WO2020240648A1 - Sublimation thermal transfer printing device and method for controlling sublimation thermal transfer printing device - Google Patents

Abstract

The purpose of the present invention is to obtain printed matter having excellent printing quality even when a time required for printing is shortened. In a sublimation thermal transfer printing device, the head temperature of a thermal head is detected. Printing data is divided into a plurality of partial printing data items. Each of the plurality of partial printing data items is used to perform printing on each of a plurality of partial regions. According to a printing energy calculation condition, a plurality of partial printing energy each indicating energy that is to be supplied to the thermal head when the plurality of partial printing data items are used to perform printing is calculated, and printing energy forming a foundation for determining a printing allowable temperature is calculated from the plurality of partial printing energy. According to a printing allowable condition, the printing allowable temperature is determined on the basis of the printing energy. On the basis of the head temperature and the printing allowable temperature, a determination is made as to whether printing using printing data is started.

Description

Control method of sublimation type thermal transfer type printing device and sublimation type thermal transfer type printing device

The present invention relates to a sublimation type thermal transfer type printing apparatus and a control method of a sublimation type thermal transfer type printing apparatus.

An ink sheet is attached to the sublimation type thermal transfer printing device. The ink sheet includes an ink sheet film, a yellow (Y) ink layer, a magenta (M) ink layer, a cyan (C) ink layer, and an overcoat (OP) material layer. The Y ink layer, the M ink layer, the C ink layer, and the OP material layer are arranged on the ink sheet film. The Y ink layer, the M ink layer, the C ink layer, and the OP material layer are arranged in the longitudinal direction of the ink sheet. The Y ink layer, the M ink layer, the C ink layer, and the OP material layer are formed by applying Y ink, M ink, C ink, and OP material on the ink sheet film, respectively.

In addition, roll paper is attached to the sublimation type thermal transfer printing device. In roll paper, recording paper is wrapped.

The sublimation type thermal transfer type printing device is equipped with a transport mechanism and a thermal head. The transport mechanism transports the ink sheet and the recording paper in the transport direction. The thermal head includes a plurality of heat generating resistors arranged in the main scanning direction perpendicular to the transport direction.

When printing is performed by a sublimation type thermal transfer printing device, a heat generating resistor selected from a plurality of heat generating resistors is energized while the transport mechanism is transporting the ink sheet and the recording paper in the transport direction. Be done. As a result, the energized heat-generating resistor generates heat. Further, the Y ink, C ink, M ink and OP material applied to the ink sheet are sublimated. Further, the sublimated Y ink, C ink, M ink and OP material are adhered to the recording paper. As a result, the Y ink, the C ink, the M ink, and the OP material are transferred from the ink sheet to the recording paper. When the Y ink, C ink, M ink and OP material are transferred from the ink sheet to the recording paper, the Y ink, C ink, M ink and OP material are transferred over the same area of the recording paper. As a result, an image is formed on the recording paper, and the formed image is protected by the OP made of the OP material.

In order to shorten the time required for printing performed by the sublimation type thermal transfer printing device, the energy per unit time supplied to the thermal head is increased, and Y ink, C ink, M ink and OP material are transferred from the ink sheet. It is effective to transfer to recording paper at high speed. However, when the time required for printing is shortened in this way, the temperature of the thermal head rises, and it may be difficult to obtain a printed matter having good print quality. For example, when images having a high density are continuously formed, the ink sheet film may shrink significantly due to heat, and wrinkles may occur in the ink sheet film. In addition, a large amount of heat is accumulated in the thermal head, and the ink sheet may be heat-sealed to the recording paper, causing sticking.

These problems are that when the head temperature of the thermal head rises to the set temperature, the printing operation is stopped to cool the thermal head, and after the head temperature of the thermal head drops to the set temperature, the printing operation is started. It can be solved by the solution means of restarting. That is, by the solution, it is possible to prevent wrinkles, sticking and the like from occurring, and to obtain a printed matter having good printing quality. However, if the solution is adopted, it becomes difficult to reduce the time required for printing.

In the technique described in Patent Document 1, the thermal head is cooled for each color (paragraph 0024). As a result, overheating of the thermal head can be prevented and image quality can be improved (paragraph 0024). When the thermal head is cooled for each color, the printing of the next color is started after the thermal head is cooled to a temperature at which the temperature at which the thermal head rises at the maximum printing rate of the previous color is expected. Paragraph 0024).

In the technique described in Patent Document 2, the average density is calculated for each of the images of a plurality of image data to be continuously printed (paragraph 0020). Further, based on the calculation result, the printing order of the plurality of image data is determined (paragraph 0020). The printing order is determined so that images having an average density higher than a predetermined number are not continuously printed in a predetermined number or more (paragraph 0020). As a result, the temperature rise of the thermal head can be suppressed, and the printing time can be shortened (paragraph 0027).

Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 5-8423 Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2012-179775

In the technique described in Patent Document 1, the thermal head rise temperature is expected exclusively based on the printing rate. Therefore, it may not be possible to accurately estimate the temperature rise of the thermal head.

Further, in the technique described in Patent Document 2, depending on the image to be printed, the temperature rise of the thermal head cannot be sufficiently suppressed, and the printing time may not be sufficiently shortened. For example, when only an image having a high average density is printed, the temperature rise of the thermal head cannot be sufficiently suppressed by changing the printing order, and the printing time cannot be sufficiently shortened.

The present invention has been made in view of these problems. The problem to be solved by the present invention is a sublimation type thermal transfer type printing apparatus and a sublimation type thermal transfer type printing apparatus that can obtain a printed matter having good printing quality even when the time required for printing is shortened. Is to provide a control method for.

The present invention is directed to a sublimation thermal transfer printing apparatus.

The sublimation type thermal transfer type printing apparatus includes a thermal head, a head temperature detection unit, a print data division unit, a print energy calculation unit, a print permission temperature determination unit, and a print startability determination unit.

The head temperature detector detects the head temperature of the thermal head.

The print data division unit divides the print data into a plurality of partial print data. Each of the plurality of partial print data is used for printing a plurality of partial areas.

The printing energy calculation unit calculates a plurality of partial printing energies indicating the energy supplied to the thermal head when a plurality of partial printing data are used for printing according to the printing energy calculation conditions, and prints from the plurality of partial printing energies. Calculate the printing energy that is the basis for determining the allowed temperature.

The print permission temperature determination unit determines the print permission temperature based on the print energy according to the print permission conditions.

The print startability determination unit determines whether or not printing using the print data can be started based on the head temperature and the print permission temperature.

The present invention is also directed to a control method for a sublimation thermal transfer printing apparatus.

According to the present invention, when a plurality of partial print data is used for printing, the energy supplied to the thermal head is reflected in the print permission temperature. Further, it is determined whether or not printing using the print data can be started based on the print permission temperature. Therefore, the temperature of the thermal head when printing using the print data can be set to an appropriate temperature. As a result, even when the time required for printing is shortened, it is possible to obtain a printed matter having good print quality.

The objectives, features, aspects, and advantages of the present invention will be made clearer by the following detailed description and accompanying drawings.

It is a schematic diagram which shows typically the printing apparatus of Embodiment 1-3 and the modification of Embodiment 1. It is a block diagram which illustrates the control part provided in the printing apparatus of Embodiment 1-3 and the modification of Embodiment 1. FIG. 5 is a functional block diagram illustrating a configuration for determining whether or not printing can be started, which is provided in the printing apparatus of the first embodiment. It is a figure which illustrates the area where printing is performed using the print data in the printing apparatus of Embodiment 1-3 and the modification of Embodiment 1. It is a figure which shows the example of the printing energy calculation condition stored in the storage part provided in the printing apparatus of Embodiment 1. FIG. It is a figure which shows another example of the area where printing is performed using the print data in the printing apparatus of the modified example of Embodiment 1-3 and Embodiment 1. FIG. It is a flowchart which illustrates the operation flow of the printing apparatus of Embodiment 1-3 and the modification of Embodiment 1. FIG. 5 is a functional block diagram illustrating a configuration for determining whether or not printing can be started, which is provided in the printing apparatus of the modified example of the first embodiment. It is a figure which illustrates the example of the printing energy calculation condition stored in the storage part provided in the printing apparatus of the modification of Embodiment 1. FIG. 5 is a functional block diagram illustrating a configuration for determining whether or not printing can be started, which is provided in the printing apparatus of the second embodiment. It is a figure which illustrates the example of the printing energy calculation condition stored in the storage part provided in the printing apparatus of Embodiment 2. FIG. 5 is a functional block diagram illustrating a configuration for determining whether or not printing can be started, which is provided in the printing apparatus of the third embodiment. It is a figure which illustrates the example of the time change of the head temperature TH of the thermal head provided in the printing apparatus of Embodiment 3 during the printing of Y on one screen. It is a figure which illustrates the example of the time change of the head temperature TH of the thermal head provided in the printing apparatus of Embodiment 3 during continuous printing.

1 Embodiment 1
1.1 Printing device FIG. 1 is a schematic view schematically showing the printing device of the first embodiment.

The printing device 1 illustrated in FIG. 1 is a sublimation type thermal transfer printing device. A sublimation type thermal transfer type printing device is also called a thermal printer or the like.

A roll paper 11 and an ink cassette 12 are mounted on the printing device 1.

The roll paper 11 includes a recording paper 11a. The recording paper 11a is wound in a roll shape.

The ink cassette 12 includes an ink sheet 12a, an ink unwinding reel 12b, and an ink winding reel 12c.

The ink sheet 12a includes a plastic film, a yellow (Y) dye layer, a magenta (M) dye layer, a cyan (C) dye layer, and an overcoat (OP) material layer. The plastic film has heat resistance. The Y dye layer, the M dye layer, the C dye layer and the OP material layer are arranged on the plastic film. The Y dye layer, the M dye layer, the C dye layer, and the OP material layer are arranged in this order in the longitudinal direction of the plastic film. The type, arrangement order, and the like of the dye layer provided on the ink sheet 12a may be changed. For example, the ink sheet 12a may include a black (K) dye layer, a spot color dye layer, and the like. The special color dye layer is gold leaf, silver leaf, or the like.

One end of the ink sheet 12a in the longitudinal direction is wound around the ink unwinding reel 12b. The other end of the ink sheet 12a in the longitudinal direction is wound around the ink take-up reel 12c.

The printing device 1 further includes a recording paper transport unit 13, a thermal head 14, a platen roller 15, a paper discharge roller unit 16, and a cutter 17.

The recording paper 11a drawn out from the roll paper 11 reaches the cutter 17 in sequence through the recording paper transport section 13, the gap between the thermal head 14 and the platen roller 15, and the paper ejection roller section 16.

The ink sheet 12a unwound from the ink unwinding reel 12b reaches the ink winding reel 12c via the gap between the thermal head 14 and the platen roller 15, and is wound around the ink winding reel 12c.

The recording paper transport unit 13 includes a grip roller 13a and a pinch roller 13b. The grip roller 13a and the pinch roller 13b rotate with the recording paper 11a sandwiched between them. As a result, the recording paper transport unit 13 transports the recording paper 11a in the transport direction D1. The transport direction D1 is parallel to the longitudinal direction of the recording paper 11a.

The rotation of the ink unwinding reel 12b and the ink take-up reel 12c is controlled so that the ink sheet 12a is conveyed together with the recording paper 11a and an appropriate tension is applied to the ink sheet 12a when printing is performed on the recording paper 11a. Reel.

The thermal head 14 and the platen roller 15 press-heat the recording paper 11a and the ink sheet 12a that are overlapped with each other. As a result, the Y dye, M dye, C dye, and OP material contained in the Y dye layer, M dye layer, C dye layer, and OP material layer provided in the ink sheet 12a are transferred from the ink sheet 12a to the recording paper 11a. , The printing that forms the image and the OP image on the recording paper 11a is performed on the recording paper 11a. The printed recording paper 11a is conveyed to the paper ejection roller portion 16 and cut by the cutter 17. As a result, a printed recording paper piece is formed. The formed recording paper piece is discharged from the printing apparatus 1.

The thermal head 14 includes a plurality of heat generating resistors. The plurality of heat generating resistors are arranged in the main scanning direction perpendicular to the transport direction D1.

The printing device 1 further includes a head temperature sensor 14a. The head temperature sensor 14a is provided in the thermal head 14. The head temperature sensor 14a measures the head temperature TH of the thermal head 14. The head temperature sensor 14a is a thermistor or the like.

The printing device 1 further includes a heat sink 18 and a cooling fan 19. The heat sink 18 is attached to the thermal head 14, takes heat from the thermal head 14, and releases the taken heat to the outside. The cooling fan 19 cools the heat sink 18.

The printing device 1 further includes an environmental temperature sensor 20 and a control unit 21. The environmental temperature sensor 20 measures the environmental temperature of the environment in which the printing device 1 is installed. The control unit 21 controls the operation of the printing device 1.

The printing device 1 further includes an ink sheet sensor 22. The ink sheet sensor 22 detects the type of ink sheet 12a.

1.2 Control unit FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a control unit provided in the printing apparatus of the first embodiment.

As shown in FIG. 2, the control unit 21 includes an interface (I / F) 21a, a memory 21b, a CPU 21c, a sensor signal input unit 21d, a control signal output unit 21e, a print data processing unit 21f, and a data bus 21g. ..

The I / F 21a receives print data and print conditions from an external information processing device (not shown). The external information processing device is a personal computer or the like. The printing conditions are conditions related to printing. The printing conditions include the printing size, printing speed, image quality adjustment value, and the like.

The memory 21b includes a temporary storage memory and a non-volatile memory. The temporary storage memory stores the received print data and print conditions. The temporary storage memory is a random access memory (RAM) or the like. The non-volatile memory stores a control program, initial setting values, and the like.

The CPU 21c controls the entire printing device 1 according to the control program stored in the memory 21b, and controls the printing performed by the printing device 1.

Sensor signals output by sensors such as the head temperature sensor 14a, the environmental temperature sensor 20, and the ink sheet sensor 22 are input to the sensor signal input unit 21d.

The control signal output unit 21e outputs a control signal to drive units such as an ink unwinding reel 12b, an ink take-up reel 12c, a recording paper transport unit 13, and a cutter 17.

The print data processing unit 21f processes the print data stored in the memory 21b.

The data bus 21g serves as a transmission path for data transmitted by data communication performed between the I / F 21a, the memory 21b, the CPU 21c, the sensor signal input unit 21d, the control signal output unit 21e, and the print data processing unit 21f.

1.3 Configuration for determining whether or not printing can be started FIG. 3 is a functional block diagram illustrating a configuration for determining whether or not printing can be started provided in the printing apparatus of the first embodiment. FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an area where printing is performed using print data in the printing apparatus of the first embodiment.

As shown in FIG. 3, the printing device 1 includes a storage unit 101, a processing unit 102, and a head temperature detecting unit 103.

The storage unit 101 is mainly composed of the memory 21b. The processing unit 102 is mainly composed of the CPU 21c. The head temperature detection unit 103 is mainly composed of a head temperature sensor 14a.

The storage unit 101 stores the print data 111, the print condition 112, the print energy calculation condition 113, and the print permission condition 114.

The printing device 1 includes a printing data dividing unit 121, a printing energy calculating unit 122, a printing permission temperature determining unit 123, and a printing start possibility determination unit 124. The print data division unit 121, the print energy calculation unit 122, the print permission temperature determination unit 123, and the print start possibility determination unit 124 are provided in the processing unit 102.

The printing area 131 shown in FIGS. 4A, 4B and 4C includes a plurality of partial areas 131a, 131b and 131c.

The head temperature detection unit 103 illustrated in FIG. 3 detects the head temperature TH of the thermal head 14.

The print data dividing unit 121 illustrated in FIG. 3 reads the print data 111 from the storage unit 101. Further, the print data dividing unit 121 divides the read print data 111 into a plurality of partial print data 111a, 111b and 111c. The partial print data 111a, 111b and 111c are used for printing the partial regions 131a, 131b and 131c shown in FIG. 4, respectively. FIG. 3 illustrates a case where the partial print data 111a, 111b and 111c are three partial print data. FIG. 4 illustrates a case where the partial regions 131a, 131b and 131c are three partial regions. However, the print data 111 may be divided into two or four or more partial print data. Further, the region 131 may include two or four or more partial regions.

The print energy calculation unit 122 illustrated in FIG. 3 reads the print condition 112 and the print energy calculation condition 113 from the storage unit 101. Further, the print energy calculation unit 122 supplies energy to the thermal head 14 when printing is performed using the plurality of partial print data 111a, 111b and 111c according to the read print condition 112 and the print energy calculation condition 113. A plurality of partial printing energies Ya, Yb and Yc indicating each of the above are calculated, and the final printing energy Y'is calculated from the calculated partial printing energies Ya, Yb and Yc. The final printing energy Y'is the printing energy that is the basis for determining the print permission temperature described below.

The print permission temperature determination unit 123 illustrated in FIG. 3 reads the print permission condition 114 from the storage unit 101. Further, the print permission temperature determination unit 123 determines the print permission temperature T based on the calculated final print energy Y'according to the read print permission condition 114.

The print startability determination unit 124 reads the head temperature TH from the head temperature detection unit 103. Further, the print start possibility determination unit 124 determines whether or not to start printing using the print data 111 based on the read head temperature TH and the determined print permission temperature T.

According to the printing apparatus 1, the energy supplied to the thermal head 14 when printing is performed using the plurality of partial print data 111a, 111b and 111c is reflected in the print permission temperature T. Further, it is determined whether or not printing using the print data 111 can be started based on the print permission temperature T. Therefore, the temperature of the thermal head 14 when printing is performed using the print data 111 can be set to an appropriate temperature. As a result, even when the time required for printing is shortened, printing with good printing quality can be performed. For example, it is possible to suppress the occurrence of wrinkles, sticking and the like.

Further, according to the printing apparatus 1, the final printing energy Y'is calculated in consideration of the printing data 111 and the printing condition 112. Therefore, it is possible to accurately predict an increase in the head temperature TH of the thermal head 14. Further, the print permission temperature T can be determined based on the calculated final print energy Y'. As a result, printing can be performed efficiently without waste.

1.4 Calculation of partial printing energy The procedure for calculating a plurality of partial printing energies Ya, Yb and Yc will be described below. In the following, in order to facilitate the understanding of the procedure for calculating the partial print energies Ya, Yb, and Yc, first, when the number of divisions is 1 and the print data 111 is not divided, printing is performed using the print data 111. The procedure for calculating the print energy Y, which indicates the energy supplied to the thermal head 14 at the time of printing, will be described.

When the printing energy Y is calculated, the reference printing energy which is the printing energy when black having the highest density is printed in the entire area requiring the maximum size that can be printed using the ink sheet 12a. Pmax is defined.

The reference printing energy Pmax is the sum Dn of the red (R), green (G), and blue (B) pixel data of the nth pixel of the formed image, and the entire area requiring the maximum size is printed. It is expressed by the equation (1) using the number of pixels N in the case of the above. Σ included in the equation (1) means to take the sum of n = 1, 2, ..., N.

Pmax = Σ (255 × 3-Dn) ・ ・ ・ (1)

The defined reference printing energy Pmax is included in the printing energy calculation condition 113.

The print energy Y is the sum Dn of the pixel data of the nth pixels of the formed image, the sum of the pixel data of the nth pixels of the formed OP image, and the sum of the pixel data of the nth pixels of the formed OP image. Number of pixels when printing is performed on the entire area requiring the maximum size The speed correction coefficient Argb for performing correction according to the printing speed when the N, Y dye, M dye, and C dye are transferred, and OP. It is expressed by the equation (2) using the speed correction coefficient Aop for performing correction according to the printing speed when the material is transferred. Σ included in the equation (2) means to take the sum of n = 1, 2, ..., N. The print energy Y represented by the formula (2) is a relative value having a value of 0 or more and 200 or less.

Y = {Argb × (Σ {255 × 3-Dn})} / Pmax × 100
+ {Aop × (Σ {255 × 3-Doppn})} / Pmax × 100 ... (2)

For example, the printing speed when the Y dye, the M dye, and the C dye are transferred is 1.0 ms / line, and the printing speed when the OP material is transferred is 2.0 ms / line, which is the former printing speed. When is used as a reference, the speed correction coefficient Argb is set to 1, and the ratio between the speed correction coefficient Argb and the speed correction coefficient Aop is determined from the ratio between the printing speed of the former and the printing speed of the latter. As a result, the speed correction coefficient Argb becomes 1, and the speed correction coefficient Aop becomes 0.5.

In the calculation of the printing energy Y, the increase in the head temperature TH for each printing speed is measured, and the speed correction coefficient may be set based on the measurement result. The printing speed may be provided from the outside of the printing device 1, or may be determined inside the printing device 1 according to a determination criterion.

According to the reference printing energy Pmax, an increase in the head temperature TH when black is printed is measured, and by using the increase in the head temperature and the reference printing energy Pmax as a reference, printing is performed using the print data 111. It is possible to easily predict an increase in the head temperature TH in the case of printing. The rise in head temperature TH for each print energy may be measured, and a reference table may be created for deriving the rise in head temperature TH from the print energy.

The printing energy Y is calculated from the pixel data of R, G, and B. The pixel data of R, G and B may be converted into the pixel data of Y, M and C, and the print energy Y may be calculated from the pixel data of Y, M and C. When the print energy Y is calculated from the pixel data of Y, M, and C, it is possible to predict an increase in the head temperature TH when printing each color of Y, M, and C, and an increase in the head temperature TH. Can be predicted accurately.

When composite print data is generated by combining a plurality of print data and printing is performed using the generated composite print data at one time, it is supplied to the thermal head 14 when printing is performed using the composite print data. The print energy Y to be printed may be calculated directly, or a plurality of print energies Y1, Y2, ..., Yn supplied to the thermal head 14 when printing is performed using a plurality of print data. The print energy Y may be calculated via. In the latter case, the printing energy Y is represented by the equation (3). The printing energy Y is the sum of a plurality of printing energies Y1, Y2, ..., Yn. The print energy Y is a relative value of 0 or more and 200 or less. Each of the plurality of printing energies Y1, Y2, ..., Yn is a relative value of 0 or more and 200 or less. As a result, an increase in the head temperature TH can be predicted with high accuracy.

Y = Y1 + Y2 + ... + Y3 ... (3)

The plurality of partial printing energies Ya, Yb and Yc are the printing energies after considering the ratio of the sizes of the plurality of partial regions 131a, 131b and 131c to the maximum size that can be printed using the ink sheet 12a, respectively. It can be calculated in the same way as Y.

1.5 Determination of print permission temperature As described above, the print permission temperature determination unit 123 determines the print permission temperature T based on the final print energy Y'according to the print permission condition 114.

The print permission condition 114 is information for deriving the print permission temperature T from the final print energy Y'.

When the final printing energy Y'is low, printing can be performed using the print data 111 even when the head temperature TH of the thermal head 14 is high. On the other hand, when the final printing energy Y'is high, printing can be performed using the print data 111 only when the head temperature TH of the thermal head 14 is low. Therefore, the print permission condition 114 is set so that the higher the final print energy Y', the lower the print permission temperature T derived from the final print energy Y'.

For example, the print permission condition 114 is the print permission condition 1) that leads to the print permission temperature T being 65 ° C. or less when the final print energy Y'is 100 or less, as shown below, and the final printing. If the energy Y'is greater than 100 and 125 or less, the print permission temperature T leads to 60 ° C. or less 2), and if the final print energy Y'is greater than 125, the print permission temperature T Includes print permission condition 3) that leads to a temperature of 55 ° C or lower. According to the print permission condition 114, the print permission temperature T is given in three stages.

Printing permission conditions 1) Y'≤100: Printing permission temperature T≤65 ° C.
Print permission condition 2) 100 <Y'≦ 125: Print permission temperature T ≦ 60 ° C
Printing permission condition 3) 125 <Y': Printing permission temperature T ≤ 55 ° C

The print permission temperature T may be given steplessly. In this case, the head temperature TH is predicted to rise by using the reference printing energy Pmax and the rise ΔTmax of the head temperature TH when the reference printing energy Pmax is supplied to the thermal head 14, and the predicted head temperature TH rises. The print permission temperature T is determined based on the above. Thereby, the print permission temperature T can be appropriately determined. In this case, the print permission temperature T is the head specified temperature which is the upper limit of the allowable head temperature TH, the final print energy Y', the reference print energy Pmax, and the reference print energy Pmax are supplied to the thermal head 14. It is expressed by, for example, the equation (4) by using the increase ΔTmax of the head temperature TH when the head temperature is increased.

T = (head specified temperature)-(Y'/ Pmax x ΔTmax) ... (4)

1.6 Correction of Printing Energy Calculation Condition and Printing Permission Condition FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating an example of printing energy calculation condition stored in the storage unit provided in the printing apparatus of the first embodiment.

The printing energy calculation condition 113 illustrated in FIG. 5 is a plurality of distributions of partial printing energies Ya, Yb and Yc corresponding to a plurality of types 141p, 141q, 141r and 141s and a plurality of types 141p, 141q, 141r and 141s, respectively. It includes 142p, 142q, 142r and 142s, and a plurality of printing energy calculation conditions 143p, 143q, 143r and 143s corresponding to the plurality of distributions 142p, 142q, 142r and 142s, respectively. Each of the plurality of printing energy calculation conditions 143p, 143q, 143r and 143s includes a correction coefficient α1. The distributions 142q and 142r of the partial printing energies Ya, Yb, and Yc are the cases where the images formed by printing using the print data 111 are the images shown in FIGS. 4 (b) and 4 (c), respectively. It is a distribution of partial printing energies Ya, Yb and Yc.

The printing energy calculation unit 122 obtains printing energy calculation conditions corresponding to a plurality of calculated partial printing energies Ya, Yb, and Yc from the printing energy calculation condition 113, and finally print energy according to the obtained printing energy calculation condition. Calculate Y'. The print energy calculation unit 122 uses the calculated partial print energies Ya, Yb and Yc, and the correction coefficient α1 included in the obtained print energy calculation conditions, and the final print energy Y represented by the equation (5). 'Calculate.

Y'= α1 × {Ya + Yb + Yc} ... (5)

By changing the printing energy calculation conditions according to the printing energy calculation unit 122 according to the distribution of the plurality of partial printing energies Ya, Yb and Yc, it is possible to accurately predict the increase in the head temperature TH of the thermal head 14. Further, by determining the print permission temperature T based on the calculated final print energy Y', the print permission temperature T can be appropriately determined, and printing can be efficiently performed without waste.

In the printing apparatus 1, the printing energy calculation unit 122 obtains printing energy calculation conditions according to the distribution of a plurality of partial printing energies Ya, Yb, and Yc from the printing energy calculation condition 113, and according to the obtained printing energy calculation conditions. The final printing energy Y'is calculated. However, the print permission temperature determination unit 123 obtains the print permission condition according to the distribution of the partial print energies Ya, Yb and Yc from the print permission condition 114, and determines the print permission temperature T according to the obtained print permission condition. May be good. In this case as well, the same effect can be obtained.

1.7 The plurality of partial regions 131a, 131b and 131c in the dividing direction are a plurality of partial regions divided in the transport direction D1 as shown in FIG. However, the plurality of partial regions 131a, 131b and 131c may be a plurality of partial regions divided into the main scanning direction D2 perpendicular to the transport direction D1. When the plurality of partial regions 131a, 131b and 131c are a plurality of partial regions divided in the main scanning direction D2, the influence of the position of the head temperature sensor 14a with respect to the main scanning direction D2 on the measured head temperature TH. In consideration, the increase in the overall head temperature TH of the thermal head 14 can be predicted in detail. For example, in consideration of the influence on the measured head temperature TH whether the head temperature sensor 14a is arranged at the center, the left end, or the right end of the thermal head 14, the increase in the overall head temperature TH of the thermal head 14 is increased. It can be predicted in detail.

FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating another example of an area in which printing is performed using print data in the printing apparatus of the first embodiment.

As shown in FIGS. 6 (a), 6 (b) and 6 (c), the plurality of partial regions are a plurality of partial regions divided in a matrix in the transport direction D1 and the main scanning direction D2. You may. As a result, an increase in the head temperature TH of the thermal head 14 can be predicted in detail, and the print permission temperature T can be appropriately determined.

FIG. 6B shows an image that does not have a large density change in the transport direction D1 but has a large density change in the main scanning direction D2. FIG. 6C shows an image having a large density change in the transport direction D1 but not a large density change in the main scanning direction D2. When the image shown in FIG. 6B is formed, the head temperature TH of the thermal head 14 is in the main scanning direction D2 as compared with the case where the image shown in FIG. 6C is formed. The distribution is biased, and the head temperature TH of the thermal head 14 rises locally. Therefore, wrinkles, sticking, etc. may occur locally. Therefore, the print energy calculation condition 113 and the print permission condition 114 are set so that local wrinkles, sticking, and the like are suppressed when the image shown in FIG. 6B is formed. The collective print energy Y is calculated according to the set print energy calculation condition 113 and the print permission condition 114, and the print permission temperature T is determined.

1.8 Operation of the printing device FIG. 7 is a flowchart illustrating the flow of operation of the printing device according to the first embodiment.

In step S101 illustrated in FIG. 7, the I / F 21a receives the print data 111 and the print condition 112. Further, the memory 21b stores the received print data 111 and the print condition 112.

In the following step S102, the print data dividing unit 121 reads the stored print data 111 and divides the read print data 111 into a plurality of partial print data 111a, 111b and 111c.

In the following step S103, the print energy calculation unit 122 reads the stored print condition 112 and print energy calculation condition 113.

In the following step S104, the print energy calculation unit 122 calculates the final print energy Y'according to the read print condition 112 and print energy calculation condition 113.

In the following step S105, the print permission temperature determination unit 123 reads the stored print permission condition 114.

In the following step S106, the print permission temperature determination unit 123 determines the print permission temperature T according to the read print permission condition 114.

In the following step S107, the print startability determination unit 124 confirms the head temperature TH of the thermal head 14.

In the following step S108, the print start possibility determination unit 124 compares the confirmed head temperature TH with the determined print permission temperature T, and determines whether or not the head temperature TH is equal to or lower than the print permission temperature T. If it is determined that the head temperature TH is equal to or lower than the print permission temperature T, step S109 is executed. If it is determined that the head temperature TH is not equal to or lower than the print permission temperature T, step S108 is repeatedly executed. Therefore, when the head temperature TH is higher than the print permission temperature T, the start of printing is suspended until the head temperature TH drops to the print permission temperature T or less.

In step S109, printing is performed using the read print data 111.

In the following step S110, it is determined whether or not all printing is completed. When it is determined that all printing has been completed, the operation of the printing device 1 ends. If it is determined that all printing has not been completed, step S103 is executed again.

1.9 Processing outside the printing apparatus The processing described above is performed inside the printing apparatus 1. However, the processing that can be performed outside the printing device 1 may be performed outside the printing device 1. For example, processing that can be performed by an external information processing device that transmits print data, printing conditions, and the like to the printing device 1 may be performed by the external information processing device. As a result, it takes time to calculate the printing energy Y', which occurs when all of the above-mentioned processing is performed inside the printing apparatus 1, and a waiting time is given between the end of the previous printing and the start of the next printing. The problem of time generation can be solved. As a result, printing can be performed efficiently.

1.10 Modified Example FIG. 1 is also a schematic diagram schematically showing a printing apparatus of the modified example of the first embodiment. FIG. 2 is also a block diagram illustrating a control unit provided in the printing apparatus of the modified example of the first embodiment. FIG. 4 is also a diagram illustrating a region where printing is performed using print data in the printing apparatus of the modified example of the first embodiment. FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating another example of a region in which printing is performed using print data in the printing apparatus of the modified example of the first embodiment. FIG. 7 is also a flowchart illustrating the flow of operation of the printing apparatus according to the modified example of the first embodiment.

FIG. 8 is a functional block diagram illustrating a configuration for determining whether or not printing can be started, which is provided in the printing apparatus of the modified example of the first embodiment. FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating an example of printing energy calculation conditions stored in a storage unit provided in the printing apparatus of the modified example of the first embodiment.

The printing device 1A of the modified example of the first embodiment shown in FIG. 8 is different from the printing device 1 of the first embodiment mainly in the following points. Regarding points not described below, the same configuration as that adopted in the printing apparatus 1 of the first embodiment is adopted in the printing apparatus 1A of the modified example of the first embodiment.

The printing device 1A further includes a ratio calculation unit 125 as shown in FIG.

The storage unit 101 further stores the threshold value 115 as shown in FIG.

The printing energy calculation condition 113 illustrated in FIG. 9 includes a plurality of printing energy calculation conditions 152p, 152q and 152r corresponding to a plurality of ratios 151p, 151q and 151r, and a plurality of ratios 151p, 151q and 151r, respectively. Each of the plurality of printing energy calculation conditions 152p, 152q and 152r includes a correction coefficient α2.

The ratio calculation unit 125 calculates the ratio 161 of the pixels having a density higher than the threshold value 115 in the print data 111 to all the pixels. For example, when the threshold value 115 is 64 gradations of gray, the ratio calculation unit 125 counts the number of pixels having a density higher than that of 64 gradations of gray, and ratios the counted number to the total number of pixels. Set to 161.

The print energy calculation unit 122 obtains a print energy calculation condition according to the calculated ratio 161 from the print energy calculation condition 113, and calculates the final print energy Y'according to the obtained print energy calculation condition. The print energy calculation unit 122 uses the calculated partial print energies Ya, Yb and Yc, and the correction coefficient α2 included in the obtained print energy calculation conditions, and finally prints represented by the equation (6). Calculate the energy Y'.

Y'= α2 × {Ya + Yb + Yc} ... (6)

Generally speaking, when the print data having a large change in density and the print data having no large change in density have the same average density, when printing is performed using the print data having a large change in density. The energy efficiency of is worse than the energy efficiency when printing is performed using print data that does not have a large change in density. Therefore, the printing energy supplied to the thermal head 14 when printing is performed using print data having a large density change is thermal when printing is performed using print data having no large density change. It is larger than the printing energy supplied to the head 14. Further, the increase in the head temperature TH of the thermal head 14 when printing is performed using print data having a large density change is the thermal head when printing is performed using print data having no large density change. It becomes larger than the rise of the head temperature TH of 14. Therefore, the print energy calculation condition 113 is such that the correction coefficient α2 becomes large when the print data 111 has a large change in density, and the correction coefficient α2 becomes small when the print data 111 does not have a large change in density. Set.

The print energy calculation condition according to the pixel density distribution may be obtained from the print energy calculation condition 113. For example, printing energy calculation conditions may be obtained according to the number of peaks appearing in the pixel density distribution, the position, and the like. For example, the correction coefficient α2 may differ depending on whether the number of peaks is one or the number of hooks is two. Further, the correction coefficient α2 may be different depending on whether the peak is located near the high concentration and the peak is located near the low concentration.

By changing the printing energy calculation conditions according to the printing energy calculation unit 122 according to the ratio 161 it is possible to accurately predict the rise in the head temperature TH of the thermal head 14. Further, by determining the print permission temperature T based on the calculated final print energy Y', the print permission temperature T can be appropriately determined, and printing can be efficiently performed without waste. Further, since the process of calculating the ratio 161 is a simple process, the print permission temperature T can be appropriately determined by the simple process, and printing can be efficiently performed without waste. For example, it is possible to suppress the occurrence of wrinkles, sticking and the like.

In the printing apparatus 1A, the printing energy calculation unit 122 obtains a printing energy calculation condition corresponding to the calculated ratio 161 from the printing energy calculation condition 113, and finally print energy Y'according to the obtained printing energy calculation condition. Is calculated. However, the print permission temperature determination unit 123 may obtain the print permission condition corresponding to the calculated ratio 161 from the print permission condition 114, and determine the print permission temperature T according to the obtained print permission condition. In this case as well, the same effect can be obtained.

2 Embodiment 2
FIG. 1 is also a schematic diagram schematically showing the printing apparatus of the second embodiment. FIG. 2 is also a block diagram illustrating a control unit provided in the printing apparatus of the second embodiment. FIG. 4 is also a diagram illustrating an area where printing is performed using print data in the printing apparatus of the second embodiment. FIG. 6 is also a diagram illustrating another example of a region in which printing is performed using print data in the printing apparatus of the second embodiment. FIG. 7 is also a flowchart illustrating the flow of operation of the printing apparatus according to the second embodiment.

FIG. 10 is a functional block diagram illustrating a configuration for determining whether or not printing can be started, which is provided in the printing apparatus of the second embodiment. FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating an example of printing energy calculation conditions stored in a storage unit provided in the printing apparatus of the second embodiment.

The printing device 2 of the second embodiment shown in FIG. 10 is different from the printing device 1 of the first embodiment mainly in the following points. Regarding points not described below, the same configuration as that adopted in the printing apparatus 1 of the first embodiment is adopted in the printing apparatus 2 of the second embodiment.

As shown in FIG. 10, the printing device 2 further includes an environmental temperature detection unit 104. The environmental temperature detection unit 104 is mainly composed of the environmental temperature sensor 20.

The printing energy calculation condition 113 illustrated in FIG. 11 includes a plurality of environmental temperatures 171p, 171q and 171r, and a plurality of printing energy calculation conditions 172p, 172q and 172r corresponding to the plurality of environmental temperatures 171p, 171q and 171r, respectively. .. Each of the plurality of printing energy calculation conditions 172p, 172q and 172r includes a correction coefficient α3.

The environmental temperature detection unit 104 detects the environmental temperature TE.

The print energy calculation unit 122 obtains a print energy calculation condition corresponding to the detected environmental temperature TE from the print energy calculation condition 113, and calculates the final print energy Y'according to the obtained print energy calculation condition. The print energy calculation unit 122 uses the calculated sum Y of the plurality of partial print energies Ya, Yb and Yc, and the correction coefficient α3 included in the obtained print energy calculation conditions, and finally represents the final result by the equation (7). Printing energy Y'is calculated.

Y'= α3 x Y ... (7)

By changing the printing energy calculation condition according to the printing energy calculation unit 122 according to the environmental temperature TE, it is possible to accurately predict the increase in the head temperature TH of the thermal head 14. Further, by determining the print permission temperature T based on the calculated final print energy Y', the print permission temperature T can be appropriately determined, and printing can be efficiently performed without waste. For example, it is possible to suppress the occurrence of wrinkles, sticking and the like.

In the printing apparatus 2, the printing energy calculation unit 122 obtains a printing energy calculation condition corresponding to the detected environmental temperature TE from the printing energy calculation condition 113, and finally print energy Y according to the obtained printing energy calculation condition. 'Calculate. However, the print permission temperature determination unit 123 may obtain the print permission condition corresponding to the detected ambient temperature TE from the print permission condition 114, and determine the print permission temperature T according to the obtained print permission condition. In this case as well, the same effect can be obtained.

The printing energy calculation unit 122 may obtain printing energy calculation conditions according to the environmental temperature TE and other factors, and calculate the final printing energy Y'according to the obtained printing energy calculation conditions. The print permission temperature determination unit 123 may obtain print permission conditions corresponding to the environmental temperature TE and other factors, and determine the print permission temperature T according to the obtained print permission conditions. Factors other than the environmental temperature TE are factors that affect the cooling performance of the thermal head 14. Factors that affect the cooling performance of the thermal head 14 are the temperature inside the printing apparatus 2, the cooling performance of the cooling fan 19, and the like. Multiple factors may be combined.

3 Embodiment 3
FIG. 1 is also a schematic diagram schematically showing the printing apparatus of the third embodiment. FIG. 2 is also a block diagram illustrating a control unit provided in the printing apparatus of the third embodiment. FIG. 4 is also a diagram illustrating an area where printing is performed using print data in the printing apparatus of the third embodiment. FIG. 6 is also a diagram illustrating another example of a region in which printing is performed using print data in the printing apparatus of the third embodiment. FIG. 7 is also a flowchart illustrating the flow of operation of the printing apparatus according to the third embodiment.

FIG. 12 is a functional block diagram illustrating a configuration for determining whether or not printing can be started, which is provided in the printing apparatus of the third embodiment.

The printing device 3 of the third embodiment illustrated in FIG. 12 differs from the printing device 1 of the first embodiment mainly in the following points. Regarding points not described below, the same configuration as that adopted in the printing apparatus 1 of the first embodiment is adopted in the printing apparatus 3 of the third embodiment.

As shown in FIG. 12, the printing device 3 further includes an environmental temperature detection unit 104. The environmental temperature detection unit 104 is mainly composed of the environmental temperature sensor 20.

As shown in FIG. 12, the storage unit 101 stores the history 116 of the temperature change. The temperature change history 116 includes a history of changes in head temperature TH detected during printing.

The environmental temperature detection unit 104 detects the environmental temperature TE.

The print energy calculation unit 122 obtains a print energy calculation condition according to the stored history of changes in the head temperature TH from the print energy calculation condition 113, and finally print energy Y'according to the obtained print energy calculation condition. Is calculated.

FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating an example of a time change of the head temperature TH of the thermal head provided in the printing apparatus of the third embodiment during printing of Y on one screen.

The plurality of periods 181a, 181b and 181c shown in FIG. 13 are periods during which printing is performed on the plurality of partial regions 131a, 131b and 131c, respectively.

The time change 191d of the head temperature TH shown in FIG. 13 is a time change of the head temperature TH when the average concentrations of the plurality of partial regions 131a, 131b and 131c are all medium concentrations and are substantially uniform. The medium average density is, for example, about 50% gray. The time change 191e of the head temperature TH illustrated in FIG. 13 is a time change of the head temperature TH when the average concentrations of the plurality of partial regions 131a, 131b and 131c are low concentration, low concentration and high concentration, respectively. The time change 191f of the head temperature TH illustrated in FIG. 13 is a time change of the head temperature TH when the average concentrations of the plurality of partial regions 131a, 131b and 131c are high concentration, low concentration and high concentration, respectively. The time change of the head temperature TH of the thermal head 14 changes in a complicated manner as shown in FIG. 13 depending on the balance between heating and cooling of the thermal head 14.

FIG. 14 is a diagram illustrating an example of a time change in the head temperature TH of the thermal head provided in the printing apparatus of the third embodiment during continuous printing.

The plurality of periods 200i and 200j shown in FIG. 14 are periods during which the first and second sheets are printed, respectively. The plurality of periods 201y, 201m, 201c and 201op shown in FIG. 14 are periods during which Y, M, C and OP on one screen are printed, respectively.

The time change of the head temperature TH shown in FIG. 14 is the time change of the head temperature TH when the average concentrations of the plurality of partial regions 131a, 131b and 131c are all medium concentrations and are substantially uniform.

As shown in FIG. 14, between the period 200i in which the first sheet is printed and the period 200j in which the second sheet is printed, the period 201y in which Y is printed and the period in which M is printed. Between 201m, between the period 201m where M is printed and 201c where C is printed, and between the period 201c where C is printed and the period 201op where OP is printed, The head temperature TH of the thermal head 14 decreases. The amount of decrease in the head temperature TH of the thermal head 14 is strongly influenced by the cooling performance of the thermal head 14.

The printing energy calculation condition 113 is set so that the head temperature TH of the thermal head 14 becomes equal to or lower than the specified temperature even when the time change of the head temperature TH of the thermal head 14 changes as shown in FIGS. 13 and 14. Will be done. For example, when the actual value of the increase in the head temperature TH of the thermal head 14 is 5% larger than the predicted value on average, the printing energy calculation condition 113 is set so that the calculated final printing energy Y is 5% larger. Will be done.

The amount of decrease in the head temperature TH of the thermal head 14 may be strongly affected not only by the cooling performance of the thermal head 14 but also by the environmental temperature TE. Therefore, the history of temperature change 116 may include the history of change in environmental temperature TE, and the print energy calculation unit 122 stores the print energy according to the history of change in environmental temperature TE stored from the print energy calculation condition 113. You may obtain the calculation condition and calculate the final print energy Y'according to the obtained print energy calculation condition. As a result, it is possible to flexibly respond to changes in the installation state of the printing apparatus 3 or changes in the environmental temperature TE.

The history 116 of the temperature change referred to when the printing energy calculation unit 122 obtains the printing energy calculation condition is the period during which the latest one month was printed, the period during which the latest 100 sheets were printed, and the like. It may be limited to the history of temperature changes. Thereby, it is possible to determine the print permission temperature T that is more suitable for the change in the installation state of the printing apparatus 3 or the change in the environmental temperature TE.

The rate of increase in the printing energy Y'when the head temperature TH of the thermal head 14 rises may be 100% of the rate of increase in the head temperature TH of the thermal head 14, or the category to which the printing energy Y'belongs, thermal. It may be set according to the magnitude of the rate of increase in the head temperature TH of the head 14.

By changing the printing energy calculation conditions according to the printing energy calculation unit 122 according to the history of changes in the head temperature TH, it is possible to accurately predict the increase in the head temperature TH of the thermal head 14. Further, by determining the print permission temperature T based on the calculated final print energy Y', the print permission temperature T can be appropriately determined, and printing can be efficiently performed without waste. For example, it is possible to suppress the occurrence of wrinkles, sticking and the like. Further, by changing the printing energy calculation condition according to the printing energy calculation unit 122 according to the history of the change of the environmental temperature TE, the print permission temperature more suitable for the change of the installation state of the printing apparatus 3 or the change of the environmental temperature TE. T can be determined.

In the printing apparatus 3, the printing energy calculation unit 122 obtains the printing energy calculation condition according to the stored temperature change history 116 from the printing energy calculation condition 113, and finally according to the obtained printing energy calculation condition. The printing energy Y'is calculated. However, the print permission temperature determination unit 123 obtains the print permission condition according to the stored temperature change history 116 from the print permission condition 114, and determines the print permission temperature T according to the obtained print permission condition. May be good. In this case as well, the same effect can be obtained.

In the present invention, each embodiment can be freely combined, and each embodiment can be appropriately modified or omitted within the scope of the invention.

Although the present invention has been described in detail, the above description is exemplary in all aspects and the invention is not limited thereto. It is understood that a myriad of variations not illustrated can be envisioned without departing from the scope of the invention.

1,1A, 2,3 printing device, 11a recording paper, 12a ink sheet, 13 recording paper transport unit, 14 thermal head, 14a head temperature sensor, 20 environmental temperature sensor, 21 control unit, 101 storage unit, 102 processing unit, 103 head temperature detection unit, 104 environmental temperature detection unit, 111 print data, 111a, 111b, 111c partial print data, 112 print conditions, 113 print energy calculation conditions, 114 print permission conditions, 115 thresholds, 116 temperature change history, 121 print data division unit, 122 print energy calculation unit, 123 print permission temperature determination unit, 124 print startability determination unit, 125 ratio calculation unit, 131a, 131b, 131c partial area, D1 transport direction, D2 main scanning direction.

Claims (14)

1. With the thermal head (14)
   A head temperature detection unit (103) that detects the head temperature of the thermal head (14),
   A print data dividing unit (121) that divides the print data (111) into a plurality of partial print data (111a, 111b, 111c), and
   A plurality of partial printing energies indicating the energy supplied to the thermal head (14) when printing is performed using the plurality of partial printing data (111a, 111b, 111c) according to the printing energy calculation condition (113). The printing energy calculation unit (122), which calculates the printing energy that is the basis for determining the print permission temperature from the plurality of partial printing energies, and
   A print permission temperature determination unit (123) that determines the print permission temperature based on the print energy according to the print permission condition (114).
   A print start possibility determination unit (124) for determining whether or not printing using the print data (111) can be started based on the head temperature and the print permission temperature, and
   Sublimation type thermal transfer type printing apparatus (1,1A, 2,3).
2. The printing energy calculation unit (122) obtains printing energy calculation conditions according to the distribution of the plurality of partial printing energies from the printing energy calculation condition (113), and print energy according to the distribution of the plurality of partial printing energies. The sublimation type thermal transfer type printing apparatus (1) according to claim 1, which calculates the printing energy according to the calculation conditions.
3. The print permission temperature determination unit (123) obtains print permission conditions according to the distribution of the plurality of partial print energies from the print permission condition (114), and print permission conditions according to the distribution of the plurality of partial print energies. The sublimation type thermal transfer type printing apparatus (1) according to claim 1, which determines the print permission temperature according to the above.
4. A ratio calculation unit (125) for calculating the ratio (161) of pixels having a density higher than the threshold density in the print data (111) to all the pixels is further provided.
   The printing energy calculation unit (122) obtains a printing energy calculation condition according to the ratio (161) from the printing energy calculation condition (113), and prints according to the printing energy calculation condition according to the ratio (161). The sublimation type thermal transfer type printing apparatus (1A) according to any one of claims 1 to 3 for calculating energy.
5. Further, a ratio calculation unit (125) for calculating the ratio (161) of pixels having a density higher than the threshold density in the print data (111) to all the pixels is further provided.
   The print permission temperature determination unit (123) obtains a print permission condition according to the ratio (161) from the print permission condition (114), and obtains the print permission temperature according to the print permission condition according to the ratio (161). The sublimation type thermal transfer printing apparatus (1A) according to any one of claims 1 to 3.
6. Further equipped with an environmental temperature detection unit (104) for detecting the environmental temperature,
   The print energy calculation unit (122) obtains the print energy calculation condition according to the environmental temperature from the print energy calculation condition (113), and calculates the print energy according to the print energy calculation condition according to the environmental temperature. The sublimation type thermal transfer printing apparatus (2) according to any one of claims 1 to 5.
7. Further equipped with an environmental temperature detection unit (104) for detecting the environmental temperature,
   The print permission temperature determination unit (123) obtains a print permission condition according to the environment temperature from the print permission condition (114), and calculates the print permission temperature according to the print permission condition according to the environment temperature. The sublimation type thermal transfer printing apparatus (2) according to any one of Items 1 to 5.
8. Further equipped with a storage unit for storing the history of temperature changes (116),
   The print energy calculation unit (122) obtained the print energy calculation condition according to the temperature change history (116) from the print energy calculation condition (113), and corresponded to the temperature change history (116). The sublimation type thermal transfer type printing apparatus (3) according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the printing energy is calculated according to the printing energy calculation conditions.
9. Further equipped with a storage unit for storing the history of temperature changes (116),
   The print permission temperature determination unit (123) obtains print permission conditions according to the temperature change history (116) from the print permission conditions (114), and prints according to the temperature change history (116). The sublimation type thermal transfer printing apparatus (3) according to any one of claims 1 to 7, which determines the print permission temperature according to the permission conditions.
10. The sublimation type thermal transfer type printing apparatus (3) according to claim 8 or 9, wherein the history of temperature change (116) includes a history of change in head temperature.
11. Further equipped with an environmental temperature detection unit (104) for detecting the environmental temperature,
    The sublimation type thermal transfer type printing apparatus (3) according to any one of claims 8 to 10, wherein the temperature change history (116) includes a history of changes in the environmental temperature.
12. A recording paper transport unit (13) for transporting the recording paper (11a) to be printed in the transport direction (D1) is further provided.
    The plurality of partial print data (111a, 111b, 111c) are used for printing the plurality of partial regions (131a, 131b, 131c), respectively.
    The plurality of partial regions (131a, 131b, 131c) are the plurality of partial regions divided in the transport direction (D1), which is any sublimation type thermal transfer printing apparatus (1, 1A, 2, 3).
13. A recording paper transport unit (13) for transporting the recording paper (11a) to be printed in the transport direction (D1) is further provided.
    The thermal head (14) includes a plurality of heat generating resistors arranged in a main scanning direction (D2) perpendicular to the transport direction (D1).
    The plurality of partial print data (111a, 111b, 111c) are used for printing the plurality of partial regions (131a, 131b, 131c), respectively.
    The sublimation type according to claims 1 to 11, wherein the plurality of partial regions (131a, 131b, 131c) are a plurality of partial regions divided in a matrix in the transport direction (D1) and the main scanning direction (D2). Thermal transfer type printing device (1,1A, 2,3).
14. a) The process of detecting the head temperature of the thermal head (14) and
    b) A step of dividing the print data (111) into a plurality of partial print data (111a, 111b, 111c) used for printing a plurality of partial regions (131a, 131b, 131c), respectively.
    c) A plurality of partial printing energies indicating the energy supplied to the thermal head (14) when the plurality of partial printing data (111a, 111b, 111c) are used for printing according to the printing energy calculation condition (113). And the process of calculating the printing energy that is the basis for determining the print permission temperature from the plurality of partial printing energies.
    d) A step of determining the print permission temperature based on the print energy according to the print permission condition (114), and
    e) A step of determining whether or not printing using the print data (111) can be started based on the head temperature and the print permission temperature, and
    A method for controlling a sublimation type thermal transfer printing apparatus (1,1A, 2,3).

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