JP2002103704A - Printer and printing method - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a printer and a printing method in which a labor for setting a decoration every time when print is designated is saved by printing a plurality of kinds of decoration image sequentially at random in response to a print designation from a user and printing can be performed quickly and easily with pleasure. SOLUTION: The printer comprises means for storing a plurality of decoration designating data, means for selecting one of the plurality of decoration designating data at random, and means for printing an image decorated according to designation of one selected decoration designating data onto a print medium T.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a printing apparatus and a printing method.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Heretofore, there has been known a printing apparatus having a so-called "decorative function" for giving a copy-forgery-inhibited pattern (base), an outer frame, and changing a font (font) to a predetermined character string. In these printing apparatuses, after inputting text, a character string to be decorated is designated, and a desired decoration is designated, whereby the decorated printing is performed.

[0003] By the way, such a "decoration function" is not particularly limited to the contents of the decoration depending on how to use it.
There may be a case where a user wants to give a certain character string a decoration as an accent. For example, when creating a name label for all classes, if you want to give an outer frame as an accent, but it does not matter who you apply which outer frame, conventionally, the outer frame for each class is appropriately Printing had to be performed by changing the type of printer, which was troublesome.

On the other hand, the above-described printing apparatus having the conventional “decoration function” is generally (naturally) intended to designate a decoration desired by a user and perform printing. That is, the object is to print a predetermined character string with decoration as desired. However, in such a conventional printing device, input / edit / edit of a standard character string is performed.
Only printing can be performed, and the user often gets bored. However, from a different point of view, if a predetermined character string is printed with an unpredictable decoration, it can be used for entertainment such as games and fortune-telling.

[0005]

Accordingly, the present invention eliminates the trouble of setting decorations for each print instruction by printing a plurality of types of decorative images at random according to the print instruction of the user, thereby making it quick and easy. An object of the present invention is to provide a printing apparatus and a printing method capable of performing printing and having entertainment.

[0006]

According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a printing apparatus, comprising: decoration designation data storage means for storing a plurality of decoration designation data; and one decoration designation data randomly selected from the plurality of decoration designation data. And a printing unit that prints a decoration image decorated according to the specification by the first decoration specification data selected by the decoration specification data selection unit on a print-receiving medium. Features.

In a printing method according to a twelfth aspect of the present invention, a plurality of decoration designating data are stored, and one decoration designating data is randomly selected from the stored plurality of decoration designating data. A decoration image decorated according to the specification by the first decoration specification data is printed on a printing medium.

The printing apparatus and the printing method store a plurality of pieces of decoration designation data, randomly select one piece of decoration designation data from among them, and place a decoration image decorated according to the designation on a printing medium. Can be printed. That is, the decoration designation data to be selected next is determined at random, so that it is not necessary to designate each decoration for each print instruction. Therefore, the user does not have to pay particular attention to the contents and order of the decorations, but the user does not need to set decorations for each printing, such as when he / she wants to decorate something with accents, so that printing can be performed quickly and easily. . In addition, since one decoration designation data is selected at random, the user can enjoy printing, for example, predicting which decoration will be printed next.

The printing of the decoration may be configured such that when the user gives a single print instruction, the decoration is printed successively with the first decoration and the second decoration, or may be printed once. The first print may be printed in response to the print instruction, and the second print may be printed in response to the second print instruction. Also,
The “decoration” mentioned here is not limited to the above “outer frame”,
It also includes "formats (such as copy-forgery-inhibited pattern printing)", "decorative characters", "fonts (Mincho and Gothic fonts)", "character enclosing", "shading", and the like.

The "decoration designation data" is "decoration"
In addition to “character code” for designating “decoration”, “bitmap data” representing “decoration” itself, “program data” for designating “decoration”, and the like are also included. That is, it is only necessary that one “decoration designating data” is selected so that the corresponding “decoration” is finally given. Also, "selection of decoration designation data of 1"
May be performed when printing is completed, or may be performed when printing is instructed by the user. That is, as a result, a decorative image that has been decorated according to the specification of one decoration specification data selected at some timing may be printed.

2. The printing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein a group consisting of the plurality of pieces of decoration designation data is stored in at least one of a group storage unit and one of the groups stored in the group storage unit. Group designation means for designating a group to be designated, wherein the decoration designation data selection means selects one decoration designation data from a plurality of decoration designation data belonging to the group designated by the group designation means. Features.

13. The printing method according to claim 12, wherein at least one or more groups comprising the plurality of decoration designation data are stored, and a desired group is designated from among the one or more groups, and The decoration specification data is selected from a plurality of decoration specification data belonging to the specified group.

This printing apparatus stores at least one group consisting of a plurality of decoration designation data. A desired group is designated from among the groups, and a plurality of decoration designation data belonging to the designated group are designated. Is selected as the decoration designation data. For this reason, for example, when the group “outer frame-janken” exists, the user specifies three decoration specifying data for specifying the decoration of the outer frame in which the patterns of “goo”, “choki”, and “par” are incorporated. Since it is impossible to predict which decoration designation data will be selected next from among, the user can enjoy the game as a "janken game".

If the group "typeface" exists,
By designating this and printing it at random, it is possible to enjoy a typeface that changes. As described above, a plurality of pieces of decoration designation data are grouped, and one or more (multiple) groups are stored, so that the data can be used for various purposes, and versatility can be improved. Further, the user can know the functions provided in the printing apparatus and enjoy printing.

3. The printing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the designation by the decoration designation data includes designation of a type of a bit pattern added as a part of the decoration.

[0016] In the printing method according to the twelfth or thirteenth aspect, the specification by the decoration specification data includes specification of a type of a bit pattern added as a part of the decoration.

According to this configuration, the designation by the decoration designation data includes the designation of the type of the bit pattern added as a part of the decoration. When stored in bit patterns, they can be designated and decorated. That is, decoration can be performed not by a processing program for decoration but also by specification using decoration specification data stored as a bit pattern.

The printing apparatus according to claim 1, 2 or 3, wherein the designation by the decoration designation data includes designation of a character attribute.

Further, in the printing method according to the twelfth, thirteenth, or fourteenth aspects, the designation by the decoration designation data includes designation of a character attribute.

According to this configuration, the designation by the decoration designation data includes the designation of the character attribute.
Decorations related to character attributes such as “identity”, “emphasis”, “Mincho”, and “Gothic” can also be performed. In addition, since various decorations can be provided as described above, versatility can be improved.

The printing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 4, further comprising an input means for inputting a character, wherein the specification using the decoration specifying data includes decoration of the input character or character string. It is characterized in that designation is included.

According to this configuration, the designation by the decoration designation data further includes an input unit for inputting a character, and includes a designation of decorating the input character or character string. Character "A" (or character string)
In response, you can change the character attributes such as "Italic", "true", "emphasis", "Mincho", "Gothic", or enter " Decorations such as "outer frame" and "texture printing" can be applied. That is, it is possible not only to specify and print only a decorative image such as only “outer frame” or “texture pattern printing” but also to specify that input characters or character strings are to be decorated.

The printing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the decoration designation data selecting means performs a series of selection processing after a predetermined selection start processing is performed among the plurality of decoration specification data. , One of the decoration designation data that has not been selected yet is selected.

According to this configuration, in a series of selection processes after a predetermined selection start process is performed among a plurality of decoration designation data, one decoration designation data is selected from the decoration designation data that has not been selected yet. Since the selection is made, the decoration designation data already selected in the series of selection processing is not selected again. Therefore, for example, when the cast of a play is determined by a printed decoration image, the printing result and the decoration are set to one.
This can be used when there is a need to make a one-to-one correspondence.

The printing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the decoration designating data selecting means performs a series of selection processing after a predetermined selection start processing is performed.
Regardless of whether or not it has already been selected, one decoration specification data is selected from the plurality of decoration specification data.

According to this configuration, in a series of selection processing after the predetermined selection start processing is performed, one decoration specification data is selected from the plurality of decoration specification data regardless of whether or not the decoration selection data has already been selected. For the selection, in a series of selection processes, a situation may occur in which the decoration designation data that has already been selected is selected again. Therefore, for example, when the winner of the lottery is determined based on the printed decorative image, it can be used when it is desirable that the print result is unpredictable (those who have already won are likely to win). .

[0027] The printing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 7, further comprising decoration specification data registration means for registering the plurality of decoration specification data, wherein the registered decoration specification data is stored in the decoration specification data storage means. It is characterized by being stored.

According to this configuration, a plurality of decoration designation data desired by the user can be registered and stored. For example, if a plurality of user-specified decoration designation data (such as “outer frame”) is registered and stored, one decoration specification data is randomly selected by a print instruction, and the decoration specification data is selected. Can be printed. Therefore, it is not necessary to set the decoration for each print instruction, so that printing can be performed more quickly and easily.

The printing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the plurality of decoration specification data are configured to be input to the decoration specification data storage means from an external storage device. .

According to this configuration, the decoration designation data not stored in the storage means can be input from the external storage device and stored in the storage means, so that the minimum required decoration specification that meets the needs of the user is provided. Only data can be stored. Accordingly, the storage capacity can be kept to a minimum, and accordingly, one decoration specification data can be quickly selected from the decoration specification data stored in the storage means.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, in the printing apparatus, the decoration images decorated in accordance with the specification by a plurality of decoration specification data belonging to the same group have the same occupation size on the printing medium.

In this printing apparatus, the decorative images decorated according to the specification by a plurality of decoration specifying data belonging to the same group have the same occupied size on the printing medium, and thus are adjusted to the area where the print target can be pasted. A print of a predetermined size can be created. Therefore, for example, when the decoration of the “outer frame” is printed according to the order, the “outer frame”
Depending on the type, there is no problem such as the size exceeding the area where the print target can be pasted.

The printing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the printing medium is a tape-shaped member.

According to this configuration, since the medium to be printed is a tape-shaped member, it can be used in a tape printing apparatus, and is convenient for producing a label or the like. Further, if the printing medium is wound and accommodated in the printing apparatus, the apparatus configuration can be made compact.

[0035]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Hereinafter, a printing apparatus and a printing method according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

FIGS. 1 and 2 show the entire structure of the tape printing apparatus according to the present embodiment and the appearance when the opening / closing lid is opened, and FIG. 3 is a block diagram of a control system thereof. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, this tape printing apparatus 1
An outer shell is formed by the upper and lower divided device cases 2, and a keyboard 3 including various input keys is provided on the front upper surface of the device case 2. The rear upper surface has an open / close lid 21 on its left side.
Is attached, and a display 4 is disposed on the right side thereof.

As shown in FIG. 3, as a basic configuration, an operation unit 11 having a keyboard 3 and a display 4 for interfacing with a user, a print head (thermal head) 7, and a tape feed unit 120 are provided. A printing unit 12 for printing on a printing tape (hereinafter simply referred to as “tape”) T of a tape cartridge C mounted in the pocket 6, a cutting unit 13 for cutting the tape T after printing, and various sensors. The tape printer 1 includes a detection unit 14 that performs various types of detection, a driving unit 270 that has various drivers to drive each unit circuit, and a control unit 200 that controls each unit in the tape printer 1. For this reason, the printing unit 12,
A circuit board (not shown) is housed in addition to the cutting unit 13, the detection unit 14, and the like. This circuit board has a power supply unit,
Each circuit of the drive unit 270 and the control unit 200 is mounted,
It is connected to an AC adapter connection port (not shown) or a battery such as a NiCd battery that can be detached from the outside.

In the tape printer 1, after the user mounts the tape cartridge C in the pocket 6, the user checks the input / edit result on the display 4 while checking the keyboard 3.
When printing information of desired characters and the like (characters, numbers, symbols, simple figures, etc.) is input and printing is instructed, the tape T is fed out from the tape cartridge C by the tape feeding unit 120 and Tape T
The desired printing is performed on the tape outlet 22.
Is sent out from time to time. When the desired printing is completed, the tape feed unit 120 feeds the tape T to the position of the tape length including the margin, and then stops the feed.

As shown in FIG. 2 and FIG.
Is provided inside the opening / closing lid 21 with a pocket 6 for mounting the tape cartridge C. The tape cartridge C is attached to and detached from the pocket 6 with the opening / closing lid 21 opened. The tape cartridge C has a fixed width (4.5 mm to 4.5 mm) inside the cartridge case 51.
A tape T of about 48 mm) and an ink ribbon R are accommodated, and a through-hole 55 for insertion into a head unit 61 provided in the pocket 6 is formed.
Also, a plurality of small holes are provided on the back surface so that types of the tape T having different widths or the like can be identified, and a tape identification sensor 142 such as a microswitch for detecting the presence or absence of the holes is provided in the pocket 6. And, by this,
The type of the tape T can be detected.

The tape T has a structure in which an adhesive surface is formed on the back surface and the adhesive surface is covered with a release paper. The tape T and the ink ribbon R run while overlapping each other at the position of the through hole 55, and only the tape T is discharged to the outside, and the ink ribbon R is wound inside.

The head unit 61 has a built-in print head 7 composed of a thermal head. When the tape cartridge C is mounted in the pocket 6, the print head 7 is exposed from the through hole 55 of the tape cartridge C. Of the ink ribbon R.
Then, by driving the print head 7 to generate heat, desired characters and the like are printed on the surface of the tape T. Further, a tape discharge port 22 for communicating the pocket 6 with the outside of the apparatus is formed on the left side of the apparatus case 2, and a tape cutter for cutting the fed tape T faces the tape discharge port 22. The pocket 6 is provided with drive shafts 62, 63 and the like with which the driven parts of the mounted tape cartridge 4 are engaged, and the feed motor 121 is used as a drive source.
The tape T and the ink ribbon R in the tape cartridge C are fed by these drive shafts 62 and 63,
And by driving the print head 7 in synchronization with these,
Printing is performed. After the printing is completed, the feeding of the tape T is continued, and the predetermined cutting position is sent to the position of the tape cutter.

A disk having a detection opening (not shown) is fixed to the tip of the feed motor 121, and a rotation speed sensor 14 having a photo sensor or the like faces the detection opening.
1 is provided to detect the rotation speed of the feed motor 121 and report it to the control unit 200.

The cutting unit 13 includes a tape cutter, a cut button 133 for manually cutting the tape cutter in the case of printing of an arbitrary length, and a cutter motor for automatically cutting the tape cutter in the case of fixed length printing. 131
And Thus, the tape printer 1 can switch between automatic and manual depending on the mode setting. For this reason, in the case of manual cutting, when printing is completed, the user presses the cut button 133 provided on the apparatus case 2 to activate the tape cutter and cut the tape T to a desired length. . In the case of automatic cutting, the printing is completed, the tape is fed by a margin, and the tape is stopped. At the same time, the cutter motor 131 is driven to cut the tape T.

The detection unit 14 is provided with the above-described rotation speed sensor 14.
1. A tape identification sensor 142 is provided. It is to be noted that these may be omitted according to the actual situation.

The driving unit 270 is a display driver 2
71, a head driver 272, and a motor driver 27
3 is provided. The display driver 271 drives the display 4 of the operation unit 11 according to an instruction based on a control signal output from the control unit 200. Similarly, the head driver 272 drives the print head 7 of the printing unit 12 according to an instruction from the control unit 200. Also,
The motor driver 273 is connected to the feed motor 12 of the printing unit 12.
1 and a cutting motor 1
And a cutter motor driver 273c that drives the third cutter motor 131, and similarly drives each motor according to an instruction from the control unit 200.

The operation section 11 has a keyboard 3 and a display 4. The display 4 has a display screen 41 capable of displaying 96 dots × 64 dots of display image data inside a rectangular shape of about 6 cm in the horizontal direction (X direction) × 4 cm in the vertical direction (Y direction). Keyboard 3
Is used to create and edit print image data such as character string image data, visually check the results, and input various commands and selection instructions from the keyboard 3. .

The keyboard 3 includes a character key group including an alphabet key group, a numeric key group, a kana key group such as hiragana and katakana, and an external character key group for calling and selecting an external character. A group of function keys and the like for designating the above are arranged. Function keys include:
A "serial number" key 31 for specifying continuous printing, a "format" key 32 for specifying a format, a "paragraph style" key 33 for specifying a "paragraph style", "font", "decorative characters", "boxes"
A “character mode” key 34 for designating “network” or the like is included. Of course, like a general keyboard, these key inputs may be input by providing individual keys for each key input, or using a smaller number of keys in combination with a shift key or the like. You can enter it. As shown in FIG. 3, the keyboard 3 inputs various commands and data to the control unit 200.

The control unit 200 includes a CPU 210, a ROM 2
20, character generator ROM (CG-ROM)
230, RAM 240, peripheral control circuit (P-CON) 2
50, and are connected to each other by an internal bus 260. The ROM 220 has a control data area 222 for storing control data including a color conversion table and a character modification table, in addition to a control program area 221 for storing a control program processed by the CPU 210. CG-R
The OM 230 stores bitmap data such as decorative images, symbols, and graphics prepared in the tape printing apparatus 1, and outputs corresponding bitmap data when code data specifying characters and the like is given. I do.

The RAM 240 is supplied with power by a backup circuit (not shown) so as to retain stored data even when the power is turned off by operating a power key. Is a text data area 242 for storing text data such as characters input from the keyboard 3, a display image data area 243 for storing display image data of the display screen 41, a print image data area 244 for storing print image data, and a drawing registration image. In addition to the drawing registration image data area 245 for storing data, it has an area such as a print history data area 246 and various conversion buffer areas 247 such as other color conversion buffers, and is used as a work area for control processing.

In the P-CON 250, a logic circuit for supplementing the function of the CPU 210 and handling interface signals with peripheral circuits includes a gate array and a custom LS.
I and the like. For example, a timer 251 for performing various clocks is also incorporated as a function in the P-CON 250. For this reason, P-CON
Reference numeral 250 is connected to the various sensors of the detection unit 14 and the keyboard 3, and the above-described various detection signals from the detection unit 14 and various commands and input data from the keyboard 3 are taken into the internal bus 260 as they are or processed. In conjunction with the CPU 210, data or control signals output from the CPU 210 or the like to the internal bus 260 are output as they are or processed to the drive unit 270.

Then, according to the control program stored in the ROM 220, the CPU 210 executes the PC
Various detection signals, various commands, various data, and the like are input via the ON 250, and bit map data from the CG-ROM 230, various data in the RAM 240, and the like are processed.
By outputting a control signal to the drive unit 270 via the CON 250, control of printing position, display control of the display screen 41, and the like are performed, and the print head 7 is controlled to print on the tape T under predetermined printing conditions. , And the entire tape printer 1.

Here, a printing method using the tape printer 1 will be described. As described above, the present invention prints a decoration image selected at random on a designated place on text. Therefore, only the operation of calling, registering, and printing the decoration image, which is the gist of the present invention, will be described according to the operation procedure with reference to the display screen 41 (FIGS. 7 to 12).

FIGS. 4 and 5 show a “format” key 32 for designating a “format”, a “paragraph style” key 33 for designating a “paragraph style”, a “typeface” and a “decorative character”,
An example of a menu hierarchy when a “character mode” key 34 for designating “enclosure / net” is pressed is shown. FIG. 6 shows a list of decoration candidates when “outer frame—other” is specified in “paragraph style”. The number in parentheses attached to each decoration candidate indicates a “decoration number”.

First, referring to FIGS. 7 and 8, a method of calling and printing a normal decorative image (decoration shown in FIGS. 4 and 5) will be described. First, "text screen"
, The text "Hanako" is input by the user. At this time, the cursor K moves in accordance with the input of the text (S11, the next character to be input is displayed after "ko", and the cursor K is attached). In the "text screen", the print image display section 41a at the top of the screen is displayed.
Then, an image when the "print" key 37 is pressed is displayed. Next, when the “serial number” key 31 is pressed by the user, the screen 41 transits to a “serial number selection screen” and displays candidates for continuous printing. Candidates include "continuous alphanumeric"
“Continuous pictographs” and “continuous decorations” are displayed, and “continuous alphanumeric characters” of the latest access value (or a default value) are highlighted (S12).

"Consecutive alphanumeric characters" prints alphabets and numbers each time a print instruction is issued by the user, and "continuous pictographs" prints pictographs each time a print instruction is issued by the user. It is to be printed. “Continuous decoration” is to print a decoration image every time a print instruction is issued by the user. Here, the cursor key 36 (“↓” or “→” or “conversion” key) is pressed twice by the user, and “continuous decoration” is shaded (S13).

The selection of a candidate when the cursor key 36 is pressed is performed by selecting the lower cursor key 36a (“↓” or “→”).
Or "Convert" key) or up cursor key 36b
(“↑”, “←”, or “no conversion” key), and can be cyclically selected from the options displayed on the screen. Therefore, to display “continuous decoration” in a shaded manner, the upward cursor key 36 b
(“↑”, “←”, or “no conversion” key) may be pressed once. Further, in combination with a shift key or the like, the user may be configured to jump to the final candidate by pressing the down cursor key 36a (“↓” or “→” or “convert” key).

When the user presses the "select" key 38 in this state (the state where "continuous decoration" is shaded and displayed: S13), the screen 41 transits to the "continuous decoration processing selection screen" and displays the latest access value. “Registration” of (or default value) is highlighted (S14). Here, when the cursor key 36 ("↓" or "→" or "conversion" key) is pressed by the user, "call" is shaded (S15). Then, when the “select” key 38 is pressed, the screen 41 transits to a “change rule selection screen” and displays candidates of “code order”, “random 1” and “random 2” (S16,
Here, “random 2” is not displayed on the screen, but the cursor key 36 (“↓” or “→” or “convert”
Key)).

The “code order” is an address order in which decoration designating data (decoration code) for designating a decoration image is stored each time a print instruction is issued by the user (here, “decoration number” is “order”). In this case, the decoration image is printed in the order of “decoration number” because the image corresponds to the “decoration code”. For “random 1”, every time a print instruction is issued by the user, a random lottery using a random number is performed from among the remaining decoration codes except for the decoration code already selected in the group. Is to print a decoration image corresponding to the decoration code selected by. Then, in the “random 2”, every time a print instruction is issued by the user, a random lottery using random numbers is performed on all the decoration codes in the group without removing the decoration code already selected, This prints a decoration image corresponding to the selected decoration code.

At this point (“change rule selection screen”: S16), the user presses the cursor key 36 (“↓” or “→”).
Alternatively, the "conversion" key is pressed, and "random 1" is shaded (S17). When the user presses the "select" key 38, the screen transits to the "continuous decoration selection screen" and displays "format", "paragraph style", and "character mode" as decoration image candidates. The contents of the decoration image when each is selected are as shown in FIGS. 4 and 5. Here, the “format” of the latest access value (or the default value) is highlighted, and the cursor key 36 (“↓” or “→” or “conversion” key) is set to 2 by the user.
When the button is pressed twice, the “character mode” is shaded (S1
9). Instead of selecting the “character mode” using the cursor keys 36 (“↓” or “→” or “conversion” key), the selection may be made by pressing the “character mode” key 34 on the keyboard 3. .

Subsequently, when the "select" key 38 is pressed by the user, the screen 41 transits to a "character mode selection screen" (S20 in FIG. 8). In the “character mode selection screen”, “typeface”, “decorative character”, and “enclosure / net” exist as candidates (see option G1 in FIG. 5).
The "font" of the candidate and the "decorative character" of the second candidate are displayed, and the "font" of the latest access value (or the default value) is highlighted. In this state, if the cursor key 36 ("↓" or "→" or "conversion" key) is pressed twice by the user, "enclosure / net" is shaded (S21),
When the “select” key 38 is pressed, the screen 41 transits to a “text screen”. In the “text screen”, decoration specification data that specifies the decoration of “underline” is randomly selected from the decoration specification data existing in the group “enclosure / net”, and is displayed on the print image display section 41a at the top of the screen. As the decoration image specified by this decoration specification data,
The text “Hanako” with “underline (decorative number 372)” is displayed. (S22).

At this point (“text screen”: S22), when the “print” key 37 is pressed by the user, the screen 41 is displayed.
Changes to the "print execution screen", and the automatically calculated tape length, the detected tape width, and the number of the printed sheet are displayed (S23). The tape is fed out by the displayed tape length and is automatically cut. On the created tape T1, the text "Hanako" is given an underline (decorative number 372) as a decorative image.

When the printing is completed, the screen 41 returns to the “text screen”, but “circle (decoration number 374)” is selected from the decoration designation data existing in the group “enclosure / net”.
The decoration designation data for designating the decoration is randomly selected, and a text with “circled (decoration number 374)” as the decoration image designated by the decoration designation data is displayed on the print image display section 41a at the top of the screen. "Hanako"
Is displayed (S24). Here, the text "Hanako" is deleted by the user, and "Taro" is input instead (S25).

In the “text screen” (S 24), if it is not necessary to change the text content, (S 2
In the screen of 4), the "print" key 37 may be directly pressed (the text content does not need to be changed).

Here, when the "print" key 37 is pressed, the screen 41 transits to a "print execution screen" (S26).
A tape T2 is created. At this time, since the printing is the second sheet, the display of the number of tapes on the screen 41 is “2”.
Card ". On the tape T2, "text (decorative number 374)" is applied to the text "Taro" as a decorative image. When the printing is completed, the screen 41 returns to the “text screen” again (S27). Here, the group "
The decoration specification data that specifies the decoration of “square box (decoration number 373)” is randomly selected from the decoration specification data existing in the “network”, and the decoration specification data is displayed in the print image display section 41a at the top of the screen. The text “Taro” with “square box (decoration number 373)” is displayed as the decoration image specified by “”.

The decoration image is repeatedly printed in accordance with the decoration specification data selected at random until the user gives an instruction to end the continuous printing, but the group (here, option G2: group “enclosed / net”) , See FIG. 5), the process may be terminated when the decoration specification data is selected once (all the decoration specification data specifying the decoration numbers 371 to 377 are selected once each). .

As described above, the “continuous decoration selection screen”
If “format” or “character mode” is selected in (S18 in FIG. 7), the decorative image to be printed is displayed as it is on the print image display section 41a at the top of the screen (S22 in FIG. 8). , S24, etc.) may be configured to display a pseudo-decoration on the print image display section 41a so that the user can confirm only that any decoration is applied (a pseudo-decoration is provided for each decoration group). The form of the decoration may be changed). According to this configuration, since the user cannot predict which decorative image will be printed next, the user can enjoy printing. The “continuous decoration selection screen” (FIG. 7)
In step S18), when the “paragraph style” is selected, a pseudo-decoration is applied to the print image display section 41a at the top of the screen instead of a decorative image to be printed (S63 and the like in FIG. 12 described later). reference).

Next, registration of decoration designating data will be described with reference to FIGS. 9, 10 and 11. FIG. As shown in FIG. 9, after the operations from S11 to S13 in FIG. 7, in the "continuous decoration processing screen", the "selection" key 38 is pressed by the user in a state where "registration" is highlighted (S31). Then, the screen 41 transits to a “continuous decoration registration selection screen”, and “continuous 1” is highlighted (S32). In addition,
As shown in option G2 in FIG. 5, there are four groups that the user can register in his or her original (“continuous 1” to “continuous 4”), but here, the original “continuous” group is still registered. Therefore, only "continuous 1" is displayed as a candidate. If the “continuous” group has already been registered, the already registered candidates are displayed.

In the “continuous decoration registration selection screen”, when the “select” key 38 is pressed by the user, a screen 41 is displayed.
Transitions to a "continuous decoration registration screen" (S33). Here, after “1” indicating the group “continuation 1”, a “[” mark indicating the start of input of the decoration image to be connected is displayed, and the cursor K is attached to the “[” mark.

In this state, when the "paragraph style" key 33 is pressed by the user, "table set" of the latest access value (or default value) is highlighted (S34), and the cursor key 36 ("↓") is displayed. When the “→” or “conversion” key is pressed, the group “outer frame” is shaded as a candidate (S35, see FIG. 4). Here, "Select" key 3
8 is pressed, the latest access value (or default value) “zodiac sign” of the candidate of the group “outer frame” is highlighted (S
36) When the cursor key 36 ("↓" or "→" or "conversion" key) is pressed three times by the user, the group "Other" is shaded (S37, see option G3 in FIG. 4).

In this state, the user selects the "select" key 3
When button 8 is pressed, the latest access value (or default value, decoration number 241, see FIG. 6) of the group "others" is displayed (S38), and the cursor key 36 is displayed.
When the (“↓”, “→”, or “conversion” key) is pressed, the second candidate (decorative number 242) from the latest access value (or default value) is displayed (S3 in FIG. 10).
9). Here, when the “select” key 38 is pressed, registration of the first decorative image is designated. Then, the user inputs the decoration number 242 of the decoration image for which registration is specified next to the "[" mark, and attaches the cursor K to the decoration number 242 (S40).

Next, registration of the second decorative image is designated. With the first decoration image registered (S40),
When the "paragraph style" key 33 is pressed again by the user, the "outer frame" of the latest access value is highlighted (S4).
1) When the "select" key 38 is pressed, candidates for the group "outer frame" are displayed (S42). Here, the “other” selected earlier (of the most recent access value) is shaded,
When the “select” key 38 is pressed, the group “others”
Decoration number 2 (of the latest access value) selected earlier in
The outer frame of 42 is displayed (S43). Then, the user presses the cursor key 36 (“↓” or “→” or “convert”).
Key is pressed three times, the decoration number 245 is displayed (S44), and when the "select" key 38 is pressed, registration of the decoration number 245 is designated as the second decoration image (S45). .

Similarly, when the "paragraph style" key 33 is pressed by the user, the "outer frame" of the latest access value is highlighted (S46), and when the "select" key 38 is pressed, the group "outside" is pressed. A candidate for "frame" is displayed (S47). Then, the "Other" of the latest access value is shaded, and when the "Select" key 38 is pressed, the outer frame of the decoration number 245 which is the latest access value of the group "Other" is displayed (S48 in FIG. 11). . Then, when the user presses the cursor key 36 (“↓”, “→”, or “convert” key) five times, the decoration image of the decoration number 250 is displayed (S
49), when the "select" key 38 is pressed, registration of the decoration number 250 is designated as the third decoration image (S5).
0).

In the manner described above (by repeating the operations from S45 to S50), the registration of the desired decorative image is repeated. When the "select" key 38 is pressed by the user, the screen 41 transits to a "continuous decoration registration execution screen" (S51), and after about 0.75 seconds elapses, the screen 41 transits to a "text screen". (S52). With the above operation, the registration of the decoration image is completed.

Note that decoration designation data (bitmap data) not stored in the CG-ROM 230 (storage means) is input from an external storage device, and
May be stored. According to this configuration, it is possible to cause the CG-ROM 230 to store only the minimum required decoration designation data that meets the needs of the user. Therefore, the storage capacity can be kept to a minimum,
Along with this, one decoration specification data can be quickly selected from the decoration specification data stored in the storage means.

The registration of the decoration image is performed not only from the “outer frame—other” group (decoration shown in FIG. 8),
Registration from the decorative images shown in FIGS. 4 and 5 is also possible. In addition to the above method, the decoration number
The decoration image can also be registered by directly inputting from the keyboard 3 after the mark.

In the above embodiment, a plurality of decoration designation data is registered to create an original group (“continuous 1” to “continuous 4”). However, an existing group (“outer frame—others”) is created. ) May be newly registered.

Next, a description will be given, with reference to FIG. 12, of calling the decoration designation data registered by the above-described method. In addition,
This operation is assumed to have been performed subsequent to the above-described operation of registering the decoration designation data. As shown in FIG.
After the operation from S17 to S17, the “continuous decoration selection screen” (S6
In 1), the user presses the cursor key 36 (“↓”).
Or "→" or "Convert" key) is pressed three times,
"Continuous 1" is shaded (S62). Here, when the "select" key 38 is pressed by the user, the screen 41 transits to a "text screen" (S63). In the “text screen”, a pseudo outer frame F indicating that the decoration of the “outer frame” is continuously applied is displayed on the print image display section 41a at the top of the screen.

Here, when the "print" key 37 is pressed by the user, the screen 41 transits to a "print execution screen" (S64), and the tape T3 is created. On the tape T3, a plurality of decoration designation data (decoration numbers 242, 245, 250: S50 in FIG.
Decoration image (decoration number 245 in this case) specified by the decoration specification data randomly selected from among the reference image data.
Is printed (see FIG. 6). When printing is completed, screen 4
1 returns to the "text screen" (S65). Here, a screen display similar to that of the above “text screen” (S63) is performed.

Here, when the "print" key 37 is pressed by the user, the screen 41 transits to a "print execution screen" (S66), and the tape T4 is created. On the tape T4, a decoration image (here, decoration number 250) specified by the decoration specification data selected at random is printed on the text "Ai". Similarly, "text screen"
When the “print” key 37 is pressed again from (S67),
The screen 41 transits to a “print execution screen” (S68), and the tape T5 is created. On the tape T5, a decoration image (here, decoration number 242) specified by the decoration specification data randomly selected for the text "Ai" is printed. When the printing is completed, the screen 41 becomes the “text screen”
Return to (S69). As described above, every time the “print” key 37 is pressed, one out of a plurality of decoration designation data registered
Is randomly selected, and the decoration image specified by the decoration specification data is printed.

In the above embodiment, when a decoration image is selected from “paragraph style” in the “continuous decoration registration screen” (S33 in FIG. 9), the print image display section 41a at the top of the screen is displayed. , A pseudo decoration (here, a pseudo outer frame F) is displayed instead of the decoration image to be printed (see S63 and S65 in FIG. 12), but the decoration image itself to be printed is displayed. It may be configured as follows. According to this configuration, the user can confirm which decorative image is to be printed next.

Further, as an application example of the present invention, it is possible to create a “zodiac fortune-telling card”, as shown in FIG. This “Zodiac Zodiac Fortune-telling Card” is created by combining “Continuous Decoration” and “Continuous Alphanumeric Characters.” First, specify a number from 1 to 12 as “Continuous Alphanumeric Characters”. , And instruct printing (refer to FIGS. 7 and 8 for the designation procedure). In addition,
On the "change rule selection screen", select the change rule "code order". Two-digit numbers 10, 11, and 12 designate half-width numbers. Next, as "continuous decoration", "outer frame-
When the user designates “Zodiac” (decoration numbers 211 to 222, see option G4 in FIG. 4) and instructs printing, every time a print instruction is issued (each time the “Print” key 37 is pressed), “(random frame selected randomly) is selected. No. 1 of the present day (decoration of decoration number 212 here), “No. 2 of the present day (decoration of a randomly selected outer frame (decoration number 215 here))”・ And from "Today's 1st" to "Today's 12th"
In this order, the print is performed together with the decoration image specified by the decoration specification data randomly selected from the group “outer frame-zodiac”.

As another application example, “character mode”
"Japanese document" group (Option G5 in Fig. 5)
FIG. 14A shows a print example when is selected, and FIG. 14B shows a print example when the "decorative character-shadow character" group (option G6 in FIG. 5) is selected. In this way, various decoration images are made for a predetermined character string,
The user can enjoy the creation of the printed matter, and can know the functions provided in the printing apparatus and can use it widely.

As described in detail above, according to the tape printer 1 and the printing method of the present invention, a plurality of decoration designating data are stored, and one decoration designating data is selected at random from among them. The decorative image decorated according to the specification can be printed on the print medium. That is, the decoration designation data to be selected next is determined at random, so that it is not necessary to designate each decoration for each print instruction. Therefore, if you do not care about the details and order of the decoration,
Since the user does not need to set the decoration for each printing, printing can be performed quickly and easily. In addition, since one decoration designation data is selected at random, the user can enjoy printing, for example, predicting which decoration will be printed next.

Further, since a plurality of decoration designation data are grouped and one or more groups are stored (a plurality of groups), it can be used for various purposes, and the versatility can be improved. Further, the user can know the functions provided in the printing apparatus 1 and enjoy printing.

Since the specification by the decoration specifying data includes the specification of the type of the bit pattern added as a part of the decoration, it is not a processing program for performing the decoration but a processing program for performing the decoration.
Decoration can also be performed by specification using decoration specification data stored as a bit pattern.

Since the specification by the decoration specification data includes the specification of the character attribute, "Italic", "identity",
Decorations related to character attributes such as "emphasis", "Mincho" and "Gothic" can also be performed. In addition, since various decorations can be provided as described above, versatility can be improved.

Also, since the specification by the decoration specification data includes a specification to decorate the input character string, for example, only the decoration image such as “outer frame” or “texture printing” is specified. In addition to printing, it is possible to specify that an input character string is to be decorated.

Further, since a plurality of decoration designation data desired by the user can be registered and stored, it is possible to perform printing that meets the needs of the user.

Also, decoration designation data not stored in the storage means (CG-ROM 230) can be input from an external storage device and stored in the storage means, so that the storage capacity can be minimized. Accordingly, one of the decoration designation data stored in the storage means is selected.
Can be quickly selected.

Also, the decorative images decorated in accordance with the specification by a plurality of decoration specifying data belonging to the same group have the same occupied size on the printing medium, and therefore have a predetermined size corresponding to the pasteable area of the printing object. Printed matter can be created.

Further, since the printing medium T is a tape-shaped member, it can be used for the tape printing apparatus 1 and is convenient for producing a label or the like. Further, if the medium to be printed is wound and accommodated in the printing apparatus 1, the apparatus configuration can be made compact.

In the embodiment, the decoration designation data is selected from the lowest layer group such as the group "Japanese document" and the group "English document" in the case of the option G5 in FIG. 5, for example. , These groups (option G5
Group on the next level including all of the groups
May be configured to be selectable from decoration designation data belonging to. Further, the “character mode” (option G
You may be comprised so that selection is possible from 1). According to this configuration, it is possible to quickly and easily select a group, for example, when any decorative image can be printed as long as the decorative image is related to a "font".

In the above embodiment, one (one type) decorative image is selected from the group and printed. However, a plurality of decorative images are collectively stored as a composite decoration in the group. In addition, the composite decoration may be sequentially printed for each print instruction. According to this configuration, for example, as shown in FIG.
Sakura (decoration number 103) and (outer frame-other-decoration number 2)
75)), (b) “(format-texture printing-sea wave (decoration number 101)) and (outer frame-other-decoration number 267)”,
(C) "(Format-tint block printing-diamond (decoration number 102))
And (outer frame-other-decoration number 271) "are stored together as one composite decoration, so that the trouble of inputting text can be further reduced.

In the above-described embodiment, the user prints the decorative image by a single print instruction, and prints the second decorative image by a second print instruction. However, when one print instruction is issued, the first decoration and the second decoration may be successively printed. Also, in this case (within the group)
The printing may be completed when all the decoration images have been completely printed (however, the modification rule “random 2”).
Unless you select). According to this configuration, all the decoration images in the group (1 when the group is “zodiac”)
Since two decorative images) can be printed by a single print instruction, convenience is improved.

In the above embodiment, the tape T shown in FIG.
As shown in FIG. 1, the decoration is applied to all the input character strings (in this case, “Hanako”), but the range of the character strings to be decorated is changed using the cursor key 36 or the like. It may be configured so that it can be specified. According to this configuration,
For example, you can specify the decoration of the font only for the "Hanako" of the character string "Hanako Pen", or the decoration of the outer frame only for the "Pen". Various decorations can be specified. In addition, it is possible to specify a plurality of decorations such as a decoration of a copy-forgery-inhibited pattern for the entire character string "Hanako pen" and a decoration of a decorative character for "Hanako".

Further, the method of data processing when printing a decorative image is to change the display data and the print data together and print them (that is, to change the display contents on the screen, as in the above-described embodiment). (When the “format” or “character mode” is selected in the “continuous decoration selection screen”: see FIG. 7 and FIG. 8), or (decoration designation data is displayed on the screen 41). The display data (including the decoration designation data) for printing and the printing data (including the decoration designation data) are both immobilized, and only the decoration designation data in the print data is changed (updated) and printed (that is, the screen 41).
The upper part is displayed with a common pseudo-outer frame F. When printing, the normal character string does not move and only the decoration designation data is changed to print. (When "paragraph style" is selected on the "continuous decoration selection screen") However, the present invention is not limited to this, and a method may be used in which display data is fixed and only print data (including normal character string data) is internally changed.

The “decoration designation data” includes “character code” for designating “(continuous) decoration”,
It also includes “bitmap data” expressing “(continuous) decoration” itself, and “program data” for designating “(continuous) decoration”. That is, it is only necessary that one “decoration designating data” is selected so that the corresponding “decoration” is finally given.

Therefore, the specification by the decoration specifying data may specify the type of the bit pattern added as a part of the decoration. According to this configuration, for example, when decorations such as “outer frame” and “copy-forgery-inhibited pattern printing” are stored in a bit pattern, they can be designated and decorated. That is, decoration can be performed not by a processing program for decoration but also by specification using decoration specification data stored as a bit pattern.

“Selection of 1 decoration designation data”
It may be performed at the time when printing is completed, or at the time when printing is instructed by the user. That is, as a result, a decorative image that has been decorated according to the specification of one decoration specification data selected at some timing may be printed.

Further, the “decoration code” to be “decorated” is stored in the print data (display data), and “decoration designation data” is stored as “auxiliary data” of the “decoration”.
May be stored, and this decoration may be updated to select one decoration.

In the print data (display data), a “serial number bit” is added to the “decoration code” to be “decorated”.
May be set, and only the “decoration code” in which the “serial number bit” is set may be updated to select one decoration.

A plurality of "decoration designating data" may or may not be grouped for internal processing. In the case of grouping, in the former case, “decoration specification data” is assigned “group code” set for each group and “decoration specification data” with the same “group code”. May be selected. Alternatively, “decoration designating data” may be stored at consecutive addresses, and one “decoration designating data” may be selected by randomly moving the address.

In the above-described embodiment, the tape printing apparatus 1 has been described as an example. However, the tape printing apparatus 1 can be applied to other printing apparatuses, and can be appropriately changed without departing from the gist of the present invention. .

[0104]

As described above, according to the printing apparatus and the printing method of the present invention, by sequentially printing a plurality of types of decorative images at random, the trouble of setting the decoration for each print instruction can be saved, and the printing can be performed quickly and quickly. Printing can be done easily,
There are effects such as providing entertainment.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is an external perspective view of a printing apparatus and a tape printing apparatus to which a printing method according to an embodiment of the present invention is applied.

FIG. 2 is an external perspective view of the tape printer of FIG. 1 in a cover open state.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram of a control system of the tape printing apparatus of FIG.

FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram showing a menu hierarchy when a key for designating registration and calling of a continuous decoration is pressed.

FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram showing a menu hierarchy when a key for designating registration and calling of a continuous decoration is pressed, following FIG. 4;

FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram showing a list of decoration candidates to be printed when a “paragraph style—outer frame—other” group is selected in FIG. 4;

FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of a printing method of continuous printing on a screen.

FIG. 8 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a continuous printing method subsequent to FIG. 7 on a screen display.

FIG. 9 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a registration method of decoration designation data on a screen display.

FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a method for registering decoration designation data following the screen display shown in FIG. 9;

FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a method for registering decoration designation data following the screen display shown in FIG.

FIG. 12 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a calling method and a printing method of decoration designation data on a screen display.

FIG. 13 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a printing result by the printing method of the present invention.

FIG. 14 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a print result obtained by a printing method according to the present invention, which is different from FIG.

FIG. 15 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a printing result obtained by a printing method according to the present invention, which is different from FIGS. 13 and 14;

[Explanation of symbols]

 DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Tape printing device 3 Keyboard 4 Display 5 Tape cartridge 7 Print head 11 Operation part 12 Printing part 13 Cutting part 14 Detecting part 31 Serial number key 32 Format key 33 Paragraph style key 34 Character mode key 36 Cursor key 37 Print key 41 Screen 41a Print image display unit 200 Control unit 210 CPU 220 ROM 230 CG-ROM 240 RAM F Pseudo-outer frame K Cursor T Tape

────────────────────────────────────────────────── ───

[Procedure amendment]

[Submission date] June 8, 2001 (2001.6.8)

[Procedure amendment 1]

[Document name to be amended] Drawing

[Correction target item name] Figure 3

[Correction method] Change

[Correction contents]

FIG. 3

Claims (15)

[Claims] A decoration specification data storage unit for storing a plurality of decoration specification data; a decoration specification data selection unit for randomly selecting one decoration specification data from the plurality of decoration specification data; Said 1 selected by the selection means
And a printing unit for printing a decorative image decorated according to the specification of the decoration specifying data on a printing medium. 2. A group storing means for storing at least one group consisting of a plurality of decoration specifying data, and a group specifying means for specifying a desired group from one or more groups stored in the group storing means. The decoration designation data selecting means selects one decoration designation data from a plurality of decoration designation data belonging to a group designated by the group designation means. Printing equipment. 3. The printing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the specification using the decoration specification data includes specification of a type of a bit pattern added as a part of the decoration. 4. The method according to claim 1, wherein the designation by the decoration designation data includes designation of a character attribute.
Or the printing device according to 3. 5. The apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising an input unit for inputting a character, wherein the specification using the decoration specification data includes a specification for performing decoration on the input character or character string. 5. The printing device according to any one of 4. 6. In a series of selection processing after a predetermined selection start processing has been performed among the plurality of decoration specification data, the decoration specification data selecting means selects one of decoration decoration data that has not been selected yet. 6. The printing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the decoration designation data is selected. 7. The decoration designation data selecting means, in a series of selection processing after a predetermined selection start processing is performed,
The printing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein one of the plurality of pieces of decoration specification data is selected regardless of whether or not the decoration specification data has already been selected. 8. The decoration designating data registering means for registering the plurality of decoration designating data, wherein the registered decoration designating data is stored in the decoration designating data storage means. The printing device according to any one of the above. 9. The printing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the plurality of decoration specification data are configured to be input to the decoration specification data storage unit from an external storage device. . 10. The printing apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the decoration images decorated according to the specification by a plurality of decoration specification data belonging to the same group have the same occupation size on the printing medium. 11. The printing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the printing medium is a tape-shaped member. 12. A plurality of decoration specification data is stored, one decoration specification data is randomly selected from the stored plurality of decoration specification data, and decoration is performed according to the specification of the selected one decoration specification data. A printing method of printing the decorated image on a printing medium. 13. At least one group comprising the plurality of decoration specification data is stored, and a desired group is specified from the one or more groups, and the one decoration specification data is the specified group. 13. The printing method according to claim 12, wherein the printing method is selected from a plurality of pieces of decoration designation data belonging to. 14. The specification using the decoration specification data includes:
14. The printing method according to claim 12, further comprising designating a type of a bit pattern added as a part of the decoration. 15. The specification using the decoration specification data includes:
2. The method according to claim 1, wherein a designation of a character attribute is included.
15. The printing method according to 2, 13, or 14.