Print control device, print control method, and program

Abstract

By determining the cutting method according to the printing medium, cut quality is maintained. [Solution] The printing apparatus (printing control device) is equipped with a cutting means having a first blade for performing a full cut along the short direction of the printing tape (printing medium) and a second blade for performing a half cut along the short direction of the printing tape. The control unit of the printing apparatus detects (acquires) the width of the printing tape in the short direction (step S1), and determines whether a half cut can be performed based on a comparison between the width of the printing tape and a reference width set according to the material type of the printing tape (steps S3, S4, S6).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a printing control device, a printing control method, and a program.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, there is known a printing device that performs printing of characters, figures, etc. by a printing head while conveying a printing medium such as a tape, and cuts the printed printing medium by a cutting means. As a method of cutting the tape, there are a full cut and a half cut. The full cut is a cutting method that cuts both the tape base material and the release paper (release paper). The half cut is a cutting method that does not cut the release paper and only cuts the tape base material. Since the half cut requires accurate adjustment of the depth at which the blade of the cutter enters the tape base material according to the cutting angle, it is more difficult than the full cut. However, since it is easier for the user to peel the tape base material from the release paper in the half cut, the half cut is generally set as the standard.

[0003] However, in the case of a tape with a paper base material, depending on the width of the tape, a half cut cannot be performed. For example, when the width of the tape is wide, the force during cutting is dispersed over a wider area, so a larger force may be required. In addition, a material with a wide width has more fibers and materials contacting the blade, so the resistance to cutting tends to increase. For these reasons, it is more difficult to cut a wide-width tape by a half cut than a narrow-width tape. Therefore, a technique has been disclosed in which a tape width is detected in a tape printing device, the drive current of a cutter motor is changed according to the tape width, and a half cut is performed (see Patent Document 1).

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

[0005] Furthermore, the cutting method involves cutting paper, which dulls the blade's cutting edge. For example, high-quality paper contains many minerals (such as limestone and talc) that can damage the blade. Therefore, repeatedly cutting high-quality paper and similar materials gradually dulls the blade, eventually rendering it unusable. Thus, half-cutting was sometimes difficult for printing media containing special additives or for wide printing media.

[0006] This invention has been made in view of the problems in the prior art described above, and aims to maintain cut quality by determining the cutting method according to the printing medium. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] To solve the above problems, the printing control device of the present invention comprises: an acquisition means for acquiring the width of the medium to be printed in the short direction; a cutting means having a first blade for performing a full cut along the short direction of the medium to be printed and a second blade for performing a half cut along the short direction of the medium to be printed; and a control means for determining whether or not the half cut can be performed based on a comparison of the width of the medium to be printed and a reference width set according to the material type of the medium to be printed. [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] According to the present invention, the cutting method can be determined according to the printing medium, thereby maintaining cut quality. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0009] [Figure 1] This is a schematic plan view showing the external configuration of a printing apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] This is a plan view showing the printing device with its lid open. [Figure 3] This is a magnified view of the leading edge of the printed tape. [Figure 4] This is a schematic diagram of the half-cut mechanism as seen from the printing position side. [Figure 5] This figure shows examples of full-cut and half-cut positions when creating multiple labels. [Figure 6] This is a block diagram showing the essential components of a printing device, illustrating its functional configuration. [Figure 7] This figure shows an example of the data structure of the reference width table in the first embodiment. [Figure 8] This figure shows the number of times the tape can be cut during durability testing, categorized by material type and tape width. [Figure 9] This figure shows the experimental results of whether or not half-cuts could be performed 10,000 times for each material type and tape width. [Figure 10] This is a flowchart showing the first print control process. [Figure 11] This figure shows an example of the data structure of the reference width table in the second embodiment. [Figure 12] This figure shows the experimental results of whether or not 10,000 half-cuts could be performed for each material type and tape width, with the torque of the half-cut mechanism drive motor increased. [Figure 13] This is a flowchart showing the second print control process in the second embodiment. [Figure 14] This is a flowchart showing the third print control process in the third embodiment. [Figure 15] This is an example of a screen for selecting cutting methods, including half-cuts. [Figure 16] This is an example of a cutting method selection screen that does not include half-cuts. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0010] Hereinafter, embodiments of a printing control apparatus, a printing control method, and a program according to the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. Note that various technically preferable limitations are imposed on the embodiments described below in order to implement the present invention, but the scope of the present invention is not limited to the following embodiments and illustrated examples.

[0011] First, a first embodiment of the present invention will be described. A printing apparatus 1 shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 is a label printer that performs printing on a printing tape 5, which is a long printing medium, to create a label 50 (see FIG. 5). As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the printing apparatus 1 includes an apparatus housing 2 having a cartridge housing portion 21 inside. A tape cartridge 51 is housed in the cartridge housing portion 21. The tape cartridge 51 houses the printing tape 5 and an ink ribbon (not shown). A lid 3 is provided at a part on the apparatus housing 2 that covers the cartridge housing portion 21. By pressing a button 3a, a lock mechanism (not shown) is released, and as shown in FIG. 2, the lid 3 rotates upward and opens. In a state where the lid 3 is open, the user can attach and detach the tape cartridge 51.

[0012] At corners or the like of the tape cartridge 51, irregularities such as notches or recesses (not shown) are provided according to the type (material, tape width, etc.) of the printing tape 5 to be housed. A tape type detection unit 15 (see FIG. 6) is provided at a position in the cartridge housing portion 21 corresponding to corners or the like of the tape cartridge 51.

[0013] Inside the cartridge housing portion 21, printing means for printing on the printing tape 5 is provided. The printing means includes a thermal head 7 (see FIG. 2) having a plurality of heating elements 71. The thermal head 7 (heating element 71) is operationally controlled by a head drive circuit 17 (see FIG. 6) to perform printing according to print data. The plurality of heating elements 71 are arranged across the short side direction (width direction) of the printing tape 5 in a state where the tape cartridge 51 is housed in the cartridge housing portion 21. Further, a thermistor 72 (see FIG. 6) is embedded in the thermal head 7. The thermistor 72 measures the temperature of the thermal head 7 (heating element 71) and outputs it to the control unit 10 (see FIG. 6).

[0014] As shown in FIG. 2, a platen roller 8 is provided at a position facing the thermal head 7 with the printing tape 5 interposed therebetween. The platen roller 8 conveys the printing tape 5 along the longitudinal direction of the printing tape 5. The platen roller 8 faces the thermal head 7 at a portion where the heating element 71 is disposed. When the printing tape 5 passes between the platen roller 8 and the thermal head 7, the platen roller 8 presses the printing tape 5 against the thermal head 7 (heating element 71) side. Thereby, printing is performed, and the portion where the platen roller 8 and the thermal head 7 (heating element 71) face each other becomes the printing position.

[0015] Inside the cartridge housing portion 21, a tape core engagement shaft and a take-up shaft (both not shown) are provided. The tape core engagement shaft is a shaft with which a tape core around which the printing tape 5 in the tape cartridge 51 is wound in a roll shape is engaged. The take-up shaft is a shaft for taking up the printed ink ribbon. The take-up shaft is rotated by a drive motor (not shown) and appropriately takes up the ink ribbon.

[0016] On the side of the device housing 2 (the right side as shown in Figure 2), an outlet 22 is formed at a position corresponding to the cartridge housing 21, from which the printed tape 5 (label 50) is discharged after printing. In Figures 1 and 2, the direction in which the printed tape 5 is discharged from the outlet 22 is defined as the X direction (the direction of discharge is +X). The thickness direction of the printed tape 5 at the position where the printed tape 5 is discharged is defined as the Y direction (the side of the release paper 5b as shown in Figure 3 is +Y). The direction perpendicular to both the X and Y directions is defined as the Z direction (the vertically upward direction in the operating state of the printing device 1 is +Z).

[0017] Figure 3 is an enlarged view of the leading edge 52 of the printed tape 5 (label 50) in Figure 2. As shown in Figure 3, the printed tape 5 comprises a base material 5a having an adhesive layer (not shown) and a release liner 5b. In the printed tape 5, the release liner 5b is provided to cover the adhesive layer and is peeled off from the base material 5a when the label 50 is used (attached). The orientation of the X, Y, and Z directions shown in Figure 3 is the same as in Figures 1 and 2.

[0018] Within the device housing 2, between the thermal head 7 and the discharge port 22, a full-cut mechanism 9a and a half-cut mechanism 9b are provided as cutting means for cutting the printed tape 5. Both the full-cut mechanism 9a and the half-cut mechanism 9b are provided across the width direction of the printed tape 5 and cut the printed tape 5 along the width direction. As shown in Figure 2, in the transport direction of the printed tape 5, the full-cut mechanism 9a is located downstream of the thermal head 7, and the half-cut mechanism 9b is located further downstream than the full-cut mechanism 9a.

[0019] The full-cut mechanism 9a cuts the entire thickness of the printed tape 5 (full cut). The full-cut mechanism 9a has a first blade for cutting the base material 5a of the printed tape 5 together with the release paper 5b along the width direction. The full-cut mechanism 9a performs a so-called full-cut operation, cutting the entire thickness of the printed tape 5 (i.e., the base material 5a and the release paper 5b) with the first blade. The full-cut mechanism 9a performs the cutting operation powered by the full-cut mechanism drive motor 90a (see Figure 6).

[0020] The half-cut mechanism 9b makes a cut (half-cut) partway through the thickness direction of the printed tape 5, including the printed surface. The half-cut mechanism 9b has a second blade for cutting only the base material 5a of the printed tape 5 along the width direction. The half-cut mechanism 9b performs a so-called half-cut operation, cutting a portion of the printed tape 5 in the thickness direction (i.e., the base material 5a). The half-cut mechanism 9b performs the cutting operation with power from the half-cut mechanism drive motor 90b (see Figure 6). The half-cut makes it easier to peel the base material 5a from the release paper 5b (backing paper portion).

[0021] As shown in Figure 4, the half-cut mechanism 9b comprises a support base 91, a movable blade 92, an arm portion 93, a shaft 94, etc. The orientation of the X, Y, and Z directions shown in Figure 4 is the same as in Figures 1 and 2. The support base 91 has a plane (a plane perpendicular to the Y direction) facing the movable blade 92. The movable blade 92 is mounted on the support base 91 so as to be rotatable around the shaft 94. The arm portion 93 is connected to the movable blade 92. The half-cut mechanism drive motor 90b rotates the movable blade 92 by rotating the arm portion 93 around the shaft 94. The movable blade 92 has a cutting blade 92a and protrusions 92b and 92c. The tips of the protrusions 92b and 92c protrude by a predetermined value T from the cutting edge of the cutting blade 92a. The predetermined value T corresponds to the thickness of the release paper 5b that constitutes the printed tape 5. As the protrusions 92b and 92c come into contact with the support base 91, a gap equivalent to the thickness of the release paper 5b is formed between the cutting blade 92a and the support base 91, and the cutting blade 92a (movable blade 92) cuts only the base material 5a of the printed tape 5.

[0022] As shown in Figure 5, when printing on the printing tape 5 to create multiple labels 50, a half-cut is performed at position 53 between labels 50, and a full-cut is performed at position 54 at the trailing end of the last label 50. Alternatively, a half-cut may be performed at position 55, which is a predetermined margin from the beginning of the first label 50. The presence or absence of a margin and the length of the margin can be changed as desired, and margins may be inserted between labels.

[0023] The lid 3 has a window 31. The window 31 allows visual confirmation of whether or not a tape cartridge 51 is housed in the printing device 1, even when the lid 3 is closed. The lid 3 also has a display unit 4. The display unit 4 is composed of, for example, a liquid crystal display (LCD), an organic electroluminescent display, or other flat display. The display unit 4 displays various settings entered by the user, as well as text and designs to be printed on the label 50.

[0024] An input unit 6 is provided on the device housing 2. The input unit 6 is equipped with various keys, such as character input keys, directional keys, conversion keys, and confirmation keys. If a touch panel is integrally provided on the surface of the display unit 4, the touch panel functions as the input unit 6, and the user can also perform various input and setting operations by touching the touch panel.

[0025] As shown in Figure 6, in addition to the above-described configuration, the printing apparatus 1 includes a control unit 10, a storage unit 11, a power supply circuit 12, a display unit drive circuit 14, a tape type detection unit 15, a head drive circuit 17, a transport motor drive circuit 18, a cutter motor drive circuit 19, and the like.

[0026] The control unit 10 includes, for example, a processor such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit). The storage unit 11 includes ROM (Read Only Memory), RAM (Random Access Memory), flash memory, etc. The control unit 10 and the storage unit 11 constitute a computer. The control unit 10 comprehensively controls the operation of each part of the printing device 1 by deploying various programs stored in ROM, etc., into the working area of ​​RAM and executing them. Specifically, the control unit 10, in cooperation with various programs, realizes various functions for the printing device 1 to create labels 50. Note that each function of the control unit 10 may be realized by the control unit 10 executing a program (software), or it may be realized by a dedicated module (hardware).

[0027] The memory unit 11 stores a program for creating the label 50 and various data necessary for executing the program. The memory unit 11 also stores the reference width table 111 shown in Figure 7. The reference width table 111 stores the material type of the printed tape 5 (printing medium) and the reference width in association with each other. The reference width is the maximum tape width (the width in the short direction of the printed tape 5) that can be half-cut a predetermined number of times (for example, 10,000 times). In Figure 7, data for kraft paper and fine paper are stored as material types, but the system is not limited to these. Kraft paper has a strong, tear-resistant structure due to its long, intertwined fibers. Therefore, kraft paper is more difficult to cut than fine paper.

[0028] The standard width table 111 was generated based on the experimental results shown in Figures 8 and 9. As shown in Figure 8, in the durability test, the number of cuts possible by the half-cut mechanism 9b was determined for each material type and tape width, with 10,000 cuts as the standard (upper limit). For the test conditions, a new blade was used for the half-cut mechanism 9b. The torque of the half-cut mechanism drive motor 90b was set to the minimum value of the standard. Whether or not a half-cut was achieved was determined by the state of the cut. For example, if a part of the printed tape 5 remains connected, it is determined that a half-cut was not achieved.

[0029] In the experimental results shown in Figure 9, the standard for the number of cuts was set at 10,000. "OK" was defined as being able to perform 10,000 half-cuts, and "NG" as not being able to perform 10,000 half-cuts. Kraft paper tape met the standard of being able to perform 10,000 half-cuts up to 18mm width. When performing half-cuts on kraft paper tape wider than 24mm, the tape would stop cutting after 10,000 cuts. High-quality paper tape also met the standard of being able to perform 10,000 half-cuts up to 24mm width. When performing half-cuts on high-quality paper tape wider than 46mm, the tape would stop cutting after 10,000 cuts. Regarding full cuts, both kraft paper and high-quality paper tapes were able to perform 10,000 cuts up to 46mm width.

[0030] The power supply circuit 12 supplies power to each part of the printing device 1 from a power source. The power source may be an internal battery or an external power source connected via a cable or the like. The display unit drive circuit 14 is a controller that controls the operation of the display unit 4, and under the control of the control unit 10, it controls the driver of the display unit 4 to perform display based on display data. That is, the display unit drive circuit 14 receives display data output from the control unit 10 and displays various display screens on the display unit 4 based on this display data.

[0031] The tape type detection unit 15 has multiple sensors that detect the shape (undulations, etc.) of the tape cartridge 51 housed in the cartridge housing unit 21. The tape type detection unit 15 outputs detection information to the control unit 10 indicating whether or not the tape cartridge 51 has been detected at the position corresponding to the sensor. Based on the detection information from the tape type detection unit 15, the control unit 10 determines the type (material, tape width, etc.) of the printed tape 5 inside the tape cartridge 51.

[0032] The head drive circuit 17 drives the thermal head 7 (heating element 71) based on the control signal and print data supplied from the control unit 10. Data such as characters, symbols, and figures selected or entered by the user from the input unit 6, etc., for the creation of the label 50 are sent to the head drive circuit 17 as print data by the control unit 10. Based on this print data, the head drive circuit 17 controls whether or not voltage is supplied to the multiple heating elements 71. By selectively supplying current to the heating elements 71 according to the print data, the head drive circuit 17 causes the heating elements 71 to heat up and heat the ink ribbon. As a result, the thermal head 7 prints on the print tape 5 by thermal transfer. The control unit 10 operates the thermal head 7 via the head drive circuit 17 to print the content onto the print tape 5.

[0033] The transport motor drive circuit 18 drives the transport motor 80 to rotate the platen roller 8. The transport motor 80 is, for example, a stepping motor. During printing, the transport motor drive circuit 18 drives the transport motor 80 so that the rotation of the platen roller 8 (i.e., the transport of the printing tape 5) is synchronized with the printing speed of the thermal head 7.

[0034] The cutter motor drive circuit 19 drives the full-cut mechanism drive motor 90a, which operates the full-cut mechanism 9a, and the half-cut mechanism drive motor 90b, which operates the half-cut mechanism 9b. The control unit 10 operates the full-cut mechanism 9a and the half-cut mechanism 9b via the cutter motor drive circuit 19 to cut the printed tape 5 along its width.

[0035] The control unit 10 (acquisition means) acquires the width of the printing tape 5 (printing medium) in the shorter direction. The control unit 10 determines the material type of the printing tape 5 (printing medium). The control unit 10 (control means) determines whether or not a half cut can be performed based on a comparison between the acquired width of the printing tape 5 (printing medium) and a reference width set according to the material type of the printing tape 5. Specifically, the control unit 10 reads the reference width corresponding to the material type of the printing tape 5 to be used from the reference width table 111 (storage means). The control unit 10 sets the read reference width as the reference width for comparison with the width of the printing tape 5. The control unit 10 compares the acquired width of the printing tape 5 with the set reference width. The control unit 10 determines that a half cut can be performed if the width of the printing tape 5 is less than or equal to the reference width. The control unit 10 determines that a half cut cannot be performed if the width of the printing tape 5 is greater than the reference width.

[0036] If the control unit 10 determines that it cannot perform a half-cut, it selects a full cut instead of a half-cut as the cutting method for the printed tape 5 (printing medium) in the cutting means (full-cut mechanism 9a, half-cut mechanism 9b).

[0037] Next, with reference to Figure 10, the first print control process performed in the printing device 1 will be described. First, the control unit 10 detects the material type and width of the printing tape 5 (step S1). Specifically, the control unit 10 acquires detection information from the tape type detection unit 15 and determines the type of printing tape 5 (material, tape width, etc.) in the tape cartridge 51 based on this detection information.

[0038] Next, the control unit 10 obtains a reference width corresponding to the material type of the printing tape 5 from the reference width table 111 (see Figure 7) (step S2). For example, the control unit 10 refers to the reference width table 111 and obtains "18 mm" as the reference width when the material type of the printing tape 5 is "kraft paper". Also, the control unit 10 refers to the reference width table 111 and obtains "24 mm" as the reference width when the material type of the printing tape 5 is "high-quality paper".

[0039] Next, the control unit 10 determines whether the width of the printed tape 5 detected in step S1 is less than or equal to the reference width obtained in step S2 (step S3). If the control unit 10 determines that the width of the printed tape 5 is less than or equal to the reference width (step S3; YES), it determines that a half-cut can be performed on the printed tape 5 (step S4). The control unit 10 controls the cutter motor drive circuit 19 to drive the half-cut mechanism drive motor 90b and operate the half-cut mechanism 9b (step S5). The half-cut mechanism 9b performs a half-cut on the printed tape 5.

[0040] In step S3, if the control unit 10 determines that the width of the printed tape 5 is not less than or equal to the reference width (step S3; NO), it determines that it cannot perform a half cut on the printed tape 5 (step S6). The control unit 10 controls the cutter motor drive circuit 19 to drive the full cut mechanism drive motor 90a and operate the full cut mechanism 9a (step S7). The full cut mechanism 9a performs a full cut on the printed tape 5. After step S5 or step S7, the first print control process ends.

[0041] According to the first embodiment, the control unit 10 of the printing apparatus 1 determines whether or not a half-cut can be performed based on a comparison between the width of the acquired printing tape 5 (printing medium) and a reference width set according to the material type of the printing tape 5. Therefore, the control unit 10 can maintain cut quality by determining the cutting method according to the printing tape 5.

[0042] Furthermore, the control unit 10 reads a reference width corresponding to the material type of the printing tape 5 being used from the reference width table 111, and sets the read reference width as a reference width for comparison with the width of the printing tape 5. This allows the control unit 10 to easily obtain a reference width corresponding to the material type of the printing tape 5 being used.

[0043] Furthermore, conventionally, for hard materials or wide printing media, users had to manually determine whether or not to change from a half-cut to a full-cut and then perform the change operation. In contrast, according to the first embodiment, if the control unit 10 determines that a half-cut cannot be performed, it selects a full-cut instead of a half-cut for cutting the printing tape 5 (printing media) in the cutting means (full-cut mechanism 9a, half-cut mechanism 9b). This makes it possible to cut the printing tape 5 with a full-cut even if a half-cut cannot be performed on the printing tape 5. Since the control unit 10 automatically changes to a full-cut when a half-cut cannot be performed, usability is improved.

[0044] Furthermore, the control unit 10 determines the material type of the printed tape 5 (printing medium) based on the detection information from the tape type detection unit 15. This allows the control unit 10 to set a reference width according to the material type of the printed tape 5.

[0045] Next, a second embodiment to which the present invention is applied will be described. Since the printing apparatus in the second embodiment has the same configuration as the printing apparatus 1 shown in the first embodiment, only the parts that differ from the first embodiment will be described.

[0046] If the control unit 10 of the printing device 1 determines that it cannot perform a half-cut, it selects a modified half-cut for the cutting means (full-cut mechanism 9a, half-cut mechanism 9b) on the printing tape 5 (printing medium) instead of a half-cut under normal conditions. The modification of the conditions for the second blade involves increasing the force with which the second blade is pressed against the printing tape 5 in the thickness direction, or increasing the time for which the second blade is pressed against the printing tape 5 in the thickness direction. For example, the control unit 10 can increase the force (pressure) with which the second blade is pressed against the printing tape 5 by increasing the torque of the half-cut mechanism drive motor 90b.

[0047] The memory unit 11 stores the reference width table 112 shown in Figure 11. The reference width table 112 stores a first reference width and a second reference width associated with each type of material of the printing tape 5 (printing medium). The first reference width is the maximum tape width that can perform a predetermined number of half-cuts (for example, 10,000 times) under normal conditions. The second reference width is the maximum tape width that can perform a predetermined number of half-cuts when the torque of the half-cut mechanism drive motor 90b is increased. Note that for high-quality paper, the same value is stored for both the first and second reference widths in the reference width table 112.

[0048] The standard width table 112 was generated based on the experimental results shown in Figures 9 and 12. In the experimental results shown in Figure 12, the standard number of cuts was set at 10,000, and "OK" was indicated if 10,000 half-cuts could be performed with the torque of the half-cut mechanism drive motor 90b increased, while "NG" was indicated if 10,000 half-cuts could not be performed. For kraft paper tape, increasing the torque of the half-cut mechanism drive motor 90b made it possible to perform 10,000 half-cuts on 24mm wide tape. For high-quality paper tape, even with increased torque of the half-cut mechanism drive motor 90b, it was not possible to perform 10,000 half-cuts on 46mm wide tape.

[0049] To increase the torque of the half-cut mechanism drive motor 90b, for example, the current or voltage driving the half-cut mechanism drive motor 90b can be increased. Alternatively, the on-off ratio of the half-cut mechanism drive motor 90b can be adjusted using PWM control (pulse width variation). PWM control allows for fine adjustments, such as changing from 50% on 50% off to 55% on 45% off. With PWM control, the voltage for driving the half-cut mechanism drive motor 90b is increased, and the on ratio is reduced, which is set as the standard.

[0050] Next, with reference to Figure 13, the second print control process performed in the printing device 1 will be described. First, the control unit 10 detects the material type and width of the printing tape 5 (step S11). The details of this process are the same as in step S1 of the first print control process (see Figure 10). Next, the control unit 10 obtains the first reference width and the second reference width corresponding to the material type of the printing tape 5 from the reference width table 112 (see Figure 11) (step S12).

[0051] Next, the control unit 10 determines whether the width of the printed tape 5 detected in step S11 is less than or equal to the first reference width obtained in step S12 (step S13). If the control unit 10 determines that the width of the printed tape 5 is less than or equal to the first reference width (step S13; YES), it determines that a half-cut can be performed on the printed tape 5 (step S14). The control unit 10 controls the cutter motor drive circuit 19 to drive the half-cut mechanism drive motor 90b and operate the half-cut mechanism 9b (step S15). The half-cut mechanism 9b performs a half-cut on the printed tape 5.

[0052] In step S13, if the control unit 10 determines that the width of the printed tape 5 is not less than or equal to the first reference width (step S13; NO), the process proceeds to step S16. In step S16, the control unit 10 determines whether the width of the printed tape 5 detected in step S11 is less than or equal to the second reference width obtained in step S12. If the control unit 10 determines that the width of the printed tape 5 is less than or equal to the second reference width (step S16; YES), it determines that a half-cut can be performed on the printed tape 5 by changing the conditions (step S17). The control unit 10 increases the torque of the half-cut mechanism drive motor 90b (step S18). For example, the control unit 10 increases the current driving the half-cut mechanism drive motor 90b. The control unit 10 controls the cutter motor drive circuit 19 to drive the half-cut mechanism drive motor 90b with increased torque and operate the half-cut mechanism 9b (step S19). The half-cut mechanism 9b performs a half-cut on the printed tape 5.

[0053] In step S16, if the control unit 10 determines that the width of the printed tape 5 is not less than or equal to the second reference width (step S16; NO), the control unit 10 determines that it cannot perform a half cut on the printed tape 5 (step S20). The control unit 10 controls the cutter motor drive circuit 19 to drive the full cut mechanism drive motor 90a and operate the full cut mechanism 9a (step S21). The full cut mechanism 9a performs a full cut on the printed tape 5. After step S15, step S19, or step S21, the second print control process ends.

[0054] According to the second embodiment, the control unit 10 of the printing apparatus 1 can maintain cut quality by determining the cutting method according to the printing tape 5, similar to the first embodiment. When the control unit 10 determines that a half-cut cannot be performed, it selects a half-cut with modified conditions for the second blade as the cutting method for the printing tape 5, instead of a half-cut under normal conditions. For example, the control unit 10 increases the force with which the second blade is pressed against the printing tape 5 in the thickness direction, or lengthens the time for which the second blade is pressed against the printing tape 5 in the thickness direction. This makes it possible to perform a half-cut of the printing tape 5 even when a half-cut cannot be performed under normal conditions. The control unit 10 automatically changes the conditions for the second blade when a half-cut cannot be performed under normal conditions, but becomes possible by changing the conditions for the second blade, thus improving usability.

[0055] As shown in Figure 8, the half-cut mechanism 9b can cut 24mm wide kraft paper tape up to 7000 times under normal conditions. Therefore, the control unit 10 may keep the torque of the half-cut mechanism drive motor 90b at normal levels until the number of cuts (7000 times) is reached, and then increase the torque after the number of cuts is exceeded. To achieve this, it is necessary to store the number of cuts for each material type and tape width.

[0056] Next, a third embodiment to which the present invention is applied will be described. Since the printing apparatus in the third embodiment has the same configuration as the printing apparatus 1 shown in the first embodiment, only the parts that differ from the first embodiment will be described.

[0057] The control unit 10 of the printing device 1 restricts the user's selection of a half-cut if it determines that a half-cut cannot be performed. Restrictions on selection include prohibiting selection or guiding the user not to select a half-cut. For example, if the control unit 10 determines that a half-cut cannot be performed, it displays a screen for selecting a full cut or a half-cut on the display unit 4 (display means), and then disables the half-cut option. Specifically, the control unit 10 may either not display the half-cut as a selection option, or it may gray out the half-cut option to exclude it from selection.

[0058] In the third embodiment, there are three cutting modes (cutting methods) for the printing device 1: "half cut / full cut," "full cut only," and "no cut." In the "half cut / full cut" mode, as shown in Figure 5, a half cut is performed at position 53 between two labels 50, and a full cut is performed at position 54 at the trailing edge of the last label 50. This keeps the labels 50 connected by the release paper 5b (backing paper), preventing them from falling apart. In the "full cut only" mode, a full cut is performed at positions between two labels 50 and at the trailing edge of the last label 50. In this case, the cut is made in a way that minimizes the amount of material that is wasted. In the "no cut" mode, the printing tape 5 is not cut automatically, and the user manually cuts the printing tape 5 with scissors or the like after printing. Alternatively, in the "half cut / full cut" mode, a full cut may be performed at positions between two labels 50, and a half cut may be performed at the beginning of each label 50 with a margin.

[0059] Next, with reference to Figure 14, the third print control process performed in the printing device 1 will be described. Since the processes in steps S31 to S34 and step S36 are the same as the processes in steps S1 to S4 and step S6 in the first print control process (see Figure 10), their explanation will be omitted.

[0060] After step S34, the control unit 10 displays a cutting method selection screen, including half-cut, on the display unit 4 (step S35). For example, the print settings screen 41 shown in Figure 15 includes a cutting method selection field 41a as a cutting method selection screen. The cutting method selection field 41a displays "Half-cut / Full-cut", "Full-cut only", and "No cut" as cutting method options. The user selects one of the cutting methods from "Half-cut / Full-cut", "Full-cut only", or "No cut" by operating from the input unit 6.

[0061] After step S36, the control unit 10 displays a cutting method selection screen that does not include half-cuts on the display unit 4 (step S37). For example, the print settings screen 42 shown in Figure 16 includes a cutting method selection field 42a as a cutting method selection screen. In the cutting method selection field 42a, "full cut only" and "no cut" are displayed as candidates for cutting methods. In other words, half-cut is excluded from the selection options in the cutting method selection field 42a. The user selects one of the cutting methods, "full cut only" or "no cut," by operating from the input unit 6.

[0062] After step S35 or step S37, the control unit 10 accepts the user's input from the input unit 6 to select a cutting method (step S38). The control unit 10 controls the cutter motor drive circuit 19 to perform a cutting operation on the printed tape 5 according to the selected cutting method (step S39). If "half cut / full cut" is selected, the control unit 10 controls the cutter motor drive circuit 19 to drive the half-cut mechanism drive motor 90b, and the half-cut mechanism 9b performs a half-cut at a position between the labels 50. The control unit 10 also controls the cutter motor drive circuit 19 to drive the full-cut mechanism drive motor 90a, and the full-cut mechanism 9a performs a full cut at the trailing end position of the last label 50. If "full cut only" is selected, the control unit 10 controls the cutter motor drive circuit 19 to drive the full-cut mechanism drive motor 90a, and the full-cut mechanism 9a performs a full cut at a position between the labels 50, at the trailing end position of the last label 50. If "Do not cut" is selected, the control unit 10 will not perform a cutting operation on the print tape 5. This concludes the third print control process.

[0063] According to the third embodiment, the control unit 10 of the printing device 1 can maintain cut quality by determining the cutting method according to the printed tape 5, similar to the first embodiment. If the control unit 10 determines that a half cut cannot be performed, it restricts the user's selection of a half cut. For example, if a half cut cannot be performed, the control unit 10 disables the option to select a half cut on the screen for selecting a full cut or a half cut. By preventing the user from selecting a half cut, the control unit 10 can maintain cut quality. Furthermore, since the control unit 10 (CPU) determines whether a half cut is possible, the user does not need to change settings for the cutting method when changing tape types, which can improve usability.

[0064] In the third print control process (see Figure 14), if the control unit 10 determines that a half-cut cannot be performed, it disables the option to select half-cut on the cutting method selection screen (cutting method selection field 41a in Figure 15, cutting method selection field 42a in Figure 16). Alternatively, if the control unit 10 determines that a half-cut cannot be performed, it may notify the user that a half-cut cannot be performed. Specifically, the control unit 10 may notify the user by displaying a message on the display unit 4 or by outputting an audio message indicating that a half-cut cannot be performed. By preventing the user from selecting a half-cut, the control unit 10 can maintain cut quality. Furthermore, by having the control unit 10 determine whether a half-cut is possible or not, the user does not need to make a decision, which is expected to improve usability.

[0065] The descriptions in the above embodiments are examples of the print control device, print control method, and program according to the present invention, and are not limited thereto. The detailed configuration and detailed operation of each part constituting the device can also be modified as appropriate without departing from the spirit of the present invention. For example, each configuration or process described in each of the above embodiments may be combined as appropriate. The scope of the present invention includes the scope of the invention as described in the claims and its equivalents.

[0066] In the above embodiments, the examples given show the use of kraft paper and fine paper as material types associated with the reference width (first reference width and second reference width in the reference width table 112) in the reference width tables 111 and 112. Alternatively, or in addition to this, reference widths may be defined for each parameter of the material type of the printing medium (printing tape 5), such as the thickness, layer structure, and adhesiveness of the printing medium. Furthermore, different reference widths may be used for each blade shape (sharpness, angle), blade material, blade size (blade width), number of cuts, speed setting, and pressure for the half-cut blade. Also, the reference width tables 111 and 112 shown in the above embodiments are merely examples, and information on more material types and more tape widths may be stored.

[0067] Furthermore, in the above embodiments, the material type and tape width of the printed tape 5 are detected from the shape of the tape cartridge 51, but other methods may be used. For example, RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) may be used, and the material type and tape width of the printed tape 5 may be obtained from the RF tag attached to the tape cartridge 51 by a reader. Alternatively, the material type and tape width of the printed tape 5 may be obtained by reading the QR code (registered trademark) or barcode attached to the tape cartridge 51. The control unit 10 may also accept input from the user from the input unit 6 and obtain the input information (material type and width of the printed tape 5). In this case, the user may visually confirm the material type and tape width of the printed tape 5 through the window 31 and input it manually. Alternatively, the user may take the tape cartridge 51 out of the cartridge housing 21, confirm the material type and tape width of the printed tape 5, and input it manually.

[0068] Furthermore, the half-cut mechanism 9b may be a guillotine type instead of a scissor type. The condition of the blade may also be obtained by measuring the number of cuts made by the half-cut mechanism 9b or by detecting an image of the cross-section of the blade. Understanding the condition of the blade is essential for ensuring uniform quality. A standard number of cuts may be set in advance, and an alarm may sound when the number of cuts made by the half-cut mechanism 9b reaches this standard number.

[0069] Furthermore, terminal devices such as smartphones, tablet devices, and PCs may be used as the input unit 6 and display unit 4 of the printing device 1. In this case, the terminal device sends and receives data with the printing device 1 via the communication unit of the terminal device, displaying the operation screen provided by the printing device 1 on the display unit of the terminal device, and transmitting operation instructions entered from the input unit of the terminal device to the printing device 1. For example, the print setting screens 41 and 42 shown in Figures 15 and 16 may be displayed on the display unit of the terminal device. Alternatively, the terminal device that can communicate with the printing device 1 may determine whether or not a half-cut can be performed based on a comparison between the width of the printing medium and a reference width set according to the material type of the printing medium. [Explanation of symbols]

[0070] 1…Printing device (printing control device), 5…Printing tape (printing medium), 9a…Full-cut mechanism (first blade, cutting means), 9b…Half-cut mechanism (second blade, cutting means), 10…Control unit (acquisition means, control means)

Claims

1. A means for obtaining the width of the printing medium in the shorter direction, A cutting means having a first blade for performing a full cut along the short direction of the printing medium, and a second blade for performing a half cut along the short direction of the printing medium, A control means for determining whether or not the half-cut can be performed based on a comparison between the width of the printing medium and a reference width set according to the material type of the printing medium, A print control device equipped with the following features.

2. The system includes a storage means for storing the material type of the printing medium and the reference width in association, The control means reads the reference width corresponding to the material type of the printing medium being used from the storage means, and sets the read reference width as the reference width for comparison with the width of the printing medium. The print control device according to claim 1.

3. If the control means determines that it is not possible to perform the half-cut, it selects the full-cut instead of the half-cut as the cutting method for the printing medium in the cutting means. The print control device according to claim 1.

4. If the control means determines that it cannot perform the half-cut, it selects a half-cut with modified conditions for the second blade as the cutting method for the printing medium in the cutting means, instead of the half-cut under normal conditions. The print control device according to claim 1.

5. The modification of the conditions relating to the second blade involves increasing the force with which the second blade is pressed in the thickness direction of the printing medium, or increasing the time for which the second blade is pressed in the thickness direction of the printing medium. The printing control device according to claim 4.

6. The control means, when it determines that the half-cut cannot be performed, restricts the user's choice regarding the half-cut. The print control device according to claim 1.

7. If the control means determines that it is not possible to perform the half cut, it displays a screen on the display means for selecting either the full cut or the half cut, and then disables the option to perform the half cut. The printing control device according to claim 6.

8. If the control means determines that it is not possible to perform the half-cut, it notifies the user that the half-cut cannot be performed. The printing control device according to claim 6.

9. A printing control method in a printing control device comprising cutting means having a first blade for performing a full cut along the short direction of the printing medium and a second blade for performing a half cut along the short direction of the printing medium, A step of obtaining the width of the printing medium in the shorter direction, A step of determining whether or not the half-cut can be performed based on a comparison between the width of the printing medium and a reference width set according to the material type of the printing medium, A printing control method including the following.

10. A computer in a print control device that includes a cutting means having a first blade for performing a full cut along the short direction of the printing medium and a second blade for performing a half cut along the short direction of the printing medium, A function to obtain the width of the printing medium in the shorter direction, A function that determines whether or not the half-cut can be performed based on a comparison between the width of the printing medium and a reference width set according to the material type of the printing medium, A program to achieve this.

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