JP6447559B2 - Printing apparatus, printing method, and printing program - Google Patents

Description

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

  A printing apparatus capable of printing an image on a medium while conveying a long medium is known. For example, the printing apparatus disclosed in Patent Document 1 includes a printing unit in which a plurality of heating elements are arranged in a row, and a cutter. The printing apparatus prints characters (characters, numbers, symbols, etc.) and a background image (ground pattern) on a medium. The printing apparatus cuts the medium at the leading edge cutting position and the trailing edge cutting position in the medium. The tip cutting position is a position where printing of the background is started. The rear end cutting position is a position where the printing of the background image is finished.

JP 2012-56094 A

  The printing unit or the cutter may be attached in a slightly inclined state with respect to the printing apparatus. Further, there is a case where the medium is arranged with a slight inclination with respect to the printing unit or the cutter. In such a case, the cutting position by the cutter may be inclined with respect to the image printed on the medium. Therefore, when a background image is printed on the medium, an unprinted portion may remain on the edge of the cut printed medium.

  An object of the present invention is to provide a printing apparatus, a printing method, and a printing program that can suppress the possibility that an unprinted portion remains on the edge of a cut printed medium when a background image is printed on the medium. That is.

The printing apparatus according to the first aspect of the present invention includes a transport unit capable of transporting a long medium in a first direction along a transport path, and a first position in the transport path. A line-shaped printing unit extending substantially parallel to a second direction which is a direction orthogonal to the direction, and a printing unit capable of printing on the medium; and downstream of the transport path from the first position A printing apparatus comprising: a cutting unit arranged at a second position on the side and capable of cutting the medium in a direction substantially parallel to the second direction; and a control unit, wherein the control unit A specific process for specifying a first area that is a rectangular area including and enclosing a rectangular area that includes text including at least one character, and a second print pattern that is different from the first print pattern that is the print pattern of the text Print background image The first medium, which is the length in the second direction, of the medium arranged in the printing apparatus and the first area specified by the specifying process, A first determination process for determining a second area that is an area adjacent to the outside of the area; the first area specified by the specifying process; the second area determined by the first determination process; A second determination process for determining a cut position in the medium that causes the cutting means to cut the medium based on at least a predetermined distance between the first position and the second position in the transport path; An area obtained by combining the first area specified by the specifying process and the second area determined by the first determining process while conveying the medium by a conveying unit. A printing process for causing the printing means to print on the medium based on the second print pattern for printing the background image in an area excluding the text in the three areas, and the first print pattern; Based on the cut position determined by the two determination process, it is possible to execute a cut process that causes the cutting means to cut the medium, and the length of the third region in the second direction is greater than the first length. the size rather, the printing apparatus, the medium can be disposed in the printing device, and stores the a second length which is the length in the second direction, in association with the third length is the length in the first direction First storage means, second storage means for storing the fourth length, which is a candidate for the length in the first direction of the first region, and the fifth length, which is the length in the second direction, in association with each other. The first determining process includes the first length of the third length associated with the second length corresponding to the first length, and the first region identified by the identifying process. The second region is determined based on the fifth length associated with the fourth length corresponding to the sixth length which is a length in a direction .

  According to the first aspect, when the background image is printed on the medium, the background image is also printed on the second region. Thereby, even when the printing unit or the cutting unit is slightly inclined with respect to the second direction, it is possible to suppress the possibility that an unprinted portion remains on the edge of the cut printed medium. In addition, even when the medium is arranged in a slightly inclined state with respect to the printing unit or the cutting unit, it is possible to suppress the possibility that an unprinted portion remains on the edge of the cut printed medium.

The printing method according to the second aspect of the present invention includes a transport unit capable of transporting a long medium in a first direction along a transport path, and a first position in the transport path. A line-shaped printing unit extending substantially parallel to a second direction which is a direction orthogonal to the direction, and a printing unit capable of printing on the medium; and downstream of the transport path from the first position A printing method used in a printing apparatus that includes a cutting unit that is disposed at a second position on the side and that can cut the medium in a direction substantially parallel to the second direction. Specific processing for specifying a first region that is a region that includes and encloses a rectangular region that includes text including at least one character, and a second print pattern that is different from the first print pattern that is the print pattern of the text. Background image When printing is specified, based on at least the first length that is the length in the second direction of the medium arranged in the printing apparatus and the first area specified by the specifying process, A first determination process for determining a second area which is an area adjacent to the outside of the first area; the first area specified by the specifying process; and the second area determined by the first determination process. And a second determination process for determining a cut position in the medium that causes the cutting means to cut the medium based on at least a predetermined distance between the first position and the second position in the transport path. And a region in which the first area specified by the specifying process and the second area determined by the first determination process are combined while the medium is conveyed by the conveying means. A printing process for causing the printing means to print on the medium based on the second print pattern for printing the background image in an area excluding the text in the third area, and the first print pattern; A cutting process for causing the cutting means to cut the medium based on the cutting position determined by the second determination process, and the length of the third region in the second direction is greater than the first length. the size rather, the printing apparatus, the medium can be disposed in the printing device, and stores the a second length which is the length in the second direction, in association with the third length is the length in the first direction First storage means, second storage means for storing the fourth length, which is a candidate for the length in the first direction of the first region, and the fifth length, which is the length in the second direction, in association with each other. The The first determination process further includes the first direction of the third length associated with the second length corresponding to the first length and the first area identified by the identification process. The second region is determined based on the fifth length associated with the fourth length corresponding to the sixth length, which is the length of the second region . According to the 2nd aspect, there can exist an effect similar to a 1st aspect.

The printing program according to the third aspect of the present invention is arranged at a first position in the transport path, a transport unit capable of transporting a long medium in a first direction along the transport path, and the first program A line-shaped printing unit extending substantially parallel to a second direction which is a direction orthogonal to the direction, and a printing unit capable of printing on the medium; and downstream of the transport path from the first position A computer having a cutting means arranged at a second position on the side and capable of cutting the medium in a direction substantially parallel to the second direction, and including text including at least one character to be printed A specifying process for specifying a first area that includes and surrounds a rectangular area and printing of a background image represented by a second print pattern different from the first print pattern that is the print pattern of the text are specified. Place Further, based on at least the first length that is the length in the second direction of the medium arranged in the printing apparatus and the first area specified by the specifying process, outside the first area A first determination process for determining a second area that is an adjacent area; the first area specified by the specifying process; the second area determined by the first determination process; Based on at least a predetermined distance between the first position and the second position, a second determination process for determining a cut position in the medium that causes the cutting means to cut the medium; and In the third area, which is a combination of the first area specified by the specifying process and the second area determined by the first determining process while transporting the medium. A printing process for causing the printing means to print on the medium based on the second printing pattern for printing the background image in an area excluding the text and the first printing pattern; and the second determination process. A printing program for causing the cutting means to perform a cutting process for cutting the medium based on the cutting position determined by the step, wherein the length of the third region in the second direction is the first rather greater than the length, the printing apparatus, the medium which can be placed in the printing device, and a second length which is the length in the second direction, in association with the third length is the length in the first direction A second storage unit that stores the first storage unit that stores the fourth length that is a candidate for the length in the first direction of the first region and the fifth length that is the length in the second direction. Storage means, wherein the first determination process includes the third length associated with the second length corresponding to the first length, and the first area identified by the identification process. The second region is determined based on the fifth length associated with the fourth length corresponding to the sixth length which is a length in the first direction . According to the 3rd aspect, there can exist an effect similar to a 1st aspect.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the printing apparatus 1 in a state where a cover 6 is closed. FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the printing apparatus 1 and the tape cassette 30 in a state where a cover 6 is opened. It is a figure which shows typically the tape cassette 30 with which the cassette mounting part 8 was mounted | worn. FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating an electrical configuration of the printing apparatus 1. It is a flowchart of a main process. It is a flowchart of the data generation process for single printing. It is a flowchart of the data production | generation process for 1st continuous printing. It is a flowchart of the data generation process for 2nd continuous printing. 4 is a diagram for explaining the positional relationship between a tape 31, a print head 10, and a cutter 15, and a positional relationship between a text area 41 and a margin area 42. FIG. It is a figure for demonstrating the positional relationship of the text area | region 41, the margin area | region 42, the additional area | region 43, the 1st cut position C1, and the 2nd cut position C2. It is a figure which shows the 1st table. It is a figure which shows the 2nd table. It is a figure for demonstrating the positional relationship of the text area | region 41, the margin area | region 42, the additional area | region 43, the 3rd cut position C3, and the 4th cut position C4. It is a figure for demonstrating the positional relationship of the text area | region 41, the margin area | region 42, the additional area | region 43, the 5th cut position C5, the 6th cut position C6, and the 7th cut position C7.

  Embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. A schematic configuration of the printing apparatus 1 and the tape cassette 30 will be described with reference to FIGS. In the following description, the upper right side, lower left side, lower right side, upper left side, upper side, and lower side of FIGS. 1 and 2 are respectively the rear side, the front side, the right side, the left side, the upper side, and the lower side of the printing apparatus 1. To do.

  As shown in FIG. 1, a keyboard 3 is provided on the upper surface of the printing apparatus 1. The keyboard 3 includes a character key, a delete key, a confirmation key, and the like. The character key is used to input a character. A character is at least one of letters, numbers, symbols, figures, illustrations, and the like. On the rear side of the keyboard 3 (upper right side of the drawing), a function key group 4 such as a power switch, a cursor key, and an application key is provided. The application key includes a print key, a cancel key, and the like. In the following description, the keyboard 3 and the function key group 4 are collectively referred to as the operation unit 2. A display 5 is provided behind the function key group 4. A cover 6 that can be opened and closed is provided at the rear of the upper surface of the printing apparatus 1. A tray 7 is provided at the left rear corner of the printing apparatus 1. The tray 7 receives the printed tape 31 (see FIG. 3) cut by the cutter 15 (see FIG. 3).

  As shown in FIG. 2, a cassette mounting portion 8 to which the tape cassette 30 is attached and detached is formed on the rear side of the display 5. As shown in FIG. 3, the tape cassette 30 is a box-like body that accommodates an unused tape 31, an unused ink ribbon (not shown), a tape drive roller 32, a ribbon take-up spool 33, and the like. The tape 31 is a long print medium. The tape drive roller 32 is a roller for pulling out the tape 31 in the tape cassette 30. The ribbon take-up spool 33 is a spool for taking up the ink ribbon in the tape cassette 30.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the cassette mounting unit 8 is provided with a detection unit 14 (see FIG. 4), a tape drive shaft 11, a ribbon take-up shaft 9, a print head 10 (see FIG. 3), and the like. The detection unit 14 includes a plurality of (for example, five) detection switches. The switch terminal of each detection switch is extended by a spring member (not shown) when not pressed. In this case, the detection switch is in an off state. On the other hand, when the switch terminal is pressed, the detection switch is turned on. The printing apparatus 1 can specify the type of the tape cassette 30 mounted on the cassette mounting unit 8 based on a combination of ON / OFF of a plurality of detection switches.

  Any known method may be adopted as a method of specifying the type of the tape cassette 30 based on the combination of ON / OFF of the detection switches. For example, the type of the tape cassette 30 can be specified by referring to a tape type table (not shown) stored in the flash memory 410 (see FIG. 4). The tape type table only needs to define information indicating the combination of ON / OFF of the detection switch and the type of the corresponding tape cassette 30 (for example, the width of the tape 31).

  The tape drive shaft 11 is a shaft that can rotate the tape drive roller 32. The tape drive shaft 11 is used for transporting the tape 31 in the first direction along the transport path. The ribbon take-up shaft 9 is a shaft that can rotate the ribbon take-up spool 33. The print head 10 is a thermal head including a plurality of print elements 10A (see FIG. 3). The plurality of printing elements 10A are arranged in a line substantially parallel to a second direction orthogonal to the first direction. Accordingly, the portion of the print head 10 that includes the plurality of printing elements 10A has a line shape that extends substantially parallel to the second direction. The print head 10 performs printing using an unused ink ribbon on the transported tape 31. A position on the tape 31 where printing is performed by the print head 10 is referred to as a head position K1.

  A platen holder (not shown) is provided on the front side of the cassette mounting portion 8. The platen holder rotatably supports the platen roller 12 and the movable conveyance roller 13 (see FIG. 3). The platen roller 12 is a roller that can rotate to face the print head 10. The movable conveyance roller 13 is a roller that can rotate to face the tape drive shaft 11.

  When the cover 6 is opened, the platen holder moves to the retracted position, and the platen roller 12 and the movable transport roller 13 are disposed outside the cassette mounting portion 8. When the tape cassette 30 is attached to the cassette attaching portion 8, the tape drive shaft 11 and the ribbon take-up shaft 9 are inserted into the tape drive roller 32 and the ribbon take-up spool 33, respectively.

  Next, when the cover 6 is closed, the platen holder moves to the operating position, and the platen roller 12 and the movable transport roller 13 are disposed inside the cassette mounting portion 8. At this time, the platen roller 12 superimposes the tape 31 and the ink ribbon of the tape cassette 30 and urges them toward the print head 10. The movable conveyance roller 13 sandwiches the tape 31 and the ink ribbon of the tape cassette 30 with the tape drive roller 32. As a result, the printing apparatus 1 is ready to print on the tape 31 using the tape cassette 30.

  A cutter 15 is provided on the downstream side of the print head 10 in the transport path of the tape 31. The cutter 15 can cut the printed tape 31 in the thickness direction. The printing apparatus 1 of the present embodiment can execute at least one of half cut and full cut using the cutter 15. The half cut is a cut that forms a slit by cutting a part of the tape 31 (for example, only release paper). The full cut is a cut in which all layers (for example, release paper and mount) of the tape 31 are cut and separated. The position where the tape 31 is cut in a direction substantially parallel to the second direction by the cutter 15 is referred to as a cutter position K2. The cutter position K2 is on the downstream side of the transport path of the tape 31 with respect to the head position K1. A distance between the head position K1 and the cutter position K2 in the transport path of the tape 31 is referred to as a distance L. The CPU 401 can specify each position of the tape 31 based on the transport distance of the tape 31 corresponding to the number of drive pulses applied to the transport motor 24.

  The electrical configuration of the printing apparatus 1 will be described with reference to FIG. As shown in FIG. 4, the printing apparatus 1 includes a control circuit unit 400 formed on a control board. The control circuit unit 400 includes a CPU 401, a ROM 402, a RAM 404, a flash memory 410, an input / output interface 411, and the like, which are connected via a data bus.

  The ROM 402 stores various programs that the CPU 401 executes to control the printing apparatus 1. The RAM 404 stores temporary data. In the flash memory 410, character data indicating each character, a default value of a first margin length M1 (described later), a tape type table, a first table 301 (see FIG. 11), and a second table 302 (see FIG. 12). Various setting values are stored.

  The operation unit 2, the detection unit 14, a liquid crystal drive circuit (LCDC) 405, drive circuits 406, 407, and 408 are connected to the input / output interface 411. The LCDC 405 has a video RAM (not shown) for outputting display data to the display 5. The drive circuit 406 is an electronic circuit for driving the print head 10. The drive circuit 407 is an electronic circuit for driving the transport motor 24 that rotates the ribbon take-up shaft 9 and the tape drive shaft 11. The drive circuit 408 is an electronic circuit for driving the cut motor 25 that operates the cutter 15.

  The main process according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 9 schematically shows the positional relationship among the tape 31, the print head 10, and the cutter 15 for easy understanding.

  The printing apparatus 1 of this embodiment can print a background image on the tape 31. The background image is an image represented by a print pattern different from the print pattern of text including at least one character. Background image printing includes black and white reversal printing. In the case of black-and-white reversal printing, the printing apparatus 1 may print a background image (for example, black fill) in a region excluding the text without printing the text. The user can input text via the operation unit 2. Further, the user can designate printing of the background image and continuous printing via the operation unit 2. Continuous printing is to perform continuous printing based on the same text printing pattern or based on a text printing pattern based on a predetermined rule.

  When the power of the printing apparatus 1 is turned on, the CPU 401 starts a main process shown in FIG. 5 by executing a program stored in the ROM 402. As shown in FIG. 5, when the main process is started, the CPU 401 determines whether or not a print instruction has been accepted (S11). For example, if the CPU 401 detects that the print key is pressed, it determines that a print instruction has been received. The print instruction of the present embodiment includes text data indicating the text to be printed. The print instruction includes information indicating the print pattern of the text to be printed. When printing of the background image is designated, the print instruction includes information indicating the print pattern of the background image. When continuous printing is designated, the print instruction includes designation of continuous printing.

  If the CPU 401 has not received a print instruction (S11: NO), it repeats S11. When the CPU 401 receives a print instruction (S11: YES), the CPU 401 acquires text data of a text to be printed. Thereafter, the CPU 401 acquires the tape width W (S13). The tape width W (see FIG. 9) is the length in the second direction of the tape 31 in the tape cassette 30 arranged in the cassette mounting portion 8. For example, the CPU 401 identifies the type of the tape cassette 30 that is mounted based on the ON / OFF combination of the detection switches indicated by the signal output from the detection unit 14, and acquires the tape width.

  After executing S13, the CPU 401 sets a first margin length M1 and a second margin length M2 (see FIG. 9) (S15). The first margin length M1 is the length of the margin provided on both sides of the text area 41 (see FIG. 9) in the first direction. The second margin length M2 is the length of the margin provided on both sides of the text area 41 in the second direction. The text area 41 is a rectangular area including text determined based on text data. The CPU 401 reads the default value of the first margin length M1 from the flash memory 410. The CPU 401 sets the second margin length M2 based on the tape width W acquired in S13 and the length T1 of the text area 41 in the second direction. Specifically, the CPU 401 sets a value obtained by subtracting the length T1 from the tape width W and dividing by 2 to the second margin length M2.

  After executing S15, the CPU 401 sets various print parameters based on the print instruction (S17). When the print instruction includes information indicating the print pattern of the background image, the CPU 401 sets the print pattern of the background image as a print parameter. When the print instruction includes designation of continuous printing, the CPU 401 sets continuous printing based on the print pattern of the text to be printed as a print parameter. After executing S17, the CPU 401 generates print data based on the text data, the tape width W, the first margin length M1, and the second margin length M2 (S19). The print data indicates a text to be printed, a text area 41, and a margin area 42 (see FIG. 9). The blank area 42 is an area surrounding the text area 41. The print data indicates a print pattern in the text area 41 and the margin area 42. In the present embodiment, the outer edge of the blank area 42 is substantially rectangular.

  After executing S19, the CPU 401 determines the print length P (see FIG. 9) based on the print data (S21). The print length P is the length in the first direction of the area where the text area 41 and the margin area 42 are combined. Therefore, the CPU 401 determines the print length P by adding a length corresponding to twice the first margin length M1 to the length T2 in the first direction of the text area 41 (see FIG. 9).

  After executing S21, the CPU 401 determines a cutting position (S23). The cutting position is a position on the tape 31 where the cutter 15 cuts the tape 31. Specifically, the CPU 401 determines the first cut position as the position where the tape 31 is conveyed in the first direction by a distance L from the print start position. The CPU 401 determines the second cut position as the position where the tape 31 has been fed in the first direction by the print length P from the first cut position. The print start position is a position where the printing process is started based on the print data. When the background image is not printed, when the tape 31 is at the print start position, the head of the blank area 42 in the first direction is located at the head position K1. When the background image is printed, when the tape 31 is at the print start position, the head in the first direction of the additional area 43 described later is located at the head position K1.

  After executing S23, the CPU 401 determines whether image processing is necessary based on whether the print pattern of the background image is set as the print parameter in S17 (S25). When image processing is necessary (S25: YES), the CPU 401 determines whether or not continuous printing of text is designated based on whether or not continuous printing is set as a print parameter in S17 (S27). When the continuous printing of text is not designated (S27: NO), the CPU 401 executes a single print data generation process (S29).

  With reference to FIG. 6, the single print data generation process will be described. First, the CPU 401 generates background area data for the margin area 42 (S41). The background area data is data indicating an area where a print pattern of the background image is set. In step S <b> 41, the CPU 401 sets a background image print pattern in the margin area 42. After executing S41, the CPU 401 refers to the first table 301 and generates background area data of the additional area 43 (see FIG. 10) in the first direction (S43). As shown in FIG. 10, the additional area 43 is an area adjacent to the outside of the blank area 42.

  As shown in FIG. 11, the first table 301 stores the tape width W1 of the tape 31 in the tape cassette 30 that can be arranged in the printing apparatus 1 and the length N1 in the first direction in association with each other. In the first table 301 of the present embodiment, 0 (mm) is associated as the length N1 with the tape width W1 (for example, 3.5 mm) incapable of printing the background image. When the length N1 associated with the tape width W1 is 0 (mm), the CPU 401 determines that the background image cannot be printed.

  In S43, the CPU 401 refers to the first table 301 and acquires the length N1 (for example, 2 mm) associated with the tape width W1 corresponding to the tape width W (for example, 12 mm) acquired in S13. The CPU 401 determines the length of each additional region 43 (see FIG. 10) adjacent to both sides of the margin region 42 in the first direction as the length N1. The CPU 401 sets a background image print pattern in the additional area 43 in the first direction. Thereby, the CPU 401 generates background area data of the additional area 43 adjacent to both sides of the blank area 42 in the first direction.

  As shown in FIG. 6, after executing S43, the CPU 401 refers to the second table 302 and generates background area data of the additional area 43 (see FIG. 10) in the second direction (S45). As illustrated in FIG. 12, the second table 302 stores a print length P1 that is a candidate for the print length P and a length N2 in the second direction in association with each other. In S45, the CPU 401 refers to the second table 302 and acquires a length N1 (for example, 1 mm) associated with the printing length P1 corresponding to the printing length P (for example, 20 mm) determined in S21. The CPU 401 determines the length of each of the additional areas 43 adjacent to both sides of the blank area 42 in the second direction as the length N2 (see FIG. 10). The CPU 401 sets a background image print pattern in the additional area 43 in the second direction. Thereby, the CPU 401 generates background area data of the additional area 43 adjacent to both sides of the blank area 42 in the second direction.

  After executing S45, the CPU 401 adjusts the cutting position (S47). Specifically, the CPU 401 sets the first cut position C1 (see FIG. 10) as the first cut position and the second cut position C2 (see FIG. 10) as the second cut position as the cut positions. To decide. The CPU 401 sets the first cut position C1 as the position where the tape 31 is transported in the first direction by the sum of the distance L and the length N1 from the print start position. The CPU 401 sets the second cut position C2 as a position where the tape 31 is conveyed in the first direction by the print length P from the first cut position C1.

  The first cut position C1 is the leading edge of the blank area 42 in the first direction, and the second cut position C2 is the trailing edge of the blank area 42 in the first direction. The print head 10 or the cutter 15 may be attached to the printing apparatus 1 in a slightly inclined state. The tape 31 may be arranged in a slightly inclined state with respect to the print head 10 or the cutter 15. In such a case, when the printing apparatus 1 cuts the tape 31 at the cutting position, the position at which the tape 31 is actually cut may be inclined with respect to the end of the blank area 42 in the first direction.

  The length N1 and the length N2 are determined in consideration of the possibility of inclination of the print head 10 and the cutter 15 and the possibility of inclination of the tape 31. The larger the tape width W, the greater the deviation between the blank area 42 and the cutting position in the first direction. Accordingly, the greater the tape width W1, the greater the length N1. The larger the printing length P, the greater the deviation between the blank area 42 and the tape 31 in the second direction. Accordingly, the larger the printing length P1, the larger the length N2.

  After executing S47, the CPU 401 returns to the main process (see FIG. 5). As shown in FIG. 5, when the continuous printing of the text is designated in S27 (S27: YES), the CPU 401 displays the background image pattern designated for each of the plurality of texts to be continuously printed. It is determined whether or not they are the same (S31). When the background images have the same pattern (S31: YES), the CPU 401 executes a first continuous printing data generation process (S33).

  The first continuous printing data generation process will be described with reference to FIG. First, the CPU 401 generates background area data for the margin area 42 (S51). The CPU 401 sets the print pattern of the background image in each blank area 42 (see FIG. 13) of the text areas 41 of the plurality of texts to be continuously printed.

  After executing S51, the CPU 401 generates background area data of the additional area 43 in the first direction (S53). The CPU 401 refers to the first table 301 and acquires the length N1 associated with the tape width W1 corresponding to the tape width W acquired in S13. The CPU 401 determines the length of each of the additional areas 43 (see FIG. 13) adjacent to both sides of the entire plurality of blank areas 42 arranged adjacent to each other in the first direction as the length N1. The CPU 401 sets a background image print pattern in the additional area 43 in the first direction. Thereby, the CPU 401 generates background area data of the additional area 43 adjacent to both sides of the entire plurality of blank areas 42 arranged adjacently in the first direction.

  As shown in FIG. 7, after executing S53, the CPU 401 generates background area data of the additional area 43 in the second direction (S55). The CPU 401 refers to the second table 302 and acquires the length N1 associated with the print length P1 corresponding to the print length P determined in S21. The CPU 401 determines the length of each additional region 43 (see FIG. 13) adjacent to both sides of the margin region 42 in the second direction as the length N2. The CPU 401 sets a background image print pattern in the additional area 43 in the second direction. Thereby, the CPU 401 generates background area data of the additional area 43 adjacent to both sides of the blank area 42 in the second direction.

  After executing S55, the CPU 401 adjusts the cutting position (S57). Specifically, the CPU 401 sets the third cut position C3 (see FIG. 13) as the first cut position and the fourth cut position C4 (see FIG. 13) as the second and subsequent cut positions as the cut positions. And decide. The CPU 401 sets the third cut position C3 as the position where the tape 31 has been transported in the first direction by the sum of the distance L and the length N1 from the print start position. The CPU 401 sets the fourth cut position C4 as the position where the tape 31 is conveyed in the first direction by the print length P from the previous cut position. The CPU 401 sets the number of continuous printings as the number of times the tape 31 is cut at the fourth cut position C4. After executing S57, the CPU 401 returns to the main process (see FIG. 5).

  As shown in FIG. 5, when the background image includes a different pattern in S31 (S31: NO), the CPU 401 executes a second continuous printing data generation process (S35). The second continuous printing data generation process will be described with reference to FIG. Note that the processing of S61, S63, and S65 in the second continuous printing data generation process is the same as the processing of S51, S53, and S55 in the first continuous printing data generation process (see FIG. 7), and thus the description is simplified. Turn into.

  First, the CPU 401 generates background area data of the margin area 42 as in S51 (S61). The CPU 401 sets the print pattern of the background image in each blank area 42 (see FIG. 13) of the text areas 41 of the plurality of texts to be continuously printed. After executing S61, the CPU 401 generates background area data of the additional area 43 (see FIG. 13) adjacent to both sides of the entire plurality of blank areas 42 arranged adjacent to each other in the first direction, similarly to S53 (see FIG. 13). S63). Next, the CPU 401 generates background area data of the additional area 43 adjacent to both sides of the blank area 42 in the second direction as in S55 (S65).

  Next, the CPU 401 generates background area data of the additional area 43 between the margin areas 42 (S67). The CPU 401 determines the length of each of the additional areas 43 (see FIG. 14) provided between the plurality of blank areas 42 in the first direction as at least twice the length N1 acquired in S63. In the present embodiment, as illustrated in FIG. 14, the CPU 401 determines the length of each additional region 43 provided between each of the plurality of blank regions 42 in the first direction as twice the length N1. The CPU 401 sets a background image print pattern in the additional area 43 in the first direction. Thereby, the CPU 401 generates background area data of the additional area 43 provided between the plurality of blank areas 42 in the first direction.

  After executing S67, the CPU 401 adjusts the cutting position (S69). Specifically, the CPU 401 determines the fifth cut position C5, the sixth cut position C6, and the seventh cut position C7 (see FIG. 14) as the cut positions. The CPU 401 sets the fifth cut position C5 as the position where the tape 31 has been transported in the first direction by the sum of the distance L and the length N1 from the print start position. The CPU 401, at the sixth cut position C6, when the previous cut position is the fifth cut position C5 or the seventh cut position C7, the position where the tape 31 is conveyed in the first direction by the printing length P from the previous cut position. And When the previous cut position is the sixth cut position C6, the CPU 401 sets the seventh cut position C7 to the position where the tape 31 has been fed in the first direction by at least twice the length N1 from the previous cut position. . In the present embodiment, the CPU 401 sets the seventh cut position C7 as the position where the tape 31 having a length N1 is fed in the first direction from the previous cut position (sixth cut position C6).

  In the present embodiment, the CPU 401 conveys the seventh cut position C7 in the first direction by the length of N1 double the tape 31 from the previous cut position when the previous cut position is the sixth cut position C6. It is set as the position. The CPU 401 sets the number of times that the tape 31 is cut at the cutting position to be twice the number of times of continuous printing. After executing S69, the CPU 401 returns to the main process (see FIG. 5).

  The CPU 401 executes image processing after executing any one of the single print data generation process (S29), the first continuous print data generation process (S33), and the second continuous print data generation process (S35). Then, print data is generated (S37). Specifically, the CPU 401 executes image processing of an area excluding text in an area including the text area 41, the blank area 42 indicated by the background area data, and the additional area 43 based on the print pattern of the background image. The CPU 401 executes text image processing based on a text print pattern.

  When image processing is unnecessary (S25: NO), or after executing image processing (S37), the CPU 401 executes print processing (S39). When the image processing is unnecessary (S25: NO), the CPU 401 executes the printing process by controlling the driving circuit 407 and the driving circuit 406 based on the printing data generated in S19. When the image processing is executed (S37), the CPU 401 executes the print processing by controlling the drive circuit 407 and the drive circuit 406 based on the print data generated in S37.

  The CPU 401 drives the carry motor 24 by controlling the drive circuit 407. Thereby, the tape drive shaft 11 and the ribbon take-up shaft 9 are rotated, and the tape 31 and the ink ribbon are pulled out and conveyed. In synchronization with this, the CPU 401 controls the drive circuit 406 to selectively and intermittently energize the print element 10 </ b> A of the print head 10. As a result, printing is performed on the tape 31.

  The CPU 401 executes the cut process during the print process. When the image processing is unnecessary (S25: NO), the CPU 401 interrupts the printing process based on the cutting position determined in S23, and controls the driving circuit 408 to execute the cutting process. When the image processing is executed (S37), the CPU 401 selects any one of the single printing data generation processing (S29), the first continuous printing data generation processing (S33), and the second continuous printing data generation processing (S35). The printing process is interrupted based on the cut position adjusted in the above manner, and the cutting process is executed by controlling the drive circuit 408. The CPU 401 drives the cut motor 25 by controlling the drive circuit 408. Thereby, the cutter 15 operates and the tape 31 is cut at the cutting position.

  If the print instruction includes designation of continuous printing and image processing is not required (S25: NO), the CPU 401 performs the print processing based on the print data generated in S19 and the cut processing determined in S23. The cutting process based on is repeated for the designated number of times of continuous printing. After executing S39, the CPU 401 returns the process to S11. When the power of the printing apparatus 1 is turned off, the CPU 401 ends the main process.

  As described above, the printing apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment includes the transport motor 24, the tape drive shaft 11, the print head 10, the cutter 15, and the CPU 401. The transport motor 24 and the tape drive shaft 11 can transport the long tape 31 in the first direction along the transport path. The print head 10 is disposed at the head position K1 in the transport path. The portion of the print head 10 that includes the plurality of printing elements 10A has a line shape that extends substantially parallel to the second direction. The print head 10 can print on the tape 31. The cutter 15 is disposed at a cutter position K2 located downstream of the head position K1 in the transport path. The cutter 15 can cut the tape 31 in a direction substantially parallel to the second direction.

  The CPU 401 specifies the text area 41 and the margin area 42 (S15, S19). The text area 41 is a rectangular area including text including at least one character to be printed. The blank area 42 is an area surrounding the text area 41. When printing of the background image is designated, the CPU 401 determines the additional area 43 based at least on the tape width W and the print length P (S43, S45, S53, S55, S63 to S67). The tape width W is the length in the second direction of the tape 31 in the tape cassette 30 that can be arranged in the printing apparatus 1. The print length P is the length in the first direction of the area where the text area 41 and the margin area 42 are combined. Therefore, the CPU 401 determines the additional area 43 based at least on the tape width W, the text area 41, and the margin area 42. The background image is represented by a print pattern different from the text print pattern. The additional area 43 is an area adjacent to the outside of the blank area 42.

  The CPU 401 determines the cut position based at least on the text area 41 and the margin area 42, the determined additional area 43, and the distance L (S23, S47, S57, S69). The distance L is a distance between the head position K1 and the cutter position K2 in the transport path of the tape 31. The cutting position is a position on the tape 31 where the cutter 15 cuts the tape 31. The CPU 401 performs printing for printing a background image in an area excluding the text in the area including the text area 41, the margin area 42, and the additional area 43 while the tape 31 is conveyed to the conveyance motor 24 and the tape drive shaft 11. Based on the pattern and the print pattern of the text, the print head 10 is caused to print on the tape 31 (S37, S39). Further, the CPU 401 causes the cutter 15 to cut the tape 31 based on the determined cutting position (S39).

  In the embodiment described above, the CPU 401 sets a value obtained by subtracting the length T1 from the tape width W and dividing by 2 to the second margin length M2 (S15). Therefore, the length in the second direction in the area including the text area 41 and the blank area 42 is equal to the tape width W. Therefore, the length in the second direction in the area including the text area 41, the blank area 42, and the additional area 43 is larger than the tape width W.

  According to this, when a background image is printed on the tape 31, the background image is also printed on the additional area 43. Therefore, even when the print head 10 or the cutter 15 is slightly inclined with respect to the second direction, the possibility that an unprinted portion remains on the edge of the cut printed tape 31 can be suppressed. In addition, even when the tape 31 is arranged in a slightly inclined state with respect to the print head 10 or the cutter 15, it is possible to suppress the possibility that an unprinted portion remains on the edge of the cut printed tape 31.

  The flash memory 410 of the printing apparatus 1 stores a first table 301 and a second table 302. The first table 301 stores the tape width W1 of the tape 31 in the tape cassette 30 that can be arranged in the printing apparatus 1 and the length N1 in the first direction in association with each other. The second table 302 stores the print length P1 that is a candidate for the print length P and the length N2 in the second direction in association with each other. The CPU 401 determines the additional area 43 based on the length N1 associated with the tape width W1 corresponding to the tape width W and the length N2 associated with the print length P1 corresponding to the print length P (S43, S45, S53, S55, S63 to S67).

  According to this, the printing apparatus 1 can determine the length in the first direction of the additional region 43 to a length suitable for the tape width W by referring to the first table 301. Further, the printing apparatus 1 can determine the length in the second direction of the additional region 43 to a length suitable for the printing length P by referring to the second table 302. Therefore, when a background image is printed on the tape 31, the possibility that an unprinted portion remains on the edge of the cut printed tape 31 can be further suppressed.

  The CPU 401 determines whether continuous printing of text is designated (S27). The CPU 401 determines the additional area 43 and the cut position depending on whether or not continuous printing of text is designated (S43 to S47, S53 to S57, S63 to S69). Therefore, the printing apparatus 1 can appropriately determine the additional region 43 and the cut position depending on whether or not continuous printing of text is designated.

  The CPU 401 determines that the additional area 43 is an area surrounding the margin area 42 when it is determined that single text printing is designated. In addition, the CPU 401 has the length N1 of each portion of the additional region 43 adjacent to both sides of the blank region 42 in the first direction, and each of the portions adjacent to both sides of the blank region 42 in the second direction. Is determined to be a region having a length N2 (S27: NO, S43, S45). The CPU 401 determines that the single printing of the text is designated, and the first cutting position C1 that is the first cutting position and the second cutting position that is the second cutting position as the cutting positions. The cutting position C2 is determined (S27: NO, S47). The first cut position C1 is a position where the tape 31 is transported in the first direction by the length obtained by adding the distance L and the length N1 from the print start position. The second cut position C2 is a position where the tape 31 is conveyed in the first direction by the print length P from the first cut position C1.

  According to this, the printing apparatus 1 can determine the boundary between the blank area 42 and the additional area 43 in the first direction as the cut position. When a background image is printed on the tape 31, the tape 31 may be cut slightly obliquely with respect to the second direction at the cutting position. Even in such a case, the possibility that an unprinted portion remains on the edge of the cut printed tape 31 can be further suppressed.

  In response to the determination that continuous printing of text is specified, the CPU 401 determines whether the background image patterns specified for each of the plurality of texts to be continuously printed are the same. (S31). The CPU 401 determines the additional region 43 and the cut position according to whether the background image has the same pattern (S53 to S57, S63 to S69). Therefore, when the continuous printing of text is specified, the printing apparatus 1 determines whether the background image pattern specified for each of the plurality of texts to be continuously printed is the same, or not. The additional area 43 and the cutting position can be determined appropriately.

  When the CPU 401 determines that the background image has the same pattern, the CPU 401 determines the additional area 43 as an area surrounding the entire plurality of blank areas 42 arranged adjacent to each other in the first direction (S53, S55). The length of each of the portions adjacent to both sides of the entire plurality of first regions in the first direction is the length N1. The lengths of the portions adjacent to both sides of the plurality of blank areas 42 in the second direction are the length N2. In response to determining that the background image has the same pattern, the CPU 401 sets the third cut position C3, which is the first cut position, and the fourth cut position, which is the second and subsequent cut positions, as the cut positions. The cutting position C4 is determined (S57). The third cut position C3 is a position where the tape 31 is transported in the first direction by the sum of the distance L and the length N1 from the print start position. The fourth cut position C4 is a position where the tape 31 is conveyed in the first direction by the print length P from the previous cut position. The number of times the tape 31 is cut at the fourth cut position C4 is equal to the number of continuous printing.

  According to this, the printing apparatus 1 can determine the boundary between the blank area 42 and the additional area 43 in the first direction as the cut position. Further, the printing apparatus 1 can determine the boundaries of the plurality of blank areas 42 in the first direction as the cut positions. When the text designating a background image with the same pattern is continuously printed on the tape 31, the tape 31 may be cut slightly obliquely with respect to the second direction at the cutting position. Even in such a case, the possibility that an unprinted portion remains on the edge of the cut printed tape 31 can be further suppressed.

  In response to determining that the background pattern includes a different pattern, the CPU 401 determines the additional area 43 as a plurality of additional areas 43 surrounding each of the plurality of blank areas 42 (S63 to S67). The length of each of the plurality of additional areas 43 adjacent to both sides of the blank area 42 in the first direction is the length N1. Each of the portions of the plurality of additional regions 43 adjacent to both sides of the blank region 42 in the second direction is the length N2.

  In response to the determination that the background image includes a different pattern, the CPU 401 determines the fifth cut position C5, the sixth cut position C6, and the seventh cut position C7 as the cut positions (S69). The fifth cut position C5 is a position where the tape 31 is transported in the first direction by the sum of the distance L and the length N1 from the print start position. The sixth cut position C6 is a position where the tape 31 is transported in the first direction by the printing length P from the previous cut position when the previous cut position is the fifth cut position C5 or the seventh cut position C7. . The seventh cut position C7 is a position where the tape 31 is transported in the first direction by at least twice the length N1 from the previous cut position when the previous cut position is the sixth cut position C6. The number of times the tape 31 is cut at the cutting position is twice the number of continuous printing.

  According to this, the printing apparatus 1 can determine the boundary between the blank area 42 and the additional area 43 in the first direction as the cut position. When a text designating a background image with a different pattern is continuously printed on the tape 31, the tape 31 may be cut slightly obliquely with respect to the second direction at the cutting position. Even in such a case, the possibility that an unprinted portion remains on the edge of the cut printed tape 31 can be further suppressed.

  The present invention is not limited to the above embodiment, and various modifications can be made. For example, the main process (see FIG. 5) is not limited to printing on the tape 31, but can be applied to printing on other media. The main process may be executed by an electronic component (for example, ASIC) other than the CPU 401. The main process may be distributed by a plurality of electronic devices (that is, a plurality of CPUs).

  The flash memory 410 may not store the first table 301. In this case, for example, the CPU 401 may execute a process of determining the length N1 according to the tape width W. For example, the CPU 401 may determine whether or not the tape width W is less than a first predetermined value (for example, 6 mm). If the tape width W is less than the first predetermined value, it may be determined that the background image cannot be printed. When the tape width W is greater than or equal to the first predetermined value, the CPU 401 determines whether or not the tape width is less than a second predetermined value (for example, 12 mm), and when the tape width W is less than the second predetermined value, the length N1. May be determined as a third predetermined value (for example, 1 mm). When the tape width W is equal to or larger than the second predetermined value, the CPU 401 may determine the length N1 as a fourth predetermined value (for example, 2 mm).

  The flash memory 410 may not store the second table 302. In this case, for example, the CPU 401 may execute a process of determining the length N2 according to the print length P. For example, the CPU 401 determines whether or not the print length P is less than a fifth predetermined value (for example, 31 mm). If the tape width W is less than the fifth predetermined value, the length N2 is set to a sixth predetermined value (for example, 1 mm). ). When the print length P is equal to or greater than the fifth predetermined value, the CPU 401 may determine the length N2 as the seventh predetermined value (for example, 2 mm).

  The printing apparatus 1 may perform only single printing without performing continuous printing. In this case, the CPU 401 does not have to execute S27, S31, S33, and S35 of the main process (see FIG. 5). The printing apparatus 1 may perform only continuous printing without performing single printing. In this case, the CPU 401 does not have to execute S27 and S29 of the main process (see FIG. 5).

  In the above embodiment, the printing apparatus 1 corresponds to the “printing apparatus” of the present invention. The transport motor 24 and the tape drive shaft 11 correspond to the “transport means” of the present invention. The tape 31 corresponds to the “medium” of the present invention. The print head 10 corresponds to the “printing unit” of the present invention. The head position K1 corresponds to the “first position” of the present invention. The cutter 15 corresponds to “cutting means” of the present invention. The cutter position K2 corresponds to the “second position” of the present invention. The CPU 401 corresponds to the “control unit” of the present invention.

  S15 and S19 of the main process (see FIG. 5) correspond to the “specific process” of the present invention. The text area 41 corresponds to the “rectangular area” of the present invention. A region obtained by combining the text region 41 and the margin region 42 corresponds to the “first region” of the present invention. S43, S45, S53, S55, and S63 to S67 correspond to the “first determination process” of the present invention. The tape width W corresponds to the “first length” of the present invention. The additional area 43 corresponds to the “second area” of the present invention. S23, S47, S57, and S69 correspond to the “second determination process” of the present invention. S37 and S39 correspond to the “printing process” of the present invention. The distance L corresponds to the “predetermined distance” in the present invention. A region combining the text region 41, the margin region 42, and the additional region 43 corresponds to the “third region” of the present invention. S39 corresponds to the “cut processing” of the present invention.

  The flash memory 410 that stores the first table 301 corresponds to the “first storage unit” of the present invention. The tape width W1 corresponds to the “second length” of the present invention. The length N1 corresponds to the “third length” of the present invention. The flash memory 410 that stores the second table 302 corresponds to the “second storage unit” of the present invention. The printing length P1 corresponds to the “fourth length” of the present invention. The length N2 corresponds to the “fifth length” of the present invention. The printing length P corresponds to the “sixth length” of the present invention.

  S27 corresponds to the “first determination process” of the present invention. S31 corresponds to the “second cutting process” of the present invention. The main process corresponds to the “printing method” of the present invention. The program stored in the ROM 402 corresponds to the “print program” of the present invention.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Printing apparatus 10 Print head 10A Printing element 11 Tape drive shaft 15 Cutter 24 Conveyance motor 31 Tape 41 Text area 42 Margin area 43 Additional area 301 First table 302 Second table 401 CPU
410 Flash memory C1 First cut position C2 Second cut position C3 Third cut position C4 Fourth cut position C5 Fifth cut position C6 Sixth cut position C7 Seventh cut position K1 Head position K2 Cutter position L Distance N1, N2 Long The

Claims (8)

Transport means capable of transporting a long medium in a first direction along the transport path;
Line-shaped printing means that is disposed at a first position in the transport path and extends substantially parallel to a second direction that is a direction orthogonal to the first direction, and capable of printing on the medium Means,
A cutting means disposed at a second position downstream of the transport path from the first position and capable of cutting the medium in a direction substantially parallel to the second direction;
A printing apparatus comprising a control means,
The control means includes
A specifying process for specifying a first area which is an area including and enclosing a rectangular area including text including at least one character to be printed;
When printing of a background image represented by a second print pattern different from the first print pattern that is the print pattern of the text is designated, the medium arranged in the printing device in the second direction A first determination process for determining a second area that is an area adjacent to the outside of the first area based at least on the first length that is a length and the first area specified by the specifying process;
At least the first area specified by the specifying process, the second area determined by the first determining process, and a predetermined distance between the first position and the second position in the transport path A second determination process for determining a cut position in the medium that is a position for the cutting means to cut the medium;
The text in the third area, which is an area obtained by combining the first area specified by the specifying process and the second area determined by the first determining process while the medium is being conveyed by the conveying means. A printing process for causing the printing means to print on the medium based on the second printing pattern for printing the background image in a region other than the first printing pattern;
Based on the cut position determined by the second determination process, it is possible to perform a cutting process that causes the cutting means to cut the medium,
The length in the second direction of the third region is much larger than the first length,
The printing apparatus includes:
A first storage means for storing a second length, which is a length in the second direction, and a third length, which is a length in the first direction, of the medium that can be arranged in the printing apparatus;
Second storage means for associating and storing a fourth length that is a candidate for a length in the first direction of the first region and a fifth length that is a length in the second direction;
Further comprising
The first determination process includes a length in the first direction of the third length associated with the second length corresponding to the first length, and the first area identified by the identification process. The second region is determined based on the fifth length associated with the fourth length corresponding to the sixth length . The control means can further execute a first determination process for determining whether or not continuous printing of the text is designated,
The first determination process determines the second region according to whether continuous printing of the text is specified,
The printing apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein the second determination process determines the cut position according to whether or not continuous printing of the text is designated. The first determination process is an area surrounding the first area when the first determination process determines that the single printing of the text is designated, Each length of a portion adjacent to both sides of the first region in the first direction is the third length, and each length of a portion adjacent to both sides of the first region in the second direction is the length of the first region. Decide that the area is the fifth length,
The second determination process includes a first cut position that is a first cut position as the cut position in response to a determination that single printing of the text is specified by the first determination process. Determine the second cut position, which is the second cut position,
The first cut position is a position where the medium is transported in the first direction by a length obtained by adding the predetermined distance and the third length from a position where printing by the printing process is started,
The printing apparatus according to claim 2 , wherein the second cut position is a position where the medium is conveyed in the first direction by the sixth length from the first cut position. The control means, when the first determination process determines that continuous printing of the text is specified, the background image specified for each of the plurality of texts to be continuously printed A second determination process for determining whether or not the patterns of the two are the same,
The first determination process determines the second region according to whether the pattern is the same,
The printing apparatus according to claim 2 or 3 , wherein the second determination process determines the cut position according to whether the patterns are the same. In the first determination process, when the second determination process determines that the pattern is the same, the second area is arranged in a plurality of the first areas arranged adjacent to each other in the first direction. Each of the portions adjacent to both sides of the whole of the plurality of first regions in the first direction is the third length, and the plurality of the plurality of first regions in the second direction. Each of the portions adjacent to both sides of the first region is determined as a region having the fifth length,
In the second determination process, in response to the fact that the pattern is determined to be the same by the second determination process, a third cut position that is a first cut position and a second cut position are used as the cut position. Determine the fourth cut position, which is the subsequent cut position,
The third cut position is a position where the medium is conveyed in the first direction by a length obtained by adding the predetermined distance and the third length from a position where printing by the printing process is started,
The fourth cut position is a position where the medium is transported in the first direction by the sixth length from the previous cut position,
The printing apparatus according to claim 4 , wherein the number of times the medium is cut at the fourth cut position is equal to the number of times of continuous printing. In the first determination process, in response to the second determination process determining that the pattern includes a different pattern, the second area includes a plurality of second areas surrounding each of the plurality of first areas. Determine the area,
The length of each of the plurality of second regions, the portion adjacent to both sides of the first region in the first direction, is the third length,
Each length of the plurality of second regions adjacent to both sides of the first region in the second direction is the fifth length,
In the second determination process, a fifth cut position, a sixth cut position, and a seventh cut position are set as the cut positions in response to the second determination process determining that the patterns include different patterns. Decide
The fifth cut position is a position where the medium is transported in the first direction by a length obtained by adding the predetermined distance and the third length from a position where printing by the printing process is started,
The sixth cut position conveys the medium in the first direction by the sixth length from the previous cut position when the previous cut position is the fifth cut position or the seventh cut position. Position,
The seventh cut position is a position where the medium is transported in the first direction by at least twice the third length from the previous cut position when the previous cut position is the sixth cut position. Yes,
Number of times the medium is cut at the cutting position, the printing apparatus according to claim 4 or 5, characterized in that said is twice the number of continuous printing. Transport means capable of transporting a long medium in a first direction along the transport path;
Line-shaped printing means that is disposed at a first position in the transport path and extends substantially parallel to a second direction that is a direction orthogonal to the first direction, and capable of printing on the medium Means,
Printing used in a printing apparatus comprising: a cutting unit disposed at a second position downstream of the first path from the first position and capable of cutting the medium in a direction substantially parallel to the second direction. A method,
The printing method includes:
A specifying process for specifying a first area which is an area including and enclosing a rectangular area including text including at least one character to be printed;
When printing of a background image represented by a second print pattern different from the first print pattern that is the print pattern of the text is designated, the medium arranged in the printing device in the second direction A first determination process for determining a second area that is an area adjacent to the outside of the first area based at least on the first length that is a length and the first area specified by the specifying process;
At least the first area specified by the specifying process, the second area determined by the first determining process, and a predetermined distance between the first position and the second position in the transport path A second determination process for determining a cut position in the medium that is a position for the cutting means to cut the medium;
The text in the third area, which is an area obtained by combining the first area specified by the specifying process and the second area determined by the first determining process while the medium is being conveyed by the conveying means. A printing process for causing the printing means to print on the medium based on the second printing pattern for printing the background image in a region other than the first printing pattern;
A cutting process for causing the cutting means to cut the medium based on the cutting position determined by the second determination process,
The length in the second direction of the third region is much larger than the first length,
The printing apparatus includes:
A first storage means for storing a second length, which is a length in the second direction, and a third length, which is a length in the first direction, of the medium that can be arranged in the printing apparatus;
Second storage means for associating and storing a fourth length that is a candidate for a length in the first direction of the first region and a fifth length that is a length in the second direction;
Further comprising
The first determination process includes a length in the first direction of the third length associated with the second length corresponding to the first length, and the first area identified by the identification process. The second region is determined based on the fifth length associated with the fourth length corresponding to the sixth length . Transport means capable of transporting a long medium in a first direction along the transport path;
Line-shaped printing means that is disposed at a first position in the transport path and extends substantially parallel to a second direction that is a direction orthogonal to the first direction, and capable of printing on the medium Means,
A computer of a printing apparatus comprising: a cutting unit disposed at a second position downstream of the first path from the first position and capable of cutting the medium in a direction substantially parallel to the second direction;
A specifying process for specifying a first area which is an area including and enclosing a rectangular area including text including at least one character to be printed;
When printing of a background image represented by a second print pattern different from the first print pattern that is the print pattern of the text is designated, the medium arranged in the printing device in the second direction A first determination process for determining a second area that is an area adjacent to the outside of the first area based at least on the first length that is a length and the first area specified by the specifying process;
At least the first area specified by the specifying process, the second area determined by the first determining process, and a predetermined distance between the first position and the second position in the transport path A second determination process for determining a cut position in the medium that is a position for the cutting means to cut the medium;
The text in the third area, which is an area obtained by combining the first area specified by the specifying process and the second area determined by the first determining process while the medium is being conveyed by the conveying means. A printing process for causing the printing means to print on the medium based on the second printing pattern for printing the background image in a region other than the first printing pattern;
A printing program for causing the cutting means to cut the medium based on the cut position determined by the second determination process;
The length in the second direction of the third region is much larger than the first length,
The printing apparatus includes:
A first storage means for storing a second length, which is a length in the second direction, and a third length, which is a length in the first direction, of the medium that can be arranged in the printing apparatus;
Second storage means for associating and storing a fourth length that is a candidate for a length in the first direction of the first region and a fifth length that is a length in the second direction;
Further comprising
The first determination process includes a length in the first direction of the third length associated with the second length corresponding to the first length, and the first area identified by the identification process. The second area is determined based on the fifth length associated with the fourth length corresponding to the sixth length .

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