JP2003011467A - A printing device that controls printing according to the print media - Google Patents

Abstract

(57) [Summary] [PROBLEMS] When a new print medium increases, the user can perform printing according to the new print medium without performing an operation for performing the print according to the new print medium. Enable printing to be performed. A roll paper memory stores paper type data and print control data unique to the paper type data. The printer driver 3 stores paper type data corresponding to the existing print control data. The printer driver 3 instructs the print processing control circuit 11 in the printer 7 to read and pass the paper type data from the roll paper memory 13, and analyzes the paper type data received from the printer 7 according to the instruction. Then, it is determined whether or not the paper type data is already stored data. The printer driver 3 acquires all the print control data stored in the roll paper memory 13 via the printer 7 unless it is already stored, and based on the acquired print control data, Control printing.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an improvement in a technique for controlling printing according to a print medium.
The present invention relates to control of printing using a rolled long print medium (hereinafter referred to as "roll print medium").

The present invention can be applied to various printing media such as paper and CD (compact disc), and the following description will be given taking paper as an example.

[0003]

2. Description of the Related Art Generally, a printer driver has print control information corresponding to a plurality of paper types in advance, and when printing, the user specifies the type of print paper to be used and the print control information is specified. Printing is controlled based on the print control information according to the paper type.

Now, for example, when a new paper type not included in the above-mentioned plurality of paper types increases, a printer driver which can hold and use print control information adapted to the new paper type, that is, is upgraded. A printer driver is prepared in a predetermined server. When the user wants a print result suitable for the new paper type, he / she operates a printing device equipped with a printer driver, and the printing device accesses the predetermined server and is upgraded from the server. Make sure to upgrade your current printer driver by downloading the printer driver.

[0005]

However, it is troublesome to operate the printing device and download the upgraded printer driver from the server every time a new paper type is added.

Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide, when a new print medium is added, the new print medium, even if the user does not perform an operation for enabling printing according to the new print medium. It is to enable printing according to the medium.

[0007]

In a printing apparatus according to a first aspect of the present invention, a roll printing medium, which is a continuous printing medium wound, can be set in a replaceable manner. A print device provided with a storage element storing print control information adapted to the type of the roll print medium, the print control information prepared in advance and the roll print medium set in the print device. Identifying means for identifying the type of print medium used, and determining whether or not the print control information prepared in advance includes print control information suitable for the identified type of print medium And the print control information prepared in advance and the print control information in the storage element according to the result of the determination. And control means for controlling printing using either.

In a first preferred embodiment according to the first aspect of the present invention, a printing device reads and holds print control information in a storage element provided in a roll print medium set in the printing device. Further, a holding means for holding is provided.

In a second preferred embodiment according to the first aspect of the present invention, in the above first preferred embodiment, the judging means adds the print control information held by the holding means to the print control information.
It also determines whether or not the print control information adapted to the type of the identified print medium is already included, and the control means, according to the result of the determination, the print control information prepared in advance, Printing is controlled using one of the print control information held by the holding unit and the print control information in the storage element provided in the roll print medium that is currently set.

According to a third preferred embodiment of the first aspect of the present invention, in the case where printing is controlled using a plurality of types of print control information used at different stages of print control, the storage element is When some types of the print control information of the plurality of types are stored and other types of print control information are not stored, the control means determines the print control information in the storage element as a result of the determination. When using, the print control information in the storage element is used for some of the types, and the print control information prepared in advance or the print control information held by the holding unit is used for the other types. To do.

In a fourth preferred embodiment according to the first aspect of the present invention, the print control information in the storage element comprises:
(1) Image conversion information for converting image data, (2) Ink adhesion control information for controlling the amount of ink adhered to the roll print medium, and (3) Feed of the roll print medium. At least one type of information of the media feed control information for controlling the amount and (4) ink drying time information for controlling the time for drying the ink attached to the roll printing medium, or the above The information necessary to obtain at least one type of information (1) to (4) is included.

The printing apparatus according to the second aspect of the present invention is an identification unit for identifying the type of print medium to be used and information adapted to the type of print medium, and controls the feed amount of the print medium. Based on the read medium feeding control information and a reading means for reading the medium feeding control information adapted to the identified type of the print medium from the place where the medium feeding control information which is information for storing is stored. A control unit for controlling the feeding amount of the print medium.

In a preferred embodiment according to the second aspect of the present invention, the printing device can replaceably set a roll print medium, which is a continuous print medium wound on the roll print medium. Is equipped with a storage element, and when the storage element stores media feeding control information suitable for the type of the roll printing medium, the reading means sets the roll printing set in the printing device. The media feed control information is read from the storage element of the media.

The storage element according to the third aspect of the present invention is a storage element that can be provided in a roll print medium, which is a roll of continuous print medium, and is a print adapted to the type of the roll print medium. Control information, which is (1) to (4) below, that is, (1) image conversion information for performing image data conversion processing, and (2) controlling the amount of ink adhered to the roll print medium. Ink adhering control information for controlling, and (3) media feeding control information for controlling the feeding amount of the roll printing medium,
(4) At least one type of information of the ink drying time information for controlling the time for drying the ink attached to the roll print medium, or the above (1) to
Information including information necessary for obtaining at least one type of information in (4) is stored.

In the printing method according to the fourth aspect of the present invention, print control information is prepared in advance in a printing apparatus that can set a roll printing medium, which is a continuous printing medium wound, in a replaceable manner. When the roll print medium is provided with a storage element storing print control information adapted to the type of the roll print medium, the roll print medium is used for the roll print medium set in the printing apparatus. A step of identifying the type of print medium; a step of determining whether or not the print control information prepared in advance includes print control information adapted to the identified type of print medium; Either the print control information prepared in advance or the print control information in the storage element is used according to the result. And a step of controlling the printing Te.

A printing method according to a fifth aspect of the present invention is a step of identifying the type of print medium used in the printing apparatus and information adapted to the type of print medium, and controls the feed amount of the print medium. Based on the read media feed control information, and a step of reading the media feed control information suitable for the type of the identified print medium from the location where the media feed control information that is information for Controlling the feed amount of the print medium.

In the computer program according to the sixth aspect of the present invention, print control information is prepared in advance in a printing apparatus that can set a roll print medium, which is a continuous print medium wound, in a replaceable manner. When the roll print medium is provided with a storage element storing print control information adapted to the type of the roll print medium, the roll print medium is used for the roll print medium set in the printing apparatus. A step of identifying the type of print medium; a step of determining whether or not the print control information prepared in advance includes print control information adapted to the identified type of print medium; Depending on the result, one of the print control information prepared in advance and the print control information in the storage element is selected. A computer program for executing and controlling printing using or Re.

The computer program according to the seventh aspect of the present invention is a step of identifying the type of print medium used in the printing apparatus and information adapted to the type of print medium, and controls the feed amount of the print medium. Based on the read media feed control information, and a step of reading the media feed control information suitable for the type of the identified print medium from the location where the media feed control information that is information for And a computer program for causing a computer to execute the step of controlling the feed amount of the print medium.

The "printing device" of the present invention includes not only the printer itself but also a printing system including a plurality of devices (for example, a printing system using a printer and a host device). Further, the computer program of the present invention can be installed or loaded into a computer through various media such as a disk type storage, a semiconductor memory and a communication network.

[0020]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT FIG. 1 shows the overall construction of a printing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention.

In FIG. 1, the host device 1 is connected to an ink jet printer (hereinafter referred to as printer) 7 via a printer interface circuit 5. The host device 1 is typically a general-purpose computer such as a personal computer, and has a printer driver 3 which is software for creating print data to be sent to the printer 7.

The printer 7 is connected to the host device 1 via the host interface circuit 9. The printer 7 is a print processing control circuit 1 that performs print image creation, paper feed control, and the like based on print data transferred from the host device 1 via the host interface circuit 9.
1 and a printing mechanism 20 that prints the print image created by the print processing control circuit 11 under the control of the print processing control circuit 11.

Although not shown, the print processing control circuit 11 includes a print head drive circuit, a motor drive circuit, a data write circuit for reading / writing data from / to a roll paper memory 13, which will be described later, and external data. I / O circuit,
A CPU that controls the entire print processing control circuit 11, and a CPU
ROM that stores programs and fixed data for
Also, a RAM used as a reception buffer for temporarily storing data from the host device 1 and the like are provided. The print processing control circuit 11 responds to the command from the printer driver 3 (or voluntarily), and from the roll paper memory 13,
Paper type data and color conversion table (hereinafter referred to as LU
T), drive waveform data, paper feed correction data, or pass pause time length data, and passes them to the printer driver 3.

The printing mechanism 20 includes a carriage 21 having a print head (not shown), a carriage motor 23 for reciprocating the carriage 21 in a direction perpendicular to the paper feed direction, and a paper feed roller 18a for feeding the roll paper 15.
A driven roller 18b for feeding the roll paper 15 together with the paper feed roller 18a, a platen 30, a paper discharge roller 17 for assisting the paper feed, a paper feed motor 19 for rotating the paper feed roller 18a, and a paper feed motor. A gear mechanism (not shown) that transmits the rotation of 19 to the paper feed roller 18a, the driven roller 18b, and the paper discharge roller 17, a cutter (not shown) for cutting the roll paper 15 at a predetermined position, and the like.

The carriage 21 is constructed so that an ink cartridge (not shown) for supplying ink to the print head can be detachably mounted. The ink cartridge that can be mounted on the carriage 21 is, for example, a black ink cartridge that stores black (K) ink,
There are two types of color ink cartridges that store cyan (C), magenta (M), and yellow (Y) inks (of course, color ink cartridges include light cyan (LC) and (Light magenta (LM) ink may be stored). Further, these ink cartridge types include an on-carriage type which is mounted on a carriage together with a print head and an off-carriage type which is set in an immovable place apart from the carriage. May be of either type. Further, the ink cartridge can be reused for a plurality of printers, such as being mounted in a certain printer and used to a certain extent, and then being removed and remounted in another printer.

The printer 7 is configured to use continuous printing paper (hereinafter referred to as "roll paper") wound around the outer circumference of a cylindrical core material 14. The types of the roll paper 15 include “plain paper” which is almost the same quality as general copy paper, “special paper” which corresponds to a predetermined print mode and gives the best print result when printing in that print mode, There is "special paper" made of paper or a material other than paper, which is used for obtaining a glossy image like a photograph or used for a special purpose such as a sticker or OHP. The roll paper 15 can be reused for a plurality of printers, for example, after being mounted on a certain printer and used for a while, then removed and remounted on another printer.

On the inner peripheral surface of the core material 14 of the roll paper 15,
A memory in which predetermined information described later is recorded (for example, EEP
A ROM, hereinafter referred to as a "roll paper memory") 13, is provided. The roll paper memory 13 is, for example, a non-contact type memory having an area where data can be arbitrarily rewritten and an area where data cannot be arbitrarily rewritten. Although not shown, for example, data indicating the remaining amount information of the roll paper 15, data indicating the manufacturing date, paper type data indicating the paper type of the roll paper 15, and the like are recorded in the roll paper memory 13. It Further, in the roll paper memory 13, as shown in the figure, an LUT adapted to the paper type of the roll paper 15,
Four types of print control data are recorded: drive waveform data, paper feed correction data, and pass pause time length data. Access to the roll paper memory 13 (reading and writing of data) is performed by the print processing control circuit 11. As an access method therefor, in the present embodiment,
For example, Japanese Patent Application No. 2000-39, which is a prior application of the applicant of the present application.
The system described in paragraphs “0030” to “0032” and FIGS. 1 to 3 of the specification of No. 7634 (unpublished at the time of filing of the present application) can be adopted.

In this embodiment, as described in detail later, the printer driver 3 creates print data based on the above four types of print control data passed from the printer 7 and passes the print data to the printer 7, and the printer 7 By controlling the printing based on the print data from the printer driver 3, it is possible to obtain a print result suitable for the paper type of the roll paper 15. In this, if the printer driver 3
If the types of print control data passed from the printer 7 are less than the above four types, for the print control data of the insufficient type, a certain print control data will be selected from the already held print control data. Is selected and print data is created using the selected print control data (a method for performing this processing will be described later).

That is, in this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 2, which type of printing is selected from the four types of printing control data of LUT, drive waveform data, paper feed correction data, and pass pause time length data. Whether the control data is stored is determined according to the paper type (or characteristic) of the roll paper 15, and it is not always necessary that there are four types of print control data sent from the printer 7 to the printer driver 3. Not necessarily.

For example, as shown in FIG. 2, roll paper 15
When the paper type is “paper type A”, the roll paper memory 13 stores only the LUT and the drive waveform data among the four types of print control data. When the paper type of the roll paper 15 is “paper type B”, print control data other than the drive waveform data is stored in the roll paper memory 13, and the paper type of the roll paper 15 is “paper type C”. In this case, all four types of print control data are stored in the roll paper memory 13 (note that in this embodiment, the paper type of the roll paper 15 is “paper type C”, and all of the roll paper memory 13 is stored in the roll paper memory 13). It is assumed that all four types of print control data, that is, LUT, drive waveform data, paper feed correction data, and pass pause time length data are stored.

Here, the LUT is a color conversion table (referred to for a color conversion process for converting original image data of a specific color system (for example, RGB original image data) into image data of the CMYK color system). Lookup table). L
Each value in the UT is adjusted based on an ink duty or the like adapted to the paper type (or characteristics, for example, easiness of ink bleeding) of the roll paper (note that “ink duty” means a plurality of colors). When reproducing a predetermined color using ink, it is the total value of the recording area ratio of each color ink ("Recording area ratio" means that the ink droplets that have penetrated into the roll paper and dried are the unit of the roll paper. From another viewpoint, it can be said to be the total value of the ink amount of each color ink required to form one dot having a predetermined color).

The drive waveform data is a drive waveform (signal waveform) for controlling the drive of a drive element of the print head (for example, a piezo piezoelectric element if the printing method is a piezo method, a heating element if the printing method is a thermal ink jet method). Is data indicating. The drive waveform is adjusted so that ink droplets can be appropriately ejected (for example, an appropriate amount) according to the paper type of the roll paper, the ink duty that is the basis of the LUT prepared according to the paper type, and the like. Has been done.

The paper feed correction data is a paper feed control data (for example, a paper feed amount for feeding one dot line of paper, which is held in advance by the printer driver 3 (or the printer 7) (for example, paper feed). The rotation amount of the motor 19) is recorded data, and the paper feed amount is, for example, a parameter for correcting many paper types (hereinafter, referred to as paper feed correction). Parameter) is the recorded data. The paper feed correction parameter is based on the paper type (or characteristics) of the roll paper, for example, the slipperiness of the surface of the roll paper (as a specific example, the friction coefficient of the roll paper surface where the roll paper and the platen 17a contact). Is set. More specifically, for example, the paper feed correction parameter is set so that if the surface of the roll paper is relatively slippery, correction can be performed to make the paper feed amount relatively large. If it is relatively slippery, it is set so that the paper feed amount can be corrected to be relatively small.

The data of the path rest time is stored in the carriage 21.
Data that records how long the carriage 21 should be stopped without passing between the start of one pass and the start of the next pass (hereinafter referred to as "pass pause time length") Is. Roll pause 1 for pass pause
When the ink droplets ejected onto 5 are completely dried, the ink is agglomerated (the molecules of a plurality of non-dried ink droplets attract each other and the ink droplets stick to each other), and the paper feed auxiliary roller 17
b is dirty (the ink droplets that have not dried are the paper feed auxiliary roller 1
7b). That is, the pass pause time length differs depending on the paper type of the roll paper, the ink duty that is the basis of the LUT prepared according to the paper type, and the like.
The time length is adjusted to an appropriate time length based on the time until the ink attached to the ink is completely dried. For example, if the value of the ink duty that is the basis of the LUT prepared according to the paper type is relatively high (or if the paper type is such that the ink does not easily dry), the pass pause time length is relatively long. It is set longer.

By the way, as shown in the figure, depending on the type of paper, there is a type of print control data that is not stored, but this is not the print control data that was adapted for that type, but other specific print control data. It means that it can be substituted with the use data (in other words, even if other specific print control data is used, there is not much difference in the quality of the print result). The printer driver 3 uses the existing print control data for the print control data of the type not stored in the roll paper memory 13 (that is, the print control data of the insufficient type) at the time of the print processing, as described later. Select substitutable print control data from the job data, and substitute the selected print control data ("substitutable" means printing that is substantially the same as print control data that is suitable for a certain paper type. It means that it can be used as control data). There are several possible methods for performing this process, and one of them is, for example, the following method. That is, for types in which the print control data can be substituted, the roll paper memory 13 selects the selection instruction information (for example, for the print control of the selection target) indicating the print control data of the selection target, instead of the print control data. The printer driver 3 acquires the selection instruction information from the roll paper memory 13 via the printer 7, and stores the print control data indicated by the selection instruction information in the existing print control data. To choose from.

The printer driver 3 which creates print data based on these print control data will be specifically described below with reference to FIG.

As shown in the figure, the printer driver 3
Is an updated paper type recording area 65, an LUT storage area 57, a drive waveform data storage area 59, a paper feed control data storage area 61, a pass pause time length data storage area 63, a controller 51, and color conversion. A binarization processing unit 55 and a print data creation unit 53 are provided.

In the updated paper type recording area 65, data indicating the paper type corresponding to the print control data already existing in the printer driver 3 is recorded. In this area 65, if at least one type of print control data among the above four types is stored in the printer driver 3,
Paper type data corresponding to the print control data is recorded. By referring to this area 65, it is possible to know which paper type the print control data suitable for already exists in the printer driver 3 (in the case of this figure, refer to this area 65 for the paper type). It can be seen that print control data for A and paper type B exists in the printer driver 3).

The LUT storage area 57 is an area in which the LUT is stored. In the area 57, LUTs corresponding to a plurality of paper types that can be supported from the beginning (that is, from the time of installing the printer driver 3) (hereinafter, initial LU
Only T) is stored. In addition, in this area 57,
The LUT read from the roll paper memory 13 and adapted to the new paper type is added by being stored by the controller 51. There may be a plurality of initial LUTs or one initial LUT as shown. When there are a plurality of sheets, for example, the plurality of initial LUTs have contents corresponding to a plurality of paper types that can be supported from the beginning. In the case of one, for example, the initial LUT has a content that can adequately cover all of the plurality of paper types that can be supported from the beginning. This also applies to initial drive waveform data, initial paper feed control data, and initial pass pause time length data, which will be described later.

The drive waveform data storage area 59 is an area for storing drive waveform data. In the area 59, only drive waveform data (hereinafter, initial drive waveform data) corresponding to a paper type that can be supported from the beginning is initially stored.
Further, the drive waveform data adapted from the roll paper memory 13 and adapted to the new paper type is added to the area 59 by being stored by the controller 51.

The paper feed control data storage area 61 is an area for storing paper feed control data. In the area 61, initially, only paper feed control data (hereinafter, initial paper feed control data) corresponding to a paper type that can be supported from the beginning is stored. In addition, the paper feed control data adapted to the new paper type is added to the area 61 by being stored by the controller 51. As will be described later, the paper feed control data is based on the parameters recorded in the paper feed correction data that is read from the roll paper memory 13 and is adapted to the new paper type.
Shows the corrected initial paper feed control data.

The path pause time length data storage area 63 is an area for storing the path pause time length data. In the area 63, initially, only pass pause time length data (hereinafter referred to as initial pass pause time length data) corresponding to a paper type that can be supported from the beginning is stored. In addition, in this area 63,
The pass pause time length data read from the roll paper memory 13 and adapted to the new paper type is added by being stored by the controller 51.

The controller 51 is operated at a predetermined time (for example, when the power of the printer 7 is turned on, when a print execution command is received from the user, or when the roll paper 15 is used).
Is attached to the printer 7), the print processing control circuit 11 in the printer 7 is instructed to read and pass the paper type data from the roll paper memory 13. The controller 51 analyzes the paper type data received from the printer 7 according to the instruction, and updates the paper type area 65.
It is determined whether or not the paper type data received from the printer 7 is existing (that is, whether the paper type data received from the printer 7 is already in the updated paper type area 65) by referring to the inside.

As a result of the determination, if the paper type data received from the printer 7 does not already exist in the printer driver 3, the controller 51 is stored in the roll paper memory 13 in the print processing control circuit 11 in the printer 7. All of the print control data that is present is instructed to be read and passed, and the print control data that is passed in response is stored in a predetermined location. Specifically, when the controller 51 receives the LUT from the printer 7, the controller 51 stores the LUT in the LUT storage area 57.
When the drive waveform data is received, the drive waveform data is stored in the drive waveform data storage area 59, and when the path pause time length data is received, the path pause time length data is stored in the path pause time length data. Store in area 63. When the controller 51 receives the paper feed correction data from the printer 7, the controller 51 uses the existing paper feed control data (for example, the initial paper feed control data) based on the parameters recorded in the paper feed correction data. ) Is corrected to create paper feed control data adapted to the paper type data in the roll paper memory 13 and stored in the paper feed control data storage area 61. After completing such processing, the controller 51 updates the updated paper type area 65.
The paper type data in the roll paper memory 13 is written in.

If the paper type data received from the printer 7 is already present in the printer driver 3 as a result of the above determination, the controller 51 reads and passes all the print control data stored in the roll paper memory 13. Do not bother to give a command.

Further, the controller 51 controls the color conversion / binarization processing unit 55 and the print data creation unit 53 so that printing according to the paper type of the roll paper 15 can be performed.
Specifically, the controller 51 causes the color conversion / binarization processing unit 55 and the print data creation unit 53 to perform printing adapted to the paper type data in the roll paper memory 13 (that is, the paper type of the roll paper 15). If there is control data, command it to use it, and if there is no print control data suitable for it, select a print control data from the existing print control data and select the selected print control data. Order to use the data for use. For example, the controller 51
The color conversion / binarization processing unit 55 using the LUT is instructed to use the LUT adapted to the paper type data in the roll paper memory 13, if any, and if the adapted L
If there is no UT, a certain LUT (for example, initial LUT) is selected from existing LUTs (initial LUT, paper type A LUT, and paper type B LUT in this figure), and the selected LUT is selected. Command to use.

The color conversion / binarization processing unit 55 uses the LUT (that is, the roll paper memory 1) designated by the controller 51.
The LUT adapted to the paper type data in 3 or the existing LUT selected by the controller 51 is referred to and the original image data of the RGB color system of multiple gradations (for example, 256 gradations) are Convert to image data of CMYK color system (that is, execute color conversion processing). Further, the color conversion / binarization processing unit 55 converts the multi-gradation CMYK image data into
CMY of binary (that is, 1-bit word indicating whether one color component of one pixel is a dot or a blank) by dithering or error diffusion
Convert to K image data (that is, execute binarization processing). It should be noted that multi-gradation RGB original image data is converted into binary C
The flow of conversion into MYK image data is not limited to this flow. That is, the color conversion / binarization processing unit 55, as an example, converts the multi-gradation RGB original image data into the mid-gradation RGB.
Original image data (for example, 256 gradation (8 bit) original image data is converted to 16 gradation (4 bit) original image data), and at that stage, the LUT designated by the controller 51 is referred to and the intermediate gradation is set. RGB original image data of CMYK
Convert color to image data. Then, the color conversion / binarization processing unit 55 performs binarization processing to convert the CMYK image data of the intermediate gradation into binary CMYK image data.

The print data creating section 53 is the controller 5
The binary C described above based on the drive waveform data designated as 1, the paper feed control data, the pass pause time length data, and the like.
Print data for printing the image indicated by the MYK image data is created. Then, the print data creation unit 53
The print data is sent to the printer 7. Thus, in the printer 7, based on the print data (that is, based on the drive waveform data designated by the controller 51, the paper feed control data, the pass pause time length data, etc.), the ink duty, the paper feed amount, By controlling the timing of the pass of the carriage 21 and the like, it is possible to obtain a print result according to the paper type of the roll paper 15.

The process flow performed by the print driver 3 shown in FIG. 3 will be described below with reference to FIG.

The printer driver 3 may be configured, for example, when the printer 7 is turned on, when a print execution command is received from the user, or when the roll paper 15 is printed by the printer 7.
Roll paper memory 1 when it is mounted on the paper (step S0)
3 to read the paper type data via the printer 7, and whether the read paper type data already exists (that is, whether the paper type data received from the printer 7 is already in the updated paper type area 65). Is checked (S1).

If the read paper type data does not already exist in the printer driver 3 in step S1 (NO in S2), the printer driver 3 deletes all the print control data stored in the roll paper memory 13. The print control data is read via the printer 7, and the read print control data is stored in a predetermined location (S3). After that, the printer driver 3
The paper type data read in step S1 is written in the updated paper type area 65 (S4). Then, the printer driver 3 performs steps S5 and S6 described below.

In step S1, if the read paper type data already exists in the printer driver 3 (YES in S2).
S), the printer driver 3 performs steps S5 and S6 described below.

That is, step S4 or step S2
After YES in step S4, if a print execution command has been received from the user (YES in step S5), the type of the currently loaded roll paper 15 is adapted (that is, the paper type data in the roll paper memory 13 is adapted). The printing process (that is, the above-described color conversion process, binarization process, and print data creation process) is executed based on the print control data (S6). In step S6, if there is a print control type not covered by the adapted print control data, the printer driver 3 substitutes the print control type from the existing print control data for that type. Select the data for
A print process is executed using the selected print control data and the adapted print control data.

The process flow of the printer driver 3 is as follows.
It is not limited to this. For example, the printer driver 3 uses the print control data to execute the print process of step S6 before storing the print control data read from the roll paper memory 13 in a predetermined location, and then stores the print control data. The print control data may be stored in a predetermined place.

As described above, according to the above-described embodiment, the roll paper memory 13 stores the paper type (or characteristics) of the roll paper 15.
The print control data adapted to is stored. Whether the printer driver 3 acquires the paper type data in the roll paper memory 13 via the printer 7 and stores the same data as the paper type data (in other words, the roll paper 1
5) whether or not the print control data adapted to the paper type 5 already exists, and if the paper type data is not yet stored, the print control data stored in the roll paper memory 13 is printed by the printer. 7, and controls printing by using the data. As a result, even if a usable paper type is newly added, the user does not need to update the printer driver 3 by, for example, accessing a predetermined WWW server, and the print result suitable for the new paper type can be obtained. Can be obtained.

Further, according to the above-described embodiment, the printer driver 3 confirms whether the same data as the paper type data in the roll paper memory 13 is stored, and the paper type data is still stored. Only when there is no print data, the print control data stored in the roll paper memory 13 is acquired via the printer 7 and stored. As a result, unnecessary communication between the host device 1 and the printer 7 does not have to be performed, and an effect such as a reduction in throughput can be expected.

Further, according to the above-described embodiment, it is not necessary to store all four types of print control data described above in the roll paper memory 13 depending on the paper type (in this case,
For types that are not stored, the printer driver 3 selects substitute print control data from the existing print control data and performs print processing). Therefore, the memory capacity of the roll paper memory 13 can be saved.

Although some preferred embodiments of the present invention have been described above, they are merely examples for explaining the present invention, and the scope of the present invention is not limited to these embodiments. The present invention can be implemented in various other forms.

For example, as a first modification, the roll paper memory 13 has a printer driver 3 instead of the LUT.
A color correction parameter for correcting each value of the initial LUT in the above and creating an LUT adapted to the paper type of the roll paper 15 may be stored. In this case, the printer driver 3
When a color correction parameter is received from the printer 7, each value of the initial LUT is corrected using the color correction parameter to create an LUT suitable for the paper type of the roll paper 15 and store it in the LUT storage area 57. , In the subsequent printing process,
The LUT is referenced as needed.

As a second modification, the roll paper memory 13 may store paper feed control data itself obtained based on the paper feed correction data, instead of the paper feed correction data.

As a third modification, various functions of the printer driver 3 described above may be installed in the printer 7, and the printer 7 may execute the processing flow shown in FIG.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a printing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[Fig. 2] Paper type of roll paper 15 and roll paper memory 13
FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a relationship with specific four types of data stored in FIG.

FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a configuration of a printer driver 3.

FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing a processing flow performed in the printing apparatus.

[Explanation of symbols]

1 Host device 3 Printer driver 5 Printer interface circuit 7 printer 9 Host interface circuit 11 Print processing control circuit 13 Roll paper memory 14 core material 15 roll paper 19 Paper feed motor 21 carriage 23 Carriage motor

   ─────────────────────────────────────────────────── ─── Continued front page    F-term (reference) 2C056 EA09 EB13 EB45 EC07 EC11                       EC12 EC76                 2C058 AB12 AC07 AE04 AF06 GA03                       GC06                 2C061 AQ05 AR01 AS06 CK10 CK11                       HJ02 HK07 HQ17                 5B021 AA01 BB01 CC06 KK00

Claims (12)

[Claims] 1. A roll print medium, which is a continuous print medium wound, can be set exchangeably, and the roll print medium stores print control information adapted to the type of the roll print medium. In a printing apparatus provided with a storage element that is configured to identify the print control information prepared in advance in the printing apparatus and the type of print medium used for the roll print medium set in the printing apparatus. Identification means, a determination means for determining whether or not the print control information prepared in advance includes print control information adapted to the identified type of print medium, and the result of the determination. Accordingly, printing is performed using one of the print control information prepared in advance and the print control information in the storage element. Printing device and a control means for Gosuru. 2. The printing apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising holding means for reading and holding print control information in a storage element provided in the roll print medium set in the printing apparatus. 3. The control means also determines whether or not the print control information held by the holding means already includes print control information adapted to the identified type of print medium. However, according to the result of the determination, the print control information prepared in advance, the print control information held by the holding unit, and the print control in the storage element provided in the roll print medium currently set are provided. The printing apparatus according to claim 2, wherein printing is controlled using any one of the information and the information. 4. When controlling printing using a plurality of types of print control information that are respectively used at different stages of print control, the storage element stores a part of the plurality of types of print control information in the storage element. Is stored and other types of print control information are not stored, when the control means uses the print control information in the storage element as a result of the determination, the control unit uses the print control information in the storage element for some types. 3. The printing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the print control information is used, and for the other types, the print control information prepared in advance or the print control information held by the holding unit is used. 5. The print control information in the storage element includes (1) image conversion information for performing image data conversion processing, and (2) for controlling the amount of ink adhered to the roll print medium. (3) Media feed control information for controlling the feed amount of the roll print medium, and (4) Ink for controlling the time for drying the ink attached to the roll print medium. At least one type of information among the drying time information, or (1) to
The printing apparatus according to claim 1, which includes information necessary for obtaining at least one type of information in (4). 6. Identification means for identifying the type of print medium to be used, and media feed control information that is information adapted to the type of print medium and is information for controlling the feed amount of the print medium. And a reading unit for reading the media feed control information adapted to the identified type of the print medium from the location where the is stored, and controlling the feed amount of the print medium based on the read media feed control information. And a control device for printing. 7. The printing apparatus can replaceably set a roll print medium, which is a continuous print medium wound, and the roll print medium is provided with a storage element. The storage element stores media feed control information adapted to the type of the roll print medium, and the reading unit reads the media feed control information from the storage element of the roll print medium set in the printing apparatus. 7. The printing device according to claim 6, wherein the printing device is inserted. 8. A storage element that can be provided in a roll print medium, which is a roll of continuous print media, wherein the print control information is adapted to the type of the roll print medium. ) To (4) (1) Image conversion information for performing conversion processing of image data, (2) Ink adhesion control information for controlling the amount of ink adhered to the roll print medium, (3) The above At least one of media feed control information for controlling the feed amount of the roll print medium and (4) ink drying time information for controlling the time for drying the ink attached to the roll print medium Information, or (1)-
A storage element storing information including information necessary for obtaining at least one type of information in (4). 9. Printing control information is prepared in advance in a printing apparatus that can replaceably set a roll print medium, which is a continuous print medium, and the roll print medium has the above-mentioned print control information. When a storage element storing print control information adapted to the type of roll print medium is provided, a step of identifying the type of print medium used for the roll print medium set in the printing device, A step of determining whether or not the print control information prepared in advance includes print control information adapted to the type of the identified print medium; and the print control information prepared in advance according to the result of the determination. The print control information stored in the storage element and the print control information stored in the storage element. Lint way. 10. A step of identifying the type of print medium used in the printing apparatus, and media feed control information that is information adapted to the type of print medium and is information for controlling the feed amount of the print medium. Reading media feed control information suitable for the identified type of print medium from a location where is stored, and controlling the feed amount of the print medium based on the read media feed control information. And a printing method having. 11. Printing control information is prepared in advance in a printing device that can replaceably set a roll print medium, which is a continuous print medium, and the roll print medium has the above-mentioned print control information. When a storage element storing print control information adapted to the type of roll print medium is provided, a step of identifying the type of print medium used for the roll print medium set in the printing device, A step of determining whether or not the print control information prepared in advance includes print control information adapted to the type of the identified print medium; and the print control information prepared in advance according to the result of the determination. The print control information stored in the storage element and the print control information stored in the storage element. A computer program to be run by a computer. 12. A step of identifying the type of print medium used in the printing apparatus, and media feed control information which is information adapted to the type of print medium and is information for controlling the feed amount of the print medium. From the location where is stored, the step of reading the media feed control information adapted to the type of the identified print medium, and the step of controlling the feed amount of the print medium based on the read medium feed control information A computer program for causing a computer to execute and.