JPH11240192A - Heat-sensitive recording apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a heat-sensitive recording apparatus which can automatically select a multi gradation record method matching a combination of kinds of an ink medium and a medium to be recorded and record in multi gradations with good resolution at all times based on the multi-gradation record method. SOLUTION: In case of an ink ribbon of resistant ink (S1: YES) or in the case where the ink ribbon is of high definition ink and a medium to be recorded is a normal image-receiving paper (S5: YES), gradation pattern tables 10, 11 stored beforehand in a ROM are read out and stored in a RAM (S2, S3), whereby the medium is recorded in four gradations (S4). When the ink ribbon is formed of high definition ink and the medium to be recorded is a special image- receiving paper (S5: NO), gradation pattern tables 12 and 13 stored in the ROM beforehand are read out and stored in the RAM (S2, S3), whereby the medium is recorded in 16 gradations.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a thermal recording apparatus for performing thermal transfer to a recording medium via an ink medium by a thermal head having a plurality of heating elements, and more particularly, to a thermal recording apparatus suitable for each combination of an ink medium and a recording medium. The present invention relates to a thermal recording apparatus capable of automatically selecting a multi-gradation recording method and performing multi-gradation recording at a good resolution at all times.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, various thermal recording apparatuses have been proposed, and in these thermal recording apparatuses, various thermal recording methods for high-gradation recording using a thermal head have been adopted. For example, the thermal transfer recording apparatus described in Japanese Patent Publication No. 7-46828 discloses a thermal head in which a matrix composed of a group of dots is assigned to each pixel and a plurality of heating elements are linearly arranged. Relative movement is performed in a direction substantially orthogonal to the arrangement direction of the elements, and the heating elements are selectively heated to thermally transfer ink to desired dot positions, and the area ratio of the thermally transferred ink in the matrix. A thermal transfer recording apparatus for expressing the gradation of each pixel by means of a plurality of types of dot patterns to be thermally transferred in the matrix, multi-valued injection energy amount to each dot, and a means for storing in advance, On the basis of the density corresponding to the given multi-tone image signal, referring to the storage means, Determining means for determining a pattern of dots to be transferred and an amount of energy to be injected into the heating element corresponding to each dot to be thermally transferred; and, according to the determined pattern and the amount of injected energy of each pixel, the heat generation of the thermal head and Means for performing relative movement, wherein the storage means stores, as a pattern having a plurality of dots to be thermally transferred in the matrix, a pattern in which dots to be thermally transferred are arranged in the direction of the relative movement. In this way, the pseudo halftone recording method and the thermal energy control method are used together, and a pattern in which dots to be thermally transferred in a matrix for expressing gradation are arranged in the relative movement direction between the thermal head and the recording paper is used. This makes it possible to obtain a halftone image with significantly improved resolution, resolution and image quality. Further, not only can a larger number of gradations be obtained with the same matrix size, but also a larger number of gradations can be obtained with a smaller matrix size, thereby preventing a reduction in resolution.

[0003]

However, in the thermal transfer recording apparatus described in Japanese Patent Publication No. 7-46828, when performing thermal transfer of a small dot diameter by changing the amount of energy injected into the thermal head, Since it is necessary to use an ink ribbon and a special image receiving paper that can easily change the dot diameter, it is difficult to perform thermal transfer with a small dot diameter by changing the amount of energy injected into the thermal head when using ordinary image receiving paper. There is. In addition, if an ink ribbon with sufficient resistance is used, it is difficult to thermally transfer a small dot diameter, and it is difficult to vary the dot diameter due to poor thermal diffusion, so that the print dot density of pixels by dithering etc. There is a problem that the resolution and the like are reduced as compared with the method of performing halftone printing depending on the ink occupancy.

Accordingly, the present invention has been made to solve the above-mentioned problems, and there is provided a means for detecting each type of an ink medium and a recording medium mounted on a thermal recording apparatus; Storage means for storing a multi-gradation recording method suitable for each combination with the recording medium, and a multi-gradation recording method suitable for the combination of the type of the ink medium and the type of the recording medium is automatically provided. And a thermal recording apparatus capable of performing multi-gradation recording at always good resolution based on the multi-gradation recording method.

[0005]

According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a thermal recording apparatus comprising: a thermal head provided with a plurality of heating elements; and a heating drive for selectively heating the heating elements. Means, an ink medium, and a recording medium, a thermal recording apparatus that performs thermal recording on the recording medium via the ink medium, wherein an ink medium detection unit that detects a type of the ink medium, A pixel pattern storage unit in which a recording pattern of a plurality of sets of pixels corresponding to the type of the medium is stored in advance; and the heat generation based on the recording pattern of the pixels corresponding to the type of the ink medium detected by the ink medium detecting unit. Multi-gradation recording control means for selectively energizing the element to perform multi-gradation recording of pixels.

In the thermal recording apparatus according to the first aspect of the present invention, the type of the ink medium is detected by the ink medium detecting means, and the type of the ink medium is detected by the multi-tone recording control means. The recording pattern of the pixels thus read is read out from the pixel pattern storage means, and based on this recording pattern, each heating element of the thermal head is selectively energized to perform multi-gradation recording. This allows
Since the recording pattern of the pixel suitable for the type of the ink medium is automatically selected and the multi-gradation recording is performed based on the recording pattern, it is possible to always perform the multi-gradation recording with a good resolution. .

According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a thermal recording apparatus comprising: a thermal head provided with a plurality of heating elements; a heating driving means for selectively heating the heating elements; an ink medium; A thermal recording apparatus for performing thermal recording on a recording medium via the ink medium, wherein: a recording medium detecting means for detecting the type of the recording medium; and a plurality of sets corresponding to the type of the recording medium. And a heater for selectively energizing the heating element based on the pixel pattern corresponding to the type of the recording medium detected by the recording medium detecting unit. And multi-gradation recording control means for performing multi-gradation recording of pixels.

In the thermal recording apparatus according to the present invention, the type of the recording medium is detected by the recording medium detection means, and the multi-gradation recording control means detects the type of the recording medium. The recording pattern of the pixel corresponding to the type is read out from the pixel pattern storage means, and based on this recording pattern, each heating element of the thermal head is selectively energized to perform multi-gradation recording. This allows
Since the recording pattern of the pixel suitable for the type of the recording medium is automatically selected and the multi-gradation recording is performed based on the recording pattern, it is possible to always perform the multi-gradation recording with a good resolution. Become.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided a thermal recording apparatus, comprising: a thermal head provided with a plurality of heating elements; a heating driving means for selectively driving the heating elements to generate heat; an ink medium; A thermal recording apparatus for performing thermal recording on a recording medium via the ink medium, wherein: an ink medium detecting means for detecting the type of the ink medium; and a recording medium for detecting the type of the recording medium. Detecting means, a pixel pattern storing means for storing a recording pattern of a plurality of sets of pixels corresponding to a combination of the type of the ink medium and the type of the recording medium, and the ink medium detecting means and the recording medium detecting means. Selectively energizing the heating element based on the recording pattern of the pixel corresponding to the combination of the detected type of the ink medium and the type of the recording medium. Characterized in that a multi-gradation recording control means for performing multi-gradation recording of the unit.

[0010] In the thermal recording apparatus according to the third aspect having such features, the type of the ink medium is detected by the ink medium detecting means, and the type of the recording medium is detected by the recording medium detecting means. Then, the multi-gradation recording control unit reads out the pixel recording pattern corresponding to the combination of the detected type of the ink medium and the type of the recording medium from the pixel pattern storage unit, and based on the recording pattern, Multi-gradation printing is performed by selectively energizing each heating element of the head. Thereby, the recording pattern of the pixel suitable for the combination of the type of the ink medium and the type of the recording medium is automatically selected, and the multi-gradation recording is performed based on the recording pattern. Thus, multi-tone recording can be performed.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in the thermal recording apparatus according to the first or third aspect, the ink medium has a higher thermal diffusivity than the first ink medium or the first ink medium. It is characterized by comprising one of the good second ink media.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a thermosensitive recording apparatus according to the first or third aspect, wherein one of two types of ink media having different thermal diffusivities is selected. It is possible to wear it.

According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, in the thermal recording apparatus according to the fourth aspect, the multi-gradation recording control means is configured such that the pixels are formed of a matrix of a plurality of dots, and are formed in the matrix. A first recording control means for selectively energizing the heating element based on a first recording pattern composed of a predetermined dot pattern to be formed, and forming the dot by forming the pixel from a single dot A second recording control means for selectively energizing the heating element based on a second recording pattern composed of a predetermined dot pattern to which a multi-valued first forming energy amount is assigned, wherein the ink medium detection When the means detects that the ink medium is the first ink medium, the first recording control means supplies electricity, and the ink medium is the second ink medium. When it is detected that that is the second
The recording element is energized by the recording control means.

According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, there is provided the thermal recording apparatus as described above, wherein the ink medium is detected by the ink medium detecting means as the first ink medium. The first recording control means selectively energizes the heating element based on the first recording pattern, and, if the ink medium is detected to be the second ink medium, the second recording control means The means performs multi-gradation recording of pixels by selectively energizing the heating elements based on the second recording pattern. Accordingly, when the first ink medium is mounted, the heating elements are automatically selectively energized based on the first recording pattern, and pixels of a predetermined dot pattern are thermally transferred. Even if it is difficult to thermally transfer the dot diameter, multi-tone recording with high resolution can be performed. When a second ink medium having a higher thermal diffusivity than the first ink medium is mounted, the second ink medium is automatically inserted.
The heating element is selectively energized based on the recording pattern, and the pixels of the predetermined dot pattern are thermally transferred, so that thermal transfer with a small dot diameter can be performed, and more gradations than the first recording pattern can be obtained. It is possible to record numbers, and to perform multi-gradation recording while maintaining the resolution.

According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, in the thermal recording apparatus according to the fourth aspect, the multi-gradation recording control means is configured such that the pixels are formed of a matrix of a plurality of dots, and are formed in the matrix. A first recording control means for selectively energizing the heating element based on a first recording pattern composed of a predetermined dot pattern to be formed, and a pixel comprising a matrix of a plurality of dots; With the increase, the dots in the matrix are increased by one in a predetermined order, and an initial value of a multi-valued second forming energy amount for forming the dot is assigned, and the initial value is assigned to all the dots. Is assigned, until all dots are assigned the maximum value of the second formation energy amount.
The heating elements are selectively provided on the basis of a third recording pattern composed of a predetermined dot pattern formed by sequentially changing the formation energy amount of each dot to the next largest formation energy amount in the predetermined order. And a third recording control unit for energizing, wherein the ink medium detecting unit includes:
When it is detected that the ink medium is the first ink medium, the first recording control unit conducts electricity, and when it is detected that the ink medium is the second ink medium, (3) It is characterized in that energization is performed by the recording control means.

According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, there is provided the thermal recording apparatus as described above, wherein the ink medium detecting means detects that the ink medium is the first ink medium. The first recording control means selectively energizes the heating element based on the first recording pattern, and when the ink medium is detected as the second ink medium, the third recording control means The means performs multi-tone printing of pixels by selectively energizing the heating elements based on the third printing pattern. Accordingly, when the first ink medium is mounted, the heating elements are automatically selectively energized based on the first recording pattern, and pixels of a predetermined dot pattern are thermally transferred. Even if it is difficult to thermally transfer the dot diameter, multi-tone recording with high resolution can be performed. In addition, when the second ink medium having better thermal diffusivity than the first ink medium is mounted, the third ink medium is automatically set to the third ink medium.
The heating element is selectively energized based on the recording pattern, and the pixels of the predetermined dot pattern are thermally transferred, so that thermal transfer with a small dot diameter can be performed, and more gradations than the first recording pattern can be obtained. It is possible to record numbers, and to perform multi-gradation recording while maintaining the resolution.

According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, in the thermal recording apparatus according to the second or third aspect, the recording medium is not subjected to a surface treatment for improving ink transferability. It is characterized by comprising either one of a recording medium and a surface-treated second recording medium.

According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, there is provided a thermal recording apparatus according to the second or third aspect, wherein a surface treatment for improving ink transferability is performed. It is possible to selectively mount either one of the two types of recording media on which no recording has been performed.

The thermal recording apparatus according to claim 8 is the thermal recording apparatus according to claim 7, wherein the multi-gradation recording control means is configured such that the pixels are formed of a matrix of a plurality of dots and are formed in the matrix. A fourth recording control means for selectively energizing the heating element based on a fourth recording pattern composed of a predetermined dot pattern to be formed, and forming the dot by forming the pixel from a single dot A fifth recording control unit for selectively energizing the heating element based on a fifth recording pattern composed of a predetermined dot pattern to which a multi-valued third forming energy amount is assigned, When the medium detection unit detects that the recording medium is the first recording medium, the fourth recording control unit supplies electricity, and the recording medium is switched to the second recording medium. When it is detected as being is characterized in that the energization is performed by the fifth recording control means.

In the thermal recording apparatus according to the present invention, the recording medium detecting means detects that the recording medium is the first recording medium by the recording medium detecting means. In this case, the fourth recording control means selectively energizes the heating element based on the fourth recording pattern, and when it is detected that the recording medium is the second recording medium, The fifth recording control unit performs multi-tone recording of pixels by selectively energizing the heating elements based on the fifth recording pattern. Accordingly, when the first recording medium is mounted, the heating element is automatically selectively energized based on the fourth recording pattern, and pixels of a predetermined dot pattern are thermally transferred. Even if thermal transfer with a small dot diameter is difficult, multi-gradation recording with high resolution can be performed. When a second recording medium that has been subjected to a surface treatment for improving ink transferability is mounted, the heating element is automatically selectively energized based on a fifth recording pattern, Since the pixels of the predetermined dot pattern are thermally transferred, thermal transfer with a small dot diameter can be performed, and recording with a larger number of gradations than with the fourth recording pattern can be performed. It becomes possible.

According to a ninth aspect of the present invention, in the thermal recording apparatus according to the seventh aspect, the multi-gradation recording control means includes a plurality of pixels each including a single dot. A sixth recording control unit for selectively energizing the heating element based on a sixth recording pattern composed of a predetermined dot pattern to which a quantified fourth forming energy amount is assigned; The heating element based on a seventh recording pattern composed of a predetermined dot pattern composed of dots and assigned a fifth forming energy amount multi-valued larger than the fourth forming energy amount forming the dots; And a seventh recording control means for selectively energizing the recording medium. If the recording medium detection means detects that the recording medium is the first recording medium, Energization is performed by the recording control means,
When the recording medium is detected to be the second recording medium, power is supplied by the seventh recording control means.

In a thermal recording apparatus according to a ninth aspect having such a feature, in the thermal recording apparatus according to the seventh aspect, the recording medium detecting means detects that the recording medium is the first recording medium. In this case, the sixth recording control means selectively energizes the heating element based on the sixth recording pattern, and when it is detected that the recording medium is the second recording medium, The seventh recording control means performs multi-gradation recording of pixels by selectively energizing the heating elements based on the seventh recording pattern. Accordingly, when the first recording medium is mounted, the heating element is automatically selectively energized based on the sixth recording pattern, and pixels of a predetermined dot pattern are thermally transferred. Even if it is difficult to perform thermal transfer with a small dot diameter, multi-tone recording with high resolution can be performed. Further, when the second recording medium subjected to the surface treatment for improving the ink transfer property is mounted, the heating element is automatically selectively energized based on the seventh recording pattern, Since the pixels of the predetermined dot pattern are thermally transferred, thermal transfer with a small dot diameter can be performed, recording with more gradations than with the sixth recording pattern is possible, and multi-gradation recording can be performed while maintaining the resolution. It becomes possible.

The thermal recording device according to claim 10 is
8. The thermal recording apparatus according to claim 7, wherein the multi-gradation recording control means comprises a matrix of a plurality of dots, and the pixels in the matrix are arranged in a predetermined order with an increase in gradation density. The initial value of the multi-valued sixth forming energy amount for forming the dot is increased by one, and when the initial value is assigned to all the dots, the sixth forming energy amount is assigned to all the dots. Until the maximum value is assigned, based on an eighth recording pattern composed of a predetermined dot pattern formed by sequentially changing the formation energy amount of each dot to the next largest formation energy amount in the predetermined order. Eighth recording control means for selectively energizing the heating element, and wherein the pixel is composed of one dot and is larger than the sixth formation energy amount for forming the dot. Ninth recording control means for selectively energizing the heating element based on a ninth recording pattern composed of a predetermined dot pattern to which the converted seventh formation energy amount is assigned, and When the recording medium is detected to be the first recording medium by the means, the power is supplied by the eighth recording control means and the recording medium is the second recording medium. When the detection is detected, the power is supplied by the ninth recording control means.

According to a tenth aspect of the present invention, in the thermal recording apparatus of the seventh aspect, the recording medium detecting means detects that the recording medium is the first recording medium. In this case, the eighth recording control means selectively energizes the heating element based on the eighth recording pattern, and when it is detected that the recording medium is the second recording medium, The ninth recording control unit performs multi-tone recording of pixels by selectively energizing the heating elements based on the ninth recording pattern. Accordingly, when the first recording medium is mounted, the heating element is automatically selectively energized based on the eighth recording pattern, and pixels of a predetermined dot pattern are thermally transferred. Even if thermal transfer with a small dot diameter is difficult, multi-gradation recording with high resolution can be performed. Further, when the second recording medium subjected to the surface treatment for improving the ink transferability is mounted, the heating element is automatically selectively energized based on the ninth recording pattern, Since the pixels of the predetermined dot pattern are thermally transferred, thermal transfer with a small dot diameter can be performed, recording with more gradations than the eighth recording pattern is possible, and multi-gradation recording can be performed while maintaining the resolution. It becomes possible.

The thermal recording apparatus according to claim 11 is
8. The thermal recording apparatus according to claim 7, wherein the multi-gradation recording control means includes a fourth recording pattern in which the pixel is composed of a matrix of a plurality of dots and a predetermined dot pattern formed in the matrix. A fourth recording control means for selectively energizing the heating elements based on the plurality of dots, wherein the pixels are composed of a matrix of a plurality of dots, and the dots in the matrix are arranged in a predetermined order as the gradation density increases. The initial value of the multi-valued sixth forming energy amount for forming the dot is increased by one, and when the initial value is assigned to all the dots, the sixth forming energy amount is assigned to all the dots. Until the maximum value of is assigned
The heating element is selectively provided to the heating element based on an eighth recording pattern composed of a predetermined dot pattern formed by sequentially changing the formation energy amount of each dot to the next largest formation energy amount in the predetermined order. Eighth recording control means for energizing, the recording medium detection means,
When the recording medium is detected to be the first recording medium, power is supplied by the fourth recording control means, and the recording medium is detected to be the second recording medium. In this case, the power is supplied by the eighth recording control means.

[0027] In the thermal recording apparatus according to the eleventh aspect having such a feature, in the thermal recording apparatus according to the seventh aspect, the recording medium detecting means detects that the recording medium is the first recording medium. In this case, the fourth recording control means selectively energizes the heating element based on the fourth recording pattern, and when it is detected that the recording medium is the second recording medium, The eighth recording control unit performs multi-tone recording of pixels by selectively energizing the heating elements based on the eighth recording pattern. Accordingly, when the first recording medium is mounted, the heating element is automatically selectively energized based on the fourth recording pattern, and pixels of a predetermined dot pattern are thermally transferred. Even if thermal transfer with a small dot diameter is difficult, multi-gradation recording with high resolution can be performed. Further, when the second recording medium having been subjected to the surface treatment for improving the ink transfer property is mounted, the heating element is automatically selectively energized based on the eighth recording pattern, Since the pixels of the predetermined dot pattern are thermally transferred, thermal transfer with a small dot diameter can be performed, and recording with a larger number of gradations than with the fourth recording pattern can be performed. It becomes possible.

The thermal recording apparatus according to claim 12 is
8. The thermal recording apparatus according to claim 7, wherein the multi-gradation recording control means comprises a matrix of a plurality of dots, and the pixels in the matrix are arranged in a predetermined order with an increase in gradation density. The initial value of the multi-valued eighth forming energy amount for forming the dot is increased by one, and when the initial value is assigned to all the dots, all the dots are assigned the eighth forming energy amount. Until the maximum value is assigned, based on a tenth recording pattern composed of a predetermined dot pattern formed by sequentially changing the formation energy amount of each dot to the next largest formation energy amount in the predetermined order. A tenth recording control means for selectively energizing the heating element; and the pixel is composed of a matrix of a plurality of dots. Are increased by one in a predetermined order, and an initial value of a ninth forming energy amount multi-valued greater than the eighth forming energy amount for forming the dots is assigned, and the initial value is assigned to all the dots. Is assigned, the dots are formed by sequentially changing the formation energy amount of each dot to the next largest formation energy amount in the predetermined order until the maximum value of the ninth formation energy amount is assigned to all the dots. Eleventh recording control means for selectively energizing the heating element based on an eleventh recording pattern composed of a predetermined dot pattern. (1) When it is detected that the recording medium is the recording medium, the power is supplied by the tenth recording control unit, and when it is detected that the recording medium is the second recording medium. , The eleventh
It is characterized in that energization is performed by the recording control means.

In the thermal recording apparatus according to the twelfth aspect having such a feature, in the thermal recording apparatus according to the seventh aspect, the recording medium detecting means detects that the recording medium is the first recording medium. In this case, the tenth recording control unit selectively energizes the heating element based on the tenth recording pattern, and when the recording medium is detected as the second recording medium, The eleventh recording control means performs multi-gradation recording of pixels by selectively energizing the heating elements based on the eleventh recording pattern. Accordingly, when the first recording medium is mounted, the heating elements are automatically selectively energized based on the tenth recording pattern, and pixels of a predetermined dot pattern are thermally transferred. Even if it is difficult to perform thermal transfer with a small dot diameter, multi-tone recording with high resolution can be performed. Further, when the second recording medium subjected to the surface treatment for improving the ink transfer property is mounted, the heating element is automatically selectively energized based on the eleventh recording pattern, Since the pixels of the predetermined dot pattern are thermally transferred, thermal transfer with a small dot diameter can be performed, and recording with a larger number of gradations than with the tenth recording pattern can be performed. It becomes possible.

Further, the thermal recording apparatus according to claim 13 is the thermal recording apparatus according to any one of claims 5 to 6 or 8 to 12
The thermal recording apparatus according to any one of the first to third aspects, further comprising an energy amount storage unit in which the first to ninth forming energy amounts are stored in advance.

In the thermal recording apparatus according to the thirteenth aspect having such features, the fifth to sixth or the eighth to the first aspects.
2. In the thermal recording apparatus described in any one of 2., each recording control unit selectively energizes the heating element in accordance with a recording pattern based on the first to ninth forming energy amounts stored in the energy amount recording unit. It can be performed.

[0031]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Hereinafter, a thermosensitive recording apparatus according to the present invention will be described in detail based on first to fifth embodiments with reference to the drawings. First, the configuration of the thermal recording apparatus according to the first embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the thermal recording apparatus according to the first embodiment. FIG. 2 is a front view of a cross section of the main body frame of the thermal recording apparatus according to the first embodiment. FIG. 3 is a plan view of a cross section of the main body frame of the thermal recording apparatus according to the first embodiment. FIG.
FIGS. 2A and 2B are diagrams illustrating a printing state of a wide recording medium of the thermal recording apparatus according to the first embodiment, in which FIG. 1A is a side sectional view including the recording medium, and FIG. FIG. FIG. 5 is a front view showing a mounting state of the ink cassette of the thermal recording apparatus according to the first embodiment. FIG. 6 is a block diagram illustrating a control configuration of the thermal recording apparatus according to the first embodiment. As shown in FIG. 1, the thermal recording apparatus according to the first embodiment is capable of recording a large number of characters or marks, such as hiragana, kanji, and symbols, on a wide or narrow recording medium (tape or ordinary image receiving paper or special receiving paper). This is a thermal recording device 1 that prints on an image receiving paper. Inside the thermal recording apparatus 1, a tape station TS for recording a narrow recording medium D1 as a first recording medium in a single color, and a wide recording medium D2 as a second recording medium. And a wide station WS for recording the image in either color or monochrome. Thus, after recording,
From a discharge port (not shown) on one side (left side in FIG. 1) of the main body frame 2 of the thermal recording apparatus 1, a narrow recording medium D1 recorded in a single color at the tape station TS is supplied. On the other hand, a wide recording medium D2 recorded in color or in a single color at the wide station WS is discharged from a discharge port 2a at the center of the front surface of the main body frame 2 while being discharged.

On the keyboard 3, in addition to a plurality of character keys and mark keys for inputting characters such as a line feed key and hiragana, various keys, for example, an edit key such as an execution key and a cancel key. And setting keys for vertical writing or horizontal writing. When a cable 4 is connected between the thermal recording apparatus 1 and the keyboard 3, signals such as data input through various keys on the keyboard 3 are transmitted and received via the cable 4. Can be. A display 5 as a display device is provided on the front right side of the main body frame 2. The display 5 displays characters and marks input from the keyboard 3 over a plurality of lines on the screen. Can be displayed.

On the front side of the main body frame 2, a cover case 7 which can be opened and closed on the front side is provided.
The cover case 7 is opened, and either the tape cassette TC or the color or single-color ink cassette RC used at the time of the wide station WS is moved to the carriage CA.
The cover case 7 can be closed by setting it on the upper side (see FIGS. 2 and 3). Thus, the user can use the tape cassette TC or the ink cassette depending on whether the user desires the narrow recording medium D1 recorded in a single color or the wide recording medium D2 recorded in a color or a single color. One of the cassettes RC can be selected and set on the carriage CA in the cover case 7. In the thermal recording apparatus 1 according to the first embodiment, the tape station TS can record only a single color on the narrow recording medium D1, but the recording is not necessarily limited to this mode. It may be changed so that it can be performed.

A printing mechanism for printing on a wide recording medium D2 in the wide station WS will be described with reference to FIGS. As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the tape station TS is located inside the main body frame 2.
The wide area WS refers to a recording area on the left side of the bottom chassis HS extending forward and backward, and the wide station WS refers to a recording area on the right side of the bottom chassis HS.

In the wide station WS, recording is performed in a serial recording mode. In the serial recording mode, the transport direction of the wide recording medium D2 (that is, FIG.
In the main scanning direction (ie, the direction from above to below)
The recording head HD performs recording on the recording medium D2 while transporting the recording head HD in the left and right directions (FIGS. 2 and 3), and after the recording is completed, transports the recording medium D2 by a predetermined amount in the transport direction. Recording is performed while transporting in the main scanning direction again.

Specifically, the carriage transport mechanism CH
FIG. 4B shows a state in which the carriage CA is reciprocated in the main scanning direction that intersects with the direction in which the wide recording medium D2 is conveyed.
As shown in the figure, the recording head HD performs recording in the main scanning direction of the recording medium D2 ("A", "I"
The lines "U", "E", "O" and the lines "KA", "K", "KU", "KE" are simultaneously recorded), and after the recording is completed, the transport mechanism QH of the wide recording medium D2 is The recording medium D2 is conveyed by a predetermined amount (an arrangement L1 of a large number of heating elements (see FIG. 4A)) in a conveying direction from above to below in FIG. Then, the carriage transport mechanism CH returns to the recording medium D2 again.
By transporting the carriage CA in the main scanning direction of
The recording head HD records on the recording medium D2 (records “SA”, “SI”, “SU”, “SE”, and “SO” rows as shown), and repeats the same manner.

The carriage transport mechanism CH includes a stepping motor SM installed at the right end inside the main body frame 2.
, A small-diameter drive gear portion SM2 (see FIG. 2) attached to mesh with the upper side of the drive shaft SM1 of the motor SM, and a large-diameter drive gear portion SM3 meshed with the gear portion SM2 ( FIG. 3), a driving pulley SP2 for a timing belt that rotates integrally with the gear portion SM3, a driven pulley SP1 for a timing belt provided at the left end inside the main body frame 2, and both pulleys SP1, S
P2, the timing belt TB connected to the rear end CA1 of the carriage CA, and the main body frame 2 passing through the rear end support CA2 of the carriage CA.
Guide shaft G for supporting the carriage CA that is bridged inside
D.

When the stepping motor SM is driven forward or backward, the driving pulley SP2 is rotated in one direction or the opposite direction via the driving shaft SM1 and the driving gears SM2 and SM3, thereby rotating the timing belt TB. Move in or out direction. Therefore, with the movement of the timing belt TB, the carriage CA on which the recording head HD is mounted can move between the two pulleys SP1 and SP2 along the guide axis GD without using a head rotating mechanism as in the related art. 2 and 3, the tape is fed stepwise in the left-right direction, so that it is arranged at the tape station TS as shown by the solid line in FIGS.
As shown by the two-dot chain line, the wide station WS
Reciprocate in the recording area. The step motor S
Since the control pulse amount of M and the feed amount of the timing belt TB accurately correspond to each other, if the control device CP shown in FIG. The TB is fed by a predetermined amount, and the carriage CA is accurately conveyed.

The transport mechanism QH for the wide recording medium D2
Are supporting projections ST1, ST2 for supporting a wound recording medium D2 placed on the rear side inside the main body frame 2.
And paper feed roller units JR1 and JR2 arranged side by side at a predetermined distance in that order in the main scanning direction of the recording medium D2.
And Specifically, between the chassis KS and the long-side chassis HS1, supporting projections ST2 and ST1 are attached to the chassis KS and the long-side chassis HS1, respectively. The recording medium D2 is inserted into the center space D2a of the recording medium D2 from both sides to support the recording medium D2.

In this case, a compression spring AB is attached to the support protrusion ST1 on the bottom chassis HS side so as to bias the protrusion ST1 toward the chassis KS. On the other hand, the support projection ST2 on the chassis KS side
Is movable toward the support projection ST1 on the bottom chassis HS side so as to correspond to the sheet width of the recording medium D2, and is indicated by, for example, a solid line or a two-dot chain line in FIG. As described above, even if the recording medium D2 has a different sheet width, the two support projections ST1 and ST2 are not connected to the recording medium D2.
2, the leading end side of the recording medium D2 can be sent out in the direction of the sheet feed rollers JR1 and JR2.

The rollers JR1 and JR2 are rotatably mounted between the long side chassis HS2 in the bottom side chassis HS and the chassis KS on the wide station WS side. The bottom chassis H
Tape station TS of short side chassis HS1 in S
On the side, a step motor SN is fixed. Therefore, the driving force of the forward or reverse rotation of the motor SN is applied to the gears Y1 to Y7, ST3, ST3, which constitute the sheet feeding gear train GY arranged side by side along the long side chassis HS2.
The transmission via ST4 and the like causes the support projection ST1 and the roller portions JR1 and JR2 to rotate clockwise or counterclockwise.

The roller portions JR1 and JR2 have a plurality of sheet feed rollers JR1b and JR2b attached to a pair of upper and lower roller shafts JR1a and JR2a, respectively. Therefore, when the rollers JR1b and JR2b are pressed against each other and the leading end of the wound recording medium D2 is sandwiched between the rollers JR1b and JR2b, and the rollers JR1b and JR2b rotate, the recording is performed. The medium D2 is conveyed forward so as to be pulled out, or conveyed backward so as to be rewound.

As shown in FIG. 4, the recording medium D2 is mounted on a cassette case HS0 in a wound state. The lower right lower surface of the cassette case HS0 (FIG. 4)
(See (b)), a plurality of marker portions HS1, HS2, HS3, and HS4 are provided in order to distinguish the type and the like of the recording medium D2 mounted in the cassette case HS0. Each of these marking portions HS1, HS2, HS3, HS4
Is a concave portion or a concave portion, for example, a plain image receiving paper such as plain paper and a surface-porous plastic sheet treated to improve the transferability of the ink on the surface, etc. And the like from the special receiving paper. Then, as shown in FIG. 4, the detection sensors S arranged to face the marker portions HS1 to HS4.
By detecting the presence or absence of the concave portions of the sign portions HS1 to HS4, the control device CP can identify the presence or absence of the cassette HS0, the type of the recording medium, and the like.

A second platen P2 is provided on the bottom surface side of the recording head HD between the paper feed rollers JR1 and JR2 where the recording head HD passes. The platen P2 has a surface supporting the recording medium D2. It is formed in a substantially flat shape.

A sensor mark SX is provided on the upper surface on the side (left side in FIG. 3) of the platen P2. This mark SX is used when the recording head HD reciprocates in the left-right direction. Head H on the side
It is used to detect the moving origin of D. That is, when the control device CP sends a control pulse to the step motor SM by a predetermined amount to cause the recording head HD to perform recording while moving forward in the main scanning direction, the movement origin on the wide station WS side by the mark SX is recorded. This serves as a reference for controlling the position of the head HD.

More specifically, the mark SX is composed of two patterns having a reflection area and a non-reflection area alternately. The mark SX as a target attached to the target is detected. Then, the control device CP determines the position at which the reflection sensor detects a change point where the reflection state changes from the reflection state to the non-reflection state twice, as the origin.

A detection sensor SW for detecting the leading end of the recording medium D2 is provided in the vicinity of the downstream side of the roller portion JR2. Control is performed. For example, the user sets the recording medium D2 at a predetermined position on the rear side inside the main body frame 2 and sets the leading end side to the sheet feed roller unit J.
The sheet is fed in the R1 and JR2 directions, and the sheet can be fed. Then, the forward rotation drive of the step motor SN is transmitted through the gear train GY, and the both rollers JR are transmitted.
1. The controller CP drives the step motor SN until the sensor SW detects the leading end of the recording medium D2.
Since the control pulse amount of the step motor SN and the feed amount of the recording medium D2 correspond exactly unless there is a feed error such as meandering, the control device CP controls the step motor SN to perform the control. When the pulse is sent by a predetermined amount, the conveyance control of the recording medium D2 is performed.

A cutter device KC for cutting the recording medium D2 is provided downstream of the roller portion JR2. By operating at the timing,
The recording medium D2 is cut. The cutter device KC may be of a type in which, for example, the blade portion KC1 of the cutter (see FIG. 4) reciprocates in the width direction of the recording medium D2 (the left-right direction in FIG. 3) and cuts. , Other than that, blade part KC
The one blade may be of a type that moves up and down to cut the recording medium D2 by the width of the recording medium D2. The point is that the recording medium D2 may be cut.

Next, the structure of the carriage CA will be described. On the surface (mounting surface) side of the carriage CA, a tape cassette TC (see FIGS. 2 and 3) storing the narrow recording medium D1 and the ink ribbon IR, or an ink storing only the ink ribbon IR. Cassette RC (FIG. 8)
) Can be selectively placed, while a step motor SL (see FIG. 3) is mounted on the back side thereof. The step motor SL is connected to the ink ribbon I in the ink cassette RC set on the carriage CA.
In addition to being used for feeding the tape such as R, it is used for pressing and separating the recording head HD and the wide recording medium D2 at the time of the wide station WS. The reason why the step motor SL is used as the drive source for the two purposes is to effectively use the driving force of the step motor SL.

A recording head HD is mounted below the carriage CA. On the recording surface side of the recording head HD, a large number of heating elements capable of generating heat in units of one dot are arranged in a line at a predetermined distance (printing distance). It is arranged for the width L1 (see FIG. 4). Then, a tape feed mechanism using a driving force such as a step motor SL moves the ink ribbon IR in the ink cassette RC placed on the carriage CA,
While intersecting with the arrangement direction of the heating elements, the recording head H
Since the sheet is conveyed to the recording surface side of D, the heat generated by the heating element melts the ink of the ink ribbon IR, and the ink can adhere to the recording surface D2b of the recording medium D2 in units of one dot.

As shown in FIG. 5, the ink cassette RC contains a narrow ink ribbon IR used in the wide station WS in a substantially rectangular cassette case.

In order to print on the recording surface D2b of the wide recording medium D2 at the time of the wide station WS (see FIG. 4), the ink cassette RC winds both ends of the ink ribbon IR around the unused ink ribbon. Reel RC1, for
It is wound around a used ink ribbon take-up reel RC2 and stored. Then, the ink ribbon I pulled out from the reel RC1 is rotated by rotation of the reel RC2 according to a ribbon winding mode described later.
R passes through a pair of sensors SE for end detection or color detection, passes through an opening RC3 of the ink cassette RC via a guide member RB1 (see FIG. 5), and further connects the guide member RB2. Via the reel RC2.

In the case of a color ink ribbon IR in the ink cassette RC, for example, a plurality of inks of cyan (C), magenta (M), yellow (Y) and the like are used.
In this order, a fixed length of each line, that is, one line L2 (FIG. 4)
(See (b)) in the length direction of the recording area. This is because the recording head HD is transported in the main scanning direction of the recording medium D2, and the recording head HD is moved to the ink ribbon IR for one line of one of magenta (M), cyan (C), and yellow (Y). In addition to the recording of one line L2 on the recording medium D2 via the recording medium D2, the recording is performed for one line L2 with a color obtained by mixing these inks.
(Note that the cross line in FIG. 4B indicates a range in which the recording head HD performs main scanning and records one line L2). In this case, as will be described later, after one of the colors magenta, cyan, and yellow is heated by the heating elements corresponding to the odd-numbered printing head HD, one of the other colors is set to the even-numbered printing head HD. The corresponding heating elements are driven by heating and recorded, and if necessary, the heating elements corresponding to the odd-numbered or even-numbered heating elements are driven and recorded in another color by cyan (C). , Magenta (M) and yellow (Y), for example, red, blue and the like. When the ink cassette RC is for a single color, cyan (C), magenta (M), yellow (Y)
Are not required.

In order to distinguish the type of the ink medium mounted in the ink cassette RC, the ink cassette R
In the upper right part of C, a plurality of sign portions RS1, RS2, RS
3, RS4 and RS5 are provided, and depending on whether each of these marker portions RS1, RS2, RS3, RS4 and RS5 is a concave portion or not, for example, an ink ribbon of resistance ink is used. It indicates the distinction between the IR and the ink ribbon IR of a high-definition ink having better thermal diffusivity than the ink for resistance thereof, and further indicates the type of a single color or a color. Then, as shown in FIG. 5, the detection sensors SQ arranged to face each of the marker portions RS1, RS2, RS3, RS4, and RS5 are attached to the marker portions RS1, R
By detecting the presence or absence of the concave portions of S2, RS3, RS4, and RS5, the control device CP can identify the type of ink of the ink ribbon IR mounted on the ink cassette RC, whether it is single color or color, and the like.

The sensor SE is provided with an ink ribbon I.
Since the setting is such that the yellow ink of R can be detected, when the yellow ink is conveyed to the sensor SE, the control device CP can determine that the ink is yellow ink. This is because, in the case of color printing, the control device CP detects the leading end of the yellow ink and sets the fixed length L2.
This is for properly controlling the transport of each of the cyan, magenta, and yellow ribbons having each minute so that the recording head HD does not record in the wrong color. On the other hand, ink ribbon I
When R is a single color, for example, when one color ink such as black is applied to the entire surface of the base material, a detection mark (not shown) is provided at the end of the base material. The control device CP detects the mark for the ink ribbon and outputs the detection signal to the control device CP, so that the control device CP
Can be determined.

Next, a control system of the thermal recording apparatus 1 will be described with reference to FIG. In FIG. 6, the thermal recording device 1
Is a central control unit (hereinafter referred to as a CPU).
The CPU has a built-in read-only memory (hereinafter referred to as ROM) and a readable / writable memory (hereinafter referred to as RAM). The ROM includes a drive control program for the motors SL, SM, and SN, a display program for displaying characters and the like input through each key of the keyboard 3 on the display 5, and a large number of characters for printing characters such as alphabetic characters and symbols. The dot pattern data for printing is categorized for each typeface (Gothic typeface, Mincho typeface, etc.), and six types (16, 24, 32, 48, 6) are provided for each typeface.
The print character size (4, 96 dot sizes) is stored in association with the code data. Further, graphic pattern data for printing a graphic image including a gradation expression is also stored.
Various programs and the like necessary for the operation of are stored.
The CG-ROM connected to the CPU is a character generator for generating image data at the time of displaying or printing characters or the like. On the other hand, the RAM is provided with a text memory, a print buffer, a counter, and the like. The text memory stores document data and the like input from the keyboard 3. The print buffer stores dot patterns for printing a plurality of characters and symbols as dot pattern data, and the recording head HD performs dot printing according to the dot pattern data stored in the print buffer. The counter has a count value N counted for each heating element in the gradation control process.
Is stored.

The motor driving circuits SLk, SMk, S
Nk is a circuit for driving the step motors SL, SM, SN. Further, the various sensors SQ described above,
SE, SR, SW, etc. detect the presence or absence of the ink cassette RC, the type and color of the ink ribbon IR, the type and presence of the recording medium D2, the leading end of the recording medium, and the like, as described above. The signal is sent to the CPU. As described above, the recording head HD has a large number of heating elements formed in a row, and is selectively heated by the heating elements via the CPU to cover the heating elements via the ink ribbon IR. Printing of characters and the like can be performed on the recording medium D2.

Next, the multi-gradation printing process performed by the control device CP of the thermal recording apparatus 1 configured as described above will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 7 is a flowchart of the multi-tone printing process according to the first embodiment. FIG.
7 is a gradation pattern table showing gradation pattern 1 of the pixel according to the first embodiment. FIG. 9 is a table showing the number of pulses of a pulse train applied to each selected heating element in accordance with the amount of formation energy of print dots in gradation pattern 1 according to the first embodiment. FIG. 10 is a gradation pattern table showing the gradation pattern 2 of the pixel according to the first embodiment. FIG. 11 shows a gradation pattern 2 according to the first embodiment.
4 is a table showing the number of pulses of a pulse train applied to each selected heating element in accordance with the amount of print dot formation energy in FIG. First, when a character key or the like of the keyboard 3 is operated to generate a text containing a graphic image including a gradation expression, the text data is stored in the text memory of the RAM.

Next, as shown in FIG. 7, the presence / absence of a concave portion of each of the marking portions RS1 to RS5 formed on the ink cassette RC is detected by the detection sensor SQ, and the ink attached to the ink cassette RC is detected. The type of ink of the ribbon IR is identified (S1). And ink ribbon I
When the R ink is the resistance ink, (S1: YE
S), the gradation pattern table 10 (see FIG. 8) of the gradation pattern 1 of the pixel stored in the ROM is read out and stored in the RAM (S2). Next, the ROM 11 previously storing a table 11 (see FIG. 9) indicating the number of pulses of a pulse train applied to each selected heating element corresponding to the amount of formation energy of print dots in the gradation pattern 1. And stores it in the RAM (S3). Here, the configuration of each pixel corresponding to each gradation level of the gradation pattern 1 will be described. As shown in FIG. 8, the pixels of the gradation pattern 1 are constituted by a matrix of 2 × 2 = 4 dots, and each dot 10a, 10b, 10
For c and 10d, print priorities are given in this order in the clockwise direction. The amount of energy for forming each dot is 1
Set to stage. Thereby, the pixel of the gradation pattern 1 can express four gradations. That is, in the dot pattern of the pixel of the gradation level 1, the formation energy amount 1 is the dot 10
a. In the dot pattern of the pixel of the gradation level 2, the formation energy amount 1 is added to each of the dots 10a and 10b. Further, the dot pattern of the pixel of the gradation level 3 has the formation energy amount 1 of each of the dots 10a, 10b, 10
It is appended to c. Further, the dot pattern of the pixel of the gradation level 4 has a formation energy amount 1 of each of the dots 10a, 10b,
10c and 10d. Further, the amount of energy for forming the print dots of the gradation pattern 1 will be described with reference to FIG. The amount of formation energy of each dot in the gradation pattern 1 is one step, and the number N of pulses of a pulse train applied to each selected heating element for the amount of formation energy 1
Is set to 63 pulses.

Next, when the print key of the keyboard 3 is pressed to start printing, the document data stored in the text memory, the print dot pattern data and the graphic pattern data in the ROM, and the RAM are stored in the RAM. Print data corresponding to each gradation level is created based on the gradation pattern table 10 and stored in the print buffer. Then, based on the print data and the table 11 stored in the RAM, the recording head H
A pulse train of the number of pulses (N = 63) as an amount of energy for forming each dot is applied to each selected heating element of D,
Multi-tone recording of four tones is performed (S4).

If the ink of the ink ribbon IR is high definition ink (S1: NO), the detection sensor SR determines whether or not there is a concave portion in each of the marking portions HS1 to HS4 formed on the cassette case HS0. Then, the type of the recording medium D2 mounted on the cassette case HS0 is identified (S5). If the recording medium D2 is ordinary image receiving paper (S5: YES), the gradation pattern table 10 of the gradation pattern 1 of the pixel stored in the ROM is read out and stored in the RAM. (S
2). Next, the table 11 indicating the number of pulses of the pulse train to be applied to each selected heating element is read out in accordance with the formation energy amount of the print dot in the gradation pattern 1, and stored in the RAM (S3).

Next, when the print key of the keyboard 3 is pressed to start printing, the document data stored in the text memory, the print dot pattern data and the graphic pattern data in the ROM, and the graphic pattern data are stored in the RAM. Print data corresponding to each gradation level is created based on the gradation pattern table 10 and stored in the print buffer. Then, based on the print data and the table 11 stored in the RAM, the recording head H
A pulse train of the number of pulses (N = 63) as an amount of energy for forming each dot is applied to each selected heating element of D,
Multi-tone recording of four tones is performed (S4).

When the recording medium D2 is a dedicated image receiving paper (S5: NO), the gradation pattern table 1 of the gradation pattern 2 of the pixels stored in the ROM in advance is used.
2 (see FIG. 10) and store it in the RAM (S6). Next, a table 13 (FIG. 1) showing the number of pulses of a pulse train applied to each selected heating element corresponding to the amount of formation energy of print dots in the gradation pattern 2
1) is read from the ROM stored in advance and stored in the RAM (S7).

Here, the configuration of each pixel corresponding to each gradation level of the gradation pattern 2 will be described. As shown in FIG. 10, the pixel of the gradation pattern 2 is constituted by one dot. The amount of energy for forming each dot is set to 16 levels. Thereby, the pixel of the gradation pattern 2 is
16 gradations can be expressed. That is, in the dot pattern of the pixel of the gradation level 1, the formation energy amount 1 is added to the dot 12a. In the dot pattern of the pixel of the gradation level 2, the formation energy amount 2 is added to the dot 12a. In the dot pattern of the pixel of the gradation level 3, the formation energy amount 3 is added to the dot 12a. In the dot pattern of the pixel of the gradation level 4, the formation energy amount 4 is added to the dot 12a. In the dot pattern of the pixel of the gradation level 5, the formation energy amount 5 is added to the dot 12a. Further, the dot pattern of the pixel at the gradation level 6 is
The formation energy amount 6 is applied to the dot 12a. In the dot pattern of the pixel of the gradation level 7, the formation energy amount 7 is added to the dot 12a. Further, the dot pattern of the pixel of the gradation level 8 is such that the formation energy amount 8 is the dot 12
a. In the dot pattern of the pixel of the gradation level 9, the formation energy amount 9 is added to the dot 12a.
Further, in the dot pattern of the pixel of the gradation level 10, the formation energy amount 10 is added to the dot 12a. Further, in the dot pattern of the pixel of the gradation level 11, the formation energy amount 11 is added to the dot 12a. Also, the gradation level 12
In the dot pattern of the pixel of, the formation energy amount 12 is added to the dot 12a. In the dot pattern of the pixel of the gradation level 13, the formation energy amount 13 is added to the dot 12a. In the dot pattern of the pixel of the gradation level 14, the formation energy amount 14 is added to the dot 12n.
In the dot pattern of the pixel of the gradation level 15, the formation energy amount 15 is added to the dot 12a. Further, in the dot pattern of the pixel of the gradation level 16, the formation energy amount 16 is added to the dot 12a.

Next, the amount of energy for forming print dots in the gradation pattern 2 will be described with reference to FIG.
The formation energy amount of each dot in the gradation pattern 2 is 1
The number N of applied pulses for each step of the formation energy amount is 2 when the formation energy amount is 1, 3 when the formation energy amount is 2, and 4 when the formation energy amount is 3. When the forming energy amount is 4, 5 pulses, when the forming energy amount is 5, 6 pulses, when the forming energy amount is 6, 7 pulses, when the forming energy amount is 7, 8 pulses, and when the forming energy amount is 8, Is 10 pulses, when the forming energy amount is 9, 12 pulses, when the forming energy amount is 10, 16 pulses, and when the forming energy amount is 1
When 1 is 20, 20 pulses are formed when the amount of forming energy is 12, 32 pulses when the amount of forming energy is 13, 40 pulses when the amount of forming energy is 14, and 48 pulses when the amount of forming energy is 15 When the amount of forming energy is 16, the pulse is set to 63 pulses. As described above, in the data table 13, the rate of increase in the number of pulses is set to be small at a low formation energy amount and large at a high formation energy amount.

Next, when the print key of the keyboard 3 is pressed to start printing, the document data stored in the text memory, the printing dot pattern data and the graphic pattern data in the ROM, and the RAM are stored in the RAM. On the basis of the gradation pattern table 12, print data corresponding to each gradation level is created and stored in the print buffer. Then, based on the print data and the table 13 stored in the RAM, the recording head H
A pulse train of the number of pulses corresponding to the amount of formation energy of each dot is applied to each selected heating element of D, and multi-gradation recording of 16 gradations is performed (S4).

Next, the application of a pulse train of a predetermined number of pulses as the amount of print dot formation energy corresponding to each gradation level will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 12 is a flowchart of the dot printing process performed in the control device CP according to the first embodiment. FIG. 13 is a time chart when 63 pulses are applied in the dot printing process in the first embodiment. First, the table 11 or the table 13 stored in the RAM (see FIGS. 9 and 11)
), Read the number of pulses corresponding to the amount of formation energy of each print dot, and set the number of pulses N corresponding to each heating element.
Is stored in the counter of the RAM (S8).

Next, the pulse applied to each of the selected heating elements of the recording head HD is turned ON, and the heating elements start generating heat (S9).

Next, a timer built in the CPU is started (S10). Next, the application time T1 of the first pulse stored in the ROM (see FIG. 13) is read, and the timer waits until the count time of the timer reaches T1 (S1).
11: NO), when the count time of the timer reaches T1 (S11: YES), the application pulse to each selected heating element is turned off, the timer is stopped, the count time is set to 0, and then again. A timer is started (S12).

Next, the OFF time Toff (see FIG. 13) of the applied pulse stored in the ROM is read, and the timer waits until the count time of the timer reaches Toff (S13:
NO), when the count time of the timer reaches Toff,
After stopping the timer and setting the count time to 0, the timer is started again (S13: YES).

Next, the pulse number N of each selected heating element is calculated.
Is read from the counter of the RAM, and 1 is obtained from the pulse number N.
The subtraction is performed, and the result is stored again in the RAM counter corresponding to each heating element (S14). Next, the pulse applied to each of the selected heating elements of the recording head HD is turned ON (S1).
5).

Next, the application time T2 (see FIG. 13) of the second and subsequent pulses stored in the ROM is read out.
Wait until the timer count time reaches T2 (S16:
NO), when the count time of the timer reaches T2 (S1)
6: YES), the application pulse to each selected heating element is turned off, the timer is stopped, the count time is set to 0, and the timer is started again (S17). Here, the application time T2 of the second and subsequent pulses is set to be shorter than the application time T1 of the first pulse.

Next, the OFF time Toff of the applied pulse stored in the ROM is read, and the timer waits until the count time reaches Toff (S18: NO). When the count time of the timer reaches Toff, the timer is stopped. After the count time is set to 0, the timer is started again (S18: YES).

Next, the pulse number N of each selected heating element is calculated.
Is read from the counter of the RAM, and 1 is obtained from the pulse number N.
After subtraction, the values are stored again in the counter of the RAM in correspondence with each heating element (S19).

Next, the pulse number N of each selected heating element is calculated.
From the counter of the RAM, and the pulse number N is 0
If not (S20: NO), the pulse applied to each selected heating element of the print head HD is turned ON (S1).
5) The process from S15 is repeated until the pulse number N becomes zero.

If the pulse number N is 0 (S2
0: YES), the application of the pulse to the heating element ends.

Next, an example of a change in temperature rise of the heating element when a predetermined pulse train is applied to the above-described formation energy amount will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating a temperature rise of the heating element with respect to time when the number of applied pulses is N = 63 pulses. The first applied pulse is time T1, and at this time, the temperature rise curve 14 of the heating element is used.
Has almost risen to the expected heating temperature. Then, during the time Toff, the applied pulse is turned off, and the temperature of the heating element slightly decreases. However, since the heating element is applied again during the time T2, heat is generated and the temperature rises. Then, the stop of the time Toff and the application of the time T2 are repeated until the pulse number N stored in the counter of the RAM becomes N = 0. As a result, the heating element is preheated to a predetermined temperature by the first applied pulse, and becomes substantially constant heating temperature by the second to 63rd applied pulses (T2 × 62 + Toff).
× 62), and dots of the applied pulse number N = 63 pulses are printed. Similarly, a dot having a formation energy amount of 1 of the gradation pattern 2 is printed by a pulse train of 2 applied pulses, and a dot having a formation energy amount of 2 is printed by a pulse train of 3 applied pulses. , A dot having a formation energy amount of 3 has an applied pulse number of 4
A dot having a formation energy amount of 4 is printed by a pulse train having a pulse number of 5 applied pulses, and a dot having a formation energy amount of 5 is printed by a pulse train having a pulse number of 6 applied pulses. 6
Dot is printed by a pulse train having an applied pulse number of 7 pulses, a dot having a formation energy amount of 7 is printed by a pulse train having an applied pulse number of 8 pulses, and a dot having a formation energy amount of 8 is a pulse train having an applied pulse number of 10 pulses Are printed with a pulse train having an applied pulse number of 12 pulses, dots having a formed energy amount of 10 are printed with a pulse train having an applied pulse number of 16 pulses, and a dot having a formed energy amount of 11 is printed. Dot is printed with a pulse train of 20 applied pulses, and a dot having a formation energy amount of 12 is
Printed by a pulse train of 6 pulses, the amount of forming energy 1
The dot 3 is printed by a pulse train having an applied pulse number of 32, the dot having a formation energy amount of 14 is printed by a pulse train having a pulse number of 40 applied, and the dot having a formation energy amount of 15 is printed by a pulse train having a pulse number of 48. It is printed by a pulse train of pulses, and furthermore, the forming energy amount 16
Are printed by a pulse train with 63 applied pulses.

As described above in detail, in the thermal recording apparatus 1 of the first embodiment, when a character key or the like of the keyboard 3 is operated to create a sentence containing a graphic image including a gradation expression, the control device Under the control of the CP, the sentence data is stored in the text memory of the RAM.
Further, the detection cassette SQ detects the ink cassette RC.
The presence / absence of a concave portion of each of the marker portions RS1 to RS5 formed in the ink cassette RC is detected, and the type of ink of the ink ribbon IR attached to the ink cassette RC is identified. At the same time, the presence / absence of a concave portion of each of the marking portions HS1 to HS4 formed on the cassette case HS0 is detected by the detection sensor SR,
Recording medium D2 mounted in cassette case HS0
Identify the type. Then, when the ink of the ink ribbon IR mounted on the ink cassette RC is the ink for resistance, or the ink of the ink ribbon IR is the ink for high definition, and the recording medium D2 is the normal receiving paper. In this case, the tone pattern tables 10 and 11 stored in the ROM in advance are read out and stored in the RAM. When the printing key of the keyboard 3 is pressed to start printing, the document data stored in the text memory, the printing dot pattern data and the graphic pattern data in the ROM, and the gradation pattern table stored in the RAM are stored. 10, print data corresponding to each gradation level is created and stored in the print buffer. Then, based on the print data and the table 11 stored in the RAM, the recording head HD
A pulse train of the number of pulses (N = 63) as the amount of energy for forming each dot is applied to each of the selected heating elements.
Multi-tone recording of gradation is performed. The ink ribbon I
When the R ink is high-definition ink and the recording medium D2 is a dedicated image receiving paper, the gradation pattern tables 12 and 13 stored in the ROM are read out and stored in the RAM. . When the print key of the keyboard 3 is pressed to start printing, the document data stored in the text memory, the printing dot pattern data and the graphic pattern data in the ROM, and the R
Based on the tone pattern table 12 stored in the AM, print data corresponding to each tone level is created and stored in the print buffer. Then, based on the print data and the table 13 stored in the RAM, a pulse train of the number of pulses corresponding to the amount of energy for forming each dot is applied to each of the selected heating elements of the recording head HD. Is performed. Therefore, when the ink ribbon IR of the ink for resistance is attached to the ink cassette RC, the gradation pattern table 10 of the gradation pattern 1 and the table 11 of the formation amount of print dots are automatically selected. Therefore, since the heating element of the recording head HD is selectively energized based on the gradation pattern 1 and the pixels of the dot pattern of four gradations are thermally transferred, even if the thermal transfer of a small dot diameter is difficult, High-resolution gradation recording becomes possible. Also, an ink ribbon IR of high-definition ink is mounted on the ink cassette RC,
In addition, when the ordinary image receiving paper is set in the cassette case HS0, the gradation pattern table 10 of the gradation pattern 1 and the table 1 of the amount of energy for forming the printing dots are automatically set.
1 is selected and the heating element is selectively energized based on the gradation pattern 1 to thermally transfer the pixels of the dot pattern of four gradations. This also enables high-resolution gradation recording. Also,
When the ink ribbon IR of the high-definition ink is mounted and the dedicated image receiving paper is mounted, the gradation pattern table 12 of the gradation pattern 2 and the table 13 of the amount of print dot formation energy are automatically set. The selected element is selectively energized to the heating element based on the gradation pattern 2 to thermally transfer pixels of a 16-gradation dot pattern.
Thermal transfer with a small dot diameter can be performed, and multi-gradation recording with higher resolution and higher image quality can be performed. Further, since the ink ribbon IR can be housed in a small ink cassette RC, the thermal recording apparatus 1 can be made more compact, and by replacing the ink cassette RC, a predetermined number of gradations corresponding to each image receiving paper can be obtained. Recording can be performed automatically.

Next, a thermosensitive recording apparatus according to a second embodiment will be described. The structure of the thermal recording device and the control device according to the second embodiment is similar to that of the thermal recording device 1 according to the first embodiment.
And the configuration of the control device CP. The multi-gradation printing process performed by the control device CP of the thermal recording apparatus 1 according to the second embodiment having the above-described configuration will be described with reference to FIGS. 8 to 11 and FIGS. FIG.
4 is a flowchart of a multi-tone printing process according to the second embodiment. FIG. 15 is a gradation pattern table showing the gradation pattern 3 of the pixel according to the second embodiment. FIG. 16 is a table showing the number of pulses of a pulse train applied to each selected heating element corresponding to the formation energy amount of print dots in the gradation pattern 3 according to the second embodiment. First, when a character key or the like of the keyboard 3 is operated to generate a text containing a graphic image including a gradation expression, the text data is stored in the text memory of the RAM.

Next, as shown in FIG. 14, the presence / absence of a concave portion of each of the marking portions RS1 to RS5 formed on the ink cassette RC is detected by the detection sensor SQ, and the ink attached to the ink cassette RC is detected. The type of ink of the ribbon IR is identified (S1). When the ink of the ink ribbon IR is the ink for resistance, (S1: YE
S), the gradation pattern table 10 (see FIG. 8) of the gradation pattern 1 of the pixel stored in the ROM is read out and stored in the RAM (S2). Next, the table 11 (see FIG. 9) indicating the number of pulses of the pulse train to be applied to each selected heating element is stored in advance in correspondence with the amount of formation energy of the print dot in the gradation pattern 1. The data is read from the ROM and stored in the RAM (S3).

Next, when the print key of the keyboard 3 is pressed to start printing, the document data stored in the text memory, the printing dot pattern data and the graphic pattern data in the ROM, and the RAM are stored in the RAM. Print data corresponding to each gradation level is created based on the gradation pattern table 10 and stored in the print buffer. Then, based on the print data and the table 11 stored in the RAM, the recording head H
A pulse train of the number of pulses (N = 63) as an amount of energy for forming each dot is applied to each selected heating element of D,
Multi-tone recording of four tones is performed (S4).

When the ink of the ink ribbon IR is high-definition ink (S1: NO), the presence or absence of the concave portions of the marking portions HS1 to HS4 formed on the cassette case HS0 by the detection sensor SR is determined. Then, the type of the recording medium D2 mounted on the cassette case HS0 is identified (S5). If the recording medium D2 is ordinary image receiving paper (S5: YES), the gradation pattern table 15 (see FIG. 15) of the gradation pattern 3 of the pixel stored in the ROM is read out. It is stored in the RAM (S21). Next, a table 16 (see FIG. 16) indicating the number of pulses of the pulse train applied to each selected heating element is read out in accordance with the amount of energy for forming the printing dots in the gradation pattern 3, and stored in the RAM. (S22).

Here, the configuration of each pixel corresponding to each gradation level of the gradation pattern 3 will be described. As shown in FIG. 15, the pixel of the gradation pattern 3 is constituted by one dot. The amount of energy for forming each dot is set to eight levels. As a result, the number of pixels of the gradation pattern 3 becomes 8
Tones can be expressed. That is, in the dot pattern of the pixel of the gradation level 1, the formation energy amount 1 is added to the dot 15a. In the dot pattern of the pixel of the gradation level 2, the formation energy amount 2 is added to the dot 15a. In addition, the dot pattern of the pixel of the gradation level 3 has the formation energy amount 3
Is added to the dot 15a. Further, the dot pattern of the pixel of the gradation level 4 has the formation energy amount 4 of the dot 15a.
Attached to In the dot pattern of the pixel of the gradation level 5, the formation energy amount 5 is added to the dot 15a. In the dot pattern of the pixel of the gradation level 6, the formation energy amount 6 is added to the dot 15a. In the dot pattern of the pixel of the gradation level 7, the formation energy amount 7 is added to the dot 15a. Further, in the dot pattern of the pixel of the gradation level 8, the formation energy amount 8 is added to the dot 15a.

The amount of energy for forming print dots in the gradation pattern 3 will be described with reference to FIG.
The formation energy amount of each dot in the gradation pattern 3 is 8
The number N of applied pulses for each step of the formation energy amount is 2 pulses when the formation energy amount is 1, 4 pulses when the formation energy amount is 2, and 3 when the formation energy amount is 2.
Is 6 pulses, when the forming energy amount is 4, 8 pulses, when the forming energy amount is 5, 12 pulses, when the forming energy amount is 6, 20 pulses, when the forming energy amount is 7, 32 pulses. When the amount of forming energy is 8, it is set to 63 pulses. As described above, the data table 16 is set so that the rate of increase in the number of pulses is small at low formation energy amounts and large at high formation energy amounts.

Next, when the print key of the keyboard 3 is pressed to start printing, the document data stored in the text memory, the printing dot pattern data and the graphic pattern data in the ROM, and the RAM are stored in the RAM. On the basis of the gradation pattern table 15, print data corresponding to each gradation level is created and stored in the print buffer. Then, based on the print data and the table 16 stored in the RAM, the recording head H
A pulse train of the number of pulses corresponding to the amount of formation energy of each dot is applied to each selected heating element of D, and multi-tone recording of eight gradations is performed (S4).

When the recording medium D2 is a dedicated image receiving paper (S5: NO), the gradation pattern table 12 of the gradation pattern 2 of the pixels stored in the ROM in advance (see FIG. 10). ) Is read and stored in the RAM (S6). Next, the table 13 showing the number of pulses of the pulse train applied to each selected heating element in accordance with the amount of energy for forming the printing dots in the gradation pattern 2.
(See FIG. 11) is read from the ROM stored in advance and stored in the RAM (S7).

Next, when the print key of the keyboard 3 is pressed to start printing, the document data stored in the text memory, the print dot pattern data and the graphic pattern data in the ROM, and the RAM are stored in the RAM. Print data corresponding to each gradation level is created based on the gradation pattern table 12 and stored in the print buffer. Then, based on the print data and the table 13 stored in the RAM, the recording head H
A pulse train of the number of pulses corresponding to the amount of formation energy of each dot is applied to each selected heating element of D, and multi-gradation recording of 16 gradations is performed (S4).

The application of a pulse train of a predetermined number of pulses as the amount of print dot formation energy corresponding to each gradation level is performed in the same manner as the dot printing process performed in the control device CP according to the first embodiment.

As described above in detail, in the thermal recording apparatus 1 according to the second embodiment, when a character key or the like of the keyboard 3 is operated to create a sentence containing a graphic image including a gradation expression, the control device Under the control of the CP, the sentence data is stored in the text memory of the RAM.
Further, the detection cassette SQ detects the ink cassette RC.
The presence / absence of a concave portion of each of the marker portions RS1 to RS5 formed in the ink cassette RC is detected, and the type of ink of the ink ribbon IR attached to the ink cassette RC is identified. At the same time, the presence / absence of a concave portion of each of the marking portions HS1 to HS4 formed on the cassette case HS0 is detected by the detection sensor SR,
Recording medium D2 mounted in cassette case HS0
Identify the type. If the ink of the ink ribbon IR attached to the ink cassette RC is the ink for resistance, the gradation pattern tables 10 and 11 stored in the ROM are read out, and the RAM is read out.
To be stored. When the printing key of the keyboard 3 is pressed to start printing, the document data stored in the text memory, the printing dot pattern data and the graphic pattern data in the ROM, and the gradation pattern table stored in the RAM are stored. 10, print data corresponding to each gradation level is created and stored in the print buffer. Then, based on the print data and the table 11 stored in the RAM, a pulse train of the number of pulses (N = 63) as the amount of energy for forming each dot is applied to each selected heating element of the recording head HD. And multi-tone recording of four tones is performed. When the ink of the ink ribbon IR is high definition ink and the recording medium D2 is ordinary image receiving paper, the gradation pattern table 15 and the table 1 stored in the ROM in advance are used.
6 is read and stored in the RAM. When the printing key of the keyboard 3 is pressed to start printing, the document data stored in the text memory, the printing dot pattern data and the graphic pattern data in the ROM, and the gradation pattern table stored in the RAM are stored. Fifteen
Based on the above, print data corresponding to each gradation level is created and stored in the print buffer. Then, the print data and the table 16 stored in the RAM are stored.
Then, a pulse train of the number of pulses corresponding to the amount of energy for forming each dot is applied to each of the selected heating elements of the recording head HD, and multi-gradation recording of eight gradations is performed. Further, when the ink of the ink ribbon IR is high-definition ink and the recording medium D2 is a dedicated image receiving paper,
The gradation pattern table 1 previously stored in the OM
2 and the table 13 are read and stored in the RAM. When the printing key of the keyboard 3 is pressed to start printing, the document data stored in the text memory, the printing dot pattern data and the graphic pattern data in the ROM, and the gradation pattern table stored in the RAM are stored. 12, print data corresponding to each gradation level is created and stored in the print buffer. Then, based on the print data and the table 13 stored in the RAM, a pulse train of the number of pulses corresponding to the amount of energy for forming each dot is applied to each of the selected heating elements of the recording head HD. Is performed. Therefore, when the ink ribbon IR of the ink for resistance is attached to the ink cassette RC,
Automatically the gradation pattern table 1 of the gradation pattern 1
0 and a table 11 of print dot formation energy amount are selected, and based on the gradation pattern 1, the heating elements of the recording head HD are selectively energized, and the pixels of the four gradation dot pattern are thermally transferred. Therefore, even when thermal transfer with a small dot diameter is difficult, gradation recording with high resolution can be performed. Also, when the ink ribbon IR of the ink for high definition is mounted on the ink cassette RC and the ordinary image receiving paper is mounted on the cassette case HS0, the gradation pattern table 15 of the gradation pattern 3 is automatically printed. The dot formation energy amount table 16 is selected, and the heating element is selectively energized based on the gradation pattern 3 to thermally transfer the pixels of the 8 gradation dot pattern.
Recording with a larger number of gradations than the gradation pattern 1 becomes possible, and multi-gradation recording can be performed while maintaining the resolution. When the ink ribbon IR of the high definition ink is mounted and the dedicated image receiving paper is mounted, the gradation pattern table 12 of the gradation pattern 2 and the table 13 of the amount of energy for forming printing dots are automatically generated. Is selected, and the heating element is selectively energized based on the gradation pattern 2 to thermally transfer the pixels of the 16-gradation dot pattern, so that thermal transfer with more gradations can be performed. Thus, multi-gradation recording with higher resolution and higher image quality can be performed. Further, since the ink ribbon IR can be housed in a small ink cassette RC, the thermal recording apparatus 1 can be made more compact, and by replacing the ink cassette RC, a predetermined number of gradations corresponding to each image receiving paper can be obtained. Recording can be performed automatically.

Next, a thermal recording apparatus according to a third embodiment will be described. The configuration of the thermal recording device and the control device according to the third embodiment is similar to that of the thermal recording device 1 according to the first embodiment.
And the configuration of the control device CP. The multi-tone printing process performed by the control device CP of the thermal recording apparatus 1 according to the third embodiment having the above-described configuration will be described with reference to FIGS. 8 to 11 and FIGS. FIG.
7 is a flowchart of the multi-tone printing process according to the third embodiment. FIG. 18 is a gradation pattern table showing the gradation pattern 4 of the pixel according to the third embodiment. FIG. 19 is a table showing the number of pulses of a pulse train applied to each selected heating element in accordance with the amount of formation energy of print dots in the gradation pattern 4 according to the third embodiment. First, when a character key or the like of the keyboard 3 is operated to generate a text containing a graphic image including a gradation expression, the text data is stored in the text memory of the RAM.

Next, as shown in FIG. 17, the presence / absence of the concave portion of each of the marking portions RS1 to RS5 formed on the ink cassette RC is detected by the detection sensor SQ, and the ink attached to the ink cassette RC is detected. The type of ink of the ribbon IR is identified (S1). When the ink of the ink ribbon IR is the ink for resistance, (S1: YE
S), the gradation pattern table 10 (see FIG. 8) of the gradation pattern 1 of the pixel stored in the ROM is read out and stored in the RAM (S2). Next, the table 11 (see FIG. 9) indicating the number of pulses of the pulse train to be applied to each selected heating element is stored in advance in correspondence with the amount of formation energy of the print dot in the gradation pattern 1. The data is read from the ROM and stored in the RAM (S3).

Next, when the print key of the keyboard 3 is pressed to start printing, the document data stored in the text memory, the printing dot pattern data and the graphic pattern data in the ROM, and the RAM are stored in the RAM. Print data corresponding to each gradation level is created based on the gradation pattern table 10 and stored in the print buffer. Then, based on the print data and the table 11 stored in the RAM, the recording head H
A pulse train of the number of pulses (N = 63) as an amount of energy for forming each dot is applied to each selected heating element of D,
Multi-tone recording of four tones is performed (S4).

If the ink of the ink ribbon IR is high definition ink (S1: NO), the detection sensor SR determines whether or not there is a concave portion of each of the marking portions HS1 to HS4 formed on the cassette case HS0. Then, the type of the recording medium D2 mounted on the cassette case HS0 is identified (S5). Then, when the recording medium D2 is ordinary image receiving paper (S5: YES), the gradation pattern table 17 (see FIG. 18) of the gradation pattern 4 of the pixel stored in the ROM is read in advance. It is stored in the RAM (S23). Next, a table 18 (see FIG. 19) indicating the number of pulses of a pulse train applied to each selected heating element is read out in accordance with the amount of formation energy of the print dot in the gradation pattern 4, and stored in the RAM. (S24).

Here, the configuration of each pixel corresponding to each gradation level of gradation pattern 4 will be described. As shown in FIG. 18, the pixels of the gradation pattern 4 are composed of a matrix of 2 × 2 = 4 dots, and each of the dots 17a, 17b, 1
7c and 17d are given a printing priority in this order in the clockwise direction. The amount of energy for forming each dot is set in two stages. Thereby, gradation pattern 1
Pixel can express eight gradations. That is, in the dot pattern of the pixel of the gradation level 1, the formation energy amount 1 is the dot 1
7a. The dot pattern of the pixel of the gradation level 2 is such that the formation energy amount 1 is equal to each of the dots 17a and 17b.
Attached to Further, the dot pattern of the pixel of the gradation level 3 is such that the formation energy amount 1 is each of the dots 17a, 17b, 1
7c. Further, the dot pattern of the pixel of the gradation level 4 has the formation energy amount 1 of each of the dots 17a, 17a.
b, 17c, 17d. Further, the dot pattern of the pixel of the gradation level 5 is such that the formation energy amount 2 is the dot 1
7a, the amount of forming energy 1 is changed to each dot 17b, 1
7c and 17d. Further, the dot pattern of the pixel of the gradation level 6 has the formation energy amount 2 of each dot 17.
a, 17b, the amount of forming energy 1 is
c, 17d. The dot pattern of the pixel at the gradation level 7 is such that the formation energy amount 2 is equal to the dots 17a and 17
b, 17c, and the formation energy amount 1 is the dot 17d
Attached to The dot pattern of the pixel of gradation level 8 is
The amount of forming energy 2 is equal to each dot 17a, 17b, 17c,
17d. Further, the amount of energy for forming the print dots of the gradation pattern 4 will be described with reference to FIG.
The formation energy amount of each dot in the gradation pattern 4 is 2
And the number of applied pulses N for each formation energy amount
Is set to 8 pulses when the amount of forming energy is 1, and 63 pulses when the amount of forming energy is 2.

Next, when the print key of the keyboard 3 is pressed to start printing, the document data stored in the text memory, the printing dot pattern data and graphic pattern data in the ROM, and the RAM are stored in the RAM. Print data corresponding to each gradation level is created based on the gradation pattern table 17 and stored in the print buffer. Then, based on the print data and the table 18 stored in the RAM, the recording head H
A pulse train of the number of pulses corresponding to the amount of formation energy of each dot is applied to each selected heating element of D, and multi-tone recording of eight gradations is performed (S4).

When the recording medium D2 is a dedicated image receiving paper (S5: NO), the gradation pattern table 12 of the gradation pattern 2 of the pixels stored in the ROM in advance (see FIG. 10). ) Is read and stored in the RAM (S6). Next, the table 13 showing the number of pulses of the pulse train applied to each selected heating element in accordance with the amount of energy for forming the printing dots in the gradation pattern 2.
(See FIG. 11) is read from the ROM stored in advance and stored in the RAM (S7).

Next, when the print key of the keyboard 3 is pressed to start printing, the document data stored in the text memory, the printing dot pattern data and graphic pattern data in the ROM, and the RAM are stored in the RAM. On the basis of the gradation pattern table 12, print data corresponding to each gradation level is created and stored in the print buffer. Then, based on the print data and the table 13 stored in the RAM, the recording head H
A pulse train of the number of pulses corresponding to the amount of formation energy of each dot is applied to each selected heating element of D, and multi-gradation recording of 16 gradations is performed (S4).

The application of a pulse train of a predetermined number of pulses as an amount of print dot formation energy corresponding to each gradation level is performed in the same manner as in the dot printing process performed in the control device CP according to the first embodiment.

As described in detail above, in the thermal recording apparatus 1 according to the third embodiment, when a character key or the like of the keyboard 3 is operated to generate a sentence containing a graphic image including a gradation expression, the control device Under the control of the CP, the sentence data is stored in the text memory of the RAM.
Further, the detection cassette SQ detects the ink cassette RC.
The presence / absence of a concave portion of each of the marker portions RS1 to RS5 formed in the ink cassette RC is detected, and the type of ink of the ink ribbon IR attached to the ink cassette RC is identified. At the same time, the presence / absence of a concave portion of each of the marking portions HS1 to HS4 formed on the cassette case HS0 is detected by the detection sensor SR,
Recording medium D2 mounted in cassette case HS0
Identify the type. If the ink of the ink ribbon IR attached to the ink cassette RC is the ink for resistance, the gradation pattern tables 10 and 11 stored in the ROM are read out, and the RAM is read out.
To be stored. When the printing key of the keyboard 3 is pressed to start printing, the document data stored in the text memory, the printing dot pattern data and the graphic pattern data in the ROM, and the gradation pattern table stored in the RAM are stored. 10, print data corresponding to each gradation level is created and stored in the print buffer. Then, based on the print data and the table 11 stored in the RAM, a pulse train of the number of pulses (N = 63) as the amount of energy for forming each dot is applied to each selected heating element of the recording head HD. And multi-tone recording of four tones is performed. When the ink of the ink ribbon IR is high definition ink and the recording medium D2 is ordinary image receiving paper, the gradation pattern table 17 and the table 1 stored in the ROM in advance are used.
8 is read and stored in the RAM. When the printing key of the keyboard 3 is pressed to start printing, the document data stored in the text memory, the printing dot pattern data and the graphic pattern data in the ROM, and the gradation pattern table stored in the RAM are stored. 17
Based on the above, print data corresponding to each gradation level is created and stored in the print buffer. Then, the print data and the table 18 stored in the RAM are stored.
Then, a pulse train of the number of pulses corresponding to the amount of energy for forming each dot is applied to each of the selected heating elements of the recording head HD, and multi-gradation recording of eight gradations is performed. Further, when the ink of the ink ribbon IR is high-definition ink and the recording medium D2 is a dedicated image receiving paper,
The gradation pattern table 1 previously stored in the OM
2 and the table 13 are read and stored in the RAM. When the printing key of the keyboard 3 is pressed to start printing, the document data stored in the text memory, the printing dot pattern data and the graphic pattern data in the ROM, and the gradation pattern table stored in the RAM are stored. 12, print data corresponding to each gradation level is created and stored in the print buffer. Then, based on the print data and the table 13 stored in the RAM, a pulse train of the number of pulses corresponding to the amount of energy for forming each dot is applied to each of the selected heating elements of the recording head HD. Is performed. Therefore, when the ink ribbon IR of the ink for resistance is attached to the ink cassette RC, the gradation pattern table 10 of the gradation pattern 1 is automatically set.
And a table 11 for the amount of energy for forming print dots are selected, and the recording head H is selected based on the gradation pattern 1.
Since the heating element of D is selectively energized to thermally transfer the pixels of the dot pattern of four gradations, gradation recording with high resolution can be performed even if thermal transfer of a small dot diameter is difficult.
When the ink ribbon RC of the high definition ink is mounted on the ink cassette RC and the normal image receiving paper is mounted on the cassette case HS0, the gradation pattern table 17 of the gradation pattern 4 is automatically printed. The table 18 for the amount of energy for forming dots is selected, and the heating element is selectively energized on the basis of the gradation pattern 4 so that 8.
Since the dots of the gradation dot pattern are thermally transferred, recording of a larger number of gradations than the gradation pattern 1 can be performed, and multi-gradation recording can be performed while maintaining the resolution. When the ink ribbon IR of the high definition ink is mounted and the dedicated image receiving paper is mounted, the gradation pattern table 12 of the gradation pattern 2 and the table 13 of the amount of energy for forming printing dots are automatically generated. Is selected, and the heating element is selectively energized based on the gradation pattern 2 to thermally transfer the pixels of the 16-gradation dot pattern, so that thermal transfer with more gradations can be performed. Thus, multi-gradation recording with higher resolution and higher image quality can be performed. Further, since the ink ribbon IR can be housed in a small ink cassette RC, the thermal recording apparatus 1 can be made more compact, and by replacing the ink cassette RC, a predetermined number of gradations corresponding to each image receiving paper can be obtained. Recording can be performed automatically.

Next, a thermal recording apparatus according to a fourth embodiment will be described. The structure of the thermal recording device and the control device according to the fourth embodiment is similar to that of the thermal recording device 1 according to the first embodiment.
And the configuration of the control device CP. The multi-gradation printing process performed by the control device CP of the thermal recording apparatus 1 according to the fourth embodiment having the above-described configuration will be described with reference to FIGS. 8, 9, 16, 20, and 21. FIG.
FIG. 20 is a flowchart of the multi-tone printing process according to the fourth embodiment. FIG. 21 is a gradation pattern table showing the gradation pattern 5 of the pixel according to the fourth embodiment. First,
When a character key or the like of the keyboard 3 is operated to create a sentence containing a graphic image including a gradation expression, the sentence data is stored in the text memory of the RAM.

Next, as shown in FIG. 20, the presence or absence of a concave portion of each of the marking portions RS1 to RS5 formed on the ink cassette RC is detected by the detection sensor SQ, and the ink attached to the ink cassette RC is detected. The type of ink of the ribbon IR is identified (S1). When the ink of the ink ribbon IR is the ink for resistance, (S1: YE
S), the gradation pattern table 10 (see FIG. 8) of the gradation pattern 1 of the pixel stored in the ROM is read out and stored in the RAM (S2). Next, the table 11 (see FIG. 9) indicating the number of pulses of the pulse train to be applied to each selected heating element is stored in advance in correspondence with the amount of formation energy of the print dot in the gradation pattern 1. The data is read from the ROM and stored in the RAM (S3).

Next, when the print key of the keyboard 3 is pressed to start printing, the document data stored in the text memory, the printing dot pattern data and the graphic pattern data in the ROM, and the RAM are stored in the RAM. Print data corresponding to each gradation level is created based on the gradation pattern table 10 and stored in the print buffer. Then, based on the print data and the table 11 stored in the RAM, the recording head H
A pulse train of the number of pulses (N = 63) as an amount of energy for forming each dot is applied to each selected heating element of D,
Multi-tone recording of four tones is performed (S4).

When the ink of the ink ribbon IR is the ink for high definition (S1: NO), the detection sensor SR determines whether or not there is a concave portion of each of the marking portions HS1 to HS4 formed on the cassette case HS0. Then, the type of the recording medium D2 mounted on the cassette case HS0 is identified (S5). Then, when the recording medium D2 is ordinary image receiving paper (S5: YES), the gradation pattern table 10 of the gradation pattern 1 of the pixel stored in the ROM is read out and stored in the RAM. (S2). Next, the table 11 indicating the number of pulses of the pulse train applied to each of the selected heating elements is read out and stored in the RAM in accordance with the amount of formation energy of the print dot in the gradation pattern 1 (S3).

Next, when the print key of the keyboard 3 is pressed to start printing, the document data stored in the text memory, the printing dot pattern data and the graphic pattern data in the ROM, and the RAM are stored in the RAM. Print data corresponding to each gradation level is created based on the gradation pattern table 10 and stored in the print buffer. Then, based on the print data and the table 11 stored in the RAM, the recording head H
A pulse train of the number of pulses (N = 63) as an amount of energy for forming each dot is applied to each selected heating element of D,
Multi-tone recording of four tones is performed (S4).

If the recording medium D2 is a dedicated image receiving paper (S5: NO), the gradation pattern table 1 of the gradation pattern 5 of the pixels stored in the ROM in advance is used.
9 (see FIG. 21) and stored in the RAM (S25). Next, the table 16 indicating the number of pulses of the pulse train applied to each of the selected heating elements corresponding to the amount of print dot formation energy in the gradation pattern 5 is shown.
(See FIG. 16) is read from the ROM stored in advance and stored in the RAM (S22).

Here, the configuration of each pixel corresponding to each gradation level of the gradation pattern 5 will be described with reference to FIG. As shown in FIG. 21, the pixels of the gradation pattern 5 are constituted by a matrix of 2 × 2 = 4 dots,
9a, 19b, 19c, and 19d are given a printing priority in this order in the clockwise direction. The amount of energy for forming each dot is set to eight levels. Thereby, the pixel of the gradation pattern 1 can express 32 gradations.
That is, in the dot pattern of the pixel of the gradation level 1, the formation energy amount 1 is added to the dot 19a. In the dot pattern of the pixel of the gradation level 2, the formation energy amount 1 is added to each of the dots 19a and 19b. Also, gradation level 3
In the dot pattern of the pixel No. 1, a formation energy amount 1 is assigned to each of the dots 19a, 19b, and 19c. In the dot pattern of the pixel of the gradation level 4, a formation energy amount 1 is assigned to each of the dots 19a, 19b, 19c, and 19d. Next, in the dot pattern of the pixel of gradation level 5, the formation energy amount 2 is applied to the dots 19a, and the formation energy amount 1 is applied to the dots 19b, 19c, 19d. In the dot pattern of the pixel having the gradation level 6, the formation energy amount 2 is applied to each of the dots 19a and 19b, and the formation energy amount 1 is applied to each of the dots 19c and 19d. Gradation level 7
In the dot pattern of the pixel, the formation energy amount 2 is assigned to each of the dots 19a, 19b, 19c, and the formation energy amount 1
Is added to the dot 19d. The dot pattern of the pixel of the gradation level 8 is such that the formation energy amount 2 is equal to each dot 19a, 1
9b, 19c and 19d. Next, gradation level 9
In the dot pattern of the pixel, the formation energy amount 3 is added to the dot 19a, and the formation energy amount 2 is assigned to each dot 19b,
19c and 19d. Further, the dot pattern of the pixel of the gradation level 10 is such that the formation energy amount 3 is equal to each dot 1.
9a and 19b, the amount of forming energy 2 is
9c and 19d. The dot pattern of the pixel of the gradation level 11 is such that the formation energy amount 3 is equal to each dot 19a, 1
9b and 19c, the formation energy amount 2
attached to d. The dot pattern of the pixel of the gradation level 12 is such that the formation energy amount 3 is equal to each of the dots 19a, 19b, 19
c, 19d. Hereinafter, similarly, each dot 19a,
The formation energy amounts 4 to 7 are sequentially added to 19b, 19c, and 19d to form dot patterns of gradation levels 13 to 28. In the dot pattern of the gradation level 29, the formation energy amount 8 is assigned to the dots 19a, and the formation energy amount 7 is assigned to the dots 19b, 19c, 19d. In the dot pattern of the gradation level 30, the formation energy amount 8 is assigned to each of the dots 19a and 19b, and the formation energy amount 7 is assigned to each of the dots 19c and 19d. In the dot pattern of the gradation level 31, the formation energy amount 8 is assigned to each of the dots 19a, 19b, 19c, and the formation energy amount 7 is assigned to the dot 19d. In the dot pattern of the gradation level 32, the formation energy amount 8 has the dots 19a, 1
9b, 19c and 19d. Further, the amount of energy for forming the print dots of the gradation pattern 5 will be described with reference to FIG. As shown in FIG. 16, the formation energy amount of each dot in the gradation pattern 5 has eight steps, and the number N of applied pulses for each formation energy amount is 2 when the formation energy amount is 1, and the formation energy amount is N. When 2, the formation energy amount is 3, 6 pulses, when the formation energy amount is 4, 8 pulses, and the formation energy amount is 5.
Is 12 pulses, and when the amount of forming energy is 6, 20 pulses
The pulse is set to 32 pulses when the formation energy amount is 7, and to 63 pulses when the formation energy amount is 8.

Next, when the print key of the keyboard 3 is pressed to start printing, the document data stored in the text memory, the printing dot pattern data and the graphic pattern data in the ROM, and the RAM are stored in the RAM. Print data corresponding to each gradation level is created based on the gradation pattern table 19 and stored in the print buffer. Then, based on the print data and the table 16 stored in the RAM, the recording head H
A pulse train of the number of pulses corresponding to the amount of formation energy of each dot is applied to each selected heating element of D, and multi-gradation recording of 32 gradations is performed (S4).

The application of a pulse train of a predetermined number of pulses as the amount of print dot formation energy corresponding to each gradation level is performed in the same manner as the dot printing process performed in the control device CP according to the first embodiment.

As described in detail above, in the thermal recording apparatus 1 of the fourth embodiment, when a character key or the like of the keyboard 3 is operated to create a sentence containing a graphic image including a gradation expression, the control device Under the control of the CP, the sentence data is stored in the text memory of the RAM.
Further, the detection cassette SQ detects the ink cassette RC.
The presence / absence of a concave portion of each of the marker portions RS1 to RS5 formed in the ink cassette RC is detected, and the type of ink of the ink ribbon IR attached to the ink cassette RC is identified. At the same time, the presence / absence of a concave portion of each of the marking portions HS1 to HS4 formed on the cassette case HS0 is detected by the detection sensor SR,
Recording medium D2 mounted in cassette case HS0
Identify the type. If the ink of the ink ribbon IR attached to the ink cassette RC is the ink for resistance, the gradation pattern tables 10 and 11 stored in the ROM are read out, and the RAM is read out.
To be stored. When the printing key of the keyboard 3 is pressed to start printing, the document data stored in the text memory, the printing dot pattern data and the graphic pattern data in the ROM, and the gradation pattern table stored in the RAM are stored. 10, print data corresponding to each gradation level is created and stored in the print buffer. Then, based on the print data and the table 11 stored in the RAM, a pulse train of the number of pulses (N = 63) as the amount of energy for forming each dot is applied to each selected heating element of the recording head HD. And multi-tone recording of four tones is performed. When the ink of the ink ribbon IR is high-definition ink and the recording medium D2 is ordinary image receiving paper, the gradation pattern table 10 and the table 1 stored in the ROM in advance are used.
1 is read and stored in the RAM. When the printing key of the keyboard 3 is pressed to start printing, the document data stored in the text memory, the printing dot pattern data and the graphic pattern data in the ROM, and the gradation pattern table stored in the RAM are stored. 10
Based on the above, print data corresponding to each gradation level is created and stored in the print buffer. Then, the print data and the table 11 stored in the RAM are read.
And the number of pulses (N = 6) as the amount of energy for forming each dot to each selected heating element of the recording head HD based on
The pulse train of 3) is applied, and multi-gradation recording of four gradations is performed. Further, when the ink of the ink ribbon IR is high definition ink and the recording medium D2 is a dedicated image receiving paper, the gradation pattern table 19 and the table 16 stored in the ROM are read out. , Stored in the RAM. When the printing key of the keyboard 3 is pressed to start printing, the document data stored in the text memory, the printing dot pattern data and the graphic pattern data in the ROM, and the gradation pattern table stored in the RAM are stored. 19, print data corresponding to each gradation level is created and stored in the print buffer. Then, based on the print data and the table 16 stored in the RAM, the recording head HD
Is applied to each of the selected heating elements, and a multi-tone recording of 32 tones is performed. Therefore, the ink cassette R
When the ink ribbon IR of the ink for resistance is attached to C, the gradation pattern table 10 of the gradation pattern 1 and the table 1 of the amount of energy for forming the printing dots are automatically generated.
1 is selected and the heating element of the recording head HD is selectively energized based on the gradation pattern 1 to thermally transfer the pixels of the dot pattern of four gradations. Even if it is difficult, gradation recording with high resolution can be performed. Also, an ink ribbon IR of high definition ink is mounted on the ink cassette RC, and the set case HS
When the ordinary image receiving paper is set to 0, the gradation pattern table 10 of the gradation pattern 1 and the table 11 of the amount of energy for forming the printing dot are automatically selected, and based on the gradation pattern 1, In this case, the heating element is selectively energized to thermally transfer the pixels of the dot pattern of four gradations, so that multi-gradation recording with high resolution can be performed even when thermal transfer of a small dot diameter is difficult. Further, when the ink ribbon IR of the high definition ink is mounted and the dedicated image receiving paper is mounted, the gradation pattern table 19 of the gradation pattern 5 and the table 16 of the printing dot formation energy amount are automatically set. Is selected, and the heating element is selectively energized based on the gradation pattern 5 to thermally transfer pixels of a dot pattern of 32 gradations, so that thermal transfer with a small dot diameter can be performed. Multi-gradation recording with higher resolution and higher image quality is possible. Further, since the ink ribbon IR can be housed in a small ink cassette RC, the thermal recording apparatus 1 can be made more compact, and by replacing the ink cassette RC, a predetermined number of gradations corresponding to each image receiving paper can be obtained. Recording can be performed automatically.

Next, a thermosensitive recording apparatus according to a fifth embodiment will be described. The configuration of the thermal recording device and the control device according to the fifth embodiment is similar to that of the thermal recording device 1 according to the first embodiment.
And the configuration of the control device CP. The multi-gradation printing process performed by the control device CP of the thermal recording apparatus 1 according to the fifth embodiment having the above-described configuration will be described with reference to FIGS. 8, 9, 16, 18, 19, and 22. explain. FIG. 22 is a flowchart of the multi-tone printing process according to the fifth embodiment. First, when a character key or the like of the keyboard 3 is operated to generate a text containing a graphic image including a gradation expression, the text data is stored in the text memory of the RAM.

Next, as shown in FIG. 22, the presence / absence of a concave portion of each of the marking portions RS1 to RS5 formed on the ink cassette RC is detected by the detection sensor SQ, and the ink attached to the ink cassette RC is detected. The type of ink of the ribbon IR is identified (S1). When the ink of the ink ribbon IR is the ink for resistance, (S1: YE
S), the gradation pattern table 10 (see FIG. 8) of the gradation pattern 1 of the pixel stored in the ROM is read out and stored in the RAM (S2). Next, the table 11 (see FIG. 9) indicating the number of pulses of the pulse train to be applied to each selected heating element is stored in advance in correspondence with the amount of formation energy of the print dot in the gradation pattern 1. The data is read from the ROM and stored in the RAM (S3).

Next, when the print key of the keyboard 3 is pressed to start printing, the document data stored in the text memory, the printing dot pattern data and the graphic pattern data in the ROM, and the RAM are stored in the RAM. Print data corresponding to each gradation level is created based on the gradation pattern table 10 and stored in the print buffer. Then, based on the print data and the table 11 stored in the RAM, the recording head H
A pulse train of the number of pulses (N = 63) as an amount of energy for forming each dot is applied to each selected heating element of D,
Multi-tone recording of four tones is performed (S4).

When the ink of the ink ribbon IR is high-definition ink (S1: NO), the presence or absence of the concave portions of the marking portions HS1 to HS4 formed on the cassette case HS0 by the detection sensor SR is determined. Then, the type of the recording medium D2 mounted on the cassette case HS0 is identified (S5). Then, when the recording medium D2 is ordinary image receiving paper (S5: YES), the gradation pattern table 17 (see FIG. 18) of the gradation pattern 4 of the pixels stored in the ROM is read out. , The RA
It is stored in M (S23). Next, the table 18 (see FIG. 19) indicating the number of pulses of the pulse train applied to each selected heating element is read out in accordance with the amount of formation energy of the print dot in the gradation pattern 4, and stored in the RAM. (S24).

Next, when the print key of the keyboard 3 is pressed to start printing, the document data stored in the text memory, the print dot pattern data and the graphic pattern data in the ROM, and the RAM are stored in the RAM. Based on the gradation pattern table 17, print data corresponding to each gradation level is created and stored in the print buffer. Then, based on the print data and the table 18 stored in the RAM, the recording head H
A pulse train having the number of pulses as the amount of energy for forming each dot is applied to each of the selected heating elements D, and multi-tone recording of eight gradations is performed (S4).

When the recording medium D2 is a dedicated image receiving paper (S5: NO), the gradation pattern table 19 (see FIG. 21) of the gradation pattern 5 of the pixels stored in the ROM in advance. ) Is read and stored in the RAM (S25). Next, the above Table 1 showing the number of pulses of the pulse train applied to each selected heating element corresponding to the amount of energy for forming the printing dots in the gradation pattern 5
6 (see FIG. 16) is read from the ROM stored in advance and stored in the RAM (S22).

Next, when the printing key of the keyboard 3 is pressed to start printing, the document data stored in the text memory, the printing dot pattern data and the graphic pattern data in the ROM, and the RAM are stored in the RAM. Print data corresponding to each gradation level is created based on the gradation pattern table 19 and stored in the print buffer. Then, based on the print data and the table 16 stored in the RAM, the recording head H
A pulse train of the number of pulses corresponding to the amount of formation energy of each dot is applied to each selected heating element of D, and multi-gradation recording of 32 gradations is performed (S4).

The application of a pulse train of a predetermined number of pulses as the amount of print dot formation energy corresponding to each gradation level is performed in the same manner as the dot printing process performed in the control device CP according to the first embodiment.

As described in detail above, in the thermal recording apparatus 1 of the fifth embodiment, when a character key or the like of the keyboard 3 is operated to create a sentence containing a graphic image including a gradation expression, the control device Under the control of the CP, the sentence data is stored in the text memory of the RAM.
Further, the detection cassette SQ detects the ink cassette RC.
The presence / absence of a concave portion of each of the marker portions RS1 to RS5 formed in the ink cassette RC is detected, and the type of ink of the ink ribbon IR attached to the ink cassette RC is identified. At the same time, the presence / absence of a concave portion of each of the marking portions HS1 to HS4 formed on the cassette case HS0 is detected by the detection sensor SR,
Recording medium D2 mounted in cassette case HS0
Identify the type. If the ink of the ink ribbon IR attached to the ink cassette RC is the ink for resistance, the gradation pattern tables 10 and 11 stored in the ROM are read out, and the RAM is read out.
To be stored. When the printing key of the keyboard 3 is pressed to start printing, the document data stored in the text memory, the printing dot pattern data and the graphic pattern data in the ROM, and the gradation pattern table stored in the RAM are stored. 10, print data corresponding to each gradation level is created and stored in the print buffer. Then, based on the print data and the table 11 stored in the RAM, a pulse train of the number of pulses (N = 63) as the amount of energy for forming each dot is applied to each selected heating element of the recording head HD. And multi-tone recording of four tones is performed. When the ink of the ink ribbon IR is high definition ink and the recording medium D2 is ordinary image receiving paper, the gradation pattern table 17 and the table 1 stored in the ROM in advance are used.
8 is read and stored in the RAM. When the printing key of the keyboard 3 is pressed to start printing, the document data stored in the text memory, the printing dot pattern data and the graphic pattern data in the ROM, and the gradation pattern table stored in the RAM are stored. 17
Based on the above, print data corresponding to each gradation level is created and stored in the print buffer. Then, the print data and the table 18 stored in the RAM are stored.
Then, a pulse train of the number of pulses as the amount of energy for forming each dot is applied to each of the selected heating elements of the recording head HD, and multi-gradation recording of eight gradations is performed. further,
When the ink of the ink ribbon IR is high-definition ink and the recording medium D2 is a dedicated image receiving paper, RO
The gradation pattern table 19 stored in advance in M
And the table 16 are read and stored in the RAM. When the printing key of the keyboard 3 is pressed to start printing, the document data stored in the text memory, the printing dot pattern data and the graphic pattern data in the ROM, and the gradation pattern table stored in the RAM are stored. 19, print data corresponding to each gradation level is created and stored in the print buffer.
Then, based on the print data and the table 16 stored in the RAM, a pulse train of the number of pulses corresponding to the amount of energy for forming each dot is applied to each of the selected heating elements of the recording head HD. Is performed. Therefore, when the ink ribbon IR of the resistance ink is attached to the ink cassette RC, the gradation pattern table 10 of the gradation pattern 1 and the table 11 of the amount of energy for forming the printing dots are automatically selected. The recording head HD based on the gradation pattern 1.
Since the heating element is selectively energized to thermally transfer the pixels of the dot pattern of four gradations, gradation recording with high resolution can be performed even if thermal transfer of a small dot diameter is difficult. When the ink ribbon IR of the high definition ink is mounted on the ink cassette RC and the ordinary image receiving paper is mounted on the set case HS0, the gradation pattern 4 is automatically set.
The gradation pattern table 17 and the table 18 of print dot formation energy amount are selected, and the gradation pattern 4 is selected.
In this case, the heating element is selectively energized based on the above, and the pixels of the dot pattern of eight gradations are thermally transferred, so that multi-gradation recording with high resolution can be performed even if the thermal transfer of a small dot diameter is difficult. . In addition, the ink ribbon IR of high definition ink
Is mounted and the dedicated image receiving paper is mounted, the gradation pattern table 19 of the gradation pattern 5 is automatically set.
And the table 16 of the amount of energy for forming the print dots are selected, and the heating element is selectively energized based on the gradation pattern 5 to thermally transfer the pixels of the dot pattern of 32 gradations. Thermal transfer with a dot diameter can be performed, and multi-gradation recording with higher resolution and higher image quality can be performed.
Further, the ink ribbon IR is transferred to a small ink cassette RC.
Therefore, the thermal recording apparatus 1 can be made more compact, and a predetermined multi-tone recording corresponding to each image receiving paper can be automatically performed by replacing the ink cassette RC.

The present invention is not limited to the above-described first to fifth embodiments. Of course, various improvements and modifications can be made without departing from the scope of the present invention. The following may be performed. (A) In the above embodiment, each of the tables 11, 13, 1
Although the number of pulses for each gradation is set in accordance with Nos. 6, 18, each of the tables 11, 13,
The number of pulses 16 and 18 may be changed. (B) In the embodiment, each of the tables 11, 13, 1
Although the maximum number of pulses of 6 and 18 is set to 63 pulses, the application time T1 may be increased, and the application time T2 and the OFF time Toff may be shortened to increase the maximum number of pulses. (C) In the above embodiment, 2 × 2 = 4 dots are used as the matrix forming the pixels of each of the gradation patterns 1, 4, and 5. However, an arbitrary m × n dot (m and n are integers) matrix is used. You may. (D) In the above embodiment, the setting of the amount of energy for forming the printing dots of the gradation pattern 2 is performed in 16 steps, but may be performed in any number of setting steps. (E) In the above-described embodiment, the setting of the formation energy amount of the print dot of the gradation pattern 3 is performed in eight steps. , More arbitrary setting stages. (F) In the above-described embodiment, the setting of the amount of energy for forming the print dots of the gradation pattern 4 is performed in two steps. However, more arbitrary setting steps may be performed. (G) In the above embodiment, the setting of the formation energy amount of the print dot of the gradation pattern 5 is performed in eight steps, but may be performed in more arbitrary setting steps. (H) In the above-described embodiment, dot printing was performed by applying a pulse train to each heating element and changing the number of pulses in the pulse train, but the application time and applied voltage of the pulse applied to each heating element were changed. In this way, print dots corresponding to each gradation may be formed.

[0120]

As described above, in the thermal recording apparatus according to the first aspect, the type of the ink medium is detected by the ink medium detecting means, and the type of the ink medium is detected by the multi-gradation recording control means. The recording pattern of the pixels thus read is read out from the pixel pattern storage means, and based on this recording pattern, each heating element of the thermal head is selectively energized to perform multi-gradation recording. As a result, the recording pattern of the pixel suitable for the type of the ink medium is automatically selected, and the multi-gradation recording is performed based on the recording pattern. A possible thermal recording device can be provided.

In the thermal recording apparatus according to the second aspect, the type of the recording medium is detected by the recording medium detecting means, and the pixel corresponding to the detected type of the recording medium is detected by the multi-gradation recording control means. Is read out from the pixel pattern storage means, and based on this recording pattern, the heating elements of the thermal head are selectively energized to perform multi-gradation printing. As a result, the recording pattern of the pixel suitable for the type of the recording medium is automatically selected, and the multi-gradation recording is performed based on the recording pattern. And a thermosensitive recording device capable of performing the above.

In the thermal recording apparatus according to the third aspect, the type of the ink medium is detected by the ink medium detecting means, and the type of the recording medium is detected by the recording medium detecting means. Then, the multi-gradation recording control unit reads out the pixel recording pattern corresponding to the combination of the detected type of the ink medium and the type of the recording medium from the pixel pattern storage unit, and based on the recording pattern, Multi-gradation printing is performed by selectively energizing each heating element of the head. Thereby, the recording pattern of the pixel suitable for the combination of the type of the ink medium and the type of the recording medium is automatically selected, and the multi-gradation recording is performed based on the recording pattern. The present invention can provide a thermal recording apparatus capable of performing multi-gradation recording by using the above.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in the thermal recording apparatus of the first or third aspect, one of two types of ink media having different thermal diffusivities is selectively mounted. It is possible to provide a thermosensitive recording device capable of performing the above.

In the thermal recording apparatus according to the fifth aspect, in the thermal recording apparatus according to the fourth aspect, when the ink medium is detected as the first ink medium by the ink medium detecting means, the second recording medium may be used. 1) The recording control means selectively energizes the heating element based on the first recording pattern, and when it is detected that the ink medium is the second ink medium, the second recording control means By selectively energizing the heating elements based on the two recording patterns, multi-tone recording of pixels is performed. Thus, when the first ink medium is mounted, the heating elements are automatically selectively energized based on the first recording pattern, and pixels of a predetermined dot pattern are thermally transferred. It is possible to provide a thermal recording apparatus capable of performing multi-gradation recording with high resolution even if thermal transfer of the dot diameter is difficult. Further, when the second ink medium having a higher thermal diffusivity than the first ink medium is mounted, the heating element is automatically selectively energized based on the second recording pattern, and a predetermined dot is formed. Since the pixels of the pattern are thermally transferred, thermal transfer with a small dot diameter can be performed, and recording with a larger number of gradations than with the first recording pattern becomes possible. A recording device can be provided.

In the thermal recording apparatus according to a sixth aspect, in the thermal recording apparatus according to the fourth aspect, when the ink medium is detected as the first ink medium by the ink medium detecting means, the second recording medium is used. The first recording control means selectively energizes the heating elements based on the first recording pattern, and when it is detected that the ink medium is the second ink medium, the third recording control means By selectively energizing the heating elements based on the three recording patterns, multi-tone recording of pixels is performed. Thus, when the first ink medium is mounted, the heating elements are automatically selectively energized based on the first recording pattern, and pixels of a predetermined dot pattern are thermally transferred. It is possible to provide a thermal recording apparatus capable of performing multi-gradation recording with high resolution even if thermal transfer of the dot diameter is difficult. Further, when the second ink medium having a higher thermal diffusivity than the first ink medium is mounted, the heating element is automatically selectively energized based on the third recording pattern, and a predetermined dot is formed. Since the pixels of the pattern are thermally transferred, thermal transfer with a small dot diameter can be performed, and recording with a larger number of gradations than with the first recording pattern becomes possible. A recording device can be provided.

Further, in the thermal recording apparatus according to the seventh aspect, the thermal recording apparatus according to the second or third aspect is subjected to a surface treatment for improving the transferability of the ink, and is not performed. It is possible to provide a thermal recording apparatus capable of selectively mounting either one of the two types of recording media.

In the thermal recording apparatus according to the present invention, when the recording medium detecting means detects that the recording medium is the first recording medium, the recording medium detecting means detects the first recording medium. Means that the fourth recording control means selectively energizes the heating elements based on the fourth recording pattern and, if the recording medium is detected to be the second recording medium, the fifth recording The controller performs multi-tone printing of pixels by selectively energizing the heating elements based on the fifth printing pattern. Accordingly, when the first recording medium is mounted, the heating element is automatically selectively energized based on the fourth recording pattern, and pixels of a predetermined dot pattern are thermally transferred. It is possible to provide a thermal recording apparatus capable of performing multi-tone recording with high resolution even when thermal transfer of a small dot diameter is difficult. When a second recording medium that has been subjected to a surface treatment for improving ink transferability is mounted, the heating element is automatically selectively energized based on a fifth recording pattern, Since the pixels of the predetermined dot pattern are thermally transferred, thermal transfer with a small dot diameter can be performed, and recording with a larger number of gradations than with the fourth recording pattern can be performed. A possible thermal recording device can be provided.

According to a ninth aspect of the present invention, in the thermal recording apparatus according to the ninth aspect, when the recording medium is detected to be the first recording medium by the recording medium detecting means. Means that the sixth recording control means selectively energizes the heating elements based on the sixth recording pattern and, if the recording medium is detected to be the second recording medium, the seventh recording control means The controller performs multi-gradation recording of pixels by selectively energizing the heating elements based on the seventh recording pattern. Accordingly, when the first recording medium is mounted, the heating element is automatically selectively energized based on the sixth recording pattern, and pixels of a predetermined dot pattern are thermally transferred. It is possible to provide a thermal recording apparatus capable of performing multi-gradation recording with high resolution even when thermal transfer of a small dot diameter is difficult. Further, when the second recording medium subjected to the surface treatment for improving the ink transfer property is mounted, the heating element is automatically selectively energized based on the seventh recording pattern, Since the pixels of the predetermined dot pattern are thermally transferred, thermal transfer with a small dot diameter can be performed, and recording with a larger number of gradations than with the sixth recording pattern becomes possible. A possible thermal recording device can be provided.

According to a tenth aspect of the present invention, in the thermal recording apparatus according to the seventh aspect, when the recording medium detecting means detects that the recording medium is the first recording medium. Means that the eighth recording control means selectively energizes the heating element based on the eighth recording pattern and, if the recording medium is detected to be the second recording medium, the ninth recording The controller performs multi-gradation recording of pixels by selectively energizing the heating elements based on the ninth recording pattern. Accordingly, when the first recording medium is mounted, the heating element is automatically selectively energized based on the eighth recording pattern, and pixels of a predetermined dot pattern are thermally transferred. It is possible to provide a thermal recording apparatus capable of performing multi-gradation recording with high resolution even when thermal transfer of a small dot diameter is difficult. Further, when the second recording medium that has been subjected to the surface treatment for improving the ink transfer property is mounted, the heating element is automatically selectively energized based on the ninth recording pattern, Since the pixels of the predetermined dot pattern are thermally transferred, thermal transfer with a small dot diameter can be performed, recording with more gradations than the eighth recording pattern is possible, and multi-gradation recording can be performed while maintaining resolution. A possible thermal recording device can be provided.

In the thermal recording apparatus according to the eleventh aspect, in the thermal recording apparatus according to the seventh aspect, when the recording medium detecting means detects that the recording medium is the first recording medium. Means that the fourth recording control means selectively energizes the heating elements based on the fourth recording pattern, and, if the recording medium is detected to be the second recording medium, the eighth recording The controller performs multi-gradation recording of pixels by selectively energizing the heating elements based on the eighth recording pattern. Accordingly, when the first recording medium is mounted, the heating element is automatically selectively energized based on the fourth recording pattern, and pixels of a predetermined dot pattern are thermally transferred. It is possible to provide a thermal recording apparatus capable of performing multi-tone recording with high resolution even when thermal transfer of a small dot diameter is difficult. Further, when the second recording medium having been subjected to the surface treatment for improving the ink transfer property is mounted, the heating element is automatically selectively energized based on the eighth recording pattern, Since the pixels of the predetermined dot pattern are thermally transferred, thermal transfer with a small dot diameter can be performed, and recording with a larger number of gradations than with the fourth recording pattern becomes possible, and multi-gradation recording can be performed while maintaining the resolution. A possible thermal recording device can be provided.

According to a twelfth aspect of the present invention, in the thermal recording apparatus according to the seventh aspect, when the recording medium detecting means detects that the recording medium is the first recording medium. Means that the tenth recording control means
The heating element is selectively energized based on the recording pattern, and when it is detected that the recording medium is the second recording medium, the eleventh recording control unit controls the heating element based on the eleventh recording pattern. By selectively energizing the heating element,
Multi-tone recording of pixels is performed. Accordingly, when the first recording medium is mounted, the heating elements are automatically selectively energized based on the tenth recording pattern, and pixels of a predetermined dot pattern are thermally transferred. It is possible to provide a thermal recording apparatus capable of performing multi-gradation recording with high resolution even when thermal transfer of a small dot diameter is difficult. Further, when the second recording medium subjected to the surface treatment for improving the ink transfer property is mounted, the heating element is automatically selectively energized based on the eleventh recording pattern, Since the pixels of the predetermined dot pattern are thermally transferred, thermal transfer with a small dot diameter can be performed, and recording with a larger number of gradations than with the tenth recording pattern becomes possible, and multi-gradation recording can be performed while maintaining the resolution. A possible thermal recording device can be provided.

In the thermal recording apparatus according to the thirteenth aspect, any one of the fifth to sixth or eighth to twelfth aspects is preferred.
In the thermal recording apparatus described in any one of the above, each recording control means,
It is possible to provide a thermal recording apparatus capable of selectively energizing the heating elements according to a recording pattern based on the first to ninth forming energy amounts stored in the energy amount recording unit.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a thermal recording apparatus according to a first embodiment.

FIG. 2 is a front view of a cross section of a main body frame of the thermal recording apparatus according to the first embodiment.

FIG. 3 is a plan view of a cross section of a main body frame of the thermal recording apparatus according to the first embodiment.

4A and 4B are diagrams illustrating a printing state of a wide recording medium of the thermal recording apparatus according to the first embodiment, wherein FIG. 4A is a side sectional view including the recording medium, and FIG. FIG.

FIG. 5 is a front view showing a mounting state of the ink cassette of the thermal recording apparatus according to the first embodiment.

FIG. 6 is a block diagram illustrating a control configuration of the thermal recording apparatus according to the first embodiment.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart of a multi-tone printing process according to the first embodiment.

FIG. 8 is a gradation pattern table showing a gradation pattern 1 of a pixel according to the first embodiment.

FIG. 9 is a table showing the number of pulses of a pulse train applied to each selected heating element in accordance with the amount of formation energy of print dots in gradation pattern 1 according to the first embodiment.

FIG. 10 is a gradation pattern table showing a gradation pattern 2 of a pixel according to the first embodiment.

FIG. 11 is a table showing the number of pulses of a pulse train applied to each selected heating element in accordance with the formation energy amount of print dots in the gradation pattern 2 according to the first embodiment.

FIG. 12 is a flowchart of a dot printing process performed in the control device CP according to the first embodiment.

FIG. 13 illustrates a dot printing process 63 according to the first embodiment.
5 is a time chart when a pulse is applied.

FIG. 14 is a flowchart of a multi-tone printing process according to the second embodiment.

FIG. 15 is a gradation pattern table showing gradation patterns 3 of pixels according to the second embodiment.

FIG. 16 is a table showing the number of pulses of a pulse train applied to each selected heating element in accordance with the amount of print dot formation energy in the gradation pattern 3 according to the second embodiment.

FIG. 17 is a flowchart of a multi-tone printing process according to the third embodiment.

FIG. 18 is a gradation pattern table showing a gradation pattern 4 of a pixel according to the third embodiment.

FIG. 19 is a table showing the number of pulses of a pulse train to be applied to each selected heating element, corresponding to the amount of print dot formation energy in the gradation pattern 4 according to the third embodiment.

FIG. 20 is a flowchart of a multi-tone printing process according to a fourth embodiment.

FIG. 21 is a gradation pattern table showing gradation patterns 5 of pixels according to the fourth embodiment.

FIG. 22 is a flowchart of a multi-tone printing process according to the fifth embodiment.

[Explanation of symbols]

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Thermal recording device HD recording head D2 Recording medium SQ detection sensor SN, SL, SM Step motor IR Ink ribbon RC Ink cassette CH Carriage conveyance mechanism QH Recording medium conveyance mechanism 10, 12, 15, 17, 19 Gradation pattern Table 11, 13, 16, 18 Table

Claims (13)

[Claims] 1. A thermal head provided with a plurality of heating elements, a heating drive means for selectively driving the heating elements to generate heat, an ink medium, and a recording medium. In a thermal recording apparatus for performing thermal recording on a recording medium, an ink medium detecting unit for detecting a type of the ink medium, and a pixel pattern storage in which a recording pattern of a plurality of sets of pixels corresponding to the type of the ink medium is stored in advance. Means for performing multi-gradation recording of pixels by selectively energizing the heating element based on a recording pattern of the pixel corresponding to the type of ink medium detected by the ink medium detecting means. A thermal recording device comprising a control unit. 2. A thermal head provided with a plurality of heating elements, a heating driving means for selectively driving the heating elements to generate heat, an ink medium, and a recording medium, wherein the recording medium is provided via the ink medium. In a thermal recording apparatus that performs thermal recording on a recording medium, a recording medium detection unit that detects a type of the recording medium, and a recording pattern of a plurality of sets of pixels corresponding to the type of the recording medium are stored in advance. Pixel pattern storage means, based on the recording pattern of the pixel corresponding to the type of the recording medium detected by the recording medium detection means, selectively energizing the heating element to perform multi-tone recording of the pixel And a multi-gradation recording control unit. 3. A thermal head provided with a plurality of heating elements, a heating driving means for selectively driving the heating elements to generate heat, an ink medium, and a recording medium. In a thermal recording apparatus for performing thermal recording on a recording medium, an ink medium detecting unit for detecting a type of the ink medium, a recording medium detecting unit for detecting a type of the recording medium, a type of the ink medium, A pixel pattern storage unit in which a recording pattern of a plurality of sets of pixels corresponding to a combination with the type of the recording medium is stored in advance; Multi-gradation printing in which the heating element is selectively energized based on a recording pattern of the pixel corresponding to a combination with the type of medium to perform multi-gradation recording of pixels Thermal recording apparatus characterized by comprising a control means. 4. The ink medium according to claim 1, wherein the ink medium is made of one of a first ink medium and a second ink medium having a higher thermal diffusivity than the first ink medium. Thermal recording device. 5. The multi-gradation recording control means, wherein the pixel is composed of a matrix of a plurality of dots, and the heat generation is performed based on a first recording pattern composed of a predetermined dot pattern formed in the matrix. First recording control means for selectively energizing the element; and a predetermined dot pattern in which the pixel is formed of one dot and a multi-valued first forming energy amount for forming the dot is allocated. Second recording control means for selectively energizing the heating element based on the second recording pattern to be applied, wherein the ink medium is detected by the ink medium detecting means.
When it is detected that the recording medium is an ink medium, the first recording control unit conducts electricity, and when it is detected that the ink medium is the second recording medium, heat is generated by the second recording control unit. The thermal recording apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the element is energized. 6. The multi-gradation recording control means, wherein the pixel is composed of a matrix of a plurality of dots, and the heat generation is performed based on a first recording pattern composed of a predetermined dot pattern formed in the matrix. First recording control means for selectively energizing the elements; and the pixel is composed of a matrix of a plurality of dots, and the dots in the matrix are increased by one in a predetermined order as the gradation density increases. When the initial value of the multi-valued second forming energy amount forming the dot is assigned and the initial value is assigned to all the dots, the maximum value of the second forming energy amount is assigned to all the dots. Until it is assigned, it is composed of a predetermined dot pattern formed by sequentially changing the formation energy amount of each dot to the next largest formation energy amount in the predetermined order. And a third recording control means for selectively energizing the heating elements based on the third recording pattern by the ink medium detecting means, the ink medium is first
When it is detected that the recording medium is an ink medium, the first recording control unit supplies power. When it is detected that the ink medium is the second recording medium, the third recording control unit supplies power. 5. The method according to claim 4, wherein
4. The thermal recording device according to 1. 7. The recording medium is made of one of a first recording medium that has not been subjected to a surface treatment for improving ink transferability and a second recording medium that has been subjected to a surface treatment. The thermal recording apparatus according to claim 2 or 3, wherein: 8. The multi-tone recording control means, wherein the pixel is composed of a matrix of a plurality of dots, and the heat generation is performed based on a fourth recording pattern composed of a predetermined dot pattern formed in the matrix. Fourth recording control means for selectively energizing the element; and a predetermined dot pattern in which the pixel is composed of one dot and a multi-valued third forming energy amount for forming the dot is allocated. And a fifth recording control means for selectively energizing the heating element based on a fifth recording pattern to be recorded.
When it is detected that the recording medium is a recording medium, the fourth recording control means supplies power, and when it is detected that the recording medium is a second recording medium, the fifth recording control means is turned on. 8. An electric current is supplied by means.
4. The thermal recording device according to 1. 9. The multi-tone recording control means, wherein the pixel is constituted by a single dot, and is constituted by a predetermined dot pattern to which a multi-valued fourth forming energy amount forming the dot is assigned. Sixth recording control means for selectively energizing the heating element based on a sixth recording pattern, wherein the pixel is composed of one dot, and is larger than the fourth forming energy amount for forming the dot. A seventh recording control means for selectively energizing the heating element based on a seventh recording pattern composed of a predetermined dot pattern to which a multi-valued fifth forming energy amount is assigned; When the medium detection unit detects that the recording medium is the first recording medium,
The power supply is performed by recording control means, and when the recording medium is detected to be the second recording medium, power supply is performed by the seventh recording control means. The thermal recording device as described. 10. The multi-tone recording control means, wherein the pixel is constituted by a matrix of a plurality of dots, and the dots in the matrix are increased by one in a predetermined order as the tone density increases. When the initial value of the multi-valued sixth forming energy amount forming the dot is assigned and the initial value is assigned to all the dots, the maximum value of the sixth forming energy amount is assigned to all the dots. Until the heating element is changed based on an eighth recording pattern composed of a predetermined dot pattern formed by sequentially changing the formation energy amount of each dot to the next largest formation energy amount in the predetermined order. Eighth recording control means for selectively energizing, a seventh form in which the pixel is composed of one dot, and the number of levels of which is larger than the sixth formation energy amount for forming the dot. Ninth recording control means for selectively energizing the heating element based on a ninth recording pattern composed of a predetermined dot pattern to which an energy amount is assigned, wherein the recording medium detection means If it is detected that the medium is the first recording medium, the eighth recording medium is detected.
The power supply is performed by recording control means, and when the recording medium is detected to be the second recording medium, power supply is performed by the ninth recording control means. The thermal recording device as described. 11. The multi-tone recording control means, wherein the pixel is composed of a matrix of a plurality of dots, and the heat generation is performed based on a fourth recording pattern composed of a predetermined dot pattern formed in the matrix. A fourth recording control means for selectively energizing the element, wherein the pixels are composed of a matrix of a plurality of dots, and the dots in the matrix are increased by one in a predetermined order as the gradation density increases. When the initial value of the multi-valued sixth forming energy amount forming the dot is assigned and the initial value is assigned to all the dots, the maximum value of the sixth forming energy amount is assigned to all the dots. Until assigned, each dot is formed from a predetermined dot pattern formed by sequentially changing the formation energy amount to the next largest formation energy amount in the predetermined order. Eighth recording control means for selectively energizing the heating element based on an eighth recording pattern, wherein the recording medium detection means detects that the recording medium is the first recording medium. In the case where the
8. A power supply is performed by recording control means, and when the recording medium is detected to be the second recording medium, power supply is performed by the eighth recording control means. The thermal recording device as described. 12. The multi-gradation recording control means, wherein the pixel is composed of a matrix of a plurality of dots, and the dots in the matrix are increased by one in a predetermined order as the gradation density increases. When the initial value of the multi-valued eighth forming energy amount forming the dot is assigned and the initial value is assigned to all the dots, the maximum value of the eighth forming energy amount is assigned to all the dots. Until the heating element is changed based on a tenth recording pattern composed of a predetermined dot pattern formed by sequentially changing the formation energy amount of each dot to the next largest formation energy amount in the predetermined order. A tenth recording control means for selectively energizing, wherein the pixels are composed of a matrix of a plurality of dots, and as the gradation density increases, the dots in the matrix are determined in a predetermined manner. In this order, the initial value of the ninth forming energy amount multiplied by more than the eighth forming energy amount for forming the dot is increased by one, and the initial value is assigned to all the dots. A predetermined dot pattern formed by sequentially changing the formation energy amount of each dot to the next largest formation energy amount in the predetermined order until the maximum value of the ninth formation energy amount is assigned to all the dots. And eleventh recording control means for selectively energizing the heating element based on an eleventh recording pattern, wherein the recording medium detection means detects that the recording medium is the first recording medium. If it is detected that there is, the first
8. The power supply is performed by the zero recording control means, and when the recording medium is detected to be the second recording medium, the power supply is performed by the eleventh recording control means. 4. The thermal recording device according to 1. 13. The heat-sensitive device according to claim 5, further comprising an energy amount storage unit for storing the first to ninth forming energy amounts in advance. Recording device.