Printing device, control method, and program

Abstract

To suppress waste of time taken for creating a label.SOLUTION: A printing device 1 includes a control part 100 for, when causing a conveyance part 150 to execute a pre-printing conveyance operation of a printed medium 13 before causing a printing part 160 to execute printing on the printed medium 13, executing control to convey the printed medium 13 on the basis of a conveyance amount LF derived using magnitude relationships between a printing length threshold LTH set on the basis of the shortest length LL0 of the printed medium 13 that can be discharged to the outside of the device when cut by a cutting part 170 and a distance L1 to a cutting position from a printing position in a conveyance route, and a printing length LP derived on the basis of printing data.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 5

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The disclosure of this specification relates to a printing device, a control method, and a program. [Background technology]

[0002] Some printing devices that print on tape-like print media are capable of cutting the print media using a cutter provided between the print position and the discharge position on the transport path of the print media. This type of printing device transports the cut print media in the opposite direction to the transport direction during printing before starting printing on the print media, making it possible to print on the part of the print media that is between the print position and the cut position on the transport path, thereby reducing waste of the print media (see, for example, Patent Document 1). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] JP 2003-118151 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] Some of the above-mentioned printing devices have a minimum label length set based on the distance from the cutting position to the discharge position on the transport path to prevent the print medium to be cut by the cutter and discharged as a label from remaining on the transport path. In a printing device in which a minimum label length is set, if the label length derived based on the print data is less than the minimum label length, a margin is added so that the label length of the created label is equal to or greater than the minimum label length.

[0005] However, in the above-mentioned printing device, regardless of the length along the transport direction of the print area set on the print medium based on the print data (print length), the print medium is transported in the opposite direction to the transport direction during printing by a fixed transport amount that is set based on the distance from the print position to the cut position on the transport path, and then printing on the print medium begins. For this reason, even in cases where a margin is added between the start edge of the print medium and the print area because the label length derived based on the print data is not sufficient, it is difficult to reduce the time required to create a label.

[0006] In view of the above circumstances, an object of one aspect of the present invention is to provide a technique capable of reducing the amount of time wasted in producing labels. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] A printing device according to one aspect of the present invention includes a transport unit capable of transporting a printed medium in a first direction and a second direction opposite to the first direction; a printing unit that prints print content on the printed medium transported in the first direction by the transport unit based on print data; a cutting unit that cuts the printed medium at a cutting position that is set on the transport path of the printed medium between a printing position where printing is performed on the printed medium and a discharge position where the printed medium transported in the first direction is discharged outside the device; and a control unit that controls the transport of the printed medium based on a transport amount derived using a larger or smaller relationship between a print length threshold value that is set based on the shortest length of the printed medium that can be discharged outside the device when cut by the cutting unit and the distance from the printing position to the cutting position, and a print length derived based on the print data, when the transport unit is caused to perform a pre-printing transport operation of the printed medium before the printing unit is caused to print on the printed medium.

[0008] A control method according to one aspect of the present invention is characterized in that a printing device including a transport unit capable of transporting a printed medium in a first direction and a second direction opposite to the first direction, a printing unit that prints print content on the printed medium transported in the first direction by the transport unit based on print data, and a cutting unit that cuts the printed medium at a cutting position that is set on the transport path of the printed medium between a printing position where printing is performed on the printed medium and a discharge position where the printed medium transported in the first direction is discharged outside the device, controls the transport of the printed medium based on a transport amount derived by utilizing the relationship between a print length threshold value that is set based on the shortest length of the printed medium that can be transported outside the device when cut by the cutting unit and the distance from the print position to the cut position, and a print length derived based on the print data, when causing the transport unit to perform a pre-printing transport operation of the printed medium before causing the printing unit to print on the printed medium.

[0009] A program according to one aspect of the present invention is characterized in that a printing device including a transport unit capable of transporting a printed medium in a first direction and a second direction opposite to the first direction, a printing unit that prints print content on the printed medium transported in the first direction by the transport unit based on print data, and a cutting unit that cuts the printed medium at a cutting position that is set on the transport path of the printed medium between a printing position where printing is performed on the printed medium and a discharge position where the printed medium transported in the first direction is discharged outside the device, is caused to execute a process that controls the transport unit to transport the printed medium based on a transport amount derived by utilizing the relationship between a print length threshold value that is set based on the shortest length of the printed medium that can be transported outside the device when cut by the cutting unit and the distance from the print position to the cut position, and a print length derived based on the print data, when the transport unit is caused to perform a pre-printing transport operation of the printed medium before the printing unit prints on the printed medium. Effect of the Invention

[0010] According to the above aspect, it is possible to reduce the waste of time required for producing labels. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0011] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a plan view illustrating an example of an external configuration of a printing device according to an embodiment. [Diagram 2] 2 is a partial plan view of the printing device of FIG. 1 with the cover open. [Diagram 3] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of a transport path for a print medium. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a hardware configuration of a printing apparatus according to an embodiment. [Diagram 5] 10 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a process performed by a printing device according to an embodiment. [Figure 6] 1A to 1C are diagrams illustrating examples of print areas and margin areas that are set on a print medium based on print data in a printing device according to an embodiment. [Figure 7] 11A and 11B are diagrams illustrating an example of a print length threshold value used in a printing device according to an embodiment. [Figure 8] 11A and 11B are diagrams illustrating an example of a relationship between a print length and a transport amount before printing starts in a printing device according to an embodiment. [Figure 9] 11A and 11B are diagrams illustrating an example of an operation performed by a printing device according to an embodiment when a label length derived based on print data is longer than the shortest label length. [Figure 10] 11A and 11B are diagrams illustrating an example of an operation performed by a printing device according to an embodiment when a label length derived based on print data is shorter than the shortest label length and the print length is longer than a print length threshold value. [Figure 11] 11A and 11B are diagrams illustrating an example of an operation performed by a printing device according to an embodiment when a print length derived based on print data is shorter than a print length threshold value. [Figure 12] 11A and 11B are diagrams illustrating an example of an operation performed by a printing device according to an embodiment when half-cutting is performed before printing starts. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0012] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In the following description, as an example of a printing device according to the present invention, a printing device called a label printer or the like that can perform thermal printing on a tape-shaped print medium and cut the print medium with a cutter and discharge it outside the device housing will be given. In the following description, detailed descriptions of the known configurations, functions, operations, etc. of the illustrated printing device and similar printing devices will be omitted.

[0013] Fig. 1 is a plan view showing an example of the external configuration of a printing device according to an embodiment of the present invention, Fig. 2 is a partial plan view of the printing device in Fig. 1 with the cover open.

[0014] The printing device 1 illustrated in Figures 1 and 2 has a device housing 2 and a lid 4 attached to the device housing 2. The device housing 2 is provided with a concave adapter mounting section 201 for mounting a tape adapter 11. The tape adapter 11 is a container that stores a tape-like print medium 13 wound into a roll (hereinafter referred to as a "tape roll 12") and supplies the print medium 13 to the printing device 1. The underlined number "9" in Figures 1 and 2 indicates that the width of the print medium 13 stored in the tape adapter 11 is 9 mm.

[0015] The adapter mounting section 201 of the device housing 2 communicates with an outlet 202 provided on the side of the device housing 2, and the print medium 13 pulled out from the tape adapter 11 mounted in the adapter mounting section 201 can be transported along a transport path provided in the device housing 2 and discharged from the outlet 202. In the device housing 2, a platen roller (transport roller) 6 that transports the print medium 13 pulled out from the tape adapter 11, a printing unit 7 that prints on the print medium 13, and a cutting unit 8 that cuts the print medium 13 are arranged.

[0016] The lid 4 is attached to the device housing 2 so that the adapter mounting portion 201 in the device housing 2 can be opened and closed (in other words, the lid 4 can be moved between a closed position that covers the adapter mounting portion 201 and an open position that opens the adapter mounting portion 201 to enable the attachment and detachment of the tape adapter 11).

[0017] 1 and 2, a keyboard 3 is provided in an area of ​​the device housing 2 that does not interfere with the lid 4 in the closed position, and a display 5 is provided on the surface of the lid 4. The keyboard 3 is an input device having a plurality of keys for inputting and selecting various information related to the operation of the printing device 1. The display 5 is a display device that displays various information inputted or selected by the keyboard 3.

[0018] Fig. 3 is a diagram for explaining an example of a transport path of a print medium, in which the transport path of the print medium 13 in the printing device 1 is shown as a straight path.

[0019] The print medium 13 unwound from the tape roll 12 and supplied to the printer 1 passes between the platen roller 6 and the thermal head 701 of the printing unit 7, and is transported along a transport path leading to the discharge port 202 of the device housing 2. For example, the print medium 13 is sandwiched between the circumferential surface of the platen roller 6 and the thermal head 701 when the lid 4 moves to the closed position, and is transported along the transport path when the platen roller 6 rotates. The platen roller 6 in the printer 1 of this embodiment can be rotated in a first rotation direction that sends the print medium 13 toward the discharge port 202 and in a second rotation direction opposite to the first rotation direction by the power of a motor (not shown). In the following description, the rotation of the platen roller 6 in the first rotation direction is referred to as forward rotation, and the transport direction of the print medium 13 when the platen roller 6 is rotated forward is referred to as forward direction. In the following description, the rotation of the platen roller 6 in the second rotation direction is referred to as reverse rotation, and the transport direction of the print medium 13 when the platen roller 6 is rotated in the reverse direction is referred to as reverse direction.

[0020] The printer 1 prints on the print medium 13 by applying heat from the thermal head 701 to the print medium 13 transported in the forward direction. In the following description, the position on the transport path where the print medium 13 and the thermal head 701 come into contact with each other is referred to as the printing position.

[0021] The print medium 13 transported along the transport path can be cut by the first cutter 801 at a full cut position (first cut position) between the print position and the discharge position (a position corresponding to the discharge port 202 of the device housing 2) and at a distance L1 from the print position. The print medium 13 transported along the transport path can be cut by the second cutter 802 at a half cut position (second cut position) between the full cut position and the discharge position and at a distance L2 from the full cut position. The first cutter 801 is a cutter that cuts the entire print medium 13 at a cut line of the print medium 13 at the full cut position and separates it into two pieces. The second cutter 802 is a cutter that cuts the print medium 13 at a cut line of the print medium 13 at the half cut position so that both sides of the cut line maintain an integrated state by the uncut parts. For example, the second cutter 802 is a cutter that cuts only the adhesive tape layer of the print medium 13, which includes an adhesive tape layer and a protective layer that protects the adhesive surface of the adhesive tape layer. The second cutter 802 may also be a cutter that cuts the print medium 13 so that a perforation is formed along the cut line.

[0022] The printing device 1 is also provided with a pair of discharge rollers 1501 and 1502 that sandwich the print medium 13 between the half-cut position and the discharge position on the transport path and assist in transporting the print medium 13 in the forward direction. The discharge rollers 1501 and 1502 operate, for example, when the print medium 13 is cut by the first cutter 801, so that the print medium 13 (hereinafter also referred to as "label") located downstream of the full-cut position is transported in the forward direction. In the following description, the position on the transport path where the print medium 13 is sandwiched by the discharge rollers 1501 and 1502 is referred to as the discharge roller position. The discharge roller position is between the full-cut position and the discharge position, and is a distance L3 (>L2) from the full-cut position.

[0023] Furthermore, in the following description, when referring to a relative positional relationship in the transport direction with respect to a certain position on the transport path and a relative positional relationship in the transport direction with respect to a certain position on the print medium 13, the terms "upstream" and "downstream" as shown in Fig. 3 may be used. The direction that is the reverse direction as viewed from a certain position or a position in that direction is referred to as upstream, and the direction that is the forward direction as viewed from a certain position or a position in that direction is referred to as downstream. For example, the full cut position is downstream of the printing position and upstream of the discharge roller position.

[0024] FIG. 4 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a hardware configuration of a printing device according to an embodiment.

[0025] The printing device 1 illustrated in FIG. 4 includes a control unit 100, a storage unit 120, an input unit 130, a display unit 140, a transport processing unit 150, a print processing unit 160, a cutting processing unit 170, a sensor 180, and a communication unit 190.

[0026] The input unit 130 is an input device for inputting various information to the printing device 1, and includes, for example, the above-mentioned keyboard 3. The display unit 140 is a display device for displaying various information to a user of the printing device 1, and includes, for example, the above-mentioned display 5.

[0027] The transport processing unit 150 performs transport processing (transport operation) of the print medium 13 under the control of the control unit 100. The transport processing unit 150 includes, for example, a platen roller 6, a motor connected to the platen roller 6, a drive circuit for driving the motor, and an encoder for detecting the number of rotations (rotation angle) of the platen roller 6. The print processing unit 160 performs print processing (print operation) on the print medium 13 under the control of the control unit 100. The print processing unit 160 corresponds to the above-mentioned printing unit 7, and includes, for example, a thermal head 701, a drive circuit for driving the heat generating elements of the thermal head 701, and a thermistor for detecting the temperature of the thermal head 701. The cut processing unit 170 performs cut processing (cut operation) to cut the print medium 13 under the control of the control unit 100. The cutting processing section 170 corresponds to the above-mentioned cutting unit 8, and includes, for example, a first cutter 801, a second cutter 802, motors connected to each cutter, a drive circuit for driving the motors, and a pair of discharge rollers 1501 and 1502.

[0028] The control unit 100 controls various operations of the printing device 1, including control of the operations of each of the processing units, the conveying processing unit 150, the print processing unit 160, and the cutting processing unit 170. The control unit 100 in the printing device 1 of this embodiment includes a conveying operation adjustment unit 101. The conveying operation adjustment unit 101 adjusts the conveying operation of the print medium 13 by the conveying processing unit 150 before the start of printing when printing is performed on the print medium 13 after the print medium 13 is cut by the first cutter 801. Specifically, the conveying operation adjustment unit 101 adjusts (derives) the conveying direction and conveying amount of the print medium 13 before the start of printing based on the difference LD=LTH-LP between the print length LP derived based on the print data and the print length threshold LTH set using the shortest length of a label (hereinafter referred to as the "shortest label length") LL0 that can be created by cutting the print medium 13 by the first cutter 801 in the printing device 1 and the distance L1 from the print position on the conveying path to the full cut position associated with the first cutter 801. The shortest label length LL0 is set, for example, based on the distance from the full cut position to the discharge position on the conveyance path described with reference to FIG.

[0029] The control by the control unit 100 is performed, for example, by a processor such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit) executing a program stored in the storage unit 120. The control unit 100 may be a field programmable gate array (FPGA), an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), or the like.

[0030] The storage unit 120 stores various programs executed by a processor serving as the control unit 100, various data used when executing the programs, etc. The storage unit 120 includes a random access memory (RAM) 121 and a read only memory (ROM) 122.

[0031] The sensor 180 detects, for example, whether the tape adapter 11 is attached and the width of the print medium 13 supplied from the attached tape adapter 11. The communication unit 190 is a communication interface that communicates with an external device such as a smartphone or a tablet computer. The communication unit 190 can perform at least one of wireless communication according to a known short-range wireless communication standard and wired communication using a transmission cable such as a USB (Universal Serial Bus) cable.

[0032] In the printing device 1 of this embodiment, for example, when a user operates the input unit 130 (keyboard 3) to create a print layout and sets the margins, number of copies to be printed, cutting, etc., and then inputs a command to start printing, print data is created and a process (operation) is performed to print the print content on the printing medium 13 based on the print data, thereby creating a label.

[0033] FIG. 5 is a flowchart for explaining an example of a process performed by a printing device according to an embodiment. FIG. 5 illustrates, among the processes performed by the printing device 1 of this embodiment, a process in which the print medium 13 is cut by the first cutter 801, and then print content is printed on the print medium 13 based on print data, and the print medium 13 is fully cut to create a label. That is, when the printing device 1 starts the process illustrated in FIG. 5, the start end (downstream end) of the print medium 13 is at the full cut position of the transport path. Note that the process (operation) of cutting the print medium 13 by the first cutter 801 and the process illustrated in FIG. 5 may be processes performed consecutively, or may be separate processes independent of each other.

[0034] First, the printer 1 derives a print length LP based on the print data (step S1). Step S1 is performed by the control unit 100. The control unit 100 derives the length along the transport direction of the print medium 13 required to print the print content on the print medium 13 based on the print layout (type, arrangement, font size, etc. of characters and figures to be printed) included in the print data, as the print length LP.

[0035] Next, the printer 1 determines whether or not to half-cut the print medium 13 before printing (step S2). The determination in step S2 is made by the control unit 100. The control unit 100 determines whether or not to half-cut the print medium 13 before printing (cutting by the second cutter 802) based on the settings related to cutting included in the print data. If half-cutting is to be performed before printing (step S2; YES), the printer 1 transports the print medium 13 in the forward direction by the transport amount L2+LB0 to half-cut the medium (step S3), and then transports the print medium in the reverse direction by the transport amount L1+L2-LB1 (step S4). In the transport amount L2+LB0 in step S3, L2 is the distance from the full-cut position to the half-cut position on the transport path, and LB0 is the distance (margin length) LB0 from the start end of the print medium 13 to the line to be half-cut. In the transport amount L1+L2-LB1 in step S4, LB1 is the length in the transport direction (margin length) of the margin (hereinafter referred to as the "starting edge margin") provided between the half-cut line of the print medium 13 and the print area.

[0036] After steps S3 and S4, the printer 1 prints while transporting the print medium 13 in the forward direction (step S10), and then transports the print medium 13 in the forward direction and performs a full cut (step S11), completing the process.

[0037] On the other hand, if half-cutting is not performed before printing (step S2; NO), the printer 1 next derives the difference LD=LTH-LP between the print length threshold LTH in the printer itself and the derived print length LP (step S5), and judges whether the difference LD is a positive value (LD>0) or not (step S6). Steps S5 and S6 are performed by the control unit 100 (more specifically, the conveying operation adjustment unit 101). The print length threshold LTH is the maximum print length that allows the print area to be set so that the start end of the print area is the print position when the start end of the print medium 13 is at the full cut position when creating a label with the shortest label length. The print length threshold LTH is set, for example, based on the shortest label length LL0 in the printer itself (printer), the distance L1 from the print position to the full cut position, and the length (margin length) of the margin (hereinafter referred to as the "rear end margin") provided on the rear end side of the print area when printing on the print medium 13 in the conveying direction. The print length threshold LTH will be described later with reference to FIG.

[0038] If LD>0 (step S6; YES), the printer 1 transports the print medium 13 in the forward direction by the adjusted transport amount LF=LD (LF=|LD|) (step S7). Step S7 is performed by the transport processing unit 150 under the control of the control unit 100 (more specifically, the transport operation adjustment unit 101). After step S7, the printer 1 prints on the print medium 13 (step S10) and fully cuts the print medium 13 (step S11), and ends the process.

[0039] If LD>0 is not satisfied (step S6; NO), the printer 1 then determines whether the difference LD is a negative value (LD<0) (step S8). If LD<0 is not satisfied (step S8; NO), that is, if LD=0, the printer 1 performs printing on the print medium 13 (step S10) and full cutting of the print medium 13 (step S11) without carrying out the conveying process (operation) of the print medium 13 before starting printing, and ends the process.

[0040] If LD<0 (step S8; YES), the printer 1 conveys the print medium 13 in the reverse direction by the absolute value of the adjusted conveyance amount LF=max{LD, LB1-L1} (step S9). This is performed by the conveyance processing unit 150 under the control of the control unit 100 (more specifically, the conveyance operation adjustment unit 101). The adjusted conveyance amount LF in step S9 is the absolute value of the larger of the difference LD and the difference (predetermined threshold value) LB1-L1. Note that the difference LD becomes smaller as the print length LP becomes longer, and the difference LB1-L1 is a constant value. Therefore, when the print length LP is LD>LB1-L1, the adjusted conveyance amount LF=|LD|, and when the print length LP is LD≦LB1-L1, the adjusted conveyance amount LF=|LB1-L1|. After step S9, the printer 1 prints on the print medium 13 (step S10) and fully cuts the print medium 13 (step S11), and ends the process. By doing so, even if the print length LP is sufficiently long (for example, when LD>L1), a margin of a predetermined margin length LB1 can be secured on the starting edge side of the print area.

[0041] FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of a print area and a margin area that are set on a print medium based on print data in a printing device according to an embodiment.

[0042] FIG. 6A shows an example of a print area AP and margins AB1 and AB2 where the relationship between the label length LL of a label created based on the print data and the shortest label length LL0 is LL≧LL0. The character string "ABCDE 01" shown rotated 180 degrees on the print medium 13 is the print content to be printed on the print medium 13 based on the print data. The printer 1 derives the print length LP based on the font size of the character string "ABCDE 01", which is the print content. In the example shown in FIG. 6A, the length from line 1305 shown by a two-dot chain line to the right of the character string "ABCDE 01" to line 1307 shown by a two-dot chain line to the left of the character string "ABCDE 01" is the print length LP, and the section from line 1305 to line 1307 is the print area AP.

[0043] Furthermore, when printing the character string "ABCDE 01", the printer 1 may provide margins AB1 and AB2 on the left and right of the print area AP, for example, to balance the character string "ABCDE 01" on the created label. When margins AB1 and AB2 are provided, the length (i.e., label length) LL of the cut-out area (label area) AL obtained when the full cut line 1310 of the print medium 13 is cut by the first cutter 801 is given by LL = LP + LB1 + LB2.

[0044] The margin length LB1 of the margin AB1 (the distance from the starting edge 1301 of the print medium 13 to the line 1305 on the starting side of the print area AP) and the margin length LB2 of the margin AB2 (the distance from the rear end of the print medium 13 (full cut line 1310) to the line 1307 on the rear side of the print area AP) are set to, for example, 3 mm. In this case, the label length LL (mm) is LL = LP + 6. Therefore, if the shortest label length LL0 is 29 mm, and the print length LP is 23 mm or more, the label length LL of the label created based on the print data will be longer than the shortest label length LL0.

[0045] In addition, in the printing apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment, as illustrated in FIG. 6(b), it is also possible to create a label based on print data such that LP + LB1 + LB2 < LL0. In such a case, the printing apparatus 1 provides an additional margin ABA with a margin length LBA such that the label length LL = LL0 between the printing area AP and the start end 1301 of the print medium 13. That is, when the print length LP derived based on the print data is shorter than the print length LL0 - LB1 - LB2 determined by the shortest label length LL0 and the margin lengths AB1 and AB2, the distance from the full cut line 1310 of the print medium 13 to the line 1307 on the rear end side of the printing area AP remains at a predetermined margin length LB2 regardless of the value of the print length LP, and the distance from the start end 1301 of the print medium 13 to the line 1305 on the start end side of the printing area AP is increased so that the label length LL becomes equal to or greater than the shortest label length LL0. For this reason, for a plurality of labels with a label length LL equal to the shortest label length LL0 that are created under the condition of LP < LL0 - LB1 - LB2 and have different print lengths LP, the margin length LB2 of the margin AB2 on the rear end side of the printing area AP is the same, and the margin lengths LB1 + LBA of the margin on the start end side of the printing area AP are different.

[0046] However, when the additional margin ABA is provided by the method described with reference to FIG. 6B, the distance LB1+LBA from the start 1301 of the print medium 13 to the line 1305 on the start side of the print area AP may be longer than the distance L1 from the print position to the full cut position. For example, if the margin length LB1 of the margin AB1 (the distance from the start 1301 of the print medium 13 to the line 1303) and the margin length LB2 of the margin AB2 are set to 3 mm, the shortest label length LL0 is set to 29 mm, and the print length LP is 4 mm, the distance LB1+LBA from the start 1301 of the print medium 13 to the line 1305 on the start side of the print area AP is 22 mm. For this reason, if the distance L1 from the print position to the full cut position is, for example, 19 mm, the position of the line 1305 on the start side of the print area AP on the transport path when the start 1301 of the print medium 13 is at the full cut position is downstream of the print position. Even in such a case, in a conventional printing device, before printing begins, the print medium 13 is transported in the reverse direction a constant transport amount set based on the distance L1 between the printing position and the full cut position, and then the transport operation is controlled so that printing is performed on the print medium 13. As a result, in a conventional printing device, an unnecessary transport operation is performed to allow line 1305 at the beginning of the printing area AP (i.e., the print start line) to reach the printing position on the transport path, making it difficult to reduce the time required to create a label.

[0047] In contrast, as described with reference to Figure 5, the printing device 1 of this embodiment adjusts the transport operation performed before printing begins to bring the print start line 1305 of the printing medium 13 to the printing position on the transport path based on the difference LD between the print length LP derived based on the print data and the print length threshold LTH, thereby reducing wasted transport operations.

[0048] FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating an example of a print length threshold value used in a printing device according to an embodiment.

[0049] 7A shows an example of the definition of the print length threshold LTH used in the printer 1 of this embodiment. When creating a label with the shortest label length LL0 using the print medium 13, a line (full cut line) 1310 a distance LL=LL0 upstream from the start edge 1301 of the print medium 13 is fully cut. When a margin AB2 with a margin length LB2 is provided on the rear end side of the print area AP, a line (print end line) 1307 on the rear end side of the print area AP is located downstream from the full cut line 1310 by the distance LB2.

[0050] 7A, if the shortest label length LL0 satisfies LL0>L1+LB2 and the start end 1301 of the print medium 13 is at the full cut position, then line 1305 at the printing position on the print medium 13 can be the print start line. In other words, if the print length LP derived based on the print data satisfies LP=LL0-L1-LB2, even if printing on the print medium 13 is started without the operation of transporting the print medium 13 in the reverse direction before the start of printing, all of the print content specified by the print data can be printed within the portion from line (print start line) 1305 to line (print end line) 1307. Taking note of this point, in the printing device 1 of this embodiment, when the starting end 1301 of the print medium 13 is in the full cut position (home position state) and line 1305 at the printing position is set as the print start line, the maximum value of the print length LP that can be obtained on the print medium 13 with the shortest label length LL0, with the starting end 1301 as one end, is set as the print length threshold value LTH.

[0051] 7B, if the distance L1 from the print position to the full cut position is 19 mm, the shortest label length LL0 is 29 mm, and the margin length LB2 of the trailing edge margin AB2 is 3 mm, then the print length threshold LTH is 7 mm. In this case, if the print length LP derived based on the print data is 7 mm, it is possible to print all of the print contents specified by the print data within the portion from the print start line 1305 to the print end line 1307 (print area AP) even if printing on the print medium 13 is started without the transport operation of moving the print start line of the print medium 13 to the print position before printing starts.

[0052] Furthermore, in the printing device 1 that adds an additional margin ABA between the beginning edge 1301 of the print medium 13 and the print area AP as described above with reference to Fig. 6(b), if the print length LP derived based on the print data is shorter than 7 mm, the print start line 1305 at the start of the process illustrated in Fig. 5 will be upstream of the print position. Therefore, if the print length LP is shorter than 7 mm, the print start line 1305 can be moved to the print position simply by transporting the print medium 13 in the forward direction.

[0053] On the other hand, if the print length LP derived based on the print data is longer than 7 mm, the print start line 1305 at the start of the process illustrated in Fig. 5 is downstream of the print position. In this case, the distance from the print position to the position of the print start line 1305 is less than the distance from the start end 1301 of the print medium 13 to the position of the line 1303 located upstream by the distance (margin length) LB1 (i.e., the margin length LBA of the additional margin ABA). Therefore, if the print length LP is longer than 7 mm, the greater of the difference LD (=LTH-LP<0) and the difference LB1-L1<0 is taken as the distance from the print position to the position of the print start line 1305, and the print medium 13 is transported in the opposite direction by the transport amount corresponding to that distance, the print start line 1305 will reach the print position.

[0054] Therefore, by adjusting the transport operation (transport direction and transport amount) of the printing medium 13 before printing begins using the print length threshold LTH described above with reference to Figure 7 and the print length LP derived based on the print data, it is possible to suppress unnecessary transport in the reverse direction or transport in the reverse direction more than necessary.

[0055] In addition, when adjusting the transport operation (transport direction and transport amount) of the printing medium 13 before printing begins using the print length threshold LTH and the print length LP derived based on the print data, adjustment may be made using a list that associates the print length LP with the adjusted transport amount LF instead of calculating the difference LD each time.

[0056] Fig. 8 is a diagram illustrating an example of the relationship between the print length and the transport amount before printing starts in a printing device according to an embodiment. Fig. 8 illustrates an example of table 21 that illustrates a list that associates the print length LP with the adjusted transport amount LF when the shortest label length LL0 is 29 mm, the distance L1 from the print position to the full cut position is 19 mm, and the margin lengths LB1 and LB2 are 3 mm. Note that table 21 also shows the value of the difference LD for ease of explanation, but the column for difference LD is omitted in the list that is actually used.

[0057] Under this condition, as described above, when the print length LP derived based on the print data is 7 mm, the difference LD becomes 0 (zero). Also, when the print length LP is shorter than 7 mm, the difference LD becomes a positive value, and when the print length LP is longer than 7 mm, the difference LD becomes a negative value. Furthermore, as described above with reference to FIG. 5, when the difference LD becomes a negative value, the larger absolute value of the difference LD value and the value of LB1-L1 is adopted as the adjusted carry amount LF. Therefore, if the print length threshold value LTH and the absolute value of LB1-L1 are determined, the value of the print length LP derived based on the print data can be associated with the adjusted carry amount LF and the carry direction in the carry operation of the print medium 13 performed before the start of printing, as in Table 21. Therefore, when performing the process illustrated in FIG. 5, the adjusted carry amount LF and the carry direction in the carry operation of the print medium 13 performed before the start of printing can be determined without calculating the difference LD every time the print length LP is derived. The adjusted transport amount is not limited to information specifying the transport direction and transport amount as exemplified in list 21 of FIG. 8, but may be information indicating the transport direction by, for example, defining the transport amount when transporting in the forward direction as a positive transport amount and indicating the transport direction by whether the transport amount is positive or negative.

[0058] Hereinafter, with reference to FIGS. 9 to 12, a specific example of the operation performed by the printing device 1 according to this embodiment when no half cut is performed before the start of printing will be described.

[0059] Fig. 9 is a diagram for explaining an example of an operation performed by a printing device according to an embodiment when the print length derived based on print data is longer than the print length threshold. Fig. 10 is a diagram for explaining another example of an operation performed by a printing device according to an embodiment when the print length derived based on print data is longer than the print length threshold. Fig. 11 is a diagram for explaining an example of an operation performed by a printing device according to an embodiment when the print length derived based on print data is shorter than the print length threshold.

[0060] FIG. 9 shows step by step the operations performed by the printing apparatus 1 when printing the character string "ABCDEFG 01" on the printing medium 13 and creating the label 13L as exemplified in (a6). The dotted characters in (a1) and (a2) of FIG. 9 indicate the characters that have not yet been printed on the printing medium 13.

[0061] FIG. 9(a1) illustrates the state on the conveyance path of the printing medium 13 when starting the process exemplified in FIG. 5 to create the label 13L. The printing medium 13 exemplified in (a1) is in the home position where the start end (downstream end) 1301 is at the full cut position. When the print length LP derived based on the print data satisfies LP > (LL0 - LB1 - LB2), the printing apparatus 1 performs the conveyance operation of the printing medium 13 before starting printing so as to start printing with the position where the distance from the start end 1301 of the printing medium 13 is the margin length LB1 of the start side margin AB1 as the print start line 1305, as exemplified in (a1).

[0062] In the example shown in (a1), the difference LD = LTH - LP becomes LD < 0 (step S8; YES) and LD < LB1 - L1. Therefore, the printing apparatus 1 adopts the adjusted conveyance amount LF = LB1 - L1 (<0) in the conveyance operation performed before starting printing, and performs an operation of conveying the printing medium 13 in the reverse direction by the adjusted conveyance amount LF = |LB1 - L1| (>0) (step S9). By this conveyance operation, as exemplified in FIG. 9(a2), the position where the distance from the start end 1301 of the printing medium 13 is the margin length LB1 of the start side margin AB1 (the position to be the print start line 1305) moves to the print position.

[0063] After moving the print start line 1305 to the printing position, the printer 1 prints the print content on the print medium 13 while transporting the print medium 13 in the forward direction, as illustrated in (a3) ​​of Fig. 9 (step S10). When the rear end of the print area AP (print end line 1307) reaches the printing position, the printer 1 ends printing on the print medium 13. Thereafter, the printer 1 continues transporting the print medium 13 in the forward direction, as illustrated in (a4) and (a5) of Fig. 9, and controls the operation of the transport processing unit 150 so that the transport (movement in the forward direction) of the print medium 13 stops when the cut line 1310 reaches the cut position of the transport path. When the cut line 1310 reaches the cut position, the printing device 1 cuts the print medium 13 along the cut line 1310 with the first cutter 801 (not shown), and discharges the label 13L on which the character string "ABCDEFG 01" is printed, as shown in (a6) of Fig. 9. Because the label length LL of the created label 13L is longer than the shortest label length LL0, the label 13L is discharged from the discharge port 202 of the device housing 2 without being retained in the transport path.

[0064] After full cutting, the portion of the print medium 13 remaining upstream of the full-cut position is used for the next printing (creation of a label) with the cut line 1310 as a new starting point. For example, when continuously creating a label on which the character string "ABCDEFG 01" is printed, the above-described process is repeated with reference to (a1) to (a6).

[0065] 10 shows a step-by-step process of the operations performed by the printer 1 when printing the character string "ABC 01" on the print medium 13 and creating a label 13L as shown in (b6). The dotted outline characters in (b1) and (b2) of FIG. 10 indicate characters that have not yet been printed on the print medium 13.

[0066] 10(b1) illustrates the state of the print medium 13 on the transport path when the process illustrated in FIG. 5 is started to create the label 13L. The print medium 13 illustrated in (b1) is in a home position state where the starting end (downstream end) 1301 is at the full cut position. When the print length LP derived based on the print data satisfies LP<(LL0-LB1-LB2), the printer 1 inserts an additional margin ABA between the starting end 1301 of the print medium 13 and the print area AP so that the distance from the starting end 1301 of the print medium 13 to the cut line 1310 becomes the shortest label length LL0, as illustrated in (b1), and performs a transport operation of the print medium 13 before the start of printing so that printing starts at a position where the distance from the starting end 1301 of the print medium 13 becomes the sum of the margin length LB1 of the starting end margin AB1 and the margin length LAB of the additional margin ABA.

[0067] In the example shown in (b1), the difference LD=LTH-LP is LD<0 (step S8; YES), and LD>LB1-L1. For this reason, the printer 1 adopts an adjusted carry amount LF of LD (<0) in the carry operation performed before printing starts, and carries the print medium 13 in the reverse direction by the adjusted carry amount LF=|LD|(>0) (step S9). In the example shown in (b1), the distance from the line at the printing position on the print medium 13 to the print start line 1305 becomes the adjusted carry amount LF. This carry operation moves the position (the position that is the print start line 1305) that is the distance LB1+LBA from the start edge 1301 of the print medium 13 to the print position, as shown in (b2) of FIG. 10.

[0068] After moving the print start line 1305 to the print position, the printing device 1 prints on the print medium 13 while transporting the print medium 13 in the forward direction, as illustrated in (b3) of FIG. 10 (step S10). When the rear end of the print area AP (print end line 1307) reaches the print position, the printing device 1 ends printing on the print medium 13. Thereafter, the printing device 1 controls the operation of the transport processing unit 150 so that the print medium 13 continues to be transported in the forward direction, as illustrated in (b4) and (b5) of FIG. 10, and the transport (movement in the forward direction) of the print medium 13 stops when the cut line 1310 reaches the cut position of the transport path. When the cut line 1310 reaches the cut position, the printing device 1 cuts the cut line 1310 of the print medium 13 with the first cutter 801 (not shown), and discharges the label 13L on which the character string "ABC 01" is printed, as illustrated in (b6) of FIG. 10. Since the label length LL of the created label 13L is the shortest label length LL0, the label 13L is discharged from the discharge port 202 of the device housing 2 without being retained in the conveyance path.

[0069] After full cutting, the portion of the print medium 13 remaining upstream of the full-cut position is used for the next printing (creation of a label) with the cut line 1310 as a new starting point. For example, when continuously creating a label with the character string "ABC 01" printed thereon, the above-described process is repeated with reference to (b1) to (b6).

[0070] Fig. 11 shows step-by-step operations performed by the printer 1 when printing the character string "01" on the print medium 13 and creating a label 13L as shown in (c6). The dotted outline characters in (c1) and (c2) of Fig. 11 indicate characters that have not yet been printed on the print medium 13.

[0071] 11(c1) illustrates the state of the print medium 13 on the transport path when the process illustrated in FIG. 5 is started to create the label 13L. The print medium 13 illustrated in (c1) is in a home position state where the starting end (downstream end) 1301 is at the full cut position. When the print length LP derived based on the print data satisfies LP<(LL0-LB1-LB2), the printer 1 inserts an additional margin ABA between the starting end 1301 of the print medium 13 and the print area AP so that the distance from the starting end 1301 of the print medium 13 to the cut line 1310 becomes the shortest label length LL0, as illustrated in (c1), and performs a transport operation of the print medium 13 before the start of printing so that printing starts at a position where the distance from the starting end 1301 of the print medium 13 is the sum of the margin length LB1 of the starting end margin AB1 and the margin length LAB of the additional margin ABA.

[0072] In the example shown in (c1), the difference LD=LTH-LP becomes LD>0 (step S6; YES). For this reason, the printer 1 adopts an adjusted carry amount LF of LD (>0) in the carry operation performed before printing starts, and carries the print medium 13 in the forward direction by the adjusted carry amount LF=LD (LF=|LD|) (step S7). In the example shown in (c1), the distance from a line (not shown) at the printing position on the print medium 13 to the print start line 1305 becomes the absolute value of the adjusted carry amount LF. This carry operation moves the line (the print start line 1305) that is a distance LB1+LBA from the start edge 1301 of the print medium 13 to the print position, as shown in (c2) of FIG. 11.

[0073] After moving the print start line 1305 to the print position, the printing device 1 prints on the print medium 13 while transporting the print medium 13 in the forward direction, as illustrated in (c3) of FIG. 11 (step S10). When the rear end (print end line 1307) of the print area AP reaches the print position, the printing device 1 ends printing on the print medium 13. Thereafter, the printing device 1 continues to transport the print medium 13 in the forward direction, as illustrated in (c4) and (c5) of FIG. 11, and controls the operation of the transport processing unit 150 so that the transport (movement in the forward direction) of the print medium 13 stops when the cut line 1310 reaches the cut position of the transport path. When the cut line 1310 reaches the cut position, the printing device 1 cuts the cut line 1310 of the print medium 13 with the first cutter 801 (not shown), and discharges the label 13L on which the character string "01" is printed, as illustrated in (c6) of FIG. 11. Since the label length LL of the created label 13L is the shortest label length LL0, the label 13L is discharged from the discharge port 202 of the device housing 2 without being retained in the conveyance path.

[0074] After full cutting, the portion of the print medium 13 remaining upstream of the full-cut position is used for the next printing (creation of a label) with the cut line 1310 as the new starting point. For example, when continuously creating a label with the character string "01" printed thereon, the above-described process is repeated with reference to (c1) to (c6).

[0075] In a conventional printing device, when printing on the print medium 13 in the home position state illustrated in (b1) of FIG. 10, for example, the print medium 13 is transported in the reverse direction until the line 1303, whose distance from the starting edge 1301 is the margin length LB1 of the starting edge margin AB1, reaches the printing position, and then the print medium 13 is transported in the forward direction. Then, the print medium 13 is transported in the forward direction by the transport amount corresponding to the margin length LBA of the additional margin ABA, and after the print start line 1305 illustrated in (c2) of FIG. 10 has moved to the printing position, the printing device prints on the print medium 13 transported in the forward direction. That is, in a conventional printing device, before starting printing, the print medium 13 is transported in the reverse direction by an extra transport amount corresponding to the margin length LBA of the additional margin ABA, and then the print medium 13 is transported in the forward direction by the same transport amount, which is a transport operation that simply moves the print medium 13 back and forth. For this reason, in conventional printing devices, even though the print length LP is short and the time required to print on the print medium 13 is short, the time required for the transport operation of simply moving the print medium 13 back and forth as described above is added, making it difficult to shorten the time required to create the label 13L.

[0076] In contrast, in the printing device 1 of this embodiment, as described above with reference to FIG. 10 and FIG. 11, if the difference LD=LTH-LP between the print length LP derived based on the print data and the print length threshold LTH is greater than the difference LB1-L1 between the margin length LB1 of the start margin AB1 set at the time of printing and the distance L1 from the print position to the full cut position, the print medium 13 is transported in the forward or reverse direction by the transport amount corresponding to the absolute value of the difference LD before printing starts. If the difference LD is a positive value, the print medium 13 is transported in the forward direction, and if the difference LD is a negative value, the print medium 13 is transported in the reverse direction. Therefore, in the printing device 1 of this embodiment, the operation of simply moving the print medium 13 back and forth in the conventional printing device can be omitted. For example, in the example described above with reference to FIG. 10, the entire operation of moving the print medium 13 back and forth by the transport amount corresponding to the margin length LBA of the additional margin ABA can be omitted. 11, it is possible to omit the reverse transport operation for moving the line 1303 to the print position from the home position state of (c1) and the subsequent forward transport operation up to returning to the home position state of (c1). Therefore, the printer 1 of this embodiment can omit the omitable (wasteful) transport operation that simply moves the print medium 13 back and forth, and it is possible to reduce the waste of time required to create a label.

[0077] Furthermore, the printer 1 of this embodiment can reduce the amount of power consumed by the printer 1 because it can suppress unnecessary transport operations that simply move the print medium 13 back and forth. This is particularly effective in reducing power consumption when the print length LP based on the print data as described above with reference to FIG. 11 is shorter than the print length threshold LTH.

[0078] As described above, the printing device 1 of this embodiment is capable of cutting (half-cutting) the print medium 13 with the second cutter 802 before starting printing on the print medium 13. Below, with reference to FIG. 12, a specific example of the operation performed by the printing device 1 according to this embodiment when performing a half-cut before starting printing will be described.

[0079] Fig. 12 is a diagram illustrating an example of the operation performed by the printing device according to an embodiment when half-cutting is performed before printing starts. Fig. 12 shows, in stages, the operations up to moving the print start line 1305 to the print position among the operations performed by the printing device 1 when printing the character string "ABCDEFG 01" on the print medium 13 to create a label 13L. The dotted outline characters in (d1) to (d3) of Fig. 12 indicate characters that have not yet been printed on the print medium 13.

[0080] FIG. 12(d1) illustrates the state of the print medium 13 on the transport path when the process illustrated in FIG. 5 is started to create the label 13L. The print medium 13 illustrated in FIG. 12(d1) is in a home position state where the starting end (downstream end) 1301 is at the full cut position. When half-cutting is performed before printing starts, the printer 1 sets the half-cut line 1302 to a position where the distance from the starting end 1301 of the print medium 13 is the margin length LB0 (not shown) of the front margin AB0, as illustrated in FIG. 12(d1). The front margin AB0 is a margin that is not used as a label, and is provided to make it easier to peel off the label (adhesive tape layer) including the starting margin AB1, the printing area AP, and the rear margin AB2 from the protective layer when the print medium 13 includes an adhesive tape layer and a protective layer that protects the adhesive surface of the adhesive tape, for example.

[0081] When half-cutting is performed before printing starts (step S2; YES), the printer 1 transports the print medium 13 in the forward direction by a transport amount represented by the sum of the distance L2 from the full-cut position to the half-cut position and the margin length LB0 of the front margin AB0, and half-cuts the half-cut line 1302 of the print medium 13 with the second cutter 802 as shown in (d2) of Fig. 12 (step S3). At this time, for example, of the adhesive tape layer and the protective layer, only the adhesive tape layer is cut by the second cutter 802 at the half-cut line 1302 of the print medium 13.

[0082] After half-cutting the printed medium 13, the printing apparatus 1 transports the printed medium 13 in the reverse direction by the conveyance amount L1 + L2 - LB1 obtained by subtracting the margin length LB1 of the start-side margin AB1 adjacent to the front margin LB0 from the distance L1 + L2 from the printing position to the half-cut position (step S4). By this reverse conveyance operation, as illustrated in (d3) of FIG. 12, the printing start line 1305 of the printed medium 13 moves to the printing position. Although not shown, thereafter, the printing apparatus 1 prints the character string "ABCDEFG 01" on the printed medium 13 while transporting the printed medium 13 in the forward direction (step S10), and cuts the cut line 1310 of the printed medium 13 with the first cutter 801 (step S11). By performing such an operation, for example, a label provided with the front margin AB0 on the start side of the label 13L as illustrated in (a6) of FIG. 9 can be created. The created label is separated at the boundary (half-cut line 1302) between the portion used as the label in the adhesive tape layer of the printed medium 13 and the portion of the front margin AB0, and the two separated portions are integrally held by the protective layer.

[0083] When performing a half-cut before starting printing, it is possible to set the margin length LB0 of the front margin AB0 to the margin length LBA of the additional margin ABA as described with reference to FIGS. 10 and 11, for example. For this reason, when performing a half-cut before starting printing, even if the printing length LP derived based on the print data is LP < LL0 - LB1 - LB2, by adjusting the margin length LB0 of the front margin AB0, the distance from the start end 1301 of the printed medium 13 to the full-cut line 1310 can be made longer than the shortest label length LL0. Therefore, when performing a half-cut before starting printing, the printed medium 13 can be transported from the home position state to the printing start state without involving a conveyance operation that only reciprocates the printed medium 13.

[0084] As described above, the printer 1 of this embodiment adjusts the transport operation (transport direction and transport amount) of the print medium 13 before the start of printing when half-cutting is not performed before the start of printing, by utilizing the magnitude relationship between the print length LP derived based on the print data and the preset print length threshold LTH. The print length threshold LTH is set based on the shortest label length LL0 in the printer itself and the distance L1 from the print position to the full-cut position.

[0085] If the difference LD=LTH-LP between the print length threshold LTH and the print length LP is a positive value, all of the print content specified by the print data can be printed in the portion upstream of the line at the print position on the print medium 13 in the home position state. Therefore, when the difference LD=LTH-LP is a positive value, the printer 1 of this embodiment transports the print medium 13 in the forward direction before starting printing, with the absolute value of the difference LD as the transport amount. This makes it possible to start printing without transporting the print medium 13 in the reverse direction before starting printing.

[0086] Also, when the difference LD=LTH-LP between the print length threshold LTH and the print length LP is a negative value and is larger than the difference LB1-L1 (<0) between the distance L1 from the print position to the full cut position and the margin length LB1 of the margin AB1 provided on the starting end side of the print area AP, the print start line 1305 is downstream of the line at the print position on the print medium 13 in the home position state, and the distance from the print position is the absolute value of the difference LD, so that all of the print contents specified by the print data can be printed in the part upstream of the print start line on the print medium 13. Therefore, when the difference LD=LTH-LP is a negative value and is larger than the difference LB1-L1 (<0), the printing device 1 of this embodiment only performs an operation of transporting the print medium 13 in the reverse direction with the absolute value of the difference LD as the transport amount before starting printing. As a result, printing can be started by omitting the omittable (useless) transport operation in which the print medium 13 simply goes back and forth before starting printing.

[0087] Therefore, the printer 1 of this embodiment can omit the optional (wasteful) transport operation of simply moving the print medium 13 back and forth before printing begins, thereby reducing the amount of time wasted in creating a label. Furthermore, because the printer 1 of this embodiment can reduce the wasteful transport operation of simply moving the print medium 13 back and forth, the power consumption of the printer 1 can be reduced.

[0088] The above-described embodiment is a specific example shown to facilitate understanding of the invention, and the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment. The printing device, the control method, and the program can be modified and changed in various ways without departing from the scope of the claims.

[0089] For example, the printing device 1 may be a device in which some of the above-mentioned configurations and functions are omitted, or may be a device that includes other configurations and functions not illustrated. The printing device 1 may be a device in which the keyboard 3 is omitted and which receives print data created by an external device and performs printing, etc., on the print medium 13. The printing device 1 may be a device in which the second cutter 802 that half-cuts the print medium 13 is omitted.

[0090] Furthermore, the printing device 1 is not limited to one that performs printing using a thermal method as described above, but may also perform printing using a thermal transfer method, an inkjet method, etc. Furthermore, the shortest label length LL0 in the printing device 1 may be a length that is set in the printing device 1 as the shortest length of the print medium 13 that can be discharged outside the device when cut by the cutting unit 170, and may be a length that is set based on the distance from the cutting position to the discharge position on the transport path, but may also be a length that is set based on other criteria (indexes).

[0091] In addition, the process performed by the printing device 1 is not limited to the process contents and process procedures exemplified in FIG. 5, and can be appropriately changed. For example, the process performed by the printing device 1 may be capable of performing multiple printings in succession without a process of full-cutting the printing medium 13 when printing is performed multiple times on the printing medium 13 based on the print data. Printing multiple times includes, for example, repeating printing with the same print layout (print contents) multiple times, performing multiple printings in which parts of the print layout are different from each other, such as serial number printing, and printing each of the multiple print layouts one or more times. In addition, the method of deriving the difference LD and the method of deriving the transport amount and transport method of the transport operation before the start of printing according to the difference LD are not limited to the above-mentioned methods, and can be appropriately changed.

[0092] The invention as described in the claims of the original application is set forth below. [Appendix 1] A conveying unit capable of conveying the print medium in a first direction and a second direction opposite to the first direction; a printing unit that prints print content on a print medium transported in a first direction by the transport unit based on print data; a cutting unit that cuts the print medium at a cutting position that is set between a printing position in a transport path of the print medium, where printing is performed on the print medium, and a discharge position where the print medium transported in the first direction is discharged to the outside of the device; a control unit that controls, when causing the transport unit to perform a pre-printing transport operation of the print medium before causing the printing unit to print on the print medium, to transport the print medium based on a transport amount derived using a magnitude relationship between a print length threshold value that is set based on the shortest length of the print medium that can be discharged outside the device when cut by the cutting unit and the distance from the print position to the cut position, and a print length derived based on print data; A printing device comprising: [Appendix 2] 2. The printing device according to claim 1, wherein the minimum length is set based on a distance from the cutting position to the ejection position on the transport path. [Appendix 3] The print length threshold is a maximum value of a print length that can be obtained on the shortest length of the print medium, with the starting end of the print medium being one end, when a line on the print medium that is at the print position when the starting end of the print medium is at the cut position is set as a print start line. 3. The printing device according to claim 1 or 2. [Appendix 4] The shortest length of the print medium includes a print area where printing is performed, a margin area provided on the starting end side of the print medium relative to the print area, and a margin area provided on the rear end side of the print medium opposite to the starting end relative to the print area. 4. A printing device as described in claim 3. [Appendix 5] When starting to transport the print medium with the starting edge at the cut position, the control unit derives a transport amount of the print medium in the pre-print transport operation using the print length threshold value and the print length, and controls the transport unit to transport the print medium based on the transport amount. 5. The printing device according to claim 3 or 4. [Appendix 6] The control unit is when the print length derived based on the print data is smaller than the print length threshold, the transport amount of the print medium in the pre-print transport operation is set to the difference between the print length and the print length threshold, and the transport unit is controlled to transport the print medium in the first direction by the transport amount. 6. The printing device according to claim 1, wherein the printing device is a printer. [Appendix 7] The control unit is when the print length derived based on the print data is greater than the print length threshold value and the difference between the print length and the print length threshold value is greater than a predetermined threshold value, the transport amount of the print medium in the pre-print transport operation is set to an absolute value of the difference between the print length and the print length threshold value, and the transport unit is controlled to transport the print medium in the second direction by the transport amount; when the print length derived based on the print data is greater than the print length threshold value and the difference between the print length and the print length threshold value is equal to or less than the predetermined threshold value, the transport amount of the print medium in the pre-print transport operation is set to an absolute value of the predetermined threshold value, and the transport unit is controlled to transport the print medium in the second direction by the transport amount. 7. The printing device according to claim 1, wherein the printing device is a printer. [Appendix 8] The control unit does not perform the pre-printing transport operation when the print length derived based on the print data is equal to the print length threshold value. 8. The printing device according to claim 1, wherein: [Appendix 9] the cutting unit includes a first cutter that cuts the print medium at a first cutting position on the transport path, and a second cutter that cuts the print medium at a second cutting position that is set between the first cutting position and the discharge position on the transport path, The print length threshold is set based on the shortest length of the print medium and a distance from the print position to the first cut position in the print path. 9. The printing device according to any one of claims 1 to 8. [Appendix 10] the second cutter is a cutter that cuts the print medium such that two areas of the print medium adjacent to each other across the second cutting position are continuous with each other through a part of the print medium; The control unit is When the second cutter is caused to cut the print medium by the cutting unit before the printing unit prints on the print medium based on the print data, a transport amount of the print medium in the pre-printing transport operation is derived without using a magnitude relationship between the print length threshold value and the print length. 10. The printing device according to claim 9, [Appendix 11] a conveying unit capable of conveying a print medium in a first direction and a second direction opposite to the first direction; a printing unit that prints print content on the print medium conveyed in the first direction by the conveying unit based on print data; and a cutting unit that cuts the print medium at a cutting position that is set between a printing position where printing is performed on the print medium in a conveying path of the print medium and a discharge position where the print medium conveyed in the first direction is discharged to the outside of the device, When causing the transport unit to perform a pre-printing transport operation of the print medium before causing the printing unit to print on the print medium, the transport unit is controlled so as to transport the print medium based on a transport amount derived using a larger or smaller relationship between a print length threshold value set based on the shortest length of the print medium that can be transported outside the device when cut by the cutting unit and the distance from the print position to the cut position, and a print length derived based on print data. A method for controlling a printing device. [Appendix 12] A printing device including a transport unit capable of transporting a print medium in a first direction and a second direction opposite to the first direction, a printing unit that prints print content on the print medium transported in the first direction by the transport unit based on print data, and a cutting unit that cuts the print medium at a cutting position that is set between a printing position where printing is performed on the print medium in a transport path of the print medium and a discharge position where the print medium transported in the first direction is discharged to the outside of the device, When causing the transport unit to perform a pre-printing transport operation of the print medium before causing the printing unit to print on the print medium, the transport unit is controlled so as to transport the print medium based on a transport amount derived using a larger or smaller relationship between a print length threshold value set based on the shortest length of the print medium that can be transported outside the device when cut by the cutting unit and the distance from the print position to the cut position, and a print length derived based on print data. A program characterized by executing a process. [Explanation of symbols]

[0093] 1 Printing device 100 Control section 101 Transport operation adjustment unit 120 Storage section 121 RAM 122 ROM 130 Input section 140 Display section 150 Transport processing section 160 Print processing unit 170 Cutting section 180 Sensors 190 Communications Department 2. Equipment case 201 Adapter attachment part 202 Outlet 3. Keyboard 4 Lid 5. Display 6 Platen roller 7 Printing unit 701 Thermal head 8 Cutting unit 801 First Cutter 802 Second Cutter 11 Tape Adapter 12 Tape rolls 13 Printing medium 1301 Start point (downstream end) 1302 Line (Half Cut Line) 1305 Line (Print Start Line) 1307 Line (Printing End Line) 1310 Full Cut Line 13L Label 1501, 502 Discharge roller AP print area AB1 Beginning margin AB2 Rear margin ABA Additional space AB0 Front margin

Claims

1. a conveying section capable of conveying the print medium in a first direction and a second direction opposite to the first direction; a printing unit that prints print content on a print medium transported in a first direction by the transport unit based on print data; a cutting unit that cuts the print medium at a cutting position that is set between a printing position in a transport path of the print medium, where printing is performed on the print medium, and a discharge position where the print medium transported in the first direction is discharged to the outside of the device; a control unit that controls, when causing the transport unit to perform a pre-printing transport operation of the print medium before causing the printing unit to print on the print medium, to transport the print medium based on a transport amount derived using a magnitude relationship between a print length threshold value that is set based on the shortest length of the print medium that can be discharged outside the device when cut by the cutting unit and the distance from the print position to the cut position, and a print length derived based on print data; A printing device comprising:

2. The shortest length is set based on the distance from the cutting position to the discharge position on the conveying path.

2. The printing device according to claim 1.

3. The print length threshold is a maximum value of a print length that can be obtained on the shortest length of the print medium, with the starting end of the print medium being one end, when a line on the print medium that is at the print position when the starting end of the print medium is at the cut position is set as a print start line.

3. The printing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the first and second printing units are arranged in a first direction.

4. The shortest length of the print medium includes a print area where printing is performed, a margin area provided on the starting end side of the print medium relative to the print area, and a margin area provided on the rear end side of the print medium opposite to the starting end relative to the print area.

4. The printing apparatus according to claim 3.

5. When starting to transport the print medium with the starting edge at the cut position, the control unit derives a transport amount of the print medium in the pre-print transport operation using the print length threshold value and the print length, and controls the transport unit to transport the print medium based on the transport amount.

5. The printing apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the printing apparatus is a printer.

6. The control unit is when the print length derived based on the print data is smaller than the print length threshold, the transport amount of the print medium in the pre-print transport operation is set to the difference between the print length and the print length threshold, and the transport unit is controlled to transport the print medium in the first direction by the transport amount.

6. The printing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the printing apparatus is a printer.

7. The control unit is when the print length derived based on the print data is greater than the print length threshold value and the difference between the print length and the print length threshold value is greater than a predetermined threshold value, the transport amount of the print medium in the pre-print transport operation is set to an absolute value of the difference between the print length and the print length threshold value, and the transport unit is controlled to transport the print medium in the second direction by the transport amount; when the print length derived based on the print data is greater than the print length threshold value and the difference between the print length and the print length threshold value is equal to or less than the predetermined threshold value, the transport amount of the print medium in the pre-print transport operation is set to an absolute value of the predetermined threshold value, and the transport unit is controlled to transport the print medium in the second direction by the transport amount.

7. The printing device according to claim 1, wherein the printing device is a printer.

8. The control unit does not perform the pre-printing transport operation when the print length derived based on the print data is equal to the print length threshold value.

8. The printing device according to claim 1, wherein the printing device is a printer.

9. the cutting unit includes a first cutter that cuts the print medium at a first cutting position on the transport path, and a second cutter that cuts the print medium at a second cutting position that is set between the first cutting position and the discharge position on the transport path, the print length threshold is set based on the shortest length of the print medium and a distance from the print position to the first cut position on the transport path; 9. The printing device according to claim 1, wherein the printing device is a printer.

10. the second cutter is a cutter that cuts the print medium such that two areas of the print medium adjacent to each other across the second cutting position are continuous with each other through a part of the print medium; The control unit is When the second cutter is caused to cut the print medium by the cutting unit before the printing unit prints on the print medium based on the print data, the transport amount of the print medium in the pre-printing transport operation is derived without using the relationship between the print length threshold value and the print length.

10. The printing device according to claim 9.

11. a conveying unit capable of conveying a print medium in a first direction and a second direction opposite to the first direction; a printing unit that prints print content on the print medium conveyed in the first direction by the conveying unit based on print data; and a cutting unit that cuts the print medium at a cutting position that is set between a printing position where printing is performed on the print medium in a conveying path of the print medium and a discharge position where the print medium conveyed in the first direction is discharged to the outside of the device; When causing the transport unit to perform a pre-printing transport operation of the print medium before causing the printing unit to print on the print medium, the transport unit is controlled so as to transport the print medium based on a transport amount derived using a larger or smaller relationship between a print length threshold value set based on the shortest length of the print medium that can be transported outside the device when cut by the cutting unit and the distance from the print position to the cut position, and a print length derived based on print data. A method for controlling a printing device.

12. a conveying unit capable of conveying a print medium in a first direction and a second direction opposite to the first direction; a printing unit that prints print content on the print medium conveyed in the first direction by the conveying unit based on print data; and a cutting unit that cuts the print medium at a cutting position that is set between a printing position where printing is performed on the print medium in a conveying path of the print medium and a discharge position where the print medium conveyed in the first direction is discharged to the outside of the device, When causing the transport unit to perform a pre-printing transport operation of the print medium before causing the printing unit to print on the print medium, the transport unit is controlled so as to transport the print medium based on a transport amount derived using a larger or smaller relationship between a print length threshold value set based on the shortest length of the print medium that can be transported outside the device when cut by the cutting unit and the distance from the print position to the cut position, and a print length derived based on print data. A program characterized by executing a process.

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