JP5693244B2 - Printing device and printing method - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a printing apparatus and a printing method.

  In recent years, many printers equipped with a thermal head have been proposed. For example, in the printer described in Patent Document 1, the energization time required to energize the thermal head is calculated from the printing environment (such as paper type). Then, by controlling the calculated energization time, printing is performed on the paper while maintaining the set printing speed.

JP 2008-284846 A

  However, the technique described in Patent Document 1 has a problem that the printing speed may fluctuate due to changes in the printing environment.

  Accordingly, in view of the above problems, the present invention has an object to provide a printing apparatus and a printing method that perform printing processing without changing the set printing speed and without reducing printing quality. And

To achieve the above object, carrying a plurality of heating elements for printing on paper, a conductive portion for energizing the plurality of heating elements, based on Printout speed that has been set, the paper in order to print one line by adjusting the transport time calculation unit for calculating a transport time required for the energization time calculation unit for calculating a current time to the one of the plurality of heating elements, the number of times of energization for energizing the plurality of heating elements the plurality of the one line energization time adjustment unit that adjusts a line energization time required for passing electricity to the heating element, have a, the 1-line energization time adjustment unit, the transfer time for printing one line And an energization frequency calculation unit that calculates the maximum energization frequency from the energization time, and a determination unit that determines an energization pattern based on the input energization frequency from the energization pattern candidates obtained from the maximum energization frequency. And Parts, based on the energization pattern determined by the determination unit, to provide a printing apparatus characterized by energizing the plurality of heating elements.

  With the printing apparatus and the printing method of the present application, it is possible to perform the printing process without changing the set printing speed and without reducing the printing quality.

It is a figure showing an example of functional composition of a printer of a present example. It is the figure which showed the function structural example of MCU of a present Example. It is the figure which showed the time chart of a present Example. It is the figure which showed the flowchart of a present Example. It is the figure which showed the time chart of another embodiment (the 1). It is the figure which showed the time chart of another embodiment (the 2). It is the figure which showed the time chart of another embodiment (the 3). It is the figure which showed the flowchart of another embodiment (the 2). It is the figure which showed the time chart of another embodiment (the 4). It is the figure which showed the flowchart of another embodiment (the 3). The table which matched the printing rate and the correction value is shown. It is the figure which showed the flowchart of another embodiment (the 4). It is the figure which showed the time chart of another embodiment (the 5). It is the figure which showed the flowchart of another embodiment (the 6). It is the figure which showed the flowchart drawing data of another embodiment (the 7). The figure for demonstrating 1 line. It is the figure which showed the time chart of another embodiment (the 6). It is the figure which showed the time chart of another embodiment (the 7).

  DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS Hereinafter, embodiments for carrying out the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In addition, the same number is attached | subjected to the structure part which has the same function, and duplication description is abbreviate | omitted. The printing apparatus of this embodiment is also called a “printer” or a “thermal printer”. The printing apparatus of this embodiment will be described as “printer”.

[Embodiment 1]
FIG. 1 shows a functional configuration example of the printer of this embodiment. The printer of the present embodiment is roughly divided into a control unit 100, a thermal head 200, a paper transport unit 300, and an input unit 400.

  The control unit 100 includes an MCU (Micro Control Unit) 101 and a first storage unit 102. For example, a RAM may be used as the first storage unit 102. In the description of FIG. 1 and the following description, the first storage unit 102 is a RAM 102. The thermal head 200 includes a plurality of heating elements (in this example, four heating elements 221 to 224), a second storage unit 201, and a third storage unit 202. In the description of FIG. 1 and the following description, the second storage unit 201 is the shift register 201 and the third storage unit 202 is the latch register 202. Each of the heating elements 221 to 224 is composed of a plurality (for example, 64) of heating elements. The paper transport unit 300 includes a motor 301 for transporting paper. The input unit 400 includes a printing speed setting unit 401 and an energization number setting unit 402. The printer of this embodiment is connected to a host PC (Personal Computer) 500.

  In addition, the user sets a desired printing speed v from the printing speed setting unit 401 of the input unit 400. Further, the printing speed v may be set by default without the user setting the printing speed v. The printer of this embodiment performs printing while maintaining (without changing) the set printing speed v.

  In addition, the user sets the energization count L from the energization count setting unit 402 of the input unit 400. The number L of energization will be described later.

  FIG. 2 shows a functional configuration example of the MCU 101. In the example of FIG. 2, the MCU 101 includes an energization unit 1011 and the like. Character code data to be printed is transferred from the host PC 500 to the MCU 101. The MCU 101 converts the character code data into pattern data, and causes the RAM 102 to store the pattern data S101. In the pattern data, for example, a bit corresponding to a dot (dot to be printed) for coloring the heating elements 221 to 224 is “1”, and a bit corresponding to a non-colored dot (non-printed dot) is “0”. It is data. The RAM 102 holds pattern data for one line. Here, “dot” is synonymous with a heating element. Here, one-line printing will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 16A shows characters printed in horizontal writing. FIG. 16B shows characters printed vertically. “One line printing” is printing performed by a row of heating elements along the printing direction. That is, as shown in FIG. 16A, when printing is performed in the horizontal direction, the printing is performed by a row of heating elements along the horizontal direction. Further, as shown in FIG. 16B, when printing is performed in the vertical direction, printing is performed by a row of heating elements along the vertical direction.

  One line indicates the character line shown in FIG. 16A or the character string shown in FIG. 16B.

  At the time of printing on paper, the transfer unit 1017 transfers the converted pattern data (print data) for one line to the shift register 201 using the clock synchronous serial communication signal S111. Then, the data S201 of the shift register 201 is transferred to the latch register 202 by the latch signal S121 from the MCU. By the transfer, the transfer unit 1107 can transfer the pattern data corresponding to the next energization period to the shift register 201 even during the energization period. Accordingly, the pattern data S211 to S214 are transferred from the latch register 202 to the heating elements of the heating elements 221 to 224 corresponding to each bit of the pattern data. Moreover, in FIG. 1, the conducting wire for transmitting pattern data S211 to S214 exists for the heating element. That is, when the heating element 221 is configured by 64 heating elements, there are 64 conductors for transmitting the pattern data S211. Each heating element is energized (heated) by energization signals (S131 to S134) from the MCU 101, and the pattern data (S211 to S214) in the latch register 202 is colored and printed on paper. When printing for one line is completed, the MCU 101 transmits a paper transport signal S141 to the paper transport unit 300 to drive the motor 301 and transport the paper for one line.

  FIG. 3 shows a time chart when the energization signals are transmitted in the order of the heating element 221, the heating element 222, the heating element 223, and the heating element 224. 3, S111 indicates a clock synchronous serial communication signal, S121 indicates a latch signal, S131, S132, S133, and S134 indicate energization signals, and S141 indicates a paper conveyance signal. In S121, “0” indicates that data is being transmitted from the shift register 201 to the latch register 202. If “1”, data is transmitted from the shift register 201 to the latch register 202. Indicates a state that is not. In S131, S132, S133, and S134, “1” indicates that the heating elements 221 to 224 are energized (heated) (energization is ON), and “0”. Indicates that the heating elements 221 to 224 are not energized (the energization is OFF).

  The terms used below will be described with reference to FIG. The time required for the transfer unit 1017 to transfer one line of data to the shift register 201 using the clock synchronous serial communication signal S111 is referred to as “transfer time ts”. The time required for the energization unit 1011 to energize one heating element is referred to as “energization time th”. The total time required to energize the four heating elements 221 to 224 (that is, the time required to energize the heating elements 221 to 224 for printing one line) is referred to as “one line energization time tp”. In the example of FIG. 3, tp = 4th. In addition, the time required for the paper transport unit 300 to transport the paper for one line is referred to as “transport time tm”. In other words, the transport time tm is the time required to transport the paper for printing one line. In addition, the number of times the energization unit 1011 energizes the heating elements 221 to 224 is referred to as “the number L of energizations”. In the example of FIG. 3, the energization count L is 4 times. Further, energization of one line is performed for the print data A transferred most recently.

  Further, the “set number of energizations” will be described. Generally, when a large number of heating elements are energized at once, the peak of power consumption increases. The peak (maximum value) of power consumption is determined for each printer. That is, the maximum number of heating elements that can be energized at once is determined for each printer, and the minimum value of the number of energizations is determined.

  On the other hand, if the number of energizations is increased for each printing of one line, the printing quality may be lowered. Therefore, the maximum value of the number of energizations is determined. That is, “peak value of power consumption” and “print quality” are in a trade-off relationship. That is, the number of energizations is determined by “peak value of power consumption” and “print quality” of the heating element.

  Next, processing of the printer according to the first embodiment will be described. As described above, the printing speed v is set by the user or as a default. The conveyance time calculation unit 1012 calculates a conveyance time tm from the set printing speed v. Here, in order for the heating elements 221 to 224 to perform printing while maintaining the printing speed v, it is necessary to satisfy the following formula (1).

  1 line energizing time tp ≦ conveying time tm (1)

  The 1-line energization time adjustment unit 1013 adjusts the 1-line energization time tp based on the transport time tm and the energization time th so as to satisfy the above formula (1). Here, “adjusting the one-line energization time tp” means “increasing the one-line energization time tp” or “decreasing the one-line energization time tp”. Further, if the above formula (1) is satisfied, printing can be performed while maintaining the printing speed v. Therefore, it is preferable to reduce the one-line energization time tp. The 1-line energization time adjustment unit 1013 adjusts the 1-line energization time tp by, for example, (i) adjusting the energization frequency L or (ii) adjusting the energization time th.

  In the printer of the first embodiment, the one-line energization time tp is adjusted so as to satisfy the above formula (1). Therefore, the printer of the first embodiment can perform printing on the paper without changing the set printing speed v and without reducing the printing quality. Moreover, the following embodiment demonstrates the specific method of adjusting 1 line energization time tp.

[Embodiment 2]
Next, the printer according to the second embodiment will be described. As illustrated in FIG. 2, the one-line energization time adjustment unit 1013 according to the second embodiment includes an energization frequency calculation unit 1015, a determination unit 1016, and a candidate calculation unit 1021.

  FIG. 4 shows a processing flow of the printer of the second embodiment. The process flow of FIG. 4 is a process performed for each printing of one line. First, the energization time calculation unit 1014 obtains the energization time th based on the printing environment (step S2). Here, the printing environment is, for example, at least one of the type of paper to be printed, the temperature when the heating elements 221 to 224 generate heat, the voltage applied to the heating elements 221 to 224, the printing speed v, and the like. is there. A table that associates each printing environment with the energization time th is stored in a storage unit such as the RAM 102. Then, the energization time calculation unit 1014 obtains the energization time th corresponding to each current printing environment with reference to the table.

Next, the conveyance time calculation part 1012 calculates | requires conveyance time tm (step S4). The method for obtaining the conveyance time tm is the same as in [Embodiment 1]. Next, the energization frequency calculation unit 1015 obtains the maximum energization frequency LM from the energization time th and the conveyance time tm (step S6). Here, the maximum energization count LM is the maximum energization count among the energization counts in which the one-line energization time tp does not exceed the transport time tm. The maximum energization frequency LM can be obtained by the following equation (2).
LM = tm / th (2)
The LM value is rounded down.

  Next, the candidate calculation unit 1021 calculates an energization pattern candidate from the maximum energization count LM (step S8). Here, as energization pattern candidates, when there are four heating elements as in this embodiment (that is, heating elements 221, 222, 223, and 224 as in FIG. 1), the following energization pattern 1 ~ Pattern 4 is calculated.

  The pattern 1 is a pattern in which the heating element 221, the heating element 222, the heating element 223, and the heating element 224 are energized once (that is, the energization frequency L is 4). The pattern 2 is a pattern in which the heating element 221 and the heating element 222 are energized once at the same time, and the heating element 223 and the heating element 224 are energized once at the same time (that is, the energization frequency L is 2 times). is there. The pattern 3 is a pattern in which the heating elements 221 to 224 are energized once at the same time (that is, the energization frequency L is 1). The pattern 4 means that the heating element 221 and the heating element 222 are energized once, the heating element 223 is energized once, and the heating element 224 is energized once (that is, the energization frequency L is 3 times). It is a pattern.

  In addition, as another pattern 4, the heating element 221 is energized once, the heating element 222 and the heating element 223 are energized once, the heating element 224 is energized once, and the heating element 221 is energized. There is a pattern of energizing once, energizing the heating element 222 once, and energizing the heating element 223 and the heating element 224 once at the same time. In the following description, the pattern 4 is a pattern in which the heating element 221 and the heating element 222 are energized once, the heating element 223 is energized once, and the heating element 224 is energized once.

  FIG. 3 is a time chart when the number of energizations is four. FIG. 5 shows a time chart of pattern 2 (energization pattern with two energization times L), and FIG. 6 shows a time chart of pattern 3 (energization pattern with one energization number L). FIG. 17 shows a time chart of pattern 4 (an energization pattern in which the energization frequency L is 3). A pattern in which the heating elements 221, 222, and 223 are energized once and the heating element 224 is energized once (that is, energized twice) is also conceivable. Then, the peak of power consumption increases. Therefore, when energizing twice, it is preferable to use pattern 2.

  Next, the determination unit 1016 determines an energization pattern from the energization pattern candidates based on the energization count set by the energization count setting unit 402 (step S10). For example, when the set number of energizations is “4 times”, the determination unit 1016 determines the pattern 3. The energization unit 1011 energizes the heating elements 221 to 224 with the energization time th calculated by the energization time calculation unit 1014 based on the determined energization pattern (step S16).

  The determination of another energization pattern by the determination unit 1016 will be described with reference to FIG. As indicated by a broken line in FIG. 7, when the set number of energizations is 4, the 1-line energization time tp (= 4th) exceeds the transport time tm. As described above, when the 1-line energization time tp exceeds the transport time tm, printing cannot be performed at the set printing speed v. Therefore, the pattern 1 in which the number of energizations is four is excluded. Then, the determination unit 1016 determines the number of energization patterns closest to the set energization number among the remaining energization pattern candidates. In the example of FIG. 7, the determination unit 1016 determines the number of energization patterns closest to the set energization number (4 times) among the remaining energization patterns (pattern 2, pattern 3, pattern 4). That is, in this example, since the set number of energizations (4 times) and the closest number are “3 times”, the pattern 4 is determined. And the electricity supply part 1011 performs the process of step S16.

  As a printing method of the printer, it is ideal to energize with the number of energizations set by the user or the like. However, if energization is performed with the set energization count, the 1-line energization time tp may exceed the transport time tm, and the set print speed v may not be maintained. Therefore, as in the printer of the second embodiment, energization pattern candidates are calculated such that the one-line energization time tp does not exceed the conveyance time tm. Then, from the calculated energization pattern candidates, the energization pattern having the energization frequency closest to the set energization frequency is determined. Therefore, printing can be performed while being closest to the set number of energizations and maintaining the set printing speed v.

[Embodiment 3]
Next, a printer according to the third embodiment will be described. FIG. 8 shows a processing flow of the printer of the third embodiment, and FIG. 9 shows a time chart of the printer of the third embodiment. First, the premise of the printer of Embodiment 3 will be described. In the printer of the second embodiment, as shown in FIG. 7, the MCU 101 transmits pattern data at a time using the clock synchronous serial communication signal S111 for each line of printing, and sends energization signals (S131 to S134). It was transmitted to the heating elements 221 to 224. However, when the number of heating elements is small, it may be difficult to control each heating element.

  Therefore, as shown in FIG. 9, the MCU 101 according to the third embodiment transfers the pattern data divided into a plurality of times (in the example of FIG. 9, twice). During transmission of the pattern data, the energization signals S131 to S134 are being transmitted. By performing the control of the third embodiment, fine control of the heating elements can be performed even when the number of heating elements is small. The printer of the third embodiment performs printing under this control.

  In step S2, the energization time calculation unit 1014 determines the energization time th. The first determination unit 1023 compares the energization time th with the transfer time ts. Here, the transfer time ts is a value predetermined for each printer. When the first determination unit 1023 determines that energization time th <transfer time ts (Yes in step S52), the process proceeds to step S53. In step S53, th = ts. Then, the process proceeds to step S4.

  If the first determination unit 1023 determines that energization time th ≧ transfer time ts (No in step S52), the process proceeds to step S4.

  In step S4, the conveyance time calculation unit 1012 calculates the conveyance time tm. In step S6, the energization count calculation unit 1015 calculates the maximum energization count LM. Specifically, when th <ts, the maximum energization count LM = tm / ts, and when th ≧ ts, the maximum energization count LM = tm / th.

  FIG. 9 is a time chart when th> ts, and FIG. 18 is a time chart when th <ts. Here, for one energization by the energization unit 1011, one pattern data transfer to the shift register 201 is necessary. Therefore, the energization count L and the transfer count are the same value, and the maximum energization count and the maximum transfer count are the same value.

  Since the subsequent processing is the same as that of the second embodiment, the description thereof is omitted.

  Even in the third embodiment, the same effect as in the second embodiment can be obtained.

[Embodiment 4]
Next, a printer according to the fourth embodiment will be described. Usually, energization with a large number of colored dots requires a longer energization time. In general, the power (energy) required for color development increases as the number of dots (heat-generating elements) that develop color by one energization increases. Therefore, in energization with a small number of colored dots, it is necessary to shorten the energization time in order to reduce power (energy). In a conventional printer, if the number of color dots is changed frequently, the print quality may not be kept constant. Therefore, with the printer of the fourth embodiment, the print quality can be kept constant even when the number of color dots is changed frequently.

  FIG. 10 shows a processing flow of the printer of the fourth embodiment. In the processing flow shown in FIG. 10, step S19 is interposed between step S2 and step S4, and step S20 and step S22 are interposed between step S10 and step S16.

When the energization time th is calculated in step S2, the energization time adjustment unit 1019 calculates an expected correction value R ′ from the expected printing rate Q ′. The printing rate is determined for each energization, and is defined by the following equation (3).
Printing rate = Number of colored dots per energization / total number of dots (3)

  However, since the printing rate is determined for each energization, the printing rate cannot be obtained unless the energization pattern is determined.

Therefore, the expected correction value R ′ is calculated with the printing rate Q as the expected printing rate Q ′. The expected printing rate Q ′ is determined as a default of each printer, and may be set by the user. The prospective correction value R ′ is obtained using the table shown in FIG. The table shown in FIG. 11 associates N (N is a natural number) printing rates with N correction values. In the example of FIG. 11, the printing rate Q _1, the correction value R ₁ is associated. The table shown in FIG. 11 is experimentally created in advance. The energization time adjustment unit 1019 obtains the expected correction rate R ′ corresponding to the determined expected printing rate Q ′ using the table shown in FIG. Then, the energization time adjustment unit 1019 reflects the calculated expected correction rate R ′ in the energization time th calculated in step S2 (step S19). Here, “reflect the expected correction rate R ′ on the energization time th” means “adding or multiplying the expected correction rate R ′ to the energization time th”.

  And the process of step S4, S6, S8, and S10 is performed. The printing rate calculation unit 1022 calculates the printing rate (step S20). Here, the printing rate calculation unit 1022 recognizes the number of colored dots for each energization. The total number of dots is the total number of heating elements, and is recognized by the printing rate calculation unit 1022. Therefore, the printing rate calculation unit 1022 obtains the printing rate Q for each energization based on the above equation (3). Next, the energization time adjustment unit 1019 obtains a correction value R from the calculated printing rate Q. As an example of a method for obtaining the correction value R, a table shown in FIG. 11 is used. When the printing rate calculation unit 1022 calculates the printing rate Q, the energization time adjustment unit 1019 obtains a correction value R corresponding to the calculated printing rate Q with reference to the table shown in FIG. If the printing rate Q does not exist in the table, a correction value corresponding to the closest printing rate among the printing rates in the table may be calculated.

  When the energization time adjustment unit 1019 calculates the correction value R, the energization time th for each energization is reflected by reflecting the correction value R in the energization time th (for example, adding the correction value R to the energization time th). Is adjusted (step S22).

  In the example of FIG. 10, the example in which Step S20 and Step S22 are added to the processing flow of Embodiment 2 (see FIG. 4) has been described, but the processing flow of Embodiment 3 (see FIG. 8) is added. You may do it. In the example of FIG. 10, steps S20 and S22 are added after the process of step S10. However, if the energization time can be appropriately adjusted, the process of steps S20 and S22 is performed at any timing. Also good.

  The energization time adjustment unit 1019 of the printer according to the fourth embodiment adjusts the energization time calculated by the energization time calculation unit 1012 according to the number of color dots of the heating elements 221 to 224. Therefore, even in energization with different printing rates, the energization time is adjusted for each energization, so that the print quality can be kept constant.

  In the above description, the example in which the fourth embodiment is applied to the printer in the second embodiment has been described. However, the fourth embodiment may be applied to the printer in the third embodiment.

[Embodiment 5]
Next, a printer according to the fifth embodiment will be described. In general, when the number of energizations is changed for each print line, a difference in energization timing occurs for each print line, so white stripes may be formed between the print lines. Therefore, in the fifth embodiment, a printer that prevents the white stripes from entering will be described.

  FIG. 12 shows a processing flow of the printer of the fifth embodiment, and FIG. 13 shows a time chart of the fifth embodiment.

  As illustrated in FIG. 13, after the processing of step S2, step S4, and step S6, the overlap unit 1020 obtains an overlap time tk for overlapping (step S30). The overlapping overlap time tk is obtained based on the energization time th and the energization time tm.

  Here, the overlap time tk is obtained by the following equation (4).

  tk = (tm−th) / LM (4)

  As described above, th in equation (4) is the energization time obtained by the energization time calculation unit 1014 in step S2. tm is the transport time obtained by the transport time calculation unit 1012 in step S4. LM is the maximum number of energizations obtained by the energization number calculating unit in step S6.

  Further, in the numerator in the formula (4), “tm−th” is a difference td between the transport time tm and the energization time th as shown in FIG. The overlap time tk is obtained by dividing the difference td by the maximum energization count LM.

  Next, the candidate calculation unit 1021 calculates energization pattern candidates in an overlapped state for the obtained overlap time tk (step S32). The determination unit 1016 determines an energization pattern from the calculated energization pattern candidates based on the set energization count (step S10). Then, the overlap unit 1020 energizes the energization unit 1011 with the determined energization pattern so that each energization is overlapped for the overlap time tk (step S16). In the example of FIG. 13, the overlap unit 1020 causes the energization unit 1011 to perform energization four times. The overlap portion 1020 overlaps each energization, so that the difference in energization timing between different print lines can be alleviated. Therefore, even if the number of energizations varies for each print line, printing can be performed without white stripes being formed between the lines.

[Embodiment 6]
Next, a printer according to the sixth embodiment will be described. When the maximum number of energizations calculated by the energization frequency calculation unit 1015 is 1, the energization time th may be longer than the transport time tm. In this case, if printing is performed at the set printing speed, printing on the paper cannot be performed properly. Even in this case, the printer of the sixth embodiment can perform printing without changing the printing speed.

  FIG. 14 shows a processing flow of the printer of the sixth embodiment. In the processing flow of FIG. 14, steps S42 and S44 are interposed between steps S4 and S6 of the processing flow of FIG.

  After the process of step S4 is completed, the second determination unit 1026 compares the energization time th with the transport time tm (step S42). When the second determination unit 1026 determines that energization time th> conveyance time tm, the process proceeds to step S44. Energization time th> conveyance time tm means that the energization frequency is one.

  If Yes in step S42, the energization unit 1011 sets the energization time th to the conveyance time tm (step S44). That is, since energization time th> conveyance time tm, in step S44, energization time th is reduced to conveyance time tm. The energization unit 1011 energizes the energization time th (= tm) (step S16). In addition, since it determines with the energization frequency | count being 1 time in step S42, it energizes all the heat generating bodies 221-224 at once.

  If it is determined in step S42 that th ≦ tm, the processes in and after step S8 are performed. In FIG. 14, the process proceeds to step S8 after the process of step S44. However, after the process of step S44, the process may proceed to step S16.

  As in the sixth embodiment, even when the maximum energization count is 1 and the energization time th> the conveyance time tm, the set printing speed can be maintained by reducing the energization time th to the conveyance time tm. .

[Embodiment 7]
Generally, if the number of energizations is greatly changed for each print line, the print quality may be deteriorated. Therefore, in the printer of the seventh embodiment, a maximum value S of energization times is determined in advance. Then, the number of energizations is adjusted so that the maximum value S is not exceeded.

  FIG. 15 shows a processing flow of the printer of the seventh embodiment. The processing flow of FIG. 15 is obtained by interposing steps S50 and S60 between steps S6 and S8 of the processing flow of FIG.

  The maximum value S of the energization count L is stored in the RAM 102 in advance. The maximum value S is obtained experimentally. After the maximum energization count LM calculation process in step S6, the third determination unit 1027 determines whether the maximum energization count LM and the maximum value S are large or small. If the third determination unit 1027 determines that the maximum number of energizations LM> the maximum value S (Yes in step S50), the process proceeds to step S60.

  Then, the one-line energization time adjustment unit 1013 sets the maximum energization count LM to the maximum value S (step S60). Since LM> S, the maximum energization count LM is decreased to the maximum value S. And the candidate calculation part 1021 calculates the electricity supply pattern which is a process of step S8.

  If LM ≦ S, the process moves to step S8, and the processes after step S8 are performed.

  In the printer of the seventh embodiment, when the maximum energization count LM is greater than the maximum value S, the energization pattern is calculated with the maximum energization count LM as the maximum value S. Therefore, large fluctuations in the number of energizations can be prevented, and deterioration in print quality can be prevented.

  Further, the configurations of the respective embodiments described above may be implemented in combination within a possible range.

  For example, the processes in steps S20 and S22 in FIG. 10 may be interposed between steps S10 and S16 in FIGS. Further, the processes in steps S42 and S44 in FIG. 14 may be interposed between steps S6 and S8 in FIGS. 15 may be interposed between step S6 and step S8 in FIGS. 8 and 10, or may be interposed between step S6 and step S42 in FIG. Good.

Control unit ... 100
MCU ... 101
RAM ... 102
Thermal head ... 200
Shift register ... 201
Latch register ... 202

Claims (14)

A plurality of heating elements for printing on paper;
An energization section for energizing the plurality of heating elements;
A transport time calculating unit that calculates a transport time required to transport a sheet to perform one-line printing based on the set print speed;
An energization time calculation unit that calculates an energization time to one of the plurality of heating elements;
A one-line energization time adjustment unit that adjusts one-line energization time required to energize the plurality of heating elements in order to print one line by adjusting the number of energizations to energize the plurality of heating elements. And
The one-line energization time adjustment unit is
Energizing frequency calculation unit that calculates the transfer time and the current time or during et al, the maximum number of times of energization,
Wherein the maximum from the energization times of the determined Me is passing radio-turn candidates, anda determination unit that determines the energization pattern on the basis of the current number entered,
The energizing unit, based on the energization pattern determined by the determination unit, Printout device you characterized by energizing the plurality of heating elements. A plurality of heating elements for printing on paper;
An energization section for energizing the plurality of heating elements;
A transport time calculating unit that calculates a transport time required to transport a sheet to perform one-line printing based on the set print speed;
An energization time calculation unit that calculates an energization time to one of the plurality of heating elements;
A one-line energization time adjustment unit that adjusts the one-line energization time required to energize the plurality of heating elements to perform one-line printing by adjusting the number of energizations to energize the plurality of heating elements;
A shift register for storing print data;
A transfer unit that transfers the print data to the shift register unit;
The one-line energization time adjustment unit is
And during said time transfer to the shift register unit takes to transfer the print data, while during the transport, and the energization time or during et al, energizing frequency calculation unit for calculating a maximum number of times of energization,
Wherein the maximum from the energization times of the determined Me is passing radio-turn candidates, anda determination unit that determines the energization pattern on the basis of the current number entered,
The energizing unit, based on the energization pattern determined by the determination unit, Printout device you characterized by energizing the plurality of heating elements. The one-line energization time adjustment unit is
In response to said color number of dots of a plurality of heating elements, printing apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that it has a conduction time adjuster for adjusting the energizing the energization time calculated by the time calculation unit. Before Symbol 1 line energization time adjustment unit,
Wherein each of the power supply to the plurality of heating elements, printing apparatus according to claim 1 to 3 any one characterized by having an overlap portion to overlap. The printing apparatus according to claim 4 , wherein the overlap time of the overlap is determined based on the energization time and the transport time. The one-line energization time adjustment unit, when the energization time is greater than the transport time, causes the energization unit to energize the plurality of heating elements using the energization time as the transport time. The printing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 5 . A storage unit that stores a predetermined maximum number of energization times;
The one-line energization time adjustment unit, the printing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the number of times of energization is to adjust the number of times of energization so as not to exceed the maximum value. In a printing method using a printing apparatus including a plurality of heating elements for printing on paper,
An energization step of energizing the plurality of heating elements;
A transport time calculating step for calculating a transport time required for transporting the sheet to perform one-line printing based on the set print speed;
An energization time calculating step of calculating an energization time to one of the plurality of heating elements;
A one-line energization time adjustment step for adjusting a one-line energization time required for energizing the plurality of heating elements to perform one-line printing by adjusting the number of energizations to energize the plurality of heating elements. And
The one-line energization time adjustment step includes:
The transfer time and the current time or during et al, energizing number calculation step of calculating the maximum number of times of energization,
Wherein the maximum from the energization times of the determined Me is passing radio-turn candidates, anda determination step of determining the energization pattern on the basis of the current number entered,
The energizing step, based on the energization pattern determined by the determining step, Printout how to, characterized in that energizing the plurality of heating elements. In a printing method using a printing device including a plurality of heating elements to be printed on paper and a shift register unit for storing printing data,
An energization step of energizing the plurality of heating elements;
A transport time calculating step for calculating a transport time required for transporting the sheet to perform one-line printing based on the set print speed;
An energization time calculating step of calculating an energization time to one of the plurality of heating elements;
A one-line energization time adjustment step for adjusting a one-line energization time required for energizing the plurality of heating elements to perform one-line printing by adjusting the number of energizations to energize the plurality of heating elements. And
The one-line energization time adjustment step includes:
A transfer step of transferring the indicia didecyl over data to the shift register unit,
During the time of transfer required to transfer the indicia didecyl over data to the shift register unit, while during the transport, and the energization time or during et al, energizing number calculation step of calculating the maximum number of times of energization,
Wherein the maximum from the energization times of energization patterns demanded Me candidates, anda determination step of determining the energization pattern on the basis of the current number entered,
The energizing process is based on the energization pattern determined by said determining step, Printout how to, characterized in that energizing the plurality of heating elements. The one-line energization time adjustment step includes:
10. The printing method according to claim 8 , further comprising an energization time adjustment step of adjusting the energization time calculated by the energization time calculation step according to the number of colored dots of the plurality of heating elements. Before Symbol 1 line energization time adjustment process,
The printing method according to claim 8 , further comprising an overlapping step of overlapping the energization of the plurality of heating elements. The overlap overlap time of the method of printing according to claim 1 1, wherein the determined based on the energization time and the transfer time. In the one-line energization time adjustment step, when the energization time is longer than the transport time, the energization time is set as the transport time, and the energization step is energized to the plurality of heating elements. The printing method according to any one of claims 8 to 12 . The printing method according to any one of claims 8 to 13, wherein in the one-line energization time adjustment step, the energization count is adjusted so that the energization count does not exceed a predetermined maximum value. .

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