step S8-7. In the case of other image data, an image duplication print pattern generation process is executed in step S8-6.

  Subsequently, in step S8-8, the duplicate print pattern generation unit 16a adds the remaining print data to the generated duplicate pattern, and saves it as print dot data after cutting. Specifically, the overlap pattern generated by performing the character overlap print pattern generation process, the barcode overlap print pattern generation process, or other image overlap print pattern generation process, from the white line occurrence position to the rear end of the print dot data. Data added with the print dot data is stored in the data recording unit 17 as print dot data before cutting.

  Then, since the medium 21 is transported in the reverse direction after the medium 21 is cut, in step S8-9, the overlapping print pattern generation unit 16a sets the overlapping print area for the medium transport amount in the reverse direction after cutting. That is, the amount of the overlapping printing area is set as the amount of the medium 21 to be conveyed in the reverse direction, and the overlapping printing pattern generation process is ended.

Next, a flowchart will be described.
Step S8-1: Print dot data from the beginning of the image to the white line occurrence position is extracted as print dot data before cutting.
Step S8-2: Print dot data before cutting is stored in the data recording unit 17.
Step S8-3: Print dot data for the overlapping print area and the next line is extracted.
Step S8-4: Determine the print data type in the overlapping print area. If the print dot data is character data, the process proceeds to step S8-5. If the print dot data is barcode data, the process proceeds to step S8-7. If the print dot data is other image data, the process proceeds to step S8-6. Proceed to
Step S8-5: Character duplication print pattern generation processing is performed.
Step S8-6: Other image duplication print pattern generation processing is performed.
Step S8-7 A barcode duplication print pattern generation process is performed.
Step S8-8: The remaining print data is added to the generated overlapping pattern, and after cutting, it is stored as print dot data.
Step S8-9: The overlap print area is set to the reverse medium transport amount after cutting, and the overlap print pattern generation process is terminated.

  Next, a subroutine for character duplication print pattern generation processing will be described.

  FIG. 15 is a diagram for explaining the positional relationship between the dot in the print dot data according to the embodiment of the present invention and adjacent dots adjacent thereto, and FIG. 16 is a diagram for explaining the overlapping print pattern of character data according to the embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 17 is a diagram for explaining the result of redundant printing of character data in the embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 18 is a flowchart showing a subroutine of character overlapping print pattern generation processing in the embodiment of the present invention.

  In the case of character data, since there is no gradation data like other image data, it is expressed only by the presence or absence of printing dots. In addition, since it can be read if the shape of the entire character can be recognized, it is difficult to stand out even if the same print data is superimposed. For this reason, correction is performed with reference to only adjacent dots in the next line at the same position in the medium transport direction so that overlapping print patterns have the same shape.

  As described above, the print dot data is print data developed into a dot pattern, and there are eight adjacent dots as shown in FIG. Exists. Further, as described above, the print dot data is printed on the medium 21 line by line in accordance with the conveyance of the medium 21, so that the previous print line is formed adjacent to the front of the medium 21 in the conveyance direction of the dot. Then, the next printing line is formed adjacent to the rear side in the transport direction of the medium 21 from the dot. Furthermore, since each printing dot is formed by the heat generation of the corresponding heating element disposed in the print head 11, by reducing the voltage applied to each heating element and lowering the temperature of each heating element, The size of each printed dot, that is, the dot size can be reduced.

  FIG. 16 shows an example of determining an overlapping print pattern of character data. When the adjacent dot in the line next to the dot (adjacent dot with the number 2) is printed, even if a positional deviation occurs in order to cut the medium 21, the print dot is only connected. Without printing, the printing is performed without reducing the dot size of the dot. If adjacent dots in the next line are not printed, correction is performed to reduce the dot size of the dot, and printing is performed. However, depending on whether the dot is in the last line of overlapping printing, the dot Change the reduction ratio. If it is not the last line of overlapping printing, the printing data printed before cutting the medium 21 does not cause a positional shift and simply fills in the blank portion, so that the reduction ratio of the dot is increased (for example, (Reduce the dot size to 50%.) On the other hand, since the positional deviation is a white line when it is the last line of overlapping printing, the dot reduction rate is reduced to such an extent that the printed dots do not become too large (for example, the dot size is 75 [% ].

  When the character duplication print pattern generation process is started, the duplication print pattern generation unit 16a first acquires data for one line in step S8-5-1. Specifically, data corresponding to one line of print dot data in the overlapping print area is sequentially acquired from the first line of the overlapping print area.

  Subsequently, in step S8-5-2, the duplicate print pattern generation unit 16a acquires data for one dot. Specifically, data corresponding to one dot in one acquired line is sequentially acquired from the dot at the end of the line as data of the dot.

  Subsequently, in step S8-5-3, the overlapping print pattern generation unit 16a acquires data for one dot of the next adjacent line. Specifically, the data of adjacent dots in the next line after the dot is acquired.

  Subsequently, in step S8-5-4, the duplicate print pattern generation unit 16a determines whether or not the adjacent dots are blank dots. Specifically, it is determined whether or not the adjacent dot in the line next to the dot is a blank dot that is not printed.

  If it is not a blank dot, that is, if an adjacent dot in the next line is printed, the overlapping print pattern generation unit 16a does not change the dot size in step S8-5-5. Specifically, the dot size of the dot is not reduced.

  If the dot is a blank dot, that is, if an adjacent dot in the next line is not printed, in step S8-5-6, the overlapping print pattern generation unit 16a determines that the dot is a dot in the last line of the overlapping printing region. It is determined whether or not. That is, it is determined whether or not the dot is located in the last line of overlapping printing. If it is not the dot of the last line, the overlapping print pattern generation unit 16a changes the dot size to 50 [%] in step S8-5-7. That is, the dot reduction rate is determined so that the dot size is 50%. On the other hand, if the dot is in the last line, the overlapping print pattern generation unit 16a changes the dot size to 75 [%] in step S8-5-8. That is, the dot reduction rate is determined so that the dot size is 75%.

  Subsequently, in step S8-5-9, the duplicate print pattern generation unit 16a determines whether the dot data is line end dot data. That is, it is determined whether the dot is a dot located at the end of one line from which data is acquired.

  If it is not the dot data at the end of the line, in step S8-5-2, the overlapping print pattern generation unit 16a obtains data for one dot again and repeats the subsequent operations.

  In step S8-5-10, if it is dot data at the end of the line, the overlapping print pattern generation unit 16a determines whether it is the last line of the overlapping printing area. That is, it is determined whether or not the line from which the data has been acquired is the last line in the overlapping print area.

  If it is not the last line, in step S8-5-1, the duplicate print pattern generation unit 16a obtains data for one line again and repeats the subsequent operations.

  In the case of the final line, since all dots in the overlapping print area have been corrected if necessary, the overlapping print pattern generation unit 16a ends the character overlapping print pattern generation process.

  As described above, by executing the character duplication print pattern generation process, a print result as shown in FIG. 17 can be obtained. FIG. 17 shows an example in which alphabet A is printed as a character. In the prior art, the blank portion of the letter A is filled with dots and becomes narrower. On the other hand, in the present embodiment, since the dot size is reduced, it can be seen that the blank portion of the letter A is not so filled and not narrowed.

Next, a flowchart will be described.
Step S8-5-1: Data for one line is acquired.
Step S8-5-2: Data for one dot is acquired.
Step S8-5-3: Acquire data for one dot of the next adjacent line.
Step S8-5-4: It is determined whether or not the adjacent dot is a blank dot. If the adjacent dot is a blank dot, the process proceeds to step S8-5-6. If the adjacent dot is not a blank dot, the process proceeds to step S8-5-5.
Step S8-5-5: Dot size is not changed.
Step S8-5-6: It is determined whether or not the dot is a dot on the last line of the overlapping print area. If the dot is a dot on the last line of the overlapping print region, the process proceeds to step S8-5-8. If the dot is not a dot on the final line of the overlap printing region, the process proceeds to step S8-5-7.
Step S8-5-7: The dot size is changed to 50 [%].
Step S8-5-8: The dot size is changed to 75 [%].
Step S8-5-9: It is determined whether or not the dot data is at the line end. If it is dot data at the line end, the process proceeds to step S8-5-10. If it is not dot data at the line end, the process returns to step S8-5-2.
Step S8-5-10: It is determined whether it is the last line of the overlapping print area. If it is the last line of the overlapping print area, the character overlapping print pattern generation process is terminated, and if it is not the last line of the overlapping print area, the process returns to step S8-5-1.

  Next, a subroutine for other image duplication print pattern generation processing will be described.

  FIG. 19 is a diagram for explaining a duplicate print pattern of other image data in the embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 20 is a first diagram for explaining the result of duplicate print of other image data in the embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 22 is a second diagram for explaining the result of duplication printing of other image data in the embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 22 is a flowchart showing a subroutine of other image duplication printing pattern generation processing in the embodiment of the present invention.

  In the case of other image data, since gradation is included, the dot size may change, or the dot pattern may be such that dots are thinned out. For example, if the same dot pattern is printed repeatedly as in the prior art example shown in FIG. 3, the blank space may be filled and the gradation may be lost. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 19, correction is performed with reference to three dots (adjacent dots with numbers 1 to 3) in the next line of the dot.

  Specifically, when the second adjacent dot is printed, no correction is performed when the second adjacent dot and the dot size are equal, but when the second adjacent dot and the dot size are different. Then, correction is performed so as to match the smaller dot size.

  When the second adjacent dot is not printed, the correction is switched according to the number of dots printed out of the printing of the first adjacent dot and the third adjacent dot. That is, when neither the first adjacent dot nor the third adjacent dot is printed, the same correction as the character overlap print pattern generation process is performed. Further, when one of the first adjacent dot and the third adjacent dot is printed and the other is not printed, the dot is reduced so that the result does not become too thick. Further, when both the first adjacent dot and the third adjacent dot are printed, the reduction ratio of the dot is changed depending on whether or not it is in the last line of the overlapping printing. When it is not in the last line of overlapping printing, the blank space is filled. Therefore, the dot size of the dot is made smaller than that in the last line of overlapping printing.

  When the other image duplication print pattern generation process is started, in step S8-6-1, the duplication print pattern generation unit 16a first acquires data for one line. Specifically, data corresponding to one line of print dot data in the overlapping print area is sequentially acquired from the first line of the overlapping print area.

  Subsequently, in step S8-6-2, the duplicate print pattern generation unit 16a acquires data for one dot. Specifically, data corresponding to one dot in one acquired line is sequentially acquired from the dot at the end of the line as data of the dot.

  Subsequently, in step S8-6-3, the overlapping print pattern generation unit 16a acquires data for three dots of the next adjacent line. Specifically, the data of the 1st to 3rd adjacent dots in the line next to the dot is acquired.

  Subsequently, in step S8-6-4, the overlapping print pattern generation unit 16a determines whether or not the dots adjacent in the medium conveyance direction are blank dots. Specifically, it is determined whether or not the second adjacent dot in the line next to the dot is a blank dot that is not printed.

  If it is not a blank dot, that is, if the second adjacent dot in the next line is printed, in step S8-6-5, the overlapping print pattern generation unit 16a makes the size of the adjacent dot smaller than that dot. It is determined whether or not. That is, it is determined whether or not the dot size of the second adjacent dot in the next line is smaller than the dot size of the dot.

  Here, if the size of the adjacent dot is not smaller than the dot, the overlapping print pattern generation unit 16a does not change the dot size in step S8-6-6. Specifically, the dot size of the dot is not reduced. On the other hand, when the size of the adjacent dot is smaller than the dot, in step S8-6-7, the overlapping print pattern generation unit 16a changes to the same size as the adjacent dot. Specifically, the dot size of the dot is reduced to be equal to the dot size of the adjacent dot.

  If it is determined whether the dot adjacent in the medium conveyance direction is a blank dot and is a blank dot, in step S8-6-8, the overlapping print pattern generation unit 16a determines the remaining adjacent dots. Determine the number of prints. Specifically, when the second adjacent dot in the next line is not printed, the number of dots printed out of the first and third adjacent dots in the next line of the dot is determined.

  If the number of prints is 2, in step S8-6-9, the duplicate print pattern generation unit 16a determines whether it is a duplicate print last line. That is, it is determined whether or not the dot is located in the last line of overlapping printing. If it is not the last line of overlapping printing, the overlapping printing pattern generation unit 16a changes the dot size to 30 [%] in step S8-6-10. That is, the dot reduction rate is determined so that the dot size is 30%. On the other hand, if it is a duplicate print last line, the duplicate print pattern generation unit 16a changes the dot size to 50 [%] in step S8-6-11. That is, the dot reduction rate is determined so that the dot size is 50%.

  If the number of prints of the remaining adjacent dots is determined and the number of prints is 1, the duplicate print pattern generation unit 16a changes the dot size to 50 [%] in step S8-6-12. That is, the dot reduction rate is determined so that the dot size is 50%.

  Furthermore, when the number of prints of the remaining adjacent dots is determined and the number of prints is 0, in step S8-6-13, the duplicate print pattern generation unit 16a determines whether it is a duplicate print last line. That is, it is determined whether or not the dot is located in the last line of overlapping printing. If it is not the last line of overlapping printing, the overlapping printing pattern generation unit 16a changes the dot size to 50 [%] in step S8-6-14. That is, the dot reduction rate is determined so that the dot size is 50%. On the other hand, if it is a duplicate print last line, the duplicate print pattern generation unit 16a changes the dot size to 75 [%] in step S8-6-15. That is, the dot reduction rate is determined so that the dot size is 75%.

  Subsequently, in step S8-6-16, the duplicate print pattern generation unit 16a determines whether the dot data is line end dot data. That is, it is determined whether the dot is a dot located at the end of one line from which data is acquired.

  If it is not the dot data at the end of the line, in step S8-6-2, the overlapping print pattern generation unit 16a obtains data for one dot again and repeats the subsequent operations.

  If it is dot data at the end of the line, in step S8-6-17, the duplicate print pattern generation unit 16a determines whether it is the last line of the duplicate print region. That is, it is determined whether or not the line from which the data has been acquired is the last line in the overlapping print area.

  If it is not the last line, in step S8-6-1, the duplicate print pattern generation unit 16a obtains data for one line again and repeats the subsequent operations.

  In the case of the final line, all dots in the overlapping print area have been corrected if necessary, so the overlapping print pattern generation unit 16a ends the other image overlapping print pattern generation processing. .

  As described above, by performing the other image duplication print pattern generation processing, a print result as shown in FIGS. 20 and 21 can be obtained. In the example shown in FIG. 20, although printing is somewhat thick, since the dot size is reduced, blanks are not too conspicuous, printing is not too thick, and the whole is not conspicuous. Further, in the example shown in FIG. 21, when the positional deviation occurs, the dot size is reduced to prevent the blank portion from being filled and becoming one line completely. So that it is less noticeable.

Next, a flowchart will be described.
Step S8-6-1: Data for one line is acquired.
Step S8-6-2: Data for one dot is acquired.
Step S8-6-3: Acquire data for 3 dots of the next adjacent line.
Step S8-6-4: It is determined whether the dots adjacent in the medium transport direction are blank dots. If the dot adjacent in the medium transport direction is a blank dot, the process proceeds to step S8-6-8. If the dot adjacent in the medium transport direction is not a blank dot, the process proceeds to step S8-6-5.
Step S8-6-5: It is determined whether or not the size of the adjacent dot is smaller than the dot. If the size of the adjacent dot is smaller than the dot, the process proceeds to step S8-6-7. If the size of the adjacent dot is not smaller than the dot, the process proceeds to step S8-6-6.
Step S8-6-6: Dot size is not changed.
Step S8-6-7: Change to the same size as adjacent dots.
Step S8-6-8: Determine the number of prints of the remaining adjacent dots. If the number of remaining adjacent dots is 2, the process proceeds to step S8-6-9. If the number of remaining adjacent dots is 1, the process proceeds to step S8-6-12, and the remaining adjacent dots are printed. If the number is 0, the process proceeds to step S8-6-13.
Step S8-6-9: It is determined whether or not it is a duplicate print last line. If it is the overlapping printing final line, the process proceeds to step S8-6-11. If it is not the overlapping printing final line, the process proceeds to step S8-6-10.
Step S8-6-10: The dot size is changed to 30 [%].
Step S8-6-11: The dot size is changed to 50 [%].
Step S8-6-12: The dot size is changed to 50 [%].
Step S8-6-13: It is determined whether or not it is a duplicate print last line. If it is the overlapping printing final line, the process proceeds to step S8-6-15, and if it is not the overlapping printing final line, the process proceeds to step S8-6-14.
Step S8-6-14: The dot size is changed to 50 [%].
Step S8-6-15: The dot size is changed to 75 [%].
Step S8-6-16: It is determined whether the dot data is at the end of the line. If it is dot data at the line end, the process proceeds to step S8-6-17, and if it is not dot data at the line end, the process returns to step S8-6-2.
Step S8-6-17: It is determined whether it is the last line of the overlapping print area. If it is the last line of the overlapping print region, the other image overlapping print pattern generation processing is terminated. If it is not the last line of the overlapping printing region, the process returns to step S8-6-1.

  Next, a subroutine for barcode duplicate print pattern generation processing will be described.

  FIG. 23 is a diagram for explaining a duplicate print pattern of barcode data in the embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 24 is a first diagram for explaining the result of duplicate print of barcode data in the embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 26 is a second diagram for explaining the result of duplicate printing of barcode data in the embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 26 is a flowchart showing a subroutine of barcode duplication printing pattern generation processing in the embodiment of the present invention.

  The bar code, like the character, has no gradation and is therefore expressed only by the presence / absence of print dots. Further, the barcode is a continuous dot depending on the printing direction. As shown in FIG. 23, when the printing direction is horizontal, dots continue in the medium conveyance direction, so that correction is not necessary. On the other hand, when the printing direction is vertical, since the bars are arranged in the medium conveyance direction, the blank dots may be filled or the blank dots may spread.

  In the case of barcodes, the ratio between the width of the narrow bar and the width of the wide bar is determined, and if this ratio deviates greatly, the barcode cannot be read. The ratio between the width of the narrow bar and the width of the wide bar is 1: 2 to 3 when there are two types of bar sizes, and 1: 2: 3: 4 when there are four types of bar sizes. Therefore, in the present embodiment, the correction amount is determined by the size of the narrow bar.

  As shown in FIG. 23, the larger the narrow bar width size, the larger the margin. Therefore, the dot reduction rate is determined according to the narrow bar width size. For example, when the narrow bar width is 1 dot, the wide bar width is 2 to 3 dots, but when the narrow bar width is 5 dots, the wide bar width is 10 to 15 dots. Therefore, when the narrow bar width is 5 dots, there is little influence even if the position shift becomes thicker by 1 dot. However, when the narrow bar width is 1 dot, the narrow bar becomes wide when the position shift becomes thicker by 1 dot. There is a risk of being recognized as a bar.

  When the barcode overlapping print pattern generation process is started, in step S8-7-1, the overlapping print pattern generation unit 16a first acquires data for one line. Specifically, data corresponding to one line of print dot data in the overlapping print area is sequentially acquired from the first line of the overlapping print area.

  Subsequently, in step S8-7-2, the duplicate print pattern generation unit 16a acquires data for one dot. Specifically, data corresponding to one dot in one acquired line is sequentially acquired from the dot at the end of the line as data of the dot.

  Subsequently, in step S8-7-3, the overlapping print pattern generation unit 16a acquires data for one dot of the next adjacent line. Specifically, the data of adjacent dots in the next line after the dot is acquired.

  Subsequently, in step S8-7-4, the duplicate print pattern generation unit 16a determines whether or not vertical printing is performed. Specifically, it is vertical printing in which the barcode is printed so that each bar of the barcode extends in the width direction of the medium 21, or each bar of the barcode extends in the conveyance direction of the medium 21. In this way, it is determined whether or not the horizontal printing for printing the barcode.

  If it is not vertical printing, that is, if it is horizontal printing, the overlapping print pattern generation unit 16a does not change the dot size in step S8-7-5. Specifically, the dot size of the dot is not reduced.

  In the case of vertical printing, in step S8-7-6, the overlapping print pattern generation unit 16a determines whether the adjacent dots are blank dots. Specifically, it is determined whether or not the adjacent dot in the line next to the dot is a blank dot that is not printed. If it is not a blank dot, that is, if an adjacent dot in the next line is printed, the overlapping print pattern generation unit 16a does not change the dot size in step S8-7-5. If it is a blank dot, that is, if an adjacent dot in the next line is not printed, in step S8-7-7, the overlapping print pattern generation unit 16a determines whether or not the narrow bar width is 1 dot. . If the narrow bar width is not 1 dot, the overlapping print pattern generation unit 16a determines the narrow bar width in step S8-7-8. Specifically, it is determined whether the narrow bar width is 2 dots, 3 dots, or 4 dots.

  If the narrow bar width is 4 dots, the overlapping print pattern generation unit 16a does not change the dot size in step S8-7-5. If the narrow bar width is 3 dots, the overlapping print pattern generation unit 16a changes the dot size to 90 [%] in step S8-7-9. That is, the dot reduction rate is determined so that the dot size is 90%. Furthermore, when the narrow bar width is 2 dots, the overlapping print pattern generation unit 16a changes the dot size to 70 [%] in step S8-7-10. That is, the dot reduction rate is determined so that the dot size is 70%.

  If the narrow bar width is 1 dot and it is 1 dot, the overlapping print pattern generation unit 16a changes the dot size to 50 [%] in step S8-7-11. That is, the dot reduction rate is determined so that the dot size is 50%.

  Subsequently, in step S8-7-12, the duplicate print pattern generation unit 16a determines whether the dot data is line end data. That is, it is determined whether the dot is a dot located at the end of one line from which data is acquired.

  If it is not the dot data at the end of the line, in step S8-7-2, the overlapping print pattern generation unit 16a obtains data for one dot again and repeats the subsequent operations.

  If it is dot data at the end of the line, in step S8-7-13, the duplicate print pattern generation unit 16a determines whether it is the last line of the duplicate print region. That is, it is determined whether or not the line from which the data has been acquired is the last line in the overlapping print area.

  If it is not the last line, in step S8-7-1, the duplicate print pattern generation unit 16a obtains data for one line again and repeats the subsequent operations.

  In the case of the final line, all dots in the overlapping print area have been corrected if necessary, so the overlapping print pattern generation unit 16a ends the barcode overlapping print pattern generation process. .

  As described above, by executing the barcode duplication print pattern generation process, a print result as shown in FIGS. 24 and 25 can be obtained. The example shown in FIG. 24 is an example of horizontal printing in which the barcode is printed so that each bar of the barcode extends in the conveyance direction of the medium 21, and the printing dots are continuous in the conveyance direction of the medium 21. There is no problem even if the printing dots are printed overlapping due to the positional deviation. The example shown in FIG. 25 is an example of vertical printing in which a barcode is printed so that each bar of the barcode extends in the width direction of the medium 21. In this case, the blank bar and black bar become slightly thick due to the occurrence of misalignment, but since the dot size is reduced, the amount of thickening is distributed to the blank bar and black bar, so it becomes extremely thick. Or extremely narrow.

Next, a flowchart will be described.
Step S8-7-1: Data for one line is acquired.
Step S8-7-2: Data for one dot is acquired.
Step S8-7-3: Acquire data for one dot of the next adjacent line.
Step S8-7-4: It is determined whether or not the vertical printing is performed. If it is vertical printing, the process proceeds to step S8-7-6, and if it is not vertical printing, the process proceeds to step S8-7-5.
Step S8-7-5 The dot size is not changed.
Step S8-7-6: It is determined whether or not the adjacent dot is a blank dot. If the adjacent dot is a blank dot, the process proceeds to step S8-7-7. If the adjacent dot is not a blank dot, the process returns to step S8-7-5.
Step S8-7-7: It is determined whether or not the narrow bar width is 1 dot. If the narrow bar width is 1 dot, the process proceeds to step S8-7-11. If the narrow bar width is not 1 dot, the process proceeds to step S8-7-8.
Step S8-7-8 The overlapping print pattern generation unit 16a determines the narrow bar width. If the narrow bar width is 4 dots, the process returns to step S8-7-5. If the narrow bar width is 3 dots, the process proceeds to step S8-7-9. If the narrow bar width is 2 dots, the process proceeds to step S8-7-5. Proceed to 10.
Step S8-7-9: The dot size is changed to 90 [%].
Step S8-7-10: The dot size is changed to 70 [%].
Step S8-7-11: The dot size is changed to 50 [%].
Step S8-7-12: It is determined whether the dot data is at the line end. If it is dot data at the line end, the process proceeds to step S8-7-13, and if it is not dot data at the line end, the process returns to step S8-7-2.
Step S8-7-13: It is determined whether it is the last line of the overlapping print area. If it is the last line of the overlapping print area, the barcode overlapping print pattern generation process is terminated. If it is not the last line of the overlapping print area, the process returns to step S8-7-1.

  As described above, in the present embodiment, by performing overlapping printing, it is possible to prevent the generation of a white line due to the interruption of printing when the medium 21 is cut. By correcting the dot size according to the pattern of each dot and its adjacent dots, it is possible to prevent black lines and the like that are generated due to filling of blanks in overlapping print areas, particularly in gradation printing such as printing of image data. As a result, the print quality can be improved.

  In this embodiment, the example in which the dot reduction rate is set numerically has been described. However, the dot size reduction rate is not limited to this. Furthermore, when an area for registering a logo or the like is provided in advance, it may be determined whether duplicate printing is necessary at the time of registration of the logo or the like, and an overlapping print pattern may be generated.

  The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and various modifications can be made based on the spirit of the present invention, and they are not excluded from the scope of the present invention.

  The present invention can be used in a printing apparatus and a printing method.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 Printing apparatus 11 Print head 12 Cutter 21 Medium 22 Platen roller

Claims (7)

A medium conveying device for conveying the medium;
A print head for printing on the medium;
A medium cutting machine for cutting the medium;
A printing apparatus comprising a control device for controlling operations of the medium conveying device, the print head, and the medium cutting machine,
When the medium cutting machine cuts the medium, when the print head interrupts printing between the print start position and the print end position of the print data when the medium is cut,
After the control device sets an overlap print area and the medium transport device transports the medium in the reverse direction by the overlap print region, the print head resumes printing of print data and the medium transport device Resuming the conveyance of the medium and performing the duplication printing in the duplication printing area,
The control device performs a correction for reducing the size of the print dots in the overlap print area based on the type of the print data and the dot pattern of the print dots in the overlap print area and the print dots around the print dot. A printing apparatus characterized by that.   The control device includes: a distance from a position where the medium cutting machine cuts the medium to a position where the print head prints on the medium; and a print where the print head prints on the medium from a position where the medium cutting machine cuts the medium. Based on the distance from the print start position of the data, the distance from the print start position of the print data to the print end position, and the amount of medium misalignment that occurs when the medium cutting machine cuts the medium, The printing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein an overlapping print area is set.   The printing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the print data type includes character data, barcode data, and other image data. When the type of the print data is character data, the control device reduces the size of the print dot based on the dot pattern of one print dot of the next print line adjacent to the print dot in the overlapping print region. The printing apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the correction is performed . When the type of the print data is barcode data, the control device determines the direction in which the bar of the barcode extends and one print dot of the next print line adjacent to the print dot in the overlap print area. The printing apparatus according to claim 3, wherein correction is performed to reduce the size of the print dots based on a dot pattern. When the type of the print data is other image data, the control device determines the size of the print dot based on the dot pattern of the three print dots of the next print line adjacent to the print dot in the overlapping print region. The printing apparatus according to claim 3, wherein correction for reduction is performed . When the medium is cut by the medium cutting machine, when the print head interrupts printing between the print start position and the print end position of the print data when the medium is cut,
After setting an overlap print area and transporting the medium in the reverse direction by the overlap print area, the print head restarts printing of print data and restarts transport of the medium to overlap the overlap print area. Carried out
The correction for reducing the size of the print dot in the overlap print area is performed based on the type of the print data and the dot pattern of the print dot in the overlap print area and the print dot around the print dot. Printing method.

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