JP2008284807A - Thermal printer and program for controlling the same - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a thermal printer by which excellent printing quality can be obtained by corresponding to the combinations of various thermal transferring ink ribbons and receptive papers. <P>SOLUTION: The thermal printer has an ink ribbon specifying section 13 specifying the type of the thermal transferring ribbon 24, a receptive paper specifying section 14 specifying the type of the receptive paper 21, a temperature measuring section 36 measuring the temperature around a thermal head 27, a group table 15 grouping the combinations of the type of the thermal transferring ribbons and the type of the receptive paper, and a thermal energy table 16 storing the thermal energy quantities and surrounding temperatures correlating the same for every grouped group in association with each other. A control section 10 refers to the group table 15 and the thermal energy table 16 based on the combinations of the specified type of the thermal transferring ink ribbons and the type of the receptive paper, obtains the thermal energy quantity corresponding to the surrounding temperature measured by the temperature measuring section 36, and applies the thermal energy to the thermal transferring ribbon from the thermal head 27. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2009,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a thermal printer including a thermal head that thermally transfers ink from a thermal transfer ink ribbon to a receiving paper, and a program for controlling the thermal printer.

  Thermal printers are used in POS terminals, electronic cash registers, barcode printing devices, measuring instruments, and the like. In such a thermal printer, printing is performed by applying predetermined thermal energy to the thermal transfer ink ribbon with a thermal head and thermally transferring the ink of the thermal transfer ink ribbon to a receiving paper.

  In recent years, in such a thermal printer, many types of thermal transfer ink ribbons are employed depending on the purpose of printed matter. In general general-purpose products, the thermal transfer ink ribbon is a wax ink ribbon mainly composed of wax. When a printed material is required to have weather resistance and storability, a mixed resin and semi-resin ribbon of wax and resin, Furthermore, a resin ribbon is used when the printed material requires scratch resistance and solvent resistance. Many types of thermal transfer ink ribbons with different characteristics are also sold by the respective transfer ribbon manufacturers.

  On the other hand, many types of receiving paper for receiving ink are employed. Commonly used receiving paper includes high-quality paper, rough paper, and coated paper with a coated surface. Regarding coated paper, there are many types of resin materials to be coated. There are also papers that use water-resistant synthetic paper, PET, and PP, and there are a wide variety of receiving papers.

  By the way, printing using a thermal printer has a characteristic that the print density on the receiving paper changes according to the amount of thermal energy applied from the thermal head to the thermal transfer ink ribbon. For this reason, printing is performed according to the operating temperature of the thermal printer. Quality changes. In this regard, Patent Document 1 discloses a temperature measurement unit that measures the temperature of at least one location near or inside the thermal printer, a printing unit that prints an image on an image receiving sheet based on the acquired image data, and a temperature measurement unit. Control means that corrects the printing conditions based on the measurement results of the printer and controls the printing so that printing can be performed in both continuous printing at the same operating temperature and minority printing at varying operating temperatures. A reduced thermal printer invention is disclosed.

Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2005-119065

  In a thermal printer, in order to improve print quality whether the ambient temperature is high or low, the amount of thermal energy and ambient temperature that should be applied from the thermal head to the thermal transfer ink ribbon in consideration of the ambient temperature. The amount of thermal energy to be applied to the thermal transfer ink ribbon from the thermal head is calculated using a control equation relating to the above.

  However, as described above, due to the wide variety of types of thermal transfer ink ribbons and receiving papers, the number of combinations of actual use of thermal transfer ink ribbons and receiving papers is increasing. Since this combination is wide-ranging, the tendency of the amount of thermal energy with respect to the ambient temperature for obtaining good print quality varies depending on the combination. In addition, there is a combination in which good print quality cannot be obtained with the amount of heat energy obtained using one type of control equation.

  An object of the present invention is to obtain good print quality in a thermal printer.

  The present inventor conducted a printing experiment on the correspondence relationship between the ambient temperature and the transfer state of the ink onto the receiving paper, with a wide range of combinations of the thermal transfer ink ribbon and the receiving paper as the test object. As a result, the relationship between the optimum amount of thermal energy to be applied from the thermal head to the thermal transfer ink ribbon and the ambient temperature in order to obtain good print quality depending on the transfer state of the ink onto the receiving paper was found. Then, it was confirmed that the transfer state of the ink onto the receiving paper differs depending on the combination of the thermal transfer ink ribbon and the receiving paper, and these combinations can be grouped into several types.

  Means for solving the above-described problems in the present invention include a thermal head that applies thermal energy to the thermal transfer ink ribbon to thermally transfer the ink to the receiving paper, an ink ribbon specifying unit that specifies the type of the thermal transfer ink ribbon, and a receiving unit. A receiving paper specifying unit for specifying the paper type, a temperature measuring unit for measuring the ambient temperature of the thermal head, a combination of the type of the thermal transfer ink ribbon and the type of the receiving paper, and the combination to transfer the ink to the receiving paper A group table for storing in association with group specifying data for specifying which of a plurality of groups grouped according to a state; and thermal transfer from the thermal head corresponding to each of the plurality of group specifying data Thermal energy table that stores the amount of thermal energy to be applied to the ink ribbon in association with the ambient temperature , Acquiring group specifying data corresponding to a combination of the specified thermal transfer ink ribbon type and the specified receiving paper type with reference to the group table, and thermal energy corresponding to the acquired group specifying data A control unit that acquires a thermal energy amount corresponding to the ambient temperature measured by the temperature measuring unit with reference to a table, and controls the thermal head to apply a thermal energy corresponding to the acquired thermal energy amount to the thermal transfer ink ribbon. And a thermal printer.

  Further, in the present invention, means for solving the above problems includes a thermal head that applies thermal energy to the thermal transfer ink ribbon to thermally transfer the ink to the receiving paper, and a temperature measuring unit that measures the ambient temperature of the thermal head; Installed in a computer of a thermal printer comprising: an ink ribbon specifying function for specifying the type of thermal transfer ink ribbon; a receiving paper specifying function for specifying the type of receiving paper; a type of thermal transfer ink ribbon and a receiving paper A function for preparing a group table that stores a combination of a type and group specifying data that specifies which group of a plurality of groups grouped according to the transfer state of the ink onto the receiving paper in association with each other. And the thermal head corresponding to each of the plurality of group specific data. A function of preparing a thermal energy table for storing a thermal energy amount to be applied to the thermal transfer ink ribbon in association with an ambient temperature, a type of the thermal transfer ink ribbon identified with reference to the prepared group table, and the identification Corresponding to the ambient temperature measured by the temperature measuring unit with reference to the prepared thermal energy table corresponding to the acquired group identification data. And a control function for controlling the thermal head to apply thermal energy corresponding to the acquired thermal energy amount to the thermal transfer ink ribbon.

  The present invention is further installed in a computer connected to a thermal printer so as to be able to perform data communication, and causes the computer to mainly execute a function of preparing the group table and a function of preparing the thermal energy table. Also stipulates.

  According to the present invention, the optimum thermal head to be applied to the thermal transfer ink ribbon from the thermal head determined based on the ambient temperature according to the group specifying data corresponding to the combination of the specified thermal transfer ink ribbon type and the receiving paper type. Since the amount of thermal energy is acquired, good print quality can be obtained in the thermal printer.

An embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. In this embodiment, a thermal printer 100 using roll paper wound as receiving paper will be introduced.
[Construction]
FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of the thermal printer 100. The thermal printer 100 includes a control unit 10 that controls the apparatus and a mechanism unit 20 that executes printing.

  The mechanism unit 20 conveys the receiving paper 21 in a state where the thermal transfer ink ribbon 24 is in contact with the printing unit PL formed between the thermal head 27 and the platen roller 34, and the thermal transfer ink ribbon 24 is transferred from the thermal head 27 to the thermal transfer ink ribbon 24. Thermal ink is applied to transfer the ink on the thermal transfer ink ribbon 24 to the receiving paper 21. The receiving paper 21 to which the ink has been thermally transferred is cut into a predetermined length by a cutting mechanism (not shown) and discharged as a printed matter 23.

  The receiving paper 21 receives a conveying force from the receiving paper roll 22 formed by winding the receiving paper by the receiving paper supply roller 32 and the platen roller 34, and receives the receiving paper supply roller 32, the pinch roller 33 and the platen roller 34. Is supplied to the printing unit PL. The receiving paper supply roller 32 and the platen roller 34 that apply a conveying force to the receiving paper 21 are rotationally driven by a pulse motor 105 (see FIG. 2) of the control unit 10.

  The thermal transfer ink ribbon 24 receives a conveying force from the ink ribbon roll 25 formed by winding the ink ribbon by the ink ribbon guide roller 28 and is guided on the platen roller 34 at the same speed as that of the receiving paper 21 to perform printing. Is supplied to the part PL. The ink ribbon guide roller 28 that applies a conveying force to the thermal transfer ink ribbon 24 is rotationally driven by a DC motor 106 (see FIG. 2). The thermal transfer ink ribbon 24 is thermally transferred to the receiving paper 21 in the printing unit PL, and then wound around the ink ribbon winding roller 26 and collected.

  The mechanism unit 20 includes a thermistor 29. The thermistor 29 is disposed in the vicinity of the thermal head 27, detects the ambient temperature, and outputs an electrical signal corresponding to the temperature to the ambient temperature conversion unit 35. The ambient temperature converter 35 converts the electrical signal output from the thermal head 27 to calculate and output the ambient temperature of the thermal head 27. That is, the thermistor 29 and the ambient temperature conversion unit 35 constitute a temperature measuring unit 36 that measures the ambient temperature. As such a thermistor 29, for example, various thermistors such as an NTC thermistor and a PTC thermistor can be used.

  The control unit 10 includes a head drive control unit 11, a thermal energy control unit 12, an ink ribbon identification unit 13, a receiving paper identification unit 14, a mode switching unit 18, a group table 15, a thermal energy table 16, A head driving unit 17 is provided.

  The head drive control unit 11 drives the head drive unit 17 in a predetermined pattern based on the print command of the host device 200 and controls the drive of the head drive unit 17 by receiving thermal energy control from the thermal energy control unit 12. . The head driving unit 17 drives the thermal head 27.

  The thermal energy control unit 12 includes various data including print data input from the host apparatus 200, the type of thermal transfer ink ribbon specified by the ink ribbon specifying unit 13, and the receiving paper specified by the receiving paper specifying unit 14. Based on the type and the ambient temperature of the thermal head 27 measured by the temperature measuring unit 36, the thermal energy amount to be applied to each heating element of the thermal head 27 is determined with reference to the group table 15 and the thermal energy table 16. Then, thermal energy control for the head drive controller 11 is performed.

  The ink ribbon specifying unit 13 specifies the type of the thermal transfer ink ribbon. The ink ribbon specifying unit 13 can employ a keyboard by which the user manually inputs the name of the thermal transfer ink ribbon, a designation switch for designating a preset name of the thermal transfer ink ribbon, and other input means. The ink ribbon specifying unit 13 registers the type name of the thermal transfer ribbon set in the mechanism unit 20 when the cover is closed when the thermal transfer ink ribbon is replaced by opening a cover (not shown) of the thermal printer 100, for example. Automatic registration means such as RFID input means can be used.

  The receiving paper specifying unit 14 specifies the type of receiving paper. The receiving paper specifying unit 14 can employ a keyboard by which the user manually inputs the name of the receiving paper, a designation switch for designating a preset name of the receiving paper, and other input means. The receiving paper specifying unit 14 registers the type name of the receiving paper set in the mechanism unit 20 when the cover is closed when opening the cover (not shown) of the thermal printer 100 and replacing the receiving paper. Automatic registration means such as input means can be used.

  The mode switching unit 18 sets the device to various modes including a correction mode for correcting the amount of thermal energy applied from the thermal head 27 to the thermal transfer ink ribbon 24. The mode switching unit 18 can employ a keyboard for a user to input an operation command, a changeover switch for switching on / off of various modes, and other input means.

  The group table 15 is a group for specifying a combination of the type of the thermal transfer ink ribbon and the type of the receiving paper, and a group to which the combination belongs among a plurality of groups grouped according to the transfer state of the ink onto the receiving paper. The specific data is stored in association with each other. A plurality of group tables 15 are provided according to the printing speed of the thermal printer 100. Details of the group table 15 will be described later with reference to FIG.

  The thermal energy table 16 stores the amount of thermal energy to be applied to the heating element of the thermal head 27 in association with the ambient temperature. The thermal energy table 16 is provided corresponding to each of a plurality of groups. Details of the thermal energy table 16 will be described later with reference to FIG.

The electrical configuration of the control unit 10 will be described in more detail.
[Electrical configuration]
FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an electrical configuration of the thermal printer 100.

  The control unit 10 realizes its function with a microcomputer. As shown in FIG. 2, the control unit 10 rewrites various data such as a CPU 101 that performs arithmetic processing on various input data and stored data and controls the operation of each unit, a ROM 102 that is a storage medium for storing various fixed data in advance. Are connected via a bus line BL. The ROM 102 receives various fixed data stored in the ROM 102 from a control program for causing the CPU 101 to execute various arithmetic processes to realize various functions in the thermal printer 100, the group table 15, the thermal energy table 16, and the thermistor 29. A conversion table (not shown) showing the correspondence between the output value of the electric signal to be output and the ambient temperature is provided. The RAM 103 also serves as a print buffer that stores print data transmitted from the host apparatus 200, print print conditions such as print speed, and various control information such as control codes.

  The CPU 101 includes a pulse line 105, a direct current motor 106, a head drive unit 17, a thermistor 29, an ink ribbon specifying unit 13, a receiving paper specifying unit 14, a mode switching unit 18 and a communication interface 107. Are connected to each other through data communication. The communication interface 107 enables transmission / reception of various data such as print data between the CPU 101 and the host apparatus 200.

  The control unit 10 includes a head drive control unit 11 that drives and controls the head drive unit 17 and a thermal energy control unit 12 that determines the amount of heat energy applied to each heating element of the thermal head 27 when the CPU 101 executes a control program. And it plays the role of the ambient temperature conversion part 35 which converts the electrical signal output from the thermal head 27 into ambient temperature based on the conversion table which is not shown in figure, and outputs it.

The control unit 10 configured as described above drives the receiving paper 21 and the thermal transfer ink ribbon 24 arranged in the printing unit PL of the mechanism unit 20 and controls thermal energy to each heating element of the thermal head 27.
[Data structure]
Next, the data structure of the group table 15 and the thermal energy table 16 stored in the ROM 102 will be described.

  FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram showing the contents of the group table 15.

  The group table 15 corresponds to the combination of the receiving paper and the thermal transfer ink ribbon and the group specifying data for specifying which of the plurality of groups divided into groups according to the transfer state of the ink to the receiving paper. It is to be added and stored.

  A plurality of group tables 15 are provided corresponding to the printing speed. More specifically, the ROM 102 stores a low-speed group table (FIGS. 3A1 and 3A2) corresponding to the case where the printing speed is 2IPS (Inches Per Second, 2IPS≈5.08 cm / sec, printing cycle 1.64 msec). ), Medium speed group table (FIG. 3 (b1), (b2)) corresponding to the case where the printing speed is 4IPS (≈10.16 cm / sec, printing cycle 0.82 msec), and the printing speed is 6IPS (≈every second) A high-speed group table (FIG. 3 (c1), (c2)) corresponding to the case of 15.24 cm and a printing cycle of 0.555 msec is stored. Each of the low-speed, medium-speed, and high-speed group tables 15 includes two group tables 15-1 and 15-2.

  The first group table 15-1 (FIG. 3 (a1), (b1), (c1)) constituting the low-speed group table (FIG. 3 (a1), (a2)) includes five types of receiving paper A, The combinations of 12 types of thermal transfer ink ribbons W1 to W6 and WR1 to WR6 for B, C, D, and E are classified into groups A1, A2, A3,. The second group table 15-2 (FIG. 3 (a2), (b2), (c2)) constituting the low-speed group table is 4 for five types of receiving sheets F, G, H, I, and J. The combinations of the types of thermal transfer ink ribbons R1 to R4 are also classified into groups A1, A2, A3,.

  Similarly, the medium speed group table (FIG. 3 (b1), (b2)) classifies the combinations of thermal transfer ink ribbons on the receiving paper into groups B1, B2, B3.

  Similarly, the high-speed group table (FIG. 3 (c1), (c2)) classifies the combination of the thermal transfer ink ribbon with respect to the receiving paper into groups C1, C2, C3.

  For all the group tables 15 of low speed, medium speed, and high speed, these groupings were determined based on the results of printing experiments in which combinations of various receiving papers and thermal transfer ink ribbons were used as experimental objects. As a result of the printing experiment, in the low speed group table (FIG. 3 (a1), (a2)), 80 combinations of the thermal transfer ink ribbon and the receiving paper are group A1, and the medium speed group table (FIG. 3 (b1), (b2)). ), 80 combinations of thermal transfer ink ribbon and receiving paper are grouped in groups B1 and B2, and in the high-speed group table (FIG. 3 (c1), (c2)), 80 combinations of thermal transfer ink ribbon and receiving paper are grouped in C1, C2 and C3 could be classified respectively. Details of the printing experiment for determining the group table 15 will be described later with reference to FIG.

  FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram showing the contents of the thermal energy table 16.

The thermal energy table 16 is based on the ambient temperature T corresponding to each of the groups A1, A2, A3,..., Groups B1, B2, B3,. A control expression that defines the amount of thermal energy E (T) to be applied to each heating element of the thermal head 27 is stored. In this embodiment, 80 sets of combinations of the thermal transfer ink ribbon and the receiving paper are group A1 when the printing speed is 2 IPS (low speed), and groups B1 and B2 when the printing speed is 4 IPS (medium speed). On the other hand, when the printing speed is 6IPS (high speed), they are classified into groups C1, C2 and C3, respectively. Therefore, the thermal energy table 16 stores six types of control expressions corresponding to the groups A1, B1, B2, C1, C2, and C3. The control expression PA1 corresponding to the group A1 is
E (T) = − 2.5 × T + 160 (0 ≦ T <20)
E (T) =-1 * T + 130 (20 <= T <= 40)
It is. Further, the control expression PB1 corresponding to the group B1 is
E (T) = − 2.75 × T + 155 (0 ≦ T <20)
E (T) = − 0.75 × T + 115 (20 ≦ T ≦ 40)
It is. Further, the control expression PB2 corresponding to the group B2 is
E (T) = − 2.35 × T + 152 (0 ≦ T <20)
E (T) = − 1.4 × T + 133 (20 ≦ T ≦ 40)
It is. Further, the control type PC1 corresponding to the group C1 is
E (T) = − 2.65 × T + 145 (0 ≦ T <20)
E (T) = − 1.15 × T + 115 (20 ≦ T ≦ 40)
It is. Further, the control type PC2 corresponding to the group C2 is
E (T) = − 2.7 × T + 152 (0 ≦ T <20)
E (T) = − 1.8 × T + 134 (20 ≦ T ≦ 40)
It is. The control type PC3 corresponding to the group C3 is
E (T) =-2.15 × T + 138 (0 ≦ T <20)
E (T) = − 0.9 × T + 113 (20 ≦ T ≦ 40)
It is. FIG. 4 shows these control equations PA1, PB1, PB2, PC1, PC2, and PC3 in a graph form.

These control formulas PA1, PB1, PB2, PC1, PC2, and PC3 were determined based on the results of printing experiments in which combinations of various thermal transfer ink ribbons and receiving paper described below were used as test objects.
[Printing experiment]
Hereinafter, a printing experiment using a combination of a thermal transfer ink ribbon and a receiving paper will be described.

  FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram showing a printing pattern in the experiment.

  Currently, thermal transfer ink ribbons for thermal printers are manufactured by several manufacturers. Ink types are roughly divided into three types: wax ribbons, semi-resin ribbons, and resin ribbons. Sixteen types of thermal transfer ink ribbons from these four representative companies were used for the experiment. In addition, five types of receiving paper were used as test objects: fine coated fine paper, mirror-coated paper, cardboard tag paper, YUPO paper (synthetic paper) and PET film. As a result, 80 sets of combinations of the thermal transfer ink ribbon and the receiving paper were subjected to the experiment.

  In the experiment, a thermal head of 300 DPI was used, and the test was conducted at three printing speeds of 2IPS, 4IPS, and 6IPS without performing thermal history control. In each combination, the thermal energy applied to the thermal head was increased, and the print pattern shown in FIG. 5 was printed.

  The first print pattern is a repetition of 3 dot horizontal lines and no 3 dot print (FIG. 5A). The second print pattern is a repetition of 3 dot vertical lines and 9 dot no print (FIG. 5B). In the first print pattern, the line width dimension of the 3-dot horizontal line in the repeated portion was measured, and in the second print pattern, the line width dimension of the 3-dot vertical line in the repeated portion was measured. Further, the printing density of solid black printing (FIG. 5C) and the printing result of repetition of the kanji character string “gastric buying responsibility” (FIG. 5D) of a one-dot width font were investigated. The amount of thermal energy applied to the thermal head when the line width dimension, the printing density and the printing result described above were satisfactory and good printing quality was obtained was determined to be the optimum amount of thermal energy. When the print width at 3 dots was 0.247 mm, it was determined that the target value was as designed. The above experiment was performed while measuring the ambient temperature of the thermal head.

  As a result of printing with the thermal transfer printer, the combination of the thermal transfer ink ribbon and the receiving paper is a combination in which better printing quality can be obtained when the thermal energy is extremely reduced even at 40 ° C, and the thermal energy is not lowered even at 40 ° C. It has been found that there are combinations where better print quality can be obtained, and this tendency becomes more prominent as the printing speed increases.

  In other words, when printing at a printing speed of 2 IPS, it is considered that the thermal energy margin capable of obtaining good print quality is wide, and it has been conventionally used for various combinations of thermal transfer ink ribbons and receiving paper. Good print quality could be obtained by the control formula PA1 (see FIG. 4) that regulates the amount of heat energy based on one ambient temperature. However, as the printing speed increases, the amount of heat energy with respect to the ambient temperature for obtaining good print quality varies greatly depending on the combination of the thermal transfer ink ribbon and the receiving paper.

  As an example, the print quality when printing at a print speed of 6 IPS in an environment where the ambient temperature is 40 ° C. will be described below.

  In the combination of the thermal transfer ink ribbon W1 and the receiving paper D, the heat applied to the thermal head obtained by adopting the control type PC1 (see FIG. 4) that defines the amount of thermal energy based on the ambient temperature used conventionally. Depending on the amount of energy, good print quality could be obtained.

  On the other hand, with the combination of the thermal transfer ink ribbon W2 and the receiving paper D, good print quality could be obtained with a thermal energy amount smaller than that required by adopting the control type PC1. Similarly to this combination, the thermal transfer ink ribbon and the receiving paper, which can obtain good print quality with a thermal energy amount smaller than the thermal energy amount required by adopting the control type PC1 in an environment of an ambient temperature of 40 ° C. As a result of investigating a control equation for obtaining good print quality that defines the amount of heat energy based on the ambient temperature, a control equation PC2 (see FIG. 4) was obtained.

  On the other hand, in the combination of the thermal transfer ink ribbon WR4 and the receiving paper D, good print quality can be obtained unless a thermal energy amount larger than that required by adopting the control type PC1 is applied to the thermal head. There wasn't. Similarly to this combination, the thermal transfer ink ribbon and the receiving paper, which can obtain good print quality with a thermal energy amount larger than that required by adopting the control type PC1 in an environment of an ambient temperature of 40 ° C. As a result of investigating a control equation for obtaining good print quality that defines the amount of heat energy based on the ambient temperature, a control equation PC3 (see FIG. 4) was obtained.

  Thus, as the printing speed increased, the optimum amount of thermal energy with respect to the ambient temperature tended to differ for each combination of a wide range of thermal transfer ink ribbons and receiving paper.

Based on the results of the above printing experiments, the combinations of the thermal transfer ink ribbon and the receiving paper were grouped based on the transfer state of the ink to the receiving paper at each of the printing speeds of 2IPS, 4IPS, and 6IPS. As a result, the combination of thermal transfer ink ribbon and receiving paper is
(1) A combination in which good print quality is obtained by applying to the thermal head thermal energy equivalent to the thermal energy obtained using a control equation that defines the amount of thermal energy based on a certain ambient temperature.
(2) A combination in which the amount of heat energy obtained in (1) was small to obtain good print quality,
(3) A combination in which the amount of heat energy obtained in (1) was large to obtain good print quality,
It was possible to classify into three groups. The group table 15 of the present embodiment is based on the results of the printing experiment described above, and the group identification that identifies which group (1) to (3) the combination of the thermal transfer ink ribbon and the receiving paper belongs to It stores data. Further, the thermal energy table 16 of the present embodiment is based on the ambient temperature corresponding to the group specifying data corresponding to the combination of the thermal transfer ink ribbon and the receiving paper and the printing speed based on the result of the above printing experiment. It stores control formulas that define the optimal amount of heat energy.
[Processes executed by the control unit]
FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing the flow of printing processing executed by the control unit 10.

  Subsequently, a printing process executed by the control unit 10 of the thermal printer 100 according to the present embodiment will be described. The print processing described below is executed by the CPU 101 that configures the control unit 10 and executes various types of information processing based on the description contents of the control program stored in the ROM 102.

  The CPU 101 receives various print data such as print data and print print conditions such as print speed transmitted from the host apparatus 200 and stores them in the RAM 103. When the CPU 101 receives a print start command transmitted from the host apparatus 200, the CPU 101 performs print processing. Start. The host device 200 does not necessarily have to send a print start command after all print data has been sent to the thermal printer 100, and after sending a print start command to the thermal printer 100 in advance, there are various types of print data and print printing conditions. Data may be transmitted. In this case, the CPU 101 waits for processing in each step until various data necessary for executing each step described below is temporarily stored in the RAM 103 serving as a print buffer.

  When the CPU 101 starts the printing process, it sets print printing conditions based on the print printing conditions such as the printing speed stored in the RAM 103 (step ST1).

  As a subsequent process, the CPU 101 sets the types of the thermal transfer ink ribbon and the receiving paper based on the inputs from the ink ribbon specifying unit 13 and the receiving paper specifying unit 14 (step ST2). This setting may be automatic setting by RFID as well as manual setting by the user based on keyboard input.

  As a subsequent process, the CPU 101 performs head resistance value rank correction (step ST3) based on the resistance value of each heating element of the thermal head 27, and then reads print data for a predetermined line from the RAM 103 (N in steps ST4 and ST5). ).

  As processing subsequent to completion of reading of print data for a predetermined line from the RAM 103 (Y in step ST5), the CPU 101 grasps the ambient temperature of the thermal head 27 input from the temperature measuring unit 36 (step ST6).

  As a subsequent process, the CPU 101 confirms the set values of the thermal transfer ink ribbon and the receiving paper (step ST7), and the thermal transfer specified by the set values from the group table 15 corresponding to the printing speed set in the process shown in step ST1. Group identification data corresponding to the combination of the ink ribbon and the receiving paper is acquired (step ST8). The group specifying data acquired by the CPU 101 by the process shown in step ST8 is, for example, “A1”, “B1”, and “C3”.

  As a subsequent process, the CPU 101 acquires a control equation with reference to the thermal energy table 16 corresponding to the acquired group specifying data (for example, “A1”) (step ST9), and the ambient temperature measured by the process shown in step ST6 Is substituted into the acquired control expression to calculate the amount of heat energy to be applied to the thermal head 27 (step ST10).

  As a subsequent process, the CPU 101 determines whether or not the correction mode is on according to the setting of the mode switching unit 18 (step ST11). When the correction mode is on (Y in step ST11), the CPU 101 corrects the thermal energy shown below (step ST12, details will be described later with reference to FIG. 7), and prints the read line. Perform (step ST13).

  On the other hand, when the correction mode is off (N in step ST11), the CPU 101 performs printing on the read line without correcting the thermal energy described below (step ST13).

  The CPU 101 reads all the print data temporarily stored in the RAM 103 and repeats the processes shown in steps ST4 to ST13 until the printing is completed for all lines (N in step ST14). When printing is completed for all lines, the CPU 101 ends the printing process.

  Here, details of the process shown in step ST12 in the flowchart of FIG. 6 will be described below.

  FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of thermal energy correction performed by the control unit 10. In the example described below, a case where the printing speed is 4IPS and the group specifying data corresponding to the combination of the thermal transfer ink ribbon and the receiving paper is B1 will be described.

  When the printing speed is 4IPS and the group specifying data corresponding to the combination of the thermal transfer ink ribbon and the receiving paper is B1, the control equation defining the amount of thermal energy based on the ambient temperature stored in the thermal energy table 16 is The control formula PB1 (see FIGS. 3 and 4). When the CPU 101 that configures the control unit 10 and executes various types of information processing starts the process shown in step ST12, the correction based on the ambient temperature acquired by the process shown in step ST6 is added to the thermal energy amount calculated by the process shown in step ST10. Add the amount to calculate the corrected heat energy amount.

That is, the control expression PB1 corresponding to the group B1 is
E (T) = − 2.75 × T + 155 (0 ≦ T <20)
E (T) = − 0.75 × T + 115 (20 ≦ T ≦ 40)
The CPU 101 calculates a heat energy amount E (T) corresponding to the ambient temperature T by the process shown in step ST10. Here, the CPU 101 calculates the correction amount E ′ (T) by the correction formula: E ′ (T) = E (T) × (0.3 + 0.025T), and the correction amount E is calculated as the thermal energy amount E (T). A value obtained by adding '(T) is set as a new heat energy amount.

  The correction formula for calculating the correction amount E ′ (T) described above was determined based on the printing experiment described below. That is, since there are a wide variety of combinations of the thermal transfer ink ribbon and the receiving paper, the physical property values and characteristic values of the thermal transfer ink ribbon and the receiving paper are different for each combination, and the energy sensitivity is different depending on the combination. Therefore, ideally, when the user wants to adjust the print density, it is necessary to correct the amount of heat energy applied to the thermal head according to the combination. However, conventionally, uniform linear correction has been performed on the amount of heat energy calculated by the control equation without considering the ambient temperature.

  As an example, the correction of the amount of heat energy calculated by the control expression PB1 has been performed to increase the amount of heat energy uniformly at a rate of 30% based on the accumulation of past experimental results (the conventional method of FIG. 7). 1). However, in the correction shown in the conventional formula 1, the print density was too small when the ambient temperature was high (for example, 40 ° C.).

  As another example, the correction of the thermal energy amount calculated by the control expression PB1 is performed by adding a uniform 40 mj thermal energy amount to the calculated thermal energy amount based on the accumulation of past experimental results. (Conventional formula 2 in FIG. 7). However, in the correction shown in the conventional formula 2, the print density is too high when the ambient temperature is high (for example, 40 ° C.).

Based on the print quality after linear correction as described above, the correction formula considering the ambient temperature is used for the correction of the thermal energy amount in the present invention.
[Action]
According to the thermal printer 100 of the present embodiment, a combination of the type of thermal transfer ink ribbon specified by the ink ribbon specifying unit 13 and the type of receiving paper specified by the receiving paper specifying unit 14 is grouped in advance by the group table 15. By referring to the thermal energy table 16 corresponding to this combination, the amount of thermal energy to be applied to the thermal transfer ink ribbon from the thermal head 27 corresponding to the ambient temperature of the thermal head 27 is obtained. Good print quality can be obtained in the printer 100.

  Further, the group table 15 of the present embodiment stores group specifying data for classifying combinations of thermal transfer ink ribbon types and receiving paper types based on the results of printing experiments performed in advance. The amount of heat energy that can obtain the optimum print quality is determined by the specified type of thermal transfer ink ribbon, the specified type of receiving paper, and the ambient temperature measured by the temperature measuring unit 36. It is possible to simplify the setting of optimum printing conditions in consideration of the ambient temperature corresponding to the combination of the ink ribbon and the receiving paper.

  Further, according to the thermal printer 100 of the present embodiment, the ROM 102 stores a plurality of group tables 15 corresponding to the printing speed, and the group table 15 corresponding to the printing speed is referred to, so that the thermal transfer from the thermal head 27 is performed. The amount of heat energy to be applied to the ink ribbon is acquired, and therefore, optimum printing conditions are set in consideration of various printing speeds.

  Furthermore, according to the thermal printer 100 of the present embodiment, the thermal energy table 16 stores control formulas PA1, PB1, PB2, PC1, PC2, and PC3 that define the amount of thermal energy based on the ambient temperature. The control unit 10 calculates the amount of heat energy corresponding to the ambient temperature measured by the temperature measuring unit 36 using a control equation with a finer accuracy, and therefore, setting of printing conditions suitable for various temperature environments is realized. .

Furthermore, according to the thermal printer 100 of the present embodiment, when the correction mode for correcting the amount of thermal energy applied from the thermal head 27 to the thermal transfer ink ribbon is turned on by the mode switching unit 18, the thermal head 27 is turned on. Since the amount of applied thermal energy is corrected based on the ambient temperature, even if the user wants to set it independently based on the automatic print density adjustment realized by the thermal printer 100, it can respond to changes in the ambient temperature. Good print quality can be obtained.
[Another embodiment]
Next, another embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. In this case, the same parts as those of the embodiment described above with reference to FIGS.

  FIG. 8 is a schematic diagram showing the contents of a thermal energy table 16 according to another embodiment of the present invention.

  In the thermal printer 100 according to the present embodiment, the thermal energy ink stored in the RAM 103 is associated with the ambient temperature of the thermal head 27 measured by the temperature measuring unit 36 and is individually associated with the thermal transfer ink from the thermal head 27. The amount of heat energy to be applied to the ribbon is stored for each group specifying data.

  The CPU 101 that executes various types of information processing constituting the control unit 10 of the present embodiment replaces the processing shown in steps ST9 to ST10 of the printing processing (see FIG. 6) with the specified combination of thermal transfer ink ribbon and receiving paper. The thermal energy table 16 corresponding to the group specifying data corresponding to is referred to, and the thermal energy amount corresponding to the ambient temperature measured by the temperature measuring unit 36 is acquired.

Also with the thermal printer 100 of the present embodiment, good print quality can be obtained in the thermal printer. Furthermore, according to the thermal printer 100 of the present embodiment, it is not necessary to perform a heat energy amount calculation process using a control equation as in the above-described embodiment, and the printing process can be speeded up.
[Another embodiment]
Next, still another embodiment of the present invention will be described below. In this case, the same parts as those of the above-described embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and description thereof is omitted.

  The printing process (see FIG. 6) executed by the thermal printer 100 according to the present embodiment includes an ink ribbon specifying function for specifying the type of thermal transfer ink ribbon and a type of receiving paper in a storage unit (not shown) provided in the host apparatus 200. Identifies the receiving paper identification function to be identified, the combination of the thermal transfer ink ribbon type and the receiving paper type, and the group to which the combination belongs, divided into groups according to the transfer state of the ink to the receiving paper A function for preparing a group table for storing group identification data in association with each other, and a thermal energy amount corresponding to each of the plurality of group identification data to be applied from the thermal head to the thermal transfer ink ribbon, corresponding to the ambient temperature A function of preparing a thermal energy table to be attached and storing it and transmitting it to the thermal printer; The control unit is configured to acquire group specifying data corresponding to a combination of the specified thermal transfer ink ribbon type and the specified receiving paper type with reference to the prepared group table, and transmit the group specifying data to the thermal printer. Storing a program for executing a control function for acquiring a thermal energy amount corresponding to the ambient temperature measured by the temperature measuring unit by referring to the transmitted thermal energy table corresponding to the transmitted group specifying data, This is realized by causing the CPU (not shown) included in the host device 200 to perform various arithmetic processes according to the description contents of the program.

  The group table 15 and the thermal energy table 16 of the present embodiment need not be stored in the ROM 102 of the thermal printer 100. The thermal energy table 16 of the present embodiment is configured by the CPU 101 receiving the thermal energy table transmitted from the host device 200 and storing it in the RAM 103. However, the program stored in the storage unit (not shown) of the host device 200 is stored in the thermal energy table 16 of the embodiment described above based on FIGS. 1 to 7 and the embodiment described above based on FIG. The contents of the data must be described.

In the printing process of the present embodiment (see FIG. 6), the process of specifying the thermal transfer ink ribbon and the receiving paper shown in step ST2 and the process of acquiring the group specifying data shown in steps ST7 and ST8 are performed by the thermal printer 100. This is realized by the CPU (not shown) of the host device 200 executing and transmitting to the thermal printer 100 until the CPU 101 executes the process shown in step ST9.
[Another embodiment]
Next, still another embodiment of the present invention will be described below. In this case, the same parts as those of the above-described embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and description thereof is omitted.

  The printing process (see FIG. 6) executed by the thermal printer 100 according to the present embodiment includes an ink ribbon specifying function for specifying the type of thermal transfer ink ribbon and a type of receiving paper in a storage unit (not shown) provided in the host apparatus 200. Identifies the receiving paper identification function to be identified, the combination of the thermal transfer ink ribbon type and the receiving paper type, and the group to which the combination belongs, divided into groups according to the transfer state of the ink to the receiving paper A function for preparing a group table for storing group identification data in association with each other, and a thermal energy amount corresponding to each of the plurality of group identification data to be applied from the thermal head to the thermal transfer ink ribbon, corresponding to the ambient temperature A function for preparing a thermal energy table to be attached and stored, and the measurement for the thermal printer. A function for requesting transmission of the ambient temperature measured by the unit and acquiring the ambient temperature transmitted from the thermal printer, and the type of the thermal transfer ink ribbon identified with reference to the prepared group table. Obtaining the group specific data corresponding to the combination with the type of the receiving paper, and referring to the prepared thermal energy table corresponding to the acquired group specific data to obtain the thermal energy amount corresponding to the acquired ambient temperature A function for acquiring and executing the function of transmitting the acquired thermal energy amount to the thermal printer, and causing a CPU (not shown) included in the host device 200 to perform various arithmetic processes according to the description of the program. Realized.

  The group table 15 and the thermal energy table 16 of the present embodiment do not need to be stored in the ROM 102 of the thermal printer 100. However, the data stored in the group table 15 and the thermal energy table 16 of the above-described embodiment needs to be described in the program stored in the storage unit (not shown) of the host device 200. .

  In addition, the ROM 102 of the thermal printer 100 according to the present embodiment stores the printing speed information temporarily stored in the RAM 103 and the ambient temperature measured by the temperature measuring unit 36 in response to a request from a CPU (not shown) of the host apparatus 200. Must be stored in the response program that can be transmitted to the host device 200. Then, the CPU (not shown) of the host device 200 in the present embodiment obtains the ambient temperature information measured by the temperature measuring unit 36 of the thermal printer 100 and the printing speed information temporarily stored in the RAM 103 of the thermal printer 100. It is necessary to make it ready for reception.

  In the printing process of the present embodiment (see FIG. 6), the process of specifying the thermal transfer ink ribbon and the receiving paper shown in step ST2, the process of acquiring group specifying data shown in steps ST7 and ST8, and the process of step ST9 and The process of acquiring the thermal energy amount shown in ST10 is realized by the CPU 101 (not shown) of the host apparatus 200 executing and transmitting to the thermal printer 100 before the CPU 101 of the thermal printer 100 executes the process shown in step ST11. The

It is a block diagram which shows schematic structure of a thermal printer. It is a block diagram which shows the electric constitution of a thermal printer. It is a schematic diagram which shows the content of a group table. It is a schematic diagram which shows the content of the thermal energy table. It is a schematic diagram which shows the printing pattern in experiment. It is a flowchart which shows the flow of the printing process which a control part performs. It is explanatory drawing which shows an example of the correction | amendment of the thermal energy which a control part performs. It is a schematic diagram which shows the content of the thermal energy table.

Explanation of symbols

  DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 ... Control part, 13 ... Ink ribbon specific part, 14 ... Receiving paper specific part, 15 ... Group table, 16 ... Thermal energy table, 18 ... Mode switching part, 21 ... Receiving paper, 24 ... Thermal transfer ink ribbon, 27 ... Thermal Head 36 ... Temperature measuring unit 100 ... Thermal printer 200 ... Host device (computer)

Claims (7)

A thermal head that applies thermal energy to the thermal transfer ink ribbon to thermally transfer the ink to the receiving paper;
An ink ribbon identifying section for identifying the type of thermal transfer ink ribbon;
A receiving paper specifying section for specifying the type of receiving paper;
A temperature measuring unit for measuring the ambient temperature of the thermal head;
Corresponding combinations of thermal transfer ink ribbon type and receiving paper type and group identification data for specifying which group the group belongs to according to the transfer state of the ink onto the receiving paper Group table to store
A thermal energy table corresponding to each of the plurality of group specific data, storing a thermal energy amount to be applied from the thermal head to the thermal transfer ink ribbon in association with an ambient temperature;
The group specific data corresponding to the combination of the specified thermal transfer ink ribbon type and the specified receiving paper type is acquired with reference to the group table, and the thermal energy table corresponding to the acquired group specific data A control unit that acquires a thermal energy amount corresponding to the ambient temperature measured by the temperature measuring unit with reference to the control unit, and controls the thermal head to apply thermal energy corresponding to the acquired thermal energy amount to the thermal transfer ink ribbon; ,
Thermal printer equipped with. Equipped with multiple group tables corresponding to printing speed,
The control unit acquires group specifying data corresponding to the combination with reference to a group table corresponding to a printing speed among the plurality of group tables.
The thermal printer according to claim 1. The thermal energy table stores a control formula that defines the amount of thermal energy based on the ambient temperature,
The control unit refers to a thermal energy table corresponding to the acquired group specifying data, and acquires a thermal energy amount corresponding to the ambient temperature measured by the temperature measuring unit based on the control equation.
The thermal printer according to claim 1 or 2. A mode switching unit for setting the device to various modes including a correction mode for correcting the amount of thermal energy applied to the thermal transfer ink ribbon from the thermal head;
When the device is in the correction mode, the control unit adds thermal energy equivalent to the corrected thermal energy amount to the thermal transfer ink ribbon by adding a correction amount based on the ambient temperature measured by the temperature measuring unit to the acquired thermal energy amount. To apply,
The thermal printer as described in any one of Claim 1 to 3. Installed in a computer of a thermal printer comprising a thermal head that applies thermal energy to the thermal transfer ink ribbon to thermally transfer the ink to the receiving paper, and a temperature measuring unit that measures the ambient temperature of the thermal head.
Ink ribbon identification function for identifying the type of thermal transfer ink ribbon,
A receiving paper specifying function for specifying the type of receiving paper;
Corresponding combinations of thermal transfer ink ribbon type and receiving paper type and group identification data for specifying which group the group belongs to according to the transfer state of the ink onto the receiving paper Function to prepare group table to store
A function of preparing a thermal energy table corresponding to each of the plurality of group specifying data, storing a thermal energy amount to be applied to the thermal transfer ink ribbon from the thermal head in association with an ambient temperature;
The group identification data corresponding to the combination of the identified thermal transfer ink ribbon type and the identified receiving paper type is acquired with reference to the prepared group table, and the group identification data corresponding to the acquired group identification data is acquired. The thermal energy corresponding to the ambient temperature measured by the temperature measuring unit with reference to the prepared thermal energy table is acquired, and the thermal energy corresponding to the acquired thermal energy is controlled by controlling the thermal head. A control function to be applied to the ribbon,
A program that executes A thermal head that applies thermal energy to the thermal transfer ink ribbon to thermally transfer the ink to the receiving paper, a temperature measuring unit that measures the ambient temperature of the thermal head, and controls the thermal head to apply thermal energy to the thermal transfer ink ribbon Installed in a computer that is connected to a thermal printer that can freely communicate data, and
Ink ribbon identification function for identifying the type of thermal transfer ink ribbon,
A receiving paper specifying function for specifying the type of receiving paper;
Corresponding combinations of thermal transfer ink ribbon type and receiving paper type and group identification data for specifying which group the group belongs to according to the transfer state of the ink onto the receiving paper Function to prepare group table to store
A function of preparing and transmitting to the thermal printer a thermal energy table corresponding to each of the plurality of group specifying data, storing a thermal energy amount to be applied from the thermal head to the thermal transfer ink ribbon in association with an ambient temperature; ,
Group control data corresponding to a combination of the specified thermal transfer ink ribbon type and the specified receiving paper type with reference to the prepared group table is acquired and transmitted to the thermal printer, and the control is performed. A control function for causing the unit to acquire the amount of thermal energy corresponding to the ambient temperature measured by the temperature measuring unit by referring to the transmitted thermal energy table corresponding to the transmitted group specifying data;
A program that executes A thermal head that applies thermal energy to the thermal transfer ink ribbon to thermally transfer the ink to the receiving paper, a temperature measuring unit that measures the ambient temperature of the thermal head, and controls the thermal head to apply thermal energy to the thermal transfer ink ribbon And a control unit that is installed in a computer that is connected to a thermal printer so as to be capable of data communication,
Ink ribbon identification function for identifying the type of thermal transfer ink ribbon,
A receiving paper specifying function for specifying the type of receiving paper;
Corresponding combinations of thermal transfer ink ribbon type and receiving paper type and group identification data for specifying which group the group belongs to according to the transfer state of the ink onto the receiving paper Function to prepare group table to store
A function of preparing a thermal energy table corresponding to each of the plurality of group specifying data, storing a thermal energy amount to be applied to the thermal transfer ink ribbon from the thermal head in association with an ambient temperature;
A function for requesting transmission of the ambient temperature measured by the temperature measuring unit to the thermal printer and acquiring the ambient temperature transmitted from the thermal printer;
The group identification data corresponding to the combination of the identified thermal transfer ink ribbon type and the identified receiving paper type is acquired with reference to the prepared group table, and the group identification data corresponding to the acquired group identification data is acquired. A function of acquiring a thermal energy amount corresponding to the acquired ambient temperature with reference to the prepared thermal energy table, and transmitting the acquired thermal energy amount to the thermal printer;
A program that executes

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