Thermoelectric printer, and control method and program of thermoelectric printer

Abstract

To enable implementation of a printing mode of performing printing with the same electric energy and at a high speed with respect to a first printing mode.SOLUTION: A thermoelectric printer performs printing by a thermal head and at least has: a first printing mode of performing printing with a first electric power; a second printing mode of performing printing with a second electric power larger than the first electric power and at a higher speed than the first printing mode; and a third printing mode of performing printing with the first electric power and at a higher speed than the first printing mode.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 7

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a thermal transfer printer, a control method for a thermal transfer printer, and a program. [Background technology]

[0002] In thermal transfer printing, the maximum density is largely determined by the printing speed and the amount of power (electric energy) input per unit time. To obtain the same maximum density even when the printing speed is changed, the amount of power input must also be changed.

[0003] For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a printer that determines the printing speed based on the maximum density of print data and supplies an amount of power that matches the maximum density. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2010-228259 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] However, with the technology disclosed in the aforementioned Patent Document 1, it was necessary to increase the amount of power consumed as the printing speed increased. This was because increasing the printing speed without increasing the amount of power consumed would result in a decrease in the overall density of the printed image. Thermal transfer printers powered by built-in batteries have limitations on the amount of power that can be supplied by the built-in battery, so it was necessary to refrain from performing high-power, high-speed printing.

[0006] An object of the present disclosure is to realize a print mode that uses the same amount of power as the first print mode and prints at a higher speed. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] The thermal transfer printer is a thermal transfer printer that prints using a thermal head, and has at least a first printing mode that prints at a first power, a second printing mode that prints at a second power that is greater than the first power and faster than the first printing mode, and a third printing mode that prints at the first power and faster than the first printing mode. [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] According to the present disclosure, it is possible to realize a print mode that uses the same amount of power as the first print mode and prints at a higher speed. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of a thermal transfer printer. [Figure 2] 1A and 1B are diagrams illustrating examples of the configuration of an ink sheet and an image receiving paper. [Figure 3] 1A and 1B are diagrams illustrating a printing operation of a thermal transfer mobile printer. [Figure 4] 10A and 10B are diagrams illustrating the printing direction, the head direction, and heat generation instruction data. [Figure 5] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating low-power, high-speed printing. [Figure 6] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing the gradation distribution of image data. [Figure 7] 1 is a flowchart of printing. [Figure 8] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a specific example of low-power, high-speed printing. [Figure 9] 1 is a flowchart of printing. [Figure 10] 1 is a flowchart of printing. [Figure 11] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing the results of visual evaluation. [Figure 12] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of an image in which a plurality of subjects are present. [Figure 13] 1 is a flowchart of printing. [Figure 14] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of a thermal transfer printing system. [Figure 15]1 is a flowchart of printing. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0010] A preferred embodiment will be described in detail below with reference to the drawings. In the following description, "printing" refers to a series of operations from printing based on a print command from a user to ejecting the printed image receiving paper. "Printing" also refers to the operation of transporting the ink sheet and image receiving paper while thermally transferring the dye from the ink sheet to the image receiving paper or thermally fusing a protective layer to the image receiving paper using heat from a thermal head.

[0011] (First embodiment) A thermal transfer printer 100 according to a first embodiment will be described below with reference to FIGS.

[0012] 1 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of a thermal transfer printer 100 according to the first embodiment. The thermal transfer printer 100 has a main controller 103, an ink sheet sensor 104, an ink sheet transport unit 105, a first image receiving paper sensor 106, a second image receiving paper sensor 107, an image receiving paper transport unit 108, and a printer temperature sensor 109. The thermal transfer printer 100 also has an internal battery 110, a head temperature sensor 111, a head position drive unit 112, a thermal head 113, an image processing unit 114, an image data input unit 115, a display unit 116, and an operation unit 117.

[0013] The thermal transfer printer 100 is controlled by a main controller 103. The main controller 103 causes an ink sheet, which will be described later, to be conveyed by an ink sheet conveying section 105, and an ink sheet sensor 104 locates the ink sheet.

[0014] The main controller 103 also controls the image receiving paper conveyance unit 108 to convey the image receiving paper, which will be described later. The first image receiving paper sensor 106 and the second image receiving paper sensor 107 detect the leading edge and trailing edge of the conveyed image receiving paper.

[0015] The thermal head 113 is moved to a head position, which will be described later, by a head position drive unit 112, and generates heat under the control of the main controller 103. At this time, the temperature of the thermal head 113 is monitored by a head temperature sensor 111, and the temperature inside the housing of the thermal transfer printer 100 is monitored by a printer temperature sensor 109.

[0016] The built-in battery 110 is pre-charged and drives the thermal transfer printer 100. The main controller 103 can control the amount of power supplied from the built-in battery 110 to the thermal head 113 by changing the voltage applied to the thermal head 113.

[0017] The image data input unit 115 is configured with a memory card slot and a USB port, and inputs image data to the thermal transfer printer 100. The image data input unit 115 can also import image data from the outside using wireless communication, and image data downloaded to an information terminal can be transmitted wirelessly via the Web and input.

[0018] The display unit 116 displays the input image data and prompts the user to select the print image data.

[0019] Using the operation unit 117, the user selects image data and sets print settings for the thermal transfer printer 100. The operation unit 117 may also be a touch panel, and may be provided on the display unit .

[0020] Image data input to image data input unit 115 is displayed on display unit 116. Using operation unit 117, the user selects image data to be printed from the displayed image data and issues a print instruction.

[0021] When printing, the main controller 103 converts the image data instructed to be printed into heat generation instruction data for the thermal head 113 .

[0022] 2A and 2B are diagrams showing an example of the configuration of an ink sheet 200 and an image receiving paper 202. Fig. 2A is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of the ink sheet 200. The ink sheet 200 has a yellow dye band 203, a magenta dye band 204, a cyan dye band 205, a transparent protective layer band 206, and an ink sheet substrate 201.

[0023] Marker bands 207 to 210 are provided at the beginning of each of the bands 203 to 206 for locating the beginning of the band. Each of the marker bands 207 to 210 has a lower reflectance than the bands 203 to 206, and can be detected by the ink sheet sensor 104.

[0024] Additionally, the yellow marker band 207 is wider in the ink sheet winding direction than the marker bands 208 to 210. This is because the thermal transfer printer 100 starts printing from the yellow dye band 203 and needs to distinguish the yellow marker band 207 from the other marker bands 208 to 210.

[0025] Therefore, by making the yellow marker band 207 wider, the detection time of the yellow marker band 207 by the ink sheet sensor 104 becomes longer than the detection time of the other marker bands 208 to 210, and they are distinguished from each other.

[0026] Note that widening the yellow marker band 207 is just one example, and any other modification may be used as long as it can be differentiated from the other marker bands 208-210.

[0027] 2(b) is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of the ink sheet roll 211. The ink sheet roll 211 is formed by winding the ink sheet 200 around an ink sheet supply bobbin 212 in a roll shape, with the ink sheet substrate 201 facing outwards. The ink sheet supply bobbin 212 is set on an ink sheet supply spindle of the thermal transfer printer 100, which will be described later.

[0028] 2(c) is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of the image receiving paper 202. The image receiving paper 202 has an image receiving layer 213, a void layer 214, and an image receiving paper base material 215. Dyes are thermally transferred from each of the dye bands 203 to 205 to the image receiving layer 213, and a transparent protective layer is heat-sealed from the transparent protective layer band 206. The void layer 214 insulates against heat generated during thermal transfer, enabling efficient thermal transfer. The image receiving paper base material 215 provides the strength and smoothness of the image receiving paper 202.

[0029] Figure 3 is a diagram illustrating the printing operation of the thermal transfer printer 100. Figure 3(a) shows the initial state of the thermal transfer printer 100. Reference numeral 113 denotes a thermal head, 112 denotes a head position drive unit, 302 denotes a platen roller, 303 denotes paper feed / eject rollers, and 304 denotes a driven roller, which constitute the image receiving paper transport unit 108.

[0030] Reference numeral 305 denotes an ink sheet take-up bobbin. Reference numeral 301 denotes an ink sheet supply spindle, which constitutes the ink sheet transport section 105. An ink sheet supply bobbin 212 of an ink sheet roll 211 is set on the ink sheet supply spindle 301. Reference numeral 106 denotes a first image receiving paper sensor. Reference numeral 107 denotes a second image receiving paper sensor. Reference numeral 104 denotes an ink sheet sensor.

[0031] Reference numeral 310 denotes an inlet / outlet for the image receiving paper 202. Reference numeral 311 denotes an evacuation port. The thermal head 113 is held at an initial position 307 by a head position driving unit 112.

[0032] 3(b) shows the state in which the ink sheet roll 211 is set in the thermal transfer printer 100. With the thermal head 113 held at the initial position 307, the ink sheet supply bobbin 212 of the ink sheet roll 211 is set on the ink sheet supply spindle 301.

[0033] FIG. 3(c) shows the state in which the ink sheet 200 is pulled out from the ink sheet roll 211 and fixed to the ink sheet take-up bobbin 305, and the image receiving paper 202 is fed to the thermal transfer printer 100. The ink sheet 200 pulled out from the ink sheet roll 211 is wound around the ink sheet take-up bobbin 305 and fixed along the path shown in FIG. 3(c). When the ink sheet take-up bobbin 305 rotates, the ink sheet 200 is pulled out from the ink sheet roll 211. At the same time, the ink sheet supply bobbin 212 also rotates accordingly. After the ink sheet roll 211 is set in the thermal transfer printer 100, the main controller 103 controls the head position drive unit 112 to move the thermal head 113 to the standby position 308.

[0034] The image receiving paper 202 is inserted into the thermal transfer printer 100 through the feed / discharge port 310 and is sandwiched between a feed / discharge roller 303 and a driven roller 304 of the image receiving paper transport unit 108. Thereafter, the main controller 103 controls the image receiving paper transport unit 108 to transport the image receiving paper 202 in the direction B in the figure.

[0035] 3(d) shows the state in which the image receiving paper 202 has been cue-read. After the first image receiving paper sensor 106 detects the image receiving paper 202, the image receiving paper 202 is transported a specified amount in direction B. The image receiving paper 202 is transported in direction B within the range in which the image receiving paper 202 is clamped by the image receiving paper transport unit 108. Cue-reading is the state in which the first image receiving paper sensor 106 and the second image receiving paper sensor 107 detect the image receiving paper 202.

[0036] 3(e) shows the state in which the yellow marker band 207 of the yellow dye band 203 is detected. As the ink sheet take-up bobbin 305 rotates, the ink sheet 200 is transported in the direction A in the figure. The ink sheet take-up bobbin 305 continues to rotate until the ink sheet sensor 104 detects the yellow marker band 207. When the yellow marker band 207 is detected, the ink sheet take-up bobbin 305 stops rotating, and the yellow dye band 203 is cued up.

[0037] FIG. 3(f) shows the printing operation of the thermal transfer printer 100. After the image receiving paper 202 and the yellow dye band 203 have been aligned, the thermal head 113 moves to the thermal transfer position 309, and the platen roller 302 presses the ink sheet 200 and the image receiving paper 202 together. Here, heating instruction data for the yellow dye band 203 is sent from the main controller 103 to the thermal head 113, and the yellow dye is thermally transferred. At the same time, the image receiving paper 202 is transported in the direction C in the figure by the image receiving paper transport unit 108. The ink sheet 200 is transported in the direction A in the figure by the ink sheet transport unit 105. When the printing operation for the yellow dye band 203 is completed, the thermal head 113 moves to the standby position 308.

[0038] Next, the receiver paper 202 is aligned as shown in Figure 3(d), and the magenta marker band 208 is detected as shown in Figure 3(e), and the magenta dye band 204 is aligned. Once the receiver paper 202 and magenta dye band 204 have been aligned, the printing operation shown in Figure 3(f) is performed on the magenta dye band 204. Once the printing operation for the magenta dye band 204 is completed, the thermal head 113 moves to the standby position 308.

[0039] Next, the receiver paper 202 is cue-aligned as shown in Fig. 3(d), and the cyan marker band 209 is detected as shown in Fig. 3(e), and the cyan dye band 205 is cue-aligned. Once the receiver paper 202 and the cyan dye band 205 have been cue-aligned, the printing operation shown in Fig. 3(f) is performed on the cyan dye band 205. Once the printing operation on the cyan dye band 205 is completed, the thermal head 113 moves to the standby position 308.

[0040] Next, the image receiving paper 202 is cue-aligned as shown in Fig. 3(d), and the protective layer marker band 210 is detected and the transparent protective layer band 206 is cue-aligned as shown in Fig. 3(e). Once the image receiving paper 202 and the transparent protective layer band 206 have been cue-aligned, the printing operation shown in Fig. 3(f) is performed on the transparent protective layer band 206. Once the printing operation on the transparent protective layer band 206 is completed, the thermal head 113 moves to the initial position 307.

[0041] Next, the image receiving paper transport unit 108 transports the image receiving paper 202 in the C direction, and discharges the printed image receiving paper 202 from the feed / discharge opening 310 .

[0042] 4 is a diagram illustrating the printing direction, head direction, and heat generation instruction data. The heat generation instruction data is a numerical value obtained by normalizing image data expressed in 256 gradations, from a low luminance level of 0 to a high luminance level of 255, to the number of pulses to be output to the thermal head 113.

[0043] 4(a) shows the positional relationship between the thermal head 113 of the thermal transfer printer 100 and the print object 409. 411 is the head direction. 410 is the printing direction. The printing direction 410 is the same as the conveyance direction C in FIG. 3(f).

[0044] 4(b) is an example of image data 400. 401 is the number of pixels in the head direction 411 (TD pixel number). 402 is the number of pixels in the printing direction 410 (MD pixel number). The image data 400 is made up of TD pixel number 401 × MD pixel number 402.

[0045] FIG. 4(c) is a diagram in which image data 400 is subdivided into one pixel (one line) in the printing direction 410. The thermal head 113 outputs heating instruction data for each line. If the MD pixel count 402 of the image data 400 is, for example, 19 pixels, 403 is the first line in the printing direction 410, and 404 and 405 are the second and third lines following the first line 403. 406 indicates the last line of the 19th line from the first line 403. Printing is performed in line order, starting with the first line 403, the second line 404, and the third line 405, and ends with output up to the last line 406.

[0046] 4(d) is a diagram showing the relationship between the printing speed of image data 400 and heat generation instruction data. Here, 412 is an example of normal printing, 413 is an example of high-speed printing, and 414 is an example of high-power, high-speed printing. High-speed printing 413 and high-power, high-speed printing 414 have the same profile.

[0047] FIG. 4(e) shows the relationship between the number of pulses for low-luminance 0 gradation in one line and the amount of power. The thermal head 113 outputs while transporting the image receiving paper 202 and ink sheet 200. Therefore, in high-speed printing 413, the output time per line is shorter than in normal printing 412, and the number of pulses that can be output is smaller than in normal printing 412. Therefore, the amount of power of the thermal head 113 is increased (E in the figure) compared to normal printing 412 (D in the figure) by the number of reduced pulses, performing high-power, high-speed printing 414. High-power, high-speed printing 414 requires more power than normal printing 412. The print density output in normal printing 412 with power amount D and number of pulses N+M is the same as the print density output in high-power, high-speed printing 414 with power amount E and number of pulses N.

[0048] 5A and 5B are diagrams for explaining low-power, high-speed printing. 5A shows an example of image data 400.

[0049] Figure 5(b) shows the gradation distribution of the image data 400. The low-luminance gradation region 500 is a gradation region from 0 gradation to 64 gradation. Figure 5(b) shows that the image data 400 does not contain any pixels in the low-luminance gradation region 500.

[0050] The following describes the case of this type of image data 400. As shown in Figure 5(c), the number of pulses of the heating instruction data reserved for color development in the low-luminance gradation region 500 is fixed to the maximum number of pulses N of the heating instruction data for high-power, high-speed printing 414, and the number of pulses of the heating instruction data for the low-luminance gradation region 500 and above is set to the number of pulses of the heating instruction data for normal printing 412. This makes it possible to print at high speed without increasing the amount of power. This printing method is called low-power, high-speed printing 501.

[0051] 5(d) shows the relationship between the number of pulses in one line and the amount of power consumed, for only the low luminance gradation region. Unlike the high-power, high-speed printing 414, the amount of power consumed in the low-power, high-speed printing 501 is the same as that in the normal printing 412.

[0052] Figure 5(e) shows the relationship between gradation and print density. 503 is the density profile for high-power, high-speed printing 414. 504 is the density profile for low-power, high-speed printing 501. F is the maximum density for high-power, high-speed printing 414. G is the maximum density for low-power, high-speed printing 501. In low-power, high-speed printing 501, the print density in the low-luminance gradation region 500 is G, and the print density gradually decreases above the low-luminance gradation region 500.

[0053] In the case of image data 400, there are no pixels in the low brightness gradation region 500, so there is no need to ensure a print density of G or higher. Therefore, there is no need to ensure the number of pulses to be allocated to the low brightness gradation region 500, making it possible to perform low-power, high-speed printing 501.

[0054] FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing a method for controlling the thermal transfer printer 100 according to the first embodiment.

[0055] In step S901, the main controller 103 selects image data to be printed from the image data displayed on the display unit 116 in response to a user operation on the operation unit 117.

[0056] In step S902, the main controller 103 receives an instruction to print the selected image data through a user operation on the operation unit 117.

[0057] In step S903, the main controller 103 uses the image processing unit 114 to generate a tone distribution of the selected image data.

[0058] In step S904, the main controller 103 refers to the gradation distribution of the image data and determines whether the image data does not include pixels in the low luminance gradation region 500. If the image data does not include pixels in the low luminance gradation region 500, the process proceeds to step S905. If the image data includes pixels in the low luminance gradation region 500, the process proceeds to step S907.

[0059] In step S905, the main controller 103 selects the mode of low-power, high-speed printing 501. Then, the process proceeds to step S906.

[0060] In step S907, the main controller 103 selects the mode of high-power, high-speed printing 414. After that, the process proceeds to step S906.

[0061] In step S906, the main controller 103 controls the printing to be performed in the mode selected in step S905 or S907.

[0062] (Second embodiment) 6 is a diagram illustrating a processing method of the thermal transfer printer 100 according to the second embodiment. Most image data can be separated into a subject and a background by general image analysis processing.

[0063] Fig. 6(a) is an example of image data 400. Fig. 6(b) shows the gradation distribution of the image data 400. The image data 400 contains many pixels in a low-luminance gradation region 500.

[0064] FIG. 6(c) shows the result of extracting a subject from image data 400 by a general image analysis process, and 601 is the extracted subject.

[0065] Fig. 6(d) shows the gradation distribution of the extracted object 601. From Fig. 6(d), it can be seen that in the object 601 extracted from the image data 400, there are no pixels in the low-luminance gradation region 500.

[0066] Generally, pixels in the low-luminance gradation region 500 are often present in the background. Therefore, the number of pulses of the heating instruction data in the low-luminance gradation region 500 is fixed to the maximum number of pulses N of the heating instruction data in the high-power, high-speed printing 414, and the number of pulses of the heating instruction data in the low-luminance gradation region 500 or above is set to the number of pulses of the heating instruction data in the normal printing 412.

[0067] Fig. 6(e) is an example of a printout obtained by high-power, high-speed printing 414 of image data 400. Fig. 6(f) is an example of a printout obtained by low-power, high-speed printing 501 of image data 400. The print density of the extracted subject 601 is the same in Fig. 6(e) and Fig. 6(f).

[0068] However, since areas other than the subject 601 include pixels in the low-brightness gradation area 500, there are areas in the print of the low-power, high-speed print 501 where the print density is lower than the print of the high-power, high-speed print 414. However, the user's main purpose is to observe the subject, and the texture of the print will not be ruined by a decrease in the density of the background.

[0069] FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing a method for controlling the thermal transfer printer 100 according to the second embodiment.

[0070] In step S1001, the main controller 103 selects image data to be printed from the image data displayed on the display unit 116 in response to a user operation on the operation unit 117.

[0071] In step S1002, the main controller 103 receives an instruction to print the selected image data through a user operation on the operation unit 117.

[0072] In step S1003, the main controller 103 uses the image processing unit 114 to generate a tone distribution of the selected image data.

[0073] In step S1004, the main controller 103 refers to the gradation distribution of the image data and determines whether the image data does not include pixels in the low luminance gradation region 500. If the image data does not include pixels in the low luminance gradation region 500, the process proceeds to step S1005. If the image data includes pixels in the low luminance gradation region 500, the process proceeds to step S1007.

[0074] In step S1007, the main controller 103 functions as an extraction unit, and uses the image processing unit 114 to extract the subject from the selected image data.

[0075] In step S1008, the main controller 103 uses the image processing unit 114 to generate a gradation distribution of the extracted subject.

[0076] In step S1009, the main controller 103 refers to the gradation distribution of the object and determines whether the object does not include pixels in the low luminance gradation region 500. If the object does not include pixels in the low luminance gradation region 500, the process proceeds to step S1005. If the object includes pixels in the low luminance gradation region 500, the process proceeds to step S1010.

[0077] In step S1005, the main controller 103 selects the mode of low-power, high-speed printing 501. Then, the process proceeds to step S1006.

[0078] In step S1010, the main controller 103 selects the mode of high-power, high-speed printing 414. Then, the process proceeds to step S1006.

[0079] In step S1006, the main controller 103 controls the printer to execute printing in the mode selected in step S1005 or S1010.

[0080] (Third embodiment) FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing a method for controlling the thermal transfer printer 100 according to the third embodiment.

[0081] In step S701, the main controller 103 selects image data to be printed from the image data displayed on the display unit 116 in response to a user operation on the operation unit 117.

[0082] In step S702, the main controller 103 sets the printing conditions for the selected image data in response to a user operation on the operation unit 117. Here, the main controller 103 sets normal printing or high-speed printing as the printing conditions in response to a user operation on the operation unit 117. Normal printing is normal printing 412 in FIG. 4. High-speed printing includes high-power high-speed printing 414 in FIG. 4 and low-power high-speed printing 501 in FIG. 5.

[0083] In step S703, the main controller 103 receives an instruction to print the selected image data through a user operation on the operation unit 117.

[0084] In step S704, the main controller 103 determines whether the printing conditions set in step S702 are normal printing settings. If the printing conditions are normal printing settings, the process proceeds to step S705. If the printing conditions are high-speed printing settings, the process proceeds to step S708.

[0085] In step S708, the main controller 103 uses the image processing unit 114 to generate a tone distribution of the selected image data.

[0086] In step S709, the main controller 103 refers to the gradation distribution of the image data and determines whether the image data does not include pixels in the low luminance gradation region 500. If the image data does not include pixels in the low luminance gradation region 500, the process proceeds to step S710. If the image data includes pixels in the low luminance gradation region 500, the process proceeds to step S711.

[0087] In step S711, the main controller 103 uses the image processing unit 114 to extract the subject from the selected image data.

[0088] In step S712, the main controller 103 uses the image processing unit 114 to generate a gradation distribution of the extracted subject.

[0089] In step S713, the main controller 103 refers to the gradation distribution of the object and determines whether the object does not include pixels in the low luminance gradation region 500. If the object does not include pixels in the low luminance gradation region 500, the process proceeds to step S710. If the object includes pixels in the low luminance gradation region 500, the process proceeds to step S714.

[0090] In step S714, the main controller 103 accumulates the gradation distribution of the subject in step S712 to obtain a total accumulated amount. For example, in the gradation distribution of the subject in Fig. 11(c), the main controller 103 accumulates the number of pixels from low luminance 0 gradation to high luminance 255 gradation in increments of 1 gradation starting from 0 gradation, and obtains the accumulated value (sum) of the number of pixels from 0 gradation to 255 gradation as the total accumulated amount.

[0091] In step S715, the main controller 103 calculates, for each gradation in the gradation distribution of the subject in step S712, the ratio of the accumulated value (sum) of each gradation or less to the total accumulated amount in step S714 as a gradation accumulation ratio. For example, in the gradation distribution of the subject in Fig. 11(c), the main controller 103 calculates, for each gradation, the ratio of the accumulated value (sum) of each gradation or less to the total accumulated amount in step S714 as the gradation accumulation ratio in Fig. 11(d).

[0092] In step S716, the main controller 103 determines whether the gradation accumulation ratio of the low luminance gradation region 500 among the gradation accumulation ratios calculated in step S715 is equal to or less than a specified value. For example, Fig. 11(e) shows the gradation accumulation ratio of the low luminance gradation region 500 among the gradation accumulation ratios of Fig. 11(d), which is approximately 2%. The specified value is, for example, 5% as shown in Fig. 11(f).

[0093] If the gradation accumulation ratio of the low luminance gradation region 500 is equal to or less than the specified value, the process proceeds to step S710. If the gradation accumulation ratio of the low luminance gradation region 500 is not equal to or less than the specified value, the process proceeds to step S717.

[0094] That is, in step S716, the main controller 103 determines whether the ratio of the number of pixels in the low brightness gradation area 500 of the object to the number of pixels of the object is equal to or less than a specified value. The specified value is an example of a first threshold value.

[0095] If the ratio of the number of pixels in the low luminance gradation region 500 of the object to the number of pixels in the object is equal to or less than the specified value, the process proceeds to step S710. If the ratio of the number of pixels in the low luminance gradation region 500 of the object to the number of pixels in the object is not equal to or less than the specified value, the process proceeds to step S717.

[0096] In step S705, the main controller 103 selects the mode of normal printing 412. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S706.

[0097] In step S710, the main controller 103 selects the mode of low-power, high-speed printing 501. Then, the process proceeds to step S706.

[0098] In step S717, the main controller 103 selects the mode of high-power, high-speed printing 414. After that, the process proceeds to step S706.

[0099] In step S706, the main controller 103 controls to execute printing in the mode selected in step S705, S710, or S717.

[0100] The main controller 103 functions as a control unit and controls the printer to selectively execute at least normal printing 412, high-power, high-speed printing 414, and low-power, high-speed printing 501. As shown in FIGS. 4(d) and 5(c), the main controller 103 controls the number of pulses of the heating instruction data for each gradation value. The main controller 103 also controls the ink sheet conveyance speed by the ink sheet conveyance unit 105 and the image receiving paper conveyance speed by the image receiving paper conveyance unit 108 so that the printing speed corresponds to the selected printing mode. In the normal printing mode 412, the main controller 103 controls the ink sheet conveyance unit 105 and the image receiving paper conveyance unit 108 so that the printing speed is 0.8 ips, and in the high-speed printing modes (low-power, high-speed printing 501 and high-power, high-speed printing 414), the main controller 103 controls the voltage supplied to the thermal head so that the amount of power corresponding to the selected printing mode is supplied to the thermal head. In the normal printing 412 and low-power high-speed printing 501 modes, the voltage supplied to the thermal head 113 is switched to 18 mV, and in the high-power high-speed printing 414 mode, the voltage supplied to the thermal head 113 is controlled to be switched to 24 mV.

[0101] In the normal printing mode 412, the main controller 103 controls the printing to be performed using the thermal head 113.

[0102] In addition, in the high-power, high-speed printing mode 414, the main controller 103 controls the thermal head 113 to print at a higher speed and with a larger amount of power than in the normal printing mode 412, as shown in Figure 4(d). As shown in Figure 4(d), the high-power, high-speed printing mode 414 uses fewer pulses of the heating instruction data than the normal printing mode 412.

[0103] Furthermore, in the low-power, high-speed printing mode 501, the main controller 103 controls printing using the thermal head 113 at the same speed and with the same amount of power as in the normal printing mode 412, as shown in Figure 5. As shown in Figure 5(c), in the low-power, high-speed printing mode 501, in the gradation range of 65 gradations or higher, the number of pulses in the heating instruction data is the same as that of the normal printing mode 412, and in the low-brightness gradation range 500, the number of pulses is the same as the maximum number of pulses in the heating instruction data for the high-power, high-speed printing mode 414. The low-brightness gradation range 500 is a range of gradation values ​​from 0 to 64.

[0104] Next, the integration of the gradation distribution of the object in step S714 and the integrated gradation ratio of the object in step S715 will be described with reference to FIG.

[0105] Fig. 11(a) is an example of image data 400 that contains pixels in a low-luminance gradation region 500. Because pixels in the low-luminance gradation region 500 exist in Fig. 11(a), in step S711 the main controller 103 extracts the object 601 in Fig. 11(b) from the image data 400 in Fig. 11(a). Fig. 11(b) shows the extracted object 601.

[0106] 11C shows the gradation distribution of the object 601 calculated in step S712. In the image data 400, the gradation distribution of the object 601 also includes pixels in the low brightness gradation region 500.

[0107] 11(c), the main controller 103 integrates the number of pixels from the low luminance 0 gradation to the high luminance 255 gradation in increments of 1 gradation, starting from gradation 0. The main controller 103 then obtains the integrated value (sum) of the number of pixels from gradation 0 to 255 as the total integrated amount.

[0108] In step S715, the main controller 103 calculates, for each gradation in the gradation distribution of the subject 601 in Fig. 11(c), the ratio of the integrated value (sum) of each gradation or less to the total integrated amount in step S714, as the gradation integration ratio in Fig. 11(d). Fig. 11(d) shows the relationship between gradation and gradation integration ratio.

[0109] Fig. 11(e) is a diagram showing the gradation accumulation ratio of Fig. 11(d) cut out in the range of the low luminance gradation region 500. In the case of Fig. 11(e), the gradation accumulation ratio of the low luminance gradation region 500 is approximately 2%.

[0110] In step S716, the main controller 103 determines whether the gradation accumulation ratio (2%) of the low-luminance gradation region 500 in Figure 11(e) is equal to or less than the specified value. If the gradation accumulation ratio of the low-luminance gradation region 500 is not equal to or less than the specified value, the subject 601 is a dark subject and is not suitable for low-power, high-speed printing 501, and the process proceeds to step S717. In step S717, the high-power, high-speed printing mode 414 is selected.

[0111] Figure 11(f) shows the results of a visual evaluation of the gradation integration ratio in the low-luminance gradation region 500 and the texture of the printed image during low-power, high-speed printing 501. Figure 11(f) shows that if the gradation integration ratio in the low-luminance gradation region 500 is 5% or less, selecting the low-power, high-speed printing mode 501 does not affect the texture of the subject. For this reason, the specified value in step S716 is, for example, 5%.

[0112] (Fourth embodiment) 8(a) shows the printing speed, power consumption, and maximum number of pulses of the heating instruction data for normal printing 412 and high-power, high-speed printing 414. When the mode is normal printing 412 and the printing speed is 0.8 ips, the maximum number of pulses of the heating instruction data is 30,000. When the mode is high-power, high-speed printing 414 and the printing speed is 1.0 ips, the maximum number of pulses of the heating instruction data is 24,000.

[0113] 8(b) shows the gradation and heating instruction data profile for low-power, high-speed printing mode 501. In low-power, high-speed printing mode 501, the number of pulses of the heating instruction data in low-luminance gradation region 500 is fixed at 24,000, and in gradation regions with higher luminance than low-luminance gradation region 500, the number of pulses is set to the same as the heating instruction data for normal printing 412. This makes low-power, high-speed printing 501 possible.

[0114] (Fifth embodiment) The fifth embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 12. Fig. 12(a) is an example of image data 1200 containing multiple subjects.

[0115] FIG. 12(b) is an example of a subject 1201 extracted from the image data 1200 of FIG. 12(a).

[0116] 12(c) shows the gradation and gradation accumulation ratio of the low luminance gradation region 500 in the extracted object 1201. The gradation accumulation ratio of the low luminance gradation region 500 in the extracted object 1201 exceeds 5%.

[0117] Here, the image processing unit 114 further subdivides the subject 1201 into a group of recognizable objects. Fig. 12(b) shows an example in which the extracted subject 1201 is subdivided into three objects: a first object 1202 (an example recognized as a child), a second object 1203 (an example recognized as a woman), and a third object 1204 (an example recognized as a man).

[0118] In the fifth embodiment, the image processing unit 114 subdivides the subject 1201 into objects 1202 to 1204, and determines from the subdivided objects 1202 to 1204 which objects are compatible with the low-power, high-speed printing 501.

[0119] Fig. 12(c) shows the gradation accumulation ratios of a first object 1202, a second object 1203, and a third object 1204. Fig. 12(c) shows that the gradation accumulation ratio of the third object 1204 exceeds the specified value of 5%. The main controller 103 controls the display unit 116 to display, as shown in Fig. 12(d), that there are objects 1202 and 1203 that have gradation accumulation ratios of 5% or less and are capable of low-power, high-speed printing 501.

[0120] FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing a method for controlling the thermal transfer printer 100 according to the fifth embodiment.

[0121] In step S1301, the main controller 103 selects image data to be printed from the image data displayed on the display unit 116 in response to a user operation on the operation unit 117.

[0122] In step S1302, the main controller 103 sets the printing conditions for the selected image data in response to a user operation on the operation unit 117. Here, the main controller 103 sets normal printing or high-speed printing as the printing conditions in response to a user operation on the operation unit 117. Normal printing is normal printing 412 in FIG. 4. High-speed printing includes high-power high-speed printing 414 in FIG. 4 and low-power high-speed printing 501 in FIG. 5.

[0123] In step S1303, the main controller 103 receives an instruction to print the selected image data through a user operation on the operation unit 117.

[0124] In step S1304, the main controller 103 determines whether the printing conditions set in step S1302 are normal printing settings. If the printing conditions are normal printing settings, the process proceeds to step S1305. If the printing conditions are high-speed printing settings, the process proceeds to step S1308.

[0125] In step S1308, the main controller 103 uses the image processing unit 114 to generate a tone distribution of the selected image data.

[0126] In step S1309, the main controller 103 refers to the gradation distribution of the image data and determines whether the image data does not include pixels in the low luminance gradation region 500. If the image data does not include pixels in the low luminance gradation region 500, the process proceeds to step S1310. If the image data includes pixels in the low luminance gradation region 500, the process proceeds to step S1311.

[0127] In step S1311, the main controller 103 uses the image processing unit 114 to extract the subject from the selected image data.

[0128] In step S1312, the main controller 103 uses the image processing unit 114 to generate a gradation distribution of the extracted subject.

[0129] In step S1313, the main controller 103 refers to the gradation distribution of the object and determines whether the object does not include pixels in the low luminance gradation region 500. If the object does not include pixels in the low luminance gradation region 500, the process proceeds to step S1310. If the object includes pixels in the low luminance gradation region 500, the process proceeds to step S1314.

[0130] In step S1314, the main controller 103 accumulates the gradation distribution of the subject in step S1312 to obtain a total accumulated amount. For example, in the gradation distribution of the subject in Fig. 11(c), the main controller 103 accumulates the number of pixels from low luminance 0 gradation to high luminance 255 gradation in increments of 1 gradation starting from 0 gradation, and obtains the accumulated value (sum) of the number of pixels from 0 gradation to 255 gradation as the total accumulated amount.

[0131] In step S1315, the main controller 103 calculates, for each gradation in the gradation distribution of the subject in step S1312, the ratio of the accumulated value (sum) of each gradation or less to the total accumulated amount in step S1314 as a gradation accumulation ratio. For example, in the gradation distribution of the subject in Figure 11(c), the main controller 103 calculates, for each gradation, the ratio of the accumulated value (sum) of each gradation or less to the total accumulated amount in step S1314 as the gradation accumulation ratio in Figure 11(d).

[0132] In step S1316, the main controller 103 determines whether the gradation accumulation ratio of the low luminance gradation region 500, among the gradation accumulation ratios calculated in step S1315, is equal to or less than a specified value. For example, FIG. 11(e) shows the gradation accumulation ratio of the low luminance gradation region 500, among the gradation accumulation ratios of FIG. 11(d), which is approximately 2%. The specified value is, for example, 5%, as shown in FIG. 11(f).

[0133] If the gradation accumulation ratio of the low luminance gradation region 500 is equal to or less than the specified value, the process proceeds to step S1310. If the gradation accumulation ratio of the low luminance gradation region 500 is not equal to or less than the specified value, the process proceeds to step S1317.

[0134] That is, in step S1316, main controller 103 determines whether the ratio of the number of pixels in low brightness gradation area 500 of the object to the number of pixels of the object is equal to or less than a specified value. The specified value is an example of a first threshold value.

[0135] If the ratio of the number of pixels in the low luminance gradation region 500 of the object to the number of pixels in the object is equal to or less than the specified value, the process proceeds to step S1310. If the ratio of the number of pixels in the low luminance gradation region 500 of the object to the number of pixels in the object is not equal to or less than the specified value, the process proceeds to step S1317.

[0136] In step S1317, main controller 103 functions as a subdivision unit and subdivides the extracted subject into one or more objects using image processing unit 114. For example, main controller 103 subdivides extracted subject 1201 in FIG. 12(b) into objects 1202 to 1204 using image processing unit 114.

[0137] In step S1318, the main controller 103 uses the image processing unit 114 to generate a gradation distribution for each of the subdivided objects 1202 to 1204, as shown in FIG. 11(c).

[0138] The main controller 103 calculates the total integrated amount by accumulating the gradation distribution for each of the objects 1202 to 1204. For example, the main controller 103 calculates the number of pixels from low brightness 0 gradation to high brightness 255 gradation in increments of 1 gradation starting from 0 gradation in the gradation distribution of each object, and calculates the integrated value (sum) of the number of pixels from 0 gradation to 255 gradation as the total integrated amount.

[0139] In step S1319, the main controller 103 calculates, for each tone in the tone distribution of the object, as shown in FIG. 12(c), the ratio of the integrated value (sum) of each tone or less to the total integrated amount as the tone integrated ratio.

[0140] In step S1320, the main controller 103 determines whether or not there is an object whose gradation accumulation ratio in the low luminance gradation region 500 is equal to or less than a specified value among the gradation accumulation ratios of each object calculated in step S1319. The specified value is, for example, 5%. If there is an object whose gradation accumulation ratio in the low luminance gradation region 500 is equal to or less than the specified value, the process proceeds to step S1321. If there is no object whose gradation accumulation ratio in the low luminance gradation region 500 is equal to or less than the specified value, the process proceeds to step S1323.

[0141] That is, in step S1320, main controller 103 determines whether there is any object among the subdivided objects for which the ratio of the number of pixels in the object's low brightness gradation region 500 to the number of pixels in the object is equal to or less than a predetermined value. The predetermined value is an example of a second threshold value.

[0142] If there is an object for which the ratio of the number of pixels in the object's low luminance gradation region 500 to the number of pixels in the object is equal to or less than a predetermined value, the process proceeds to step S1321. If there is no object for which the ratio of the number of pixels in the object's low luminance gradation region 500 to the number of pixels in the object is equal to or less than a predetermined value, the process proceeds to step S1323.

[0143] In step S1321, the main controller 103 controls the display unit 116 to display, as shown in FIG. 12(d), that there are objects 1202 and 1203 that can be printed at low power and high speed 501 with a gradation integration ratio of 5% or less.

[0144] In step S1322, main controller 103 determines whether object 1202 or 1203 with a gradation accumulation ratio of 5% or less has been selected as the main subject by user operation of operation unit 117 in FIG. 12(d).

[0145] If object 1202 or 1203 with a gradation accumulation ratio of 5% or less is selected as the main subject, it is determined that low-power, high-speed printing 501 has been instructed, and the process proceeds to step S1310. If object 1204 with a gradation accumulation ratio not less than 5% has been selected as the main subject, it is determined that high-power, high-speed printing 414 has been instructed, and the process proceeds to step S1323.

[0146] Here, objects 1202 and 1203 are objects whose ratio of the number of pixels in the low luminance gradation region 500 is equal to or less than a specified value. Object 1204 is an object whose ratio of the number of pixels in the low luminance gradation region 500 is not equal to or less than the specified value.

[0147] In step S1305, the main controller 103 selects the mode of normal printing 412. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S1306.

[0148] In step S1310, the main controller 103 selects the mode of low-power, high-speed printing 501. Then, the process proceeds to step S1306.

[0149] In step S1323, the main controller 103 selects the mode of high-power, high-speed printing 414. Then, the process proceeds to step S1306.

[0150] In step S1306, the main controller 103 controls to execute printing in the mode selected in step S1305, S1310, or S1323.

[0151] (Sixth embodiment) 14 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of a thermal transfer printing system 1400 according to the sixth embodiment. The thermal transfer printing system 1400 can be driven not only by the built-in battery 110 but also by an external power source 1401.

[0152] The thermal transfer printing system 1400 includes the thermal transfer printer 100 and an external power supply 1401. The external power supply 1401 is provided by inserting a plug attached to an AC adapter into a 100V AC outlet, which is a commercial power source, and supplies current converted from AC to DC by the AC adapter to the main controller 103. When driven by the external power supply 1401, the main controller 103 normally performs high-power, high-speed printing 414 to shorten printing time. However, if the power supply from the external power supply 1401 is cut off, the main controller 103 confirms with the user whether or not to perform high-speed printing.

[0153] Fig. 15 is a flowchart showing a control method for a thermal transfer printing system 1400 according to the sixth embodiment. Fig. 15 adds step S1501 to Fig. 13. Below, the differences between Fig. 15 and Fig. 13 will be described.

[0154] After step S1303, the process proceeds to step S1501. In step S1501, the main controller 103 determines whether or not power is being supplied from the external power supply 1401. If power is being supplied from the external power supply 1401, the process proceeds to step S1323. If power is not being supplied from the external power supply 1401 but is being supplied from the built-in battery 110, the process proceeds to step S1304.

[0155] In step S1323, the main controller 103 selects the mode of high-power, high-speed printing 414. Then, the process proceeds to step S1306.

[0156] As described above, according to the first to sixth embodiments, the low-power high-speed printing 501 is a high-speed printing compared to the normal printing 412, and can produce a printed product that looks similar without increasing the amount of power.

[0157] (Other embodiments) The present disclosure can also be realized by a process in which a program that realizes one or more functions of the above-described embodiments is supplied to a system or device via a network or a storage medium, and one or more processors in the computer of the system or device read and execute the program. The present disclosure can also be realized by a circuit (e.g., ASIC) that realizes one or more functions.

[0158] Although the preferred embodiments have been described above, the present invention is not limited to these embodiments and various modifications and changes are possible within the scope of the gist thereof.

[0159] The disclosure of this embodiment includes the following configuration, method, and program. (Configuration 1) A thermal transfer printer that prints using a thermal head, at least, a first printing mode in which printing is performed at a first power; a second printing mode in which printing is performed at a higher speed than in the first printing mode with a second power greater than the first power; and a third print mode in which printing is performed at the first power at a higher speed than in the first print mode. (Configuration 2) 2. The thermal transfer printer according to configuration 1, wherein the power supplied to the thermal head is controlled in accordance with the printing mode. (Configuration 3) 3. The thermal transfer printer according to configuration 2, wherein the power supplied to the thermal head is controlled by changing the voltage applied to the thermal head. (Configuration 4) a selection means for selecting high-speed printing in response to a user operation; When the high-speed printing is not selected by the selection means, control is performed to execute the first printing mode; a control means for controlling the execution of the second printing mode or the third printing mode in accordance with the gradation value of the image data to be printed when the high-speed printing is selected by the selection means; 4. The thermal transfer printer according to any one of configurations 1 to 3, comprising: (Configuration 5) a control means for controlling the number of pulses of the heat generation instruction data in accordance with the gradation value of the image data to be printed; The control means In the second printing mode, the number of pulses of the heating instruction data is reduced compared to the first printing mode, The thermal transfer printer according to any one of configurations 1 to 3, characterized in that in the third printing mode, in a first gradation region, the number of pulses of the heating instruction data is controlled to be the same as that in the first printing mode, and in a second gradation region lower than the first gradation region, the number of pulses of the heating instruction data is controlled to be the same as the maximum number of pulses of the second printing mode. (Configuration 6) When the gradation value ranges from low brightness 0 gradation to high brightness 255 gradation, the second gradation range is a range of gradation values ​​from 0 gradation to 64 gradation, 6. The thermal transfer printer according to configuration 5, wherein the first gradation range is a range of gradation values ​​of 65 or more. (Configuration 7) a selection means for selecting high-speed printing in response to a user operation; The control means When the high-speed printing is not selected by the selection means, control is performed to execute the first printing mode; When the high-speed printing is selected by the selection means, control is performed so that the second printing mode or the third printing mode is executed according to the gradation value of the image data to be printed. 6. The thermal transfer printer according to configuration 5. (Configuration 8) 8. The thermal transfer printer according to configuration 7, wherein the control means controls the printer to execute the third printing mode when the image data does not include pixels in the second gradation region. (Configuration 9) 9. The thermal transfer printer according to configuration 8, wherein the control means controls the printer to execute the second printing mode when the image data includes pixels in the second gradation region. (Configuration 10) The thermal transfer printer according to configuration 8, wherein the control means extracts an object from the image data, and if the extracted object does not include pixels in the second gradation region, controls to execute the third printing mode. (Configuration 11) 11. The thermal transfer printer according to claim 10, wherein the control means controls the printer to execute the second printing mode when the extracted subject includes pixels in the second gradation region. (Configuration 12) The thermal transfer printer according to configuration 10, characterized in that the control means controls to execute the third printing mode when the extracted object includes pixels of the second gradation region and the ratio of the number of pixels of the extracted object in the second gradation region to the number of pixels of the object is equal to or less than a first threshold value. (Configuration 13) The thermal transfer printer according to configuration 12, characterized in that the control means controls to execute the second printing mode when the extracted object includes pixels of the second gradation region and the ratio of the number of pixels of the extracted object in the second gradation region to the number of pixels of the object is not equal to or less than the first threshold value. (Configuration 14) The control means segmenting the extracted subject into one or more objects; The thermal transfer printer of configuration 12 is characterized in that, when the subject includes pixels of the second gradation region, and the ratio of the number of pixels of the subject in the second gradation region to the number of pixels of the subject is not equal to or less than the first threshold, and there is no object among the subdivided objects for which the ratio of the number of pixels of the object in the second gradation region to the number of pixels of the object is equal to or less than the second threshold, the printer is controlled to execute the second printing mode. (Configuration 15) The control means When the extracted object includes pixels in the second gradation region, and the ratio of the number of pixels of the object in the second gradation region to the number of pixels of the object is not equal to or less than the first threshold, and there is an object among the subdivided objects where the ratio of the number of pixels of the object in the second gradation region to the number of pixels of the object is equal to or less than the second threshold, When an object having a ratio of the number of pixels in the first gradation region equal to or less than the second threshold is selected, the third printing mode is executed; The thermal transfer printer according to configuration 14, characterized in that when an object is selected in which the ratio of the number of pixels in the first gradation region is not equal to or less than the second threshold, the printer is controlled to execute the second printing mode. (Configuration 16) The control means When power is supplied from an external power source, control is performed to execute the second printing mode regardless of whether the high-speed printing mode is selected by the selection means; When power is supplied from a built-in battery and the high-speed printing is not selected by the selection means, control is performed to execute the first printing mode; The thermal transfer printer according to configuration 4, characterized in that when power is supplied from a built-in battery and the high-speed printing is selected by the selection means, the printer is controlled to execute the second printing mode or the third printing mode according to the gradation value of the image data to be printed. (Method 1) A method for controlling a thermal transfer printer that prints using a thermal head, comprising: at least, a first printing mode in which printing is performed at a first power; a second printing mode in which printing is performed at a higher speed than in the first printing mode with a second power greater than the first power; a third printing mode in which printing is performed at a higher speed than the first printing mode with the first power, and (Program 1) A program for causing a computer to function as each means of the thermal transfer printer described in any one of configurations 1 to 16. [Explanation of symbols]

[0160] 100 Thermal transfer printer, 113 Thermal head, 412 Normal printing, 413 High-speed printing, 414 High-power high-speed printing, 501 Low-power high-speed printing

Claims

1. A thermal transfer printer that prints using a thermal head, at least, a first printing mode in which printing is performed at a first power; a second printing mode in which printing is performed at a higher speed than in the first printing mode with a second power greater than the first power; a third print mode in which printing is performed at the first power at a higher speed than in the first print mode.

2. 2. The thermal transfer printer according to claim 1, wherein the power supplied to said thermal head is controlled in accordance with a printing mode.

3. 3. The thermal transfer printer according to claim 2, wherein the power supplied to the thermal head is controlled by changing the voltage applied to the thermal head.

4. a selection means for selecting high-speed printing in response to a user operation; When the high-speed printing is not selected by the selection means, the first printing mode is executed; a control means for controlling the execution of the second printing mode or the third printing mode in accordance with the gradation value of the image data to be printed when the high-speed printing is selected by the selection means; 2. The thermal transfer printer according to claim 1, further comprising:

5. a control means for controlling the number of pulses of the heat generation instruction data in accordance with the gradation value of the image data to be printed; The control means In the second printing mode, the number of pulses of the heating instruction data is reduced compared to the first printing mode, 2. The thermal transfer printer according to claim 1, wherein in the third printing mode, in a first gradation region, the number of pulses of the heating instruction data is set to be the same as that in the first printing mode, and in a second gradation region lower than the first gradation region, the number of pulses of the heating instruction data is controlled to be the same as the maximum number of pulses of the second printing mode.

6. When the gradation value ranges from a low luminance 0 gradation to a high luminance 255 gradation, the second gradation range is a range of gradation values ​​from 0 gradation to 64 gradation, 6. The thermal transfer printer according to claim 5, wherein the first gradation range is a range of gradation values ​​of 65 or more.

7. a selection means for selecting high-speed printing in response to a user operation; The control means When the high-speed printing is not selected by the selection means, the first printing mode is executed; When the high-speed printing is selected by the selection means, control is performed so that the second printing mode or the third printing mode is executed according to the gradation value of the image data to be printed.

6. The thermal transfer printer according to claim 5.

8. 8. The thermal transfer printer according to claim 7, wherein said control means controls to execute said third printing mode when said image data does not include pixels in said second gradation region.

9. 9. The thermal transfer printer according to claim 8, wherein said control means controls to execute said second printing mode when said image data includes pixels in said second gradation region.

10. 9. The thermal transfer printer according to claim 8, wherein the control means extracts an object from the image data, and when the extracted object does not include pixels in the second gradation region, controls the printer to execute the third printing mode.

11. 11. The thermal transfer printer according to claim 10, wherein said control means controls to execute said second printing mode when said extracted subject includes pixels in said second gradation region.

12. 11. The thermal transfer printer according to claim 10, wherein the control means controls to execute the third printing mode when the extracted object includes pixels in the second gradation region and the ratio of the number of pixels in the second gradation region of the extracted object to the number of pixels of the object is equal to or less than a first threshold value.

13. 13. The thermal transfer printer according to claim 12, wherein the control means controls to execute the second printing mode when the extracted object includes pixels in the second gradation region and the ratio of the number of pixels in the second gradation region of the extracted object to the number of pixels of the object is not equal to or less than the first threshold value.

14. The control means segmenting the extracted subject into one or more objects; 13. The thermal transfer printer according to claim 12, wherein the printer is controlled to execute the second printing mode when the subject includes pixels in the second gradation region, the ratio of the number of pixels of the subject to the number of pixels of the second gradation region is not less than the first threshold, and there is no object among the subdivided objects for which the ratio of the number of pixels of the object to the number of pixels of the second gradation region is less than a second threshold.

15. The control means When the extracted object includes pixels in the second gradation region, and the ratio of the number of pixels of the object in the second gradation region to the number of pixels of the object is not equal to or less than the first threshold, and there is an object among the subdivided objects where the ratio of the number of pixels of the object in the second gradation region to the number of pixels of the object is equal to or less than the second threshold, When an object having a ratio of the number of pixels in the first gradation region equal to or less than the second threshold is selected, the third printing mode is executed; 15. The thermal transfer printer according to claim 14, wherein when an object is selected in which the ratio of the number of pixels in the first gradation region is not equal to or less than the second threshold value, the second printing mode is executed.

16. The control means When power is supplied from an external power source, control is performed to execute the second printing mode regardless of whether the high-speed printing mode is selected by the selection means, When power is supplied from a built-in battery and the high-speed printing is not selected by the selection means, control is performed to execute the first printing mode; 5. The thermal transfer printer according to claim 4, wherein when power is supplied from a built-in battery and the high-speed printing is selected by the selection means, the printer is controlled to execute the second printing mode or the third printing mode depending on the gradation value of the image data to be printed.

17. A method for controlling a thermal transfer printer that prints using a thermal head, comprising: at least, a first printing mode in which printing is performed at a first power; a second printing mode in which printing is performed at a higher speed than in the first printing mode with a second power greater than the first power; a third print mode in which printing is performed at a higher speed than in the first print mode with the first power, and

18. A program for causing a computer to function as each of the means of the thermal transfer printer according to any one of claims 1 to 16.

Images