Printing apparatus, control method, and program

Abstract

To prevent a situation that, in printing on a target printing medium to be cut, a cut target printing medium is not ejected from a printing device.SOLUTION: A control unit 110 of a printer 1 acquires first print data and second print data, causes a printing unit 162 to perform first printing on a target printing medium 3, based on the acquired first printing data, and causes the printing unit 162 to perform second printing on the target printing medium 3, based on the acquired second printing data. In this case, if at least one of the length of a first cut piece of the target printing medium 3, generated based on the first printing data, and the length of a second cut piece of the target printing medium 3, generated based on the second printing data, is shorter than a predetermined shortest length, the control unit sets so that a cutting unit 163 does not make a cut between a first printing area printed by the first printing and a second printing area printed by the second printing, in the target printing medium 3.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

Technical Field

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

Background Art

[0002] Some printing apparatuses for printing on a long tape-like printing medium have a function of automatically cutting a printed portion on the printing medium and discharging it as a label. In this type of printing apparatus, after finishing printing on the printing medium, a process of feeding the printing medium forward so that the trailing margin of the printed area becomes an appropriate amount is executed, and then the printing medium is fed forward by the distance between the thermal head and the cutter mechanism and then the printing medium is cut (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] In the above-described printing apparatus, when the length of the printing medium cut by the cutter mechanism and discharged as a label is less than the dischargeable length in the printing apparatus, the label may not be discharged.

[0005] Based on the above circumstances, an object according to one aspect of the present invention is to provide a technology capable of preventing a situation where a printed medium cut when printing on a printed medium accompanied by cutting of the printed medium is not discharged from the printing apparatus.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] A printing apparatus according to one aspect of the present invention includes a print data acquisition unit that acquires print data including a print image to be printed on a print medium, a printing unit that prints on the print medium, and a cutting unit that cuts the print medium. A conveying unit that conveys the printing medium, The printing unit 、 The cutting unit , and the conveying unit and a control unit that controls the operations of, wherein the control unit When the printing data acquisition unit acquires first printing data and second printing data, and based on the acquired first printing data, the conveying unit conveys the printing medium and the printing unit performs first printing on the printing medium, and based on the acquired second printing data, the conveying unit conveys the printing medium and the printing unit performs second printing on the printing medium, and at least one of the length of the first cut piece of the printing medium derived based on the first printing data and the length of the second cut piece of the printing medium derived based on the second printing data is less than a predetermined minimum length, after performing the first printing based on the first printing data, the second printing based on the second printing data is performed without performing cutting by the cutting unit, is a printing apparatus characterized by the above.

[0007] A control method according to one aspect of the present invention is a control method for a printing apparatus including a print data acquisition unit that acquires print data including a print image to be printed on a print medium, a printing unit that prints on the print medium, and a cutting unit that cuts the print medium, A conveying unit that conveys the printing medium, The printing unit 、 The cutting unit , and the conveying unit and a control unit that controls the operations of, wherein the control unit acquires first print data and second print data for continuous printing, When, based on the acquired first printing data, the conveying unit conveys the printing medium and the printing unit performs first printing on the printing medium, and based on the acquired second printing data, the conveying unit conveys the printing medium and the printing unit performs second printing on the printing medium, and at least one of the length of the first cut piece of the printing medium derived based on the first printing data and the length of the second cut piece of the printing medium derived based on the second printing data is less than a predetermined minimum length, after performing the first printing based on the first printing data, the second printing based on the second printing data is performed without performing cutting by the cutting unit, is a control method characterized by the above.

[0008] A program according to one aspect of the present invention is a program to be executed by the control unit in a printing apparatus including a print data acquisition unit that acquires print data including a print image to be printed on a print medium, a printing unit that prints on the print medium, and a cutting unit that cuts the print medium, A conveying unit that conveys the printing medium, The printing unit 、 The cutting unit , and the conveying unit and a control unit that controls the operations of, wherein the control unit acquires first print data and second print data for continuous printing, Based on the obtained first print data, the conveyance unit conveys the print medium, and the printing unit performs a first print on the print medium. When, based on the obtained second print data, the conveyance unit conveys the print medium and the printing unit performs a second print on the print medium, and at least one of the length of the first cut piece of the print medium derived based on the first print data and the length of the second cut piece of the print medium derived based on the second print data is less than a predetermined minimum length, after performing the first print based on the first print data, a second print based on the second print data is performed without performing cutting by the cutting unit. is a program characterized by including processing.

Advantages of the Invention

[0009] According to the above aspect, when printing on a print medium with cutting of the print medium, it is possible to prevent a situation where the cut print medium is not discharged from the printing apparatus.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0010]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Figure 5

Figure 6A

Figure 6B

Figure 7

Figure 8

Figure 9

Figure 10

Figure 11

Figure 12

MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

[0011] Hereinafter, embodiments of a printing apparatus according to the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In the following description, as an example of the printing apparatus according to the present invention, a printing apparatus that performs printing on a heat-sensitive printing medium using a thermal head and can automatically cut (sever) the printed area on the printing medium with a cutter will be given. In the following description, detailed descriptions of configurations, functions, and operations that are the same as or similar to those of well-known printing apparatuses among the configurations, functions, and operations of the exemplified printing apparatus will be omitted.

[0012] FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing an example of the appearance of a printing apparatus according to an embodiment.

[0013] The printing apparatus 1 illustrated in FIG. 1 is a printing apparatus capable of creating a label by performing printing on a printing medium 3 and cutting (severing) the printing medium 3 based on print data from an information processing apparatus 2 such as a smartphone. The printing apparatus 1 houses various mechanisms and control circuits for performing printing and cutting on the printing medium 3 within a device housing composed of a container member 101 and a lid member 102. Further, inside the device housing, a media adapter containing a tape roll 4 including a roll-shaped printing medium 3 is detachably accommodated. The printing apparatus 1 performs printing and cutting based on print data on the printing medium 3 supplied from the tape roll 4 in the media adapter. The printing medium 3 supplied from the tape roll 4 is conveyed along a conveyance path that passes through the inside of the device housing and leads to a discharge port 103 provided in the device housing.

[0014] On the outer surface of the device housing (for example, the container member 101) of the printing apparatus 1, a plurality of buttons 104 and a plurality of operation lamps 105 are disposed. The plurality of buttons 104 include, for example, a button for turning the power on / off, a button for cutting the printing medium 3, a button for feeding (an operation of conveying a predetermined amount) the printing medium 3, a button for switching wireless communication, and a button for performing reprinting. The plurality of operation lamps 105 include, for example, a lamp indicating the on / off state of the power, a lamp indicating the state of wireless communication, and a lamp indicating the status of a printing operation or the like.

[0015] When creating a label using the printing device 1 illustrated in FIG. 1, the user can create print data by executing a cooperation application on an information processing device 2 such as a smartphone. The print data includes, for example, information such as a printed string or a print image of a graphic created by operating the touch panel 201 of the information processing device 2, a cutting method of the printed medium 3, the number of printed copies, and a setting as to whether to continue printing. The setting as to whether to continue printing is a setting as to whether to continue printing and cutting based on new print data after performing printing and cutting based on the received print data. The information processing device 2 is not limited to a smartphone or a tablet-type computer as illustrated in FIG. 1, and may be a notebook-type or desktop-type computer.

[0016] Note that the printing device according to the present invention is not limited to the printing device 1 as illustrated in FIG. 1, and may be, for example, a printing device in which a keyboard capable of inputting a printed string, a graphic, etc. and performing various settings is provided on the device housing.

[0017] FIG. 2 is a block diagram for explaining the configuration of a printing device according to an embodiment and an information processing device capable of cooperating with the printing device.

[0018] As illustrated in FIG. 2, the printing device 1 according to the present embodiment includes a control unit 110, a storage unit 120, an input unit 130, a display unit 140, a communication unit 150, and a print processing unit 160.

[0019] The control unit 110 controls various operations of the printing apparatus 1. The control by the control unit 110 is performed, for example, by a processor such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit) executing various programs such as an operating system and a program including a label creation process described later. The storage unit 120 stores various programs executed by the processor and various data (including the printing data described above) used when executing the programs. Further, the storage unit 120 provides a work area for the processor to execute various programs. The storage unit 120 includes a ROM (Read Only Memory) and a RAM (Random Access Memory). A part of the control unit 110 and the storage unit 120 may be configured by an FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array), an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit), or the like.

[0020] The control unit 110 in the printing apparatus 1 of the present embodiment includes a determination unit 111 and a setting unit 112. The determination unit 111 makes a determination, for example, whether to cut the printing medium 3 based on the printing data. The setting unit 112 sets the conveyance operation and the cut operation of the printing medium 3 based on the determination result of the determination unit 111 and the printing data.

[0021] The input unit 130 is an input device for performing an operation input to the printing apparatus 1. The input unit 130 includes, for example, the plurality of buttons 104 described above. The input unit 130 may include the keyboard disposed on the apparatus housing. The display unit 140 is a display device for displaying various information related to the printing apparatus 1. The display unit 140 includes, for example, the plurality of operation lamps described above. The display unit 140 may include a display device such as a liquid crystal display.

[0022] The communication unit 150 communicates with an information processing device 2 such as a smartphone. The communication unit 150 is, for example, a wireless communication device capable of short-range wireless communication such as wireless LAN (Local Area Network) or Bluetooth (registered trademark). The communication unit 150 may be, for example, a communication device capable of communicating with the information processing device 2 via a transmission cable such as a USB (Universal Serial Bus) cable.

[0023] The printing processing unit 160 performs conveyance of the printing medium 3, printing on the printing medium 3, and cutting of the printing medium 3 in accordance with a control signal from the control unit 110. The printing processing unit 160 includes a conveyance unit 161, a printing unit 162, and a cutting unit 163. The conveyance unit 161 performs a conveyance operation of conveying the printing medium 3 by a predetermined conveyance amount at a predetermined conveyance speed in a predetermined conveyance direction in accordance with a control signal from the control unit 110. The printing unit 162 applies heat to the printing medium 3 conveyed by the conveyance unit 161 to perform printing (printing) on the printing medium 3 in accordance with a control signal from the control unit 110. The cutting unit 163 cuts the printing medium 3 in accordance with a control signal from the control unit 110. The cutting unit 163 in the printing apparatus 1 of the present embodiment includes a cutter that cuts the entire printing medium 3 (full cut) and a cutter that cuts a part of the printing medium 3 (half cut), as will be described later.

[0024] Although not shown in FIG. 2, the printing apparatus 1 may include, for example, a sensor that detects the tape width of the printing medium 3 supplied from a medium adapter in the apparatus housing.

[0025] On the other hand, the information processing device 2 that can cooperate with the printing device 1 includes a control unit 210, a storage unit 220, an input unit 230, a display unit 240, and a communication unit 250, as illustrated in FIG. 2.

[0026] The control unit 210 controls various operations of the information processing apparatus 2. The control by the control unit 210 is performed, for example, when a processor such as a CPU executes various programs such as an operating system and an application program including a label data creation process and a print data creation process described later. The storage unit 220 stores various programs executed by the processor and various data used when executing the programs. Further, the storage unit 220 provides a work area when the processor executes various programs. The storage unit 220 includes a ROM and a RAM. A part of the control unit 210 and the storage unit 220 may be configured by an FPGA, an ASIC, or the like.

[0027] The input unit 230 is an input device that performs operation input to the information processing apparatus 2. The display unit 240 is a display device that displays various information related to the information processing apparatus 2. The input unit 230 and the display unit 240 in the information processing apparatus 2 may be, for example, a touch panel device 201 in which the input unit 230 such as a digitizer (position detection device) is arranged on the display surface of the display unit 240 such as a liquid crystal display.

[0028] The communication unit 250 communicates with the printing apparatus 1 and the like. The communication unit 250 is, for example, a wireless communication device capable of short-range wireless communication such as a wireless LAN or Bluetooth (registered trademark). The communication unit 250 may be a communication device capable of communicating with the printing apparatus 1 via a transmission cable such as a USB cable, for example.

[0029] While executing an application program including a label data creation process and a print data creation process for cooperation with the printing apparatus 1 in the information processing apparatus 2, a part of the control unit 210 operates as a print image creation unit 211 and a print data creation unit 212. The print image creation unit 211 creates a print image based on input information such as the layout of a character string or a figure to be printed on the print medium 3 input using the input unit 230. The print data creation unit 212 creates print data including the created print image and information such as a cutting method, the number of prints, and a setting as to whether to continue printing input using the input unit 230.

[0030] FIG. 3 is a diagram for explaining the conveyance path of the printing medium in the printing apparatus. In FIG. 3, the conveyance path of the printing medium 3 in the printing apparatus 1 is schematically shown in a straight line, and the dimensional and positional relationships of the respective components illustrated in FIG. 3 do not necessarily match the dimensional and positional relationships in the actual printing apparatus 1.

[0031] As illustrated in FIG. 3, in the printing apparatus 1 of the present embodiment, the printing medium 3 supplied from the tape roll 4 (media adapter) passes between the platen roller 5 and the thermal head 6 and is sandwiched between the platen roller 5 and the thermal head 6. The platen roller 5 is included in the conveyance unit 161 and can be rotated to convey the printing medium 3 in the discharge direction (first direction) by the power of a motor (not shown), and can also be rotated to convey the printing medium 3 in the direction opposite to the discharge direction (second direction). The thermal head 6 is included in the printing unit 162 and performs printing by applying heat to the printing medium 3 in accordance with a control signal from the control unit 110. In the following description, the position where the printing medium 3 is sandwiched between the platen roller 5 and the thermal head 6 in the conveyance path is referred to as the printing position. The discharge direction is the direction from the printing position in the conveyance path toward the discharge port 103 of the apparatus housing (for example, the container member 101). In the following description, the position of the discharge port 103 of the apparatus housing in the conveyance path is referred to as the discharge position. In the following description, the rotation of the platen roller 5 that conveys the printing medium 3 in the discharge direction is referred to as forward rotation, and the conveyance of the printing medium 3 by rotating the platen roller 5 forward is referred to as forward conveyance. In the following description, the rotation of the platen roller 5 that conveys the printing medium 3 in the direction opposite to the discharge direction is referred to as reverse rotation, and the conveyance of the printing medium 3 by rotating the platen roller 5 in reverse is referred to as reverse conveyance.

[0032] At a position between the printing position and the discharging position in the conveyance path, a cutter 7 for cutting the printed medium 3 is disposed. The cutter 7 is included in a cutting portion 163. In the printing apparatus 1 of the present embodiment, as the cutter 7, a full cutter (first cutter) 701 and a half cutter (second cutter) 702 are disposed. The full cutter 701 is a cutter for cutting the entire printed medium 3, and the half cutter 702 is a cutter for cutting a part of the printed medium 3. The half cutter 702 cuts a part of the printed medium 3 so that two adjacent regions are integrally held with the position cut by the half cutter 702 in the printed medium 3 as a boundary. For example, when the printed medium 3 is a multi-layer structured medium having an adhesive tape layer for performing printing (printing) and a protective layer for protecting the adhesive tape layer, the full cutter 701 cuts the adhesive tape layer and the protective layer to separate the printed medium 3 into two, while the half cutter 702 cuts only the adhesive tape layer, and the two separated adhesive tape layers are integrally held by the protective layer. The full cutter 701 is disposed at a position at a distance L1 from the printing position in the conveyance path (hereinafter referred to as "full cut position"). The half cutter 702 is disposed at a position between the full cut position and the discharging position in the conveyance path and at a distance L2 from the full cut position in the conveyance path (hereinafter referred to as "half cut position"). The distance L1 and the distance L2 correspond to the length of the printed medium 3 to be conveyed. That is, the distance L1 corresponds to the length from the position on the printed medium 3 at the printing position to the position on the printed medium 3 at the full cut position in the printed medium 3 to be conveyed. The distance L2 corresponds to the length from the position on the printed medium 3 at the full cut position to the position on the printed medium 3 at the half cut position in the printed medium 3 to be conveyed.

[0033] At a position between the half-cut position and the discharge position in the conveyance path, a discharge roller 8 for discharging the printed medium 3 is arranged. The discharge roller 8 is included in, for example, the cut portion 163 and operates to discharge the cut piece of the printed medium 3 cut by the full cutter 701 from the discharge port 103. The discharge roller 8 includes, for example, a first roller 801 and a second roller 802, and the printed medium 3 passes between the first roller 801 and the second roller 802 and is sandwiched between the first roller 801 and the second roller 802. In the following description, the position in the conveyance path where the printed medium 3 is sandwiched between the first roller 801 and the second roller 802 is referred to as the discharge roller position. The discharge roller position is a position at a distance L3 from the full cut position in the conveyance path, and the distance L3 corresponds to the length from the position on the printed medium 3 at the full cut position to the position on the printed medium 3 at the discharge roller position in the conveyed printed medium 3.

[0034] Also, the leading edge reference position at a distance L4 from the printing position between the printing position and the full cut position in the conveyance path shown in FIG. 3 represents, for example, the position of the start end of the area where printing is performed when starting to print on the printed medium 3 based on print data (print image).

[0035] Note that the conveyance path of the printed medium 3 is not limited to the configuration illustrated in FIG. 3. For example, the full cut position and the half cut position may be reversed, or the half cutter 702 may be omitted.

[0036] When using the information processing apparatus 2 to cause the printing apparatus 1 to perform printing and cutting to create a label, an application corresponding to the printing apparatus 1 is executed on the information processing apparatus 2 to create print data. The application can be obtained, for example, by downloading it from a predetermined website to the information processing apparatus 2 via a communication network such as the Internet. Also, the application can be obtained, for example, by reading it from a portable recording medium such as a CD-ROM or a memory card into the information processing apparatus 2.

[0037] FIG. 4 is a sequence diagram for explaining a method of creating a label using an information processing apparatus. FIG. 4 illustrates a method of creating a label when the information processing apparatus 2 and the printing apparatus 1 perform wireless communication.

[0038] When creating a label using the printing apparatus 1 and the information processing apparatus 2, first, the information processing apparatus 2 starts an application corresponding to the printing apparatus 1 and performs a print image creation process (step S21) and a print data creation process (step S22). The print image creation process is a process of creating a print image by inputting, selecting, etc., a character string or graphic to be printed (printed) on the print medium 3. The print data creation process is a process of setting the width (tape width), cutting method, print density, and number of prints of the print medium 3 to be printed (i.e., used for label creation), and then inputting, selecting, etc., a setting of whether to continue printing, and creating print data including the print image and these settings. The setting of whether to continue printing is a setting of whether to cause the printing apparatus 1 to perform a label creation process (printing and cutting) based on the second print data after the label creation process (printing and cutting) in the printing apparatus 1 based on the first print data is completed. The information processing apparatus 2 creates print data, for example, after operations such as inputting, selecting, etc., the width (tape width), cutting method, print density, and number of prints of the print medium 3 by the user, and then receiving an operation for starting (executing) printing.

[0039] After steps S21 and S22, the information processing apparatus 2 performs wireless communication with the printing apparatus 1 and acquires tape width information indicating the tape width of the printing medium 3 mounted on the printing apparatus 1 and the wireless state (step S23). The information processing apparatus 2 and the printing apparatus 1 perform wireless communication by, for example, UDP (User Datagram Protocol). In step S23, the information processing apparatus 2 performs UDP transmission to the printing apparatus 1 and then receives a notification from the printing apparatus 1. When the printing apparatus 1 receives the UDP transmission from the information processing apparatus 2, it notifies the information processing apparatus 2 of the tape width information indicating the tape width of the printing medium 3 currently mounted on its own apparatus and the wireless state (step S11). The printing apparatus 1 recognizes the tape width of the printing medium 3, for example, by detecting which tape width printing medium 3 (tape roll 4) the medium adapter mounted on its own apparatus accommodates.

[0040] After step S23, the information processing apparatus 2 compares and evaluates the tape width of the printing medium 3 in the created print data with the tape width information acquired from the printing apparatus 1, and transmits the print data to the printing apparatus 1 (step S24). Although not shown in FIG. 4, for example, when the tape width of the printing medium 3 in the print data is different from the tape width information acquired from the printing apparatus 1, the tape width of the printing medium 3 in the print data may be changed, or the printing medium 3 (media adapter) of the printing apparatus 1 may be replaced, and then the print data may be transmitted to the printing apparatus 1.

[0041] When the printing apparatus 1 receives the print data from the information processing apparatus 2, it performs label creation processing (step S12) based on the received print data. The details of the label creation processing will be described later with reference to FIGS. 5, 6A and 6B, and FIG. 7. When the label creation processing is completed, the printing apparatus 1 transmits, for example, an end command to the information processing apparatus 2 and notifies the information processing apparatus 2 that the creation of the label has been completed (step S13).

[0042] When the information processing apparatus 2 receives an end command, it determines whether or not the setting in the print data associated with the end command for whether to continue printing is a setting to continue printing (step S25). If the setting is not to continue printing (step S25; NO), the information processing apparatus 2 displays a screen notifying that the label creation process in the printing apparatus 1 (that is, printing on and cutting the printing medium 3 based on the print data transmitted to the printing apparatus 1) has ended (step S26).

[0043] If the setting is to continue printing (step S25; YES), the information processing apparatus 2 performs a process of transmitting print data for causing the printing apparatus 1 to continue printing (label creation process) to the printing apparatus 1. If the setting is to continue printing, the information processing apparatus 2 performs, for example, the processes after the print image creation process (step S21). Also, for example, when the creation of the print data to be transmitted to the printing apparatus 1 next is completed at the time of the determination in step S25 and there is no change in the tape width of the printing medium 3 on which printing is to be performed, the information processing apparatus 2 may perform the process of transmitting the print data to the printing apparatus 1 (step S24) omitting the processes of steps S21 to S23 after the determination in step S25.

[0044] As described above, when the printing apparatus 1 of the present embodiment receives print data from the information processing apparatus 2, it performs a label creation process (step S12) based on the print data. The printing apparatus 1 of the present embodiment performs, as the label creation process, for example, a process along the flowchart of FIG. 5.

[0045] FIG. 5 is a flowchart for explaining an example of the label creation process performed by a printing apparatus according to an embodiment.

[0046] Upon receiving the print data, the printing apparatus 1 first reads out the state of the print medium 3 at the end of the previous label creation process from the storage unit 120 (step S1210). The state of the print medium 3 includes, for example, information indicating the length from the start end of the print medium 3 to the position on the print medium 3 at the print position when the previous label creation process ended, and information indicating whether printing was performed in that section in the previous label creation process.

[0047] Next, the printing apparatus 1 performs a conveyance operation / cutting operation setting process based on the print data for the current (i.e., the currently ongoing) label creation process and the read state of the print medium 3 (step S1230). In the conveyance operation / cutting operation setting process, the printing apparatus 1 makes settings regarding the conveyance operation of the print medium 3 and the cutting operation on the print medium 3 in the current label creation process. An example of the conveyance operation / cutting operation setting process will be described later with reference to FIGS. 6A and 6B, and FIG. 7.

[0048] After step S1230, the printing apparatus 1 executes printing and cutting on the print medium 3 based on information such as the print image, print density, and number of printed sheets included in the print data, and the setting information regarding the conveyance operation of the print medium 3 and the cutting operation on the print medium 3 set in step S1230 (step S1250). When the process of step S1250 is completed, the printing apparatus 1 ends the label creation process.

[0049] FIG. 6A is a flowchart (part 1) for explaining an example of the conveyance operation / cutting operation setting process performed by a printing apparatus according to an embodiment. FIG. 6B is a flowchart (part 2) for explaining an example of the conveyance operation / cutting operation setting process performed by a printing apparatus according to an embodiment.

[0050] In the conveyance operation / cutting operation setting process, first, as shown in FIG. 6A, the printing apparatus 1 calculates the label length of the label created in the current label creation process based on the print data and the tape length required for creating the label (step S1231). The label length is, for example, the length in the conveyance direction of one label created (generated) by performing printing (printing) on the print medium 3 based on one print image and the tape width in the print data. The area that becomes one label on the print medium 3 includes, for example, blank areas on the downstream side and the upstream side of the printed area where printing is performed. Downstream and upstream represent the relative positional relationship in the conveyance direction on the print medium 3. In this specification, the direction in which the start end of the print medium 3 is located (in other words, the discharge direction) when viewed from an arbitrary position or area on the print medium 3 is referred to as downstream, and the side with the opposite end to the start end of the print medium 3 (in other words, the direction opposite to the discharge direction) is referred to as upstream. The tape length is the sum of the label lengths of all the labels created in the current label creation process. For example, when the number of printed sheets is 1 (that is, the number of labels to be created is 1), the tape length is equal to the label length. For example, when the number of printed sheets is n (n>1) and the label lengths of the labels to be created are all the same label length LL, the tape length is n times the label length LL.

[0051] Next, the printing apparatus 1 performs a front margin setting process based on the calculated label length and tape length, subsequently the setting of whether to continue printing, and the state of the print medium 3 at the end of the previous label creation process, etc. (step S1232). In the front margin setting process, the printing apparatus 1 performs the setting of whether to provide a blank portion (front margin) different from the label on the downstream side of the first label created by the first printing in the current label creation process, and the setting of the length of the front margin when the front margin is provided. An example of the front margin setting process will be described later with reference to FIG. 7.

[0052] After step S1232, the printing apparatus 1 sets the variable n to 1 (step S1233). The variable n is used to identify the labels created by performing printing based on the number of printed sheets (total number of printed sheets N) in the print data.

[0053] Next, the printing apparatus 1 determines whether to provide a front margin (step S1234). If no front margin is provided (step S1234; NO), the printing apparatus 1 then determines whether the label length of the n-th label is less than the shortest label length (step S1236). On the other hand, if a front margin is provided, the printing apparatus 1 adds the length of the front margin to the label length of the first label (step S1235), and then determines whether the label length of the n-th label is less than the shortest label length (step S1236).

[0054] The shortest label length in the determination of step S1236 is the minimum value of the label lengths that enable the labels (cut pieces of the print medium 3) obtained by cutting the print medium 3 with the full cutter 701 to be discharged from the discharge port 103 of the apparatus housing. In the printing apparatus 1 having the conveyance path illustrated in FIG. 3, when the print medium 3 is cut by the full cutter 701 while the print medium 3 is being sandwiched between the first roller 801 and the second roller 802 of the discharge roller 8, the labels obtained by the cutting can be discharged by the discharge roller 8. That is, in the printing apparatus 1 having the conveyance path illustrated in FIG. 3, when the length (label length) from the start end of the print medium 3 to the position where it is cut by the full cutter 701 is longer than the distance L3 from the full cut position to the discharge roller position in the conveyance path, the labels obtained by cutting the print medium 3 with the full cutter 701 can be discharged by the discharge roller 8. In this case, the shortest label length is set to the distance L3 or a value obtained by adding a predetermined margin (for example, a length of about several millimeters) to the distance L3.

[0055] If the label length of the n-th label is less than the shortest label length (step S1236; YES), the printing apparatus 1 then determines whether there are remaining labels continuous with the n-th label in the printing apparatus 1 during the printing of the n-th label (step S1237). If there are remaining labels in the printing apparatus 1 (step S1237; YES), the printing apparatus 1 sets the cut setting at the boundary between the remaining labels and the n-th label to a setting that does not perform a full cut (step S1238).

[0056] If the label length of the nth label is equal to or greater than the shortest label length (step S1236; NO), if there is no remaining label in the printing apparatus 1 (step S1237; NO), or if the process of step S1238 is performed, the printing apparatus 1 then determines whether the distance from the start end of the printing medium 3 to the end of the nth label at the time of printing the nth label is less than the shortest label length (step S1239). The end of the nth label is the upstream end of the label area created as the nth label, including the printing area where the nth printing on the printing medium 3 is performed. Before printing the nth label, if the boundary between the nth label and the (n - 1)th label is cut by the full cutter 701, the distance from the start end of the printing medium 3 to the end of the nth label is the label length of the nth label. If the boundary between the nth label and the (n - 1)th label is not cut by the full cutter 701 before printing the nth label, the distance from the start end of the printing medium 3 to the end of the nth label is equal to or greater than the sum of the label length of the nth label and the label length of the (n - 1)th label.

[0057] If the distance from the start end of the printing medium 3 to the end of the nth label at the time of printing the nth label is less than the shortest label length (step S1239; YES), the printing apparatus 1 then determines whether the cut setting at the end of the nth label is a full cut (step S1240). If the cut setting is a full cut (step S1240; YES), the printing apparatus 1 changes the cut setting at the end of the nth label to a setting where no full cut is made (step S1241).

[0058] When the distance from the start of the printed medium 3 to the end of the n-th label is equal to or greater than the shortest label length (step S1239; NO), when the cut setting at the end of the n-th label is not a full cut (step S1240; NO), or when the process of step S1241 is performed, the printing apparatus 1 then determines whether there is an (n + 1)-th label (step S1242). In step S1242, the printing apparatus 1 determines whether the relationship between the number of printed sheets (total number of printed sheets N) in the print data and the value of the current variable n is n < N. When n < N, it is determined that there is an (n + 1)-th label. When there is an (n + 1)-th label (step S1242; YES), the printing apparatus 1 updates the variable n to n + 1 (step S1243) and performs the determination of step S1236.

[0059] When there is no (n + 1)-th label (step S1242; NO), the printing apparatus 1 then determines whether the setting for continuous printing in the current label creation process is on, as shown in FIG. 6B (step S1244). When the setting for continuous printing in the print data for the current label creation process is set for continuous printing, the printing apparatus 1 determines that the setting for continuous printing is on.

[0060] When the setting for continuous printing is on (step S1244; YES), the printing apparatus 1 then determines whether the cut setting at the end of the n-th label is a full cut (step S1245). The n-th label in the determination of step S1245 is the last label created based on the number of printed sheets (total number of printed sheets N) in the print data (i.e., the N-th label). Therefore, when the cut setting is a full cut (step S1245; YES), the printing apparatus 1 changes the cut setting at the end of the n-th label to a setting that does not perform a full cut (step S1246).

[0061] If the setting to continue printing is not on (step S1244; NO), if the cut setting at the end of the nth label is not a full cut (step S1245; NO), or if the process of step S1246 is performed, the printing apparatus 1 then sets the conveyance operation of the print medium 3 based on the label length, tape length, front margin, and cut setting in the current label creation process (step S1247).

[0062] Thereafter, the printing apparatus 1 stores (stores) the state of the print medium 3 at the end of the current label creation process in the storage unit 120 based on the label length and the cut setting (step S1248). Information indicating the state of the print medium 3 at the end of the current label creation process stored in the storage unit 120 is read out as the state at the end of the previous label creation process in step S1210 when printing is continued after the current label creation process.

[0063] As described above, in the conveyance operation / cut operation setting process performed by the printing apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment, when the first label creation process is performed based on the first print data and then the second label creation process is continuously performed based on the second print data, the setting is changed so that the end of the label area of the print medium 3 that becomes the last label created in the first label creation process is not cut by the full cutter 701 (step S1246). In this case, the first label creation process can be terminated when printing on the print area included in the label area of the print medium 3 that becomes the last label created is completed. That is, when it is set to continuously perform the second label creation process, the last label created in the first label creation process can be left remaining in the printing apparatus 1 in a state continuous with the print medium 3 on which printing is performed in the second label creation process.

[0064] Also, in the conveyance operation / cutting operation setting process performed by the printing apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment, when the label length of the label created as the first label in the second label creation process is less than the shortest label length, the cut setting at the boundary between the first label and the remaining label created in the first label creation process and remaining in the printing apparatus 1 is set to not perform a full cut (step S1238). Further, in the printing apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment, when the sum of the label length of the first label and the label length of the remaining label is less than the shortest label length, the cut setting at the rear end of the first label is set to not perform a full cut (step S1241). Therefore, in the printing apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment, it is possible to prevent the label cut by the full cutter 701 from being a label less than the shortest label length, and to prevent the cut printed medium 3 from remaining in the printing apparatus 1 when continuously printing on the printed medium 3 involving cutting of the printed medium 3.

[0065] Also, in the printing apparatus 1 of the present embodiment, when performing the second label creation process based on the second print data after performing the first label creation process based on the first print data, the end of the label area of the printed medium 3 that becomes the last label created in the first label creation process is set not to be cut by the full cutter 701 (step S1246). Therefore, the first (previous) label creation process can be ended with the end of the label area of the last label created in the printed medium 3 at the printing position of the conveyance path. In this case, the second (current) label creation process can start with the end of the label area of the last label created in the first label creation process as the start of the label area of the second label. Therefore, for example, it is not necessary to set a front margin in the second (current) label creation process, and the amount of the printed medium 3 not used as a label can be reduced.

[0066] Note that, as described above, the printing apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment can also be set not to perform continuous printing. When continuous printing is not performed, in a single label creation process, the label area including the printed area of the printed medium 3 on which printing (printing) has been performed may be cut by the full cutter 701 and discharged. In this case, the label length of one label area can be made shorter than the shortest label length. However, when the label length of the label obtained by cutting with the full cutter 701 (the cut piece of the printed medium 3) is shorter than the shortest label length, the label may not be discharged from the discharge port 103 using the discharge roller 8. For this reason, in the printing apparatus 1 of the present embodiment, as the above-described front margin setting process (step S1232), for example, a process along the flowchart of FIG. 7 is performed.

[0067] FIG. 7 is a flowchart for explaining an example of the front margin setting process performed by the printing apparatus according to an embodiment. FIG. 7 shows the procedure of the front margin setting process when the number of printed sheets in the print data is two.

[0068] In the front margin setting process performed by the printing apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment, first, based on the state of the printed medium 3 at the end of the previous label creation process, it is determined whether the label printed in the previous label creation process remains in the printing apparatus 1 (step S1232a). In step S1232a, for example, when the state of the printed medium 13 at the end of the previous label creation process includes information indicating that printing has been performed in the section from the start end of the printed medium 3 to the position at the printing position, the printing apparatus 1 determines that the label printed in the previous label creation process remains in the printing apparatus 1. When the label remains in the printing apparatus 1 (step S1232a; YES), the printing apparatus 1 sets the front margin to be zero in the current label creation process (step S1232b), and ends the front margin setting process.

[0069] When no label remains in the printing device 1 (step S1232a; NO), the printing device 1 then determines whether the setting for continuous printing in the current label creation process is on (step S1232c). As described above, when the setting for continuous printing in the print data is for continuous printing, the printing device 1 determines that the setting for continuous printing is on. When the setting for continuous printing is on (step S1232c; YES), the printing device 1 sets the front margin to the initial value (step S1232d) and ends the front margin setting process.

[0070] When the setting for continuous printing is not on (step S1232c; NO), the printing device 1 then determines whether the label length of the first label is less than the shortest label length (step S1232e). As described above, the shortest label length is the shortest value of the label length that allows the label obtained by cutting with the full cutter 701 to be discharged from the discharge port 103. In the conveyance path illustrated in FIG. 3, the distance L3 from the full cut position to the discharge roller position, or a value obtained by adding a predetermined margin (for example, about several millimeters) to the distance L3, is the shortest label length. When the label length of the first label is greater than or equal to the shortest label length (step S1232e; NO), the printing device 1 sets the front margin to the initial value (step S1232d) and ends the front margin setting process.

[0071] When the label length of the first label is less than the shortest label length (step S1232e; YES), the printing device 1 then sets the cut setting for the boundary between the first label and the second label to a non-full cut setting (step S1232f) and determines whether the tape length is less than the shortest label length (step S1232e). As illustrated in the flowchart of FIG. 7, as described above, since the number of printed sheets in the print data is 2 (that is, the number of created labels is 2), the tape length is the sum of the label length of the first label and the label length of the second label. When the tape length is greater than or equal to the shortest label length (step S1232g; NO), the printing device 1 sets the front margin to the initial value (step S1232d) and ends the front margin setting process.

[0072] When the tape length is less than the shortest label length (step S1232g; YES), the printing apparatus 1 sets a front margin such that the sum of the tape length and the length of the front margin is equal to or greater than the shortest label length (step S1232h), and ends the front margin setting process. For example, when the shortest label length is 29 mm and the tape length is 14 mm, the printing apparatus 1 sets the length of the front margin to 15 mm or more.

[0073] Note that the flowchart illustrated in FIG. 7 shows the procedure of the front margin setting process when the number of printed sheets in the print data is 2, as described above. The front margin setting process performed by the printing apparatus 1 of the present embodiment is not limited to the process according to the flowchart illustrated in FIG. 7, and can be changed as appropriate. For example, the number of printed sheets in the print data may be three or more. Therefore, the front margin setting process may be repeated, for example, with a process of setting not to fully cut the boundary with an adjacent label instead of step S1232f, and a process of determining whether or not the sum of the label lengths of a plurality of consecutive labels with the setting of not fully cutting is less than the shortest label length.

[0074] As described above, when the printing apparatus 1 of the present embodiment is not set to continue printing, based on the label length and the tape length calculated from the current print data, the position of the full cutter in the printed medium 3 is set so that the length of the portion to be cut by the full cutter 701 and discharged from the discharge port 103 is equal to or greater than the shortest label length, and the length of the front margin is adjusted. Therefore, in the printing apparatus 1 of the present embodiment, even when it is not set to continue printing, the length of the cut piece of the printed medium 3 cut by the full cutter 701 and discharged from the discharge port 103 is less than the shortest label length, and a situation where the cut piece is not discharged can be prevented. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the cut printed medium 3 from remaining in the printing apparatus 1 when printing on the printed medium 3 involving cutting of the printed medium 3.

[0075] FIG. 8 is a diagram for explaining a first specific example of label creation processing performed by a printing apparatus according to an embodiment. FIGS. 8(a1) to 8(a5) show an example of the operation of the printing apparatus 1 in the first label creation process based on the first print data, which is performed when the setting of whether to continue printing in the print data for the previous label creation process is not set to continue printing, in chronological order.

[0076] FIG. 8(a1) shows the state of the printing medium 3 in the conveyance path at the time of starting the first label creation process based on the first print data. The printing medium 3 is stopped with its start end 301 at the full cut position in the conveyance path.

[0077] When starting the first label creation process, the printing apparatus 1 first calculates the label length and the tape length (step S1231) and performs a front margin setting process (step S1232). When the print image in the first print data corresponds to a character string "AAAAA Meeting Materials" as illustrated in FIG. 8(a5), the printing apparatus 1 calculates the label length LL1 with the print area 353 for printing based on the print image, the margin area 352 on the downstream side of the print area 353, and the margin area 354 on the upstream side as the label area. Also, when the number of printed sheets in the first print data is one, the printing apparatus 1 sets the label length LL1 as the tape length. Further, since the label length LL1 is longer than the distance L3 from the full cut position, which is the shortest label length, to the discharge roller position, in the front margin setting process, the printing apparatus 1 sets the length of the front margin 351 to an initial value (for example, the length L5 illustrated in FIG. 8(a2)).

[0078] Thereafter, the printing apparatus 1 performs a cut setting for the end 305 of the label area. When the setting of whether to continue printing in the first print data is set to continue printing, the printing apparatus 1 sets the cut setting for the end 305 of the label area to not perform a full cut (step S1246). After step S1246, the processes of steps S1247 and S1248 are performed to execute printing and cutting on the printing medium 3 (step S1250).

[0079] When the processing of step S1250 starts, the printing device 1 forward transports the print medium 3 a distance L2+L5, as shown in (a2) of FIG. 8, and cuts the print medium 3 at position 302 upstream the distance L5 from the starting end 301 with the half cutter 702. The position 302 on the print medium 3 cut by the half cutter 702 becomes the starting end of the label area. Then, as shown in (a3) ​​of FIG. 8, the printing device 1 reversely transports the print medium 3 so that the starting end 302 of the label area on the print medium 3 reaches the cueing reference position. The printing device 1 starts forward transport of the print medium 3 and printing on the print medium 3, with position 303 on the print medium 3 that is in the printing position on the transport path as the printing start position. The print start position 303 is the boundary between a print area 353 in the label area of ​​the print-receiving medium 3 and a margin area 352 downstream of the print area 353 , and is also the starting point of the print area 353 .

[0080] The printer 1 controls the thermal head 6 arranged at the printing position on the transport path based on the transport speed and transport amount of the print medium 3 transported in the forward direction and the print image in the first print data, and performs printing on the print medium 3. Therefore, as shown in (a4) of Fig. 8, a character string corresponding to the print image is printed on the portion of the print area 353 of the print medium 3 that has passed the printing position on the transport path.

[0081] When the end 304 of the print area 353 of the print medium 3 passes the printing position on the transport path and moves toward the discharge position from the printing position, the printer 1 finishes printing on the print medium 3. Thereafter, as illustrated in (a5) of Fig. 8, the printer 1 further transports the print medium 3 in the forward direction until the end 305 of the label area on the print medium 3 reaches the printing position on the transport path.

[0082] When the setting for whether to continue printing in the first print data is set to continue printing, when the end 305 of the label area reaches the printing position, the printing apparatus 1 stops the conveyance of the printing medium 3 and ends the label creation process based on the first print data. At this time, the printing apparatus 1 holds information indicating that, as the state of the printing medium 3 at the end of the label creation process based on the first print data, a label with a label length LL1 remains in the printing apparatus 1 in a state continuous with the printing medium 3 to be used in the next label creation process. This state of the printing medium 3 is read as the state of the printing medium 3 at the end of the previous label creation process in the label creation process based on the second print data to be subsequently performed.

[0083] FIG. 9 is a diagram for explaining a second specific example of the label creation process performed by the printing apparatus according to an embodiment. In FIGS. 9(b1) to 9(b5), the first label creation process illustrated in FIG. 8 is used as the previous label creation process, and an example of the operation of the printing apparatus 1 during the second label creation process based on the second print data is shown in time series when the setting for whether to continue printing in the first print data for the previous label creation process is set to continue printing. The string of dotted-line bag characters "FILE" of the printing medium 3 illustrated in FIGS. 9(b1) to 9(b4) is a string to be printed on the printing medium 3 based on the print image in the second print data, and represents a string that has not yet been printed on the printing medium 3.

[0084] In (b1) of FIG. 9, it shows the state of the printing medium 3 in the conveyance path at the time of starting the second label creation process based on the second print data. At this time, the printing medium 3 is stopped in a state where the end 305 of the first label area 361 where printing based on the print image was performed in the first label creation process based on the first print data is at the printing position in the conveyance path. That is, the first label area 361 where printing was performed in the first label creation process remains in the printing apparatus 1 in a state continuous with the portion where printing will be performed in the second label creation process on the printing medium 3. For this reason, the printing apparatus 1 sets the front margin to be none in the front margin setting process performed in the second label creation process (step S1232b). Therefore, the printing apparatus 1 uses the end 305 of the first label area 361 as the boundary between the first label area 361 and the second label area 362 (in other words, the start end 305 of the second label area 362) and performs printing on the printing medium 3 in the second label creation process.

[0085] The second label area 362 illustrated in (b1) of FIG. 9 is an area from the start end 305 to a position (end 306) on the upstream side by a distance LL2 from the start end 305, and includes a printing area where the character string "FILE" is printed (printed) based on the print image in the second print data, a margin area on the upstream side of the printing area, and a margin area on the downstream side of the printing area. That is, in the second label creation process, the distance LL2 from the start end 305 to the end 306 of the second label area 362 is calculated as the label length, and this label length LL2 is used as the tape length.

[0086] 9 is longer than the shortest label length (the distance L3 from the full-cut position to the discharge roller position on the conveying path). Therefore, if the cutting method in the second print data for the second label production process is set to full cut, the printer 1 sets the cutting setting for the boundary 305 between the first label area 361 and the second label area 362, which is the end of the first label area 361 and the start of the second label area 362, to full cut in the conveying operation / cutting operation setting process (step S1230). Also, if the setting for whether or not to perform continuous printing in the second print data is set to continuous printing, the printer 1 sets the cutting setting for the end 306 of the second label area 362 to not full cut in the conveying operation / cutting operation setting process (step S1246).

[0087] When the transport operation / cut operation setting process in the second label production process is completed, the printer 1 prints and cuts the print medium 3. First, as shown in FIG. 9B2, the printer 1 forwardly transports the print medium 3 so that the boundary 305 between the first label area 361 and the second label area 362 reaches the full cut position on the transport path. Then, as shown in FIG. 9B3, the printer 1 cuts the print medium 3 with the full cutter 701 (not shown). After cutting, the label 11 including the first label area 361 printed in the previous label production process is discharged from the discharge outlet 103 of the device housing by the discharge rollers 8 (not shown) to the outside of the printer 1.

[0088] After cutting the boundary 305, in order to perform printing within the second label area 362 of the medium to be printed 3 with the boundary 305 as the starting point, as illustrated in (b4) of FIG. 9, the printing apparatus 1 reversely conveys the medium to be printed 3 so that the starting point 305 of the second label area 362 in the medium to be printed 3 reaches the head start reference position. Thereafter, the printing apparatus 1 conveys the medium to be printed 3 forward and performs printing (printing) on the medium to be printed 3 by the thermal head 6. When the printing on the medium to be printed 3 is completed, the printing apparatus 1 stops the conveying operation of the medium to be printed 3 when the end 306 of the second label area 362 reaches the printing position, as illustrated in (b5) of FIG. 9, and ends the second label creation process.

[0089] As described above, in the printing apparatus 1 of the present embodiment, when continuously performing the first label creation process based on the first print data and the second label creation process based on the second print data, the end of the first label area 361 including the printing area where printing was last performed in the first label creation process is not cut, and the first label creation process is ended. Further, in the printing apparatus 1 of the present embodiment, no front margin is provided on the downstream side of the second label area 362 including the printing area where printing is first performed in the continuously performed second label creation process, and the end of the first label area 361 can be made the start of the second label area 362. Therefore, compared with the case where a front margin is provided each time a label creation process based on different print data is performed, the amount of the portion of the medium to be printed 3 that is not used as a label can be reduced.

[0090] FIG. 10 is a diagram for explaining a third specific example of label creation processing performed by a printing apparatus according to an embodiment. In FIGS. 10(c1) to 10(c5), the first label creation processing illustrated in FIG. 8 is used as the previous label creation processing, and another example of the operation of the printing apparatus 1 during the second label creation processing based on the second print data is shown in time series when the setting for whether to continue printing in the first print data for the previous label creation processing is set to continue printing. Note that the second print data and the second label creation processing related to the description with reference to FIG. 10 are different from the second print data and the second label creation processing related to the description with reference to FIG. 9. For example, the second print data related to the description with reference to FIG. 9 is print data for creating a label by printing the character string "file", whereas the second print data related to the description with reference to FIG. 10 is print data for creating a label by printing the character string "A01". The dotted-line bag character string "A01" of the print medium 3 illustrated in FIGS. 10(c1) and 10(c2) is a character string that is printed on the print medium 3 based on the print image in the second print data and represents a character string that has not yet been printed on the print medium 3.

[0091] (c1) in FIG. 10 shows the state of the printing medium 3 in the conveyance path at the time of starting the second label creation process based on the second print data. At this time, the printing medium 3 is stopped in a state where the end 305 of the first label area 361 where printing based on the print image was performed in the first label creation process based on the first print data is at the printing position in the conveyance path. That is, the first label area 361 where printing was performed in the first label creation process remains in the printing apparatus 1 in a state continuous with the portion of the printing medium 3 where printing will be performed in the second label creation process. For this reason, the printing apparatus 1 sets the front margin to be zero in the front margin setting process performed in the second label creation process described with reference to FIG. 10. Therefore, the printing apparatus 1 uses the end 305 of the first label area 361 as the boundary between the first label area 361 and the second label area 362 (in other words, the start 305 of the second label area 362) and performs printing on the printing medium 3 in the second label creation process.

[0092] The second label area 362 illustrated in (c1) of FIG. 10 is an area from the start 305 to a position (end 306) on the downstream side by a distance LL2 from the start 305, and includes a printing area where the character string "A01" is printed (printed) based on the print image in the second print data, a margin area on the upstream side of the printing area, and a margin area on the downstream side of the printing area. That is, in the second label creation process described with reference to FIG. 10, the distance LL2 from the start 305 to the end 306 of the second label area 362 is calculated as the label length, and this label length LL2 is used as the tape length.

[0093] The label length LL2 of the second label area 362 illustrated in FIG. 10 is shorter than the shortest label length (the distance L3 from the full-cut position to the discharge roller position on the conveying path). Therefore, when the cutting method in the second print data for the second label production process described with reference to FIG. 10 is set to full-cut, the printer 1 sets the cut setting for the boundary 305 between the first label area 361 and the second label area 362, which is the end of the first label area 361 and the start of the second label area 362, to not perform full-cut in the conveying / cutting operation setting process (step S1230) (step S1238). Also, when the setting for whether to perform continuous printing in the second print data is set to perform continuous printing, the printer 1 sets the cut setting for the end 306 of the second label area 362 to not perform full-cut in the conveying / cutting operation setting process.

[0094] When the transport operation / cut operation setting process in the second label production process is completed, the printing device 1 prints and cuts the print medium 3. In the second label production process described with reference to FIG. 10, as described above, the cut setting for the boundary 305 between the first label area 361 and the second label area 362 is set so as not to perform a full cut. For this reason, the printing device 1 omits the operation of fully cutting the boundary 305 of the print medium 3, and performs printing in the second label area 362 of the print medium 3 starting from the boundary 305. First, as illustrated in (c2) of FIG. 10, the printing device 1 forwardly transports the print medium 3 so that the starting end 305 of the second label area 362 on the print medium 3 reaches the cue reference position. Thereafter, the printing device 1 continues forward transport of the print medium 3, and performs printing (printing) on ​​the print medium 3 by the thermal head 6.

[0095] In the second print data for the second label production process described with reference to Fig. 10, when the setting for whether to perform continuous printing is set to continuous printing, the cutting setting for the end 362 of the second label area 362 is set to not perform a full cut, as described above. In this case, when printing on the print medium 3 is completed, the printer 1 stops the transport operation of the print medium 3 when the end 306 of the second label area 362 reaches the printing position, as shown in (c3) of Fig. 10, and ends the second label production process.

[0096] In the second label production process described with reference to FIG. 10, the printer 1 determines whether to full-cut the end 306 of the second label area 362 based on whether the sum of the label length of the first label area 361 and the label length of the second label area 362 is less than the shortest label length L3 (steps S1239 to S1241). The sum of the label length of the first label area 361 and the label length of the second label area 362 illustrated in FIG. 10 is longer than the shortest label length L3. Therefore, in the second print data for the second label production process described with reference to FIG. 10, if the setting for whether to perform continuous printing is not set to continuous printing and the setting for the cutting method is set to full cutting, the printer 1 sets the cutting setting for the end 306 of the second label area 362 to full cutting. In this case, when printing on the print medium 3 is completed, the printer 1 forwardly conveys the print medium 3 so that the end 306 of the second label area 362 reaches the full-cut position on the conveyance path, as shown in (c4) of Fig. 10. The printer 1 then cuts the print medium 3 with the full cutter 701 (not shown), as shown in (b5) of Fig. 10. After cutting, the label 12 including the first label area 361 and the second label area 362 is discharged from the discharge port 103 of the device housing to the outside of the printer 1 by the discharge rollers 8 (not shown).

[0097] Thus, in the printing apparatus 1 of the present embodiment, when the first label creation process based on the first print data and the second label creation process based on the second print data are continuously performed, the first label creation process is ended without cutting the end of the first label area 361 including the print area where printing was last performed in the first label creation process. Further, in the printing apparatus 1 of the present embodiment, when the label length LL2 of the second label area 361 including the print area where printing is performed in the second label creation process is less than the shortest label length L3, printing on the second label area 362 is performed without fully cutting the boundary between the first label area 361 and the second label area 362. For this reason, when the setting in the second print data for whether to continue printing is not set to continue printing and the end of the second label area 362 is to be fully cut, a label (a cut piece of the printing medium 3) having a label length less than the shortest label length L3 is generated, and a situation where the label cannot be discharged from the printing apparatus 1 can be prevented. Therefore, it is possible to prevent a label having a label length less than the shortest label length L3 from remaining in the conveyance path of the printing apparatus 1.

[0098] For example, in the second label creation process of performing printing on a second label area 362 where the label length LL is shorter than the shortest label L3, as illustrated in FIG. 10, when the boundary 305 between the first label area 361 and the second label area 362 is fully cut, the end 306 of the second label area 362 is fully cut while the start 305 of the second label area 362 has not reached the discharge roller position. In this case, since the second label area 362 is not sandwiched between the first roller 801 and the second roller 802 of the discharge roller 8, it may not be possible to discharge the second label area 362 from the discharge port 103 by the discharge roller 8 after full cutting. In contrast, in the printing apparatus 1 of the present embodiment, when the label length LL2 of the second label area 362 is less than the shortest label length L3, the boundary between the first label area 361 and the second label area 362 is not fully cut, and the two areas are continuous and made longer than the shortest label length L3. Therefore, in the printing apparatus 1 of the present embodiment, as described above, it is possible to prevent a label (printing medium 3) having a label length less than the shortest label length L3 from remaining in the conveyance path of the printing apparatus 1.

[0099] Also, in the printing apparatus 1 of the present embodiment, a margin area is provided on the downstream side and the upstream side of the printing area where printing is performed based on the print data on the printing medium 3, and the label area as one label is defined as an area including the printing area and the margin area. Therefore, as described above, when the label 12 in which the boundary between the first label area 361 and the second label area 362 is not fully cut is discharged, there is a margin between the printing areas of each label area, and it is easy for the user to perform an operation of cutting the printing medium 3 at the boundary using scissors or the like.

[0100] Note that in the label creation process with reference to FIGS. 8 to 10, the case where the number of printed sheets in one label creation process based on one print data is one is illustrated, but the number of printed sheets in one label creation process may be two or more.

[0101] Further, in the printing apparatus 1 of the present embodiment, as described above, in the front margin setting process, the length of the front margin provided on the downstream side of the label area can be adjusted. In the front margin setting process described above with reference to FIG. 7, when the setting of whether to perform continuous printing in each of the print data for the previous and current label creation processes is not set to continuous printing, based on the label length and tape length of the label created in the current label creation process, the length of the front margin can be adjusted.

[0102] FIG. 11 is a diagram for explaining a first specific example of the front margin setting process performed by a printing apparatus according to an embodiment. FIG. 12 is a diagram for explaining a second specific example of the front margin setting process performed by a printing apparatus according to an embodiment.

[0103] In FIG. 11(d1), an example of the label area 361 and the state of the print medium 3 at the time of full cut when the length LF of the front margin 351 is the initial value (for example, the length L5 illustrated in FIG. 8(a2)) are shown. The label area 361 is an interval from the end 302 of the front margin in the print medium 3 to the position 305 on the upstream side by a distance LL from the end 302, and includes a print area where the character "A" is printed (printed) based on the print data, a margin area on the downstream side of the print area, and a margin area on the upstream side. In such a case, the sum of the label length LL of the label area 361 and the length LF of the front margin is shorter than the shortest label length L3. Therefore, when the end 305 of the label area 361 is cut by a full cutter 701 (not shown), a label (print medium 3) having a label length shorter than the shortest label length L3, including the front margin 351 and the label area 361, may remain between the full cut position and the discharge roller position in the conveyance path.

[0104] On the other hand, in the printing apparatus 1 of the present embodiment, the above-described front margin setting process is performed, and the length of the front margin is adjusted so that the label length of the label (the cut piece of the printing medium 3) cut by the full cutter 701 is equal to or greater than the shortest label length L3. For example, in the printing apparatus 1 of the present embodiment, as shown in (d2) of FIG. 11, the length LFA of the front margin 351 is set such that the sum of the label length LL of the label area 361 and the length of the front margin 351 is longer than the shortest label length L3 by ΔLF. By doing so, the position of the rear end 305 of the label area 361 of the printing medium 3 can be fully cut while the front margin 351 of the printing medium 3 is sandwiched between the first roller 801 and the second roller 802 of the discharge roller 8, and the label including the front margin 351 and the label area 361 after the full cut can be discharged from the discharge port 103.

[0105] Also, for example, when the number of printed sheets in the print data is two, the printing apparatus 1 can continuously perform printing on the first label area 361 and printing on the second label area 362 in one label creation process, as illustrated in (d3) of FIG. 12. In this case, the cut setting at the boundary 305 between the first label area 361 and the second label area 362 is set to not perform a full cut (step S1232f), and the length LFB of the front margin 351 is set such that the sum of the tape length (the sum LL×2 of the label length LL of the first label area 361 and the label length LL of the second label area 362) and the length of the front margin 351 is longer than the shortest label length L3 by ΔLF (step S1232h). By doing so, the position of the rear end 306 of the second label area 362 of the printing medium 3 can be fully cut while the front margin 351 of the printing medium 3 is sandwiched between the first roller 801 and the second roller 802 of the discharge roller 8, and the label including the front margin 351, the first label area 361, and the second label area 362 after the full cut can be discharged from the discharge port 103.

[0106] Also, when the number of printed sheets in the print data is two, as illustrated in (d4) of FIG. 12, printing based on the first print image (the character "A") and printing based on the second print image (the character "B") can be performed once each. Also in such a case, by performing the leading margin setting process as described above, a label including the leading margin 351 after full cutting, the first label area 361, and the second label area 362 can be discharged from the discharge port 103.

[0107] As described above, in the printing apparatus 1 of the present embodiment, when the first print data and the second print data are acquired and the first printing based on the first print data and the second printing based on the second print data are performed, if at least one of the length of the label (a cut piece of the printing medium 3) generated based on the first print data and the length of the label (a cut piece of the printing medium 3) generated based on the second print data is less than the shortest label length, the second printing is performed by setting so that the cut portion 163 (full cutter 701) does not cut between the first print area printed by the first printing and the second print area to be printed by the second printing. For this reason, it is possible to prevent a situation where a label having a label length less than the shortest label length is generated and the label is not discharged from the printing apparatus 1, and to prevent the generated label from remaining in the printing apparatus 1.

[0108] The above-described embodiments are examples shown to facilitate understanding of the invention, and the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments. The printing apparatus, the control method, and the program can be variously modified and changed without departing from the scope of the claims.

[0109] In the above-described embodiment, an example was shown in which the next print data is transmitted from the information processing apparatus 2 to the printing apparatus 1 every time one label creation process is completed. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, a plurality of sets of print data, such as a set of the above-described first print data and second print data, may be transmitted from the information processing apparatus 2 to the printing apparatus 1 as one print data, and the printing apparatus 1 may be caused to continuously (collectively) perform a plurality of label creation processes based on each print data. In other words, one print data transmitted from the information processing apparatus 2 to the printing apparatus 1 may include a plurality of print images, and the print data may be such that the lengths of the labels (cut pieces of the printing medium 3) generated based on each of the plurality of print images are different. Even when labels are created by printing on the printing medium 3 for each print image based on such one print data, by performing the steps S1236 to S1241 illustrated in FIG. 6A, it is possible to prevent a situation where a label is not discharged from the printing apparatus 1 due to the inclusion of a print image whose label length is less than the shortest label length. Further, for example, one print data including a plurality of print images as described with reference to (d4) of FIG. 12 and the print count and cut settings for each print image may be transmitted from the information processing apparatus 2 to the printing apparatus 1, and the printing apparatus 1 may be caused to continuously perform label creation processes for each of the plurality of print images.

[0110] Further, in the case of the printing apparatus 1 provided with the half cutter 702 as described above, for example, although the cut setting based on the print data is set to perform a full cut, the cut setting for the position on the printing medium 3 (for example, the boundary 305 between the first label area 361 and the second label area 362) that is set not to perform a full cut in the conveyance operation / cut operation setting process may be set to perform a half cut by the half cutter 702. By doing so, after the label 12 including the first label area 361 and the second label area 362 is discharged, it is not necessary for the user to perform an operation of separating the first label area 361 and the second label area 362 using scissors or the like.

[0111] Further, the printing apparatus 1 is not limited to performing label creation processing based on print data from the information processing apparatus 2 as described above, and may be capable of performing label creation processing based on print data created using an input device such as a keyboard provided in the apparatus itself.

[0112] Hereinafter, the invention described in the claims of the present application at the time of initial filing will be appended. [Appendix 1] A print data acquisition unit that acquires print data including a print image to be printed on a printing medium; A printing unit that prints on the printing medium; A conveyance unit that conveys the printing medium; A cutting unit that cuts the printing medium; A control unit that controls the operations of the printing unit, the conveyance unit, and the cutting unit; Including The control unit When the print data acquisition unit acquires first print data and second print data, and based on the acquired first print data, causes the conveyance unit to convey the printing medium and causes the printing unit to perform a first print on the printing medium, and based on the acquired second print data, causes the conveyance unit to convey the printing medium and causes the printing unit to perform a second print on the printing medium, Determines whether at least one of the length of the first cut piece of the printing medium generated based on the first print data and the length of the second cut piece of the printing medium generated based on the second print data is less than a predetermined minimum length; When at least one of the length of the first cut piece and the length of the second cut piece is less than the minimum length, it is set so that the cutting unit does not cut between the first print area printed on the printing medium by the first print and the second print area to be printed by the second print; Causes the conveyance unit to convey the printing medium and causes the printing unit to perform the second print on the printing medium; A printing apparatus characterized by the above. [Appendix 2] In the printing apparatus according to Supplementary Note 1, the control unit sets not to cut between the first printing area and the second printing area by the cutting unit when the length of the second cut piece of the medium to be printed is less than the shortest length. A printing apparatus characterized by the above. [Supplementary Note 3] In the printing apparatus according to Supplementary Note 1, the control unit sets not to cut between the first printing area and the second printing area by the cutting unit when the length of the first cut piece of the medium to be printed is less than the shortest length. A printing apparatus characterized by the above. [Supplementary Note 4] In the printing apparatus according to Supplementary Note 1, the first printing data includes information indicating whether to continue printing on the medium to be printed based on the second printing data after printing on the medium to be printed based on the first printing data, the control unit when the information indicating whether to continue printing on the medium to be printed in the first printing data is information indicating continuation, determines whether the length of the second cut piece is less than the shortest length based on the second printing data, and sets not to cut between the first printing area and the second printing area by the cutting unit when the length of the second cut piece is less than the shortest length. A printing apparatus characterized by the above. [Supplementary Note 5] In the printing apparatus according to any one of Supplementary Notes 1 to 4, the second printing data includes information indicating whether to cut the medium to be printed after printing on the medium to be printed based on the second printing data, and information indicating whether to continue printing on the medium to be printed based on the third printing data after printing on the medium to be printed based on the second printing data, the control unit When the information indicating whether to cut the printed medium in the second print data indicates cutting, and the information indicating whether to continue printing on the printed medium indicates continuing, after printing on the printed medium based on the second print data, the operations of the conveying unit and the cutting unit are controlled so as not to cut the printed medium. When the information indicating whether to cut the printed medium in the second print data indicates cutting, and the information indicating whether to continue printing on the printed medium indicates not continuing, after printing on the printed medium based on the second print data, the operations of the conveying unit and the cutting unit are controlled so as to cut the printed medium. A printing apparatus characterized by the above. [Appendix 6] In the printing apparatus according to any one of Appendices 1 to 5, The control unit determines whether the length of the cut piece of the printed medium generated based on the print data is less than the shortest length, and when the length of the cut piece is less than the shortest length, a leading margin having a length that makes the length of the cut piece equal to or greater than the shortest length is provided on the downstream side of the printing area where printing is performed by the printing unit on the printed medium. A printing apparatus characterized by the above. [Appendix 7] In the printing apparatus according to any one of Appendices 1 to 6, The control unit calculates the length of the cut piece based on the length of the printing area where printing is performed by the printing unit on the printed medium and the lengths of the margin areas provided on the downstream side and the upstream side of the printing area. A printing apparatus characterized by the above. [Appendix 8] In the printing apparatus according to any one of Appendices 1 to 7, The cutting unit includes a full cutter that cuts the entire printed medium and a half cutter that cuts a part of the printed medium, The control unit If the second print data includes information indicating that the printed medium is to be cut by the half cutter at a position between the second print area and the first print area, and the length of the second cut piece is less than the shortest length, then it is set to cut between the first print area and the second print area on the printed medium by the half cutter. A printing apparatus characterized by the above. [Appendix 9] In the printing apparatus according to Appendix 1, The control unit, When both the length of the first cut piece and the length of the second cut piece are equal to or greater than the shortest length, without changing the setting of whether to cut between the first print area and the second print area by the cutting unit set based on the first print data and the second print data, the control unit causes the printing unit to perform the first printing according to the first print data and the second printing according to the second print data. A printing apparatus characterized by the above. [Appendix 10] In the printing apparatus according to Appendix 1, The control unit, When the print data acquisition unit acquires the first print data including the first print image and the second print data including the second print image as one print data, and based on the acquired first print image, causes the printing unit to perform the first printing on the printed medium, and based on the acquired second print image, causes the printing unit to perform the second printing on the printed medium, It is determined whether at least one of the length of the first cut piece of the printed medium generated based on the first print image and the length of the second cut piece of the printed medium generated based on the second print image is less than a predetermined shortest length. When at least one of the length of the first cut piece and the length of the second cut piece is less than the shortest length, it is set so as not to cut between the first printed area printed by the first printing on the printed medium and the second printed area to be printed by the second printing, causing the printing unit to perform the second printing on the printed medium, A printing apparatus characterized by the above. [Appendix 11] A printing data acquisition unit that acquires printing data including a printing image to be printed on a printed medium, A printing unit that prints on the printed medium, A conveyance unit that conveys the printed medium, A cutting unit that cuts the printed medium, A control unit that controls the operations of the printing unit, the conveyance unit, and the cutting unit, A control method for a printing apparatus including: When the control unit acquires first printing data and second printing data by the printing data acquisition unit, and based on the acquired first printing data, causes the conveyance unit to convey the printed medium and the printing unit to perform the first printing on the printed medium, and based on the acquired second printing data, causes the conveyance unit to convey the printed medium and the printing unit to perform the second printing on the printed medium, determining whether at least one of the length of the first cut piece of the printed medium generated based on the first printing data and the length of the second cut piece of the printed medium generated based on the second printing data is less than a predetermined shortest length, When at least one of the length of the first cut piece and the length of the second cut piece is less than the shortest length, it is set so as not to cut between the first printed area printed by the first printing on the printed medium and the second printed area to be printed by the second printing, causing the conveyance unit to convey the printed medium and the printing unit to perform the second printing on the printed medium, A control method characterized by the above. [Appendix 12] A printing data acquisition unit that acquires printing data including a printing image to be printed on a printing medium; A printing unit that performs printing on the printing medium; A conveying unit that conveys the printing medium; A cutting unit that cuts the printing medium; A control unit that controls the operations of the printing unit, the conveying unit, and the cutting unit; A program to be executed by the control unit in a printing apparatus including: When the printing data acquisition unit acquires first printing data and second printing data, and based on the acquired first printing data, the conveying unit conveys the printing medium and the printing unit performs a first printing on the printing medium, and based on the acquired second printing data, the conveying unit conveys the printing medium and the printing unit performs a second printing on the printing medium: Determine whether at least one of the length of the first cut piece of the printing medium generated based on the first printing data and the length of the second cut piece of the printing medium generated based on the second printing data is less than a predetermined minimum length; When at least one of the length of the first cut piece and the length of the second cut piece is less than the minimum length, set so that the cutting unit does not cut between the first printing area printed by the first printing on the printing medium and the second printing area to be printed by the second printing; The conveying unit conveys the printing medium and the printing unit performs a second printing on the printing medium; A program characterized by including the process.

Explanation of Signs

[0113] 1 Printing apparatus 101 Container member 102 Lid member 103 Outlet 104 Button 105 Operation lamp 2 Information processing apparatus 201 Touch Panel 3 Printed Medium 4 Tape Roll 5 Platen Roller 6 Thermal Head 7 Cutter 701 Full Cutter 702 Half Cutter 8 Discharge Roller 801,802 Roller 110,210 Control Unit 120,220 Memory Unit 130,230 Input Unit 140,240 Display Unit 150,250 Communication Unit 160 Printing Processing Unit 111 Judgment Unit 112 Setting Unit 161 Conveying Unit 162 Printing Unit 163 Cutting Unit 211 Printing Image Creation Unit 212 Printing Data Creation Unit 351 Front Margin 352,354 Margin Area 353 Printing Area 361,362 Label Area 11,12 Label

Claims

1. a print data acquisition unit that acquires print data including a print image to be printed on a print medium; A printing unit that prints on the print medium; A cutting unit that cuts the print medium; A conveying unit that conveys the print medium; A control unit that controls operations of the printing unit, the cutting unit, and the conveying unit; Including, The control unit is a printing unit that acquires first printing data and second printing data by using the printing data acquisition unit, causes the transport unit to transport the printing medium and the printing unit to perform a first printing on the printing medium based on the acquired first printing data, and causes the transport unit to transport the printing medium and the printing unit to perform a second printing on the printing medium based on the acquired second printing data, and if at least one of a length of a first cut piece of the printing medium derived based on the first printing data and a length of a second cut piece of the printing medium derived based on the second printing data is shorter than a predetermined shortest length, after the first printing based on the first printing data, a second printing based on the second printing data is performed without cutting by the cutting unit. A printing device comprising:

2. 2. The printing device according to claim 1, when both of a length of the first cut piece of the print medium derived based on the first print data and a length of the second cut piece of the print medium derived based on the second print data are equal to or longer than a predetermined shortest length, the control unit performs a first printing based on the first print data, then performs cutting by the cutting unit, and thereafter performs a second printing based on the second print data. A printing device comprising:

3. a print data acquisition unit that acquires print data including a print image to be printed on a print medium; A printing unit that prints on the print medium; A cutting unit that cuts the print medium; A conveying unit that conveys the print medium; A control unit that controls operations of the printing unit, the cutting unit, and the conveying unit; A method for controlling a printing device, comprising: the control unit acquires first print data and second print data for successive printing, causes the transport unit to transport the print medium and the printing unit to perform a first printing on the print medium based on the acquired first print data, and causes the transport unit to transport the print medium and the printing unit to perform a second printing on the print medium based on the acquired second print data, and if at least one of a length of a first cut piece of the print medium derived based on the first print data and a length of a second cut piece of the print medium derived based on the second print data is shorter than a predetermined shortest length, after the first printing based on the first print data is performed, a second printing based on the second print data is performed without cutting by the cutting unit. A control method comprising:

4. a print data acquisition unit that acquires print data including a print image to be printed on a print medium; A printing unit that prints on the print medium; A cutting unit that cuts the print medium; A conveying unit that conveys the print medium; A control unit that controls operations of the printing unit, the cutting unit, and the conveying unit; A program to be executed by the control unit in a printing device, comprising: Acquire first print data and second print data to be printed successively; a second printing unit that performs cutting on the printed medium by causing the conveying unit to convey the printed medium and the printing unit to perform a first printing on the printed medium based on the acquired first print data, and a second printing unit that performs cutting on the printed medium by causing the conveying unit to convey the printed medium and the printing unit to perform a second printing on the printed medium based on the acquired second print data, and if at least one of a length of a first cut piece of the printed medium derived based on the first print data and a length of a second cut piece of the printed medium derived based on the second print data is shorter than a predetermined shortest length, after the first printing based on the first print data is performed, a second printing based on the second print data is performed without cutting by the cutting unit. A program comprising the steps of:

Images