JPH1170680A - Thermal transfer device - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To make a routine printed image highly defined while achieving the miniaturization of a device even when printing a specific color on the routine printed image using a thermal transfer device. SOLUTION: The thermal transfer device is constructed of a personal computer 1, an I/F part 2 and a printer body part. When selecting a routine printing mode with the help of a resetting switch on an operating part 7 installed in a printer body part, an image receiving paper and an ink cartridge for routine printing process are loaded in a mechanism system 6 and an image is printed on the image receiving paper in the routine printing mode based on information to be supplied from the personal computer 1. When the printing process is terminated, the image receiving paper is ejected to the outside of the printer body part and at the same time, when a specific color printing mode is selected, the image receiving paper is caused to stand by in the printer body in accordance with the number of colors for specific color printing process and the ink cartridge for routine printing process is replaced with an ink cartridge for specific color printing process. When this replacement is completed, this face is detected by a detection switch 6a and consequently, it is possible to perform the specific color printing process.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a sublimation type thermal transfer printing apparatus, and in particular, when various designs and the like are applied to a product, a color form corresponding to the product image before actually performing the design on the product. The present invention relates to a thermal transfer device capable of performing simulation printing on a thermal transfer device.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, for example, commercial printing has been conventionally performed in which design printing is performed directly on the surface of a can, printed directly on a product package, or printed directly on a signboard or the like. In such a case, it is customary for a commercial designer to perform a simulation print before printing directly on a product in order to image the workmanship when the product is printed.

FIG. 8 shows an example of an ink sheet used in such a thermal transfer apparatus. This ink paper is coated with Y (yellow), M (magenta), C (cyan) and a transparent dye in this order, and a thermal transfer apparatus using this ink paper is located at a corresponding position in the order of the applied ink. A normal image is heat-transferred onto the loaded receiving paper, and thereafter, a transparent ink for preventing stains is printed. These printing operations are performed as a series of continuous operations from Y to transparent. .

[0004] In the simulation printing, printing is performed using ink called a special color such as a metal color, for example, gold or silver.

[0005]

Considering that overcoat printing using transparent ink is performed using ink paper having the form shown in FIG. 8, three color images of Y, M, and C are obtained as a color image. Since only ink is used, the number of colors is small and the image quality is deteriorated. Therefore, considering printing that improves the image quality by adding K color ink to these three colors, it is necessary to prepare an ink paper coated with five colors of Y, M, C, K, and transparent inks. In consideration of the miniaturization of the apparatus, the application area of each ink must be reduced, which causes a disadvantage that the printable size is more restricted than before.

When such ink paper is used, the application program for transferring data from the personal computer must be changed by adding the K signal, and changing the program requires a cost. There is also the problem of getting lost.

On the other hand, recently, in terms of the expression of metallic colors, metallic colors such as aluminum cans and metallic colors such as aluminum cans have been used rather than metallic colors such as gold and silver.
It is desired to reproduce a complex metallic color such as a reddish metallic color or a bluish metallic color, and there is a problem that it is difficult to reproduce such various metallic colors.

Further, such design image data is
Color data suitable for printing is transmitted from the personal computer to the signal processing unit, and depending on the image to be printed, data transfer takes a considerable amount of time, making it possible to realize a device with a high transmission speed. Is desired. Then, this invention aims at providing the apparatus which solved the above problems.

[0009]

The present invention, in order to solve the above problems, comprises the following means (1) to (7).
That is, (1) an interface unit including a design data supply unit, a color data conversion unit that converts color data to be printed based on data supplied from the supply unit, and information based on information supplied from the interface unit. A printer main body for executing a printing operation, wherein the printer main body is set as a print target based on image data of the interface unit, and mode setting means for setting a normal print mode and a special color print mode. Means for generating a signal for controlling the thermal head by correcting the printing gradation energy according to the receiving paper and the ink type; loading means for loading the receiving paper and the ink paper; And a control means for performing an operation. When the normal print mode is selected, ink paper for normal printing is loaded, normal printing is sequentially performed on the loaded image receiving paper based on the information sequentially supplied from the design data supply unit. While the receiving paper is ejected, when the special color printing mode is selected, the receiving paper is made to stand by in the printer main body in accordance with the number of printing colors of the selected special color mode, and the special color printing to the printer main body is performed. A thermal transfer device that detects the completion of loading of ink paper and controls so as to enable a special color printing operation.

(2) In the thermal transfer apparatus according to claim 1, the ink used in the normal printing mode is YMCK.
Or a YMC dye ink, wherein the ink used in the special color printing mode is a gold, silver, transparent or white special color ink.

(3) In the thermal transfer apparatus according to the first aspect, the design data supply means is a means for supplying data corresponding to Y, M, C, K signals based on the design data. When is selected, select a special data file corresponding to the special color print mode,
The data stream for transmitting the data corresponding to the Y, M, and C signals during normal printing is set to null data, and the data stream for transmitting the data corresponding to the K signal is transmitted with the data for spot color printing. A thermal transfer device characterized by the above-mentioned.

(4) In the thermal transfer apparatus according to the above (1) or (2), the special color printing mode includes at least overcoat printing in which transparent ink is printed on normal printing, and when the overcoat printing is selected. (2) A thermal transfer device, wherein printing is enabled by operation of substantially only the printer main body.

(5) In a sublimation type thermal transfer apparatus for performing thermal transfer using a line thermal head, a mirror image is printed on a transparent image receiving paper with at least Y, M, and C dye-based inks, and an upper layer of a predetermined portion of the mirror image is printed. A sublimation-type thermal transfer device characterized in that a glossy metallic color special color ink is arranged for printing.

(6) In a sublimation type thermal transfer apparatus for performing thermal transfer using a line thermal head, a mirror image is printed on transparent image receiving paper with at least Y, M and C dye-based inks, and at least an area including the mirror image is printed. A sublimation type thermal transfer device, wherein back coat printing is performed using a special color ink.

(7) In a sublimation type thermal transfer apparatus for performing thermal transfer using a line thermal head, Y,
A mirror image is printed with M, C, and K inks.
The sublimation-type thermal transfer apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the printing is performed by printing the K ink first, and the printing image using the K ink is printed as an image larger than the printing image using another ink.

[0016]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS A preferred embodiment of the thermal transfer apparatus according to the present invention will be described. FIG.
FIG. 1 is a schematic block diagram of a printer system for design image simulation as one embodiment. This printer system is a personal computer (hereinafter, referred to as an application program) that stores an application program that issues instructions for design image processing, design data storage, print processing, and the like.
Simply described as a personal computer. 1. An I / F (Inter / Interface) unit for performing a predetermined program control based on the information from the personal computer 1 and performing a predetermined signal processing or the like on image data coming from the personal computer 1. 2. a printer signal processing unit 3 for correcting the image data supplied from the I / F unit 2 to a gradation energy corresponding to the receiving paper, based on a control signal supplied from the printer signal processing unit 3 Of information with a head drive unit 4 for driving each head element of a predetermined thermal line head, the I / F (interface / interface) unit 2, and the exchange of information with the printer signal processing unit 3. And a mechanical control unit (hereinafter simply referred to as a mechanical control unit) 5 for controlling the mechanical system, and various components provided inside are controlled based on control information of the mechanical control unit 5. At the same time, it supplies predetermined printing mode operation information and the like to a mechanism system 6 including a loading unit (not shown) for the ink paper and the image receiving paper, a motor and a platen roller for rotating and running them, and a mechanical control unit 5. And an operation unit 7 for performing the operation.

The I / F (Interface / Interface) unit 2 includes a CPU for executing a predetermined program.
2a, a ROM 2b for storing a predetermined program,
It comprises a RAM 2c for temporarily storing a program read from the OM 2b, an image memory 2d for storing image data, and a color signal processing circuit 2e for converting color signals suitable for printing color ink.

The printer signal processing unit 3 includes a ROM 3a storing tone energy correction data corresponding to the image receiving paper and each print data, and generates a control signal based on each correction data. is there.

A mechanical control unit 5 controls each component in the printer main unit composed of the printer signal processing unit 3 and thereafter, and transmits and receives signals to and from the CPU 2a in the I / F unit 2. It comprises a ROM 5b for storing a control program for the components, and a RAM 5c for temporarily storing a program read from the ROM 5b.

Next, the operation of the thus configured printer system will be described. FIG. 2 is a flowchart showing a print mode setting procedure for explaining the procedure, FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing a normal print mode, FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing an overcoat print mode, and FIG.
6 is a flowchart illustrating a color special color print mode.

First, the print mode setting procedure will be described. When the PC power and printer power are turned on, C
A predetermined program stored in the ROM 2b is read by the PU 2a and downloaded to the RAM 2c,
A predetermined program of the printer system is executed.
As a result, the printer main units such as the mechanical control unit 5 and the mechanical system 6 are initialized, and the normal print mode is set first (steps S1 and S2). Thereafter, the CPU 5a determines whether or not the reset switch in the operation means 7 has been pressed three times in succession, and the information is stored in the CPU 2a.
a (step S3). When the button is not pressed, the CPU 2a recognizes the information from the CPU 5a as it is as a normal print mode of Y, M, C, and K, and
When the button is pressed three times, it is recognized as an overcoat mode in which normal printing is performed and further transparent ink is applied, and the processing program in the CPU 5a is changed to the overcoat mode (step S4).

Further, in the next step S5, the reset SW
Is pressed three times and then N times (where N = 1, 2, 3,
4,...) It is determined whether or not they are continuously pressed. If it is not pressed (when N = 0), it is recognized as it is in the overcoat mode.

On the other hand, when the switch is pressed once (N = 1) after the SW is pressed three times, for example, a mode for printing one color of a special color (a special color such as gold, silver, or white) is set. Recognized,
When the button is pressed twice (N = 2), the spot color is printed in two colors, when the button is pressed three times (N = 3), the spot color is printed in three colors, and so on. Is changed to a corresponding program. Then, the mechanical controller 5 is made to stand by in a state corresponding to the mode (step S6). If the reset switch is pressed three times after two seconds have elapsed after these settings, the reset state is cleared again (steps S7 and S8).

Next, a case where the normal print mode is selected by the reset SW will be described with reference to FIG. First, the normal print mode is a mode that is set when the reset switch is not pressed three or more times continuously in the step determined in step S3 of the print mode setting procedure flow. As a result, the process moves to the flow of FIG. In this case, when the image receiving paper to be printed is the standard paper, the top cover (not shown) of the mechanism system 6 is opened in advance, and the standard paper is loaded into the internal loading section. It is necessary to mount an ink cartridge 20 of a known configuration wound with dye ink paper for normal printing of Y, M, C, and K having ink identification marks corresponding thereto as shown in FIG. There is.

After that, the design data created on the personal computer 1 or the design data already stored in the ROM of the personal computer 1 is selected and a print execution command is issued. According to this instruction, the design data in the personal computer 1 is converted into Y and Y based on a predetermined application program.
Data corresponding to M, C, and K are sequentially supplied to the image memory 2d in the print I / F unit 2 (step S3a).

On the other hand, in the CPU 5a, the identification of the image receiving paper loaded in the loading section (not shown) of the mechanism system 6 is identified based on the information from the photo sensor (step S3b).
In this case, the signal from the light receiving element is not obtained because the standard paper has no light transmitting property. Therefore, it is determined that the standard paper is the standard paper, and the process proceeds to step S3c. If the signal information is received from the photo sensor, it is determined that the sheet is transparent, and the process proceeds to step S3d.

The information that the paper is the standard paper in step S3c is supplied from the CPU 5a to the CPU 2a.
The CPU 5a receives the print execution command supplied from the CPU 2a (step S3c), and drives the platen roller in the mechanical system 6 to execute the standard paper feeding operation (step S3e). In synchronization with this, the ink paper in the ink cartridge 20 starts rotating corresponding to a predetermined color to be printed while detecting the type mark.

On the other hand, the printer signal processing unit 3 is supplied with color data corresponding to the Y, M, C, and K images from the color signal processing circuit 2e, and stores the standard data stored in the ROM 3a. The gradation energy correction data corresponding to the paper is selected based on the image receiving paper information supplied from the CPU 5a, the color data is corrected to the gradation energy for standard paper printing, and this data is used for the corresponding head element. It is supplied to the drive unit 4 as control information together with the address information.
Then, each head element of the thermal line head selected based on the address information heats the ink paper with a predetermined energy to perform thermal transfer to the standard paper (step S3f).

In this way, when the transfer of the predetermined image data is completed and the printing is completed, the loaded standard paper is sent out from the outlet as it is (step S3g).

If it is determined in step S3c that the sheet is a transparent sheet, the CPU 2a receiving this information from the CPU 5a causes the color processing circuit 2e to output the image data stored in the image memory 2d as a mirror image. At the same time, the image data of Y, M, C, and K are output in the order different from the order of the standard paper, and the image data of K is output first, and the image data of K is somewhat different from the image data of other colors. It is output as a large image. Subsequently, Y, M, and C image data are output.

In the above points, first, a mirror image is output by using, for example, a soft film wrapping paper as the transparent paper, and the direction of viewing the image printed on such transparent paper is opposite to that of the standard paper. This is because it is necessary to print the print image as a mirror image in advance.

Also, in this case, the first output of the K image data is that if printing is first performed with Y, M, and C inks, and these inks are discolored, However, the color shift will be seen from the transparent paper side. Therefore, if printing with black ink is performed first, and the image with this black ink is made slightly larger than the image with other inks, the image between the inks printed later will have a slight color shift. This is because, even if the image is generated, the image is covered by the black ink image on the front side, and the color shift can not be recognized.

Next, the overcoat printing mode will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. First, in the same manner as described above, when the reset switch is pressed three times, it is determined in step S3 in the flow of the print mode setting procedure that the print mode is the overcoat print mode, and the flow shifts to the flow of FIG.

From step S4a to step S4f,
Steps similar to those in the normal print mode shown in FIG. 3 are executed. In this step S4f, when the standard print mode is normally completed, the standard paper is directly sent out from the discharge port. In the case of the overcoat print mode, the CPU 5a causes the mechanical system 6 to operate.
The platen roller and the like are controlled, and the standard paper is kept in a standby state in the apparatus.

In the standby state, the operator opens the top cover (not shown) of the mechanism system 6, and attaches the installed normal printing ink cartridge to the printer shown in FIG.
Replace with an ink cartridge coated with a transparent wax ink as shown in (b).

When the replacement is completed and the top cover is closed, the detection switch 6a in the mechanism system 6 detects this, and the information is supplied to the CPU 5a. CP
When U5a detects this, this time, in order to print the transparent ink on the pattern printed in the normal print mode, the correction data for the transparent ink corresponding to the standard paper is read from the ROM 3a of the printer signal processing unit 3. Is selected and the same processing as described above is performed for printing.

Therefore, in the case of the conventional overcoat printing, the ink is usually Y,
Although the resolution was unsatisfactory because it had to be limited to three colors of M and C, according to the overcoat printing method of this embodiment, the ink cartridge for normal printing and the wax ink for overcoat were used. Since the cartridges are used separately, the normal inks are used for Y, M, C, and K.
The color can be increased and overcoating can be performed on a high-quality image.

Further, even in the case of such a printing method, regardless of the components on the upstream side of the I / F unit 2e or more that affect the entire apparatus, the mechanism on the printer main body side below the printer signal processing unit 3 does not matter. Since printing can be substantially performed only by using the above-described method, there is no need to change the program of the entire apparatus. It is only necessary to change the program of the CPU 5a, and there is an advantage that the conventional apparatus can be used as it is.

Next, the N-color special color print mode will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. For example, a case where N colors are two colors will be described. In this case, reset S
After W is pressed three times, it is pressed twice. In step S5 in the flow of the print mode setting procedure, the mode is detected.
After the mode is changed to the special color print mode, the flow shifts to the flow shown in FIG. Also in this case, there is no difference from the above-described normal print mode in steps S6a to S6f.

In step S6f, Y, M, C, K
When the normal printing operation is completed, the CPU 5
The standard paper is kept in the mechanism system 6 as it is under the control of a.

In the case where the already-printed pattern to be printed first as the first color in the personal computer 1 is an automobile, for example, the print range is designated so as to print a special color on the bumper portion. I do. Thereby, the binary data is called from the special color file in the personal computer, and the binary data is supplied to the I / F 2 (Step S).
6g). This data transmission is carried on a stream on which "K" data is transmitted during normal printing.
In this case, since the other Y, M, and C have already completed normal printing and are unnecessary information, a portion corresponding thereto is set to null data. The data supplied to the I / F 2 is subjected to predetermined signal processing in the color signal processing circuit 2e.

On the other hand, the CPU 5a is supplied with a special color print execution command from the CPU 2a (step S6h). After receiving the special color print execution command, the operator can load the special color print execution instruction as in the case of the overcoat printing. The ink cartridge for normal printing is taken out and replaced with an ink cartridge wound with, for example, a silver special color ink sheet in the form shown in FIG. 6B (step S6i).

After the replacement, the information is transmitted to the CPU through the detector 6a by closing the top cover (not shown).
5b, the data based on the special color printing has already been supplied to the printer signal processing unit 3,
Density energy corresponding to silver special color ink and standard paper
The correction data is selected, and silver printing is performed at the designated location (6k).

When the silver printing is completed, if only one silver color is to be printed, the paper discharging operation is executed and the printing is completed (step S6k).
In this case, since the mode for printing two special colors is selected, the operation from step S8 is further repeated. That is, when the user wants to print gold at a predetermined location as the second color, the user designates the location to be printed on the personal computer 1 in the same manner as described above,
By replacing the spot color ink with the gold spot color ink, the same processing as described above is performed, and the second spot color is printed.

Therefore, according to the N-color spot color printing method, file data dedicated to the spot color is created separately from the file data of the print data at the time of normal printing. Incorporating the data of
There is no need to change to a new program, and the conventional normal printing program can be used as it is. In transmitting the special color data, the data "k" for normal printing is used.
And the data of Y, M, and C are empty data, so that the data transmission speed increases.

Next, a description will be given of a case in which, in this N-color special color print mode, a metallic print is performed using transparent paper. The printing method in this case is a printing method that reproduces a metallic color by superimposing a normal ink composed of a dye and a special color ink that is glossy and does not transmit light. For example, when a translucent yellow dye ink is superimposed on a glossy non-translucent silver special color ink, the lower layer of silver reflected light passes through the yellow dye and looks golden. Utilizing such a phenomenon, for example, a translucent red dye ink is superimposed on a silver special color ink to reproduce a red metallic color, or a translucent red color ink is applied on a silver pigment ink. This is a print that reproduces a bluish metallic color by superimposing a blue dye ink.

In the specific example shown here, for example, as shown in the cross-sectional view of FIG. 7, a red dye ink 21 or a blue dye ink 21 Mirror image printing with the dye ink 22 of
This is an example in which a glossy silver special color ink 23 is overlaid on the upper layer, and a white plastic special color ink 24 is further printed on the entire upper layer.

In this case, in order to use two special colors of silver and white, a print mode of two special colors is selected by the reset SW as described above. In this case, as the image receiving paper, it is necessary to previously load transparent paper into the loading section in the mechanism system 6. If it is detected in this special color print mode that transparent paper is loaded,
As in the case described above with reference to FIG. 3, mirror image data is supplied, and when black printing is included, K image data is supplied first, and image data larger than other color image data is supplied. Is supplied. Then, subsequently, red and blue data corresponding to a portion where the red and blue metallic tones are desired to be reproduced are supplied, and mirror image printing is performed.

When the above printing is completed, the ink cartridge is replaced with a silver special color ink cartridge, and the red and blue mirror images are
A silver color is printed by performing thermal control at a gradation lower than the gradation at which the maximum density of the dye ink is obtained. In this way, the first color special color printing is performed, and thereafter, the white plastic special color ink cartridge is replaced again, and printing is performed so as to back coat the entire area of the transparent paper.

The transparent paper printed in this manner is viewed from the side where the ink is not attached, and the reflected light of the silver layer 23 as the underlayer is transmitted through the red layer 21 and the blue layer 22 thereabove. Then, a realistic simulation image of a reddish metallic color or a bluish metallic curler is obtained.

Further, since the white ink is back-coated on the entire mirror image, a real white base color such as a signboard can be reproduced in a place where no pattern is printed, and transparent paper and white ink can be used. Thus, since the internal pattern ink is protected, it is possible to prevent the ink from easily peeling off. Incidentally, if the back coat printing in this case is provided only for the purpose of preventing the peeling of the ink inside, it is not necessary to perform full-surface printing, and it is sufficient that at least a region where a mirror image is printed is included. In this case, printing may be performed using transparent ink.

In particular, according to such a printing method, there is an advantage that a partial metallic tone, for example, such that a metallic red car is superimposed on a landscape image, can be easily reproduced by a sublimation type thermal transfer printer.

[0053]

According to the first and second aspects of the present invention, it is possible to obtain an image of a desired size, obtain a high quality image, and perform special color printing several times thereon. Becomes According to the apparatus of the third aspect, particularly, the conventional program software can be used as it is, and the data transfer in the spot color print mode can be speeded up. Claim 4
According to this thermal transfer apparatus, in the overcoat printing mode, it can be operated only by the printer main body, and the conventional apparatus can be used only by changing some ROM data. Claim 5
According to the apparatus described above, a mirror image is printed on the dye-based ink using the transparent image receiving paper, and the metallic pigment ink is printed on the upper layer of the mirror image. Partial color printing can be easily performed. According to the apparatus of the sixth aspect, since backcoat printing is performed, it is possible to prevent ink dropping of a mirror image. According to the apparatus of claim 7, it is possible to make the color shift less visible even when printing on transparent paper.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a schematic configuration diagram of a printer according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a flowchart illustrating a print mode setting procedure.

FIG. 3 is a flowchart illustrating a normal print mode.

FIG. 4 is a flowchart illustrating an overcoat print mode.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart illustrating an N-color special color print mode.

FIG. 6 is a schematic view of an ink sheet used in the present apparatus.

FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view when a metallic print is applied to an OHP film.

FIG. 8 is a schematic view of an ink sheet used in a conventional apparatus.

[Explanation of symbols]

 DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Personal computer (PC) 2 Interface part (I / F part) 2a, 5a CPU 2b, 3a, 5b ROM 2d Image memory 3 Printer signal processing part 4 Head drive part 5 Mechanical control part (mechanical control part) 6 Mechanical system part 6a Detection switch 7 Operation unit 20 Transparent paper 21 Dye layer (red) 22 Dye layer (blue) 23 Silver layer

 ──────────────────────────────────────────────────続 き Continuing on the front page (72) Inventor Tomohiko Matsumoto 3-12-3 Moriyacho, Kanagawa-ku, Yokohama-shi, Kanagawa Prefecture Inside of Victor Company of Japan (72) Inventor Kazuma Hirota 3-chome Moriyacho, Kanagawa-ku, Yokohama-shi, Kanagawa No. 12 Inside Victor Company of Japan, Ltd. (72) Inventor Tohru Kasuya 3-12 Moriyacho, Kanagawa-ku, Yokohama, Kanagawa Prefecture

Claims (7)

[Claims] 1. An interface unit including design data supply means, a color data conversion means for converting color data to be printed based on data supplied from the supply means, and based on information supplied from the interface part. A printer main unit for performing a print operation, the printer main unit comprising: a mode setting unit for setting a normal print mode and a special color print mode; and an image receiving unit to be printed based on image data of the interface unit. Means for generating a signal for controlling the thermal head by correcting print gradation energy according to paper and ink type; loading means for loading the image receiving paper and ink paper; and operation according to the print mode And a control means for performing the following. When the printing mode is selected, ink paper for normal printing is loaded, normal printing is sequentially performed on the loaded receiving paper based on the information sequentially supplied from the design data supply unit, and the printing is completed upon completion of printing. While the receiving paper is ejected, when the special color printing mode is selected, the receiving paper is made to stand by in the printer main body in accordance with the number of printing colors of the selected special color mode, and the special color ink is supplied to the printer main body. A thermal transfer device that detects the completion of paper loading and controls so that spot color printing can be performed. 2. The thermal transfer device according to claim 1, wherein
The ink used in the normal print mode is YMCK or YMCK.
A thermal transfer device, which is an MC dye ink, and the ink used in the special color printing mode is a gold, silver, transparent or white special color ink. 3. The thermal transfer device according to claim 1, wherein
The design data supply means is a means for supplying data corresponding to the Y, M, C, and K signals based on the design data. When a special color print mode is selected, a dedicated data file corresponding to the special color print mode is provided. Is selected, the data stream for transmitting the data corresponding to the Y, M, and C signals during normal printing is set to null data, and the data stream for transmitting the data corresponding to the K signal is transmitted with the data for spot color printing. A thermal transfer device characterized in that: 4. The thermal transfer apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the special color printing mode includes overcoat printing in which transparent ink is printed on at least normal printing, and when the overcoat printing is selected. Is a thermal transfer device wherein printing is enabled by operation of substantially only the printer main body. 5. A sublimation type thermal transfer apparatus for performing thermal transfer using a line thermal head, wherein a mirror image is printed on at least a Y, M, C dye-based ink on a transparent image receiving paper, and a mirror image is printed on a predetermined portion of the mirror image. A sublimation-type thermal transfer device characterized in that a glossy metallic color special color ink is arranged for printing. 6. A sublimation type thermal transfer apparatus for performing thermal transfer using a line thermal head, wherein a mirror image is printed on transparent image receiving paper with at least a Y, M, C dye-based ink, and at least an area including the mirror image is printed. A sublimation type thermal transfer device characterized by performing back coat printing with ink. 7. A sublimation type thermal transfer apparatus for performing thermal transfer using a line thermal head, wherein Y, M,
In addition to printing a mirror image with C and K inks, the printing is performed by printing K ink first, and the printing image with the K ink is printed as a larger image than the printing image with other inks. Sublimation type thermal transfer device.