WO2022130487A1 - Système d'impression et procédé d'impression - Google Patents

Système d'impression et procédé d'impression Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2022130487A1
WO2022130487A1 PCT/JP2020/046690 JP2020046690W WO2022130487A1 WO 2022130487 A1 WO2022130487 A1 WO 2022130487A1 JP 2020046690 W JP2020046690 W JP 2020046690W WO 2022130487 A1 WO2022130487 A1 WO 2022130487A1
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WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
printing
unit
temperature
thermal head
images
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Application number
PCT/JP2020/046690
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English (en)
Japanese (ja)
Inventor
壮 中嶋
義典 山本
Original Assignee
三菱電機株式会社
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Application filed by 三菱電機株式会社 filed Critical 三菱電機株式会社
Priority to PCT/JP2020/046690 priority Critical patent/WO2022130487A1/fr
Publication of WO2022130487A1 publication Critical patent/WO2022130487A1/fr

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Classifications

    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B41—PRINTING; LINING MACHINES; TYPEWRITERS; STAMPS
    • B41J—TYPEWRITERS; SELECTIVE PRINTING MECHANISMS, i.e. MECHANISMS PRINTING OTHERWISE THAN FROM A FORME; CORRECTION OF TYPOGRAPHICAL ERRORS
    • B41J2/00—Typewriters or selective printing mechanisms characterised by the printing or marking process for which they are designed
    • B41J2/315—Typewriters or selective printing mechanisms characterised by the printing or marking process for which they are designed characterised by selective application of heat to a heat sensitive printing or impression-transfer material
    • B41J2/32—Typewriters or selective printing mechanisms characterised by the printing or marking process for which they are designed characterised by selective application of heat to a heat sensitive printing or impression-transfer material using thermal heads
    • B41J2/35—Typewriters or selective printing mechanisms characterised by the printing or marking process for which they are designed characterised by selective application of heat to a heat sensitive printing or impression-transfer material using thermal heads providing current or voltage to the thermal head
    • B41J2/355—Control circuits for heating-element selection
    • B41J2/36—Print density control
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B41—PRINTING; LINING MACHINES; TYPEWRITERS; STAMPS
    • B41J—TYPEWRITERS; SELECTIVE PRINTING MECHANISMS, i.e. MECHANISMS PRINTING OTHERWISE THAN FROM A FORME; CORRECTION OF TYPOGRAPHICAL ERRORS
    • B41J2/00—Typewriters or selective printing mechanisms characterised by the printing or marking process for which they are designed
    • B41J2/315—Typewriters or selective printing mechanisms characterised by the printing or marking process for which they are designed characterised by selective application of heat to a heat sensitive printing or impression-transfer material
    • B41J2/32—Typewriters or selective printing mechanisms characterised by the printing or marking process for which they are designed characterised by selective application of heat to a heat sensitive printing or impression-transfer material using thermal heads
    • B41J2/35—Typewriters or selective printing mechanisms characterised by the printing or marking process for which they are designed characterised by selective application of heat to a heat sensitive printing or impression-transfer material using thermal heads providing current or voltage to the thermal head
    • B41J2/355—Control circuits for heating-element selection
    • B41J2/36—Print density control
    • B41J2/365—Print density control by compensation for variation in temperature

Definitions

  • This disclosure relates to a printing system and a printing method.
  • a thermal transfer type printing device that prints an image by transferring a dye applied to an ink sheet to a recording paper by generating heat of a thermal head.
  • Such a printing apparatus has a drawback that the printing density varies due to the variation in the temperature of the thermal head during printing.
  • the temperature of the thermal head at the start of printing varies by executing a preheat treatment that heats the thermal head to a predetermined temperature while waiting for printing or immediately before the start of printing.
  • a technique for suppressing variation in print density is disclosed.
  • Patent Document 1 can suppress the variation in the temperature of the thermal head at the start of printing, it cannot suppress the variation in the temperature of the thermal head during printing during continuous printing. Therefore, there is a problem that the print density varies during continuous printing.
  • the present disclosure has been made to solve the above-mentioned problems, and an object of the present disclosure is to provide a printing system and a printing method capable of suppressing variations in print density during continuous printing.
  • the printing system includes a transfer unit having a thermal head and transferring the dye of the ink sheet to the recording paper by generating heat of the thermal head, and a predetermined head showing a time change of the temperature of the thermal head.
  • a print control unit that controls the transfer unit to control the printing process for printing on the recording paper according to the temperature characteristics and data related to the image to be printed, and a plurality of images to which the printing process is continuously performed.
  • a printing order changing unit for changing the printing order so that the total difference between the two is small is provided.
  • the printing method according to the present disclosure is predetermined to indicate a transfer unit having a thermal head and transferring the dye of the ink sheet to the recording paper by generating heat of the thermal head, and a time change of the temperature of the thermal head.
  • a printing method used in a printing system including a print control unit that controls the transfer unit according to the head temperature characteristics and data related to an image to be printed, and controls a printing process for printing on the recording paper.
  • the printing process of the plurality of images is compared with the case where the printing order, which is the order of the plurality of images to be printed, is not changed for the plurality of images to which the printing process is continuously performed.
  • a step of changing the printing order is provided so that the total difference between the time change of the temperature of the thermal head and the head temperature characteristic in the above is small.
  • the printing order is such that the sum of the differences between the time change of the thermal head temperature and the head temperature characteristics in the printing process is smaller than that in the case where the printing order is not changed. Is changed.
  • the method of changing the temperature of the thermal head during printing becomes close to the head temperature characteristic which is the reference when creating the temperature correction parameter of the thermal head. Therefore, the temperature correction of the thermal head can be performed more appropriately as compared with the case where the printing order is not changed, and the variation in the printing density during continuous printing can be suppressed.
  • FIG. It is a block diagram which shows the structure of the printing system which concerns on Embodiment 1.
  • FIG. It is a figure which shows the structure of the printing apparatus which concerns on Embodiment 1.
  • FIG. It is a block diagram which shows the function of the printing apparatus which concerns on Embodiment 1.
  • FIG. It is a block diagram which shows the function of the image processing apparatus which concerns on Embodiment 1.
  • FIG. It is a flowchart which shows the operation of the image processing apparatus which concerns on Embodiment 1.
  • FIG. It is a figure for demonstrating the effect of the printing system which concerns on Embodiment 1.
  • FIG. It is a block diagram which shows the function of the image processing apparatus which concerns on Embodiment 2.
  • FIG. It is a flowchart which shows the operation of the image processing apparatus which concerns on Embodiment 2. It is a block diagram which shows the function of the image processing apparatus which concerns on Embodiment 3. FIG. It is a flowchart which shows the operation of the image processing apparatus which concerns on Embodiment 3.
  • the printing refers to the operation of forming an image on the recording paper. Further, printing refers to a series of operations of printing an image on a recording paper and discharging the printed recording paper to the outside of the printing apparatus.
  • FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a printing system 100 according to a first embodiment.
  • the printing system 100 of the first embodiment includes an image processing device 10 and a printing device 50.
  • the image processing device 10 executes a specific process on an image acquired from a recording medium 200 external to the printing system 100, and outputs image data for printing to the printing device 50.
  • the recording medium 200 is a medium capable of recording a plurality of image data.
  • the recording medium 200 is, for example, a USB (Universal Serial Bus) memory, a memory card, a digital camera, or a mobile terminal with a camera.
  • the image processing device 10 is, for example, a PC (Personal Computer). The specific configuration and processing contents of the image processing device 10 will be described later.
  • the printing device 50 prints an image of image data input from the image processing device 10.
  • the image processing device 10 and the printing device 50 are physically separated. It may be. That is, the image processing device 10 may be provided inside the printing device 50.
  • FIG. 2 is a diagram showing the configuration of the printing apparatus 50 according to the first embodiment.
  • the printing device 50 is a heat transfer type printing device that prints an image of image data input from the image processing device 10 on a recording paper 52 by a heat transfer method.
  • the printing apparatus 50 includes a housing 51, a recording paper 52, an ink sheet 53, a grip roller 54, a pinch roller 55, a supply side ink bobbin 56, a take-up side ink bobbin 57, a thermal head 58, and a platen. It includes a roller 59, a head temperature sensor 60, a heat sink 61, and a cutter 62.
  • the housing 51 stores the above-mentioned parts from the recording paper 52 to the cutter 62. Further, the housing 51 is formed with a paper ejection port 51a for discharging the printed recording paper 52.
  • the recording paper 52 is a long paper.
  • the roll paper 52a is formed by winding the recording paper 52 in a roll shape.
  • the ink sheet 53 is a long sheet.
  • the ink sheet 53 is coated with at least one color of dye.
  • the ink sheet 53 is arranged in order in the longitudinal direction with a dye layer of each color of yellow (Y), magenta (M), and cyan (C) and an overcoat (OP) layer for protecting the printing screen. ing.
  • the grip roller 54 and the pinch roller 55 are installed at positions facing each other and sandwich the recording paper 52 unwound from the roll paper 52a.
  • the recording paper 52 is conveyed by rotating the grip roller 54 by a motor (not shown).
  • One end of the ink sheet 53 in the longitudinal direction is attached to the supply side ink bobbin 56.
  • An unused portion of the ink sheet 53 is wound around the supply-side ink bobbin 56.
  • the other end of the ink sheet 53 in the longitudinal direction is attached to the take-up side ink bobbin 57.
  • a used portion of the ink sheet 53 is wound around the take-up side ink bobbin 57.
  • the supply side ink bobbin 56 and the take-up side ink bobbin 57 are rotated by a motor (not shown).
  • the winding-side ink bobbin 57 rotates so as to wind up the ink sheet 53, while the supply-side ink bobbin 56 rotates while applying a weak braking force to the ink sheet 53 to convey the ink sheet 53 with a predetermined tension. ..
  • the thermal head 58 and the platen roller 59 are installed at positions facing each other.
  • a recording paper 52 and an ink sheet 53 are arranged between the thermal head 58 and the platen roller 59.
  • the thermal head 58 has a function of generating heat.
  • the thermal head 58 has a plurality of heat generation resistors 58a.
  • the heat generation resistors 58a are arranged along the main scanning direction orthogonal to the transport direction of the recording paper 52.
  • the transport direction of the recording paper 52 is a direction in which the recording paper 52 is conveyed, and is a direction from the roll paper 52a to the paper ejection port 51a in the longitudinal direction of the recording paper 52.
  • the platen roller 59 is movably configured by a drive unit (not shown).
  • the heat generation resistor 58a of the thermal head 58 is energized to generate heat, whereby the dye of the ink sheet 53 is recorded on the recording paper 52. Transfer to.
  • the head temperature sensor 60 is attached to the thermal head 58 and detects the temperature of the thermal head 58.
  • the head temperature sensor 60 is, for example, a thermistor.
  • the temperature detected by the head temperature sensor 60 is used for energization control of the heat generation resistor 58a of the thermal head 58.
  • the heat sink 61 is attached to the thermal head 58.
  • the heat sink 61 is an example of a cooling unit that cools the thermal head 58.
  • the cooling unit may be provided with a cooling fan that blows air to the heat sink 61.
  • the cutter 62 cuts the printed portion of the recording paper 52 by cutting the recording paper 52.
  • the cutter 62 has, for example, two blades, and cuts the recording paper 52 by sandwiching the recording paper 52 with the two blades.
  • FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing the functions of the printing apparatus 50 according to the first embodiment.
  • the printing apparatus 50 has, as functions, a print data acquisition unit 71, a recording paper transport unit 72, an ink sheet transport unit 73, a transfer unit 74, a recording paper cutting unit 75, a head temperature detection unit 76, and a control. It has a unit 77, a storage unit 78, and a head temperature characteristic output unit 79.
  • the print data acquisition unit 71 acquires image data for printing from the image processing device 10.
  • the function of the print data acquisition unit 71 is realized by an interface connected to the image processing device 10 so that data can be received.
  • the interface may be, for example, an interface for connecting a USB cable, or may be a wired or wireless network interface.
  • the recording paper transport unit 72 transports the recording paper 52.
  • the function of the recording paper transport unit 72 is realized by the grip roller 54 and the pinch roller 55.
  • the ink sheet transport unit 73 transports the ink sheet 53.
  • the function of the ink sheet transport unit 73 is realized by the supply side ink bobbin 56 and the take-up side ink bobbin 57.
  • the transfer unit 74 transfers the dye of the ink sheet 53 to the recording paper 52.
  • the function of the transfer unit 74 is realized by the thermal head 58 and the platen roller 59.
  • the recording paper cutting unit 75 cuts the recording paper 52.
  • the function of the recording paper cutting portion 75 is realized by the cutter 62.
  • the head temperature detection unit 76 detects the temperature of the thermal head 58.
  • the function of the head temperature detection unit 76 is realized by the head temperature sensor 60.
  • the control unit 77 executes various processes according to the control program stored in the storage unit 78.
  • the control unit 77 has a print data generation unit 81 and a print control unit 82.
  • the print data generation unit 81 generates print data using the image data acquired by the print data acquisition unit 71.
  • the printing data is data related to an image to be printed, and is data required for printing on the recording paper 52.
  • the print control unit 82 prints an image on the recording paper 52, prints the image on the recording paper 52, and discharges the printing paper 52 to the outside of the printing apparatus 50.
  • the operation of the unit 75 is controlled.
  • the functions of the control unit 77 that is, the functions of the print data generation unit 81 and the print control unit 82 are realized, for example, by the processor executing a control program stored in the memory.
  • the processor is, for example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit).
  • the memory is, for example, a non-volatile or volatile semiconductor memory such as a RAM (Random Access Memory), a ROM (Read Only Memory), and a flash memory.
  • the storage unit 78 stores the control program executed by the control unit 77 and the data necessary for executing the control program.
  • the storage unit 78 stores the head temperature characteristics.
  • the head temperature characteristic indicates a time change in the temperature of the thermal head 58 when a predetermined printing pattern is printed for temperature correction of the thermal head 58, and is predetermined.
  • the function of the storage unit 78 is realized, for example, by storing data in a memory.
  • the head temperature characteristic output unit 79 outputs the head temperature characteristic stored in the storage unit 78 to the image processing device 10.
  • the function of the head temperature characteristic output unit 79 is realized by an interface connected to the image processing device 10 so as to be able to transmit data.
  • the interface may be, for example, an interface for connecting a USB cable, or may be a wired or wireless network interface. Further, the interface that realizes the function of the head temperature characteristic output unit 79 may be the same as or different from the interface that realizes the function of the print data acquisition unit 71.
  • the print data acquisition unit 71 acquires image data for printing from the image processing device 10
  • the print data generation unit 81 generates print data
  • the print control unit 82 executes the print process.
  • the printing process is divided into a transfer preparation process, a transfer process, and a printed matter discharge process.
  • the print control unit 82 controls the recording paper transfer unit 72 to transfer the recording paper 52 so that the transfer start position of the recording paper 52 is located between the thermal head 58 and the platen roller 59. do.
  • the transfer start position is the end portion of the printing area of the recording paper 52 on the side opposite to the transport direction.
  • the printing area is an area for printing an image on the recording paper 52.
  • the print control unit 82 controls the recording paper transport unit 72, the ink sheet transport unit 73, and the transfer unit 74 to print on the printing area of the recording paper 52. Specifically, the print control unit 82 controls the recording paper transport unit 72 to rewind the recording paper 52 in the direction opposite to the transport direction, and controls the ink sheet transport unit 73 to move the ink sheet 53 in the transport direction. While transporting, the transfer unit 74 is controlled to generate heat of the thermal head 58 with a heat generation amount corresponding to the printing data. As a result, the dye of the Y layer is first transferred to the printing area of the recording paper 52.
  • the transport direction of the ink sheet 53 is a direction in which the ink sheet 53 is conveyed, and is a direction from the supply side ink bobbin 56 to the take-up side ink bobbin 57 in the longitudinal direction of the ink sheet 53.
  • the print control unit 82 sequentially transfers the dyes of the M layer and the C layer to the same printing area as the printing area to which the dye of the Y layer is transferred. As a result, a color image is formed in the printing area of the recording paper 52.
  • the print control unit 82 protects the printed color image by transferring the OP layer to the printing area where the color image is formed.
  • the print control unit 82 controls the recording paper transport unit 72 to convey the end portion of the printing paper 52 in the transport direction to the position where the recording paper cutting unit 75 cuts the printing paper.
  • the cutting portion 75 is controlled to cut the end portion of the printing paper 52 in the transport direction.
  • the recording paper 52 on which the image is formed is discharged from the paper ejection port 51a of the housing 51.
  • the print control unit 82 does not control the recording paper cutting unit 75 to cut the end portion of the printing paper 52 in the transport direction, but cuts the recording paper 52 into a specified size (for example, L size). In some cases, it may be cut to 89 mm ⁇ 127 mm).
  • the print control unit 82 controls the temperature of the thermal head 58 by feedforward control using the head temperature characteristics stored in the storage unit 78 in the printing process. Specifically, the print control unit 82 determines the energy to be applied to the thermal head 58 according to the head temperature characteristics and the print data. Further, the print control unit 82 controls the temperature of the thermal head 58 by feedback control using the temperature of the thermal head 58 detected by the head temperature detection unit 76 in the printing process.
  • FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing the functions of the image processing apparatus 10 according to the first embodiment.
  • the image processing device 10 has an image data acquisition unit 11, a head temperature characteristic acquisition unit 12, a control unit 13, a storage unit 14, and a print data output unit 15 as functions.
  • the image data acquisition unit 11 acquires image data from the recording medium 200.
  • the image data acquired by the image data acquisition unit 11 is stored in a storage device (not shown) such as a hard disk.
  • the function of the image data acquisition unit 11 is realized by an interface connected to the recording medium 200 so that data can be received.
  • the interface may be, for example, an interface for connecting a USB memory or a memory card, or may be a wired or wireless network interface.
  • the head temperature characteristic acquisition unit 12 acquires the head temperature characteristic from the printing device 50.
  • the function of the head temperature characteristic acquisition unit 12 is realized by an interface connected to the printing device 50 so that data can be received.
  • the interface may be, for example, an interface for connecting a USB memory or a memory card, or may be a wired or wireless network interface.
  • the control unit 13 executes various processes according to the control program stored in the storage unit 14.
  • the control unit 13 includes a head temperature change estimation unit 21, a head temperature comparison unit 22, a print order change unit 23, and a determination unit 24.
  • the head temperature change estimation unit 21 estimates the time change of the temperature of the thermal head 58 in the printing process for each of the plurality of images acquired by the image data acquisition unit 11 to be continuously printed.
  • the head temperature comparison unit 22 compares the time change of the temperature of the thermal head 58 in the printing process when the printing process of a plurality of images is performed continuously with the head temperature characteristic. Specifically, the head temperature comparison unit 22 uses the time change of the temperature of the thermal head 58 estimated by the head temperature change estimation unit 21 to print a plurality of images in succession. The sum of the differences between the time change of the temperature of the thermal head 58 and the head temperature characteristic in the above is calculated.
  • the print order changing unit 23 changes the order of the images to be printed, that is, the print order, for a plurality of images to be printed continuously.
  • the determination unit 24 performs various determination processes in the control of the image processing device 10.
  • control unit 13 that is, the functions of the head temperature change estimation unit 21, the head temperature comparison unit 22, the print order change unit 23, and the determination unit 24 are realized, for example, by the processor executing a control program stored in the memory.
  • the processor is, for example, a CPU.
  • the memory is a non-volatile or volatile semiconductor memory such as RAM, ROM, flash memory and the like.
  • the storage unit 14 stores the control program executed by the control unit 13 and the data necessary for executing the control program.
  • the function of the storage unit 14 is realized, for example, by storing data in a memory.
  • the print data output unit 15 outputs image data for printing to the printing device 50 in the print order changed by the print order change unit 23.
  • the function of the print data output unit 15 is realized by an interface connected to the printing device 50 so as to be able to transmit data.
  • the interface may be, for example, an interface for connecting a USB cable, or may be a wired or wireless network interface. Further, the interface that realizes the function of the print data output unit 15 may be the same as or different from the interface that realizes the function of the head temperature characteristic acquisition unit 12.
  • FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing the operation of the image processing apparatus 10 according to the first embodiment.
  • the control shown in FIG. 5 is started, for example, when a print processing start command is input to the image processing device 10.
  • the print processing start command is input to the image processing device 10 from an input means (not shown) such as a mouse, a keyboard, and a touch panel.
  • step S1 the image data acquisition unit 11 acquires image data to be printed from the recording medium 200.
  • the image data includes a plurality of images that are continuously printed.
  • step S2 the head temperature characteristic acquisition unit 12 acquires the head temperature characteristic from the printing device 50.
  • the head temperature change estimation unit 21 estimates the time change of the temperature of the thermal head 58 in the printing process for each of the plurality of images acquired by the image data acquisition unit 11 to be continuously printed.
  • the head temperature change estimation unit 21 estimates the time change of the temperature of the thermal head 58 in the printing process by, for example, the following method.
  • the head temperature change estimation unit 21 divides the images in the printing direction for each of the plurality of images, and calculates the average density for each divided region.
  • the printing direction is a direction in which printing is performed on the recording paper 52, and is parallel to the transport direction of the recording paper 52 in the present embodiment.
  • the head temperature change estimation unit 21 estimates the time change of the temperature of the thermal head 58 in the printing process by using the average density for each divided region.
  • the relationship between the average density of the image and the amount of temperature rise of the thermal head 58 is stored in advance in the storage unit 14. Generally, the higher the average density of the image, the larger the amount of temperature rise of the thermal head 58.
  • step S4 the head temperature comparison unit 22 calculates the sum of the differences between the time change of the temperature of the thermal head 58 and the head temperature characteristics when the printing process is performed in the current printing order.
  • the head temperature comparison unit 22 calculates the total difference by, for example, the following method.
  • the head temperature comparison unit 22 continuously performs the printing process in the current printing order by using the time change of the temperature of the thermal head 58 in the printing process of each image estimated by the head temperature change estimation unit 21.
  • the time change of the temperature of the thermal head 58 is estimated.
  • the head temperature comparison unit 22 calculates the total difference by adding the difference between the estimated time change of the temperature of the thermal head 58 and the head temperature characteristic at each time.
  • the head temperature comparison unit 22 calculates the total difference when the printing processing is performed in the order of the images of the image data acquired by the image data acquisition unit 11.
  • step S5 the determination unit 24 determines whether or not the sum of the differences between the time change of the temperature of the thermal head 58 and the head temperature characteristics is calculated for all the combinations considered as the printing order. If the determination unit 24 determines that the total difference has not been calculated for all the combinations considered as the printing order, the process proceeds to step S6.
  • step S6 the print order changing unit 23 changes the print order.
  • step S5 when the determination unit 24 determines that the total difference is calculated for all the combinations considered as the printing order, the process proceeds to step S7.
  • step S7 the printing order changing unit 23 changes the printing order so that the sum of the differences between the time change in the temperature of the thermal head 58 and the head temperature characteristics in the printing process becomes smaller than in the case where the printing order is not changed. change. Specifically, the print order changing unit 23 uses the sum of the differences calculated for all combinations considered as the print order, and prints in which the sum of the differences is smaller than that in the case where the print order is not changed. Select an order to change this print order. In the present embodiment, the print order change unit 23 changes the print order so that the total sum of the differences calculated by the head temperature comparison unit 22 is minimized.
  • step S8 the print data output unit 15 outputs image data for printing to the printing device 50 so that the print process is executed in the print order changed by the print order change unit 23.
  • the image processing device 10 ends the control shown in FIG.
  • the temperature change of the thermal head 58 and the head in the printing process of a plurality of images are compared with the case where the printing order, which is the order of the plurality of images to be printed, is not changed for the plurality of images to be processed.
  • a printing order changing unit 23 that changes the printing order so that the total difference from the temperature characteristics becomes small is provided.
  • the method of changing the temperature of the thermal head 58 at the time of printing becomes close to the head temperature characteristic which is a reference when creating the temperature correction parameter of the thermal head 58. Therefore, the temperature correction of the thermal head 58 can be performed more appropriately as compared with the case where the printing order is not changed.
  • the printing system 100 for printing a color image by transferring a plurality of dyes as in the present embodiment it is possible to suppress variations in printing colors.
  • FIGS. 6 and 7 are diagrams for explaining the effect of the printing system 100 according to the first embodiment.
  • 6 and 7 show a case where three images A, B, and C are continuously printed.
  • the vertical axis is the temperature T of the thermal head 58
  • the horizontal axis is the elapsed time t.
  • FIG. 6 (a) is a diagram showing the time change of the temperature of the thermal head 58 in the printing process of the image A
  • FIG. 6 (b) is a diagram showing the time change of the temperature of the thermal head 58 in the printing process of the image B
  • FIG. (C) is a figure which shows the time change of the temperature of the thermal head 58 in the printing process of image C.
  • the average density of the images is higher in the order of images A, C, and B. Therefore, the inclination of the temperature rise of the thermal head 58 in the printing process becomes larger in the order of the images A, C, and B.
  • FIG. 7A is a diagram showing the time change of the temperature of the thermal head 58 before changing the printing order
  • FIG. 7B is a diagram showing the time change of the temperature of the thermal head 58 after changing the printing order. It is a figure.
  • the solid line shows the time change of the temperature of the thermal head 58 estimated when the printing process of three images is continuously performed
  • the broken line shows the head temperature characteristic.
  • the printing order is the order of images A, B, and C.
  • the printing order changing unit 23 is the sum of the differences between the time change of the temperature of the thermal head 58 and the head temperature characteristics in the printing process, as compared with the case where the printing order is not changed. Change the print order so that is smaller.
  • the print order changing unit 23 changes the print order in the order of images B, C, and A.
  • the temperature change of the thermal head 58 when the images are continuously printed becomes closer to the head temperature characteristic. Therefore, the temperature correction of the thermal head 58 can be performed more appropriately as compared with the case where the printing order is not changed, and the variation in the printing density during continuous printing can be suppressed.
  • the variation in the printing density during continuous printing is suppressed by performing the process of changing the printing order. Therefore, the amount of the recording paper 52 and the ink sheet 53 used can be suppressed as compared with a method in which, for example, a printing pattern for correcting the print density is printed on the recording paper 52 to correct the temperature of the thermal head 58. Therefore, the printing cost can be suppressed. Further, since a new component such as an optical sensor is not required to correct the temperature of the thermal head 58, the manufacturing cost can be suppressed.
  • the printing order changing unit 23 changes the printing order so that the total sum of the differences calculated by the head temperature comparing unit 22 is minimized. Therefore, the optimum temperature correction can be performed on the thermal head 58.
  • step S7 of changing the printing order so that the total difference between the time change of the temperature of the thermal head 58 and the head temperature characteristics in the printing process of a plurality of images becomes small is provided.
  • the temperature change of the thermal head 58 when the images are printed continuously becomes a shape close to the head temperature characteristic, so that the temperature correction of the thermal head 58 is improved as compared with the case where the printing order is not changed. It can be carried out appropriately. Therefore, it is possible to suppress variations in print density and print color during continuous printing, and it is possible to suppress deterioration of print quality.
  • the head temperature comparison unit 22 calculated the total difference between the time change of the temperature of the thermal head 58 and the head temperature characteristic.
  • the head temperature comparison unit 22 has, for example, the slope of the temperature change of the thermal head 58 in the printing process of each image to be continuously printed, and the head temperature characteristic in the time corresponding to the printing process of each image.
  • the inclination difference between the inclination and the inclination may be calculated.
  • the print order changing unit 23 uses the tilt difference calculated for all combinations considered as the print order, and prints in which the tilt difference is smaller than that in the case where the print order is not changed. By changing the order, the total difference between the time change of the temperature of the thermal head 58 and the head temperature characteristic in the printing process can be reduced.
  • the temperature correction of the thermal head 58 is more appropriate as compared with the case where the printing order is not changed. It is possible to suppress variations in print density during continuous printing.
  • the head temperature change estimation unit 21 divides the image and estimates the time change of the temperature of the thermal head 58 by using the average density for each divided region.
  • the head temperature change estimation unit 21 may estimate the time change of the temperature of the thermal head 58 by using the average density of the entire image without dividing the image.
  • the head temperature change estimation unit 21 estimates the time change of the temperature of the thermal head 58 using the average density of the image.
  • the head temperature change estimation unit 21 may estimate the time change of the temperature of the thermal head 58 by using the histogram of the image.
  • the histogram of the image shows the relationship between the gradation value of the image and the number of pixels of each gradation value.
  • the head temperature change estimation unit 21 divides the image in the printing direction, for example, and estimates the time change of the temperature of the thermal head 58 from the histogram for each divided region. In this case, the relationship between the gradation value of the image in the histogram and the temperature rise amount of the thermal head 58 is stored in advance in the storage unit 14.
  • the head temperature change estimation unit 21 estimates the time change of the temperature of the thermal head 58 using the histogram of the image, the distribution of gradations that cannot be understood by the average density can be known. Therefore, the average density of the image is used to estimate the temperature change of the thermal head 58. Compared with the case of estimating the time change of the temperature, the time change of the temperature of the thermal head 58 can be estimated more accurately.
  • the head temperature characteristic is stored in the storage unit 78 of the printing apparatus 50.
  • the storage unit 78 of the printing apparatus 50 may not store the head temperature characteristic, and may store, for example, the temperature correction parameter of the thermal head 58 derived from the head temperature characteristic.
  • the image processing device 10 may obtain the head temperature characteristic by using the temperature correction parameter stored in the storage unit 78 of the printing device 50.
  • FIG. 8 is a block diagram showing the functions of the image processing apparatus 10 according to the second embodiment. As shown in FIG. 8, the image processing device 10 of the second embodiment has an image rotating unit 31 in addition to the image processing device 10 of the first embodiment.
  • the image rotating unit 31 changes the orientation of the image formed on the recording paper 52 in the transfer process.
  • the function of the image rotation unit 31 is realized by, for example, the processor executing a control program stored in the memory from the head temperature change estimation unit 21 to the determination unit 24, as in the determination unit 24. Since the configurations other than the image rotating portion 31 are the same as those in the first embodiment, the description thereof will be omitted.
  • FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing the operation of the image processing apparatus 10 according to the second embodiment.
  • step S3 when the head temperature change estimation unit 21 estimates the time change of the temperature of the thermal head 58 in the printing process for each of the plurality of images acquired by the image data acquisition unit 11, the process proceeds to step S11.
  • step S11 the image rotation unit 31 changes the orientation of a plurality of images for which printing processing is continuously performed.
  • the image rotation unit 31 rotates the image by 180 °.
  • step S12 the head temperature change estimation unit 21 estimates the time change of the temperature of the thermal head 58 in the printing process for each of the images rotated in step S11, as in step S3.
  • the head temperature comparison unit 22 calculates the sum of the differences between the time change of the temperature of the thermal head 58 and the head temperature characteristics when the printing process is performed in the current printing order. Specifically, the head temperature comparison unit 22 uses the time change of the temperature of the thermal head 58 in the printing process of each image estimated by the head temperature change estimation unit 21 in steps S3 and S12 to orient the image. It is estimated that the temperature of the thermal head 58 changes with time when the printing process is continuously performed in the current printing order for the case where each is not changed and the case where each is changed. That is, the head temperature comparison unit 22 changes the temperature of the thermal head 58 over time when the printing process is continuously performed for each of the cases where the rotation angles of the respective images are 0 ° and 180 °. presume. Then, the head temperature comparison unit 22 calculates the total difference by adding the difference between the estimated time change of the temperature of the thermal head 58 and the head temperature characteristic at each time.
  • steps S5 and S6 are the same as that of the first embodiment.
  • the process proceeds to step S17.
  • step S17 the print order changing unit 23 sums up the difference between the time change of the temperature of the thermal head 58 and the head temperature characteristic in the printing process as compared with the case where the printing order is not changed, as in the first embodiment. Change the print order so that is smaller. Further, the image rotation unit 31 changes the orientations of the plurality of images so that the sum of the differences calculated by the head temperature comparison unit 22 becomes smaller than that in the case where the orientations of the images are not changed. In the present embodiment, the print order change unit 23 changes the print order and the image rotation unit 31 changes the orientations of the plurality of images so that the sum of the differences calculated by the head temperature comparison unit 22 is minimized. do.
  • step S8 is the same as that of the first embodiment.
  • the print data output unit 15 prints on the printing device 50 so that the print process is executed in the print order changed by the print order change unit 23 and the image orientation changed by the image rotation unit 31. Output the image data of.
  • an image rotating unit 31 for changing the orientation of the image is provided.
  • the time change of the temperature of the thermal head 58 in the printing process may change.
  • the thermal head 58 The time variation of the temperature is different.
  • the total difference between the time change of the temperature of the thermal head 58 and the head temperature characteristic may also change.
  • the image rotation unit 31 changes the orientations of the plurality of images so that the sum of the differences becomes smaller as compared with the case where the orientations of the images are not changed.
  • the temperature change of the thermal head 58 when the images are continuously printed becomes closer to the head temperature characteristic, so that the temperature correction of the thermal head 58 is more appropriate.
  • the print order changing unit 23 changes the printing order and the image rotating unit 31 orients the plurality of images so that the sum of the differences calculated by the head temperature comparison unit 22 is minimized. Each is changed. Therefore, the optimum temperature correction can be performed on the thermal head 58.
  • the printing order which is the order of the plurality of images to be printed
  • the printing order is changed so that the total difference between the time change in the temperature of the thermal head 58 and the head temperature characteristics in the printing process of a plurality of images is small, and the total difference is compared with the case where the orientation of the images is not changed.
  • a step (corresponding to step S17) of changing the orientations of the plurality of images is provided so that As a result, as compared with the first embodiment, the temperature change of the thermal head 58 when the images are continuously printed becomes closer to the head temperature characteristic, so that the temperature correction of the thermal head 58 is more appropriate. Can be carried out. Therefore, it is possible to suppress variations in print density and print color during continuous printing, and it is possible to suppress deterioration of print quality.
  • the image rotation unit 31 rotates the image by 180 °.
  • the rotation angle of the image is not limited to 180 °.
  • the image rotation unit 31 may rotate the image by 90 °.
  • the head temperature change estimation unit 21 may estimate the time change of the temperature of the thermal head 58 in the printing process for each rotation angle of 0 °, 90 °, 180 °, and 270 °.
  • FIG. 10 is a block diagram showing a function of the image processing apparatus 10 according to the third embodiment.
  • the image processing device 10 of the third embodiment has a gamma conversion unit 41 and a gamma conversion curve correction unit 42 in addition to the image processing device 10 of the first embodiment.
  • the gamma conversion unit 41 performs gamma conversion on each image of the image data acquired by the image data acquisition unit 11.
  • the gamma conversion is a process of converting an input gradation value of input image data into an output gradation value according to a gamma conversion curve so that a desired gradation characteristic can be obtained.
  • the gamma conversion curve associates the input gradation value with the output gradation value, and may be stored in the storage unit 14 in the form of an arithmetic expression for the input gradation value, or the input gradation value and the output scale. It may be stored in the storage unit 14 in the form of a LUT (Look Up Table) associated with the adjustment price.
  • LUT Look Up Table
  • the gamma conversion curve correction unit 42 corrects the gamma conversion curve used for gamma conversion.
  • the functions of the gamma conversion unit 41 and the gamma conversion curve correction unit 42 are realized by, for example, the processor executing a control program stored in the memory from the head temperature change estimation unit 21 to the determination unit 24, as in the determination unit 24. Since the configurations other than the gamma conversion unit 41 and the gamma conversion curve correction unit 42 are the same as those in the first embodiment, the description thereof will be omitted.
  • FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing the operation of the image processing apparatus 10 according to the third embodiment.
  • step S1 and step S2 are the same as that of the first embodiment.
  • step S21 the gamma conversion unit 41 performs gamma conversion on each image of the image data acquired by the image data acquisition unit 11.
  • step S7 the print order change unit 23 changes the print order so that the sum of the differences between the time change in the temperature of the thermal head 58 and the head temperature characteristics in the print process becomes smaller than in the case where the print order is not changed. If changed, the process proceeds to step S22.
  • step S22 the determination unit 24 determines whether or not the total difference calculated by the head temperature comparison unit 22 is smaller than the threshold value in the printing order after the change in step S7.
  • the threshold value is a preset value and is stored in the storage unit 14. If the determination unit 24 determines in step S22 that the total difference is smaller than the threshold value, the process proceeds to step S8. On the other hand, if the determination unit 24 determines in step S22 that the total difference is equal to or greater than the threshold value, the process proceeds to step S23.
  • the gamma conversion curve correction unit 42 corrects the gamma conversion curve used for gamma conversion. Specifically, the gamma conversion curve correction unit 42 corrects the gamma conversion curve so that the sum of the differences calculated by the head temperature comparison unit 22 becomes smaller than in the case where the gamma conversion curve is not corrected. In the present embodiment, the gamma conversion curve correction unit 42 makes corrections such as lowering only the highest gradation value of the gamma conversion curve without changing the inclination of the gamma conversion curve.
  • step S24 the gamma conversion unit 41 performs gamma conversion using the gamma conversion curve corrected in step S23.
  • a gamma conversion unit 41 that performs gamma conversion for each of a plurality of images that are continuously printed, and a gamma conversion unit.
  • a gamma conversion curve correction unit 42 that corrects the gamma conversion curve used for the above is provided.
  • the gamma conversion curve correction unit 42 reduces the total difference calculated by the head temperature comparison unit 22 as compared with the case where the gamma conversion curve is not corrected. Correct the gamma conversion curve.
  • the temperature change of the thermal head 58 when the images are continuously printed becomes closer to the temperature characteristic of the thermal head 58, so that the temperature of the thermal head 58 is corrected. Can be carried out more appropriately. Therefore, it is possible to suppress variations in print density and print color during continuous printing, and it is possible to suppress deterioration of print quality.
  • the gamma conversion curve correction unit 42 has the sum total of the differences calculated by the head temperature comparison unit 22 or more in the print order after being changed by the print order change unit 23, which is equal to or higher than a preset threshold value. If, the gamma conversion curve is corrected. As a result, when the total difference is smaller than the threshold value, the gamma conversion curve is not corrected, so that deterioration of image quality can be suppressed.
  • the gamma conversion curve correction unit 42 corrects the gamma conversion curve while maintaining the inclination of the gamma conversion curve constant. As a result, the shape of the gamma conversion curve is maintained, so that the continuity of each gradation of the image is maintained, and deterioration of image quality can be suppressed.
  • the printing method of the third embodiment as compared with the case where the printing order, which is the order of the plurality of images to be printed, is not changed for the plurality of images to be continuously printed.
  • the first step (corresponding to step S7) of changing the printing order so that the total difference between the time change of the temperature of the thermal head 58 and the head temperature characteristics in the printing process of a plurality of images becomes small, and the gamma conversion curve.
  • a second step (corresponding to step S23) of correcting the gamma conversion curve is provided so that the total difference is smaller than that in the case of no correction.
  • the temperature change of the thermal head 58 when the images are continuously printed becomes closer to the temperature characteristic of the thermal head 58, so that the temperature of the thermal head 58 is corrected. Can be carried out more appropriately. Therefore, it is possible to suppress variations in print density and print color during continuous printing, and it is possible to suppress deterioration of print quality.
  • Paper transport unit 73 ink sheet transport unit, 74 transfer unit, 75 recording paper cutting unit, 76 head temperature detection unit, 77 control unit, 78 storage unit, 79 head temperature characteristic output unit, 81 print data generation unit, 82 print control Department, 100 printing system, 200 recording medium.

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Abstract

L'invention concerne un système d'impression permettant d'éliminer les fluctuations de la densité d'impression lors d'une impression continue. Un système d'impression 100, selon la présente divulgation, comprend : une unité de transfert 74 qui amène une tête thermique 58 à générer de la chaleur pour transférer un colorant d'une feuille d'encrage 53 sur une feuille d'impression 52; une unité de commande d'impression 82 qui commande le traitement d'impression pour commander l'unité de transfert 74 selon des caractéristiques de température de tête prédéfinies indiquant une modification temporelle de la température de la tête thermique 58 et des données relatives à une image devant être imprimée et pour réaliser l'impression sur la feuille d'impression 52; et une unité de modification d'ordre d'impression 23 qui modifie, relativement à une pluralité d'images devant être continuellement soumises au traitement d'impression, un ordre d'impression de telle sorte que la somme totale d'une différence entre une modification temporelle de la température de la tête thermique 58 et des caractéristiques de température de tête dans le traitement d'impression d'une pluralité d'images devient plus petite que dans une situation dans laquelle l'ordre d'impression n'est pas modifié.
PCT/JP2020/046690 2020-12-15 2020-12-15 Système d'impression et procédé d'impression WO2022130487A1 (fr)

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JPH08174895A (ja) * 1994-12-21 1996-07-09 Tec Corp サーマルプリンタ
JPH09131913A (ja) * 1995-11-10 1997-05-20 Ricoh Co Ltd 感熱記録媒体の記録方法及び記録装置
JPH11320933A (ja) * 1998-05-13 1999-11-24 Fuji Photo Film Co Ltd 感熱記録装置
US20060082828A1 (en) * 2004-10-18 2006-04-20 Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. Method and apparatus for controlling printing order and image forming device using the method
JP2008012728A (ja) * 2006-07-04 2008-01-24 Canon Inc 印刷装置および印刷装置の制御方法
JP2008012729A (ja) * 2006-07-04 2008-01-24 Canon Inc 印刷装置およびその制御方法
JP2012179775A (ja) * 2011-03-01 2012-09-20 Mitsubishi Electric Corp 印刷装置
JP2015039834A (ja) * 2013-08-22 2015-03-02 カシオ計算機株式会社 画像形成装置、方法およびプログラム
JP2018086777A (ja) * 2016-11-29 2018-06-07 三菱電機株式会社 熱転写プリンタおよびプリントシステム

Patent Citations (9)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
JPH08174895A (ja) * 1994-12-21 1996-07-09 Tec Corp サーマルプリンタ
JPH09131913A (ja) * 1995-11-10 1997-05-20 Ricoh Co Ltd 感熱記録媒体の記録方法及び記録装置
JPH11320933A (ja) * 1998-05-13 1999-11-24 Fuji Photo Film Co Ltd 感熱記録装置
US20060082828A1 (en) * 2004-10-18 2006-04-20 Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. Method and apparatus for controlling printing order and image forming device using the method
JP2008012728A (ja) * 2006-07-04 2008-01-24 Canon Inc 印刷装置および印刷装置の制御方法
JP2008012729A (ja) * 2006-07-04 2008-01-24 Canon Inc 印刷装置およびその制御方法
JP2012179775A (ja) * 2011-03-01 2012-09-20 Mitsubishi Electric Corp 印刷装置
JP2015039834A (ja) * 2013-08-22 2015-03-02 カシオ計算機株式会社 画像形成装置、方法およびプログラム
JP2018086777A (ja) * 2016-11-29 2018-06-07 三菱電機株式会社 熱転写プリンタおよびプリントシステム

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