JP2015208891A - Printing label creation device - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a printing label creation device which can create a wide variety of labels easily by enabling a frame to be constructed in a desired form intended by a user, and improves convenience of the user.SOLUTION: A printing label creation device receives a frame determination operation which determines a plurality of frame materials for constructing a frame T that surrounds in-frame text characters printed on a printing label L respectively, combines the plurality of determined frame materials in response to the received frame determination operation, and generates at least one new frame T. The device also generates printing data that includes at least the created one new frame T and the in-frame text characters surrounded by at least the generated one new frame T, and controls a tape feed roller drive shaft and a thermal head in cooperation with each other so as to create the printing label L in which printing corresponding to the generated printing data is formed.

Description

  The present invention relates to a print label producing apparatus for producing a print label.

  A print label producing apparatus for producing a print label is known (for example, see Patent Document 1). In this print label producing apparatus, a print label is produced by forming a print on a print-receiving tape (printing tape) conveyed by a conveying means (platen roller) by a printing means (thermal head). . A text character and a frame (decoration frame) surrounding the text character are printed on the print label.

Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 8-30592

  However, in the above prior art, the user can only select and use a frame prepared in advance in the print label producing apparatus, and cannot construct the frame in a desired form intended by the user. As a result, it has been inconvenient because it cannot fully meet the need to easily create a wide variety of labels.

  SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION An object of the present invention is to provide a print label producing apparatus capable of easily producing a wide variety of labels by making it possible to construct a frame in a desired form intended by the user, and improving user convenience.

  In order to achieve the above object, the present invention comprises a transport means for transporting a print-receiving tape, and a print means for forming a print on the print-receiving tape transported by the transport means. A print label creating apparatus for creating a print label with the print-receiving tape later, and a frame determination operation for determining each of a plurality of frame materials for constructing a frame surrounding a text character printed and formed on the print label Determining operation receiving means, and frame generating means for generating at least one new frame by combining a plurality of determined frame materials according to the frame determining operation received by the determining operation receiving means, A mark including at least one new frame generated by the frame generation means and the text characters surrounded by the at least one new frame. The transport unit and the printing unit cooperate with each other so as to create a print data generation unit that generates data and the print label on which the print corresponding to the print data generated by the print data generation unit is formed. And linkage control means for controlling.

  In the print label producing apparatus of the present invention, the print label is produced by forming the print on the print-receiving tape conveyed by the conveying means by the printing means. A text character and a frame surrounding the text character can be printed on the print label. And in this invention, the said frame is divided | segmented into a some frame material, and the operator can construct | assemble each frame material as desired, and the whole frame can be comprised in the aspect which an operator intends.

  That is, when the operator determines a plurality of frame materials, the frame determination operation is received by the determination operation receiving unit. After that, the frame generation means combines a plurality of frame materials according to the received frame determination operation and generates at least one new frame. Then, the print data generating means generates print data including the new frame and the text characters enclosed in the new frame, and based on the control of the cooperation control means, a print label is formed on which the print corresponding to the print data is formed. Is done.

  As described above, the user can easily print and form a frame of a desired form on a print label only by appropriately combining a plurality of frame materials. Thereby, it is possible to easily create a wide variety of labels as compared with the case where only a frame prepared in advance (which cannot be arranged) is selected and used. As a result, the convenience for the user can be greatly improved.

  According to the present invention, since the frame can be constructed in a desired form intended by the user, a wide variety of labels can be easily created. As a result, user convenience can be improved.

It is a perspective view showing the external appearance which looked at the printed label production apparatus in one Embodiment of this invention from diagonally upward direction. It is the perspective view showing the external appearance which looked at the printed label production apparatus of the state which open | released the lower cover from diagonally downward direction. FIG. 4 is an enlarged plan view schematically showing the internal structure of the cartridge. It is a functional block diagram showing the control system of a printed label production apparatus. It is explanatory drawing for demonstrating the flow in which a user's desired frame is constructed | assembled and a printed label is produced. It is a flowchart showing the control procedure performed by CPU. FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram for explaining a flow in which a user's desired frame is constructed and a print label is created in a modification in which frame registration and print label generation are performed with one touch. It is a flowchart showing the control procedure performed by CPU. It is explanatory drawing for demonstrating the modification which produces | generates a some frame. It is explanatory drawing for demonstrating the modification which produces | generates a some frame. It is explanatory drawing for demonstrating the flow in which a user's desired frame is constructed | assembled and a printed label is produced in the modification which selects and synthesize | combines the parts with which the existing frame was equipped. It is a flowchart showing the control procedure performed by CPU.

  Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

  A schematic configuration of the print label producing apparatus of the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. In FIG. 1, the printed label producing apparatus 1 produces a printed label L (see FIG. 5 and the like described later) by cutting a printed label tape on which a desired printing has been performed into a predetermined length. In this embodiment, the front / rear / left / right / up / down directions of the print label producing apparatus 1 indicate directions shown in FIGS.

<Overall schematic configuration>
As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the casing 2 of the print label producing apparatus 1 includes a lower cover 15 that forms the lower surface of the apparatus, a lateral cover 16 that forms the side surface of the apparatus, and an upper cover 17 that forms the upper surface of the apparatus. It is comprised by. The upper cover 17 has a keyboard 3 for performing various operations such as character input from the front direction to the rear direction, a function key group 4 for executing various functions of the print label producing apparatus 1, and an input. A liquid crystal display 5 (corresponding to first display means and second display means) for displaying characters, symbols and the like is provided. In this example, the function key group 4 includes a frame material designation key 4A, a power switch 4B, a print key 4C, and the like. Further, a cutter lever 7 for cutting a printed label tape 109 (see FIG. 3 described later) is provided on the right rear side of the horizontal cover 16.

  A cartridge holder 9 to which the cartridge 8 can be attached and detached is provided at the lower rear side of the print label producing apparatus 1. The cartridge holder 9 is covered when the lower cover 15 configured to be openable / closable with the front end portion of the print label producing apparatus 1 as a rotation shaft is closed, and is exposed when the lower cover 15 is opened.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 2, a battery storage unit 70 that can store a plurality of batteries BT (see FIG. 4 described later) is provided adjacent to the cartridge holder 9 at the lower rear side of the print label producing apparatus 1. It has been. In FIG. 2, reference numeral 60 denotes a DC jack to which an output plug of an AC adapter 220 (see FIG. 4 described later) as an external power source is connected.

<Cartridge>
As shown in FIG. 3, the cartridge 8 includes a casing 8A and a first roll 102 (in fact, a spiral shape, which is disposed in the casing 8A and wound with a band-shaped base tape 101). And a second roll 104 (actually a spiral shape) on which a transparent cover film 103 (corresponding to a print-receiving tape) having a width substantially the same as the base tape 101 is wound, In the drawing, it is simply shown as a concentric circle), a ribbon supply side roll 111 for feeding out an ink ribbon 105 (thermal transfer ribbon, but not required when the print-receiving tape is a thermal tape), and a ribbon for winding up the ink ribbon 105 after printing. A winding roller 106 and a tape feed roller 27 rotatably supported in the vicinity of the tape discharge portion of the cartridge 8 are provided.

  The tape feeding roller 27 feeds the tape in the direction indicated by arrow A in FIG. 3 while pressing and bonding the base tape 101 and the cover film 103 to form a label tape 109 with print.

  The first roll 102 has the base tape 101 wound around a reel member 102a. The base tape 101 has a four-layer structure in this example, and detailed illustration is omitted, but the adhesive layer for bonding made of an appropriate adhesive from the side wound inside to the opposite side, PET A colored base film made of (polyethylene terephthalate) or the like, a sticking adhesive layer made of an appropriate pressure-sensitive adhesive, and release paper are laminated in this order.

  The second roll 104 has the cover film 103 wound around a reel member 104a. The ink ribbon 105 is pressed against and brought into contact with the back surface of the cover film 103 fed out from the second roll 104 by the thermal head 23 (corresponding to printing means).

  At this time, corresponding to the configuration of the cartridge 8, the cartridge holder 9 has a ribbon take-up shaft 107 for taking up the used ink ribbon 105 and a label tape 109 for printing. A tape feed roller drive shaft 108 (corresponding to a conveying means) for driving the tape feed roller 27 is provided. The cartridge head 9 is provided with the thermal head 23 for performing desired printing on the cover film 103 so as to be positioned at the opening 14 (see FIG. 2) of the cartridge 8 when the cartridge 8 is mounted.

  The ribbon take-up roller 106 and the tape feed roller 27 are driven by the ribbon take-up roller driven by a driving force of a drive motor 211 (see FIG. 4 to be described later) provided outside the cartridge 8 via, for example, a gear mechanism. By being transmitted to the shaft 107 and the tape feed roller drive shaft 108, they are driven to rotate in conjunction with each other.

  In the above configuration, when the cartridge 8 is mounted on the cartridge holder 9 and the roll holder is moved from the release position (not shown) to the print position shown in FIG. 3, the cover film 103 and the ink ribbon 105 are connected to the thermal head 23. The platen roller 26 provided opposite to the thermal head 23 is sandwiched. At the same time, the base tape 101 and the cover film 103 are sandwiched between the tape feed roller 27 and the pressure roller 28 provided to face the tape feed roller 27. The ribbon take-up roller 106 and the tape feed roller 27 are rotationally driven in synchronization with directions indicated by arrows B and C in FIG. At this time, the tape feed roller drive shaft 108, the pressure roller 28 and the platen roller 26 are connected by a gear mechanism (not shown), and the tape feed roller 27, The pressure roller 28 and the platen roller 26 rotate, the base tape 101 is fed out from the first roll 102, and is supplied to the tape feed roller 27 as described above.

  On the other hand, the cover film 103 is fed out from the second roll 104, and a plurality of heating elements provided in the thermal head 23 are energized by the thermal head control circuit 217 (see FIG. 4 described later) to generate heat. At this time, the ink ribbon 105 driven by the ribbon take-up roller 106 is pressed against and brought into contact with the back side of the cover film 103 (that is, the side to be bonded to the base tape). . As a result, a print (details will be described later) corresponding to the print data of the desired print content is printed on the back surface of the cover film 103.

  Then, the base tape 101 and the cover film 103 on which the printing has been completed are bonded and integrated by the adhesive layer for bonding by the pressing of the tape feeding roller 27 and the pressure roller 28, and the label tape with print is formed. 109 is formed and discharged out of the cartridge 8. The ink ribbon 105 that has finished printing on the cover film 103 is taken up by the ribbon take-up roller 106 by driving the ribbon take-up roller drive shaft 107.

  A cutting mechanism 42 having a fixed blade 40 and a movable blade 41 is provided on the downstream side of the transport path of the printed label tape 109 discharged out of the cartridge 8. When the cutter lever 7 is operated, the movable blade 41 operates, the printed label tape 109 is cut, and a printed label L (see FIG. 5 and the like described later) is generated.

<Control system>
Next, the control system of the print label producing apparatus 1 will be described with reference to FIG.

  In FIG. 4, the print label producing apparatus 1 has a CPU 212 that performs a predetermined calculation.

  The CPU 212 is connected to the liquid crystal display 5, the EEPROM 214, and the RAM 213. The CPU 212 is connected to the AC adapter 220 and performs a power on / off process for the print label producing apparatus 1, and a drive motor for driving the ribbon take-up roller drive shaft 107 and the tape feed roller drive shaft 108. A motor driving circuit 216 that controls the driving of the motor 211 and a thermal head control circuit 217 that controls the energization of the heating elements of the thermal head 23 are connected.

  The EEPROM 214 stores various control programs (including a control program for executing a flow shown in FIGS. 6, 8, and 12 described later). The CPU 212 performs signal processing according to a program stored in advance in the EEPROM 214 while using the temporary storage function of the RAM 213, thereby controlling the entire print label producing apparatus 1.

<Features of the embodiment>
In the present embodiment, the print label L generated as described above is printed with text characters and a frame T surrounding the text characters (see FIG. 5 (e) described later). . The greatest feature of the present embodiment is a method of easily constructing the frame T in a user's desired mode. Hereinafter, the details will be described in order.

<Details of frame construction method>
In this embodiment, after inputting text characters or the like in the liquid crystal display 5 as usual, a new frame T can be generated using the input text characters or the like. First, for example, as shown in FIG. 5A, a text editing screen 5A for inputting the text characters and the like is displayed on the liquid crystal display 5. In this state, the user (corresponding to the operator) uses the keyboard 3 to input a text character (or a symbol) to be a constituent element (corresponding to the frame material) for configuring the frame T. Do. In this example, two text characters t1 composed of an eighth note and a quarter note and a text character t2 composed of a quarter note are input.

  Thereafter, on the text input screen 5A, the user uses the function key group 4, for example, to perform a designation operation for designating the input text character as the frame material. Here, in this modification, as a frame material, a front frame T1 (corresponding to a first frame element, which will be described later with reference to FIG. 5) is located on one side (downstream side in this example) along the transport direction of the print label L. d) and a rear frame T2 (corresponding to a second frame element, which will be described later in FIG. 5 (d)) located on the other side (upstream side in this example) and a direction (in other words, a tape perpendicular to the transport direction). The upper frame T3 (corresponding to the third frame element) located on one side (in this example, the upper side in the display state of the liquid crystal panel 5) along the width direction) and the other side (lower in the display state of the liquid crystal panel 5 in this example) The user designates at least two of the four lower frames T4 (corresponding to the fourth frame element) located on the side).

  In this example, as shown in FIG. 5B, first, on the text editing screen 5A, the cursor K is placed on the text character t1 composed of an eighth note and a quarter note, and further, for example, the frame material designation key 4A By the operation, the text character t1 is designated in the front frame T1 (see FIG. 5D described later). After that, as shown in FIG. 5C, on the text editing screen 5A, the cursor K is placed on the text character t2 consisting of a quarter note, and the text character t2 is moved to the rear frame by operating the frame material designation key 4A. It is specified in T2 (see FIG. 5D described later).

  In this example, only the front frame T1 and the rear frame T2 are specified as described above, and the upper frame and the lower frame between them are linearly between the front frame T1 and the rear frame T2. An upper frame T3 and a lower frame T4 (see FIG. 5D described later) that are connected are automatically generated. As a result of the above designation, as shown in FIG. 5 (e), the front frame T1 of the eighth note and the quarter note, the rear frame T4 of the quarter note, and between the front frame T1 and the rear frame T2 A new frame T composed of an upper frame T3 connecting the upper portions linearly and a lower frame T4 connecting the upper frames linearly between the front frame T1 and the rear frame T2 is constructed. The generated frame T is stored in the frame storage unit 214a (corresponding to the second storage unit) provided in the EEPROM 214 by, for example, an appropriate operation key group 4 operation by the user. Name, frame ID, favorite bookmark, etc.).

  When the print label is created, the frame T stored in the frame storage unit 214a as described above is read by, for example, an operation of the appropriate operation key group 4 by the user. Thereafter, a desired text character (hereinafter referred to as “in-frame text character”, in this example “abcdef”) is additionally input into the frame T using the keyboard 3 on the text editing screen 5A. Thus, the print label L including the frame T and the text character Tx in the frame is generated (see FIG. 5E).

<Control procedure>
FIG. 6 shows a flow representing a processing procedure executed by the CPU 212 in order to realize the method described above.

  In FIG. 6, for example, when the user operates the power switch 4B of the function key group 4, this flow is started.

  First, in step S10, the CPU 212 outputs a display signal to the liquid crystal display 5 to display the above-described text editing screen 5A.

  Thereafter, in step S20, the CPU 212 uses the frame material (any one of the front frame T1, the rear frame T2, the upper frame T3, and the lower frame T4) that constructs the frame T, which is executed by the user via the keyboard 3. For this purpose, an input operation such as text characters and symbols is accepted (see FIG. 5A). In addition, CPU212 which performs this step S20 functions as the operation input reception means described in each claim.

  In step S30, the CPU 212 uses the cursor K and the frame material designation key 4A as described above for the text character / symbol received in step S20, and the frame material (front frame T1, rear frame T2, It is determined whether or not an operation (corresponding to a frame determination operation) designated in any of the upper frame T3 and the lower frame T4) has been performed. If the above designation is not made, the determination in step S30 is not satisfied (S30: NO), and the loop waits until the determination in step S30 is satisfied. When the above designation is made, the determination at Step S30 is satisfied (S30: YES), and the routine goes to Step S40. The CPU 212 executing step S30 functions as a determination operation accepting unit described in each claim. In FIG. 6, the steps S20 and S30 are shown in a simplified manner, but actually, the above steps S20 and S30 are repeated for each text character / symbol or the like. That is, as described with reference to FIGS. 5B and 5C, after inputting one text character / symbol, etc., specifying the text character / symbol, etc. The above designation of the text character / symbol or the like is performed by inputting a character / symbol or the like.

  In step S40, the CPU 212 generates a new frame T by combining the corresponding front frame T1, rear frame T2, upper frame T3, and lower frame T4 based on the designation result in step S30 (see FIG. 5D). ). As already described, in the example described above with reference to FIG. 5, only the front frame T1 and the rear frame T2 are specified in step S30, and the upper frame T3 and the lower frame T4 are automatically generated in step S40. The In addition, CPU212 which performs this step S40 functions as a frame production | generation means as described in each claim.

  Thereafter, in step S50, the CPU 212 newly registers and stores the new frame T generated in step S40 in the frame storage unit 214a. At that time, as described above, each frame T is stored in the frame storage unit 214a in a form associated with the unique identification information.

  In step S51, the CPU 212 accepts an input operation for the text character in the frame (“abcdef” in the example of FIG. 5D) arranged inside the frame T newly registered in step S40.

  Thereafter, in step S52, the CPU 212 determines whether or not the print key 4C has been pressed. If the print key 4C has not been pressed, the determination in step S52 is not satisfied (S52: NO), and the process returns to step S51 and the same procedure is repeated. If the print key 4C has been pressed, the determination at step S52 is satisfied (S52: YES), and the routine proceeds to step S60.

  In step S60, the CPU 212 generates the heating element of the thermal head 23 in order to execute print formation in a mode in which the in-frame text characters input in step S51 are arranged in the frame T generated in step S40. Print data for energizing the is generated. The CPU 212 that executes step S60 functions as print data generation means described in each claim.

  Thereafter, in step S70, the CPU 212 outputs a control signal to the motor drive circuit 216, and starts driving the tape feed roller drive shaft 108 and the ribbon take-up roller drive shaft 107 by the drive motor 211. Thereby, conveyance of the cover film 103, the base tape 101, and the printed label tape 109 (hereinafter simply referred to as the cover film 103 or the like as appropriate) is started.

  In step S80, based on the print data generated in step S60, the CPU 212 determines whether the cover film 103 and the like transported as described above have been transported to the start position of the predetermined print area (print area of the print area). Whether or not the cover film 103 or the like has been transported until the print head 23 is in the transport direction position facing the front end. This determination may be made by a known appropriate method such as counting the number of pulses of the drive motor 211 formed of a stepping motor, for example. If the cover film 103 or the like is not conveyed to the start position of the printing area, the determination in step S80 is not satisfied (S80: NO), and the loop waits until the determination in step S80 is satisfied. If cover film 103 etc. are conveyed to the starting position of a printing field, the judgment of Step S80 will be satisfied (S80: YES), and it will move to Step S90.

  In step S90, the CPU 212 performs a printing process for energizing the heating elements of the thermal head 23 based on the printing data generated in step S60. As a result, the ink on the ink ribbon 105 is transferred to the cover film 103 by the energized heating element, and a print corresponding to the print data is formed.

  Thereafter, in step S100, the CPU 212 determines whether or not the transported cover film 103 or the like has been transported to the end position of the print area (the cover film 103 or the like until the print head 23 is in a transport direction position facing the rear end of the print area. Whether or not is conveyed). This determination may be performed by the same known method as described above. If the cover film 103 or the like is not conveyed to the end position of the printing area, the determination in step S100 is not satisfied (S100: NO), and the process returns to step S90 and the same procedure is repeated. If the cover film 103 or the like has been conveyed to the end position of the printing area, the determination in step S100 is satisfied (S100: YES), and the process proceeds to step S110.

  In step S110, the CPU 212 conveys the transported cover film 103 or the like based on the print data generated in step S60 to a predetermined cutting position set on the label rear end side from the print area based on the print data. It is determined whether or not the label tape 109 with print has been conveyed until the movable blade 41 is in a conveyance direction position facing the cutting position. This determination may be performed by a known method similar to that described above. If the cover film 103 or the like is not conveyed to the cutting position, the determination in step S110 is not satisfied (S110: NO), and the loop waits until the determination in step S110 is satisfied. If cover film 103 grade | etc., Is conveyed to a cutting position, determination of step S110 will be satisfy | filled (S110: YES), and it will move to step S120.

  In step S120, the CPU 212 outputs a control signal to the motor drive circuit 216, and stops the drive of the tape feed roller drive shaft 108 and the ribbon take-up roller drive shaft 107 by the drive motor 211. Thereby, conveyance of the cover film 103, the base tape 101, and the printed label tape 109 is stopped. In addition, CPU212 which performs the said step S70-step S120 functions as a cooperation control means as described in each claim.

  Thereafter, in step S <b> 130, the CPU 212 outputs a display signal to the liquid crystal display 5. As a result, an appropriate display that prompts the user to operate the cutter lever 7 to operate the cutting mechanism 15 and cut the printed label tape 109 is performed on the liquid crystal display 5. A mode in which the printed label tape 109 is cut by the user operating the cutter lever 7, and the in-frame text characters input in step S51 are placed in the frame T generated in step S40. The print label L on which the prints are formed is generated (see FIG. 5E). Thereafter, this flow is terminated.

<Effect of embodiment>
As described above, in this embodiment, the user can easily combine a plurality of frame materials (the front frame T1, the rear frame T2, etc.) in their desired mode, and easily print the frame T in the desired mode. Thus, the print label L can be created. As a result, it is possible to easily create a wide variety of print labels T as compared with a case where only a frame prepared in advance that cannot be arranged is selected and used. As a result, the convenience for the user can be greatly improved.

  In the present embodiment, in particular, by receiving an operation input of text characters / symbols for constructing a frame in step S20, the text characters / symbols, etc. are designated as a frame material for constructing the frame. A new frame T is generated. Accordingly, the user can newly create a frame T separately from the prepared frame without using the frame prepared in the print label producing apparatus 1. That is, the user can easily create a wide variety of frames T by appropriately combining text characters and symbols regardless of what is prepared as a frame in the print label producing apparatus 1. As a result, the convenience for the user can be improved with certainty.

  In the present embodiment, in particular, in step S30, it is accepted whether or not to designate a text character / symbol or the like that has been operated and input as one of the front frame T1, the rear frame T2, and the like. Thereby, among the frame elements of the frame T that can be arranged so as to surround the in-frame text character Tx (the front frame T1, the rear frame T2, etc.), a plurality of frame elements are determined in a user's desired mode, The entire frame T can be configured as intended.

  In the present embodiment, in particular, the frame T newly generated as described above is registered in the frame storage unit 214a together with unique identification information. As a result, the user can easily read and use the frame thereafter using the corresponding unique identification information. As a result, the convenience for the user can be improved more reliably.

  The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and various modifications can be made without departing from the spirit and technical idea of the present invention. Hereinafter, such modifications will be described in order. In addition, the same code | symbol is attached | subjected to the part equivalent to the said embodiment, and description is abbreviate | omitted or simplified suitably.

(1) Case where frame registration and print label generation are performed with one touch In this modification, new registration of the generated frame T and creation of print label L are performed substantially simultaneously with one touch. Details will be described below with reference to FIG. 7 corresponding to FIG. 5 of the above embodiment and FIG. 8 corresponding to FIG. 6 of the above embodiment.

<Details of frame construction method>
In the present modification, first, as shown in FIG. 7A, the text editing screen 5A is displayed on the liquid crystal display 5 as described above. In this state, the user uses the keyboard 3 to place text characters (or symbols) to be constituent elements (corresponding to the frame material) for configuring the frame T and the inside of the frame T. Input the text characters in the frame for this purpose. In this example, a text character t1 composed of an eighth note and a quarter note, a text character t2 composed of a quarter note, and an in-frame text character tx sandwiched between the two text characters t1 and t2. Have been entered.

  Thereafter, the user performs a designation operation for designating the input text characters t1 and t2 as the frame material, as in the above embodiment. In this example, as shown in FIG. 7 (b), the text character t1 is designated in the front frame T1 (see FIG. 7 (d) described later) as in the above embodiment, and FIG. 7 (c). As shown in FIG. 7, the text character t2 is designated in the rear frame T2 (see FIG. 7D described later).

  Thereafter, in this modification, the user operates the print key 4C of the function key group 4 to newly register the frame T and create the print label L based on the frame T as shown in FIG. And is performed in a lump. That is, a new frame comprising an eighth note and a quarter note front frame T1, a quarter note rear frame T4, and an upper frame T3 and a lower frame T4 between the front frame T1 and the rear frame T2. T is constructed and stored together with unique identification information in the frame storage unit 214a of the EEPROM 214 (without any user operation). On the other hand, the frame T stored in the frame storage unit 214a as described above is read (without requiring an operation by the user), and is arranged in the frame T and the frame T. A print label L including the in-frame text character Tx (in this example, “abcdef”) corresponding to the in-frame text character tx is generated (see FIG. 7D).

<Control procedure>
FIG. 8 shows a flow representing a processing procedure executed by the CPU 212 of the present modified example in order to realize the method described above. In addition, the same code | symbol is attached | subjected to the part equivalent to the said FIG. 6 of the said embodiment, and description is abbreviate | omitted or simplified suitably.

  In the flow of this modification shown in FIG. 8, step S21 is provided instead of step S20 in FIG. 6, and step S31 is newly provided between step S30 and step S40. Step S51 and step S52 of 6 are deleted.

  That is, after step S10 and step S20 similar to those in FIG. 6 above, in step S21, the CPU 212 executes the text characters and the text material to be used as the frame material for constructing the frame T, which is executed by the user via the keyboard 3. An input operation of a symbol or the like (text characters T1 and t2 in the above example) and an in-frame text character (in-frame text character tx in the above example) to be arranged inside the frame T is accepted (FIG. 7 above). (See (a)). In addition, CPU212 which performs this step S21 functions as the operation input reception means described in each claim in this modification.

  Thereafter, after step S30 similar to that in FIG. 6, in step S31, the CPU 212 determines whether or not the print key 4C has been pressed, as in step S52 in FIG. If the print key 4C is not pressed, the determination in step S31 is not satisfied (S31: NO), and the loop waits until this determination is satisfied. If the print key 4C is pressed, the determination at step S31 is satisfied (S31: YES), and the routine goes to step S40.

  In step S40, similarly to FIG. 6, the CPU 212 generates a new frame T by combining the corresponding front frame T1, rear frame T2, upper frame T3, and lower frame T4 based on the designation result in step S30. Thereafter, in step S50, as in FIG. 6, the CPU 212 newly registers and stores the new frame T generated in step S40 in the frame storage unit 214a. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S60.

  In step S60, the CPU 212 generates the heating element of the thermal head 23 in order to execute print formation in a mode in which the in-frame text characters input in step S21 are arranged in the frame T generated in step S40. Print data for energizing the is generated. Then, each procedure of step S70 to step S130 is the same as that in FIG.

  Also in this modification, the same effect as the above embodiment is obtained. Further, registration of a new frame T and generation of a print label L based on the frame T can be executed by a one-touch operation of the print key 4C in step S31. As a result, the user's operation labor can be reduced and the convenience can be further improved.

(2) Case of generating a plurality of frames In the above embodiment, the case where one print label L includes one frame T has been described as an example, but the present invention is not limited to this. That is, the print label L having a plurality of frames T may be printed by the same method as described above.

  For example, in the example shown in FIG. 9, the front frame T1 ′, the rear frame T2 ′, the upper frame T3 ′, and the lower frame T4 ′ are based on the input of text characters / symbols and the designation result for the same by the same method as described above. A frame TA having a front frame T1 ″, a rear frame T2 ″, an upper frame T3 ″, and a lower frame T4 ″ is generated based on the input of further text characters / symbols and the designation result for the frame TA. TB is generated. Thereafter, in the same manner as described above, additional input of the in-frame text character “abc” for the frame TA and the in-frame text character “123” for the frame TB is performed, so that the frames TA and TB are aligned in the tape transport direction. In addition to the arrangement, the print label L is generated in which the in-frame text character “abc” is formed in the frame TA and the in-frame text character “123” is formed in the frame TB (see FIG. 9).

  Further, for example, in the example shown in FIG. 10, the front frame T1 ′, the rear frame T2 ′, the upper frame T3 ′, and the lower frame T4 are input based on the input of text characters / symbols and the designation result corresponding to the same method as described above. A frame TC with 'is generated, and a front frame T1 ", a rear frame T2", an upper frame T3 ", and a lower frame T4" are provided based on the input of further text characters, symbols, and the like and the designated result thereof. A frame TD is generated. Thereafter, as described above, the in-frame text character “abc” for the frame TC and the in-frame text character “123” for the frame TD are additionally input, so that another frame TD is included in one frame TC. Is generated, and a printed label L is generated in which the in-frame text character “123” is formed in the frame TD and the in-frame text character “abc” is formed in the frame TC and outside the frame TD. (See FIG. 10).

  This modification also has the same effect as the above embodiment.

(3) When selecting and synthesizing parts provided in an existing frame In the above embodiment, a new frame T is constructed using text characters, symbols, and the like input by the user as frame materials. I can't. In this modification, a frame as a frame material is prepared from a plurality of frames prepared and stored in advance in the print label producing apparatus 1 (specifically, stored in the frame material storage unit 214b of the EEPROM 214, corresponding to the first storage unit). Elements (the aforementioned front frame, rear frame, upper frame, and lower frame) are individually extracted one by one, and the extracted frame elements are combined with each other to generate a new frame.

  That is, in this modification, first, as shown in FIG. 11A, for example, a list of the plurality of frames prepared and stored in advance is displayed on the liquid crystal display 5 (while scrolling). A frame preview screen 5B is displayed. In a state where a plurality of frames are displayed in a list on the frame preview screen 5B in this way, the user uses the keyboard 3 to select a frame to be processed to replace the frame element (hereinafter simply referred to as “parts”). Make a selection. In this example, the frame consists of a front frame T01 made of a square table clock shape, a rear frame T02 made of a round alarm clock shape, an upper frame T03 of a horizontal straight line, and a lower frame T04 of a horizontal straight line. One frame is selected by the cursor K.

  Thereafter, the user uses, for example, the function key group 4 on the frame preview screen 5B to select at least one of the front frame T01, the rear frame T02, the upper frame T03, and the lower frame T04 included in the selected one frame. A selection operation is performed to select a frame element that replaces one (all four in this example).

  In this example, as shown in FIG. 11B, in response to the selection by the cursor K, on the frame preview screen 5B, the above-mentioned message is stored together with the message “Do you want to use the previous frame?”. The parts T11, T12, T13, T14,... Of the plurality of frames are displayed in a listable manner by scrolling, for example. The user uses, for example, an operation of the frame material designation key 4A to replace the front frame T01 among the parts T11, T12, T13, T14,... Displayed in the list (in this example, the part T13 ) Is selected.

  Thereafter, as shown in FIG. 11 (c), in the frame preview screen 5B, together with the message “Do you want to use the rear frame?”, The parts T21, T22, T23, T24,... Are displayed in a listable manner, for example, by scrolling. The user uses, for example, an operation of the frame material designation key 4A to replace the rear frame T02 among the listed parts T21, T22, T23, T24,... (In this example, the part T22 ) Is selected.

  After that, as shown in FIG. 11 (d), in the frame preview screen 5B, as well as the above, together with the message “Do you want to make the upper frame?” Are displayed in a listable manner by scrolling, for example. The user uses, for example, an operation of the frame material designation key 4A to replace the upper frame T03 among the parts displayed in the list (in this example, part T3; see FIG. 11 (f) described later). Select.

  After that, as shown in FIG. 11 (e), in the frame preview screen 5B, as in the above case, in addition to the message “Do you want to make the lower frame?” Are displayed in a listable manner by scrolling, for example. The user uses, for example, an operation of the frame material designation key 4A to replace the lower frame T04 among the parts displayed in the list (in this example, the part T4; see FIG. 11 (f) described later). Select.

  In this example, all the parts that replace the front frame, the rear frame, the upper frame, and the lower frame are selected as described above, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, as in the above embodiment, only the front frame and the rear frame are specified, and the upper frame and the lower frame between them are in a certain law (for example, a straight line between the front frame and the rear frame). An upper frame and a lower frame) to be connected may be automatically selected.

  As a result of the above selection, as shown in FIG. 11 (f), the front frame using the comb figure part T13 (hereinafter simply referred to as the front frame T13 as appropriate) and the telephone handset figure part T22 were used. A rear frame (hereinafter, simply referred to as “rear frame T22” as appropriate), an upper frame T3 that linearly connects upper portions between the front frame T13 and the rear frame T22, and an upper portion between the front frame T13 and the rear frame T22. A new frame T composed of a lower frame T4 that is connected linearly is constructed. The generated frame T is, as in the above-described embodiment, unique identification information (for example, a frame registration name, a frame ID, a favorite ID) in the frame storage unit 214a, for example, by an operation of the appropriate operation key group 4 by the user. Bookmarks, etc.).

  When the print label is created, the frame T stored in the frame storage unit 214a as described above is read by, for example, an operation of the appropriate operation key group 4 by the user. Thereafter, a desired in-frame text character (in this example, “abcdef”) is additionally input into the frame T using the keyboard 3 on the text editing screen 5A. A print label L having the character Tx is generated (see FIG. 11G).

<Control procedure>
FIG. 12 shows a flow representing a processing procedure executed by the CPU 212 of this modification in order to realize the method described above. In addition, the same code | symbol is attached | subjected to the part equivalent to the said FIG. 6 of the said embodiment, and description is abbreviate | omitted or simplified suitably.

  In the flow of this modified example shown in FIG. 12, step S11, step S12, step S13, step S41, and step S42 are provided in place of step S10, step S20, step S30, and step S40 in FIG. .

  That is, in step S11, the CPU 212 outputs a display signal to the liquid crystal display 5 to display the above-described frame preview screen 5B (see FIG. 11A).

  Thereafter, in step S12, the CPU 212 selects a frame to be replaced such as a front frame, a rear frame, an upper frame, a lower frame, etc., which the user executes with the cursor K via the keyboard 3 on the frame preview screen 5B. It is determined whether or not. If the target frame is not selected, the determination in step S12 is not satisfied (S12: NO), and the loop waits until this determination is satisfied. When the target frame is selected, the determination in step S12 is satisfied (S12: YES), and the process proceeds to step S13.

  In step S13, the CPU 212 displays, on the frame preview screen 5B, a scrollable list of parts as replacement candidates for the frame selected in step S12 (parts T11 and T12 in FIG. 11B). , T13, T14,..., See parts T21, T22, T23, T24,.

  Thereafter, in step S41, the CPU 212 determines that the user out of the elements of the frame selected in step S12 on the frame preview screen 5B (in the above example, the front frame T01, the rear frame T02, the upper frame T03, and the lower frame T04). For those intended to be replaced, a selection operation (corresponding to the frame determination operation) of each part (parts T13, T22, T3, T4 in the above example) used for replacement is performed (for example, using the frame material designation key 4A). ) Determine whether it has been executed. If no part is selected, the determination in step S41 is not satisfied (S41: NO), and the loop waits until this determination is satisfied. If a part is selected, the determination in step S41 is satisfied (S41: YES), and the process proceeds to step S42. In addition, CPU212 which performs this step S41 functions as the determination operation reception means described in each claim. In FIG. 12, the steps S13 and S41 are shown in a simplified manner, but actually, the above steps S13 and S41 are repeated for each part that the user intends to replace. That is, as described with reference to FIGS. 11B to 11E, for example, after a part that is a replacement candidate is displayed for the front frame and one of the above parts is selected, the rear frame is further displayed. A part that is a candidate for replacement is displayed, and one of the parts is selected. The same applies to the upper frame and the lower frame.

  In step S42, based on the selection result in step S41, the CPU 212 generates a new frame by combining the corresponding four parts (in the above example, the front frame T11T13, the rear frame T22, the upper frame T3, and the lower frame T4). (Refer to FIG. 11F.) The CPU 212 that executes step S42 functions as a frame generation unit described in each claim in the present modification.

  The subsequent steps S50, S51, S52, and S60 to S130 are the same as those in FIG.

  As described above, also in this modified example, as described above, the user appropriately combines a plurality of frame materials (the front frame T13, the rear frame T22, and the like) in his / her desired form, and the desired form of the frame T. Can be easily printed to form the print label L. As a result, it is possible to easily create a wide variety of print labels T as compared with a case where only a frame prepared in advance that cannot be arranged is selected and used. As a result, the convenience for the user can be greatly improved.

  In the present modification, in particular, a plurality of frames are stored in the frame material storage unit 214b, and the user reads the plurality of frames read from the frame material storage unit 214b on the frame preview screen 5B of the liquid crystal display 5. In the displayed state, at least one frame is selected (as an arrangement target) (see FIG. 11A and step S12). Thereafter, another part is selected to replace at least one frame element (front frame, rear frame, etc.) of the selected frame. As a result, a new frame T can be generated by combining each frame element while replacing the at least one frame element with another selected part. As described above, a desired frame T can be easily created simply by appropriately arranging the frames prepared in advance in the print label producing apparatus 1. As a result, the convenience for the user can be improved with certainty.

  In this modification, in particular, in step S41, selection of which part to replace the front frame, the rear frame, etc. displayed in a list in step S13 is accepted. As a result, a plurality of frame elements (in this example, the front frame, the rear frame, etc.) among the frame elements of the frame T that can be arranged so as to surround the in-frame text character Tx (see FIG. 11 (g)). All of the frame T13, the rear frame T22, the upper frame T3, and the lower frame T4) can be determined as a user's desired mode, and the entire frame T can be configured as intended.

  In addition, in the above description, when there are descriptions such as “vertical”, “parallel”, and “plane”, the descriptions are not strict. That is, the terms “vertical”, “parallel”, and “plane” are acceptable in design and manufacturing tolerances and errors, and mean “substantially vertical”, “substantially parallel”, and “substantially plane”. .

In addition, in the above description, when there are descriptions such as “same”, “equal”, “different”, etc., in terms of external dimensions and sizes, the descriptions are not strict. That is, the terms “identical”, “equal”, and “different” mean that “tolerance and error in manufacturing are allowed in design and that they are“ substantially identical ”,“ substantially equal ”, and“ substantially different ”. .
However, if there is a description of a value that becomes a predetermined judgment criterion or a value that becomes a delimiter, such as a threshold value or a reference value, for example, “same”, “equal”, “different”, etc. It is different and has a strict meaning.

  In addition, in the above, the arrow shown in each figure of FIG. 4 etc. shows an example of the flow of a signal, and does not limit the flow direction of a signal.

  In addition, the flowcharts shown in FIGS. 6, 8, and 12 do not limit the present invention to the procedures shown in the above-described flow. Changes may be made.

  In addition to those already described above, the methods according to the above-described embodiments and modifications may be used in appropriate combination.

  In addition, although not illustrated one by one, the present invention is implemented with various modifications within a range not departing from the gist thereof.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Print label production apparatus 3 Keyboard 5 Liquid crystal display (1st display means, 2nd display means)
5A Text editing screen 5B Frame preview screen 23 Thermal head (printing means)
103 Cover film (printed tape)
108 Tape feed roller drive shaft (conveyance means)
212 CPU
214 EEPROM
214a Frame storage section (second storage means)
214b Frame material storage unit (first storage means)
L Print label

Claims (5)

Conveying means for conveying the print-receiving tape;
Printing means for forming a print on the print-receiving tape conveyed by the conveying means;
Have
A print label producing apparatus for producing a print label with the print-receiving tape after print formation,
A determination operation receiving means for receiving a frame determination operation for determining each of a plurality of frame materials for constructing a frame surrounding a text character printed and formed on the print label;
In accordance with the frame determination operation received by the determination operation reception unit, a frame generation unit that generates at least one new frame by combining a plurality of determined frame materials;
Print data generation means for generating print data, including at least one new frame generated by the frame generation means, and the text characters surrounded by the at least one new frame;
Cooperative control means for controlling the conveying means and the printing means in a coordinated manner so as to create the print label on which printing corresponding to the print data generated by the print data generating means is formed;
A printed label producing apparatus comprising: In the printed label production apparatus according to claim 1,
The determination operation accepting means includes
A first frame element and a second frame element positioned on one side and the other side of the print label along the transport direction by the transport means, respectively, and one side and the other side along a direction orthogonal to the transport direction. An apparatus for producing a print label, wherein the frame determination operation for determining at least two frame elements as the plurality of frame materials among the third frame element and the fourth frame element respectively positioned is received. In the printed label production apparatus according to claim 2,
First display means for displaying a text editing screen for operating and inputting the text characters;
An operation input reception for receiving an operation input of the text character on the text editing screen displayed by the first display means, or an operation input of a symbol formed inside the frame together with the text character on the print label. Means,
Have
The determination operation accepting means includes
A print label producing apparatus, wherein a designation operation for designating the text character or the symbol, which has been accepted by the operation input accepting unit, as the frame material is accepted as the frame determining operation. In the printed label production apparatus according to claim 2,
First storage means for storing each of the plurality of frames prepared in advance so as to be extractable for each frame element of the first to fourth frame elements;
Second display means for displaying a frame preview screen for selectively displaying at least one of the plurality of frames stored in the first storage means;
Have
The determination operation accepting means includes
The selection operation of another frame element that replaces at least one of the first to fourth frame elements of the one frame displayed on the frame preview screen of the second display means is performed by the frame determination operation. A printed label producing apparatus characterized by being accepted as: In the printed label production apparatus according to any one of claims 2 to 4,
A printed label producing apparatus, further comprising second storage means for storing the new frame generated by the frame generation means together with unique identification information.

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