JP2001083955A - Image processing method and device therefor - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an image processing method capable of forming a decorative character image having proper and easily recognizable color arrangements in a character part and a decorative part by arranging the set colors of character color and decorative color in the character part and the decorative part to form the decorative character image. SOLUTION: In a tape printer, a target character in a character line or the range thereof is designated to set the character size or the kind of character decoration (S112), in addition to a simple character input, or various colors are designated and set as the color of each part (each character or the target range of the character line) of the character line (S113). Accordingly, in the formation of a decorative character image in which a decorative character consisting of an optional character subjected to an optional character decoration is arranged on an optional background, the decorative character image having proper and easily recognizable color arrangements in the character part and the decorative part can be formed even if the set of one or both of the character color to the character part and the decorative color to the decoration part is omitted.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an image processing method and apparatus, and more particularly, to an image processing method for a decorative character image in which a decorative character in which an arbitrary character is decorated with an arbitrary character is arranged on an arbitrary background. The present invention relates to a processing method and an apparatus therefor.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art In general, in this type of image processing method and its apparatus, when a color image is to be processed, for example, the color of each pixel of the color image is the basic color of a plurality of basic colors for expressing the color. It is represented by each gradation value. For example, for a display image, R (red), G (green),
B (blue) is the basic color and if it is a print image,
Using three primary colors of C (cyan), M (magenta), and Y (yellow) or four colors obtained by adding K (black) as basic colors, shading of each basic color by image data expressing the color image Are expressed by decomposing into gradation values for each basic color, and as a result, the color of each pixel is expressed by so-called additive color mixture or subtractive color mixture. Further, for example, when a monochrome (eg, black and white) image of a single color is to be processed, the color (shade) of each pixel of the monochrome image is expressed by the gradation value of the pixel.

For this reason, in this type of image processing method and apparatus, each part of an image to be processed (elements constituting the image: an elemental image or the like) may be any color or monochrome image if it is a color image. For example, an arbitrary gradation value (shade) is set, and an image according to the set value is created, and the image can be output (displayed, printed, etc.). Note that, in principle, a monochrome image is considered to be a type of a color image in which the total number of expressible gradation values is small (that is, has a low resolution). Therefore, in the following description, a color image and a monochrome image are not particularly distinguished. . For this reason, the concept of “color” in the following description includes a concept expressed only by shading (gradation value).
Only those that differ only. Also, a large number of expressible colors (including shades as described above) is expressed as high resolution, and a small number of expressible colors is expressed as low resolution.

[0004]

When there are many types of colors that can be set and there are many elements that can be set individually, an arbitrary set color can be selected from many colors for all the elements. Selecting and setting each one is very time-consuming and cumbersome. Therefore, the applicant of the present invention can set a predetermined default color according to an image such as a keyword instead of setting the setting colors of all the elements, and can omit a part of this kind of setting. (Japanese Patent Application No. 10-54432)
issue). The same setting method can be applied to a case where a decorative character image in which an arbitrary character is decorated with an arbitrary character is arranged on an arbitrary background to create an ornamental character image (see FIGS. 5 and 5). See FIG. 6). According to this setting method, a single setting can be completed simply by selecting the entire image as a predetermined mode (color mode), or by subsequently arbitrarily changing the setting color of only a desired element. Some or all of the setting work can be omitted.

However, depending on a combination of predetermined default colors defined for individual elements or a combination of a default color and an arbitrary set color, it becomes difficult to distinguish each element (each element image) from each other. There are cases. For example, in general, a character portion corresponding to a character portion of a decorative character image is:
Since it is desired to set a color that stands out for the background, the default color for the character portion is also set to a color that stands out for the default color for the background. Similarly, the decorative part corresponding to the character-decorated part of the decorative character image also wants to be set to a color that stands out from the background, so the default color for the decorative part is also a color that stands out from the default color to the background. (See FIGS. 5 to 7). For this reason, the default colors of the text color and the decoration color are likely to be the same color or similar colors (including different colors having the same or similar gradation values: the same colors or similar colors in the case of monochrome). If the setting is omitted, the combination of the default colors is used, so that the character portion and the decorative portion are likely to be set color combinations that are difficult to distinguish from each other. Also, when one of the colors is set arbitrarily, the user often sets the color to be prominent with respect to the background, so that the combination of the default color and the set color becomes the same color or a combination of similar colors. As a result, the character portion and the decorative portion are likely to be set color combinations that are difficult to distinguish from each other.

According to the present invention, when a decorative character image in which a decorative character in which an arbitrary character is decorated with an arbitrary character is arranged on an arbitrary background, one of a character color for the character portion and a decorative color for the decorative portion is used. Further, it is an object of the present invention to provide an image processing method and an image processing method capable of creating a decorative character image in which a character portion and a decorative portion are appropriately and easily distinguished from each other even if the setting of both colors is omitted.

[0007]

According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided an image processing method comprising: arranging a decorative character in which an arbitrary character is decorated with an arbitrary character on an arbitrary background; A set color as a character color is set for a character portion corresponding to the portion, and a set color as a decorative color is set for a decorative portion corresponding to the portion where the arbitrary character decoration is applied, and the character portion; An image processing method for creating a decorative character image having the decorative part and a background part corresponding to a part obtained by removing the character part and the decorative part from the background part, wherein the character color and the decorative color A first setting color determining step of determining a predetermined first default color as the one setting color when any setting of at least one of the setting colors is omitted; and setting the first default color to the one setting color. Other when set as color When the character portion and the decorative portion are difficult to distinguish from each other due to the combination with the set color, a predetermined second default color is determined as a set color instead of the other set color or the first default color. A second setting color determining step, and setting colors of the character color and the decoration color,
An image creating step of creating the decorative character image by coloring the character portion and the decorative portion, respectively.

[0008] An image processing apparatus according to an eleventh aspect of the present invention is configured by arranging a decorative character in which an arbitrary character is decorated with an arbitrary character on an arbitrary background, and corresponds to a part of the arbitrary character. A set color as a character color is set for a character part to be set, and a set color as a decorative color is set for a decorative part corresponding to a part where the arbitrary character decoration is applied, and the character part, the decorative part, An image processing apparatus for creating a decorative character image having a background portion corresponding to a portion excluding the character portion and the decorative portion from the background portion, wherein at least one of the character color and the decorative color A first setting color determining unit for determining a predetermined first default color as the one setting color when an arbitrary setting of the setting color is omitted; and setting the first default color as the one setting color. If the other setting When the character portion and the decorative portion are difficult to distinguish from each other due to the combination of the second default color and the second default color, the second default color is determined as the set color instead of the other set color or the first default color. Setting color determining means, and image creating means for creating the decorative character image by distributing the set colors of the character color and the decorative color to the character portion and the decorative portion, respectively. And

In this image processing method and apparatus, a set color as a character color is set for a character portion, a set color as a decorative color is set for a decorative portion, and a character portion, a decorative portion, and When creating a decorative character image having a background portion removed from the background portion, when the optional setting of at least one of the character color and the decorative color is omitted, a predetermined first default color is set. When one of the set colors is determined, and the first default color is set as one of the set colors and the combination with the other set color makes it difficult to distinguish between the character portion and the decorative portion, the other set color or Instead of the first default color, a predetermined second default color is determined as a setting color, and the setting color of the character color and the decoration color is arranged in the character portion and the decoration portion, respectively, to create a decoration character image. That is, when not only the first default color when any setting is omitted, but also the second default color when the character part and the decoration part are difficult to distinguish from each other, and the first default color is set as the set color, When it is difficult to distinguish between the character part and the decoration part, it is possible to avoid the difficulty in distinguishing by changing any of the set colors (character color or decoration color) to the second default color. Therefore,
According to the image processing method and the image processing apparatus, when creating a decorative character image in which a decorative character in which an arbitrary character is decorated with an arbitrary character is arranged on an arbitrary background, the character color for the character portion and the decorative color for the decorative portion Even if the setting of one or both of the colors is omitted, it is possible to create a decorative character image in which the character portion and the decorative portion are appropriately colored so as to be easily distinguished from each other.

[0010] In the image processing method of the first aspect,
The second default color when the background image is a colorless or single-color solid image or a ground pattern image having a ground pattern of a predetermined color on the solid image is a transparent color assimilated with the background, It is preferable to set the character color.

The image processing apparatus according to claim 11, wherein the background image is a colorless or single color plain image or a ground pattern image having a ground pattern of a predetermined color on the plain image. Preferably, the default color is a transparent color assimilated with the background, and is a set color of the character color.

Depending on the type of character decoration, it is better to assimilate the character part with the background, that is, to make only the decorative part stand out, rather than to make the character part of the decorative character and the decorative part stand out against the background. Coloring may improve the appearance. The image processing method and the image processing apparatus are suitable for such a case. Since the second default color is a transparent color and is set to the character color, the character part can be assimilated with the background, and the decoration part can be used. Can be made more conspicuous. Further, in the case where the shape of the decorative portion has a shape in which the character portion is apparently omitted (deleted), the presence of the invisible character portion can be emphasized (potentially conspicuous). In addition, as a result, both are not the same color or similar colors, so that the character portion and the decorative portion can be arranged in a color arrangement that can be easily distinguished from each other.

[0013] In the image processing method of the first aspect,
The second aspect, wherein the background image is a ground pattern image having a ground pattern of a predetermined color on a colorless or single-color plain image.
The default color is preferably the same color as the plain image.

Further, in the image processing apparatus according to claim 11, when the background image is a ground pattern image having a ground pattern of a predetermined color on a colorless or single-color solid image, the second default color is: The color is preferably the same as that of the plain image.

When the background image is a ground pattern image having a predetermined color ground pattern on a colorless or single-color solid image,
If the character part and the decoration part are omitted (deleted) therefrom, it may be noticeable. That is, depending on the form of the ground pattern, for example, when the ground pattern is a fine pattern or the like, if the character portion and the decorative portion are omitted (deleted) therefrom, the ground pattern at that portion disappears, and only the color of the base plain image is removed. May become noticeable. In such a case, depending on the type of character decoration, the color appearance in which only one of the character parts and the decoration part of the decorative character stand out from the plain image rather than the color arrangement in which the character part and the decorative part stand out is more attractive. May be better. This image processing method and its apparatus are suitable for such a case. Since the second default color is the same color as the plain image and is set to one of the character color and the decorative color, the character portion and the decorative portion Can be made to stand out with the same color as the plain image, and the other can be made to stand out with the previously set color. In addition, as a result, both are not the same color or similar colors, so that the character portion and the decorative portion can be arranged in a color arrangement that can be easily distinguished from each other.

In the image processing method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, it is preferable that the arbitrary character decoration includes a shadow character decoration for creating a shadow character of the arbitrary character.

In the image processing apparatus according to the present invention, it is preferable that the arbitrary character decoration includes a shadow character decoration for creating a shadow character of the arbitrary character.

In the image processing method and the image processing apparatus, the arbitrary character decoration includes a shadow character decoration for creating a shadow character of an arbitrary character. A decorative character image can be created in which the shaded character portion is used as a decorative portion and the character portion and the decorative portion are colored appropriately and easily distinguishable from each other.

Preferably, in the image processing method according to any one of claims 1 to 4, the arbitrary character decoration includes an outline character decoration for creating an outline character of the arbitrary character.

In the image processing apparatus according to the present invention, it is preferable that the arbitrary character decoration includes an outline character decoration for creating an outline character of the arbitrary character.

According to the image processing method and the image processing apparatus, since the arbitrary character decoration includes the outline character decoration for creating the outline character of the arbitrary character, the character processing method is used when creating the decorative character image with the outline character decoration. A decorative character image in which the character portion and the decorative portion are colored appropriately and easily distinguishable from each other can be created using the outline character portion as a decorative portion.

In the image processing method according to any one of claims 1 to 5, it is preferable that the arbitrary character decoration includes an outline character decoration for creating an outline character of the arbitrary character.

In the image processing apparatus according to the present invention, it is preferable that the arbitrary character decoration includes an outline character decoration for creating an outline character of the arbitrary character.

In the image processing method and the image processing apparatus, since the arbitrary character decoration includes an outline character decoration for creating an outline character of an arbitrary character, a decorative character image with the outline character decoration is generated. In this case, it is possible to create a decorative character image in which the character portion and the decorative portion are colored appropriately and easily distinguishable from each other, with the outline shadow character portion as the decorative portion.

Preferably, the image processing method according to any one of claims 1 to 6, further comprises an image output step of outputting an output image based on the decorative character image.

In the image processing apparatus according to the present invention, it is preferable that the apparatus further comprises an image output means for outputting an output image based on the decorative character image.

In this image processing method and apparatus, an output image based on a decorative character image is output. That is, image processing not only for creation but also for output can be performed.

Further, in the image processing method according to claim 7,
The output step is preferably a display step of displaying (outputting) the output image on a display screen.

In the image processing apparatus according to the present invention, it is preferable that the output means is a display means for displaying (outputting) the output image on a display screen.

In this image processing method and apparatus, an output image is displayed (output) on a display screen, so that it can be applied to processing of an output image for display.

Further, in the image processing method according to claim 7,
It is preferable that the output step is a printing step of printing the output image on a printing target.

In the image processing apparatus according to the present invention, it is preferable that the output unit is a printing unit that prints the output image on a printing target.

In the image processing method and the image processing apparatus, the output image is printed (output) as a print image to be printed on a printing object, so that it can be applied to the processing of an output image for printing and can be applied to a printing apparatus.

In the image processing method according to the ninth aspect,
Preferably, the printing object is a tape.

In the image processing apparatus according to the nineteenth aspect, it is preferable that the print target is a tape.

In this image processing method and its apparatus, since the printing object is a tape, it can be applied to a tape printing apparatus.

[0037]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Hereinafter, an image processing method according to an embodiment of the present invention and a tape printing apparatus to which the apparatus is applied will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. First, FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a control system of the tape printer.

The tape printer 1 converts a print image created based on a desired character or the like entered by a key into a tape T.
Color printing by thermal method, and the tape T
The label is created by cutting the printed portion of the label.

The tape T is composed of a base tape, an adhesive layer applied to the back surface thereof, and a release paper tape adhered to the adhesive layer. It is made of a material that can sufficiently absorb ink such as a film. The adhesive layer is for attaching a printing tape as a label to an object to be attached such as a file, and the release paper tape is for preventing dust and the like from adhering to the adhesive layer. Various types of tapes T having a tape width of about 4.5 mm to 48 mm are provided, each of which is provided in a state of being accommodated in the tape cartridge 5.
A print image having a resolution of about 24 dots is printed. In addition, these tapes T are prepared from materials of different materials and materials having a ground color other than white. At least several tens of types can be used, including those used in the future. I have.

As shown in FIG. 1, the tape printer 1 comprises:
As a basic configuration, an operation unit 11 having a keyboard 3 and a display 4 to interface with a user, and a tape cartridge 5
The printing unit 12 that prints on the tape T, the tape T after printing
A cutting unit 13 for cutting various parts, a detecting unit 14 having various sensors to perform various detections, a driving unit 270 having various drivers to drive each circuit, and mounting an external memory to which an external memory (file pack) can be attached and detached. Unit 280, power supply unit 290, and control unit 20 for controlling each unit in tape printing apparatus 1.
0 is provided. For this reason, the printing unit 1 is provided inside the apparatus.
2, cutting unit 13, detection unit 14, external memory mounting unit 280
In addition, a circuit board (not shown) is housed. In addition to the power supply unit 290, the drive unit 270 and the control unit 2
00 are mounted. The power supply unit of the power supply unit 290 is connected to a battery such as an AC adapter connection port or a detachable NiCd battery from the outside.
Power is supplied to each part inside.

Although not shown in detail, first, the printing unit 12
Then, the tape cartridge 5 is configured to house the tape T and the ink ribbon R inside the cartridge case, and is formed with a through-hole for insertion into a head unit provided in a pocket of the printing unit 12, A tape reel inserted into the positioning pin of the pocket and a ribbon take-up reel inserted into the take-up drive shaft of the pocket are housed, and a print head built in the head unit is provided at a portion where the tape T and the ink ribbon R overlap. A platen roller inserted into the platen drive shaft of the pocket is accommodated corresponding to the (thermal head) 7.

The tape cartridge 5 is provided with a plurality of small holes on the back surface so that the type of the tape T to be built therein, such as different widths, can be identified. A tape identification sensor such as a switch is provided so that the type of the tape T can be detected. Also, in the pocket,
An ambient temperature sensor such as a thermistor that detects and reports an environmental (ambient) temperature is provided, and detects an ambient temperature and reports it to the control unit 200. Further, a head surface temperature sensor such as a thermistor is provided in close contact with the surface of the print head 7, and detects the surface temperature of the thermal head 7 and reports it to the control unit 200. The device case is formed with a tape outlet for communicating the pocket with the outside of the device, and a tape cutter for cutting the fed tape T faces the tape outlet.

When the tape cartridge 5 is mounted in the pocket, the through hole of the tape cartridge 5 is provided in the head unit, the tape reel is provided in the positioning pin, the platen roller is provided in the platen drive shaft, and the ribbon take-up reel is provided in the take-up drive shaft. Respectively, and the tape T and the ink ribbon R can be fed. Further, in this state, the print head 7 abuts on the platen roller with the tape T and the ink ribbon R sandwiched therebetween, thereby enabling printing. The tape T is fed out from the tape reel, and the ink ribbon R is fed out from the ribbon reel.
Wound on a ribbon take-up reel. That is, when the platen roller and the ribbon take-up reel rotate in synchronization with each other, the tape T and the ink ribbon R are simultaneously sent, and the print head 7 is driven in synchronization with these, thereby performing printing. .

In the tape printer 1, after the user mounts the tape cartridge 5 in the pocket of the printing unit 12,
Information of a print image such as a desired character (character, numeral, symbol, graphic, etc.) is input by the keyboard 3, and at the same time, the input result is confirmed and edited by the display 4. After that, when printing is instructed via the keyboard 3,
The tape feed unit of the printing unit 12 is driven to feed out the tape T from the tape cartridge 5, and at the same time, the print head 7
Drives to perform desired printing on the tape T. Then, the printed portion of the tape T is sent out from the tape outlet at any time in parallel with the printing operation. In this manner, when the desired printing is completed, the rotation of the platen roller (the ribbon take-up reel also rotates synchronously) continues for a predetermined time, so that the feeding of the tape T is continued, and the tape T conforms to the tape length including the margin. The predetermined cutting position is sent to the position of the tape cutter.

The tape feeding section of the printing section 12 rotates the platen drive shaft and the winding drive shaft by using a tape feed motor (TF motor) disposed on the side of the pocket as a power (drive) source. And is disposed in a space extending from the side of the pocket to the bottom. The tape feed unit includes a TF motor, a platen drive shaft, a take-up drive shaft,
It is provided with a reduction gear train for transmitting the power of the F motor to each drive shaft, and a chassis for supporting these.

The TF motor in this embodiment is
The printing unit 12 is constituted by a DC motor,
An encoder for detecting the number of rotations of a TF motor (DC motor) is further provided. The encoder has detection openings formed at four locations in a disk-shaped circumferential direction, and is fixed to a tip of a main shaft of the DC motor. This rotation speed sensor includes a photosensor facing the detection opening of the encoder described above, and a sensor circuit board that supports the photosensor and performs photoelectric conversion therebetween. In the photo sensor, a light emitting element and a light receiving element are arranged opposite to each other, and the light of the light emitting element passes through a detection opening of the rotating encoder (in the circumferential direction of the disk) and is received by the light receiving element, thereby rotating the DC motor. The number (number of pulses) is detected. That is, the blinking of the light received by the light receiving element is photoelectrically converted by the sensor circuit board and output to the control unit 200 as a pulse signal. Of course, the above-mentioned TF motor is constituted by a stepping motor (pulse motor) and the above-mentioned encoder and rotational speed sensor are omitted so that stepping is easily performed by a predetermined number of steps (pulses) by the pulse control signal. You can also.

In FIG. 1, for convenience of description of the control system, the detecting unit 14 is provided with the above-described tape identification sensor, ambient temperature sensor,
It is provided with a head surface temperature sensor and a rotation speed sensor. Here, the detection unit 14 reports various detection signals detected by these sensors to the control unit 200. In addition, according to the actual situation, other sensors such as a voltage sensor which is connected to a power supply unit of the power supply unit 290 that supplies power to each unit of the tape printing apparatus 1 and detects a potential change thereof can be provided. When the TF motor is a pulse motor, the rotation speed sensor is omitted.
A configuration in which a part is omitted may be adopted.

Next, the cutting section 13 includes a tape cutter and a cutter motor for operating the tape cutter. For this reason, in the case of automatic cutting at the time of fixed-length printing or the like, the printing is completed, the tape is fed by a margin, and at the same time, the cutter motor is driven to cut the tape T. In the tape printer 1, a cut key is provided so that the cutting operation by the cutter can be performed manually.
Automatic / manual switching is enabled by mode setting. For this reason, in the case of manual cutting during printing of an arbitrary length or the like, when the printing is completed, the user presses the cut key, the tape cutter operates, and the tape T is cut to a desired length.

The driving unit 270 includes a display driver,
A display driver is provided with a head driver and a motor driver.
Drive. Similarly, the head driver controls the control unit 200
In accordance with the instruction, the print head 7 of the printing unit 12 is driven. The motor driver includes a TF motor driver that drives the TF motor of the printing unit 12 and a cutter motor driver that drives the cutter motor of the cutting unit 13, and drives each motor according to an instruction from the control unit 200.

Next, in the tape printer 1, the user
As an auxiliary storage of the RAM 240 described later, an external memory (hereinafter, “file pack”) 281 capable of storing a large number of document files and the like can be detachably mounted. The file pack 281 is configured by mounting one or more (for example, two) SRAMs, and is backed up by a battery or the like so that stored data is retained even when the SRAM is removed from the tape printer 1. Also, when the file pack 281 is mounted in the pocket of the external memory mounting unit 280, the file pack 281 functions as a part of the storage area of the RAM 240 (for example, one directory) and is used as a work area for control processing. .

The operation unit 11 has a keyboard 3 and a display 4. The display 4 has a display screen 41 capable of displaying, for example, 198 dots × 64 dots of display image data inside a rectangular shape of about 8 cm in the horizontal direction (X direction) × 4 cm in the vertical direction (Y direction). Inputs data from the keyboard 3 and outputs letters, numbers, symbols,
Creates and edits character string images in which characters such as simple figures (hereinafter, these are referred to as "characters" and are used in the meaning of characters), and matrix data representing print images containing them. It is used when visually checking the result or the like, or when inputting various commands, selection instructions, and the like from the keyboard 3.

The keyboard 3 includes an alphabet key group 311 and a symbol key group 312 (both not shown).
(Including space key 312S), numeric key group 313,
In addition to a character key group 31 including a kana key group 314 such as hiragana and katakana and an external character key group 315 for calling and selecting an external character, a function key group 32 for designating various operation modes and the like are arranged. Have been.

The function key group 32 includes a power key 32 (not shown).
1. A print key 322 for instructing a printing operation, a selection key 323 for confirming data at the time of text input and line feed and for instructing selection of various modes on a selection screen, a print color of print image data and an intermediate color (mixed color). A color designation key 324 for designation, a color setting key 325 for setting a character color or a background color, and an upper (“↑”), lower (“↓”), left (“←”), right ( Four cursor keys 330 (330U, 330D, 33) for moving the cursor in the “→” direction and for moving the display range of the display screen 41.
0L, 330R: Hereinafter “cursor“ ↑ ”key 330U”
And so on. However, it is referred to as “cursor key 330” when it is represented as a representative. ) Is included.

The function key group 32 further includes a cancel key 326 for canceling various instructions, a shift key 327 used for changing the role of each key, correcting drawing registration image data and external character registration image data, and a text. Edit screen and selection screen and print image data display screen (image screen)
Key 328 for switching between the two modes, a ratio change (zoom) key 329 for changing the size ratio between print image data and display image data displayed on the image screen, and a style for setting various styles. Key 331, a file key 332 for file operation, an illustration key 333 for selecting a background image, a cut key 340 for manually cutting the tape T, an external character key 341 for an external character registration operation, various types of kana-kanji conversion, etc. A conversion key 342 for a conversion operation; a pack key 343 for initializing the file pack 281 and changing its settings;
Format key 3 for formatting such as copy-forgery-inhibited pattern printing and fixed length printing
44, an enlarged print key 345 for instructing enlarged print for enlarging and printing a base print image at an arbitrary enlargement ratio, a character decoration key 346 for setting various character decorations, and for simplifying color setting A color mode key 347 for setting various color modes and a test print key 348 for limited color printing are included.

As a matter of course, similarly to a general keyboard, these key inputs may be input by providing individual keys for each key input, or may be performed in combination with a shift key 327 or the like to reduce the number of keys. You may input using a key. Here, in order to facilitate understanding, it is assumed that there are keys corresponding to the above.

As shown in FIG. 1, the keyboard 3 inputs various commands and data as described above to the control unit 200.

The control unit 200 includes a CPU 210 and a ROM 2
20, character generator ROM (CG-ROM)
230, RAM 240, input / output control circuit (IOC) 25
0 and are connected to each other by an internal bus 260.

The ROM 220 includes a control program area 221 for storing a control program processed by the CPU 210, a kana-kanji conversion table (dictionary), a color conversion table,
It has a control data area 222 for storing control data including a character modification table and the like. CG-ROM 230
Stores font data of characters and the like prepared in the tape printer 1, and outputs code data corresponding to the code data specifying the characters and the like.

The RAM 240 is backed up so as to retain the stored data even when the power is turned off by operating the power key 321. The various registers 241 used as various flags and the like are stored in the RAM 240. 3, a text data area 242 for storing text data such as characters input from 3, a display image data area 243 for storing display image data of the display screen of the display 4,
A print image data area 244 for storing print image data,
A drawing registration image data area 245 for storing drawing registration image data, an external character registration image data area 246 for storing external character registration image data, and a background image data area for storing background image data as background image candidates and corresponding character color data 2
47, various buffer areas 24 such as a character development buffer, a color conversion buffer, an arrangement buffer for each basic color, and a print buffer
8 and is used as a work area for control processing.

In the IOC 250, a logic circuit for supplementing the function of the CPU 21 and handling interface signals with various peripheral circuits includes a gate array and a custom LSI.
It is constituted by and incorporated. For example, a timer or the like for performing various timings is incorporated as a function in the IOC 250. For this reason, the IOC 250 is connected to the various sensors of the detection unit 14 and the keyboard 3 and the detection unit 1
4 and various commands and input data from the keyboard 3 as they are or processed and taken into the internal bus 260, and in conjunction with the CPU 210, data and control signals output from the CPU 210 and the like to the internal bus 260. , As it is or by processing
70.

The IOC 250 is connected to the external memory mounting unit 280, and controls the input and output of data that is actually access to the file pack 281 among the accesses to the RAM 240, thereby mounting the file pack 281. Sometimes, from the user's point of view (for handling files and the like), the RAM 240 is added (RA2
40 memory capacity). Therefore, hereinafter, unless otherwise specified, the RAM 24
0 includes the memory capacity of the file pack 281 and R
The description will be made assuming that the data stored in the file pack 281 exists in the AM 240 (illustrated as a file pack area 249 for easy understanding, but in practice, a part or all of each area described above may be shared. ).

Then, according to the control program in the ROM 220, the CPU 210
Various signals, data, and the like are input from each unit in the tape printer 1 via the printer 250, and font data from the CG-ROM 230, RAM 240 (as described above, including the file pack area 249 (for the file pack 281)). By processing various data and the like, and outputting various signals and data to each unit in the tape printing apparatus 1 via the IOC 250, control of the printing position, display control of the display screen 41, and the like are performed. , And prints on the tape T under predetermined printing conditions, and controls the entire tape printing apparatus 1.

Next, the processing flow of the entire control of the tape printer 1 will be described with reference to FIG. Power key 3
When the process starts by pressing 21 (power on),
As shown in the figure, first, in order to return the tape printer 1 to the state at the time of the previous power-off, initial settings such as restoring the saved control flags are performed (S1).
The previous display screen is displayed as an initial screen (S2). The subsequent processing in FIG. 2, that is, the determination branch (S3) for determining whether or not a key input is made and the various interrupt processing (S4) are processing conceptually shown. Actually, in the tape printer 1, when the initial screen display (S2) ends, the key input interrupt is permitted, and the state is maintained until the key input interrupt occurs (S3: No). When any key input interrupt occurs (S3: Yes), the process shifts to each interrupt process (S4), and when the interrupt process ends, the state is maintained again (S3: No).

As described above, in the tape printing apparatus 1, the main processing is performed by the interrupt processing. Therefore, if the print image creation and printing are ready, the user can press the print key 322 at any time. As a result, a print processing interrupt occurs, the print processing is started, and a print image can be printed based on the print image data. That is, the user can arbitrarily select an operation procedure up to printing.

For example, as shown in FIG. 3, in the state of the text editing screen display after inputting the character string "ABCDE" on the first line (screen T10: hereinafter, the display state of the display screen 41 of the display 4 is changed). The screen is represented by Txx, and the reference number is indicated only by Txx. The cursor position is shown by the cursor K.)
When the button 22 is pressed, the message "printing" is displayed and the character string image of the character string "ABCDE" is printed as a print image (T11). When the printing is completed, the display returns to the original text editing screen (T12: T10). Same as).

Note that, to be precise, the display image and the print image
Refers to the displayed image itself or the printed image itself,
The apparatus handles display image data representing a display image and print image data representing a print image. In other words, the image data to be processed, created, modified, registered, etc., in the apparatus is the image data, not the image itself. Similar to the image itself, it is called "-image".

In general, in a typical character string image creation / printing process (S10) in the tape printer 1, as shown in FIG. 4, for example, first, a user inputs a text (S11), and a print instruction is issued. When (pressing the print key 322) is performed (S13), a print image corresponding to the input character string is created (S13), the print image is printed (S14), and the process (S10) ends. Yes (S1
5). Here, in the tape printer 1, at the time of text input (S10), not only a simple character input (character string input: text input of a character) but also a target character in a character string or a range thereof is designated, and the character is input. The size and the type of character decoration can be set (S112), and various colors can be designated and set as the color of each part of the character string (the target range of each character or character string) (S113). ing.

Since there are various methods for expressing colors, various methods for designating the colors are also conceivable. Therefore, in the tape printing apparatus 1 of the present embodiment, each color is represented as shown in FIG. 5, and each color in FIG. 5 can be set as a color of each part of the character string image (can be set color). explain. In the following description, the character decoration includes a shadow character decoration for creating a shadow character of an arbitrary character in a character string, and a contour character decoration for creating a contour character (which is similar to the decoration of a so-called hollow character in the case of black and white). Decoration), contour shadow character decoration to create a contour shadow character with a shadow added thereto, box character decoration to create a surrounding character (decoration similar to so-called inverted character decoration in black and white), so-called shading to shade It is assumed that there are decorations and frame decorations in which arbitrary characters in the character string are surrounded by a frame.

For example, to print a decorative character image (decorative character string image) with character decoration as shown in FIG. 8, the user first needs to print a character string “Q” composed of four “Q” characters.
"QQQ" is inputted (S111). In this state, the user makes a transition to a character decoration selection screen with the character decoration key 346, selects “shadow character” on the selection screen,
By operating the cursor key 330, only the second “Q” can be designated as a decoration range by the cursor K. In the tape printing apparatus 1, when the character decoration key 346 is pressed by the user, a transition is made to a character decoration selection screen, where "shadow character" is selected, and only the second "Q" is displayed as the decoration range. When a range is specified, its character, ie, 2
A shadow character of the character “Q” is created.

Hereinafter, the first to fourth character data of “Q” handled in the tape printer 1 will be referred to as a character C for easy identification.
Assuming that the images of the character bodies when printed are character images (character portions) PC1 to PC4, shadow characters of a character C2 of “Q” are created here (the dotted line in the drawing indicates This is a virtual line attached for easy understanding.
the same). Similarly, when it is desired to apply a contour character decoration to the third “Q” character C3 and to apply a contour shadow character decoration to the fourth “Q” character C4, the user needs to select a character decoration selection screen. "Contour character" and "contour shadow character" are selected, and only the third and fourth "Q" are designated as decorative ranges. For example, when the second and third “Q” are surrounded by a frame, “frame” is selected in the same manner, and the second to third “Q” are designated as the decoration range (S112). .

It is to be noted that the same applies to the case where it is desired to give a boxed character decoration or a hatched decoration. Also, the user
At this point, the screen can be changed to a style selection screen by the style key 331 and the character size and the like can be set and changed in the same manner, but the description is omitted here. For example, as shown in FIG. 9, when a background pattern (background pattern) is to be printed on the background (set in a frame in this case), “printing background pattern” is selected from a selection screen for format setting by a format key 344, The screen is switched to a lower-level copy-forgery-inhibited pattern printing selection screen, and after selecting a background pattern (picture) to be printed, a range of which character is to be set as a background can be set, for example, as shown in FIG. If the same second and third "Qs" are designated as ranges, a ground pattern is set in the background.

In the color setting, the user first uses the color designation key 324 to select, for example, “B” on the color designation selection screen.
3 "(red: indicated by oblique lines falling to the right) is selected as the designated color. Next, the screen is changed to a color setting target selection screen using the color setting key 325, and the color setting target is selected. here,
The tape printing apparatus 1 displays options such as “background”, “frame”, “character color”, and “decorative color” as options in the upper layer of the color setting target. If you want to use "" as the setting color as the text color, select "Text Color".

In the tape printing apparatus 1, when the user selects "background" as an option of the color setting object, the screen shifts to a selection screen of a lower hierarchy of "background", and "background color", "ground pattern" Since a choice such as “color” is displayed, the user selects “background color”, for example, when the user wants to set the designated color as the background color (that is, the background ground color). Similarly, when it is desired to set the ground pattern color (that is, the color forming the ground pattern) without changing the ground color of the background, “ground pattern color” is selected. Further, in the tape printing apparatus 1, when the user selects “frame” as a color setting target option,
Transit to the selection screen of the lower layer of “Frame”, “Border color”,
Since options such as “color in frame” are displayed, the user selects “frame color” when the user wants to set the designated color to the set color of the frame color (that is, the color of the line forming the frame). Similarly,
When the user wants to set the color in the frame (that is, the background color of the background in the frame), the user selects “frame color”.

For example, as shown in FIG.
"3" (red) as the designated color and select "character color".
By specifying a range of the fourth “Q” characters C1 to C4, those character body images (character portions) PC1 to PC4
, Ie, the color set as the character color, can be set to “B3”. Similarly, “E3” (yellow: shown by fine dot shading) is selected as the designated color, and “background color” is selected.
By specifying the range of the fourth to fourth “Q” characters C1 to C4, the background portion B2 (the image PB2 of the background portion of the print result)
, Ie, the set color as the background color can be set to “E3”. (The result of setting and printing as described above is hereinafter referred to as a character portion PC1 as shown in FIG.
(B3), character part PC2 (B3), character part PC3 (B
3), character part PC4 (B3), background part PB2 (E3), etc.). Similarly, by specifying the range of the second to third characters “Q” C2 to C3 with “F5” (grass color: shown by oblique lines falling to the left) as the frame line color, the frame line portion (frame line portion) ) “F5” can be set as the color of PW1 (hereinafter, referred to as “F5”).
The color of the frame part PW1 (F5) can be set. Similarly, the color of the background part (inside the frame) PB1 (H1: light blue: shown by rough dot knitting) in the frame can be set.

In the case of the example shown in FIG. 9, "G3"
(Green: not a surface color here, so no distinction is made in the figure) and the second and third letter “Q” C2
By designating a range from C3 to C3, a ground pattern portion (ground pattern portion) PBG1,
That is, "G3" can be set as the color of the ground pattern portion PBG1 drawn on the frame inside PB1 (H1) (the ground pattern portion P
BG1 (G3) color can be set). In this case, in place of the above-mentioned “in-frame color”, it may be possible to select it separately for example, as “in-frame background color (or in-frame background color)” and “in-frame background pattern color”. In this case, the same or different ground pattern as the inside of the frame is set only in the background portion of the characters C2 and C3 in the background portion PB2 (E3) (that is, the upper and lower portions of the frame line portion PW1 (F5) in FIG. The “ground pattern color” in the lower hierarchy of “background” may be set as the ground pattern color outside the frame, and different colors may be set for the ground pattern inside and outside the frame.

In the tape printer 1, when the user selects "decorative color" as an option of the color setting object, a transition is made to a selection screen of a lower layer of "decorative color", and "character outline color", The options such as “character shadow color”, “boxing line color”, “boxing middle color”, and “shading color” are displayed. The “character outline color” is a color of a character outline portion (character outline portion) in the case of outline character decoration or outline shadow character decoration, and the user can specify the designated color “color” as shown in FIGS. 8 and 9, for example. If it is desired to set “K3” (light gray) as the decorative color (ie, character outline color) of the third “Q” character C3 (ie, character outline) PD3, set “character outline color” to “3”. By selecting and specifying the range of the third letter “Q” C3,
The color of the character outline portion PD3 (K3) can be set.

The “character shadow color” is the color of the shadow portion (character shadow portion) of the character in the case of the shadow character decoration or the outline shadow character decoration, and the user similarly specifies, for example, the designated color “K3” ( Light gray: shown with fine stitches) and the second letter “Q” C2
If the user wants to set the decorative color (that is, the character shadow color) of the decorative portion (that is, the character shadow portion) PD2 as the decorative color (that is, the character shadow color), the user selects “character shadow color” and specifies the range of the second “Q” character C2. Thus, the color of the character outline portion PD2 (K3) can be set. Further, for example, for the fourth “Q” character C4, the designated color “G3” (green: shown with rough stitches) is the decorative color of the character outline portion PD4L (that is, the character outline color) and the designated color “K3”, respectively. When (light gray) is desired to be set as the decorative color of the character shadow portion PD4S (that is, the character shadow color), “character outline color” and “character shadow color” are selected and the fourth “Q” is selected. By specifying the range of the character C4,
Character outline portion PD4L (G3), character shadow portion PD4
The color setting of S (K3) can be performed.

The “enclosing line color” and the “enclosing middle color” are the color of the line forming the enclosing line of the enclosing character and the color of the part (excluding the character part) in the enclosing character decoration. There is a relationship similar to the relationship between the “frame line color” and the “frame color” described above. The “shaded color” is a shaded color in the case of a shaded decoration, and can be set as a shaded pattern color with respect to the background ground color in the same manner as the “ground color” described above. "Box color",
The color settings for “enclosed color” and “shaded color” can be made in the same manner as the above color settings.

The user operates the image key 328 from the state where the text editing screen or various selection screens are displayed instead of the above-described method of setting (character decoration setting, color setting, etc.). Transit to the image display screen (image screen), display the same image as in FIG. 8 or FIG. 9 on the image screen, and directly specify each part on the display screen, Decorate,
The specified color can also be set as the setting color of the specified portion.

Then, as shown in FIG. 4, regardless of whether the user has made a setting on the text editing screen or the above-mentioned image screen, text input (including various settings: S11) is performed. When the print instruction is issued by the user (when the print key 322 is pressed: S1)
2) Next, the tape printer 1 creates a print image in accordance with the settings (S13), prints the print image (S14), and ends the image creation / printing process (S10) (S13). S15).

As described above with reference to FIGS. 8 and 9, for example, when there are many types of colors that can be set and there are many elements that can be individually set, many colors are set for all the elements. Selecting and setting arbitrary setting colors one by one from the inside is extremely time-consuming and cumbersome. Therefore, in the tape printing apparatus 1 of the present embodiment, when creating a decorative character image, simply select the entire image as a predetermined mode (color mode), or thereafter, arbitrarily set desired colors only for desired elements. By simply changing the setting, one setting can be completed, and a part or all of the setting work can be omitted. That is, in the tape printing apparatus 1, when the user presses the color mode key 347 at the time of the above-described text input (S11), a transition is made to a color mode selection screen, and FIGS.
, "Active", "casual", "natural",..., "Monotone", etc., the user can select an arbitrary color mode and select a desired element. Only by changing the setting color arbitrarily, one setting can be completed, and a part or all of the trouble of setting can be omitted.

For example, FIGS. 6 and 7 show the case where the color mode is selected and the setting of some or all colors is omitted.
An example of a default setting color (default color) instead of the omitted setting color is shown. For example, in the case of the example described above with reference to FIGS.
If (No. 12) is selected, the character part PC1 (B
3) Color setting of PC4 (B3), that is, setting of character color can be omitted. In addition, "cool" as color mode
If (No. 6) or “thick” (No. 19) is selected, the colors of the character shadow portion PD2 (K3), the character outline portion PD3 (K3), and the character shadow portion PD4S (K3), which are decoration portions, are selected. The setting, that is, the setting of the decoration color can be omitted.

However, depending on a combination of predetermined default colors defined for individual elements or a combination of a default color and an arbitrary set color, it becomes difficult to distinguish each element (each element image) from each other. There are cases. For example, in general, a character portion corresponding to a character portion of a decorative character image is:
Since it is desired to set a color that stands out for the background, the default color for the character portion is also set to a color that stands out for the default color for the background. Similarly, the decorative part corresponding to the character-decorated part of the decorative character image also wants to be set to a color that stands out from the background, so the default color for the decorative part is also a color that stands out from the default color to the background. (See FIGS. 5 to 7). For this reason, the default color of the text color and the decoration color is likely to be the same color or a similar color, and if both settings are omitted,
Since these default colors are combined, the character portion and the decorative portion are likely to be set color combinations that are difficult to distinguish from each other. Also, when one is set arbitrarily, the user often sets a color that stands out with respect to the background.
A combination of a default color and an arbitrary setting color is likely to be a combination of the same color or a similar color, and as a result, a combination of setting colors in which a character portion and a decorative portion are difficult to distinguish from each other.

For example, “modern” (N
o. 12) and select its default character color "B
3), the entire background area PB2 (E)
3) When the decorative color “B3” is set in each decorative portion so as to be conspicuous with respect to the background portion (inside the frame) PB1 (H1) in the frame, and conversely, the default decorative color “B3” is set to When the character color "B3" is set to each character part without being conscious, or when all the color settings of each character part and each decoration part are omitted, FIG. 10 shows the same example as FIG. As described above, the combination of the default color and an arbitrary set color, or the combination of the default colors is the same color combination, and it is difficult to distinguish each character part and each decoration part from each other. FIG. 11 shows a similar example. For example, “cool” (No. 6) or “thick” (No. 19) is selected as the color mode, and the default character color “K3” is not considered. When the decorative color “K3” is set for each decorative portion, and conversely,
If the character color "K3" is set for each character part without being aware of the default decoration color "K3", or if all the color settings of each character part and each decoration part are omitted, the default color and any color The combination with the set color or the combination of the default colors becomes the same color combination, and it becomes difficult to distinguish each character part and each decoration part from each other.

Therefore, the tape printer 1 creates a decorative character image in which decorative characters in which arbitrary characters are decorated with arbitrary characters are arranged on an arbitrary background. An image processing method that can create a decorative character image in which the character portion and the decorative portion are appropriately and easily distinguished from each other even if the setting of one or both of the decorative colors is omitted. Hereinafter, this point will be described.

In the image processing method employed in the tape printer 1, a set color as a character color is set for a character portion, a set color as a decorative color is set for a decorative portion, and a character portion and a decorative color are set. Part and a background part obtained by removing the part from the background part, when an arbitrary setting of at least one of the character color and the decoration color is omitted, the omission thereof is omitted. Instead of the at least one set color, a default color (first default color) as shown in FIGS. 6 and 7 is set as the set color. For this reason, the trouble of color setting can be omitted. However, when the first default color is set as a set color, the other set color (that is, a decorative color when the character color setting is omitted, or a character color when the decorative color setting is omitted) is used in the figure. 10 and Figure 1
When it is difficult to distinguish between the character part and the decoration part as in 1, instead of the other set color or the first default color,
A predetermined second default color is determined as a set color, and the set color of the character color and the decorative color are arranged in the character portion and the decorative portion, respectively, to create a decorative character image.

That is, not only the first default color when any setting is omitted, but also the second default color when it becomes difficult to distinguish between the character portion and the decorative portion, and the first default color is set as the set color. In this case, when it is difficult to distinguish between the character part and the decoration part, it is possible to avoid the difficulty in distinguishing by changing one of the set colors (character color or decoration color) to the second default color. Therefore, in the image processing method adopted in the tape printer 1, when a decorative character image in which a decorative character in which an arbitrary character is decorated with an arbitrary character is arranged on an arbitrary background, a character corresponding to a character portion is created. Even if the setting of one or both of the color and the decorative color for the decorative portion is omitted, it is possible to create a decorative character image in which the character portion and the decorative portion are colored appropriately and easily distinguished from each other.

More specifically, when the first default color is set as the set color, if the printing is performed as it is, for example, as shown in FIG. In the tape printer 1, the format key 344
(Similar to copy-forgery-inhibited pattern printing and fixed-length printing format setting)
The following two default color setting methods can be selected, that is, a character color transparent setting and a ground pattern deletion setting, and the latter ground pattern deletion setting is applied only to a portion where a background pattern printing (ground pattern printing) is performed on the background. Therefore, the former character color transparency setting is adopted by default.

In this character color transparency setting, a transparent color is set as a character color setting color as the second default color (hereinafter, this processing is referred to as “character color transparency processing.” Generally, depending on the type of character decoration, It is better to make the text part assimilated to the background, that is, to make the decoration part stand out more, rather than to make both the character part and the decoration part of the decorative character stand out against the background. In this case, the transparent color means a color assimilated with the background, and in image processing, the portion (character portion) may be cut and pasted on the background image, or the background image may be If it is a colorless or single-color solid image, set it to the same color.If the background image has a ground pattern of a predetermined color, it is created by overwriting it as a continuous ground pattern image. Anyway Also, the character color transparent setting is particularly suitable when a person of a color to highlight only the decorative portion becomes better appearance.

For example, in the case of FIG. 11 described above as it is, in this character color transparent setting, as shown in FIG. 12, for example, the second default color is a transparent color, which is the set color of the character color. Characters PC2, PC3, PC4
It can be assimilated with those backgrounds, and the decorative part PD2,
PD3, PD4L, and PD4S can be made more conspicuous. Further, in the case where the shape of the decorative portion has a shape in which the character portion is apparently omitted (deleted), the presence of the invisible character portion can be emphasized (potentially conspicuous). In addition, as a result, both are not the same color or similar colors, so that the character portion and the decorative portion can be arranged in a color arrangement that can be easily distinguished from each other. This character color transparency setting is applied depending on whether the background image is a plain image or a ground pattern image. For example, the ground pattern portion PB shown in FIG.
Even when G1 is not present, printing is performed as shown in FIG. 13, for example, by the same character color transparency processing as in FIG.

On the other hand, when the background pattern deletion setting is selected as described above, the background pattern deletion setting is applied only to the portion where the background pattern is printed on the background, and the default characters are set to the other portions. Color transparency settings are applied. In general, when the background image is a ground pattern image having a ground pattern of a predetermined color on a colorless or single-color plain image, it may be conspicuous if a character portion and a decorative portion are omitted (deleted) therefrom. That is, depending on the form of the ground pattern, for example, when the ground pattern is a fine pattern, if the character portion and the decorative portion are omitted (deleted) therefrom, the ground pattern at that portion disappears,
In some cases, only the color of the basic solid image is noticeable.
In such a case, depending on the type of character decoration, the color appearance in which only one of the character parts and the decoration part of the decorative character stand out from the plain image rather than the color arrangement in which the character part and the decorative part stand out is more attractive. May be better.

This background pattern deletion setting is suitable in such a case, and the second default color is set to the same color as the background solid image, and is set to one of the character color and the decoration color (hereinafter, this processing will be referred to as “processing color”). This is referred to as “ground pattern deletion processing”). in this case,
In the image processing, the second default color may be overwritten to the character portion and the decoration portion where the second default color of the same color as the plain image is set, or the text portion and the decoration portion may be overwritten from the ground pattern image. The corresponding part is cut out and pasted on the plain image, and the other image (the one of the character part and the decorative part for which the second default color is not set) is renewed in the set color (ground pattern). May be placed (pasted) in a portion where a blank image is cut out.

For example, if the background pattern is as shown in FIG. 11, if the background pattern deletion setting is selected, the portion where the background pattern printing is performed on the background, that is, the background pattern portion PBG1 (G3) in this example is selected. Second and third “Q” characters C2, C with background PB1 (H1) inside drawn frame
3 is applied to the image portion, and the default character color transparency setting is applied to the other portions.
When “H1” of the second default color is set in PD3 (that is, the decoration part PD2 (H1), the decoration part PD3 (H
When the color setting of 1) is performed), for example, printing is performed as shown in FIG. Similarly, for example, the character portion P
When "H1" of the second default color is set in C2 and PC3 (that is, the character part PC2 (H1), the character part PC3
(When the color setting of (H1) is performed), for example, printing is performed as shown in FIG. When the ground pattern deletion setting is selected (set), one of the character portion and the decoration portion may be determined in advance as the second default color (that is, the color of the plain image). Then, the ground pattern deletion setting may be selected at a lower hierarchy at the time of selection (setting), or may be preferentially given to the one in which the first default color is set (or the one set arbitrarily). It may be applied.

In any case, the background pattern deletion setting is performed when the background image is a ground pattern image having a predetermined color ground pattern on a colorless or single color plain image. And the second default color is the same color as the plain image, and is set as one of the character color and the decoration color. The color can be made more conspicuous by the previously set color. In addition, as a result, both are not the same color or similar colors, so that the character portion and the decorative portion can be arranged in a color arrangement that can be easily distinguished from each other.

In order to facilitate understanding, the setting of character color transparency and the setting of background pattern deletion have been described using an example in which the character portion and the decoration portion have the same color. However, similarity ranges of colors such as colors and shades are determined. By doing so, not only the same color but also similar colors can be applied.

Here, as described above, the tape printer 1
Then, any character decoration includes a shadow character decoration that creates a shadow character of any character, so when creating a decorative character image with shadow character decoration, the shadow character It is possible to create a decorative character image in which colors are easily applied to the part and the decorative part and are easily distinguished from each other. Similarly,
The arbitrary character decoration includes an outline character decoration for creating an outline character of an arbitrary character, and an outline shadow character decoration for creating an outline shadow character of an arbitrary character. When creating a decorated text image,
With the outline character portion and the outline shadow character portion as decoration portions, it is possible to create a decorative character image in which the character portion and the decoration portion are colored appropriately and easily distinguished from each other.

[0097] Although no specific examples are shown for the encircled character decoration and the hatched decoration, they can be similarly applied.
In the case of enclosed character decoration or shaded decoration, the character part is surrounded by the decorative part as a result, so it is the same as outline character decoration, etc., and the character part is made transparent or the background pattern is removed. If the color is the same as that of the image, both the character portion and the decoration portion stand out. In addition, when the background has a ground pattern, if the decorative portion surrounding the character is made the same color as the plain image, both the character portion and the decorative portion stand out. In particular, in the case of box character decoration, since the box line color and box box color can be set, a method of making the box box color transparent or the same color as the plain image is also conceivable. In this respect, the outline shadow character decoration described above is also the same. Since the character outline color and the character shadow color can be set, a method of making the character outline color a transparent color or the same color as a plain image can be considered.

The tape printer 1 can output an internally created image as a display image to be displayed (output) on a display screen or as a print image to be printed on a tape (print target) T. In addition to creating an image, an output image based on the decorative character image can be output as a display image or a print image.

By the way, in general, there is a case where it is desired to output a decorative character image created for output by another output device by its own output device and confirm it. Here, for example, if the output device of the own device can output an image with a resolution higher than the resolution of the created decorative character image, that is, if the output resolution of the own output device is higher than the resolution of the decorative character image, Can be output as it is, so there is no problem. However, conversely, if the output resolution of its own output device is lower than the resolution of the decorative character image, only a small number of colors corresponding to the output resolution can be used. (Hereinafter, referred to as “limited color processing”). For example, an output device that can output a multi-gradation (high resolution) color decorative character image only with a low gradation (low resolution) color (including monochrome as described above) image (that is, a low output resolution) Output device), it is necessary to perform limited color processing for converting a high-resolution decorative character image to a low-resolution color output image, and output a limited color-processed output image. Become.

The above-described embodiment (hereinafter referred to as “first embodiment”)
The tape printer 1 of the present invention was able to handle color decorative character images. Here, for example, the tape printing apparatus 1 of the first embodiment is used as a shared tape printing apparatus for a plurality of persons including itself, and data for each individual is stored and stored in a file pack 281 or the like. Can hold the file pack 281 at hand. However, if the user has a lower model whose output resolution is lower than that of the tape printer 1 of the first embodiment, the tape printer of the first embodiment shared by others. When the user wants to check the contents stored in his / her file pack 281 while using No. 1, it is convenient if the contents (color decorative character images) can be displayed or printed on a lower model owned by the user and checked. . Further, for example, a succeeding (higher-order) model having a higher output resolution than the tape printing apparatus 1 of the first embodiment has been developed, and each of them shares the same model, and each individual has the tape printing apparatus 1 of the first embodiment. A future situation is possible, and a similar situation arises. Such a situation occurs on a daily basis in another image processing apparatus (for example, a personal computer) other than the tape printing apparatus. In the tape printer 1, a similar situation occurs when a decorative character image created by another advanced image processing apparatus can be diverted via a medium such as an FD or online.

The same as described above also occurs in the same image processing apparatus. For example, there is a case where a decorative character image prepared (as a print image) prepared for printing by a printing device (printing means) having a high output resolution is to be displayed on a display device (display means) having a low output resolution before printing to confirm it. is there. For example, this corresponds to a case where a user wants to check a color print image on a monochrome display screen. Further, there is a case where a decorative character image created at a high resolution is intentionally (consciously) output at a low resolution due to the subsequent processing.
For example, when it is desired to check the layout after printing of a color print image or the entire image, monochrome printing is used to reduce the cost of test printing.

In these cases, however, a decorative character image prepared (created, etc.) for output to an output device with a high output resolution (output means: printing means, etc.) is output to an output device with a low output resolution (output device). Means: display means, etc.) or if you dare to output at a lower resolution,
Simply performing limited color processing on the prepared decorative character image and outputting (limited color output) may make it difficult to identify the type of decorative character image. This is mainly because each element (each element image) becomes difficult to identify each other. For example, in general, a character portion corresponding to a character portion of a decorative character image and a decorative portion corresponding to a character-decorated portion each want to be set to a color that stands out from the background. Colors or similar colors (including different colors having the same or similar gradation values: the same color or similar color in the case of monochrome) are likely to occur.
That is, in such a case, if a high-resolution decorative character image is simply output as a limited color in accordance with a low resolution, a plurality of element images (for example, a character portion and a decorative portion) that have been distinguished by the high resolution are output. The colors become the same or similar, and the boundaries cannot be recognized. As a result, the output image cannot be identified.

Therefore, hereinafter, a tape printer 1 capable of coping with the above-described situation in addition to the function (image processing method) of the first embodiment will be described as a second embodiment. That is, in the tape printing apparatus 1 of the present embodiment, a decorative character in which an arbitrary character is decorated with an arbitrary character is arranged on an arbitrary background, a character color is set in a character portion, and a decoration When outputting a decorative character image with a color set as an output image, even when outputting a limited color,
An image processing method capable of outputting an output image in which the character portion and the decoration portion are appropriately and easily colored with each other is adopted.

Note that the description becomes complicated if an example of a decorative character image created for another output device is given. Therefore, in the tape printer 1 of the present embodiment, the decorative character image created at a high resolution is used. It has a function that can intentionally (consciously) output at a low resolution. Specifically, it is assumed that the test key 348 is included in the function key group 32 described above. That is, in the tape printing apparatus 1, when the user wants to check the layout after printing of the color print image (decorative character image) or the entire image, the user operates the test print key 348 to perform test printing by monochrome printing. Can be.

First, a specific example of the above-described problem will be described. 8 and 9 in the first embodiment, it is easy to understand if the result of actually creating and printing a color image can be illustrated in color, but in fact, it is easy to correspond to the above-described test printing. Has become. For example, in FIGS. 8 and 9, the setting color (background color) “H1” (light blue: see FIG. 5, similarly in the following) of the inside of the frame (background portion within the frame) PB1 and the setting of the entire background portion PB2 Color (background color) "E
3 ", the character parts PC1, PC2, PC3, PC4
, Ie, the character color “B3” (red) is a very conspicuous color, but the decorative portions PD2, PD3, P
The set color of D4S, that is, the decorative color “K3” (light gray: light gray) and the set color of the decorative portion PD4L, that is, the decorative color “G3” (green) are colors that are only relatively conspicuous, In other words, it is a color located at an intermediate level between the background color and the character color. The set color of the ground pattern portion PBG1 in FIG.
3 ".

Therefore, even if the illustrated decorative character image created in color is actually printed in monochrome as a test print, if the resolution of the monochrome print is high to some extent (that is, the total number of gradation values capable of expressing shades). ), Although less clear than color,
The decorative part and the background part can be distinguished from each other. For example,
The original decorative character image is 256 for each color of CMYK
It is expressed in gradation, and the monochrome printing of the test print is 256 gradations of monochrome (for example, black and white) (gradation value of a so-called gray level or gray scale image in software operating on recent OS etc.) The print result is, for example, as shown in FIG. 16 for FIG. 8 and FIG. 17 for FIG. 9, and the character portion, the decorative portion, and the background portion are mutually shown. It can be identified (the case where the total number of gradation values is extremely small will be described later).

However, these examples are, as described above,
This is because the decorative color is set to a relatively conservative color, and if only a color image is considered without considering monochrome printing as a test print, both the character portion and the decorative portion stand out against the background portion, and The color can be arranged so that the character part and the decoration part can be identified from each other. For example, the decorative part PD of FIG.
2. Set the color (decorative color) of PD3, PD4S to "K3"
By changing from (light gray) to “I1” (light blue), the character portions PC1 (B3), PC2 (B3), PC3 (B3),
Not only PC4 (B3), but also decorative part PD2 (I1),
PD3 (I1) and PD4S (I1) also have a background portion PB1.
(H1), PB2 (E3), and character portions PC1 (B3), PC2 (B3), PC3 (B3),
PC4 (B3) and decorative parts PD2 (I1), PD3 (I
1) and PD4S (I1) have a color scheme that can be clearly identified from each other.

When the colors are arranged as described above, the above-mentioned problem becomes more prominent. That is, as described above, in general, both the character portion and the decorative portion of the decorative character image are desired to be set to colors that stand out against the background, and are often actually arranged in such a manner. In this case, if a decorative character image with a high resolution is simply output in a limited color in accordance with the low resolution as it is, that is, if a test print is performed as it is, a character portion and a decorative portion which are distinguished by a high resolution capable of expressing colors can be obtained. Become the same color or similar color (here, the same or similar shading), the boundary line between them cannot be recognized, and as a result, the output image cannot be identified. For example, for a decorative character image colored as described above,
If test printing is performed by monochrome printing with the same number of gradation values (256 gradations) as described above with reference to FIGS. 16 and 17, for example, the result is as shown in FIG. 18, and the character portions PC1 (B3) and PC2
(B3) and the decorative portions PD2 (I1) and PD3 (I1) are difficult to distinguish from each other.

For example, in the case of FIG. 9 described above, similarly to the above, in addition to changing the decoration color from “K3” (light gray) to “I1” (light blue), the decoration part (character outline part) ) PD
If the set color (decorative color) of the 4L and the set color (ground color) of the ground pattern portion PBG1 are changed from "G3" (green) to "G5" (dark green), they are also changed to the background portion PB2 (E3) and the like. Even if the background portion PB1 (H1) is more conspicuous, and the colors are arranged in this manner, the portions can be clearly distinguished from each other at a high resolution capable of expressing colors. However,
If it is output as a limited color simply in accordance with a low resolution as it is, it becomes difficult to distinguish each other. For example, if the same test printing is performed on the decorative character image arranged as described above, the result will be as shown in FIG. 19, for example, and in addition to the example of FIG. 18, the character portion PC1 (B3) and the decorative portion PD4L (G
It becomes difficult to distinguish between 5).

[0110] Actually, the above-mentioned problem also occurs in the first place.
The problem can be solved by adopting the same image processing method as described in the embodiment, and in the tape printing apparatus 1 of the present embodiment, even when it is difficult to distinguish between the character portion and the decoration portion during test printing, The character color transparent setting and the ground pattern deletion setting (described above in the first embodiment) selected and set by the format key 344 are applied.

In the first embodiment, as described above, depending on the type of character decoration, the character portion is assimilated to the background rather than a color arrangement that makes both the character portion and the decorative portion of the decorative character stand out against the background. In other words, the appearance may be better when the color is set such that only the decorative portion stands out. For this reason, if the character color transparency setting is set, in the tape printing apparatus 1 of the present embodiment, if it is difficult to distinguish between the character part and the decoration part at the time of the test printing, the transparent color is set as the default color. Is the character color setting color.

When the test print key 348 is operated by the user and a print result as shown in FIG. 18 is obtained as it is, the set colors (character colors) of the character portions PC2 and PC3 are assimilated to the background portion PB1. Since an output image changed to the set color “H1” (light blue) is created, prepared, and output (that is, test printing by monochrome printing is performed),
For example, a print result as shown in FIG. 20 is obtained. In this case, as shown in the figure, the character portions PC2 and PC3 can be assimilated with the background portion PB1, and the decorative portions PD2 and PD3 can be made more prominent. Further, in the case where the shape of the decorative portion is such that the character portion is omitted (deleted) to be seen, as in this example, the presence of the invisible character portion is emphasized implicitly (potentially conspicuous). You can also. In addition, as a result, both are not the same color or a similar color (here, the same or similar light and shade), so that the character portion and the decorative portion can be arranged in a color that can be easily distinguished from each other. In this example, the same character color transparency processing is performed on the character part PC4 outside the frame. However, in this case, the total number of gradation values (256) indicates that the character part and the decoration part are the same as in FIG. Since they can be distinguished from each other, they may be omitted (here, an example is shown in which transparency is made so as to facilitate comparison with a case where the total number of gradation values described below is extremely small).

On the other hand, in the first embodiment, as described above, the background pattern deletion setting is applied only to the portion where the background pattern printing (ground pattern printing) is performed on the background, and the default character color transparent is applied to the other portions. The settings are applied. Generally, when a background image is a ground pattern image having a ground pattern of a predetermined color on a colorless or single-color plain image, it may be noticeable if a character portion and a decorative portion are omitted (deleted) therefrom. Depending on the form of the pattern, if the character portion and the decorative portion are omitted (deleted) therefrom, the ground pattern at that portion disappears, and the color becomes only the color of the basic plain image, which may be conspicuous. For example, when the test print key 348 is operated by the user and the print result as shown in FIG. 19 is obtained as it is, the background pattern deletion setting is a part where the background pattern is printed on the background, that is, in this example, the background pattern is set. Character portions PC2 and PC with background PB1 (H1) in which frame PBG1 (G3) is drawn
3 and the default character color transparency setting is applied to the other portions, so that a print result as shown in FIG. 21 or FIG. 22, for example, is obtained.

In these cases, as shown in both figures, the default color in the frame is the same color as the color “H1” (light blue) of the inside of the plain image frame (background portion in the frame) PB1 and the character color And one of the set colors (decorative color in FIG. 21, FIG.
In FIG. 21, one of the character portion and the decoration portion (the decoration portions PD2 and PD3 in FIG. 21, and the character portions PC2 and PC3 in FIG. 22) is made to stand out with the same color as the plain image, and the other (the FIG. Character parts PC2 and PC3 (decoration parts PD2 and PD3 in FIG. 22) can be made to stand out by the color set before. In addition, as a result, both are not the same color or a similar color (here, the same or similar light and shade), so that the character portion and the decorative portion can be arranged in a color that can be easily distinguished from each other. When the ground pattern deletion setting is set, which of the character portion and the decoration portion is to be the default color (that is, the color of the plain image) is determined in advance by one of them as in the first embodiment. Alternatively, the ground pattern deletion setting may be selected at a lower hierarchical level at the time of setting.

In other portions, that is, portions outside the frame where the background pattern is not printed on the background, the default character color transparency setting is applied, so that the character portion PC4 can be assimilated with the background portion PB2, and the decoration portion can be used. PD4L and PD4S can be made more conspicuous. In addition, as in this example, the shape of the decorative portion has been omitted (deleted) so that the character portion can be seen.
In the case of a shape or the like, the presence of an invisible character portion can be emphasized (potentially conspicuous). Also,
As a result, since both are not the same color or similar color (here, the same or similar shade), the character portion and the decorative portion can be easily distinguished from each other.

As described above, in the tape printing apparatus 1 of the present embodiment, by operating the test print key 348, a test print of a color decorative character image can be performed by monochrome printing.
In other words, in the tape printer 1, the limited color mode for performing the limited color output can be set by the test print key 348, and when the limited color mode is set, the set color is changed. This can be applied to a case where a decorative character image prepared (created) at a high resolution (for example, color) is to be output as a low-resolution (for example, monochrome) output image.

In the above-described example, the case where a color decorative character image is printed in monochrome as the easiest example to understand is described. However, a multi-tone (high resolution) color decorative character image is also However, when outputting as a low-gradation (low-resolution) output image, or when outputting a high-resolution monochrome decorative character image as a monochrome but low-gradation (low-resolution) output image Have similar problems, and for them,
This can be handled by the same image processing method as described above. That is, if a decorative character image colored based on a high resolution is simply output as a limited color in accordance with a low resolution, each part (each elemental image: for example, a character part and a decorative part) that can be identified by the high resolution is removed. , The same color or similar color, the boundary line between them can not be recognized, and the output image can not be recognized, but in many cases, the above-mentioned character color transparent processing and ground pattern deletion processing correspond it can.

Here, as described above, in the case of color, it is difficult to illustrate, and it is necessary to explain each of the basic colors (for example, CMYK), which makes the explanation complicated. Only the case of outputting a monochrome monochrome decorative character image as a low-gradation monochrome output image will be described, but it is noted that the same applies in principle to the case of color, and that similar processing can be performed. Also, from the above description, in the case of the character color transparent setting and the case of the ground pattern deletion setting (the case of performing the character color clearing process and the case of performing the ground pattern deleting process), if either one is described, the other is analogous. Since it is expected to be possible,
Only the more basic (for this reason, the default setting) character color transparency setting (case of performing character color transparency processing) will be described.

As described above, FIG. 16 and the like illustrate examples of monochrome printing of 256 gradations. A decorative character image created to obtain a print image of these examples is
Hereinafter, the above-described multi-tone monochrome decorative character image is used. Here, if the decorative character image created (colored) created so as to obtain the print result of FIG. 16 if printed as it is is output as a limited color, for example, as a 16-tone monochrome output image, When printing (limited color printing), the printing result is as shown in FIG. In this example, as shown in the figure, although it is slightly difficult to identify, it is possible to identify since it is not originally an image in which many colors are arranged. However, in FIG.
A 6-tone monochrome decorative character image is converted to a lower-gradation 2
When limited color output (limited color printing) is performed as a monochrome output image of gradation, the result is as shown in FIG.

In this case, the set color (decorative color) of the decorative part PD4L was originally more conspicuous than the character color "B3" (red) but more conspicuous than the other decorative colors "K3" (light gray). “G3” (green) is black in the same manner as the character color “B3”. As a result, the character portion PC4 and the decoration portion PD4L
Cannot be identified. Also, the other decorative parts PD2, P
The set color (decorative color) of D3 becomes white, melts (assimilates) into a white background, and disappears from the image.

On the other hand, as described above, the decorative portions PS2, PD3, P of the color image (of FIG. 8) based on FIG.
The color "I1" that stands out from the D4S setting color "K3" (light gray)
Figure 1 based on the color image changed to (light blue)
8 256-tone monochrome decorative character image as 16-tone monochrome output image with limited color output (limited color printing)
Then, a print result as shown in FIG. 25 is obtained. Further, when a limited color output (limited color print) is performed as a low-tone two-tone monochrome output image, a print result as shown in FIG. 26 is obtained. For example, in the case of 16 gradations in FIG. 25, the character portions PC2 and PC3 in the frame and the decoration portions PD2 and PD3 cannot be distinguished from each other, and in the two gradations in FIG. 26, the decoration portion PD4L further becomes black. The character part PC4, the decoration part PD4L, and the decoration part PD4S are assimilated and cannot be identified.

However, in the case of FIG. 25 or FIG. 26 when the latter is output (printed) as it is, it can be dealt with by the above-described character color transparency processing. That is, the test print key 348 is operated by the user.
When the print result is as shown in FIG.
, And prepares and outputs an output image in which the set color (text color) is changed to the set color “H1” (light blue) to be assimilated to the background portion PB1 (that is, a test print is performed by monochrome printing of 16 gradations). ), A print result as shown in FIG. 27 is obtained. In this case, the character portions PC2 and PC3 can be assimilated with the background portion PB1, and the decorative portions PD2 and PD3 can be made more prominent. Further, in the case where the shape of the decorative portion is such that the character portion is omitted (deleted) to be seen, as in this example, the presence of the invisible character portion is emphasized implicitly (potentially conspicuous). You can also. In addition, as a result, both are not the same color or a similar color (here, the same or similar light and shade), so that the character portion and the decorative portion can be arranged in a color that can be easily distinguished from each other. In this example, the character portion PC4 outside the frame is also subjected to the same character color transparency processing, but here, the character portion PC4 and the decoration portion PD4 are used.
Since L and the decorative part PD4S can be identified, they may be omitted.

Similarly, the test print key 348 is set by the user.
Is operated, and if a print result as shown in FIG. 26 is obtained as it is, the set color (character color) of the character portions PC2 and PC3 is changed to the set color “H1” (light blue) to be assimilated to the background portion PB1. An output image in which the set color (character color) of the character portion PC4 is changed to the set color "E3" (yellow) to be assimilated to the background portion PB2 is prepared and output (i.e., 2).
By performing test printing by gradation monochrome printing), for example, a printing result as shown in FIG. 28 is obtained. In this case, the character portions PC2 and PC3 can be assimilated with the background portion PB1, and the decorative portions PD2 and PD3 can be made more prominent, and the character portion PC4 can be assimilated with the background portion PB1.
The decorative portions PD4L and PD4S can be made more conspicuous. Further, in the case where the shape of the decorative portion is such that the character portion is omitted (deleted) to be seen, as in this example, the presence of the invisible character portion is emphasized implicitly (potentially conspicuous). You can also. In addition, as a result, both are not the same color or a similar color (here, the same or similar light and shade), so that the character portion and the decorative portion can be arranged in a color that can be easily distinguished from each other.

As described above, in the image processing method employed in the tape printer 1 of the present embodiment, the set color as the character color is set for the character portion, and the set color as the decorative color is set for the decorative portion. Is set, a decorative character image having a character portion, a decorative portion, and a background portion obtained by removing them from the background portion is created, and limited color output is performed at a resolution lower than the resolution at the time of creation. The setting colors of the decorative character image are changed to the setting colors for outputting the limited color. That is, when outputting a limited color, the color is changed to the set color (limited color processing), so that the limited color of the decorative character image can be output.

However, when it is difficult to distinguish between the character part and the decoration part due to the combination of the set character color and decoration color, one of the character color and the decoration color is changed to a predetermined default color. That is, when the limited color is not output, the combination of the initially set character color and decorative color is used, and when the limited color is output, the combination of the set colors changed to match the limited color output is used. When it becomes difficult to distinguish between the character part and the decoration part, one of the character color and the decoration color is changed to a predetermined default color. Thus, regardless of whether or not to output the limited color, when it becomes difficult to distinguish the set character portion from the decorative portion, one of the set colors (text color or decorative color) is changed to the default color. This makes it possible to avoid difficulties in identification.

Then, when at least one of the character color and the decoration color is changed, the changed setting color is arranged as a new setting color, whereby an output image is created based on the decoration character image. When no change is made, a decorative character image is prepared as an output image, and the prepared output image is output. In other words, when performing limited color output, or when it is difficult to distinguish between the character part and the decorative part due to the set color, the set color can be changed to an appropriate one. When the set color is changed, an output image with the set color is created. If no change is made, the decorative character image is prepared as an output image, so that an output image having an appropriate color scheme can be prepared and output. Therefore, in the tape printing apparatus 1 of the present embodiment, a decorative character in which an arbitrary character is subjected to an arbitrary character decoration is arranged on an arbitrary background, a character color is set in a character portion, and a decoration is provided in the decoration portion. When a decorative character image in which colors are set is output as an output image, it is possible to output an output image in which the character portion and the decorative portion are appropriately colored so that they can be easily distinguished from each other. Similarly, it is possible to output an output image with a color scheme that is appropriate and easily distinguishable from each other.

Also, in the tape printing apparatus 1 of the present embodiment, since any character decoration includes a shadow character decoration for creating a shadow character of an arbitrary character, a decorative character image with shadow character decoration is created. In this case, an output image can be output in which the shadow portion is used as a decorative portion, and the character portion and the decorative portion are colored appropriately and easily distinguished from each other. Similarly, the arbitrary character decoration includes an outline character decoration for creating an outline character of an arbitrary character. Therefore, when creating and outputting a decorative character image with an outline character decoration, the outline character portion is not included. As the decorative portion, it is possible to output an output image in which the character portion and the decorative portion are colored appropriately and easily distinguished from each other. Also, since any character decoration includes a contour shadow character decoration for creating a contour shadow character of any character, when creating and outputting a decorative character image with the contour shadow character decoration, the contour shadow character With the portion as the decoration portion, an output image can be created in which the character portion and the decoration portion are colored appropriately and easily distinguished from each other.

As in the description of the first embodiment, no specific example is shown for the encircled character decoration and the hatched decoration, but the same can be applied. In the case of enclosed character decoration or shaded decoration, the character part is surrounded by the decorative part as a result, so it is the same as outline character decoration, etc., and the character part is made transparent or the background pattern is removed. If the color is the same as that of the image, both the character portion and the decoration portion stand out. If the background has a ground pattern,
If the decorative portion surrounding the character is the same color as the plain image, both the character portion and the decorative portion stand out. In particular, in the case of box character decoration, since the box line color and box box color can be set, a method of making the box box color transparent or the same color as the plain image is also conceivable. In this respect, the outline shadow character decoration described above is also the same. Since the character outline color and the character shadow color can be set, a method of making the character outline color a transparent color or the same color as a plain image can be considered.

When limited colors are output based on the image shown in FIG. 16, as is clear from FIGS. 23 and 24,
It is not possible to make the character portion and the decoration portion a color arrangement that is easily distinguishable from each other only by the character color transparency processing. In such a case, the process of setting the decorative portion to a prominent set color with respect to the background portion may be performed in advance, and the character color transparency process may be performed as shown in FIG. Further, in the above description, an example in which a limited color of 16 or 2 tones is output from a monochrome image of 256 tones is described. However, since the color image described above is originally based on FIG.
The same can be applied to the case where a color decorative character image expressed in 256 tones for each color is directly output as a two-tone monochrome image in a limited color.

In the above-described process of setting the decorative portion to a set color that stands out with respect to the background portion, the decorative color of the color image in FIG. Since the printed result of FIG. 18 is shown in FIG. 18, it is possible to automate the same processing. And, as described above, this process generally meets the demand because the decorative portion also wants to stand out against the background portion.
Further, if the default color by this automation is considered to be the first default color and the transparent color of the above-described character color transparency processing at the time of outputting the limited color is the second default color, the same processing as the image processing method in the first embodiment is performed. Becomes In the above description, only the character color transparency processing is performed. However, as described above, the same applies to the background pattern deletion processing.

Further, as described above, in addition to these, a process of obtaining a print result as shown in FIGS. 20 to 22, 27, and 28 (the same applies to FIGS. 12 to 15 in the first embodiment)
Then, the decorative character image to which the outline shadow character decoration has been applied, that is, the decorative character image of the fourth character “C” of “Q” shown in the figure also has the shadow character decoration (second “Q”) and the outline character decoration. The same character color transparency processing as in the above case was performed, but in the case of outline shadow character decoration, the character outline portion (for example, PD4L) is located between the character portion (for example, PD4) and the character shadow portion (for example, PD4S). Therefore, instead of making the character part transparent (the character color is made transparent), this character outline part can be made transparent (the character outline color is made transparent). (For example, PD4) and a character shadow portion (for example, PD4
S) can be easily identified by its transparent color, and the character outline itself can be made more conspicuous by its transparent color (see FIG. 29 corresponding to FIG. 27 and FIG. 30 corresponding to FIG. 28).

In both the first embodiment and the second embodiment, the decorative character image is prepared as an image prepared for printing, that is, as a print image. An example was given, but prepared (created)
The decorative character image to be displayed may be an image prepared for display, that is, a display image, or the output image may be a display image. In addition, a limited color for outputting (displaying) a print image created at a high resolution as a display image having a low output resolution, such as checking a print image created at a high resolution to perform printing at a high output resolution, for example, on a display screen capable of only monochrome display. You may apply to output etc. In such a case, the decorative character image is created as a print image to be printed on the tape (printing target) T. When the resolution of the decorative character image is higher than the resolution that can be displayed on the display screen, the limited color image is used. Change the setting color for output. Thus, even when the display resolution is lower than the print resolution, the decorative character image prepared (created) as the print image can be displayed and confirmed.

In the above embodiment, the printing means in the tape printer 1 is an image output means. However, any output means may be used as long as it outputs an image.
Further, not only a tape printing device but also a general printing device, a display device, or any other device may be used, and the present invention can be applied to image processing for any purpose. Further, as the printing unit, in the above-described embodiment, the example of the thermal method has been described, but the present invention can be applied to an ink jet method, a laser method, and the like. Of course, other modifications can be made as appropriate without departing from the spirit of the present invention.

[0134]

As described above, according to the image processing method and apparatus of the present invention, a decorative character image in which a decorative character in which an arbitrary character is decorated with an arbitrary character is arranged on an arbitrary background is created. In this case, even if the setting of one or both of the character color for the text part and the decoration color for the decoration part is omitted, a decoration character image in which the text part and the decoration part are colored appropriately and easily distinguished from each other is created. There are effects such as being able to do.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a control system of a tape printing apparatus to which a character string processing method and an apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention are applied.

FIG. 2 is a flowchart illustrating a conceptual process of overall control of the tape printing apparatus in FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating a display screen and a typical operation on the display screen, showing an example of printing.

FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing typical operations and processes for creating and printing a character string image.

FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a color expression method.

FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of default setting colors when a color mode is selected and setting of some or all colors is omitted.

FIG. 7 is an explanatory view similar to FIG. 6, following FIG. 6;

FIG. 8 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of a print result of printing a color decorative character image with a character decoration on a tape.

FIG. 9 is an explanatory diagram similar to FIG. 8, showing an example of a case where a ground pattern is set inside the frame of FIG. 8;

FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram similar to FIG. 9, illustrating an example of a combination that causes a problem when an arbitrary setting of at least one of the character color and the decorative color in FIG. 9 is omitted.

FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram similar to FIG. 10, showing another example corresponding to FIG. 10;

FIG. 12 is an explanatory diagram similar to FIG. 9, showing an example of a case where printing is performed after performing a character color transparency process, corresponding to FIG. 11;

FIG. 13 is an explanatory diagram similar to FIG. 12, showing an example when there is no ground pattern in FIG. 11;

14 is an explanatory view similar to FIG. 9, but showing an example corresponding to FIG. 12 in a case where the decorative portion is subjected to ground pattern deletion processing as an application target part in FIG. 11 and then printed.

FIG. 15 shows an example of a case where a background pattern is deleted from a character portion as an application target portion in FIG. 11 and then printed.
FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram similar to FIG.

FIG. 16 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a print result of the color decorative character image of FIG. 8 being subjected to limited color printing on a tape by trial printing in which monochrome printing of 256 gradations is performed.

FIG. 17 is an explanatory diagram similar to FIG. 16, corresponding to the color decorative character image of FIG. 9;

18 creates a color decorative character image in which the decorative color of the color decorative character image in FIG. 8 is changed to a color that stands out from the background color, and performs a monochrome test print of 256 gradations as in FIG. FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of a print result of limited color printing on a tape.

19 is an explanatory diagram similar to FIG. 18, corresponding to the color decorative character image of FIG. 9;

FIG. 20 is a diagram illustrating an example of performing a monochrome test print similar to that of FIG. 16 after performing a character color transparency process similar to that of FIG. 13 to a decorative character image of the same color as that of FIG. 18; FIG.

FIG. 21 illustrates a case where the same decorative pattern image as in FIG. 19 is subjected to the same background pattern deletion processing as in FIG. It is explanatory drawing which shows an example of.

FIG. 22 is an explanatory diagram similar to FIG. 21, illustrating an example of a case where the ground pattern deletion process similar to that of FIG. 15 is performed.

23 illustrates an example of a print result of limited color printing of the color decorative character image of FIG. 8 or the monochrome decorative character image of 256 gradations of FIG. 16 on a tape by trial printing for performing monochrome printing of 16 gradations. FIG.

FIG. 24 is an explanatory diagram similar to FIG. 23, showing an example of two-tone monochrome test printing.

FIG. 25 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a monochrome 16-tone monochrome test print similar to that of FIG. 23 corresponding to the 256-tone monochrome decorative character image of FIG. 18;

FIG. 26 is an explanatory diagram similar to FIG. 25, illustrating an example of two-tone monochrome test printing.

FIG. 27 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a case where the same monochrome test print as in FIG. 25 is performed after the same character color transparency processing as in FIG. 13 is performed.

FIG. 28 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a case where the same monochrome test printing as in FIG. 26 is performed after the same character color transparency processing as in FIG. 13 is performed.

FIG. 29 is an explanatory diagram similar to FIG. 27, illustrating an example in which a different set color changing process from that in FIG. 27 has been performed;

FIG. 30 is an explanatory view similar to FIG. 28, showing an example in which a setting color change process different from that in FIG. 28 has been performed;

[Explanation of symbols]

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Tape printer 3 Keyboard 4 Display 5 Tape cartridge 7 Print head 11 Operation part 12 Printing part 13 Cutting part 14 Detecting part 41 Display screen 200 Control part 210 CPU 220 ROM 230 Character generator ROM (CG-RO)
M) 240 RAM 250 Input / output control circuit (IOC) 260 Internal bus 270 Drive unit 280 External memory mounting unit 290 Power supply unit T Tape

Claims (20)

[Claims] 1. A set color as a character color for a character part corresponding to a part of an arbitrary character, wherein a decorative character in which an arbitrary character is decorated with an arbitrary character is arranged on an arbitrary background. Is set, and a set color as a decorative color is set in a decorative portion corresponding to the portion in which the arbitrary character decoration has been performed, and the character portion and the decoration are determined from the character portion, the decorative portion, and the background portion. An image processing method for creating a decorative character image having a background portion corresponding to a portion excluding a portion, wherein an arbitrary setting of at least one of the character color and the decorative color is omitted. A first set color determining step of determining a predetermined first default color as the one set color; and a combination of the other set color when the first default color is set as the one set color. Text part and the decoration When bets becomes difficult identification, instead of the other set color or the first default color, the predetermined second
A second setting color determining step of determining a default color as a setting color; and an image for creating the decorative character image by distributing the setting colors of the character color and the decorative color to the character portion and the decorative portion, respectively. An image processing method, comprising: a creating step. 2. The second default color when the background image is a colorless or single-color solid image or a ground pattern image having a ground pattern of a predetermined color on the solid image,
The image processing method according to claim 1, wherein the color is a transparent color assimilated with the background, and is a set color of the character color. 3. When the background image is a ground pattern image having a ground pattern of a predetermined color on a colorless or single-color solid image, the second default color is the same color as the solid image. The image processing method according to claim 1, wherein: 4. The image processing method according to claim 1, wherein the arbitrary character decoration includes a shadow character decoration for creating a shadow character of the arbitrary character. 5. The image processing method according to claim 1, wherein the arbitrary character decoration includes an outline character decoration for creating an outline character of the arbitrary character. 6. The image processing according to claim 1, wherein the arbitrary character decoration includes an outline character decoration for creating an outline character of the arbitrary character. Method. 7. An image output step of outputting an output image based on the decorative character image.
The image processing method according to claim 1. 8. The image processing method according to claim 7, wherein the output step is a display step of displaying (outputting) the output image on a display screen. 9. The image processing method according to claim 7, wherein the output step is a printing step of printing the output image on a printing target. 10. The image processing method according to claim 9, wherein the printing target is a tape. 11. A set color as a character color for a character portion corresponding to a character portion corresponding to an arbitrary character, wherein a decorative character obtained by giving an arbitrary character decoration to an arbitrary character is arranged on an arbitrary background. Is set, and a set color as a decorative color is set in a decorative portion corresponding to the portion in which the arbitrary character decoration has been performed, and the character portion and the decoration are determined from the character portion, the decorative portion, and the background portion. Background part corresponding to the part excluding the part,
An image processing apparatus for creating a decorative character image having the following configuration: when an arbitrary setting of at least one of the character color and the decorative color is omitted, a predetermined first default color is set to the one of the settings. A combination of a first setting color determining unit that determines a color and the other setting color when the first default color is set as the one setting color makes it difficult to distinguish the character portion from the decoration portion. Sometimes, a predetermined second color is used instead of the other set color or the first default color.
A second setting color determining unit that determines a default color as a setting color; and an image for creating the decorative character image by distributing the setting colors of the character color and the decorative color to the character portion and the decorative portion, respectively. An image processing apparatus comprising: a creation unit. 12. When the background image is a colorless or single-color solid image or a ground pattern image having a predetermined color ground pattern on the solid image, the second default color is assimilated with the background. The image processing apparatus according to claim 11, wherein the image processing apparatus is a transparent color and is a set color of the character color. 13. When the background image is a ground pattern image having a ground pattern of a predetermined color on a colorless or single-color solid image, the second default color is the same color as the solid image. The image processing apparatus according to claim 11, wherein: 14. The image processing apparatus according to claim 11, wherein the arbitrary character decoration includes a shadow character decoration for creating a shadow character of the arbitrary character. 15. The image processing apparatus according to claim 11, wherein the arbitrary character decoration includes an outline character decoration for creating an outline character of the arbitrary character. 16. The image processing according to claim 11, wherein the arbitrary character decoration includes an outline character decoration for creating an outline character of the arbitrary character. apparatus. 17. The image processing apparatus according to claim 11, further comprising an image output unit that outputs an output image based on the decorative character image. 18. The image processing apparatus according to claim 17, wherein the output unit is a display unit that displays (outputs) the output image on a display screen. 19. The image processing apparatus according to claim 17, wherein the output unit is a printing unit that prints the output image on a print target. 20. The image processing apparatus according to claim 19, wherein the printing target is a tape.