Information processing device, printing system, control method, and program

Abstract

To prevent print quality not intended by a user when data is printed on a printing medium.SOLUTION: An information processing apparatus (2) comprises communication means (224) communicating with at least a printer (1), print data generation means (220c) which generates first print data (6A) being print data which can be transmitted to the printer through the communication means and second print data different from the first print data, and selection means which allows selection between printing in a printable area based on the first print data by the printer and printing in the printing area based on the first print data and the second print data by the printer, in accordance with a magnitude of a parameter for comparison.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 8

Description

Technical Field

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[0003]

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

Background Art

[0002] There is a printing apparatus that performs printing on a printing medium, which controls the printing on the printing medium based on print data generated from an image (print image) to be printed on the printing medium. The print data used in this type of printing apparatus is created by dividing the area within the printable area of the print image on the printing medium into a plurality of dots and determining print control information for each dot. Generally, by increasing the number of dots within the printable area (increasing the resolution), high-definition printing can be performed, but the time required for creating the print data and the printing process based on the print data becomes longer. On the other hand, by reducing the number of dots within the printable area (reducing the resolution), the time required for creating the print data and the printing process based on the print data can be shortened, but the appearance may be impaired.

[0003] As a related technique, there is known a printing control method that creates print data of a plurality of optimal resolutions from image data with a predetermined resolution or unspecified resolution depending on the type of an arbitrary drawing area and the content of the image, and generates a plurality of resolution data by converting pixel data of high resolution to pixel data of low resolution for each area in the created print data (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] Some of the printing devices described above can communicate wirelessly with information processing devices such as personal computers and smartphones, and print on the printing medium based on print data transmitted (transferred) from the information processing device. In this type of printing device, the transfer speed of print data varies depending on the communication status between the wirelessly connected printing device and the information processing device. If the print data transfer speed is low, the waiting time from the start of sending the print data to the completion of printing becomes longer, reducing convenience.

[0006] One way to mitigate the long waiting times caused by slow print data transfer speeds is to generate low-resolution print data in the information processing device and reduce the volume of print data transmitted (transferred) from the information processing device to the printing device.

[0007] However, when generating print data based on a print image, lower resolution results in a larger dot size on the printing medium. Therefore, when low-resolution print data is transmitted from an information processing device to a printing device, it can lead to a decrease in print quality, such as coarse dots and poor appearance, and the information such as characters and graphics printed on the printing medium may not look as intended by the user.

[0008] One aspect of the present invention is to provide a technology that can prevent the print quality from being unintended by the user when printing is performed on a printing medium. [Means for solving the problem]

[0009] An information processing apparatus according to one aspect of the present invention comprises: communication means for communicating with a printing apparatus; print data generation means for generating first print data which is print data that can be transmitted to the printing apparatus via the communication means, and second print data which is different from the first print data; and selection means for allowing the printing apparatus to select, according to the magnitude of a comparison parameter, whether to cause the printing apparatus to print in a printable area based on the first print data, or to cause the printing area to print based on the first print data and the second print data. The comparison parameter is a numerical value based on a comparison between the print control information within a sub-region obtained by dividing the printable area, which is set based on the print image, into multiple sub-regions, and the print control information within the sub-region obtained by interpolating the printable unit region partially formed by the first print data with the first print data itself, and the print control information within the sub-region obtained by interpolating the printable unit region partially formed by the first print data with the second print data. It is characterized by the following. [Effects of the Invention]

[0010] According to the above embodiment, it is possible to prevent the print quality from being unintended by the user when printing is performed on the printing medium. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0011] [Figure 1] This is a diagram showing an example configuration of a printing system according to the first embodiment. [Figure 2] This is a block diagram illustrating an example of the functional configuration of a printing device and an information processing device in a printing system according to the first embodiment. [Figure 3] This figure illustrates an example of a printing method on a printing medium in a printing apparatus according to the first embodiment. [Figure 4] This diagram illustrates a conventional example of print data transmitted from an information processing device to a printing device. [Figure 5] This diagram illustrates a method for transmitting print data from an information processing device to a printing device according to the first embodiment. [Figure 6] This figure illustrates an example of a method for creating print data according to the first embodiment. [Figure 7] This figure illustrates a method for interpolating print control information according to the first embodiment. [Figure 8] This is a flowchart illustrating an example of data transmission processing performed by the information processing device according to the first embodiment. [Figure 9]It is a diagram showing an example of a proposal screen displayed on an information processing apparatus. [Figure 10] It is a flowchart for explaining an example of a printing process performed by a printing apparatus according to the first embodiment. [Figure 11] It is a diagram showing an example of print data in which there is no difference between the case of interpolation with the second print data and the case of interpolation with the first print data itself. [Figure 12] It is a diagram showing an example of print data in which a difference occurs between the case of interpolation with the second print data and the case of interpolation with the first print data itself. [Figure 13] It is a table for explaining an example of a method for transmitting print data according to the second embodiment. [Figure 14] It is a diagram for explaining a specific example of a method for transmitting print data according to the second embodiment. [Figure 15] It is a flowchart for explaining an example of data transmission processing performed by an information processing apparatus according to the second embodiment. [Figure 16] It is a flowchart for explaining an example of a printing process performed by a printing apparatus according to the second embodiment. [Figure 17] It is a diagram for explaining another example of a method for generating print data according to the second embodiment.

Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0012] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In the following description, as an example of a printing apparatus to which the present invention is applicable, a thermal transfer type printing apparatus that heats a printing medium by a thermal head to perform printing on the printing medium is cited. Further, the exemplified printing apparatus is a label printer that can accommodate a roll of a tape-like printing medium in a device housing (main body) and perform printing and cutting on the printing medium fed out from the roll. Furthermore, the exemplified printing apparatus is a printing apparatus that can acquire print data by wireless communication with an external information processing apparatus. In the following description, detailed descriptions of known configurations, functions, operations, etc. in the exemplified printing apparatus are omitted.

[0013] [First Embodiment] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a configuration example of a printing system according to the first embodiment. The printing system illustrated in FIG. 1 includes a printing apparatus 1 and an information processing apparatus 2. The printing apparatus 1 and the information processing apparatus 2 can perform wireless communication according to a known short-range wireless communication standard such as BLE (Bluetooth Low Energy (registered trademark)) or Wi-Fi (registered trademark).

[0014] The printing apparatus 1 has a substantially box-shaped apparatus housing 101 and a lid 102 that is detachably attached to the apparatus housing 101. Inside the space defined by the apparatus housing 101 and the lid 102 attached to the apparatus housing 101, there are accommodated a media roll 4 including a printing medium 3, a conveyance mechanism (not shown) for conveying the printing medium 3, a printing mechanism (not shown) for printing on the printing medium 3, a cutting mechanism (not shown) for cutting the printing medium 3, and the like. An outlet 103 is formed in the apparatus housing 101 through which the printing medium 3 supplied from the media roll 4 accommodated in the space defined by the apparatus housing 101 and the lid 102 can be discharged to the outside of the apparatus. A plurality of operation buttons 104 and a plurality of display lamps 105 are disposed on the outer surface of the apparatus housing 101. The plurality of operation buttons 104 includes, for example, a button for turning on and off the power, a button for switching the wireless communication standard with the information processing apparatus 2, and the like. The plurality of display lamps 105 includes, for example, a lamp indicating the on / off state of the power, a lamp indicating an effective wireless communication standard, a lamp indicating the communication status of the wireless communication (e.g., radio wave intensity), and the like.

[0015] Note that the external configuration of the printing apparatus 1 in the printing system of the present embodiment is not limited to the configuration illustrated in FIG. 1. The printing apparatus 1 may include, for example, a keyboard through which an object (characters, graphics, etc.) to be printed on the printing medium 3 can be input, and a display (e.g., a dot matrix type liquid crystal display) capable of displaying the input object and the like.

[0016] The information processing device 2 illustrated in Figure 1 is a general-purpose computer capable of short-range wireless communication, equipped with a touch panel display 201 such as a smartphone or tablet computer. Users of the information processing device 2 can create a print image of objects (text, graphics, etc.) to be printed on the printing medium 3 by having the information processing device 2 execute an application program corresponding to the printing device 1. Users of the information processing device 2 can also have the information processing device 2 generate print data based on the print image and transmit (transfer) it to the printing device 1. Upon receiving the print data, the printing device 1 performs printing on the printing medium 3 based on the received print data.

[0017] Figure 2 is a block diagram illustrating an example of the functional configuration of a printing device and an information processing device in a printing system according to the first embodiment. Hereinafter, the functions of each block of the printing device 1 will be explained in relation to the hardware configuration of the printing device 1, and the functions of each block of the information processing device 2 will be explained in relation to the hardware configuration of the information processing device 2, with reference to Figure 2.

[0018] The printing device 1 includes a control unit 120, a storage unit 121, an input unit 122, a display unit 123, a communication unit 124, a detection unit 125, a transport unit 126, a printing unit 127, and a cutting unit 128.

[0019] The control unit 120 controls various operations that can be performed by the printing device 1. The control unit 120 is a processor such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit) and executes programs stored in the storage unit 121, such as a program that controls printing to the printing medium 3 based on print data. While the program that controls printing to the printing medium 3 based on print data is being executed, the control unit 120 functions as a determination unit 120a and an expansion unit 120b. The determination unit 120a determines the print data to be used for interpolation in a process that interpolates print data received from the information processing device 2 using a method described later. The expansion unit 120b interpolates the print data based on the determination result of the determination unit 120a and generates (expands) the print data to be used for printing to the printing medium 3. Also, while the program that controls printing to the printing medium 3 based on print data is being executed, the control unit 120 generates control signals to control the operation of the transport unit 126, the printing unit 127, and the cutting unit 128, thereby controlling the operation of each unit.

[0020] The storage unit 121 stores programs executed by the processor acting as the control unit 120, various information referenced during program execution, received print data, and the like. The storage unit 121 includes RAM (Random Access Memory) and ROM (Read Only Memory). The storage unit 121 may also include an auxiliary storage device built into the printing device 1, such as an SSD (Solid State Drive). Furthermore, the storage unit 121 may also include a portable recording medium that can be attached to and detached from the printing device 1, such as a USB (Universal Serial Bus) memory or a card-type memory.

[0021] The input unit 122 receives various types of information for input to the printing device 1. The input unit 122 includes, for example, a plurality of operation buttons 104 as illustrated in Figure 1. The input unit 122 may also include, for example, the keyboard described above. The display unit 123 displays various types of information related to the printing device 1. The display unit 123 includes, for example, a plurality of indicator lamps 105 as illustrated in Figure 1. The display unit 123 may also include, for example, a display such as the dot matrix liquid crystal display described above. Furthermore, the printing device 1 may have a touch panel display in which a position detector (digitizer) as the input unit 122 is arranged on the display area of ​​the display unit 123.

[0022] The communication unit 124 is a communication interface capable of performing wireless communication in accordance with the short-range wireless communication standards such as BLE and Wi-Fi mentioned above. The communication unit 124 may also have a terminal to which a transmission cable such as a USB cable can be connected, and may be capable of wired communication with the information processing device 2 via the transmission cable. The communication unit 124 is an example of a communication means for communicating with the information processing device 2.

[0023] The detection unit 125 detects whether or not a printing medium 3 is set in the printing device 1, and the type (e.g., width) of the printing medium 3 set in the printing device 1. The transport unit 126 transports the printing medium 3 along the transport path based on a control signal from the control unit 120. The printing unit 127 prints on the printing medium 3 based on a control signal from the control unit 120. The cutting unit 128 cuts the printing medium 3 based on a control signal from the control unit 120. In this embodiment, the detection unit 125, transport unit 126, printing unit 127, and cutting unit 128 in the printing device 1 may have the same configuration as those in known similar printing devices.

[0024] Furthermore, some or all of the functions of the control unit 120, storage unit 121, input unit 122, display unit 123, and communication unit 124 of the printing device 1 may be implemented by a general-purpose computer incorporated into the printing device 1, or by a combination of dedicated hardware. For example, some or all of the control unit 120 and storage unit 121 may be implemented by FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array) or ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit), etc.

[0025] The information processing device 2 includes a control unit 220, a storage unit 221, an input unit 222, a display unit 223, and a communication unit 224.

[0026] The control unit 220 controls various operations that can be performed by the information processing device 2. The control unit 220 is, for example, a processor such as a CPU, and executes a program stored in the storage unit 121, such as a printing program that creates a print image to be printed on the print medium 3 and transmits print data generated based on the print image. While the printing program is running, the control unit 220 functions as an editing unit 220a, a comparison unit 220b, and a print data generation unit 220c. The editing unit 220a receives input of an object to be printed on the print medium 3 and creates a print image. The print data generation unit 220c creates print data and header information to be transmitted to the printing device 1 based on the print image created by the editing unit 220a. The print data generation unit 220c generates first print data with a resolution lower than the print resolution determined based on the dimensions of the printable area on the print medium 3 on which the print image is printed and the dimensions of the print control unit area of ​​the printing unit 127, and second print data that interpolates the first print data. The comparison unit 220b compares the case where printing is performed using only the first print data with the case where printing is performed using both the first and second print data. In the information processing device 2 of this embodiment, the comparison unit 220b compares the time required for printing between the case where only the first print data is transmitted and the case where both the first and second print data are transmitted, based on the communication status with the printing device 1, for example. The print data generation unit 220c generates the first print data that can be transmitted to the printing device 1 via the communication means (communication unit 224) and the second 1 This is an example of a print data generation means that generates a second print data that is different from the first print data. The comparison unit 220b is an example of a selection means that allows the printing device 1 to select, according to the magnitude of a comparison parameter, whether to print in the printable area 5 based on the first print data or to print in the printable area 5 based on the first print data and the second print data.

[0027] The storage unit 221 stores programs executed by the processor (control unit 220), various information referenced during program execution, received print data, etc. The storage unit 221 includes RAM and ROM. The storage unit 221 may also include auxiliary storage devices built into the information processing device 2, such as SSDs or HDDs (Hard Disk Drives). The storage unit 221 may also include portable recording media that can be attached to and detached from the information processing device 2, such as USB memory or card-type memory.

[0028] The input unit 222 accepts various types of information for input to the information processing device 2. The display unit 223 displays various types of information, such as information related to the information processing device 2. The input unit 222 and the display unit 223 may be provided in the information processing device 2 as the touch panel display 201 described above, with reference to Figure 1. The input unit 222 may, for example, include one or more of the following in addition to, the position detector (digitizer): a keyboard, a mouse, and other operation buttons.

[0029] The communication unit 224 is a communication interface capable of performing wireless communication in accordance with the short-range wireless communication standards such as BLE and Wi-Fi described above. The communication unit 224 may have a terminal to which a transmission cable such as a USB cable can be connected, and may be capable of wired communication with the printing device 1 via the transmission cable. The communication unit 224 is at least one example of a communication means for communicating with the printing device 1. The communication unit 224 may also include a communication control means that controls the transmission of various information, such as the first print data, to the printing device 1. The communication control means may be included in the control unit 220 described above.

[0030] Note that some or all of the functions of the control unit 220, the storage unit 221, the input unit 222, the display unit 223, and the communication unit 224 of the information processing apparatus 2 may be realized by a general-purpose computer as the information processing apparatus 2, or may be realized by a combination of dedicated hardware. Further, the function of the control unit 220 of the information processing apparatus 2 may be realized by a plurality of processors (for example, a combination of a CPU and a DSP (Digital Signal Processor)). Further, the general-purpose computer as the information processing apparatus 2 is not limited to the above-described smartphone or tablet computer, and may be a desktop computer, a notebook (laptop) computer, or the like.

[0031] FIG. 3 is a diagram for explaining an example of a printing method on a printing medium in the printing apparatus according to the first embodiment. FIG. 3 shows an example of printing the character string "Middle 1" within the printable area 5 of the printing medium 3.

[0032] Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, the user of the information processing apparatus 2 described above can operate the information processing apparatus 2 that executes the application program to create a print image including the character string "Middle 1" to be printed on the printing medium 3. Further, the user of the information processing apparatus 2 can cause the information processing apparatus 2 to generate print data for printing the created print image on the printing medium 3, and transmit (transfer) the print data from the information processing apparatus 2 to the printing apparatus 1.

[0033] The information processing device 2 divides the printable area 5 of the printable medium 3, which is set based on the print image, into multiple print control unit areas, and generates print data including print control information for each print control unit area. Referring to Figures 1 and 2, the printing device 1 described above treats multiple print control unit areas (print dots) arranged in a two-dimensional matrix within the printable area 5, arranged in a direction perpendicular to the transport direction during printing (first direction) (second direction), as one printable unit area (print line), and sequentially performs printing on each printable unit area. When the transport direction of the printable medium 3 is to the left, as illustrated in Figure 3, printing starts from the printable unit area (print line) 501 located at the left end of the printable area 5, and printing is performed sequentially on the printable unit areas 502, 503, ... located to the right.

[0034] The printing device 1 has a thermal head with multiple heating elements arranged in a second direction, and controls the application of current to each heating element based on the printing control information of the printing control unit area corresponding to each heating element. When the printing medium 3 has a heat-sensitive material layer, only the printable unit areas that face the heating element heated by the application of current, among the multiple printing control unit areas within the printable unit area, will develop color or change color. In the example shown in Figure 3, the application of current to each heating element of the thermal head is controlled so that only the printing control unit area where the black circle is placed develops color or changes color. That is, the information processing device 2 generates print data including the printing control information of each printing control unit area within the printable area 5 and transmits it to the printing device 1. The printing control information is represented, for example, by a 1-bit value, where a value of 1 indicates printing and a value of 0 indicates not to print. In this specification, printing a print control unit area means providing a printing material layer such as ink or toner on the print medium 3 to represent objects (e.g., characters or figures) included in the print image, or causing the thermal material layer of the print medium 3 to develop color or change color.

[0035] Figure 4 illustrates a conventional example of print data transmitted from an information processing device to a printing device. Figure 4 shows a conventional example of a method for generating the printable area 5 and the corresponding print data 6 as illustrated in Figure 3.

[0036] In the conventional method of generating print data 6 in the information processing device 2, as illustrated in Figure 4, print data 6 is created for each printable unit area (print line) by combining the print control information of eight consecutive print control unit areas into a single set (1 byte of data). For example, the first byte of print data 6, data 601a, contains the print control information of eight consecutive print control unit areas 501a in the upper half of the printable unit area 501, which contains 16 print control unit areas. The next byte of print data 6, data 601b, contains the print control information of eight consecutive print control unit areas 501b in the lower half of the printable unit area 501. In this way, the conventional information processing device 2 generates print data 6 containing the print control information of all print control unit areas within the printable area 5 and transmits (transfers) it to the printing device 1.

[0037] The time required to transfer the print data 6 from the information processing device 2 to the printing device 1 via wireless communication (transfer time) depends on the communication conditions between the information processing device 2 and the printing device 1 (e.g., radio wave strength). In other words, if the wireless communication conditions between the information processing device 2 and the printing device 1 are poor, the transfer time of the print data 6 will increase, and the waiting time from the start of transmission of the print data 6 until printing on the printing medium 3 is completed will also increase.

[0038] One way to suppress the long transfer time of print data 6 is to compress the print data 6 generated by the information processing device 2 and transfer it to the printing device 1. However, in this method, in order for the printing device 1 to decompress (restore) the compressed print data 6, a decompression program must be stored in the storage unit 121 of the printing device 1. This necessitates increasing the storage capacity of the storage unit 121 of the printing device 1, which leads to an increase in the manufacturing cost of the printing device 1.

[0039] Also, when generating low-resolution print data as in Patent Document 1 described above, the size of one dot (print control unit area) on the print medium becomes large. Therefore, when transmitting low-resolution print data from the information processing apparatus 2 to the printing apparatus 1, the information such as characters and graphics printed on the print medium 3 may not look as intended by the user, or the dots may be rough and the appearance may not be good, resulting in a deterioration in print quality.

[0040] FIG. 5 is a diagram for explaining a method of transmitting print data from an information processing apparatus according to the first embodiment to a printing apparatus. FIG. 6 is a diagram for explaining an example of a method of creating print data according to the first embodiment. Although omitted in FIG. 5, the printable area 5 in FIG. 5 is an area where printing of a print image including the string "Middle 1" is performed, similar to the printable area 5 illustrated in FIG. 3.

[0041] In the printing system of the present embodiment, when generating print data 6 in the information processing apparatus 2, as illustrated in FIGS. 5 and 6, the print control unit areas within the printable area 5 are divided into a first group G1 and a second group G2 and generated for each group. Specifically, for each printable unit area (print line) of the printable area 5, the print control unit areas are grouped into areas included in the first group G1 and areas included in the second group G2 such that adjacent print control unit areas are not included in the same group. In the examples of FIGS. 5 and 6, of the 16 print control unit areas in each printable unit area, the print control unit areas with odd numbers from the top are included in the first group, and the print control unit areas with even numbers from the top are included in the second group.

[0042] In other words, as shown in Figure 6, the information processing device 2 of this embodiment generates first print data 6A indicating print control information for print control unit areas included in the first group G1 in each printable unit area, and second print data 6B indicating print control information for print control unit areas included in the second group G2, and transmits them to the printing device 1. The printable unit areas illustrated in Figures 5 and 6 include 16 print control unit areas. Therefore, the one-byte data 611, 612, 613, ... in the first print data 6A each indicates the print control information for the odd-numbered print control unit areas (print dots) from the top in one printable unit area 501, 502, 503, .... Also, the one-byte data 621, 622, 623, ... in the second print data 6B each indicates the print control information for the even-numbered print control unit areas (print dots) from the top in one printable unit area 501, 502, 503, .... Note that the number of print control unit areas included in a single printable unit area is not limited to 16; it may be any other number.

[0043] The information processing device 2 of this embodiment generates the first print data 6A and the second print data 6B described above, and then, depending on the communication status between the information processing device 2 and the printing device 1, can determine whether to transmit only the first print data 6A or both the first print data 6A and the second print data 6B. For example, if the communication status between the information processing device 2 and the printing device 1 is good, such as when the radio wave strength of wireless communication is strong, both the first print data 6A and the second print data 6B are transmitted to the printing device 1. In this case, the printing device 1 can generate (restore) print data corresponding to the printable area 5 in Figure 5 (in other words, corresponding to the print data 6 in Figure 4) by interpolating the first print data 6A with the second print data 6B.

[0044] On the other hand, if the communication conditions between the information processing device 2 and the printing device 1 are poor, for example, when the radio wave strength of the wireless communication is weak, the information processing device 2 of this embodiment first transmits only the first print data 6A to the printing device 1. After that, the information processing device 2 of this embodiment determines, for example, whether or not to transmit the second print data 6B in accordance with the user's selection (instruction). If the second print data 6B is transmitted, the printing device 1 can generate print data corresponding to the printable area 5 in Figure 5 by interpolating the first print data 6A with the second print data 6B, as described above.

[0045] If the user chooses not to send the second print data 6B, for example, the information processing device 2 instructs the printing device 1 to print on the printable medium 3 based on the first print data 6A. In this case, the printing device 1 generates print data indicating the print control information for each print control unit area within the printable area 5 in Figure 5 by interpolating the first print data 6A with the first print data 6A itself.

[0046] Figure 7 illustrates a method for interpolating print control information according to the first embodiment. Figure 7 shows an example of interpolating one byte of data 611 in the first print data 6A corresponding to one printable unit area (print line) 501.

[0047] When generating the first print data 6A, the information processing device 2 extracts print control information from the odd-numbered areas from the top of the 16 print control unit areas of a single printable unit area (print line) 501 to form 1 byte of data 611. In this way, the information processing device 2 generates the first print data 6A by thinning out the print control unit areas (print dots) within the print line and transmits it to the printing device 1, thereby reducing the amount of data to be transmitted.

[0048] However, the print control information for the printable unit area (print line) 501 in the first print data 6A is missing print control information for the even-numbered print control unit areas from the top of the second group G2. To compensate for this missing print control information, the printing device 1 duplicates each print control information in the 1-byte data 611 as print control information for the adjacent print control unit areas downwards. As a result, the printing device 1 generates print control information for each print control unit area in the printable unit area 501', which contains 16 print control unit areas corresponding to the printable unit area 501. Thus, when only the first print data 6A is sent to the printing device 1 to print on the printing medium 3, the printing device 1 duplicates the print control information of the print control unit area (print dot) of the first print data 6A itself and interpolates the decimated print dots in the information processing device 2.

[0049] Thus, in the printing system of this embodiment, it is possible to switch between transmitting only the first print data 6A, which is generated by decimating the print control information of the print control unit area within the printable unit area, to the printing device 1, and transmitting both the first print data 6A and the second print data 6B, which includes the print control information that has been decimated in the first print data 6A, to the printing device 1, depending on the wireless communication status between the information processing device 2 and the printing device 1 and the user's selection. For this reason, for example, if the appearance of the objects (e.g., characters, figures, etc.) expressed on the printing medium 3 when the first print data 6A itself interpolates the first print data 6A and prints it on the printing medium 3 is within the user's acceptable range, the printing device 1 can be made to print on the printing medium 3 without transmitting the second print data 6B. Therefore, it is possible to suppress long waiting times without drastically degrading the print quality. On the other hand, for example, if the appearance of objects (e.g., characters, shapes, etc.) expressed on the print medium 3 when the first print data 6A itself is interpolated and printed, may exceed the user's acceptable range, then priority can be given to sending an additional second print data 6B to suppress deterioration of print quality.

[0050] Figure 8 is a flowchart illustrating an example of data transmission processing performed by the information processing device according to the first embodiment. The flowchart illustrated in Figure 8 includes the example of the print data creation method described above with reference to Figures 5 and 6, and the corresponding print data creation process. When a user of the information processing device 2 performs an operation to send a print image created (edited) by the information processing device 2 to the printing device 1, the information processing device 2 starts the data transmission processing illustrated in the flowchart illustrated in Figure 8.

[0051] The information processing device 2 first generates a first print data 6A obtained by thinning out print dots in the print line direction, and a second print data 6B obtained from the thinned-out print dots (step S1). The processing in step S1 is performed by the control unit 220 of the information processing device 2 (more specifically, the print data generation unit 220c). As described above with reference to Figures 3, 5, and 6, the control unit 220 groups the multiple print control unit areas (print dots) contained within each printable unit area (print line) 501, 502, 503, ... within the printable area 5 set on the printable medium 3 based on the print image into a first group G1 and a second group G2 such that adjacent print dots in the print line direction belong to different groups, and generates a first print data 6A containing print control information for the print dots of the first group G1, and a second print data 6B containing print control information for the print dots of the second group G2.

[0052] After processing in step S1, the information processing device 2 establishes a wireless connection with the printing device 1 (step S2) and derives the communication status between the information processing device 2 and the printing device 1 (step S3). Subsequently, the information processing device 2 determines, based on the derived communication status, whether or not to propose to the user printing using only the first print data 6A (step S4). The processing in steps S2 to S4 is performed, for example, by the control unit 220 of the information processing device 2. Steps S2 and S3 can be known processes performed between the information processing device 2 and the printing device 1. In step S3, the control unit 220 of the information processing device 2 performs, for example, the acquisition of the radio wave strength of the wireless connection and the data transfer rate. Radio wave strength and data transfer rate (time) are examples of comparison parameters. In step S4, the control unit 220 of the information processing device 2 determines, for example, that if the radio wave strength derived in step S3 is below a threshold, it proposes to propose printing using only the first print data 6A. In step S4, the control unit 220 of the information processing device 2 may determine, for example, that it proposes printing using only the first print data if the transfer time required to transfer both the first print data 6A and the second print data 6B, which is derived based on the data transfer rate, is greater than or equal to a threshold. The processing in steps S2 to S4 is not limited to after step S1; at least some of the processing may be performed in parallel with step S1, or before step S1.

[0053] Next, the information processing device 2 determines whether or not to propose in step S4 (step S5). If it determines not to propose (step S5; NO), the information processing device 2 transmits the first print data 6A and the second print data 6B to the printing device 1 (step S6). Once the transmission of the first print data 6A and the second print data 6B is complete, the information processing device 2 transmits a transmission completion notification to the printing device 1 (step S11) and terminates the data transmission process. The printing device 1, having received the first print data 6A, the second print data 6B, and the transmission completion notification, performs printing on the printing medium 3 by a printing process described later, for example, with reference to Figure 10.

[0054] On the other hand, if it is determined in step S4 to make a proposal (step S5; YES), the information processing device 2 displays the proposal screen on the display unit 223 (step S7) and sends the first print data 6A to the printing device 1 (step S8). The processing in step S8 may be started not only after step S7, but also in parallel (simultaneously) with step S7, or before step S7. The proposal screen displayed on the display unit 223 in step S7 may include, for example, a message notifying that the data transfer time will be longer if the second print data is also sent, and a selection button to select whether or not to send the second print data. In addition to the above message and selection button, the proposal screen may also present, for example, an image of the print result when printing using only the first print data, and an image of the print result when printing using both the first and second print data.

[0055] After displaying the proposal screen on the display unit 223, the information processing device 2 determines whether the user has agreed to the proposal (step S9). The information processing device 2 makes the determination in step S9 based on the user's operation on the selection buttons for agreeing or disagreeing (for example, the selection button for deciding whether or not to send the second print data described above) included in the display screen shown on the display unit 223. Alternatively, the information processing device 2 may determine that the user has not agreed to the proposal if, for example, no operation indicating agreement is made within a predetermined time elapsed from the time the proposal screen was displayed on the display unit 223.

[0056] If the user determines that they agree to the proposal (Step S9; YES), the information processing device 2 sends a transmission completion notification to the printing device 1 indicating that only the first print data 6A has been sent (Step S11), and terminates the data transfer process. If the user determines that they do not agree to the proposal (Step S9; NO), the information processing device 2 sends the second print data 6B to the printing device 1 (Step S10). Subsequently, the information processing device 2 sends a transmission completion notification to the printing device 1 indicating that both the first print data 6A and the second print data 6B have been sent (Step S11), and terminates the data transfer process.

[0057] As described above, when the information processing apparatus 2 according to the present embodiment determines that the time required for printing becomes long when both the first print data 6A and the second print data 6B are transmitted as print data to be transmitted to the printing apparatus 1, a proposal screen for proposing printing using only the first print data 6A to the user is displayed.

[0058] FIG. 9 is a diagram showing an example of a proposal screen displayed on the information processing apparatus. FIG. 9 illustrates a part of the proposal screen displayed on the information processing apparatus 2 including a touch panel display 201.

[0059] The proposal screen illustrated in FIG. 9 includes an image 211 of a first print result and an image 212 of a second print result arranged side by side in the left - right direction. The image 211 of the first print result represents a print result when printing is performed using both the first print data 6A and the second print data 6B generated when printing the character string "Middle 1" illustrated in FIG. 3 on the printing medium 3. The image 212 of the second print result represents a print result when printing is performed using only the first print data 6A generated when printing the character string "Middle 1" illustrated in FIG. 3 on the printing medium 3.

[0060] Above the image 211 of the first print result and the image 212 of the second print result, a message notifying that the waiting time until printing is completed becomes long when both the first print data 6A and the second print data 6B are transmitted to the printing apparatus 1, and a message prompting the selection of a printing method are displayed. The selection of the printing method is made by pressing either the first selection button 213 arranged below the image 211 of the first print result or the second selection button 214 arranged below the image 212 of the second print result.

[0061] On the first selection button 213, information indicating that high-resolution printing (i.e., printing using the first print data 6A and the second print data 6B) will be performed when the first selection button 213 is pressed is displayed. On the second selection button 214, information indicating that low-resolution printing (i.e., printing using only the first print data 6A) will be performed when the second selection button 214 is pressed is displayed. Also, below the first selection button 213 and below the second selection button 214, the merits and demerits of each printing are displayed.

[0062] A user who has seen the proposed screen (the display screen of the touch panel display 201) illustrated in FIG. 9 can, for example, compare the image 211 of the first print result and the image 212 of the second print result to determine whether the print quality of the character string "Junior High School 1" printed at low resolution is within the allowable range. For example, the user can compare the upper end portions 211a and 212a of the digit "1" in each of the two images 211 and 212 to determine whether the print quality in the image 212 of the second print result is within the allowable range. Then, if it is within the allowable range and the user presses the second selection button 214, the information processing apparatus 2 transmits only the first print data 6A to the printing apparatus 1. On the other hand, if it is not within the allowable range and the user presses the first selection button 213, the information processing apparatus 2 transmits the first print data and the second print data to the printing apparatus 1.

[0063] Note that the proposed screen illustrated in FIG. 9 is merely an example of a screen for proposing printing using only the first print data 6A. The proposed screen displayed on the information processing apparatus 2 may display time information that is useful for reference to the waiting time until printing is completed, such as a predicted value of the transfer time required for transferring the print data derived based on the communication status (e.g., data transfer speed) between the information processing apparatus 2 and the printing apparatus 1. In this case, the user can determine whether to print at high resolution or low resolution based on the displayed time information (waiting time) and the image of the print result when printing using only the first print data.

[0064] Referring to Figures 8 and 9, the information processing device 2 performs the processing described above, and the printing device 1, upon receiving the first print data 6A and a transmission completion notification, or the first print data 6A, the second print data 6B, and a transmission completion notification, prints onto the print medium 3 by a printing process following the flowchart illustrated in Figure 10, for example.

[0065] Figure 10 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a printing process performed by a printing apparatus according to the first embodiment.

[0066] When the printing device 1 receives a transmission completion notification from the information processing device 2, it determines, for example, whether or not it has received the second print data 6B associated with the transmission completion notification (step S12). The determination in step S12 is performed by the control unit 120 of the printing device 1 (more specifically, the determination unit 120a). If the second print data 6B is received (step S12; YES), the printing device 1 generates print data by interpolating the first print data 6A with the second print data 6B (step S13), and prints on the print medium 3 based on the generated print data (step S15). The processing in step S13 is performed by the control unit 120 of the printing device 1 (more specifically, the expansion unit 120b). In step S13, the control unit 120 generates (expands) print data by interpolating the print control information of the first print data 6A with the print control information of the second print data 6B for each printable unit area (print line) in the first print data 6A. The control unit 120 of the printing device 1 may, for example, pipeline the interpolation process for each printable unit area (print line) and the printing process for the printable medium 3 based on the interpolated print control information of the printable unit area, instead of performing the printing in step S15 after interpolating for all printable unit areas (print lines) in step S13. In other words, the printing device 1 may perform in parallel, for each printable unit area (print line), the process of generating (expanding) printable unit areas (print lines) by interpolating the print control information of the first print data 6A with the print control information of the second print data 6B, and the process of printing on the printable medium 3 based on the generated printable unit areas (print lines).

[0067] In contrast, if the second print data 6B has not been received (step S12; NO), the printing device 1 generates print data by interpolating the first print data 6A with the first print data 6A itself (step S14), and prints on the printing medium 3 based on the generated print data (step S15). The processing in step S14 is performed by the control unit 120 (more specifically, the unfolding unit 120b) of the printing device 1. In step S14, for each printable unit area (print line) in the first print data 6A, the control unit 120 generates (unfolds) print data by interpolating the print control information of the first print data 6A with the print control information of the first print data 6A, in accordance with the method described above with reference to Figure 7. The control unit 120 of the printing device 1 may, for example, pipeline the process of interpolating print control information for each printable unit area (print line) and the process of printing on the print medium 3 based on the interpolated print control information of the printable unit area, instead of performing the printing in step S15 after interpolating for all printable unit areas (print lines) in step S14. In other words, the printing device 1 may perform in parallel for each printable unit area (print line) the process of generating (expanding) printable unit areas (print lines) by interpolating the print control information of the first print data 6A with the print control information of the first print data 6A, and the process of printing on the print medium 3 based on the generated printable unit areas (print lines). The control unit 120 of the printing apparatus 1 described above is an example of a control means that controls whether to print on the printable area 5 of the printing medium 3 based on the first print data, or to print on the printable area 5 based on the first print data and the second print data, according to the selection result by the selection means (for example, the comparison unit 220b) of the information processing apparatus 2.

[0068] In the printing system of this embodiment described above with reference to Figures 5 to 10, it is possible to switch between transmitting only the first print data 6A, which is generated by decimating the print control information of the print control unit area (print dot) within the printable unit area (print line), to the printing device 1, and transmitting both the first print data 6A and the second print data 6B, which includes the print control information that has been decimated in the first print data 6A, to the printing device 1, depending on the wireless communication status between the information processing device 2 and the printing device 1 and the user's selection. For example, if the appearance of the objects (e.g., characters, figures, etc.) expressed on the printing medium 3 when the first print data 6A itself interpolates the first print data 6A and prints it on the printing medium 3 is within the user's acceptable range, the printing device 1 can be made to print on the printing medium 3 without transmitting the second print data 6B. Therefore, it is possible to suppress the waiting time until printing is completed while keeping the print quality within a range where the print quality does not deteriorate drastically (i.e., print quality within the user's acceptable range). On the other hand, for example, if the appearance of objects (e.g., characters, shapes, etc.) expressed on the print medium 3 when the first print data 6A itself is interpolated and printed, may exceed the user's acceptable range, then priority can be given to sending an additional second print data 6B to suppress deterioration of print quality.

[0069] Furthermore, the interpolation of print control information into the first print data 6A performed by the printing device 1 differs only in the print data used for interpolation into the first print data 6A depending on whether only the first print data 6A is received or whether both the first print data 6A and the second print data 6B are received. In addition, since the print control information in the first print data 6A is created by decimating adjacent print control unit areas in the print line direction, interpolation can be performed with a simple process that does not require a special program, compared to decompressing (restoring) compressed print data. As a result, it is possible to suppress the increase in manufacturing costs of the printing device 1 caused by increasing the capacity of the storage unit 121 of the printing device 1.

[0070] [Second Embodiment] In this embodiment, an alternative method for generating second print data used for interpolating the first print data 6A is described. The printing system according to this embodiment includes, for example, a printing device 1 and an information processing device 2, as described with reference to Figures 1 and 2 in the first embodiment.

[0071] In the first embodiment described above, the deficiencies in print control information in each printable unit area (print line) of the first print data 6A are interpolated using either the print control information of the second print data 6B or the print control information of the first print data 6A itself. Therefore, when the first print data 6A is interpolated using the first print data 6A itself, some of the multiple objects (characters and shapes) included in the print image may not look as intended by the user, or may not look good. For example, in the interpolation method described above with reference to Figure 7, the print control information of the second print-controlled area from the top of the printable unit area 501' is interpolated with the print control information D1 of the first print-controlled area from the top. In this case, the interpolated print control information D1 may be the same value as the print control information D2 of the second print-controlled area from the top in the original printable unit area 501, or it may be a different value. If the values ​​are different, the combination of print-controlled areas printed in the interpolated printable unit area 501' will differ from the combination of print-controlled areas printed in the original printable unit area 501. For example, if the difference in the combination of print-controlled areas printed in a sub-region representing a single object within printable area 5 becomes large, the appearance may not be as intended by the user, or it may look unattractive.

[0072] FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an example of print data in which there is no difference between the case of interpolation with the second print data and the case of interpolation with the first print data itself. FIG. 12 is a diagram showing an example of print data in which a difference occurs between the case of interpolation with the second print data and the case of interpolation with the first print data itself. The definitions of printable unit areas (print lines) and print control unit areas (print dots) in FIGS. 11 and 12 are the same as the definitions described above with reference to FIGS. 3 and 5.

[0073] FIG. 11 shows a partial area 5A representing the character "middle" within the printable area 5 set based on the print image, and a partial area 5A' obtained by interpolating the first print data generated from the partial area 5A with the first print data itself. When generating the first print data from the partial area 5A, for example, for each printable unit area (print line), the print control information of the odd-numbered print control unit areas (print dots) starting from the upper end of the first group G1 is extracted and generated.

[0074] The printing apparatus 1 that has received only the first print data of the generated partial area 5A interpolates the print control information of the first print data itself with the print control information of the first print data to restore the print data of the partial area 5A' corresponding to the partial area 5A. In the partial area 5A illustrated in FIG. 11, the print control information of the odd-numbered print control unit areas from the top is the same as the print control information of the even-numbered print control unit areas adjacent below. Therefore, the combination of print control unit areas printed in the partial area 5A' obtained by interpolating the first print data with the first print data itself is the same as the combination of print control unit areas printed in the original partial area 5A. In such a case, there is no significant difference in the appearance of the character "middle" when printing on the printed medium 3 by transmitting only the first print data and when printing on the printed medium 3 by transmitting both the first print data and the second print data.

[0075] Figure 12 shows a sub-region 5B representing the string "2" within the printable area 5, which is set based on the print image, and a sub-region 5B' obtained by interpolating the first print data generated from sub-region 5B with the first print data itself. When generating the first print data from sub-region 5B, for example, the print control information of the odd-numbered print control unit regions (print dots) from the top edge, which are the first group G1, is extracted and generated for each printable unit region (print line).

[0076] The printing device 1, having received only the first print data of the generated sub-region 5B, interpolates the print control information of the first print data itself into the print control information of the first print data to reconstruct the print data of sub-region 5B and the corresponding sub-region 5B'. In the sub-region 5B illustrated in Figure 12, some of the print control information of the odd-numbered print control unit regions from the top differs from the print control information of the adjacent even-numbered print control unit regions below. Therefore, the combination of print control unit regions printed in sub-region 5B', where the first print data has been interpolated with the first print data itself, will be a different combination from the combination of print control unit regions printed in the original sub-region 5B. In sub-region 5B' in Figure 12, the print control unit regions with black circles indicate regions that will also be printed in the original sub-region 5B. In sub-region 5B' in Figure 12, the print control unit regions with white circles indicate regions that will not be printed in the original sub-region 5B, but will be printed in the interpolated sub-region 5B'. In subregion 5B' of Figure 12, the print control unit region where "×" is placed is an area that indicates to be printed in the original subregion 5B, but an area that indicates not to be printed in the interpolated subregion 5B'. That is, when printing subregion 5B' using only the first print data extracted from subregion 5B of Figure 12, only the print control unit regions where black circles and white circles are placed will be printed (for example, changed to black), and the plain areas and print control unit regions where "×" is placed will not be printed.

[0077] Thus, the appearance of the character "2" when only the first print data is sent and printed on the print medium 3 will differ from the appearance of the character "2" when both the first and second print data are sent and printed on the print medium 3. Whether or not this difference in appearance is acceptable will vary from user to user.

[0078] Furthermore, when printing to the printing medium 3 based on a print image, a single print image may include objects that produce the same or substantially the same print result regardless of whether or not the second print data, as explained with reference to Figure 11, is used, and objects whose print result changes depending on whether or not the second print data, as explained with reference to Figure 12, is used. For this reason, the printing system of this embodiment divides the printable area 5 into multiple blocks in the printing transport direction (first direction), and for each block, the user can determine whether or not to send the second print data to the printing device 1 based on the difference (e.g., difference ratio) between the print result when the second print data is not used and the print result when the second print data is used. One block within the printable area 5 may be, for example, one sub-area 5A, 5B representing one character (object), as explained with reference to Figures 11 and 12. Accordingly, the comparison unit 220b (see Figure 2) in the information processing device 2 according to this embodiment presents the user with a comparison result between the print result using only the first print data and the print result using both the first and second print data. Based on the comparison result, the user can select, for each block, whether to send only the first print data to the printing device 1 or to send both the first and second print data to the printing device 1. As described above, the magnitude of the comparison parameter in this embodiment may be the difference (e.g., the difference ratio) between the print result when the second print data is not used and the print result when the second print data is used.

[0079] Figure 13 is a table illustrating an example of a method for transmitting print data according to the second embodiment. Figure 14 is a diagram illustrating a specific example of a method for transmitting print data according to the second embodiment.

[0080] The difference ratio DD in Table 7 of Figure 13 is, for example, the ratio (DD = N / M) of the number of print control unit areas in one block when the printable area 5 is divided into multiple blocks (e.g., partial areas 5A, 5B, etc.) in the print transport direction (first direction) to the number of print control unit areas N in each block, where the print control information obtained when the first print data is interpolated by the first print data is different from the print control unit area obtained when the second print data is interpolated. The difference ratio DD is not limited to a value derived by a specific method. Note that the number N of different print control unit areas (difference ratio DD) is just one example of a comparison parameter.

[0081] In Table 7, print resolution represents the relationship between the number of print control unit areas within a block and the number of print control information units included in the print data. Normal resolution is when the number of print control information units in the print data is equal to the number of print control unit areas within a block; in other words, one print control information unit corresponds to one print control unit area. Low resolution is when the number of print control information units in the print data is less than the number of print control unit areas within a block; in other words, one print control information unit corresponds to two adjacent print control unit areas. Note that low resolution only results in a lower apparent print resolution; the actual print resolution (number of print control unit areas) remains the same as normal resolution.

[0082] For blocks where the difference division ratio DD is smaller than the threshold TH, there is no or very little visible difference between the object printed by interpolating the first print data with the first print data itself and the object printed by interpolating the first print data with the second print data. Therefore, the information processing apparatus 2 proposes to the user that for blocks where DD < TH, it is determined that printing at a low resolution has little impact on the print quality, and only the first print data is transmitted to the printing apparatus 1 as the print data for that block. The threshold TH for comparison with the difference division ratio DD is not limited to a specific value. The threshold TH may be set for each font, for example, or may be set for each object (for example, for each character and each graphic).

[0083] For blocks where the difference division ratio DD is greater than or equal to the threshold TH, there is a large visible difference between the object printed by interpolating the first print data with the first print data itself and the object printed by interpolating the first print data with the second print data. Therefore, the information processing apparatus 2 proposes to the user that for blocks where TH ≦ DD, it is determined that printing at a low resolution has a large impact on the print quality (that is, it should be printed at the normal resolution), and the first print data and the second print data are transmitted to the printing apparatus 1 as the print data for that block.

[0084] Figure 14(a) illustrates the printable area 5 set on the printable medium 3 based on a print image including the string "intermediate quadratic". The definitions of the printable unit area (print line) and the print control unit area (print dot) in the printable area 5 of Figure 14(a) are the same as the definitions described above by referring to Figures 3, 5, and 6, respectively.

[0085] In the string of characters exemplified in Figure 14(a), the first part, "intermediate," has a very high proportion of straight lines extending in the direction of transport during printing and straight lines extending in the direction of the printing line (perpendicular to the direction of transport during printing). As mentioned above with reference to Figure 11, such characters often show little visual difference when printed by interpolating the first print data with the first print data itself, and when printed by interpolating the first print data with the second print data. Therefore, the information processing device 2 suggests to the user that only the first print data be sent as print data for the sub-region 5C of the printable area 5 that prints the two characters "intermediate," in order to shorten the print data transfer time.

[0086] On the other hand, the latter part of the string "2nd" in the example string in Figure 14(a) has a high proportion of curves and straight lines extending in directions different from the transport direction and the printing line direction during printing. As mentioned above with reference to Figure 12, such characters tend to have a large visual difference between when the first print data is interpolated and printed using the first print data itself, and when the second print data is interpolated and printed using the first print data. Therefore, the information processing device 2 presents (suggests) to the user that it transmit the first print data and the second print data as print data for the sub-region 5D of the printable area 5 that prints the two characters "2nd" in order to shorten the print data transfer time.

[0087] If the user agrees to the above-mentioned presentation (proposal), the information processing device 2 generates print data 6C, as exemplified in Figure 14(b), and transmits it to the printing device 1. The print data 6C includes header information, first print data for partial area 5C, first print data for partial area 5D, and second print data for partial area 5D. The header information includes various information regarding printing to the printable medium 3 that the printing device 1 should perform based on the print data 6C. For example, the header information includes information such as margin settings, number of prints (number of prints), and cut settings by the cut unit 128. In addition, the header information of the print data 6C transmitted by the information processing device 2 in this embodiment includes low-resolution area information indicating areas to be printed at low resolution. The low-resolution area information is, for example, information indicating the range of printable unit areas (print lines) within the printable area 5 where the first print data itself interpolates the first print data.

[0088] As described above, the information processing device 2 in the printing system of this embodiment divides the printable area 5 into multiple sub-areas and, for each sub-area, determines whether to transmit only the first print data or both the first and second print data, and then transmits the print data to the printing device 1. At this time, the information processing device 2 transmits only the first print data as the print data for a sub-area where the print quality when the first print data is interpolated by the first print data itself is within the user's acceptable range. For this reason, for example, even when the wireless communication conditions between the information processing device 2 and the printing device 1 are good, the size (amount of data) of the print data transmitted (transferred) from the information processing device 2 to the printing device 1 can be reduced within a range that does not affect the deterioration of print quality, thereby shortening the waiting time.

[0089] Figure 15 is a flowchart illustrating an example of data transmission processing performed by the information processing device according to the second embodiment. When a user of the information processing device 2 performs an operation to send a print image created (edited) by the information processing device 2 to the printing device 1, the information processing device 2 starts the data transmission processing illustrated in the flowchart shown in Figure 15.

[0090] The information processing device 2 first generates a first print data 6A obtained by thinning out print dots in the print line direction, and a second print data 6B obtained from the thinned print dots (step S21). The process in step S21 corresponds to the process in step S1 described above, with reference to Figure 8. The process in step S21 is performed by the control unit 220 of the information processing device 2 (more specifically, the print data generation unit 220c).

[0091] After step S21, the information processing device 2 determines the print line to be printed at a low resolution (step S22). The processing in step S22 is performed by the control unit 220 (more specifically, the comparison unit 220b) of the information processing device 2. In step S22, the control unit 220 first divides the printable area 5, which is set based on the print image, into multiple blocks (sub-areas) in the print transport direction based on the layout of objects in the print image. If the objects in the print image include strings, the control unit 220 divides the printable area 5 into blocks (sub-areas) for each character. Then, for each block, the control unit 220 calculates the difference (e.g., difference ratio DD) between the case where the first print data is interpolated with the first print data itself and the case where the first print data is interpolated with the second print data, and determines whether the print resolution of that block should be low resolution or normal resolution.

[0092] After step S22, the information processing device 2 generates header information that includes information indicating the area determined in step S22 to be printed at a low resolution (step S23). The processing in step S23 is performed by the control unit 220 of the information processing device 2 (more specifically, the print data generation unit 220c). The control unit 220 generates header information (see Figure 14) that includes information indicating the first and last print lines to be printed among the print lines within the block determined in step S22 to be printed at a low resolution, as low-resolution area information.

[0093] Next, the information processing device 2 determines whether the size of the generated header information is greater than or equal to a threshold (step S24). The threshold used for comparison with the size of the header information is determined, for example, based on the amount of data of the information indicating the areas to be printed at low resolution, which is included in the header information when there are two or any number of areas to be printed at low resolution. If the size of the header information is greater than or equal to the threshold (step S24; YES), the information processing device 2 excludes a portion of the areas to be printed at low resolution in block (partial) units (step S26) and returns to the process in step S23. In step S26, the information processing device 2 excludes areas among the multiple areas that have been decided to be printed at low resolution that have a low priority for printing using only the first print data (i.e., areas that have a high priority for sending the second print data to the printing device 1). The information processing device 2 repeats the processes in steps S26 and S23 until the size of the header information is less than the threshold.

[0094] If the size of the header information is less than a threshold (step S24; NO), the information processing device 2 presents the user with an image of the print result including the area to be printed at a low resolution (step S25), and determines whether the user agrees to the presented content (step S27). In step S25, the control unit 220 of the information processing device 2 displays on the display unit 223 a presentation screen that includes, for example, an image of the print result based on the print data to be sent to the printing device 1 based on the header information generated in step S23, and information indicating the portion of the print result image that will be printed at a low resolution (i.e., using only the first print data). The presentation screen may include selection buttons for the user to choose whether or not to agree to the presentation. The user can, for example, determine whether the print quality of the print result displayed on the display unit 223 is within an acceptable range, and if it is within an acceptable range, they can choose to agree to the presentation.

[0095] If the user does not consent to the presentation (Step S27; NO), the information processing device 2 removes the information indicating the area to be printed at low resolution from the header information (Step S28) and generates print data for transmission that includes all of the first print data and the second print data (Step S29). If the user consents to the presentation (Step S27; YES), the information processing device 2 generates print data for transmission based on the header information generated in Step S23 (Step S30).

[0096] After the processing in steps S28 and S29, or step S30, the information processing device 2 establishes a wireless connection with the printing device 1 (step S31) and transmits print data 6C, which includes header information and print data for transmission, to the printing device 1 (step S32). Once the transmission of print data 6C is complete, the information processing device 2 sends a transmission completion notification to the printing device 1 (step S33) and terminates the data transmission process. Upon receiving the print data 6C and the transmission completion notification, the printing device 1 performs printing on the print medium 3 using, for example, the printing process illustrated in Figure 16.

[0097] Figure 16 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a printing process performed by a printing apparatus according to the second embodiment.

[0098] Upon receiving a transmission completion notification from the information processing device 2, the printing device 1 derives, for example, a print line to be printed using only the first print data from the header information of the print data 6C associated with the transmission completion notification (step S300). In step S300, the printing device 1 derives a print line to be printed using only the first print data based on the print line information in the header information that indicates the range of blocks (partial areas) to be printed at low resolution.

[0099] Subsequently, the printing device 1 performs a loop process S310 to generate (expand) print line data for each printable unit area (print line) in the first print data, either by interpolating the first print data with the first print data itself or with the second print data. In the loop process S310, the printing device 1 first determines whether the print line selected for processing is a print line that is printed using only the first print data (step S311). The determination in step S311 is made by comparing it with the print line that is printed using only the first print data derived in step S300.

[0100] If the print line is not one that prints using only the first print data (step S311; NO), the printing device 1 generates print line data by interpolating the first print data with the second print data (step S312). In step S312, the printing device 1 extracts the print control information of the print control unit area (print dot) of the print line selected for processing, which is included in the second print data, and interpolates it between the print control information of the print line selected for processing.

[0101] On the other hand, in the case of a print line that prints using only the first print data (step S311; YES), the printing device 1 generates print line data by interpolating the first print data with the first print data itself (step S313). In step S313, the printing device 1 duplicates the print control information of the print control unit area (print dot) of the print line selected for processing from the first print data as the print control information of the adjacent print control unit area below it.

[0102] When interpolation is performed by step S312 or S313 for all print lines included in the first print data, the printing device 1 terminates loop processing S310 and prints onto the print medium 3 based on the generated print line data (step S320). In this embodiment, the printing process performed by the printing device 1 may be pipelined, for example, between the process of generating print line data by steps S311 to S313 and the process of printing onto the print medium 3 based on the generated print line data. That is, while printing is being performed on the print medium 3 based on the print line data generated by processing step S312 or S313 for a certain print line, the processing of step S312 or S313 for the next print line may be performed.

[0103] Thus, in the printing system of this embodiment, the decision of whether to interpolate the first print data, which is generated by thinning out the printable unit area within the printable area set based on the print image, with the first print data itself or with the second print data is made from a perspective separate from the wireless communication status between the information processing device 2 and the printing device 1. Specifically, if the difference (e.g., difference ratio DD) between the case where the first print data is interpolated with the first print data itself and the case where the first print data is interpolated with the second print data is small, only the first print data is transmitted. Therefore, even when the communication status is good, the size (amount of data) of the print data transmitted from the information processing device 2 to the printing device 1 can be reduced, and the waiting time can be shortened.

[0104] In the printing system of this embodiment, if the number of blocks (sub-regions) printed using only the first print data within the printable area 5 increases, the amount of low-resolution region information (data amount) to be included in the header information increases.

[0105] Figure 17 illustrates another example of the method for generating print data according to the second embodiment. In Figure 17, "Low" and "Normal" refer to "Low Resolution" and "Normal Resolution" in Table 7 of Figure 13, respectively.

[0106] The two printable areas 5 illustrated in Figure 17 are areas set on the printing medium 3 based on the same print image, and the print image includes, for example, a string of characters written horizontally.

[0107] As described above, when dividing the printable area 5 into multiple blocks (for example, blocks for each character) in the print transport direction and deciding whether or not to print each block at a low resolution, there may be eight blocks (divided areas) as illustrated in the upper printable area 5 of Figure 17. In this case, the header information includes information indicating the first and last print lines to be printed in each of the four blocks to be printed at a low resolution as low-resolution area information. At this time, if the number of print lines in the printable area increases, the size (data amount) of the information indicating each print line as low-resolution area information increases. Furthermore, if the number of areas to be printed at a low resolution in the printable area 5 increases, the size (data amount) of the low-resolution area information also increases. For this reason, if there are many areas to be printed at a low resolution in the printable area, the amount of data of the low-resolution area information in the header information may exceed the amount of data of the print data that is reduced by not sending the second print data at a low resolution, which may result in a longer waiting time. Therefore, in this embodiment, if it is conceivable that the amount of data in the low-resolution area information within the header information would exceed the amount of data in the print data reduced by not transmitting the second print data at a low resolution, the information processing device 2 will change (revert) some of the blocks (sub-areas) that were decided to be printed at a low resolution back to blocks that will be printed at a normal resolution. This makes it possible to achieve a good balance between reducing waiting time and suppressing the deterioration of print quality caused by printing at a low resolution.

[0108] In this embodiment, the method for dividing the printable area 5 into multiple blocks (sub-areas) in the information processing device 2 is not limited to the method of dividing it character by character as described above, but may be by other methods. For example, if multiple lines of text are arranged in a second direction (print line direction) perpendicular to the transport direction during printing, the printable unit area (print line) may be divided by a print line that indicates that the print control information of all print control unit areas (print dots) within the printable unit area (print line) will not be printed.

[0109] Furthermore, if information other than text (such as shapes) is placed within the printable area 5, the priority for high-resolution printing of the block (sub-area) containing such information may be lower than the priority for high-resolution printing of the block containing text information. The priority for high-resolution printing may be set for each type of object, or for each object (for example, each character and each shape).

[0110] Furthermore, for example, if the print result image presented to the user in step S25 of the flowchart illustrated in Figure 15 includes multiple areas to be printed at a low resolution, the user may be able to choose whether to print each low-resolution area at a low resolution or at a high resolution.

[0111] The embodiments described above are merely examples to facilitate understanding of the invention. In other words, the printing apparatus, control method, and program according to the present invention are not limited to the embodiments described above, and various modifications and changes are possible without departing from the scope of the claims.

[0112] For example, in the embodiment described above, the second print data is generated for all print control unit areas (print dots) within the print execution target area (print line), which includes a plurality of print control unit areas (print dots) arranged in a second print direction perpendicular to the transport direction during printing. However, the second print data may be generated for, for example, only a portion of the print control unit areas included in the print line. In other words, interpolation for a single print line in the first print data may be performed by the first print data itself for interpolation of a portion (e.g., the upper half) and by the second print data for interpolation of the other portion (e.g., the lower half).

[0113] Furthermore, in the above-described embodiment, the first and second print data are generated by thinning out multiple print control unit areas within a single print target area (print line). However, the first and second print data are not limited to this, and for example, the first print data may be generated by thinning out each print target area (print line), and the second print data may be generated by thinning out the print lines. Specifically, for example, the first print data may be generated by extracting the odd-numbered print lines 501, 503, ... from the left end within the printable area 5 illustrated in Figure 5, and the second print data may be generated by extracting the even-numbered print lines 502, ... from the left end. Also, for example, the method of generating the first and second print data may be switched depending on the orientation of the object (text) to be printed on the print medium 3. For example, if the characters printed in the partial regions 5A and 5B, as illustrated in Figures 11 and 12, are rotated 90 degrees counterclockwise, the grouping of the first group G1 and the second group G2 may also be rotated 90 degrees counterclockwise to generate the first and second print data.

[0114] The invention described in the original claims of this application is listed below. [Note 1] At least a means of communication for communicating with a printing device, A print data generation means that generates first print data which is print data that can be transmitted to the printing device via the communication means, and second print data which is different from the first print data. The printing apparatus is provided with a selection means that allows it to select, according to the magnitude of a comparison parameter, whether to perform printing in the printable area based on the first print data, or to perform printing in the printable area based on the first print data and the second print data. An information processing device characterized by the following: [Note 2] The aforementioned comparison parameters are: This numerical value is based on a comparison between the print control information within a sub-region obtained by interpolating a printable unit region partially formed by the first print data with the first print data itself, and the print control information within a sub-region obtained by interpolating a printable unit region partially formed by the first print data with the second print data. The information processing apparatus described in Appendix 1, characterized in that it is a processing apparatus. [Note 3] The aforementioned selection means is, Within the aforementioned partial region, if the ratio of the difference between the print control information within the partial region when a printable unit region partially formed by the first print data is interpolated using the first print data itself, and the print control information within the partial region when a printable unit region partially formed by the first print data is interpolated using the second print data, is greater than or equal to a threshold, then it is possible to select whether or not to transmit the second print data corresponding to each partial region to the printing device. The information processing apparatus described in Appendix 2, characterized by the features described herein. [Note 4] The system includes a communication control means for controlling the aforementioned communication means, The aforementioned communication control means is The following are transmitted to the printing device via the communication means: header information including information indicating a sub-region to which only the first print data is to be transmitted to the printing device; the first print data; and the second print data of the sub-region selected to be transmitted to the printing device. The information processing apparatus described in Appendix 3, characterized by the features described herein. [Note 5] The aforementioned selection means is, If the amount of data in the header information exceeds a threshold, at least one of the sub-regions selected to transmit only the first print data to the printing device is changed to a sub-region to transmit both the first print data and the second print data to the printing device. The information processing apparatus described in Appendix 4, characterized in that it is a processing apparatus. [Note 6] The aforementioned selection means is, Depending on the priority for sending the second print data, which is determined for each object to be printed, it is possible to select whether or not to send the second print data. An information processing device according to any one of the appendices 1 to 5, characterized in that it is the same as described in appendice 1 to 5. [Note 7] The aforementioned comparison parameters include the magnitude of the radio wave intensity in the communication between the device and the printing device. The selection means allows the user to select, based on the magnitude of the radio wave intensity, whether to transmit only the first print data to the printing device or to transmit both the first print data and the second print data to the printing device. An information processing device as described in any one of the appendices 1 to 6, characterized by the above. [Note 8] It includes an information processing device and a printing device capable of printing on a printing medium based on print data transmitted from the information processing device, The aforementioned information processing device is At least a means of communication for communicating with a printing device, A print data generation means that generates first print data which is print data that can be transmitted to the printing device via the communication means, and second print data which is different from the first print data. The printing apparatus is provided with a selection means that allows it to select, according to the magnitude of a comparison parameter, whether to perform printing in the printable area based on the first print data, or to perform printing in the printable area based on the first print data and the second print data. Equipped with, The aforementioned printing apparatus, A communication means for communicating with the aforementioned information processing device, A control means that controls whether to print on the printable area of ​​the printable medium based on the first print data, or to print on the printable area based on the first print data and the second print data, according to the selection result by the selection means of the information processing device, A printing system characterized by comprising the following features. [Note 9] Information processing device, At the very least, it must communicate with the printing device, To generate first print data, which is print data that can be transmitted to the printing device via the communication means, and second print data that is different from the first print data, The printing device is configured to allow selection, depending on the magnitude of the comparison parameter, whether to print in the printable area based on the first print data, or to print in the printable area based on both the first and second print data. A control method characterized by performing the following. [Note 10] In an information processing device, At the very least, it must communicate with the printing device, To generate first print data, which is print data that can be transmitted to the printing device via the communication means, and second print data that is different from the first print data, The printing device is configured to allow selection, depending on the magnitude of the comparison parameter, whether to print in the printable area based on the first print data, or to print in the printable area based on both the first and second print data. A program characterized by causing the execution of a specific action. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0115] 1 Printing device 101 Device housing 102 Lid 103 Outlet 104 Operation Buttons 105 Indicator Lamp 120 Control Unit 120a Judgment section 120b Development part 121 Storage section 122 Input section 123 Display section 124 Communications Department 125 Detection unit 126 Conveying section 127 Printing Department 128 Cut section 2. Information Processing Device 201 Touch Panel Display 220 Control Unit 220a Editorial Department 220b Comparison section 220c Print Data Generation Unit 221 Storage section 222 Input section 223 Display section 224 Communications Department 3 Printing medium 4 Media Roles 5 Printable area 501, 502, 503 Printable unit area (print line) 5A, 5B, 5C, 5D partial area (within printable area) 6, 6A, 6B, 6C Print Data

Claims

1. At least a means of communication for communicating with a printing device, A print data generation means that generates first print data which is print data that can be transmitted to the printing device via the communication means, and second print data which is different from the first print data, The printing apparatus is provided with a selection means that allows it to select, according to the magnitude of a comparison parameter, whether to perform printing in the printable area based on the first print data, or to perform printing in the printable area based on the first print data and the second print data. Equipped with, The comparison parameter is a numerical value based on a comparison between the print control information within a sub-region obtained by dividing the printable area, which is set based on the print image, into multiple sub-regions, and the print control information within the sub-region obtained by interpolating the printable unit region partially formed by the first print data with the first print data itself, and the print control information within the sub-region obtained by interpolating the printable unit region partially formed by the first print data with the second print data. An information processing device characterized by the following:

2. A communication means for communicating with at least a printing device, A print data generation means that generates first print data which is print data that can be transmitted to the printing device via the communication means, and second print data which is different from the first print data, The printing apparatus is provided with a selection means that allows it to select, according to the magnitude of a comparison parameter, whether to perform printing in the printable area based on the first print data, or to perform printing in the printable area based on the first print data and the second print data. Equipped with, The selection means allows for the selection of whether or not to transmit the second print data according to the priority for transmitting the second print data, which is determined for each object to be printed. An information processing device characterized by the following:

3. A communication means for communicating with at least a printing device, A print data generation means that generates first print data which is print data that can be transmitted to the printing device via the communication means, and second print data which is different from the first print data, The printing apparatus is provided with a selection means that allows it to select, according to the magnitude of a comparison parameter, whether to perform printing in the printable area based on the first print data, or to perform printing in the printable area based on the first print data and the second print data. Equipped with, The aforementioned comparison parameters include the magnitude of the radio wave intensity in the communication between the device and the printing device. The selection means allows the user to select, based on the magnitude of the radio wave intensity, whether to transmit only the first print data to the printing device or to transmit both the first print data and the second print data to the printing device. An information processing device characterized by the following:

4. The aforementioned comparison parameters are: The printable area, which is set based on the print image, is divided into multiple sub-regions, and for each sub-region, it is a numerical quantity based on a comparison between the print control information within the sub-region when the printable unit region partially formed by the first print data is interpolated by the first print data itself, and the print control information within the sub-region when the printable unit region partially formed by the first print data is interpolated by the second print data. The information processing apparatus according to claim 2 or 3.

5. The aforementioned selection means is, Within the aforementioned partial region, if the ratio of the difference between the print control information within the partial region when a printable unit region partially formed by the first print data is interpolated using the first print data itself, and the print control information within the partial region when a printable unit region partially formed by the first print data is interpolated using the second print data, is greater than or equal to a threshold, then it is possible to select whether or not to transmit the second print data corresponding to each partial region to the printing device. The information processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

6. The system includes a communication control means for controlling the aforementioned communication means, The aforementioned communication control means is The following are transmitted to the printing device via the communication means: header information including information indicating a partial region to which only the first print data is to be transmitted to the printing device; the first print data; and the second print data of the partial region selected to be transmitted to the printing device. The information processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 5.

7. The aforementioned selection means is, If the amount of data in the header information exceeds a threshold, at least one of the sub-regions selected to transmit only the first print data to the printing device is changed to a sub-region to transmit both the first print data and the second print data to the printing device. The information processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 6.

8. It includes an information processing device and a printing device capable of printing on a printing medium based on print data transmitted from the information processing device, The aforementioned information processing device is At least a means of communication for communicating with a printing device, A print data generation means that generates first print data which is print data that can be transmitted to the printing device via the communication means, and second print data which is different from the first print data, The printing apparatus is provided with a selection means that allows it to select, according to the magnitude of a comparison parameter, whether to perform printing in the printable area based on the first print data, or to perform printing in the printable area based on the first print data and the second print data. Equipped with, The aforementioned printing apparatus, A communication means for communicating with the aforementioned information processing device, A control means that controls whether to print on the printable area of ​​the printable medium based on the first print data, or to print on the printable area based on the first print data and the second print data, according to the selection result by the selection means of the information processing device, Equipped with, The aforementioned comparison parameter is a numerical value based on a comparison between the print control information within a printable area, which is set based on a print image, divided into a plurality of sub-regions, and for each sub-region, the print control information within the sub-region obtained by interpolating the printable unit area partially formed by the first print data with the first print data itself, and the print control information within the sub-region obtained by interpolating the printable unit area partially formed by the first print data with the second print data.

9. Information processing device, At the very least, it communicates with the printing device, First print data, which is print data that can be transmitted to the printing device via communication means for communicating with the printing device, To generate a second print data that is different from the first print data, The printing device is configured to allow selection, depending on the magnitude of the comparison parameter, whether to perform printing in the printable area based on the first print data, or to perform printing in the printable area based on both the first and second print data. Execute, The control method is characterized in that the comparison parameter is a numerical quantity based on a comparison between the print control information within a printable area, which is set based on a print image, and the print control information within that area, which is obtained by interpolating the printable unit area partially formed by the first print data with the first print data itself, and the print control information within that area, which is obtained by interpolating the printable unit area partially formed by the first print data with the second print data.

10. In an information processing device, At the very least, it communicates with the printing device, First print data, which is print data that can be transmitted to the printing device via communication means for communicating with the printing device, To generate a second print data that is different from the first print data, The printing device is configured to allow selection, depending on the magnitude of the comparison parameter, whether to perform printing in the printable area based on the first print data, or to perform printing in the printable area based on both the first and second print data. Make it run, The comparison parameter is a numerical value based on a comparison between the print control information within a printable area, which is partially formed by the first print data, when the printable unit area is interpolated by the first print data itself, and the print control information within that sub-area when the printable unit area is interpolated by the second print data.

Images