Program, printer control method, and printer

Abstract

To improve a label issuance speed.SOLUTION: A program, which can be executed by a computer of a printer that prints on a plurality of labels which a label continuous body has on the basis of print data, has a procedure for changing a changeover standby period from stop of transport of the label continuous body to start transportation thereof in a reverse direction according to at least one parameter when changing a transport direction of the label continuous body.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

【Technical Field】 【0001】 The present invention relates to a program, a method for controlling a printer, and a printer. 【Background Art】 【0002】 Patent Document 1 discloses a printer that, when there is a printing request, performs printing after backfeeding a label continuum until the label reaches the position of the thermal head. 【Prior Art Documents】 【Patent Documents】 【0003】 【Patent Document 1】 Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2001-328302 【Summary of the Invention】 【Problems to be Solved by the Invention】 【0004】 In the above-described printer that performs backfeeding before printing, it is required to improve the issuing speed of labels. 【0005】 The present invention has been made in view of such technical problems, and an object thereof is to improve the issuing speed of labels. 【Means for Solving the Problems】 【0006】 According to an aspect of the present invention, there is provided a program executable by a computer of a printer that performs printing on a plurality of labels included in a label continuum based on print data, the program including a procedure for changing a switching standby period from when conveyance of the label continuum is stopped to when conveyance in the reverse direction is started when switching the conveyance direction of the label continuum in accordance with at least one parameter Having , The aforementioned parameter is the load torque applied to the conveyor roller during the transport of the label continuum. A program is provided. 【Effects of the Invention】 【0007】 According to the above embodiment, in the printer, the switching of the transport direction from forward feed to back feed, or from back feed to forward feed, is performed during a switching wait period set according to the parameters, thereby improving the label issuance speed. [Brief explanation of the drawing] 【0008】 [Figure 1] Figure 1 is a perspective view of a printer according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] Figure 2 is a front view of the printer with the print unit cover removed. [Figure 3] Figure 3 is a diagram illustrating the operation of the printer during the label printing process. [Figure 4] Figure 4 is a functional block diagram of the control unit. [Figure 5] Figure 5 illustrates an example of a waiting period table. [Figure 6] Figure 6 is a flowchart illustrating the process of setting the switching standby period. [Figure 7] Figure 7 is a schematic diagram illustrating a waiting period table applied to another process that sets the switching waiting period, and the process for determining the switching waiting period. [Figure 8] Figure 8 illustrates an example of a waiting period table applied to another process that sets a switching waiting period. [Figure 9] Figure 9 is a schematic diagram illustrating a waiting period table applied to another process that sets the switching waiting period, and the process for determining the switching waiting period. [Modes for carrying out the invention] 【0009】 [program] A program according to an embodiment of the present invention is a program executable by a computer of a printer that performs printing based on print data on a plurality of labels included in a label continuum, and has a procedure for changing a switching standby period from when the conveyance of the label continuum is stopped to when the conveyance in the reverse direction is started in accordance with at least one parameter when switching the conveyance direction of the label continuum. 【0010】 The program according to the present embodiment will be described together with the configuration and operation of the printer 1 capable of executing the program. 【0011】 [Description of Printer] Hereinafter, a printer 1 capable of executing a program according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. 【0012】 FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the printer 1. As shown in FIG. 1, the printer 1 includes a central main body unit 2, a printing unit 3, a drive unit 31 (see FIG. 4) that drives the printing unit 3, a control unit 4, and a power supply unit 5. 【0013】 The printing unit 3 is located on one side surface (front surface of the printer 1) of the central main body unit 2. The drive unit 31, the control unit 4, and the power supply unit 5 are located on the other (opposite) side surface (rear surface of the printer 1) of the central main body unit 2. 【0014】 The central main body unit 2 is a rectangular plate-like unit having a predetermined mechanical strength. The central main body unit 2 is located at the center of the printer 1, and the printing unit 3, the drive unit 31, the control unit 4, and the power supply unit 5 are assembled thereto. 【0015】 Above the support case 9 in the central main body unit 2, a power switch 43, an operation unit 44 having various operation keys, a display 45, etc. are provided. 【0016】 The central main body unit 2 is provided with an attachment portion 15 for attaching the printer 1 to a label applicator 100 (see FIG. 4). 【0017】 The attachment part 15 can select any configuration, and in this embodiment, it is provided at the peripheral part of the central main body unit 2. Specifically, the attachment part 15 of this embodiment is five attachment holes (upper central attachment hole 15A, upper left end attachment hole 15B, upper right end attachment hole 15C, lower left end attachment hole 15D (see FIG. 2), lower right end attachment hole 15E) formed at the peripheral part of the central main body unit 2. 【0018】 The drive unit 31 has, for example, a plurality of stepping motors, and the rotation operations (rotation direction, number of steps, etc.) of the plurality of stepping motors are controlled by the control unit 4. 【0019】 The power supply unit 5 receives power supply from the outside through a socket and supplies power to the control unit 4, the drive unit 31, and the printing unit 3. 【0020】 FIG. 2 is a front view of the printer 1 with the printer unit cover 6 (see FIG. 1) removed. 【0021】 As shown in FIG. 2, the printing unit 3 has a printing part 16 that prints on a plurality of labels 22 included in the label continuum ML. 【0022】 The printing unit 3 can print predetermined information on the label 22 in the conveyance path 20 from the inlet 18 to the outlet 19 of the label continuum ML. 【0023】 As shown in an enlarged cross-section in FIG. 2, the label continuum ML has a belt-like base paper 21 as continuous paper and a plurality of labels 22 temporarily attached to the front surface side of the base paper 21. A position detection mark (not shown) is printed in advance on the back surface side of the base paper 21. 【0024】 The label continuum ML may be, for example, a roll label or a fanfold label in which perforations are formed at predetermined intervals on the base paper 21. 【0025】 The printing unit 16 has, in order from the upstream side of the transport path 20 (the rear side of the printer 1), a width regulating shaft 23, a pair of upper and lower auxiliary transport rollers 24, a position detection sensor 25, two guide rollers 26, a transport roller mechanism 70, a platen roller 28 and a thermal head 29, and a release plate 30. 【0026】 Furthermore, the printing unit 16 includes a ribbon supply shaft 32 that supplies unused thermal transfer ink ribbon R between the platen roller 28 and the thermal head 29, and a ribbon winding shaft 33 that winds up used thermal transfer ink ribbon R. 【0027】 The width-regulating shaft 23 is provided with a first width-regulating fixed wall 34 and a width-regulating movable ring 35. The first width-regulating fixed wall 34, the width-regulating movable ring 35, and a second width-regulating fixed wall 36 provided on the upstream side of the platen roller 28 regulate the position of both the left and right edges of the label continuum ML. As a result, the transport posture of the label continuum ML is properly regulated along the transport path 20. 【0028】 The auxiliary transport roller 24 is driven in sync with the platen roller 28 and assists in the forward and reverse transport of the label continuum ML by the platen roller 28 and the thermal head 29. Forward feed (forward transport) is transport toward the downstream side (front side of the printer 1), and back feed (reverse transport) is transport toward the upstream side (rear side of the printer 1). 【0029】 The position detection sensor 25 detects the position detection marks on the backing paper 21, thereby enabling the detection of the relative positional relationship between the label continuum ML (label 22), the platen roller 28, and the thermal head 29. 【0030】 The transport roller mechanism 70 functions as a transport unit that transports the label continuum ML in both forward and reverse directions, and feeds the backing paper 21, which has been turned by the release plate 30, to the rear side of the printer 1 while gripping it. The backing paper 21 is discharged to the outside of the printer 1 via the backing paper guide roller 37. 【0031】 The platen roller 28 also functions as a transport roller for transporting the label continuum ML, and holds the label continuum ML and the thermal transfer ink ribbon R between itself and the thermal head 29 with a predetermined printing pressure applied by the pressure spring 38. In this state, the heating element of the thermal head 29 is heated and the platen roller 28 is rotated, thereby printing onto the label 22. If the label 22 is a heat-sensitive medium that self-colors with heat, the thermal transfer ink ribbon R is not required. 【0032】 The thermal transfer ink ribbon R is supplied from the ribbon supply shaft 32 through the first ribbon guide roller 39 between the platen roller 28 and the thermal head 29, and is wound onto the ribbon winding shaft 33 via the second ribbon guide roller 40. 【0033】 By rotating the opening / closing lever 41 clockwise, the platen roller 28 and the thermal head 29 can be separated. This allows the label continuum ML and the thermal transfer ink ribbon R to be loaded between the platen roller 28 and the thermal head 29. 【0034】 When the opening / closing lever 41 is rotated counterclockwise, the platen roller 28 and thermal head 29 engage with the lever engagement pin 42 attached to the frame, thereby setting them to the printing position shown in Figure 2. 【0035】 The release plate 30 rotates only the backing paper 21 of the label continuum ML at its leading edge. This causes the label 22 to peel off from the backing paper 21 and be discharged (issued) from the discharge port 19. The label 22 peeled off from the backing paper 21 is handed over to the label application machine 100. The label application machine 100 applies the label 22 received from the printer 1 to the substrate. 【0036】 The control unit 4 consists of a microcomputer equipped with a central processing unit (CPU), read-only memory (ROM), random access memory (RAM), and an input / output interface (I / O interface). The control unit 4 performs various processes by having the CPU read and execute programs stored in the ROM. The control unit 4 can also be composed of multiple microcomputers. 【0037】 As shown in Figure 2, the printer 1 is equipped with a temperature sensor 81 that detects the temperature of the printer 1. In this embodiment, the temperature sensor 81 is positioned to detect the temperature near the platen roller 28. 【0038】 Furthermore, the printer 1 is equipped with a torque sensor 82 on the platen roller 28 for detecting the load torque when transporting the label continuous ML. 【0039】 Printer 1 includes a label width sensor 83 for detecting the width of the label continuum ML. Printer 1 also includes a ribbon width sensor 84 for detecting the width of the thermal transfer ink ribbon R. 【0040】 Furthermore, the printer 1 is equipped with a speed sensor 85 that detects the transport speed of the label continuum ML. 【0041】 Figure 3 is a diagram illustrating the operation of printer 1 during the label printing process. 【0042】 In Figure 3, each label 22 is numbered sequentially ([1], [2], ...) to make it easier to understand the change in position of each label 22 as the label continuum ML is transported. 【0043】 As shown in state (a) of Figure 3, the printer 1 according to this embodiment performs a forward feed (forward transport) to transport the label 22[1] to the leading edge of the release plate 30 after printing on the label 22[1] is completed, and then ejects (issues) the printed label 22 from the discharge port 19. Subsequently, as shown in states (b) and (c) of Figure 3, the transport direction of the label continuum ML is switched, and a back feed (reverse transport) is performed to return the next unprinted label 22[2] to the printing position (thermal head position). 【0044】 In this embodiment, the printer 1 is configured to wait for a predetermined period of time before transferring a reverse signal to start rotation in the reverse direction, which is necessary to transition to state (c) in Figure 3, after stopping in state (a) in Figure 3. In this embodiment, this waiting period is referred to as the switching waiting period. 【0045】 The reason a switching standby period is necessary is that the drive system in the drive unit 31, such as the stepping motor, requires time from the time it receives a stop signal to stop rotation until the rotational speed in one direction becomes zero (stopped state). This includes the hunting time until the position of the stepping motor is determined, the time until the deformation of elastic members such as the platen roller 28 and the conveyor belt (not shown) settles down, and the time until the inertia of the rotating members such as the platen roller 28 that tries to continue rotating is lost due to frictional force, etc. 【0046】 In the printer 1 of this embodiment, the switching standby period is configured to be set according to parameters based on the detection results of the temperature sensor 81, torque sensor 82, label width sensor 83, ribbon width sensor 84, and speed sensor 85 described above. 【0047】 The control unit 4 will be explained in detail below with reference to Figure 4. Figure 4 is a block diagram showing some of the functions of the control unit 4, and each block does not necessarily represent a physical configuration. 【0048】 As shown in Figure 4, the control unit 4 is connected to the label application machine 100 and the external computer 200 via wired or wireless communication. The control unit 4 also receives signals from various sensors, including the position detection sensor 25, the operation unit 44, and the like. The external computer 200 is also connected to the label application machine 100 for communication. 【0049】 The control unit 4 prints on the label 22 by controlling the drive unit 31 and the thermal head 29 based on print data acquired from the external computer 200. 【0050】 The control unit 4 includes a communication unit 51, a data generation unit 52, a transport control unit 53, a printing control unit 54, and a storage unit 55. In this embodiment, the data generation unit 52, the transport control unit 53, and the printing control unit 54 are configured by a processor 4a. 【0051】 The communication unit 51 transmits and receives various types of information between the labeling machine 100 and the external computer 200. It also receives signals from various sensors, including the position detection sensor 25, the operation unit 44, and the like. 【0052】 The data generation unit 52 analyzes the print data acquired from the external computer 200 via the storage unit 55 to generate control data and drawing data. The data generation unit 52 then transfers the control data and drawing data to the print control unit 54, starting with the control data. 【0053】 The control data includes a value indicating the number of steps in the pulse signal supplied to the stepping motor of the drive unit 31 during printing. 【0054】 The drawing data includes values ​​(number of dots) that indicate the printing position for selectively supplying power to the heating element of the thermal head 29 for each line during printing. 【0055】 When the printing control unit 54 has finished acquiring control data, the transport control unit 53 backfeeds the label continuum ML to move the first label 22 of the label continuum ML to the printing start position (see Figure 3). The amount of backfeed is set based on the detection result of the position detection sensor 25. 【0056】 Furthermore, the transport control unit 53 controls the forward feed of the label continuum ML during printing. 【0057】 Furthermore, the transport control unit 53 receives control data from the data generation unit 52 to switch the transport of the label continuum ML from back feed to forward feed, or from forward feed to back feed, and sets a switching standby period. 【0058】 Based on the control data from the data generation unit 52, the transport control unit 53 transmits a stop signal to the drive unit 31 to stop transporting the label continuum ML after printing on the label continuum ML is completed. After transmitting the stop signal, it also transmits a reverse signal to start transport in the reverse direction. 【0059】 The transport control unit 53 performs a process to set the switching waiting period between the transfer of the stop signal and the transfer of the reverse signal according to at least one parameter. 【0060】 In this embodiment, the switching standby period is stored in the storage unit 55 as a standby period table in which parameters based on detection results obtained from various sensors are linked to the switching standby period set according to those parameters. The transport control unit 53 sets the switching standby period based on the standby period table. 【0061】 In this embodiment, the temperature near the platen roller 28 of the printer 1 obtained from the temperature sensor 81, the load torque in the transport roller mechanism 70 obtained from the torque sensor 82, the width of the label continuum ML obtained from the label width sensor 83, the width of the thermal transfer ink ribbon R obtained from the ribbon width sensor 84, and the transport speed of the label continuum ML obtained from the speed sensor 85 can be used as parameters. 【0062】 In other words, in this embodiment, the transport control unit 53 acquires parameters from the various sensors described above, refers to the standby period table stored in the storage unit 55, and sets the switching standby period based on the values ​​associated with the acquired parameters. Then, the transport control unit 53 switches the transport direction of the label continuum ML based on the determined switching standby period. 【0063】 The print control unit 54 acquires control data and drawing data from the data generation unit 52. Then, upon receiving a print start command (print request), it executes a printing process that prints on the label 22 at the print start position and moves it to the label issuance position. 【0064】 Specifically, the printing control unit 54 controls the power supply to multiple stepping motors of the drive unit 31 based on control data, and also controls the power supply to the thermal head 29 based on drawing data, thereby printing on the label 22 and transporting it to the label issuing position. 【0065】 The print start command is supplied from the external computer 200 to the control unit 4. In other words, in this embodiment, the print control unit 54 receives the print start command from the external computer 200 via the communication unit 51 and the processor 4a. 【0066】 When the external computer 200 determines that the labeling machine 100 is in a predetermined standby state and the printer 1 is ready to print, it sends a print start command to the control unit 4. 【0067】 When printer 1 completes the printing process, the external computer 200 supplies new print data to the control unit 4. 【0068】 The storage unit 55 stores, for example, print data acquired from the external computer 200, the status of the printer 1, etc. The labeling machine 100 and the external computer 200 can store information in the storage unit 55 via the communication unit 51. 【0069】 Furthermore, the storage unit 55 stores a waiting period table used by the transport control unit 53. 【0070】 Figure 5 illustrates an example of a standby period table. The standby period table shown in Figure 5 includes the temperature T1 to Tn near the platen roller 28 as a parameter. Furthermore, the parameter values ​​T1 to Tn are associated with the switching standby periods W1 to Wn, which are set to correspond to these temperatures. 【0071】 [How to control the printer] Next, we will explain the process of determining the waiting period for switching the transport direction of the label continuum ML, which is performed by the control unit 4, as a control method for printer 1. 【0072】 Figure 6 is a flowchart illustrating the process of setting the switching standby period. 【0073】 In step S1, the control unit 4 acquires parameters based on detection results from sensors such as the temperature sensor 81, torque sensor 82, label width sensor 83, and ribbon width sensor 84. 【0074】 In step S2, the control unit 4 selects a value from the standby period table that corresponds to the acquired parameter. For example, if the standby period table is shown in Figure 4, the transport control unit 53 sets the switching standby period to the optimal value for temperature T3, which is the switching standby period W3, when the temperature acquired from the temperature sensor 81 is T3. 【0075】 In step S3, the control unit 4 (transport control unit 53) transmits a reverse signal to the drive unit 31 to switch the transport direction of the label continuum ML after the determined switching standby period W3 has elapsed. 【0076】 The process for determining the switching standby period shown in Figure 6 can be triggered when the print control unit 54 acquires drawing data, when the thermal transfer ink ribbon R is replaced, when the label continuum ML is set, when the printer 1 is powered on, etc. 【0077】 Furthermore, the process can be executed at predetermined intervals while the printer 1 is in a print standby state, in order to track temperature changes inside the printer 1 or temperature changes around the printer 1. 【0078】 Next, we will describe another example of a waiting period table that can be applied to the process of determining the switching waiting period. 【0079】 Figure 7 is a schematic diagram illustrating a waiting period table applied to another process that sets the switching waiting period, and the process for determining the switching waiting period. 【0080】 The transport control unit 53 refers to one of several standby period tables prepared for each of the following parameters: the temperature near the platen roller 28, the load torque in the transport roller mechanism 70, the width of the label continuum ML, and the width of the thermal transfer ink ribbon R. The unit selects values ​​associated with each of these parameters and calculates the switching standby period by adding them together. 【0081】 For example, as shown in Figure 7, if the temperature near the platen roller 28 is T2, the load torque of the transport roller mechanism 70 is F3, the width of the label continuum ML is L1, the width of the thermal transfer ink ribbon R is R1, and the transport speed of the label continuum ML is V3, then WT2, WF3, WL1, WR1, and WV3 are extracted as the switching standby period. The transport control unit 53 adds these values ​​together and sets WT2 + WF3 + WL1 + WR1 as the new switching standby period WX. 【0082】 After the newly determined switching standby period WX has elapsed, the control unit 4 (transport control unit 53) transmits a reverse signal to the drive unit 31 to switch the transport direction of the label continuum ML. 【0083】 Furthermore, we will describe an example of another waiting period table that can be applied to the process of determining the switching waiting period. 【0084】 Figure 8 is a schematic diagram illustrating a waiting period table applied to another process that sets a switching waiting period. 【0085】 The transport control unit 53 selects values ​​associated with each combination of parameters: the temperature near the platen roller 28, the load torque in the transport roller mechanism 70, the width of the label continuum ML, and the width of the thermal transfer ink ribbon R, and sets these values ​​as the switching standby period. 【0086】 For example, as shown in Figure 8, when the temperature near the platen roller 28 is T2, the load torque of the transport roller mechanism 70 is Fn, the width of the label continuum ML is Ln, and the width of the thermal transfer ink ribbon R is Rn, WYn-2 is extracted as the switching standby period. The transport control unit 53 then sets this value to a new switching standby period WYn-2. 【0087】 After the newly determined switching standby period WYn-2 has elapsed, the control unit 4 (transport control unit 53) transmits a reverse signal to the drive unit 31 to switch the transport direction of the label continuum ML. 【0088】 Furthermore, we will explain another decision-making process for the switching standby period. 【0089】 Figure 9 is a schematic diagram illustrating a waiting period table applied to another process that sets the switching waiting period, and the process for determining the switching waiting period. 【0090】 The transport control unit 53 selects a switching standby period based on a table in which one of the following parameters—the temperature near the platen roller 28, the load torque in the transport roller mechanism 70, the width of the label continuum ML, and the width of the thermal transfer ink ribbon R—for example, a value corresponding to the temperature near the platen roller 28, and sets the new switching standby period to a value obtained by superimposing parameters based on the other parameters. 【0091】 For example, as shown in Figure 9, when the temperature near the platen roller 28 is T2, the load torque of the transport roller mechanism 70 is F3, the width of the label continuum ML is L1, and the width of the thermal transfer ink ribbon R is R1, WT2 is extracted as the switching standby period. In addition, xf3, xl1, xr1, and xv3 are extracted as parameters superimposed on this WT2. The transport control unit 53 then sets (WT2) × (xf3) × (xl1) × (xr1) × (xv3) to a new switching standby period WZ. 【0092】 After the newly determined switching standby period WZ has elapsed, the control unit 4 (transport control unit 53) transmits a reverse signal to the drive unit 31 to switch the transport direction of the label continuum ML. 【0093】 [Effects and Effects] In conventional printers, when forward feed is performed following back feed, the period between the sending of the back feed stop signal to the drive unit and the sending of the reverse signal to start forward feed to the drive unit was a fixed value that took into account the time it takes for the drive mechanism in the drive unit, etc., to stop from the driving state and switch the driving direction to become capable of outputting the necessary torque. 【0094】 In contrast, the printer 1 according to this embodiment sets the switching wait period when switching the transport direction of the label continuum ML based on a waiting period table in which multiple parameters and switching wait periods set according to each of the multiple parameters are linked. 【0095】 According to this, the printer 1 according to this embodiment has an optimized switching standby period, which reduces unnecessary waiting time compared to conventional printers that had a sufficiently long switching standby period as a fixed value. Therefore, the label printing speed can be improved. 【0096】 In this embodiment, the temperature of the printer 1 can be set to the temperature near the platen roller 28. The elastic material constituting the platen roller 28 tends to become harder as the temperature decreases. The harder the platen roller 28 is, the shorter the time it takes for the elastic deformation to converge. On the other hand, if the temperature is high, the platen roller 28 becomes more easily deformed, so the time it takes for the elastic deformation to converge becomes longer. 【0097】 In the printer 1 according to this embodiment, a standby period table can be used in which the switching standby period is set to be shorter when the temperature near the platen roller 28 is relatively low, and to be set to be longer when the temperature is relatively high. 【0098】 According to this, as shown in Figure 4, the control unit 4 (transport control unit 53) sets the switching standby period W3 based on the standby period table and according to the temperature near the platen roller 28. Therefore, compared to conventional printers that had a sufficiently long switching standby period as a fixed value, unnecessary waiting time can be reduced. Consequently, the label printing speed can be improved. 【0099】 Furthermore, since the elastic deformation behavior differs depending on the material of the platen roller 28, a waiting period table may be prepared that links temperature with the optimal switching waiting period for each type of platen roller 28, such as its material and manufacturer. 【0100】 The standby period table can be updated when the platen roller 28 is replaced, by the user at predetermined intervals, or through software updates via the network. 【0101】 Furthermore, in this embodiment, the load torque in the conveying roller mechanism 70 can be used as a parameter. 【0102】 The load torque applied to the transport section during the transport of label continuum ML varies depending on the type of label continuum ML. When the load torque is large, it takes time for the stepping motor to reach the design torque. Furthermore, the load torque may also vary depending on the structure of the label continuum ML applicator. For this reason, conventional printers have pre-set a sufficiently long switching standby period as a fixed value to accommodate label continuum ML that require relatively large load torques. 【0103】 In contrast, according to this embodiment, the optimal switching standby period is set according to the load torque in the transport roller mechanism 70. Therefore, the switching standby period can be shortened compared to conventional printers in which a sufficiently long switching standby period is set as a fixed value. Consequently, the label printing speed can be improved. 【0104】 Furthermore, in this embodiment, the label width in the label continuum ML can be used as a parameter. 【0105】 As the label width decreases, the surface area in which the platen roller 28 and the thermal head 29 come into contact and slide increases, so the load torque applied to the transport section during the transport of the label continuum ML tends to increase. For this reason, in conventional printers, a sufficiently long switching standby period was pre-set as a fixed value to accommodate narrow label continuum ML, which requires a relatively large load torque. 【0106】 In contrast, according to this embodiment, the optimal switching standby period is set according to the label width, so the switching standby period can be shortened compared to conventional printers where a sufficiently long switching standby period is set as a fixed value in advance. Therefore, the label printing speed can be improved. 【0107】 Furthermore, in this embodiment, the ribbon width of the thermal transfer ink ribbon R can be used as a parameter. Similar to the label width, as the ribbon width decreases, the area in which the platen roller 28 and the thermal head 29 directly contact and slide increases, so the load torque applied to the transport section during the transport of the label continuum ML tends to increase. 【0108】 In contrast, according to this embodiment, the optimal switching standby period is set according to the ribbon width, so the switching standby period can be shortened compared to conventional printers where a sufficiently long switching standby period is set as a fixed value in advance. Therefore, the label printing speed can be improved. 【0109】 Furthermore, in this embodiment, the transport speed of the label continuum ML can be used as a parameter. 【0110】 The faster the transport speed of the label continuum ML, the more inertia tends to remain in the drive system, such as the drive unit 31, while the slower the transport speed, the faster the inertia dissipates. For this reason, conventional printers have pre-set a sufficiently long switching standby period as a fixed value to accommodate high transport speeds. 【0111】 In contrast, according to this embodiment, the optimal switching standby period is set according to the transport speed of the label continuum ML, so the switching standby period can be shortened compared to conventional printers with a sufficiently long switching standby period. Therefore, the label issuance speed can be improved. 【0112】 Furthermore, according to the printer 1 of this embodiment, the control unit 4 (transport control unit 53) can set a new switching standby period WX by adding the switching standby period values ​​corresponding to each of the multiple parameters, as shown in Figure 7. 【0113】 Therefore, according to this embodiment, the switching standby period can be finely set according to the parameters, so the switching standby period can be shortened compared to conventional printers where a sufficiently long switching standby period is set as a fixed value in advance. Consequently, the label printing speed can be improved. 【0114】 Furthermore, according to the printer 1 of this embodiment, the control unit 4 (transport control unit 53) can set a switching standby period WYn-2 set for a combination of multiple parameters, as shown in Figure 8. 【0115】 Therefore, according to this embodiment, since the switching standby period is precisely set according to the parameters, the switching standby period can be shortened compared to conventional printers with a sufficiently long switching standby period. Consequently, the label printing speed can be improved. 【0116】 Furthermore, according to the printer 1 of this embodiment, the control unit 4 (transport control unit 53) can select a switching standby period corresponding to the temperature near the platen roller 28, as shown in Figure 9, and set a new switching standby period WZ obtained by superimposing parameters based on other parameters onto the selected switching standby period. 【0117】 Therefore, according to this embodiment, since the switching standby period can be set precisely, the switching standby period can be shortened compared to conventional printers where a sufficiently long switching standby period is set as a fixed value in advance. Consequently, the label printing speed can be improved. 【0118】 [Other embodiments] Although embodiments of the present invention have been described above, these embodiments are merely examples of how the present invention can be applied, and are not intended to limit the technical scope of the present invention to the specific configurations of the above embodiments. 【0119】 In this embodiment, the process for determining the switching wait period when switching to a back feed to return the next unprinted label 22 to the printing position after performing a forward feed to eject the printed label 22 has been described. However, in this embodiment, the switching wait period when switching to a forward feed after performing a back feed can also be set in the same manner. 【0120】 In the printer 1 according to this embodiment, a label width sensor 83 for detecting the label width and a ribbon width sensor 84 for detecting the ribbon width are applied. Alternatively, instead of directly detecting the label width and ribbon width, they may be detected as the load torque of the platen roller 28 when transporting the label continuum ML. 【0121】 In this embodiment, instead of parameters based on detection results directly obtained from the temperature sensor 81, torque sensor 82, label width sensor 83, ribbon width sensor 84, and speed sensor 85, a value set via input may be used for any of the detection results from these sensors. 【0122】 In the printer 1 according to this embodiment, the standby time table may be updateable based on the detection results from each sensor in the printer 1. 【0123】 In this embodiment, the user may be able to switch between a mode in which the process of setting the switching standby period described above is executed, such as a "priority issuance mode," and a "normal mode" which uses a pre-prepared switching standby period that takes into account a sufficient period until the drive unit 31 stabilizes. 【0124】 In this embodiment, a standard value for the switching standby period may be set in advance, and in the process of setting the switching standby period, if the newly determined switching standby period exceeds the standard value for the switching standby period, the standard value may be used. This can be achieved by setting a step between step S2 and step S3 in the flowchart shown in Figure 5 to determine whether the newly determined switching standby period exceeds the standard value for the switching standby period. 【0125】 In this embodiment, the various programs for the printer 1 may be stored on a non-transient recording medium such as a CD-ROM. [Explanation of symbols] 【0126】 1. Printer 2. Central main unit 3 Printing Unit 4. Control Unit (Computer) 4a Processor (data generation unit, transport control unit, printing control unit) 5 Power supply unit 6. Printing unit cover 9. Support case 15 Mounting part 15A Upper central mounting hole 15B Upper left end mounting hole 15C Upper right end mounting hole 15D Lower left end mounting hole 15E Lower right end mounting hole 16 Printing section 18 Inlet 19 Outlet 20 Conveyor paths 21 Mounting board 22 labels 23 width restriction shaft 24 Auxiliary conveyor rollers 25 Position detection sensor 26 Guide rollers 28 Platen Roller 29 Thermal Head 30 Release plate 31 Drive Unit 32 Ribbon supply axis 33 Ribbon winding shaft 34. First width restriction fixed wall section 35 Width-restricting adjustable ring 36. Second width restriction fixed wall section 37. Mounting board guide roller 38 Compression spring 39. First Ribbon Guide Roller 40. Second ribbon guide roller 41 Opening / closing lever 42 Lever engagement pin 43 Power switch 44 Control section 45 displays 51 Communications Department 52 Data Generation Unit 53 Transport Control Unit 54 Printing Control Unit 55 Storage section 70 Conveyor roller mechanism 81 Temperature sensor 82 Torque Sensor 83 Label width sensor 84 Ribbon width sensor 85. Transport speed sensor 100 Labeling Machines 200 External Computers ML Label Continuum R Thermal Transfer Ink Ribbon

Claims

[Claim 1] A computer program executable by a printer that prints on multiple labels on a label continuum based on print data, The procedure for switching the transport direction of the label continuum includes changing the switching waiting period, which is the period from stopping the transport of the label continuum to starting transport in the reverse direction, according to at least one parameter. The aforementioned parameter is the load torque applied to the conveyor roller during the transport of the label continuum. program. [Claim 2] A computer program executable by a printer that prints on multiple labels on a label continuum based on print data, The procedure for switching the transport direction of the label continuum includes changing the switching waiting period, which is the period from stopping the transport of the label continuum to starting transport in the reverse direction, according to at least one parameter. The aforementioned printer is a printer that uses an ink ribbon, The parameter is the ribbon width of the ink ribbon. program. [Claim 3] A program according to claim 1 or 2, The procedure for changing the switching wait period involves changing the switching wait period based on a table that links a plurality of parameters with the switching wait periods set according to each of the plurality of parameters. program. [Claim 4] A computer program executable by a printer that prints on multiple labels on a label continuum based on print data, The procedure for switching the transport direction of the label continuum includes changing the switching waiting period, which is the period from stopping the transport of the label continuum to starting transport in the reverse direction, according to at least one parameter. In the procedure for changing the switching wait period, the switching wait period is changed based on a table that links a plurality of parameters with the switching wait periods set according to each of the plurality of parameters. Based on the table prepared for each type of parameter, the switching wait period corresponding to each parameter is extracted. The value obtained by adding the switching standby periods corresponding to each of the extracted parameters is set as the new switching standby period. program. [Claim 5] The program according to claim 3, The switching wait period is set based on the table in which the switching wait periods set for multiple types of parameter combinations are associated. program. [Claim 6] A program according to claim 3 or 4, The switching wait period corresponding to one of the parameters obtained based on the table is modified using a value based on another parameter, and this modified value is set as the new switching wait period. program. [Claim 7] A program according to any one of claims 1 to 6, The switching of the transport direction of the label continuum is a switch from back feed to forward feed, and / or a switch from forward feed to back feed. program. [Claim 8] A method for controlling a printer that prints on multiple labels in a label continuum based on print data, When switching the transport direction of the label continuum, the switching waiting period from stopping the transport of the label continuum to starting transport in the reverse direction is changed according to at least one parameter. The aforementioned parameter is the load torque applied to the conveyor roller during the transport of the label continuum. How to control the printer. [Claim 9] A printer that prints on multiple labels in a label continuum based on print data, The transport control unit, when switching the transport direction of the label continuum, changes the switching waiting period from when the transport of the label continuum is stopped until the transport in the reverse direction is started, according to at least one parameter. The aforementioned parameter is the load torque applied to the conveyor roller during the transport of the label continuum. Printer. [Claim 10] A method for controlling a printer that prints on multiple labels in a label continuum based on print data, When switching the transport direction of the label continuum, the switching waiting period from stopping the transport of the label continuum to starting transport in the reverse direction is changed according to at least one parameter. The aforementioned printer is a printer that uses an ink ribbon, The parameter is the ribbon width of the ink ribbon. How to control the printer. [Claim 11] A method for controlling a printer that prints on multiple labels in a label continuum based on print data, When switching the transport direction of the label continuum, the switching waiting period from stopping the transport of the label continuum to starting transport in the reverse direction is changed according to at least one parameter. The switching wait period is changed based on a table that links a plurality of the aforementioned parameters with the switching wait period set according to each of the plurality of aforementioned parameters. Based on the table prepared for each type of parameter, the switching wait period corresponding to each parameter is extracted. The value obtained by adding the switching standby periods corresponding to each of the extracted parameters is set as the new switching standby period. How to control the printer. [Claim 12] A printer that prints on multiple labels in a label continuum based on print data, When switching the transport direction of the label continuum, the switching waiting period from stopping the transport of the label continuum to starting transport in the reverse direction is changed according to at least one parameter. The printer in question is a printer that uses an ink ribbon. The parameter is the ribbon width of the ink ribbon. Printer. [Claim 13] A printer that prints on multiple labels in a label continuum based on print data, The transport control unit, when switching the transport direction of the label continuum, changes the switching waiting period from when the transport of the label continuum is stopped until the transport in the reverse direction is started, according to at least one parameter. The transport control unit changes the switching wait period based on a table in which a plurality of parameters and the switching wait period set according to each of the plurality of parameters are linked. Based on the table prepared for each type of parameter, the switching wait period corresponding to each parameter is extracted. The value obtained by adding the switching standby periods corresponding to each of the extracted parameters is set as the new switching standby period. Printer.

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