Printing apparatus and storage medium storing printing data generation program

Abstract

The present invention provides a printing device and a storage medium storing a printing data generation program, capable of generating printing data for forming an image with a color display state different according to the visual direction, information of a substrate, etc. A thermal printer detects the visual direction of a belt after printing based on the information of the belt accommodated according to the medium index part of a tape cassette. When generating printing data, the CPU determines an energization mode corresponding to the visual direction. When printing on a thermal belt on which an image formed on a thermal layer is visually confirmed through a substrate having visible light transmissivity such as a laminated type, when forming a red dot achieved by color display of yellow and magenta, the energization mode of R2 is selected. In the energization mode of R1, a magenta dot is formed after a yellow dot is formed. In the energization mode of R2, a yellow dot is formed after a magenta dot is formed. Regardless of the visual direction, dots with substantially the same hue are formed.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a printing device and a printing data generation program. Background Art

[0002] There is a printing device that prints on a multi-layer thermal printing medium having a plurality of thermal layers with different colors formed on a substrate. For example, the printing device described in Patent Document 1 prints on a printing medium having a third image forming layer, a second spacer layer, a second image forming layer, a first spacer layer, a first image forming layer, and a protective layer formed in this order on a substrate. The image formed on the image forming layer is observed from the protective layer side.

[0003] Prior Art Documents

[0004] Patent Documents

[0005] Patent Document 1: Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 2020-15315 Summary of the Invention

[0006] Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0007] However, in the case of using a substrate with transparency and visually observing the image formed on the image forming layer from the substrate side, the image may sometimes be observed as having a hue different from that of the image visually observed from the protective layer side.

[0008] An object of the present invention is to provide a printing device and a printing data generation program that can generate printing data for forming an image having a different color display state according to the viewing direction, information of the substrate, etc.

[0009] Means for Solving the Problems

[0010] According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a printing apparatus that prints on a multi-layer thermal printing medium having: a substrate having visible light transmissibility; and a thermal layer having a first thermal layer and a second thermal layer; the first thermal layer is provided on one side in the thickness direction of the substrate and has visible light transmissibility, and is colored to a first color by being heated to a temperature equal to or higher than a predetermined first temperature, the second thermal layer is provided on one side in the thickness direction of the first thermal layer and has visible light transmissibility, and is colored to a second color by being heated to a temperature equal to or higher than a predetermined second temperature, the second temperature being higher than the first temperature, the printing apparatus is characterized by comprising: a thermal head having a plurality of heating elements; a generation unit that generates print data corresponding to the heating elements for forming an image on the thermal layer based on image data corresponding to each pixel region; a drive unit that drives the heating elements of the thermal head based on the print data generated by the generation unit; and a detection unit that detects whether the visual direction of the multi-layer thermal printing medium when visually observing the image formed on the thermal layer is a direction of visual observation from one side in the thickness direction or a direction of visual observation from the other side in the thickness direction, and the generation unit generates the print data in which the coloring state of the image formed on the thermal layer is different according to the visual direction detected by the detection unit.

[0011] The generation unit of the first aspect can generate print data capable of forming an image having a coloring state different according to the visual direction when forming an image on the thermal layer. Thereby, the printing apparatus can form, for example, an image having a tone similar to that of an image visually observed from the other side in the thickness direction through the substrate and an image visually observed from one side in the thickness direction on the thermal layer. Therefore, the printing apparatus can print an image having substantially the same tone regardless of the visual direction on the multi-layer thermal printing medium.

[0012] It may be that the generation unit of the first aspect generates the print data in which the color of the image formed on the thermal layer is colored with a color corresponding to the visual direction detected by the detection unit. When the image formed on the thermal layer is formed by overlapping two or more colors, there may be a difference in tone depending on the visual direction. For the energy application mode for driving the heating elements, an application mode is set in which colors that are different according to the visual direction but have substantially the same tone regardless of the visual direction are respectively colored. The generation unit can generate print data using the application mode corresponding to the detection result of the detection unit. Therefore, the printing apparatus can form an image formed on the multi-layer thermal printing medium in a form visually observed from the other side in the thickness direction through the substrate to have substantially the same tone as an image formed on the multi-layer thermal printing medium in a form visually observed from one side in the thickness direction.

[0013] It is possible that the generation unit of the first mode generates print data that causes the position of the image formed on the thermal-sensitive layer based on the image data to be formed at a position corresponding to the visual direction detected by the detection unit. When an image formed on the thermal-sensitive layer is formed by overlapping two or more colors, due to the influence of the thickness and refractive index of the substrate, differences in hue may sometimes occur when observed with a position offset. For the application mode of the energy for driving the heating element, an application mode is set in which, although it is a mode for developing the same color, the timing of energy application is different. The generation unit can generate print data using the application mode corresponding to the detection result of the detection unit. Therefore, the printing device can form an image formed on a multi-layer thermal-sensitive printing medium in a form visually observed from the other side in the thickness direction through the substrate to have substantially the same hue as an image formed on a multi-layer thermal-sensitive printing medium in a form visually observed from one side in the thickness direction.

[0014] It is possible that the detection unit of the first mode further detects thickness-related information associated with the thickness of the substrate of the multi-layer thermal-sensitive printing medium, and the generation unit generates print data in which the color development state of the image formed on the thermal-sensitive layer is different according to the visual direction and the thickness-related information detected by the detection unit. When an image formed on the thermal-sensitive layer is formed by overlapping two or more colors, due to the influence of the thickness of the substrate, differences in hue may sometimes occur. The generation unit can generate print data in which the color development state of the image is different according to the thickness-related information of the substrate detected by the detection unit. Therefore, the printing device can form an image formed on a multi-layer thermal-sensitive printing medium in a form visually observed from the other side in the thickness direction through the substrate to have substantially the same hue as an image formed on a multi-layer thermal-sensitive printing medium in a form visually observed from one side in the thickness direction.

[0015] It is possible that the detection unit of the first mode further detects refractive-index-related information associated with the refractive index of the substrate of the multi-layer thermal-sensitive printing medium, and the generation unit generates print data in which the color development state of the image formed on the thermal-sensitive layer is different according to the visual direction and the refractive-index-related information detected by the detection unit. When an image formed on the thermal-sensitive layer is formed by overlapping two or more colors, due to the influence of the refractive index of the substrate, differences in hue may sometimes occur when observed with a position offset. The generation unit can generate print data in which the color development state of the image is different according to the refractive-index-related information of the substrate detected by the detection unit. Therefore, the printing device can form an image formed on a multi-layer thermal-sensitive printing medium in a form visually observed from the other side in the thickness direction through the substrate to have substantially the same hue as an image formed on a multi-layer thermal-sensitive printing medium in a form visually observed from one side in the thickness direction.

[0016] It may be that the generating unit of the first mode generates the print data based on the image data for forming the image on each of at least two of the thermal layers of the multi-layer thermal printing medium. Since the generating unit forms an image on each of two or more thermal layers, it can generate print data that controls the application pattern of the energy for driving the heating elements by the driving unit into a pattern corresponding to each thermal layer. That is, the printing device can control the color development size of each thermal layer and reduce fringe and overlapping color unevenness, for example, by making the magnitudes and orders of the energy applied to two thermal layers of the color developing object different to cause color development.

[0017] It may be that the generating unit of the first mode generates the print data such that the timing of color development of each of the plurality of thermal layers included in the multi-layer thermal printing medium becomes a timing corresponding to the visual direction detected by the detecting unit. Regarding an image formed on a multi-layer thermal printing medium in a form visually observed from one side in the thickness direction, the larger the color development size of the color formed on the thermal layer on the side in the thickness direction among the plurality of thermal layers. When such an image is visually observed from the other side in the thickness direction, the color development size of the color formed on the thermal layer located on the front side becomes smaller, so it is easy to produce a difference in the hue of the image. The generating unit can generate print data that controls the timing of applying energy to each of the thermal layers of the color developing object. Thus, the printing device can cause color development of each thermal layer of the color developing object in a different order. The printing device can control the color development size of each thermal layer and reduce fringe and overlapping color unevenness.

[0018] It may be that the generating unit of the first mode generates the print data in which the timing of color development of each of the plurality of thermal layers included in the multi-layer thermal printing medium is respectively changed according to the visual direction detected by the detecting unit. By respectively changing the timing of color development in the plurality of thermal layers, the generating unit can more easily generate print data in which the timing of color development is different for each thermal layer. Thus, the printing device can cause color development of each thermal layer of the color developing object in a different order. The printing device can control the color development size of each thermal layer and reduce fringe and overlapping color unevenness.

[0019] It may be that the generating unit of the first mode generates the print data in which the color development area in at least one of the plurality of thermal layers included in the multi-layer thermal printing medium is an area different according to the visual direction detected by the detecting unit. The generating unit can generate print data in which the color development area in at least one of the plurality of thermal layers is different from that of other layers. Thus, the printing device can control the color development size of each thermal layer and reduce fringe and overlapping color unevenness.

[0020] The generation unit of the first mode may generate the printing data in which the color development area of the thermosensitive layer on the side farther from the visual direction among the plurality of thermosensitive layers of the multilayer thermal printing medium is relatively larger than the color development area of the thermosensitive layer on the side closer to the visual direction. The generation unit can generate the printing data in which the color development area of the thermosensitive layer on the side farther from the visual direction among the plurality of thermosensitive layers is relatively larger than the color development area of the thermosensitive layer on the side closer to the visual direction. Therefore, the printing device can control the color development size of each thermosensitive layer to reduce the color unevenness of stripes and overlapping.

[0021] The thermosensitive layer of the first mode may further include a third thermosensitive layer, which is provided on one side of the thickness direction of the second thermosensitive layer and has visible light transmittance, and develops a third color by being heated to a temperature higher than a predetermined third temperature, and the third temperature is higher than the second temperature. The generation unit also generates print data in which the color tone of the image visually viewed from the other side in the thickness direction through the substrate is similar to the color tone of the image when visually viewed from one side in the thickness direction for a multilayer thermal printing medium having three thermosensitive layers. Therefore, the printing device can print an image having substantially the same color tone regardless of the viewing direction onto the multilayer thermal printing medium.

[0022] According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a storage medium storing a print data generation program that generates print data for printing by a printing device including a thermal head and a driving unit. The thermal head has a plurality of heating elements, and the driving unit drives the heating elements of the thermal head. The print data is data used by the printing device for printing on a multi-layer thermal printing medium having: a base material having visible light transmissivity; and a thermal layer having a first thermal layer and a second thermal layer. The first thermal layer is provided on one side in the thickness direction of the base material and has visible light transmissivity, and is colored in a first color when heated to a temperature equal to or higher than a specified first temperature. The second thermal layer is provided on one side in the thickness direction of the first thermal layer and has visible light transmissivity, and is colored in a second color when heated to a temperature equal to or higher than a specified second temperature. The second temperature is higher than the first temperature. The printing device further includes a detection unit that detects whether the visual direction of the multi-layer thermal printing medium when visually observing an image formed on the thermal layer is a direction of visual observation from one side in the thickness direction or a direction of visual observation from the other side in the thickness direction. The print data generation program causes a computer to execute the following steps: an acquisition step of acquiring the visual direction from the detection unit of the printing device; and a generation step of generating, based on image data corresponding to each pixel region, print data corresponding to the heating elements for forming an image on the thermal layer and having a color display state of the image formed on the thermal layer different according to the visual direction acquired in the acquisition step.

[0023] The computer according to the second aspect can generate print data capable of forming an image having a different color display state according to the visual direction when the printing device forms an image on the thermal layer. Thus, the printing device can form, for example, an image having a hue approximate to that of an image visually observed from the other side in the thickness direction through the base material on the thermal layer when visually observing from one side in the thickness direction. Therefore, the printing device can print an image having substantially the same hue regardless of the visual direction on the multi-layer thermal printing medium.

[0024] According to a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided a printing apparatus that prints on a multi-layer thermal printing medium having: a substrate having visible light transmissivity; and a thermal layer having a first thermal layer and a second thermal layer; the first thermal layer is provided on one side in the thickness direction of the substrate and has visible light transmissivity, and is colored in a first color by being heated to a temperature equal to or higher than a prescribed first temperature, the second thermal layer is provided on one side in the thickness direction of the first thermal layer and has visible light transmissivity, and is colored in a second color by being heated to a temperature equal to or higher than a prescribed second temperature, the second temperature being higher than the first temperature, the printing apparatus is characterized by including: a thermal head having a plurality of heating elements; a generation unit that generates print data corresponding to the heating elements for forming an image on the thermal layer based on image data corresponding to each pixel region; a drive unit that drives the heating elements of the thermal head based on the print data generated by the generation unit; and a detection unit that detects thickness-related information associated with the thickness of the substrate of the multi-layer thermal printing medium, the generation unit generating the print data such that the coloring state of the image formed on the thermal layer is different according to the thickness-related information detected by the detection unit.

[0025] The generation unit of the third aspect can generate print data capable of forming an image having a coloring state different according to the thickness-related information when forming an image on the thermal layer. Thereby, the printing apparatus can print an image having substantially the same hue regardless of the thickness of the substrate when viewed visually from the other side in the thickness direction through the substrate onto the multi-layer thermal printing medium.

[0026] According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a storage medium storing a print data generation program that generates print data for printing by a printing device including a thermal head and a driving unit. The thermal head has a plurality of heating elements, and the driving unit drives the heating elements of the thermal head. The print data is data used by the printing device for printing on a multi-layer thermal printing medium, and the multi-layer thermal printing medium includes: a substrate having visible light transmissivity; and a thermal layer having a first thermal layer and a second thermal layer. The first thermal layer is provided on one side in the thickness direction of the substrate and has visible light transmissivity, and is colored in a first color by being heated to a temperature equal to or higher than a specified first temperature. The second thermal layer is provided on one side in the thickness direction of the first thermal layer and has visible light transmissivity, and is colored in a second color by being heated to a temperature equal to or higher than a specified second temperature. The second temperature is higher than the first temperature. The print data generation program causes a computer to execute the following steps: a detection step of detecting thickness-related information associated with the thickness of the substrate of the multi-layer thermal printing medium; and a generation step of generating, based on image data corresponding to each pixel region, print data corresponding to the heating elements for forming an image on the thermal layer and having a coloring state of the image formed on the thermal layer different according to the thickness-related information detected in the detection step.

[0027] The computer according to the fourth aspect can generate print data capable of forming an image having a coloring state different according to thickness-related information when the printing device forms an image on the thermal layer. Thus, the printing device can print an image having substantially the same hue regardless of the thickness of the substrate when viewed visually from the other side in the thickness direction through the substrate onto the multi-layer thermal printing medium.

[0028] According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a printing apparatus that prints on a multi-layer thermal printing medium having: a base material having visible light transmissibility; and a thermal layer having a first thermal layer and a second thermal layer; the first thermal layer is provided on one side in the thickness direction of the base material and has visible light transmissibility, and is colored in a first color by being heated to a temperature equal to or higher than a predetermined first temperature, the second thermal layer is provided on one side in the thickness direction of the first thermal layer and has visible light transmissibility, and is colored in a second color by being heated to a temperature equal to or higher than a predetermined second temperature, the second temperature being higher than the first temperature, the printing apparatus is characterized in that it includes: a thermal head having a plurality of heating elements; a generation unit that generates print data corresponding to the heating elements for forming an image on the thermal layer based on image data corresponding to each pixel region; a drive unit that drives the heating elements of the thermal head based on the print data generated by the generation unit; and a detection unit that detects refractive-index-related information associated with the refractive index of the base material of the multi-layer thermal printing medium, and the generation unit generates the print data such that the coloring state of the image formed on the thermal layer is different according to the refractive-index-related information detected by the detection unit.

[0029] The generation unit according to the fifth aspect can generate print data capable of forming an image having a coloring state different according to the refractive-index-related information when forming an image on the thermal layer. Thus, the printing apparatus can print an image having the same hue regardless of the refractive index of the base material when viewed visually from the other side in the thickness direction through the base material on the multi-layer thermal printing medium.

[0030] According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a storage medium storing a print data generation program that generates print data for printing by a printing device including a thermal head and a driving unit. The thermal head has a plurality of heating elements, and the driving unit drives the heating elements of the thermal head. The print data is data used by the printing device for printing on a multi-layer thermal printing medium, which includes: a substrate having visible light transmissivity; and a thermal layer having a first thermal layer and a second thermal layer. The first thermal layer is provided on one side in the thickness direction of the substrate and has visible light transmissivity, and is colored in a first color by being heated to a temperature above a specified first temperature. The second thermal layer is provided on one side in the thickness direction of the first thermal layer and has visible light transmissivity, and is colored in a second color by being heated to a temperature above a specified second temperature. The second temperature is higher than the first temperature. The print data generation program causes a computer to execute the following steps: a detection step of detecting refractive index-related information associated with the refractive index of the substrate of the multi-layer thermal printing medium; and a generation step of generating, based on image data corresponding to each pixel region, print data corresponding to the heating elements for forming an image on the thermal layer, and the color display state of the image formed on the thermal layer is different according to the refractive index-related information detected in the detection step.

[0031] The computer according to the sixth aspect can generate print data capable of forming an image with a different color display state according to refractive index-related information when the printing device forms an image on the thermal layer. Thus, the printing device can print an image having substantially the same hue regardless of the refractive index of the substrate when viewed visually from the other side in the thickness direction through the substrate onto the multi-layer thermal printing medium. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0032] Figure 1 is a perspective view of the thermal printer 1.

[0033] Figure 2 is a perspective view of the tape cassette 30 and the mounting portion 8.

[0034] Figure 3 is a top view of the mounting portion 8 on which the tape cassette 30 is mounted.

[0035] Figure 4 is a perspective view showing the thermal tape 4, the adhesive tape 7, and the tape 9.

[0036] Figure 5 is a top view for explaining the printing process of the thermal printer 1.

[0037] Figure 6 is a block diagram showing the electrical structure of the thermal printer 1.

[0038] Figure 7 It is a timing chart showing an example of the energization pattern of the heating element 11.

[0039] Figure 8 It is a coordinate diagram showing the relationship between the temperature during color development of each color and the depth of the thermosensitive layer 42.

[0040] Figure 9 It is a coordinate diagram showing the relationship between the temperature during color development based on the energization pattern of R1 and the depth of the thermosensitive layer 42.

[0041] Figure 10 It is a coordinate diagram showing the relationship between the temperature during color development based on the energization pattern of R2 and the depth of the thermosensitive layer 42.

[0042] Figure 11 It is a flowchart of the tape production process. Detailed Embodiment

[0043] Hereinafter, an embodiment embodying the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. The drawings referred to are used to illustrate the technical features that can be adopted by the present invention, and the structures, controls, etc. of the devices described are not intended to be limited thereto, but are merely illustrative examples.

[0044] The following description will Figure 1 The lower left side, upper right side, lower right side, upper left side, upper side, and lower side of Figure 2 are respectively set as the front side, rear side, right side, left side, upper side, and lower side of the thermal printer 1. For the lower right side, upper left side, upper right side, lower left side, upper side, and lower side of Figure 3 are respectively the front side, rear side, right side, left side, upper side, and lower side of the tape cassette 30. For ease of understanding,

[0045] The thermal printer 1 of the present embodiment (refer to Figure 1 ) is a general tape printing device that can use various tape cassettes such as a receiving type and a laminating type. It should be noted that the receiving type is a type of tape cassette that houses a thermal tape with a release paper attached via an adhesive layer on one side. The laminating type is a type of tape cassette that houses a double-sided tape and a thermal tape. In the following description, the thermal printer 1 uses a laminating type tape cassette 30 (refer to Figure 2 ) as an example. The thermal printer 1 can print characters, graphics, symbols, etc. on the thermal tape 4. The thermal printer 1 makes the tape 9 by pasting the tape 7 on the printed thermal tape 4.

[0046] The external structure of the thermal printer 1 will be described. As shown in Figure 1As shown, the thermal printer 1 includes a main body cover 2. The main body cover 2 is box-shaped. A keyboard 3 is provided at the front part of the upper surface of the main body cover 2. The user inputs various information into the thermal printer 1 by operating the keyboard 3. A display 5 is provided at the rear side of the keyboard 3. The display 5 can display the various input information.

[0047] A cassette cover 6 is provided at the rear side of the display 5. The cassette cover 6 covers the later-described mounting portion 8 (refer to Figure 2 ) from above in an openable and closable manner. The user opens and closes the cassette cover 6 when replacing the tape cassette 30 (refer to Figure 2 ). A discharge slot (not shown) is provided at the rear part of the left surface of the main body cover 2. The discharge slot discharges the tape 9 to the outside of the thermal printer 1.

[0048] Describe the internal structure of the thermal printer 1. As Figure 2 shown, a mounting portion 8 is provided below the cassette cover 6 (refer to Figure 1 ). The mounting portion 8 is recessed downward from the upper surface of the main body cover 2 in a shape corresponding to the tape cassette 30. The tape cassette 30 is detachably mounted on the mounting portion 8. The mounting portion 8 has a chamber 811 and an edge support portion 812. The chamber 811 is recessed in a shape substantially corresponding to the bottom surface of the later-described cassette housing 31 when the tape cassette 30 is mounted, and has a flat bottom surface. The edge support portion 812 is a flat portion horizontally extending from the outer edge of the chamber 811. The edge support portion 812 supports the lower surface of the periphery of the cassette housing 31 when the tape cassette 30 is mounted on the mounting portion 8.

[0049] A head support 19 is provided at the front part of the mounting portion 8. The head support 19 is plate-shaped and extends in the up-down, left-right directions. A thermal head 10 is provided on the front surface 191 of the head support 19. The thermal head 10 includes a plurality of heating elements 11. The plurality of heating elements 11 are arranged in a row in the up-down direction. The thermal head 10 heats the thermal tape 4 exposed from a later-described opening 341 in a state where the tape cassette 30 is mounted on the mounting portion 8 using the plurality of heating elements 11.

[0050] A drive shaft 18 for transporting the later-described thermal tape 4 and the adhesive tape 7 is provided at the left rear oblique side of the head support 19. The drive shaft 18 extends upward from the bottom surface of the mounting portion 8 and is rotationally driven by a transport motor 95 (refer to Figure 6 ).

[0051] At the rear part inside the mounting portion 8, five medium detection switches 310 are provided on the edge support portion 812. The medium detection switches 310 are pin-shaped and are respectively biased by springs to maintain a state of protruding upward from the upper surface of the edge support portion 812. When the tape cassette 30 is mounted on the mounting portion 8, the medium detection switches 310 are actuated by a medium index portion 900 of the tape cassette 30 (refer to Figure 3)Press downward selectively. The media detection switch 310 is in an off state when not pressed from above, and is in an on state when pressed downward. The thermal printer 1 detects the type of the tape 9 of the tape cassette 30 based on the combination of the on and off states of the media detection switch 310. The details of the type of the tape 9 and the media index section 900 will be described later.

[0052] As Figure 3 shown, a cutting mechanism 16 is provided on the left side of the drive shaft 18. The cutting mechanism 16 cuts the tape 9 by the drive of a cutting motor 96 (see Figure 6 ). An imprinting bracket 12 is provided on the front side of the head bracket 19. The imprinting bracket 12 is arm-shaped and is supported by a support shaft 121 so as to be swingable about an axis in the vertical direction. The support shaft 121 is provided at the right end of the imprinting bracket 12.

[0053] On the front end side of the imprinting bracket 12, an imprinting roller 15 and a movable roller 14 are supported rotatably together. The imprinting roller 15 can approach and leave the thermal head 10 along with the swing of the imprinting bracket 12. The movable roller 14 is provided on the left side of the imprinting roller 15 and can approach and leave a later-described conveyance roller 33 along with the swing of the imprinting bracket 12.

[0054] In the present embodiment, it is configured that when the cassette cover 6 is opened, the imprinting bracket 12 moves toward a standby position (the position shown by the dotted line in Figure 3 ), and when the cassette cover 6 is closed, the imprinting bracket 12 moves toward a printing position (the position shown by the solid line in Figure 3 ). In the standby position, the imprinting bracket 12 moves in a direction away from the mounting portion 8. Thus, the user can attach and detach the tape cassette 30 with respect to the mounting portion 8.

[0055] In the printing position, the imprinting bracket 12 moves in a direction approaching the mounting portion 8. Thus, when the tape cassette 30 is mounted on the mounting portion 8, the imprinting roller 15 presses the thermal tape 4 against the thermal head 10, and the movable roller 14 overlaps the thermal tape 4 and the adhesive tape 7 and presses them against the conveyance roller 33.

[0056] The imprinting roller 15 is rotationally driven together with the drive shaft 18 by a conveyance motor 95 (see Figure 6 ). It should be noted that in the present embodiment, in order to suppress the slack of the thermal tape 4 caused by conveyance, the imprinting roller 15 and the drive shaft 18 are connected to the conveyance motor 95 via a plurality of gears (not shown) such that the rotation speed of the imprinting roller 15 is smaller than the rotation speed of the drive shaft 18 (conveyance roller 33).

[0057] Describe the structure of the tape cassette 30. As Figure 2As shown, the tape cassette 30 has a cassette housing 31. The cassette housing 31 is generally rectangular parallelepiped-shaped and is formed by combining a lower housing 311 and an upper housing 312.

[0058] An arm portion 34 is provided on the front surface 301 of the cassette housing 31. The arm portion 34 extends from the right front portion of the cassette housing 31 toward the left front. An opening portion 341 is provided at the left end of the arm portion 34. The opening portion 341 is formed as a slit extending in the vertical direction, and discharges the thermal tape 4 pulled out from a first supply roller 40 (refer to Figure 3 ) to the outside from the inside of the cassette housing 31. Thereby, a part of the thermal tape 4 is exposed to the outside of the cassette housing 31.

[0059] A head insertion portion 39 is formed at the rear side of the arm portion 34. The head insertion portion 39 penetrates the cassette housing 31 in the vertical direction. The left front portion of the head insertion portion 39 opens forward. Hereinafter, this opening is referred to as "head opening 391". The head opening 391 is located downstream (to the left) in the conveyance direction of the thermal tape 4 with respect to the opening portion 341. In the head insertion portion 39, the head holder 19 is inserted in a state where the tape cassette 30 is mounted on the mounting portion 8.

[0060] A conveyance roller 33 is provided on the left side of the head insertion portion 39. The conveyance roller 33 is located between the opening portion 341 and a guide portion 38 (described later) in the conveyance direction (left-right direction). The conveyance roller 33 is cylindrical and extends in the vertical direction. The front end portion of the conveyance roller 33 projects forward from the cassette housing 31. The conveyance roller 33 supports the tape 7 in a state where the thermal tape 4 and the tape 7 overlap. The conveyance roller 33 is rotatably supported by a support hole 35. The support hole 35 penetrates the cassette housing 31 in the vertical direction. In a state where the tape cassette 30 is mounted on the mounting portion 8, the drive shaft 18 (refer to Figure 3 ) is inserted into the inside of the conveyance roller 33. The conveyance roller 33 rotates by the rotational drive of the drive shaft 18, and conveys the thermal tape 4 and the tape 7.

[0061] A guide portion 38 is provided at the left front corner portion of the cassette housing 31. The guide portion 38 is located downstream (to the left) in the conveyance direction with respect to the opening portion 341, and more specifically, is located downstream in the conveyance direction with respect to the conveyance roller 33. The guide portion 38 is formed as a slit extending in the vertical direction. When the tape 9 is conveyed via the conveyance roller 33, it passes inside the guide portion 38. At this time, the guide portion 38 supports the tape 9 from both sides in the width direction. Thereby, the tape 9 is discharged from the cassette housing 31 while maintaining its posture. That is, the guide portion 38 guides the tape 9 to the outside of the cassette housing 31.

[0062] As Figure 3As shown, a first supply roller 40 and a second supply roller 70 are accommodated inside a cartridge housing 31. The first supply roller 40 is a supply source of the thermal tape 4, and is provided at the right rear portion inside the cartridge housing 31. The first supply roller 40 is configured such that the thermal tape 4 is wound around the first tape reel 21 in the clockwise direction in a top view, toward a direction away from the rotation center of the first tape reel 21. Specifically, the thermal tape 4 is wound such that a plurality of thermal layers 42 (refer to (A) of Figure 4 )) are on the inner side with respect to a base material 41 (refer to (A) of Figure 4 )) to be described later. The first tape reel 21 is rotatably supported by a support hole 36. The support hole 36 penetrates the cartridge housing 31 in the vertical direction.

[0063] The second supply roller 70 is a supply source of the adhesive tape 7, and is provided at the left rear portion inside the cartridge housing 31, that is, on the left side of the first supply roller 40. The second supply roller 70 is configured such that the adhesive tape 7 is wound around the second tape reel 22 in the counterclockwise direction in a top view, toward a direction away from the rotation center of the second tape reel 22. Specifically, the adhesive tape 7 is wound such that a first adhesive layer 73 (refer to (B) of Figure 4 )) to be described later is on the inner side with respect to a second adhesive layer 74 (release paper 75, refer to (B) of Figure 4 ). The second tape reel 22 is rotatably supported by a support hole 37. The support hole 37 penetrates the cartridge housing 31 in the vertical direction.

[0064] The medium index portion 900 is at least one hole portion. The medium index portion 900 is formed at a position on the bottom wall of the rear portion of the lower housing 311 of the cartridge housing 31 corresponding to the medium detection switch 310 when the tape cassette 30 is installed in the installation portion 8. The number and formation position of the hole portions of the medium index portion 900 vary according to the type of the tape 9 accommodated in the tape cassette 30. When the tape cassette 30 is installed in the installation portion 8, the medium detection switch 310 corresponding to the formation position of the hole portion is not pressed and becomes an off state, and the medium detection switch 310 corresponding to the non-formation position of the hole portion is pressed and becomes an on state. Thus, the thermal printer 1 uses the medium detection switch 310 to detect the number and formation position of the hole portions of the medium index portion 900 and determine the type of the tape 9.

[0065] Describe the structure of the thermal tape 4. The following description sets the upper side and the lower side of Figure 4 as the upper side and the lower side of each tape, respectively. As Figure 4As shown in (A) of , the thermal-sensitive tape 4 is a strip-shaped medium composed of multiple layers stacked. Specifically, the thermal-sensitive tape 4 has a base material 41, multiple thermal-sensitive layers 42, multiple heat-insulating layers 43, and an outer covering layer 44 (hereinafter, also collectively referred to as "each layer of the thermal-sensitive tape 4"). In the present embodiment, the multiple thermal-sensitive layers 42 include a first thermal-sensitive layer 421, a second thermal-sensitive layer 422, and a third thermal-sensitive layer 423. The multiple heat-insulating layers 43 include a first heat-insulating layer 431 and a second heat-insulating layer 432.

[0066] The base material 41, the first thermal-sensitive layer 421, the first heat-insulating layer 431, the second thermal-sensitive layer 422, the second heat-insulating layer 432, the third thermal-sensitive layer 423, and the outer covering layer 44 are arranged and stacked in this order from the lower side of the thermal-sensitive tape 4 in the thickness direction ( Figure 4 the up-and-down direction of (A) of ). That is, the outer covering layer 44 is provided on the side opposite to the multiple thermal-sensitive layers 42 with respect to the base material 41, specifically, on the upper surface of the thermal-sensitive tape 4.

[0067] The base material 41 is a resin film, specifically, a non-foamed resin film, and more specifically, a non-foamed polyethylene terephthalate (PET) film. That is, no bubbles are contained inside the base material 41.

[0068] Each layer of the multiple thermal-sensitive layers 42 presents a color corresponding to each layer when heated to the color-developing temperature corresponding to each layer. The multiple thermal-sensitive layers 42 use, for example, the drugs described in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2008-6830.

[0069] The first thermal-sensitive layer 421 is formed into a film shape by coating a drug on the lower surface of the first heat-insulating layer 431. The first thermal-sensitive layer 421 develops a first color when heated to a temperature above the first temperature, and the visible light transmittance of this first color is lower than the original state. In the present embodiment, the first color is cyan (hereinafter, abbreviated as "C").

[0070] The second thermal-sensitive layer 422 is formed into a film shape by coating a drug on the lower surface of the second heat-insulating layer 432. The second thermal-sensitive layer 422 develops a second color when heated to a temperature above the second temperature, and the visible light transmittance of this second color is lower than the original state. The second temperature is higher than the first temperature. In the present embodiment, the second color is magenta (hereinafter, abbreviated as "M").

[0071] The third thermal-sensitive layer 423 is formed into a film shape by coating a drug on the upper surface of the second heat-insulating layer 432. The third thermal-sensitive layer 423 develops a third color when heated to a temperature above the third temperature, and the visible light transmittance of this third color is lower than the original state. The third temperature is higher than the second temperature. In the present embodiment, the third color is yellow (hereinafter, abbreviated as "Y").

[0072] The plurality of heat insulating layers 43 are sheet-like. The plurality of heat insulating layers 43 have low thermal conductivity, and thus the plurality of heat insulating layers 43 function as a resistance to heat conduction. Therefore, a temperature gradient is generated in the direction of heat transfer inside each of the plurality of heat insulating layers 43. As described later, when the thermal head 10 heats the thermal tape 4 from the Figure 4 upper side, the temperature of the lower surface of each heat insulating layer 43 is lower than the temperature of the upper surface of each heat insulating layer 43. Thus, each heat insulating layer 43 can impart a desired difference to the temperatures of the two thermal layers 42 adjacent to the upper and lower sides of each heat insulating layer 43 corresponding to the thermal conductivity of the heat insulating layer 43.

[0073] Specifically, the second heat insulating layer 432 can make the temperature of the second thermal layer 422 lower than the temperature of the third thermal layer 423. The first heat insulating layer 431 can make the temperature of the first thermal layer 421 lower than the temperature of the second thermal layer 422. In this way, through the action of the heat insulating layer 43, the thermal tape 4 can intentionally control the temperature of the first thermal layer 421 to a high temperature above the first temperature and lower than the second temperature, intentionally control the temperature of the second thermal layer 422 to a high temperature above the second temperature and lower than the third temperature, and intentionally control the temperature of the third thermal layer 423 to a high temperature above the third temperature.

[0074] The outer covering layer 44 is formed into a film shape by being coated on the upper surface of the third thermal layer 423, and transmits more visible light of blue (for example, light with a wavelength of about 470 nm) than visible light of yellow (for example, light with a wavelength of about 580 nm). That is, the visible light transmittance of the outer covering layer 44 for yellow visible light is lower than the visible light transmittance of the outer covering layer 44 for blue visible light. The outer covering layer 44 protects the plurality of thermal layers 42 from the side opposite to the base material 41 (that is, the upper surface side of the thermal tape 4).

[0075] The thermal tape 4 as a whole has visible light transmissibility in the thickness direction of the thermal tape 4. That is, each layer of the thermal tape 4 has visible light transmissibility. The visible light transmittance (%) of the base material 41 can be the same as the visible light transmittance of at least any one of the plurality of thermal layers 42, the plurality of heat insulating layers 43, and the outer covering layer 44, or can be different from all the visible light transmittances. The visible light transmittance of each layer of the thermal tape 4 is, for example, 90% or more, preferably 99% or more, and more preferably 99.9% or more. The visible light transmissibility of each layer of the thermal tape 4 only needs to be such that even if the visible light transmittance of each layer of the thermal tape 4 is less than 90%, the user can at least visually confirm the color development at the thermal layer 42 through the base material 41. Each layer of the thermal tape 4 is transparent or translucent, preferably transparent.

[0076] The refractive index of the base material 41 is higher than the refractive index of the first heat insulating layer 431. Specifically, it is higher than the refractive index of any one of the plurality of heat insulating layers 43.

[0077] It should be noted that, in Figure 4 (A) thereof, for ease of understanding, the thicknesses of the respective layers of the thermal tape 4 and the magnitude relationship of the thicknesses of the respective layers are schematically shown. The actual thicknesses of the respective layers and the magnitude relationship of the thicknesses of the respective layers are sometimes different from Figure 4 (A) thereof ( Figure 4 (B) thereof, Figure 5 is the same). For example, the thickness of the outer covering layer 44 may be greater than, equal to, or smaller than the thicknesses of the respective layers of the plurality of thermal layers 42.

[0078] Describe the structure of the tape 7. As shown in Figure 4 (B) thereof, the tape 7 is a long strip-shaped medium and is formed by laminating a plurality of layers. Specifically, the tape 7 includes a double-sided tape 71 and a release paper 75. The double-sided tape 71 is white and has a sheet 72, a first adhesive layer 73, and a second adhesive layer 74. The sheet 72 is white. It should be noted that, in Figure 4 (B) thereof, oblique lines are used to illustrate the case where the sheet 72 (double-sided tape 71) is white ( Figure 4 (B) thereof, Figure 5 (B) thereof is the same). In the present embodiment, the visible light transmittance of the sheet 72 is lower than that of any of the layers of the thermal tape 4.

[0079] The first adhesive layer 73 is provided on the lower surface of the sheet 72. The second adhesive layer 74 is provided on the upper surface of the sheet 72. That is to say, the double-sided tape 71 is formed by coating adhesives on both the upper and lower surfaces of the sheet 72.

[0080] The release paper 75 is adhered to the double-sided tape 71 via the second adhesive layer 74. A crack 76 is provided in the release paper 75. The crack 76 extends along the length direction of the tape 7 and divides the release paper 75 into two in the width direction. It should be noted that the crack 76 also penetrates into a part of the double-sided tape 71 but does not reach the first adhesive layer 73. That is to say, the sheet 72 is continuously connected across the crack 76. In other words, the double-sided tape 71 is continuously connected across the crack 76.

[0081] Describe the structure of the belt 9. As shown in Figure 4 (C) thereof, the belt 9 is formed by adhering the lower surface of the tape 7 to the upper surface of the printed thermal tape 4. Therefore, in the belt 9, the base material 41, the first thermal layer 421, the first heat insulation layer 431, the second thermal layer 422, the second heat insulation layer 432, the third thermal layer 423, the outer covering layer 44, the first adhesive layer 73, the sheet 72, the second adhesive layer 74, and the release paper 75 are laminated in this order in the thickness direction.

[0082] The user observes the tape 9 from the side of the base material 41 (that is, the lower surface side of the tape 9) (refer to the visual direction Y1). Since the thermal tape 4 as a whole has visible light transmissibility, if the user observes the tape 9 from the side of the base material 41, the color development of each layer of the plurality of thermal layers 42 (that is, the printed image) can be observed through the base material 41, and the tape 7 can be seen as the background. In the present embodiment, since the double-sided tape 71 is white, if the user observes the tape 9 from the side of the base material 41, the background looks white. For example, the user can peel the release paper 75 from the double-sided tape 71 and stick it to a specified wall, backing paper, etc. to use the tape 9.

[0083] It should be noted that when viewed from the side of the tape 7 (that is, the upper surface side of the tape 9), even if the release paper 75 is peeled from the double-sided tape 71, since the double-sided tape 71 is closer to the front than the plurality of thermal layers 42, the user cannot observe the color development of the plurality of thermal layers 42 (that is, the printed image).

[0084] Describe the conveyance paths of the thermal tape 4 and the tape 7. As Figure 3 shown, the thermal tape 4 is pulled downward from the right end of the first supply roller 40 and bent leftward at the right front corner of the cassette housing 31. The thermal tape 4 passes through the inside of the arm portion 34 and is discharged to the outside of the cassette housing 31 from the opening 341.

[0085] At the head opening 391, as Figure 5 (A) of shows, the side of the plurality of thermal layers 42 (the upper surface side of the thermal tape 4) of the thermal tape 4 faces the thermal head 10, and the side of the base material 41 (the lower surface side of the thermal tape 4) of the thermal tape 4 faces the impression roller 15. That is, the thermal head 10 is located on the side opposite to the base material 41 with respect to the plurality of thermal layers 42 (that is, the rear side of the thermal tape 4) in the state where the tape cassette 30 is mounted on the mounting portion 8. Therefore, at the head opening 391, the thermal tape 4 is heated from the side opposite to the base material 41 by the thermal head 10 (refer to the printing direction Y2).

[0086] As Figure 3 shown, the thermal tape 4 passes between the conveyance roller 33 and the movable roller 14 via the head opening 391. At this time, as Figure 5 (B) of shows, the side of the plurality of thermal layers 42 of the thermal tape 4 faces the conveyance roller 33, and the side of the base material 41 of the thermal tape 4 faces the movable roller 14.

[0087] The tape 7 is pulled downward from the left end of the second supply roller 70. The tape 7 bends leftward while contacting the right front portion of the outer circumference of the conveyance roller 33. At this time, as Figure 5As shown in (B) of FIG. 0, the release paper 75 side (the upper surface side of the tape 7) of the tape 7 faces the conveying roller 33, and the double-sided tape 71 side (the lower surface side of the tape 7) of the tape 7 faces the movable roller 14. Thus, the conveying roller 33 supports the tape 7 from the side opposite to the thermal tape 4 with respect to the tape 7 in a state where the tape 7 overlaps the thermal tape 4 from the side opposite to the plurality of thermal-sensitive layers 42 with respect to the base material 41.

[0088] The movable roller 14 sandwiches the thermal tape 4 and the tape 7 between the movable roller 14 and the conveying roller 33 in a state where the thermal tape 4 and the tape 7 overlap each other and pastes them together. Thus, the tape 9 is produced. As Figure 3 shown, the tape 9 passes through the inside of the guiding portion 38 and is discharged to the outside of the tape cassette 30. The tape 9 is conveyed to the cutting mechanism 16 and is cut by the cutting mechanism 16. The cut tape 9 is discharged from the discharge slot of the main body cover 2 to the outside of the thermal printer 1.

[0089] Describe the electrical structure of the thermal printer 1. As Figure 6 shown, the thermal printer 1 includes a CPU 91. The CPU 91 controls the thermal printer 1 and functions as a processor. The flash memory 92, ROM 93, RAM 94, communication unit 97, medium detection switch 310, keyboard 3, display 5, thermal head 10, conveying motor 95, and cutting motor 96 are electrically connected to the CPU 91.

[0090] The flash memory 92 stores programs executed by the CPU 91, cassette information, etc. The ROM 93 stores various parameters required during the execution of various programs. The RAM 94 stores various temporary data such as the original image to be printed and the image data corresponding to each pixel area, and the print data generated based on the image data for forming an image. The communication unit 97 is connected to an external terminal 100 to perform communication. The communication unit 97 is, for example, a known USB interface, a wired or wireless LAN interface, etc. For example, the CPU 91 can receive image data to be printed from the external terminal 100 and store it in the RAM 94. The external terminal 100 is, for example, a general personal computer (PC), a portable terminal, a memory card reader device, etc.

[0091] Describe the color development of the thermal-sensitive layer 42. As described above, the first thermal-sensitive layer 421, the second thermal-sensitive layer 422, and the third thermal-sensitive layer 423 are respectively colored cyan, magenta, and yellow when heated to above the first temperature, above the second temperature, and above the third temperature. The CPU 91 of the thermal printer 1 performs the tape production process described later (refer to Figure 11) In this case, print data is generated by setting the energization pattern for each point formed in the thermosensitive layer 42 based on an energization pattern table (not shown). The energization pattern sets the timing and energization time for energizing the heating element 11 in order to heat the thermosensitive layer 42 to a temperature corresponding to the color of each point. The heating element 11 generates heat when energized and dissipates heat in the non-energized state. The thermosensitive layer 42 is arranged in order from the side closer to the heating element 11 during printing as the third thermosensitive layer 423, the second thermosensitive layer 422, and the first thermosensitive layer 421. The heat conductivity of the heat insulation layer 43 disposed between the respective layers of the thermosensitive layer 42 is low. Therefore, when the heating element 11 heats the thermosensitive layer 42, a temperature gradient is generated between the third thermosensitive layer 423, the second thermosensitive layer 422, and the first thermosensitive layer 421, with the third thermosensitive layer 423 side being higher and the first thermosensitive layer 421 side being lower.

[0092] The energization pattern table is a table that establishes a correspondence between the relationship between the color shown in the Figure 7 timing diagram and the energization timing and energization time as the energization pattern and is stored in the ROM 93. The energization pattern for yellow (Y) keeps the energized state continuing from the start of energization (ON) at T0 until the end of energization (OFF) at T5. As shown by the dotted line in the Figure 8 coordinate diagram showing the relationship between the temperature and the depth of the thermosensitive layer 42, the heat supplied by the heating element 11 becomes above the third temperature in the shallow part (the part closer to the heating element 11) of the thermosensitive layer 42, so the third thermosensitive layer 423 shows a yellow color. The heat supplied by the heating element 11 reaches the second thermosensitive layer 422 via the second heat insulation layer 432, so the temperature decreases as the layer gets deeper. The temperature of the second thermosensitive layer 422 is lower than the second temperature, so the second thermosensitive layer 422 does not show a color. The heat supplied by the heating element 11 further reaches the first thermosensitive layer 421 via the first heat insulation layer 431, but the first thermosensitive layer 421 is lower than the first temperature and does not show a color. If the energization continues as it is, the temperature of the entire thermosensitive layer 42 gradually rises, but the energization ends at T5 before the second thermosensitive layer 422 becomes above the second temperature. Therefore, only the yellow color of the third thermosensitive layer 423 is shown in the thermosensitive layer 42 by energization according to the energization pattern of Y.

[0093] As Figure 7 shown, in the energization pattern of magenta (M), after the start of energization at T0, the energization stops at T2 before T5, and thereafter, energization for a time shorter than that from T0 to T2 is repeated 3 times at regular intervals. As in Figure 8In the coordinate diagram, as indicated by the single-dot dash line, the temperature of the shallow part of the thermosensitive layer 42 does not reach above the third temperature due to the heat supplied from the heating element 11 from T0 to T2 at the beginning of power-on. After repeatedly performing short-term power-on, the heat supplied from the heating element 11 is transferred to the middle part of the thermosensitive layer 42. The second thermosensitive layer 422 becomes above the second temperature, which is higher than the temperature during power-on in the power-on pattern based on Y, and lower than the third temperature, and shows magenta. The power-on ends before being transferred to the deep part of the thermosensitive layer 42. The first thermosensitive layer 421 remains below the first temperature and does not show color. Therefore, only the magenta color of the second thermosensitive layer 422 is shown in the thermosensitive layer 42 by power-on according to the power-on pattern of M.

[0094] As Figure 7 shown, in the power-on pattern of cyan (C), after the start of power-on at T1, power-on for a time shorter than the repeated power-on in the power-on pattern of M is repeated 17 times at regular intervals. Each power-on interval is longer than the power-on interval in the power-on pattern of M. As in Figure 8 the coordinate diagram indicated by the solid line, by repeatedly performing power-on for an extremely short time shorter than the power-on pattern of M many times, the heat supplied from the heating element 11 gradually transfers from the shallow part of the thermosensitive layer 42 to the whole of the thermosensitive layer 42 with a small temperature rise at the middle part. And before the end of the repeated power-on for an extremely short time, the third thermosensitive layer 423 becomes above the second temperature and lower than the third temperature, and the second thermosensitive layer 422 and the first thermosensitive layer 421 become above the first temperature and lower than the second temperature. Therefore, only the cyan color of the first thermosensitive layer 421 is shown in the thermosensitive layer 42 by power-on according to the power-on pattern of C.

[0095] The thermosensitive layer 42 can present a mixed color by showing color in two or more of the three layers. The thermosensitive layer 42 shows the mixed color of Y and M, that is, red (hereinafter, simply referred to as "R"), the mixed color of C and Y, that is, green (hereinafter, simply referred to as "G"), the mixed color of C and M, that is, blue (hereinafter, simply referred to as "B"), and the mixed color of C, M, and Y, that is, black (hereinafter, simply referred to as "K").

[0096] As Figure 7 shown, in the power-on pattern of red (R1), after the start of power-on at T0, power-on is performed for a time of T0 to T3, which is longer than the first power-on time T0 to T2 in the power-on pattern of M. As in Figure 9 the coordinate diagram indicated by the dotted line, at the beginning of power-on, the temperature rise at the shallow part of the thermosensitive layer 42 is smaller than that in the power-on pattern of Y but larger than that in the power-on pattern of M. The third thermosensitive layer 423 becomes above the third temperature and shows yellow. After that, power-on for the same short time as the repeated power-on in the power-on pattern of M is repeated 5 times at regular intervals (refer to Figure 7 ). Therefore, as in Figure 9As shown by the solid line in the coordinate graph of , the temperature of the middle part and the deep part of the thermosensitive layer 42 gradually rises. As a result, the second thermosensitive layer 422 becomes higher than the second temperature and lower than the third temperature, and the color is magenta. The power supply is terminated before the temperature of the deep part of the thermosensitive layer 42 rises. As a result, the first thermosensitive layer 421 is maintained at a temperature lower than the first temperature and does not develop color. In this way, after the thermosensitive layer 42 develops yellow in the third thermosensitive layer 423, magenta is developed in the second thermosensitive layer 422, and red is presented as a mixed color.

[0097] Figure 7 The red (R2) power-on pattern shown is set in such a way that the order of the development of yellow and magenta in the thermosensitive layer 42 is opposite to that of the R1 power-on pattern. After the power-on starts at T0, the first power-on is stopped at T2 which is the same as the power-on pattern of M, and then the power-on is repeated 7 times with a certain interval and for a short time. Figure 10 As shown by the dotted line in the coordinate graph of , at the time point when the short-term repeated power-on is performed three times, the temperature of the entire thermosensitive layer 42 is in the same state as the power-on mode M. At this time point, the second thermosensitive layer 422 is magenta. Since the short-term repeated power-on is continued, as in Figure 10 As shown by the solid line in the coordinate graph of , the temperature of the middle part and the deep part of the thermosensitive layer 42 gradually rises. As a result, the third thermosensitive layer 423 becomes higher than the third temperature and is colored yellow. The power supply is terminated before the temperature of the deep part of the thermosensitive layer 42 rises. As a result, the first thermosensitive layer 421 is maintained at a temperature lower than the first temperature and does not develop color. In this way, the thermosensitive layer 42 develops magenta in the second thermosensitive layer 422, and then develops yellow in the third thermosensitive layer 423, and appears red as a mixed color.

[0098] The red (R2+) power-on mode is a mode in which the number of repetitions of short-term power-on in the power-on mode of R2 is increased by one. Since the time that the third thermosensitive layer 423 is heated to a temperature above the third temperature increases, the thermosensitive layer 42 heated by the power-on mode of R2+ can increase the color rendering area of the yellow dots. Similarly, the red (R2-) power-on mode is a mode in which the number of repetitions of short-term power-on in the power-on mode of R2 is reduced by one. Since the time that the third thermosensitive layer 423 is heated to a temperature above the third temperature decreases, the thermosensitive layer 42 heated by the power-on mode of R2- can reduce the color rendering area of the yellow dots. It should be noted that, although not shown in the figure, the color rendering area of the yellow dots can also be increased or decreased by, for example, increasing or decreasing the power-on time of each short-term power-on in the power-on mode of R2.

[0099] Figure 7The energization patterns of the shown red (R3) and red (R4) respectively set the timing of the start of energization of the energization patterns of R1 and R2 to T4, which is delayed from T0. The thermal printer 1 energizes the heating element 11 while transporting the thermal tape 4, and forms dots on the thermal layer 42. When forming dots using the energization pattern of R3 or R4, relative to the dot formation position when forming dots using the energization pattern of R1 or R2, the dots are formed at positions shifted in the transport direction by the amount by which the thermal tape 4 is transported in the transport direction between T0 and T4. By being shifted in the positional relationship with other dots formed around, the dots formed using the energization pattern of R3 or R4 can have a different hue from the dots formed in the energization pattern of R1 or R2.

[0100] In Figure 7 In the energization pattern of the shown green (G), by maintaining energization from T0 to T5 in the same manner as the energization pattern of Y, the third thermal layer 423 develops a yellow color. After that, until T6, which is a time longer than T0 to T5, energization of the heating element 11 is not performed. In the shallow part of the thermal layer 42, the temperature drops during the period from T5 to T6. For the middle part and the deep part of the thermal layer 42, heat is transferred during the period from T5 to T6, and the temperature rises. And from T6, energization for a very short time, the same as the energization pattern of C, is repeated 8 times at regular intervals. The temperature of the entire thermal layer 42 becomes in a state substantially the same as the coordinate diagram showing the temperature change caused by the energization pattern of C (illustration omitted). Before the end of the repeated energization for a very short time, the third thermal layer 423 becomes above the second temperature and below the third temperature, the second thermal layer 422 and the first thermal layer 421 become above the first temperature and below the second temperature, and cyan develops in the first thermal layer 421. Thus, in the thermal layer 42, the yellow of the third thermal layer 423 and the cyan of the first thermal layer 421 develop, presenting green as a mixed color.

[0101] In the energization pattern of blue (B1), the short-time energization at regular intervals in the energization pattern of M starts from T0 and is repeated 6 times. Due to the short-time energization of the thermal layer 42, the sharp temperature rise in the shallow part is suppressed, and the overall temperature rises. Thereby, magenta develops in the second thermal layer 422. After the repeated short-time energization, energization for a very short time is repeated 12 times. Due to the energization for a very short time of the thermal layer 42, the temperature rise in the shallow part is further suppressed, and the overall temperature rises. Although not shown, the coordinate diagram showing the temperature change, for example, becomes Figure 8The coordinate diagram of the C-based energization pattern (solid line) has shifted as a whole toward the higher temperature side. Before the end of the repeated energization for an extremely short time, the second thermosensitive layer 422 and the third thermosensitive layer 423 reach a temperature above the second temperature and below the third temperature, and the first thermosensitive layer 421 reaches a temperature above the first temperature, and cyan color development occurs in the first thermosensitive layer 421. Thus, after magenta color development occurs in the second thermosensitive layer 422, cyan color development occurs in the first thermosensitive layer 421, and blue is presented as a mixed color.

[0102] In the energization pattern of blue (B2), short-time energization at regular intervals is repeated 2 times starting from T0, and then, energization for an extremely short time is repeated 12 times. Through the energization for an extremely short time, the temperature rise in the light portion is further suppressed, and the overall temperature of the thermosensitive layer 42 rises. Although not shown, a coordinate diagram showing the temperature change, for example, becomes Figure 8 The state in which the coordinate diagram of the C-based energization pattern (solid line) in [the figure] has gradually shifted toward the higher temperature side over time. As a result, the first thermosensitive layer 421 reaches a temperature above the first temperature when the second thermosensitive layer 422 is below the second temperature, and cyan color development occurs. After 12 times of energization for an extremely short time, again, short-time energization at regular intervals is repeated 4 times. Through this energization, the temperature of the thermosensitive layer 42 rises particularly from the light portion to the middle portion. Before the end of the repeated short-time energization, the third thermosensitive layer 423 is below the third temperature, but the second thermosensitive layer 422 reaches a temperature above the second temperature and below the third temperature, and magenta color development occurs. Thus, after cyan color development occurs in the first thermosensitive layer 421, magenta color development occurs in the second thermosensitive layer 422z, and blue is presented as a mixed color.

[0103] In the energization pattern of black (K1), after continuous energization in the same manner as the energization pattern of R1 is performed from T0 to T3, short-time energization at regular intervals is repeated 4 times, and then, energization for an extremely short time is repeated 11 times. As a result, similar to the energization pattern of R1, yellow color development occurs in the third thermosensitive layer 423, and then magenta color development occurs in the second thermosensitive layer 422. Moreover, through the repeated energization for an extremely short time, the overall temperature of the thermosensitive layer 42 rises, and cyan color development occurs in the first thermosensitive layer 421. Thus, the thermosensitive layer 42 develops colors in the order of yellow, magenta, and cyan, and black is presented as a mixed color.

[0104] In the energization mode of black (K2), after energization with the same persistence as that of R2 is performed from T0 to T2, short-time energization at regular intervals is repeated 7 times, and then energization for an extremely short time is repeated 9 times. As a result, similar to the energization mode of R2, after magenta is developed in the second thermal layer 422, yellow is developed in the third thermal layer 423. Further, by repeating energization for an extremely short time, the temperature of the entire thermal layer 42 rises, and cyan is developed in the first thermal layer 421. In this way, the thermal layer 42 develops colors in the order of magenta, yellow, and cyan, and presents black as a mixed color.

[0105] The energization mode may be set other than the above. For example, a mode in which cyan is developed first may be set as the energization mode of black, or a mode in which the energization start time is delayed from T0 may be set in addition to R3 and R4.

[0106] The outline of the tape production process performed by the thermal printer 1 will be described. As described above, the thermal printer 1 can use various tape cartridges such as a receiving type and a laminating type. In the case of the receiving type, for the tape cartridge, a thermal tape in a state where an adhesive layer is previously provided on the surface of the base material on the side opposite to the side where the thermal layer is provided and a release paper is attached is used. Thus, in the case of the receiving type tape, the direction in which the user visually observes the printed image is the side where the thermal layer is provided with respect to the base material, that is, the printing direction Y2 (refer to Figure 5 Refer to). The heat input from the heat source (heating element 11) to the thermal tape 4 diffuses as the distance from the heating element 11 increases (that is, as the depth of the thermal layer 42 increases). Therefore, when the heating element 11 generates heat, the color development range of each layer tends to become smaller in the order of the third thermal layer 423, the second thermal layer 422, and the first thermal layer 421. In addition, for example, when forming a red dot on a receiving type tape in the energization mode of R1, after yellow is developed in the third thermal layer 423 of the thermal layer 42, when the third thermal layer 423 is at a third temperature or higher, the second thermal layer 422 becomes at a second temperature or higher and magenta is developed. Therefore, the heating time of the yellow dot is longer than that of the magenta dot, and the yellow dot is formed larger than the magenta dot. When observing such a formed red dot from the printing direction Y2, the user appears to see magenta covered by yellow with a smaller color development range, so it is regarded as a red dot with a blurred outline of the magenta color development range and overall uniform. On the other hand, in the case of the laminating type tape 9, the visual direction Y1 of the printed image visually observed by the user is the base material 41 side with respect to the thermal layer 42. Since magenta with a small color development range is located closer to the front side than yellow with a large color development range, the user regards it as a red dot with a clear outline of the magenta color development range and surrounded by yellow.

[0107] Therefore, when printing on the laminated thermal tape 4 with the visual direction being Y2, the thermal printer 1 forms red dots in the energization mode of R2. In the energization mode of R2, after the magenta color develops in the second thermal layer 422 of the thermal layer 42, when the second thermal layer 422 is at a temperature above the second temperature, the third thermal layer 423 becomes at a temperature above the third temperature and the yellow color develops. Therefore, the heating time of the magenta dots is longer than that of the yellow dots, and the magenta dots are formed larger than the yellow dots. When observing the red dots formed in this way from the visual direction Y1, to the user, it appears that the magenta covers the yellow with a smaller magenta color development range, so it is regarded as a red dot with a blurred outline of the yellow color development range and overall uniform. Thus, when observing the red dots formed in the energization mode of R1 from the printing direction Y2 and when observing the red dots formed in the energization mode of R2 from the visual direction Y1, the user can visually confirm that both red dots have approximately the same hue. Therefore, in the tape production process described later, the energization mode of the heating element 11 during dot formation is set according to the direction in which the user observes the produced tape.

[0108] In addition, in the laminated thermal tape 4, the base material 41 has visible light transmittance. When observing the red dots formed in the energization mode of R1 from the visual direction Y1, when observing slightly obliquely with respect to the visual direction Y1, due to the influence of the refractive index, thickness, ratio (for example, the ratio of the thickness of the base material 41 to the thickness of the thermal tape 4), etc. of the base material 41, there will be a phenomenon that the yellow part around the magenta color development range will appear larger. Therefore, when observing from the visual direction Y1, the thermal printer 1 forms red dots in the energization mode of R2, and the user can visually confirm the red dots in a state where the magenta located on the front side covers the yellow. By blurring the outline of the yellow color development range, even when the user observes through the base material 41, the magenta part around the yellow color development range is not easily noticeable even if it appears larger.

[0109] Describe the tape production process performed by the thermal printer 1. The user inputs a print start instruction to the thermal printer 1 by operating the keyboard 3. When the CPU 91 obtains the print start instruction, it reads the program from the flash memory 92 and executes the tape production process. In the tape production process, it controls the printing operation of the thermal printer 1 to produce the tape 9.

[0110] As Figure 11As shown, the CPU 91 acquires image data representing an image specified by the user (S1). The image data is data that the user creates using the keyboard 3 through the execution of an editing program (not shown) and stores in the flash memory 92. The user designates in advance an image formed on the tape 9. The image formed on the tape 9 is an image that can be visually confirmed when the user observes the tape 9 from the visual direction Y1. Note that the image data may also be data that is read in advance from an external terminal 100 and stored in the flash memory 92.

[0111] The CPU 91 acquires the visual direction (S2). The medium index portion 900 of the tape cassette 30 is preset with the number of holes and the formation positions according to the type of the tape 9 accommodated in the tape cassette 30. The CPU 91 acquires the type of the tape 9 based on the detection result of the medium detection switch 310 and based on the cassette information stored in the flash memory 92 (S2). Note that the cassette information is a table that correlates the pattern of the medium index portion 900 with the type of the tape. In addition, among the types of the tape, there are included information on the visual direction, thickness correlation information, refractive index correlation information, and the like. The information on the visual direction is information indicating whether the tape 9 is a tape in a form that can be visually confirmed by the user from the visual direction Y1 such as a laminated type, or a tape in a form that can be visually confirmed by the user from the printing direction Y2 such as a receiving type. The thickness correlation information is information indicating the thickness of the base material 41. The thickness correlation information may be information based on the actual size, or may be information in which the thickness is classified according to the type classified by the energization mode table such as large / medium / small. In addition, the thickness correlation information may also be information indicating the ratio of the thickness of the base material 41 to the thickness of the thermal tape 4 or each layer constituting the thermal tape 4. The refractive index correlation information is information indicating the refractive index of the base material 41. The refractive index correlation information of the base material 41 may be information based on the measured value, or may be information in which the refractive index is classified according to the type classified by the energization mode table such as large / medium / small. Alternatively, it may be information indicating the type (material) of the base material 41.

[0112] In the case where the tape 9 is a tape in a form that can be visually confirmed by the user from the printing direction Y2 (S3: no), the process moves to S11. In the case where the tape 9 is a tape in a form that can be visually confirmed by the user from the visual direction Y1 (S3: yes), the CPU 91 creates image data representing a mirror-reversed image by mirror-reversing the acquired image data (S4). Mirror-reversing means that, with a line passing through the center in the width direction of the thermal tape 4 and parallel to the length direction when observing the image from the printing direction Y2 as the axis of symmetry, the display content of the image is symmetrically moved. The process moves to S11.

[0113] The CPU 91 performs print color conversion processing (S11). The print color conversion processing is a process of converting the color of each pixel of the image data into the color of the dots displayed by the thermal printer 1. The thermal printer 1 can cause the thermal layer 42 to display colors such as cyan, magenta, and yellow, and can also display colors such as red, green, blue, and black as mixed colors. The CPU 91 decomposes the color of each pixel of the image data and performs color conversion for the above-described color display.

[0114] The CPU 91 acquires various parameters that affect the color display of the thermal layer 42 (S12). Examples of the parameters are the ambient temperature, the temperature of the thermal head 10, etc. The CPU 91 corrects the energization pattern according to the parameters in the generation of the command for controlling the energization of the heating element 11. In addition, when the tape 9 is a laminated type according to the type of the tape acquired in S2, information related to the thickness, ratio, or refractive index of the base material 41 is acquired as a parameter from the cassette information.

[0115] The CPU 91 determines the energization pattern of each point that has undergone color conversion in S11 based on an energization pattern table (not shown) (S13). It should be noted that in the present embodiment, for simplicity of explanation, it is assumed that the energization patterns of R1, B1, and K1 are used in the receiving type, and the energization patterns of R2, B2, and K2 are used in the laminated type. In addition, in the case of the laminated type, based on the information related to the thickness, ratio, or refractive index of the base material 41 acquired in S12, when the thickness, ratio, refractive index, etc. of the base material 41 are larger than a predetermined value, the energization pattern of R4 is used. It should be noted that regarding the information on the thickness, ratio, and refractive index, an energization pattern based on any one piece of information or an energization pattern based on a combination of two or more pieces of information can be used. For example, the energization pattern of R4 can be used when the thickness of the base material 41 is larger than the predetermined value or the refractive index is larger than the predetermined value, and the energization pattern of R2 can be used when the thickness of the base material 41 is equal to or less than the predetermined value and the refractive index is equal to or less than the predetermined value. In addition, the CPU 91 can also use the energization pattern of R2+ or R2- according to the parameters or an energization pattern obtained by increasing or decreasing the energization time of short-time repeated energization in the energization pattern of R2 (not shown), and change the color display area of the formed dots to suppress color deviation.

[0116] The CPU 91 creates a command for controlling the energization of the heating element 11 corresponding to each point based on the energization pattern of each point and the parameters acquired in S12 in a prescribed format, and generates print data (S14).

[0117] The CPU 91 outputs print data for print processing performed by other programs and prints on the tape 9. In other programs, the CPU 91 controls the conveyance motor 95 to rotationally drive the drive shaft 18. Thus, by the cooperation of the conveyance roller 33 and the movable roller 14, the thermal tape 4 is pulled out from the first supply roller 40, and the adhesive tape 7 is pulled out from the second supply roller 70.

[0118] The CPU 91 controls the thermal head 10 while controlling the conveyance motor 95. Specifically, while conveying the thermal tape 4, the CPU 91 executes each instruction of the print data to selectively heat the plurality of heating elements 11. The thermal head 10 heats the thermal tape 4 from the side opposite to the substrate 41 with respect to the plurality of thermal layers 42. Thus, the thermal layer 42 develops color to form dots, and an image based on the image data is printed on the thermal tape 4 (S21).

[0119] During the conveyance of the tape 9, between the conveyance roller 33 and the movable roller 14, the adhesive tape 7 is adhered to the printed thermal tape 4 from the side opposite to the substrate 41 with respect to the plurality of thermal layers 42. Thus, the tape 9 is produced. The CPU 91 controls the cutting motor 96 to cut the tape 9 using the cutting mechanism 16 (S22). The CPU 91 ends the tape production process.

[0120] As described above, when the CPU 91 forms an image on the thermal layer 42, by using an energization pattern corresponding to the visual direction, it is possible to generate print data capable of forming an image having a different color development state depending on the visual direction. Thus, the thermal printer 1 can form, for example, an image having a tone similar to the tone of the image viewed from the substrate 41 side through the substrate 41 and the tone of the image viewed from the side of the thermal layer 42 without passing through the substrate 41 on the thermal layer 42. Therefore, the thermal printer 1 can print, for example, an image having substantially the same tone regardless of the visual direction on the thermal tape 4.

[0121] When the image formed on the thermal layer 42 is formed by overlapping two or more colors, there may be a difference in tone depending on the visual direction. For the energization pattern for energizing the heating element 11, an energization pattern (for example, the energization patterns of R1 and R2) is set in which colors that are different depending on the visual direction but have substantially the same tone regardless of the visual direction are respectively developed. The CPU 91 can generate print data using an energization pattern corresponding to the detection result of the visual direction. Therefore, the thermal printer 1 can form an image formed on the thermal tape 4 in a form in which the thermal layer 42 is viewed through the substrate 41 such as a laminated type to have substantially the same tone as the image formed on the thermal tape 4 in a form in which the thermal layer 42 is viewed without passing through the substrate 41 such as a receptive type.

[0122] When an image formed on the thermal-sensitive layer 42 is formed by overlapping two or more colors, due to the influence of the thickness and refractive index of the substrate 41, there may be a difference in hue when observed with a positional shift. For the energization mode of energizing the heating element 11, an energization mode (for example, the energization modes of R2 and R4) is set in which the same color is developed but the energization timing is different. The CPU 91 can generate print data using an energization mode corresponding to the detection result of the visual direction. Therefore, the thermal printer 1 can form an image formed on the thermal-sensitive tape 4 in a form in which the thermal-sensitive layer 42 is viewed via the substrate 41 such as a laminate type into a hue substantially the same as that of an image formed on the thermal-sensitive tape 4 in a form in which the thermal-sensitive layer 42 is viewed without passing through the substrate 41 such as a receiving type.

[0123] When an image formed on the thermal-sensitive layer 42 is formed by overlapping two or more colors, due to the influence of the thickness of the substrate 41, there may be a difference in hue. The CPU 91 can generate print data in which the color development state of the image varies according to the information related to the thickness of the substrate 41 obtained based on the type of the tape. Therefore, the thermal printer 1 can form an image formed on the thermal-sensitive tape 4 in a form in which the thermal-sensitive layer 42 is viewed via the substrate 41 such as a laminate type into a hue substantially the same as that of an image formed on the thermal-sensitive tape 4 in a form in which the thermal-sensitive layer 42 is viewed without passing through the substrate 41 such as a receiving type.

[0124] When an image formed on the thermal-sensitive layer 42 is formed by overlapping two or more colors, due to the influence of the refractive index of the substrate 41, there may be a difference in hue when observed with a positional shift. The CPU 91 can generate print data in which the color development state of the image varies according to the information related to the refractive index of the substrate 41 obtained based on the type of the tape. Therefore, the thermal printer 1 can form an image formed on the thermal-sensitive tape 4 in a form in which the thermal-sensitive layer 42 is viewed via the substrate 41 such as a laminate type into a hue substantially the same as that of an image formed on the thermal-sensitive tape 4 in a form in which the thermal-sensitive layer 42 is viewed without passing through the substrate 41 such as a receiving type.

[0125] Since the CPU 91 forms an image on each of two or more thermal-sensitive layers 42, it can generate print data obtained by controlling the energization mode of the heating element 11 into a mode corresponding to the thermal-sensitive layer 42. That is, the thermal printer 1 can control the color development size (dot size) of each thermal-sensitive layer 42 and reduce stripe and overlapping color unevenness by changing the energization mode, for example, by developing colors with different magnitudes and orders of energy applied to two thermal-sensitive layers 42 to be colored.

[0126] Regarding an image formed on the thermal-sensitive tape 4 in a form where the thermal-sensitive layer 42 is visually observed without passing through the base material 41 such as in a receiving type, the closer to the shallower side of the depth of the thermal-sensitive layer 42 (in the order of the third thermal-sensitive layer 423, the second thermal-sensitive layer 422, and the first thermal-sensitive layer 421), the larger the display size (dot size) of the color formed on the thermal-sensitive layer. When visually observing an image formed in such a manner from the side of the base material 41, the display size of the color formed on the thermal-sensitive layer 42 located on the nearer side becomes smaller, so it is easy to produce differences in the hue of the image. The CPU 91 can generate print data that controls the timing of applying energy to each layer of the thermal-sensitive layer 42 to be displayed. Thus, the thermal printer 1 can cause each thermal-sensitive layer 42 to be displayed in a different order. The thermal printer 1 can control the display size (dot size) of each thermal-sensitive layer 42 to reduce stripe and overlapping color unevenness.

[0127] The CPU 91 can more easily generate print data with different display timings for each thermal-sensitive layer 42, for example, by using the energization patterns of R2, B2, and K2 to change the display timing in each of the multiple thermal-sensitive layers 42. Thus, the thermal printer 1 can cause each thermal-sensitive layer 42 to be displayed in a different order. The thermal printer 1 can control the display size of each thermal-sensitive layer 42 to reduce stripe and overlapping color unevenness.

[0128] The CPU 91 can generate print data in which the display area in at least one of the multiple thermal-sensitive layers 42 is different from that of other layers, for example, by using the energization patterns of R2+ and R2-. More specifically, the CPU 91 can generate print data in which the display area in the thermal-sensitive layer 42 on the farther side in the visual direction among the multiple thermal-sensitive layers 42 is relatively larger than the display area in the thermal-sensitive layer 42 on the nearer side in the visual direction. Thus, the thermal printer 1 can control the display size of each thermal-sensitive layer 42 to reduce stripe and overlapping color unevenness.

[0129] The CPU 91 of the present embodiment generates print data such that an image formed on the thermal-sensitive tape 4 in a form where the thermal-sensitive layer 42 is visually observed through the base material 41 such as in a laminated type is approximately the same hue as an image formed on the thermal-sensitive tape 4 in a form where the thermal-sensitive layer 42 is visually observed without passing through the base material 41 such as in a receiving type. Thus, the thermal printer 1 can print an image with approximately the same hue regardless of the visual direction on the thermal-sensitive tape 4.

[0130] In the above-described embodiments, cyan, magenta, and yellow are examples of the "first color", "second color", and "third color" of the present invention, respectively. The belt 9 is an example of the "multi-layer thermal printing medium" of the present invention. The heating element 11 is an example of the "heating element" of the present invention. The CPU 91 that performs the process of S14 is an example of the "generation unit" of the present invention. The CPU 91 that performs the process of S21 is an example of the "driving unit" of the present invention. The CPU 91 that obtains information related to the visual direction, thickness, ratio, refractive index, etc. in the processes of S2 and S12 is an example of the "detection unit" of the present invention. The thermal printer 1 is an example of the "printing device" of the present invention.

[0131] It should be noted that the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various modifications can be made without departing from the gist of the present invention. For example, the base material 41 may be a foamed PET film. The base material 41 may also be a resin film such as polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP), ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymer (EVA), ethylene-methyl methacrylate copolymer (EMMA), polybutene (PB), polybutadiene (BDR), polymethylpentene (PMP), polyethylene naphthalate (PEN), polybutylene terephthalate (PBT), polyimide (PI), polyetherimide (PEI), polyether ketone (PEK), polyether ether ketone (PEEK), nylon (NY), polyamide (PA), polycarbonate (PC), polystyrene (PS), foamed polystyrene (FS / EPS), polyvinyl chloride (PVC), polyvinylidene chloride (PVDC), saponified ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymer (EVOH), polyvinyl alcohol (PVA), ordinary cellophane (PT), moisture-proof cellophane (MST), polyacrylonitrile (PAN), vinylon (VL), polyurethane (PU), and triacetyl cellulose (TAC). In this case, the base material 41 may be a foamed resin film or a non-foamed resin film. In addition, as long as the base material 41 has a visible light transmittance corresponding to the use, it may be a metal foil (aluminum foil, copper foil), a vacuum evaporation film (VM), etc., or various papers such as semi-transparent paper, Japanese paper, high-quality paper, dust-free paper, cellophane, clay-coated paper, resin-coated paper, laminated paper (polyethylene laminated paper, polypropylene laminated paper, etc.), synthetic paper, kraft paper. The base material 41 may also be a non-woven fabric, a glass cloth, etc. The base material 41 in the case of a receiving type may not have visible light transmittance.

[0132] For example, the energization mode table is not limited to the above-described energization modes of C, M, Y, R1 to R4, G, B1, B2, K1, and K2, and may have more modes by further refinement. The thermosensitive layer 42 may also be composed of two layers, or may be composed of four or more layers. In addition, the colors of the respective layers are not limited to C, M, and Y, and may be R, G, B, K, other colors, etc. Further, the same color with different shades may be set as the color of each layer. It should be noted that when the thermosensitive layer 42 is composed of four layers, the fourth color is preferably K.

[0133] A microcomputer, an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuits), an FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array), etc. may be used as the processor instead of the CPU 91. The tape production process may also be distributedly processed by a plurality of processors. The non-transitory storage medium is not related to the period of storing information, as long as it is a storage medium capable of retaining information. The non-transitory storage medium may also not include a transitory storage medium (for example, a transmitted signal). The program may also be downloaded from a server connected to the network (that is, transmitted as a transmitted signal) and stored in the flash memory 92, for example. In this case, the program may be stored in a non-transitory storage medium such as a hard disk drive provided in the server. The present invention may also be a storage medium in which the above-described program is stored. It should be noted that the above-described modification examples may be combined with each other as long as no contradiction occurs.

[0134] In S2 to S3 of the tape production process, the CPU 91 obtains the type of the tape 9 based on the cartridge information stored in the flash memory 92 according to the detection result of the medium detection switch 310, and determines the visual direction. The information on the visual direction may also be input by the user using the keyboard 3 when the tape cartridge 30 is installed in the installation portion 8, for example.

[0135] The program for performing the processes of S11 to S14 of the tape production process may also be installed and executed as a printer driver program in the external terminal 100. In this case, it is preferable that the external terminal 100 executes the processes of S11 to S14 on the basis of obtaining information such as the visual direction from the thermal printer 1, and transmits the generated print data to the thermal printer 1 to cause it to perform printing. Further, in the case where the user inputs the information on the visual direction as in the above modification example, the user may use the keyboard, mouse, etc. of the external terminal 100 to input the information on the visual direction.

[0136] In addition, the external terminal 100 can also generate print data for the case of the visual direction Y1 and print data for the case of the print direction Y2, and send them to the thermal printer 1. In this case, the thermal printer 1 can also select the print data corresponding to the visual direction based on the determination result of the visual direction, and print on the tape 9. In addition, the external terminal 100 can also always generate print data for the case of the print direction Y2 and send it to the thermal printer 1. In this case, when the determination result of the visual direction is Y1, the thermal printer 1 can also perform a process of re-describing the part of the energization pattern in which R1, B1, and K1 are described in the instruction included in the print data in the energization pattern of R2, B2, and K2, and print on the tape 9.

[0137] In the process of S12, the CPU 91 acquires information related to the thickness, ratio, refractive index, etc. of the base material 41, but these information may not be acquired. In this case, in the process of S13, the determination of the energization pattern corresponding to the information related to the thickness, ratio, refractive index, etc. of the base material 41 may not be performed.

[0138] Reference Numeral Explanation

[0139] 1 Thermal Printer

[0140] 4 Thermal Tape

[0141] 7 Adhesive Tape

[0142] 9 Tape

[0143] 10 Thermal Head

[0144] 11 Heating Element

[0145] 41 Base Material

[0146] 42 Thermal Layer

[0147] 91 CPU

[0148] 421 First Thermal Layer

[0149] 422 Second Thermal Layer

[0150] 423 Third Thermal Layer

[0151] Y1 Visual Direction

[0152] Y2 Print Direction

Claims

1. A printing device that prints on a multi-layer thermal printing medium, the multi-layer thermal printing medium having: a substrate having visible light transmissivity; and a thermal layer having a first thermal layer and a second thermal layer; The first thermal layer is provided on one side in the thickness direction of the substrate and has visible light transmissivity, and is colored in a first color by being heated to a temperature above a specified first temperature. The second thermal layer is provided on one side in the thickness direction of the first thermal layer and has visible light transmissivity, and is colored in a second color by being heated to a temperature above a specified second temperature, and the second temperature is higher than the first temperature. The printing device is characterized by comprising: a thermal head having a plurality of heating elements; a generation unit that generates print data corresponding to the heating elements for forming an image on the thermal layer based on image data corresponding to each pixel region; a driving unit that drives the heating elements of the thermal head based on the print data generated by the generation unit; and a detection unit that detects whether the visual direction of the multi-layer thermal printing medium when visually observing the image formed on the thermal layer is a direction of visual observation from one side in the thickness direction or a direction of visual observation from the other side in the thickness direction. The generation unit generates the print data in which the coloring state of the image formed on the thermal layer is different according to the visual direction detected by the detection unit.

2. The printing device according to claim 1, wherein: The generation unit generates the print data in which the color of the image formed on the thermal layer is colored in a color corresponding to the visual direction detected by the detection unit.

3. The printing device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: The generation unit generates the print data in which the position of the image formed on the thermal layer based on the image data is formed at a position corresponding to the visual direction detected by the detection unit.

4. The printing device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein: The detection unit further detects thickness-related information associated with the thickness of the substrate of the multi-layer thermal printing medium. The generation unit generates the print data in which the coloring state of the image formed on the thermal layer is different according to the visual direction and the thickness-related information detected by the detection unit.

5. The printing device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein: The detection unit further detects refractive-index-related information associated with the refractive index of the substrate of the multi-layer thermal printing medium. The generation unit generates the print data in which the coloring state of the image formed on the thermal layer is different according to the visual direction and the refractive-index-related information detected by the detection unit.

6. The printing device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein: The generation unit generates the print data based on the image data for forming the image on each of at least two thermal layers of the multi-layer thermal printing medium.

7. The printing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the generation unit generates the print data such that the timing of color development of each of the plurality of thermal layers included in the multi-layer thermal printing medium becomes the timing corresponding to the visual direction detected by the detection unit.

8. The printing apparatus according to claim 7, wherein the generation unit generates the print data in which the timing of color development of each of the plurality of thermal layers included in the multi-layer thermal printing medium is changed respectively according to the visual direction detected by the detection unit.

9. The printing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the generation unit generates the print data in which the color development area of at least one of the plurality of thermal layers included in the multi-layer thermal printing medium is an area that is different according to the visual direction detected by the detection unit.

10. The printing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the generation unit generates the print data in which the color development area of the thermal layer on the side farther in the visual direction among the plurality of thermal layers included in the multi-layer thermal printing medium is relatively larger than the color development area of the thermal layer on the side closer in the visual direction.

11. The printing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the thermal layer further includes a third thermal layer, which is provided on one side in the thickness direction of the second thermal layer and has visible light transmissibility, and develops a color into a third color when heated to a temperature equal to or higher than a prescribed third temperature, the third temperature being higher than the second temperature.

12. A storage medium storing a print data generation program for generating print data to be printed by a printing apparatus including a thermal head and a driving unit, the thermal head having a plurality of heating elements, and the driving unit driving the heating elements of the thermal head, wherein the print data is data used by the printing apparatus for printing on a multi-layer thermal printing medium having: a substrate having visible light transmissibility; and thermal layers including a first thermal layer and a second thermal layer; the first thermal layer is provided on one side in the thickness direction of the substrate and has visible light transmissibility, and develops a color into a first color when heated to a temperature equal to or higher than a prescribed first temperature, the second thermal layer is provided on one side in the thickness direction of the first thermal layer and has visible light transmissibility, and develops a color into a second color when heated to a temperature equal to or higher than a prescribed second temperature, the second temperature being higher than the first temperature, the printing apparatus further includes a detection unit that detects whether the visual direction of the multi-layer thermal printing medium when visually observing an image formed on the thermal layer is a direction of visual observation from one side in the thickness direction or a direction of visual observation from the other side in the thickness direction, the print data generation program causes a computer to execute the following steps: Obtaining step of obtaining the visual direction from the detection unit of the printing device; and Generating step of generating print data corresponding to the heating elements for forming an image on the thermal layer and having a different color development state of the image formed on the thermal layer according to the visual direction obtained in the obtaining step, based on the image data corresponding to each pixel region.

13. A printing device for printing on a multi-layer thermal printing medium, the multi-layer thermal printing medium having: A substrate having visible light transmissivity; and A thermal layer having a first thermal layer and a second thermal layer; The first thermal layer is provided on one side in the thickness direction of the substrate and has visible light transmissivity, and develops a first color when heated to a temperature above a specified first temperature, The second thermal layer is provided on one side in the thickness direction of the first thermal layer and has visible light transmissivity, and develops a second color when heated to a temperature above a specified second temperature, and the second temperature is higher than the first temperature, The printing device is characterized by comprising: A thermal head having a plurality of heating elements; A generating unit that generates print data corresponding to the heating elements for forming an image on the thermal layer based on the image data corresponding to each pixel region; A driving unit that drives the heating elements of the thermal head based on the print data generated by the generating unit; And A detection unit that detects thickness-related information associated with the thickness of the substrate of the multi-layer thermal printing medium, The generating unit generates print data in which the color development state of the image formed on the thermal layer is different according to the thickness-related information detected by the detection unit.

14. A storage medium storing a print data generation program, the print data generation program generating print data for printing by a printing device including a thermal head and a driving unit, the thermal head having a plurality of heating elements, and the driving unit driving the heating elements of the thermal head, characterized in that The print data is data used by the printing device for printing on a multi-layer thermal printing medium, the multi-layer thermal printing medium having: a substrate having visible light transmissivity; and a thermal layer having a first thermal layer and a second thermal layer; the first thermal layer is provided on one side in the thickness direction of the substrate and has visible light transmissivity, and develops a first color when heated to a temperature above a specified first temperature, the second thermal layer is provided on one side in the thickness direction of the first thermal layer and has visible light transmissivity, and develops a second color when heated to a temperature above a specified second temperature, and the second temperature is higher than the first temperature, The print data generation program causes a computer to execute the following steps: A detection step of detecting thickness-related information associated with the thickness of the substrate of the multi-layer thermal printing medium; and A generation step of generating print data corresponding to the heating elements for forming an image on the thermal layer based on the image data corresponding to each pixel region, and the color display state of the image formed on the thermal layer is different according to the thickness correlation information detected in the detection step.

15. A printing device that prints on a multi-layer thermal printing medium, the multi-layer thermal printing medium having: A substrate having visible light transmissivity; and A thermal layer having a first thermal layer and a second thermal layer; The first thermal layer is provided on one side in the thickness direction of the substrate and has visible light transmissivity, and is colored in a first color by being heated to a temperature above a specified first temperature. The second thermal layer is provided on one side in the thickness direction of the first thermal layer and has visible light transmissivity, and is colored in a second color by being heated to a temperature above a specified second temperature, and the second temperature is higher than the first temperature. The printing device is characterized by comprising: A thermal head having a plurality of heating elements; A generation unit that generates print data corresponding to the heating elements for forming an image on the thermal layer based on the image data corresponding to each pixel region; A drive unit that drives the heating elements of the thermal head based on the print data generated by the generation unit; And A detection unit that detects refractive index correlation information associated with the refractive index of the substrate of the multi-layer thermal printing medium, The generation unit generates print data in which the color display state of the image formed on the thermal layer is different according to the refractive index correlation information detected by the detection unit.

16. A storage medium storing a print data generation program, the print data generation program generating print data for printing by a printing device including a thermal head and a drive unit, the thermal head having a plurality of heating elements, and the drive unit driving the heating elements of the thermal head, characterized in that The print data is data used by the printing device for printing on a multi-layer thermal printing medium, the multi-layer thermal printing medium having: a substrate having visible light transmissivity; and a thermal layer having a first thermal layer and a second thermal layer; the first thermal layer is provided on one side in the thickness direction of the substrate and has visible light transmissivity, and is colored in a first color by being heated to a temperature above a specified first temperature, the second thermal layer is provided on one side in the thickness direction of the first thermal layer and has visible light transmissivity, and is colored in a second color by being heated to a temperature above a specified second temperature, and the second temperature is higher than the first temperature. The print data generation program causes a computer to execute the following steps: A detection step of detecting refractive index correlation information associated with the refractive index of the substrate of the multi-layer thermal printing medium; and A generation step of generating print data corresponding to the heating elements for forming an image on the thermal layer based on the image data corresponding to each pixel region, and the color display state of the image formed on the thermal layer is different according to the refractive index correlation information detected in the detection step.

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