JP2004130683A - Printer, program, and medium recording that program - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To obtain a printer in which print data inpuuted according to a format desired by a user is printed on a tape, as it is, if the print data is printable on that tape. <P>SOLUTION: A data table indicative of printable types of tape for each type of format is stored and print data inputted according to a printable format with reference to that data table is printed, as it is. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2004,JPO

Description

[0001]
TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a printing apparatus, a program, and a recording medium for recording the program, which print data to be printed input according to a desired format on a tape.
[0002]
[Prior art]
2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, a printing apparatus that prints a desired character string (data to be printed) on the surface of a print sheet on which a pressure-sensitive adhesive print sheet with an adhesive applied in advance to a back surface and a release paper is releasably overlapped. It has been known. With this type of printing device, titles and titles can be printed on the tape surface neatly and neatly and then adhered to the back cover of a document file or the back of a video tape. Widely used regardless of use.
[0003]
As printing tapes used in this type of printing apparatus, there are printing tapes having different tape widths, and an adhesive printing sheet having an adhesive applied to the back surface and a release paper are releasably superimposed on each other. The printing sheet includes a label tape or the like in which a cutting line for dividing the printing sheet into a label area (a part to be a label) on which printing is performed and a surrounding area other than the label sheet is formed in advance, and the tape types are various.
[0004]
When such a printing tape is used as a label, a label shape and a printing character format (format) may be defined depending on the purpose, such as a back label or an address label of a video tape. The input print target data is printed on a specific tape type according to the format, and a target label is created. There has been proposed a printing apparatus having a function of limiting a format according to a tape type and automatically selecting one format suitable for a specific tape type (for example, see Patent Document 1).
[0005]
[Patent Document 1]
JP 2000-225746 A
[0006]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
By the way, in the printing apparatus described in Patent Literature 1, since a specific format is limited depending on the tape type, a format selection range is limited for each tape type. In particular, when the format desired by the user does not exist in the tape type specified by the user, it is necessary to substitute a different format or change the tape type. In this regard, in the printing apparatus described in Patent Document 1, the user has to perform the input operation while comparing the type of tape to be used with the desired output format in the instruction manual. When various types of printing tapes such as not only tapes but also label tapes are available, the user has a large work load.
SUMMARY An advantage of some aspects of the invention is to provide a printing apparatus, a program, and a program that can obtain a print result in a format desired by a user without a complicated work load. An object of the present invention is to provide a recording medium on which is recorded.
[0007]
Means for Solving the Problems and Effects of the Invention
In order to achieve the above object, a printing apparatus according to claim 1 is a printing apparatus capable of detachably mounting a plurality of types of tapes and printing data to be printed on the mounted tapes. A storage unit in which the type of printable tape is stored for each type; a format selection unit operable to select a format to be printed from a plurality of types of formats; and a format selected by the format selection unit. Input means for inputting print target data in accordance with the format, tape type detecting means for detecting the type of mounted tape, and printing on the tape detected by the tape type detecting means in the format selected by the format selecting means Printability determining means for determining whether or not the printing is possible according to the contents stored in the storage means When it is determined that the printable by the print permission determining unit is characterized in that and a print control means for printing the print target data.
The program according to claim 9 can operate a computer to select a format to be printed from a plurality of types of formats, and a storage unit that stores a type of printable tape for each type of format. Format selecting means, input means for inputting print target data in accordance with the format selected by the format selecting means, tape type detecting means for detecting the type of the mounted tape, and the format selected by the format selecting means. Is printable / non-printable on the tape detected by the tape type detection means, and printability determination means for determining according to the storage contents of the storage means, and when the printability determination means determines that printing is possible, Function as print control means for printing data to be printed. It is characterized in.
[0008]
According to the first and ninth aspects, it is possible for the user to print the print target data in a format desired by the user without worrying about the type of the tape.
[0009]
The printing apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the format selection unit is a format list display unit that displays a list of the formats, and the format selection unit is configured to select a predetermined format from the list displayed by the format list display unit. And selecting means for selecting
According to a tenth aspect of the present invention, in the ninth aspect of the present invention, in the ninth aspect, the format selection unit includes a format list display unit that displays a list of the formats, and a predetermined format from the list displayed by the format list display unit. And selecting means for selecting.
According to the second and tenth aspects, a list of formats is displayed, so that the user can select a more preferable format.
[0010]
3. The printing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the input unit includes an input edit screen display unit that displays an input edit screen that can be input according to a selected format, and wherein the input edit screen is displayed. The printing target data is input according to an instruction on an input editing screen displayed by the means.
12. The program according to claim 11, wherein said input means has input edit screen display means for displaying an input edit screen capable of inputting according to a selected format, and said input edit screen display means. In accordance with an instruction on the input editing screen displayed by the user to input print target data.
According to the third and eleventh aspects, the input editing screen is displayed according to the format, so that the user's operation becomes easier.
[0011]
The printing apparatus according to claim 4, further comprising an error output unit that outputs an error when the printing permission determination unit determines that printing is not possible, according to any one of claims 1 to 3. I do.
According to a twelfth aspect of the present invention, the program according to any one of the ninth to eleventh aspects further causes the computer to function as an error output unit that outputs an error when the print permission determination unit determines that printing is not possible. It is characterized.
According to the fourth and twelfth aspects, an error is output if the selected format cannot be printed on the attached tape, thereby preventing a user from performing a printing operation by mistake.
[0012]
A printing apparatus according to a fifth aspect is characterized in that, in the fourth aspect, the content output by the error output unit is a content that prompts a tape exchange.
According to a thirteenth aspect of the present invention, in the twelfth aspect of the present invention, the program according to the twelfth aspect functions such that the content output by the error output unit is a content that prompts the user to change a tape.
According to the fifth and thirteenth aspects, the output content of the error is the content prompting the user to change the tape, so that the user can easily determine the timing of changing the tape.
[0013]
A printing apparatus according to a sixth aspect is characterized in that, in the fourth or fifth aspect, the content output by the error output unit is a content for displaying a list of printable tape types.
A program according to a fourteenth aspect is characterized in that, in the twelfth aspect or the thirteenth aspect, the program is caused to function such that the content output by the error output unit is a content that displays a list of types of printable tapes. .
According to the sixth and fourteenth aspects, the output content of the error is the content indicating the type of printable tape, so that the user can easily determine which tape to mount.
[0014]
The printing apparatus according to claim 7, wherein at least one of the plurality of types of tapes according to any one of claims 1 to 6 has a long sheet shape in which a print target sheet and a release sheet are releasably overlapped. The printing sheet is formed of a tape, and the printing sheet is formed with a cutting line that divides the printing sheet into a label area to be printed and a surrounding area other than the label area.
According to the seventh aspect, even if the tape to be printed is a long tape having a label area on a label, the user can easily perform printing suitable for the label size without worrying about the type of the tape. be able to.
[0015]
The printing apparatus according to claim 8, wherein a tape cassette containing any one of a plurality of types of tapes as a print medium, a printing mechanism unit to which the tape cassette is removably mounted, and printing by type of format are possible. Storage means for storing the type of tape cassette storing the tape, format selection means operable to select a format to be printed from a plurality of formats, and a format selected by the format selection means Input means for inputting data to be printed in accordance with the above, a cassette type detecting means for detecting the type of the mounted tape cassette, and a format selected by the format selecting means for the tape cassette detected by the cassette type detecting means. Check whether the stored tape can be printed or not. And printing availability determination means for determining in accordance with the stored contents of the storage means, when it is judged printable by the print permission determining unit is characterized in that and a print control means for printing the print target data.
[0016]
According to the eighth aspect, it is possible to print the print target data according to the format desired by the user without the user having to worry about the type of tape stored in the tape cassette.
[0017]
The program described in claims 9 to 14 can be recorded on a removable recording medium such as a CD-ROM, an FD, an MO, or a fixed recording medium such as a hard disk, and can be distributed. It can be distributed by a telecommunication means via a communication network such as the Internet.
[0018]
BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION
Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 3. FIG. 1 is an external view of a tape printer according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the internal configuration of the tape printer. FIG. 3 is a plan view showing a cassette mounting portion inside the tape printer. The tape printer 1 includes a display 2, a keyboard 3, a print head 4, a tape type detecting device (tape type detecting means) 5, a control unit 6, and a cassette mounting unit 7. The tape 81 is detachably mounted on the cassette mounting section 7 in a state of being stored in the tape cassette 8.
[0019]
The display 2 is disposed on the surface of the tape printer 1 and includes a graphic liquid crystal display 21 and a liquid crystal display controller 22. The graphic liquid crystal display 21 is a liquid crystal display capable of graphic display, and can freely display various designs and font shapes and sizes of characters. The liquid crystal display controller 22 is an IC that controls the graphic liquid crystal display 21. The CPU 61 provided in the control unit 6 inputs a prescribed command to the liquid crystal display controller 22 via the interface unit 65, and thereby controls the graphic liquid crystal display 21. You can control.
[0020]
The keyboard 3 is disposed on the surface of the tape printer 1, and is a character input key for inputting a character to be printed, a cursor movement key for moving a cursor, and a function assignment key (format input key, Print key). Further, the print head 4 is arranged in the cassette mounting section 7 at a position corresponding to the head accommodating section 89 provided inside the tape cassette 8 in which the tape 81 is accommodated. A large number of heating elements electrically controlled by the control unit 6 are arranged in the print head 4 along the width direction of the tape 81 (the direction perpendicular to the feeding direction of the tape 81, the direction perpendicular to the plane of FIG. 3). Have been.
[0021]
The tape type detecting device 5 is disposed on the inner bottom surface of the cassette mounting portion 7 at a position corresponding to a maximum of four holes indicating the tape type provided in the tape cassette 8, and four tapes urged upward by a spring or the like. Consists of pins.
[0022]
The control unit 6 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 61, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 62, a RAM (Random-Access Memory) 63, a flash memory 64, an interface unit 65, and a data bus 66. .
[0023]
The CPU 61 is a central processing unit that performs arithmetic processing according to various commands. The ROM 62 is a read-only memory in which a program that causes the CPU 61 to realize the operation of each functional unit in FIG. 5 and is executed as shown in the flowcharts of FIGS. 6 to 8, 10, and 11 is stored. The RAM 63 is a volatile memory for temporarily storing data used when the CPU 61 executes a program. The flash memory 64 is a nonvolatile memory that stores data that needs to be stored. The inside of the RAM 63 is composed of a work area for storing working data such as data to be printed which is being edited, and an area for storing data necessary for executing the system.
[0024]
The flash memory 64 inputs data of one or more tape types (tape width, presence or absence of a label, label size, label margin size, etc.) used in the tape printer, and data to be printed according to a prescribed format. Storage area (storage means) in which data of one or more format formats used for format input to be input and a data table indicating types of printable tapes for each type of format shown in FIG. 12 are stored. 641, a graphic area 642 for storing font data of print characters, design data of a frame for modifying print characters, and the like, and an area for storing data necessary for executing a program.
[0025]
The interface unit 65 is a connection unit that directly and indirectly electrically connects the device separated as a module and the control unit. The data bus 66 is a data transfer line group that electrically connects the CPU 61, the ROM 62, the RAM 63, the flash memory 64, and the interface unit 65, respectively. All the transfer data in the control unit 6 is transferred via the data bus 66.
[0026]
Next, a printing mechanism of the tape printer 1 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 3 is an enlarged plan view showing the cassette mounting section 7 inside the tape printer 1. The tape cassette 8 is removably mounted on the cassette mounting section 7 in the tape printer 1. In addition, the tape cassette 8 is configured by assembling upper members (not shown) with each other above a box-shaped lower member 80 whose upper part is opened, and a first spool 82 and a A second spool 83, a third spool 84, a platen roller 85, a pressure roller 86, and a transport roller 87 are provided. The transport rollers 87 are arranged such that when the tape cassette 8 is mounted on the cassette mounting section 7, a rotational driving force transmission path is formed with a drive motor (not shown) disposed on the cassette mounting section 7. You. Inside the lower member 80, a head accommodating portion 89 which is a hollow portion for accommodating the print head 4 when the tape cassette 8 is mounted on the cassette mounting portion 7 is formed. When the tape cassette 8 is mounted, the print head 4 is inserted into the head accommodating portion 89 and is arranged at a position in contact with the platen roller 85. The tape 81 is assembled to the first spool 82 in a state wound in a roll shape. There are a plurality of types of tapes 81 having different widths and different shapes of label areas.
[0027]
Two holes 88 are formed on the outer bottom surface of the lower member 80 of the tape cassette 8. In the present embodiment, there are four places for discriminating the type of tape, of which only two holes at the center are provided with holes 88, and no holes are provided at two places on both sides. Therefore, when the tape cassette 8 is mounted on the cassette mounting portion 7, the center two of the four pins provided on the tape type detecting device 5 provided on the inner bottom surface of the cassette mounting portion 7 are mounted on the bottom surface of the tape cassette 8. The two holes 88 are pressed by the bottom surface of the tape cassette 8 against the elastic force of the spring. The pattern of the holes 88 formed in the tape cassette 8, that is, the combination of whether or not the holes 88 are formed in four places differs for each type of tape, and the tape type detecting device 5 determines whether or not each pin is pressed. Is detected, the type of the tape cassette 8 is determined, whereby the type of the mounted tape 81 is determined.
[0028]
When the drive motor (not shown) rotates while the tape cassette 8 is mounted on the cassette mounting section 7, the transport roller 87 connected to the drive motor rotates clockwise as indicated by an arrow in FIG. The tape 81 wound on the first spool 82 of the tape cassette 8 is transported in the direction indicated by the arrow in FIG. 3 while being unwound by the driving force generated by the rotation of the transport roller 87.
[0029]
The tape 81 unwound from the first spool 82 is pressed against the print head 4 by the platen roller 85 while being guided by the second spool 83 and the third spool 84, and the pressure roller 86 is pressed against the transport roller 87.
[0030]
In this manner, while the tape 81 is being conveyed while being sandwiched between the platen roller 85 and the print head 4, a desired and desired electric current is supplied to the heating element disposed on the print head 4 by intermittently supplying electricity. An image is formed. After the desired image is formed, the tape 81 passes between the conveying roller 87 and the pressure roller 86 pressed against each other as described above, and is discharged to the outside.
[0031]
Next, the label tape 81 'will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 4A is an external view of a representative label tape 81 ′. The label tape 81 ′ has a printing surface on the front surface, a printing sheet having an adhesive layer on the back surface, and a release sheet having a release surface are superposed releasably, and the printing sheet has four corners. Has a label region 91 having a predetermined planar shape such as a rectangular shape obtained by chamfering a curved line, and a peripheral region 92 thereof. The label region 91 and the peripheral region 92 can be separated from each other by a cutting line 93. Have been disconnected. The label area 91 can be used as a label by being peeled off from the release sheet and attached to an object. As shown in FIG. 4A, by defining the label length and label width of the label area 91, the printing range is limited in the case of the label tape 81 'even if the tape width is the same. Differences between the label tape 81 'and other printing tapes and differences between a plurality of types of label tapes 81' having different label widths and label lengths are recognized as differences in tape type. In addition, there are various label tapes 81 ′ having different widths (shapes) of the label region 91 and the peripheral region 92, and only the cutting line 93 that separates the label regions 91 is formed as shown in FIG. There is also a label tape 81 'having only a label area 91 having no surrounding area. There is also a label tape in which only a label area 91 as a printing medium is superposed on a release sheet at a predetermined interval so as to be peelable.
[0032]
Next, functions of the tape printer 1 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 5 is a functional block diagram of the tape printer 1 according to the embodiment of the present invention. Each function is realized by the control unit 6.
[0033]
A format selection unit (format selection unit) 101 displays a list of formats by a format list display unit 102 described later, and prepares for input of a format selected by the user from the list by a format selection execution unit 103 described later. Complete.
[0034]
A format list display unit (format list display unit) 102 is configured as a part of the format selection unit 101, and converts one or a plurality of format formats used for format input stored in the storage unit area 641 into a format. The names are expanded in the work area of the RAM 63, and a list of the format names is displayed on the display 2. FIG. 9A shows an example of the display. In this display example, since the format is shared between tape types, the format is not displayed for each tape type. On the other hand, when a format is not shared between tape types, it is necessary to prepare a format for each tape type, and thus a display example is as shown in FIG. 9B.
[0035]
A format selection execution unit (selection unit) 103 is configured as a part of the format selection unit 101, and stores format data of a format selected by a user from a list of formats displayed by the format list display unit 102 in a storage unit area. 641, and is developed in the work area of the RAM 63 to complete preparation for inputting the selected format.
[0036]
A format input edit screen display unit (input edit screen display means) 104 reads input character size, input character limit, number of input items, and the like of the selected format from the format data expanded in the RAM 63 by the format selection unit 101. An input screen is created on the display 2 according to the read conditions.
[0037]
The format input unit (input means) 105 converts the data input by the user into a format specified by the selected format using the input edit screen created by the format input edit screen display unit 104. The data is to be printed.
[0038]
The print enable / disable determining unit (print enable / disable determining unit) 106 can print the print target data input according to the format selected by the format selecting unit 101 with respect to the mounted tape type detected by the tape type detecting device. It is determined whether or not. Whether or not printing is possible is determined by a data table stored in the storage area 641 and indicating the type of printable tape for each type of format shown in FIG. For example, if the format is Address # 1, printing can be performed on a normal tape having tape widths of 12 mm, 18 mm, and 24 mm, and on small, medium, and large label tapes.
[0039]
The error output unit (error output unit) 107 displays the fact on the display 2 when the printability determination unit 106 determines that the selected format cannot be printed on the attached tape. Further, since it is necessary to change the tape to enable printing, the content urging the user to change the tape is displayed on the display 2 and a data table indicating the type of printable tape for each type of format is displayed. Then, a list of tape types in which the selected format can be printed is created and displayed on the display 2.
[0040]
A print control unit (print control unit) 108 executes printing in accordance with the generated print image when the printability determination unit 106 determines that printing is possible on the tape in which the selected format is mounted. . The print image is the actual print state of the character data of the input characters, including the set character size, font shape, character decoration such as bold and italic, and processing such as frame decoration as line modification. , Which are developed in the form of a dot matrix in the work area of the RAM 64 as image data. The printing is performed by reading the print image from the end and controlling the heating elements of the print head 4 while sequentially transporting the tape by the transport roller 87.
[0041]
Next, the operation of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG.
FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing the entire operation of the tape printer 1. When the power is turned on, the system starts operating. First, in step S11 (hereinafter abbreviated as S11; the same applies to the following steps), the system is initialized. More specifically, in addition to initializing the data in the CPU 61 and the RAM 63, preparing for activation of various devices, the tape type detecting device 5 reads the tape type of the currently mounted tape 81, and the like. There are roughly two types of input methods, a normal input in which the user freely sets and inputs a format, and a format input in which the user inputs according to a predetermined format. The input method becomes a normal input by the initialization of the system, and then the process proceeds to S12.
[0042]
In S12, the process waits for a key input by the user using the keyboard 3. If there is a user key input from the keyboard 3, the process proceeds to S13. In S13, it is determined whether the input key is a character input key. If it is a character input key (S13: YES), the process proceeds to S14. In S14, the contents of the entered key input are registered as print target data according to the normal input method. After the processing of S14 is completed, the process returns to S12, and waits for a key input by the user from the keyboard 3. If the key input by the user using the keyboard 3 is not a character input key (S13: NO), the process proceeds to the next S15.
[0043]
In S15, it is determined whether or not the user's key input from the keyboard 3 is a format key. In the case of the format key (S15: YES), the flow shifts to S16, where the format input shown in the flowchart of FIG. 7 is performed. Thereafter, the flow shifts to S12, and waits for a user key input from the keyboard 3 again. If the key input by the user using the keyboard 3 is not a format key (S15: NO), the process proceeds to the next S17.
[0044]
In S17, it is determined whether the user's key input from the keyboard 3 is a print key. In the case of a print key (S17: YES), the flow shifts to S18 to perform printing. Printing is performed according to a print image generated from print target data that has been input as a normal input. Thereafter, the process returns to S12, and waits for a key input by the user using the keyboard 3. If the user's key input via the keyboard 3 is not a print key (S17: NO), the flow shifts to S19 to perform other processing, and then shifts to S12 again to wait for the user's key input from the keyboard 3. The other processes include, for example, a process in which the user changes the margin width from a default value. The present system ends when the power of the tape printer 1 is turned "OFF".
[0045]
The operation of the format input in S16 of FIG. 6 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 7 is a flowchart of the format input operation. First, in S21, format input is initialized. The initialization of the format input is a work for shifting from the normal input to the format input. The work area of the RAM 63 is re-initialized for the format input, and the internal of the system is shifted from the normal input to the format input. Is set, for example. Then, the process proceeds to S22.
[0046]
In S22, the format selection shown in the flowchart of FIG. 8 is performed. The format selection refers to an operation of expanding format data of a format selected by the user from one or a plurality of format data stored in the storage unit area 641 in the work area of the RAM 63 by the format selection unit 101. Thereafter, the flow shifts to S23.
[0047]
In S23, the format input edit screen display unit 104 creates a format input edit screen on the display 2. The format input edit screen is created from the format data of the selected format developed in the work area of the RAM 63. The format data includes the number of input items, the limit of the number of input characters of each input item, the size of the font, the shape of the font, and the like. Thereafter, the flow shifts to S24.
[0048]
In S24, the process waits for a key input by the user using the keyboard 3. If there is a user key input from the keyboard 3, the process proceeds to S25. In S25, it is determined whether the input key is a character input key. In the case of a character input key (S25: YES), the flow shifts to S26 to perform a format input process as the format input unit 105 shown in the flowchart of FIG. In the format input processing, the data input by the user is converted into a format specified by the selected format using the input edit screen created by the format input edit screen display unit 104 to obtain print target data. . Thereafter, the process returns to S24, and waits for a key input by the user from the keyboard 3. If the key input by the user using the keyboard 3 is not a character input key (S25: NO), the process proceeds to the next S27.
[0049]
In S27, it is determined whether the user's key input from the keyboard 3 is a print key. In the case of a print key (S27: YES), the flow shifts to S28, where the printing process shown in the flowchart of FIG. 11 is performed. In the printing process, printing is performed according to a print image generated from print target data that has been input as a format input. Thereafter, the process returns to S24, and waits for a key input by the user using the keyboard 3. If the key input by the user using the keyboard 3 is not the print key (S27: NO), the process proceeds to the next S29.
[0050]
In S29, it is determined whether or not the user's key input from the keyboard 3 is an end key. In the case of the end key (S29: YES), the system is ended. If the key input by the user is not the end key (S29: NO), the process proceeds to S30 and other processing is performed. Thereafter, the process returns to S24, and waits for a key input by the user using the keyboard 3.
[0051]
The operation of the format selection in S22 of FIG. 7 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 8 is a flowchart for the operation of the format selection. First, in S31, the format list display unit 102 develops a format name in the work area of the RAM 63 from data of one or more format formats used for format input stored in the storage unit area 641 and stores the format in the RAM 63. A list of names is displayed on the display 2 (see FIG. 9A). Thereafter, the flow shifts to S32.
[0052]
In step S32, it is determined whether or not the format specified by the cursor is selected by the user in the format list displayed by the format list display unit 102. If the format designated by the cursor is not selected (S32: NO), the process proceeds to S33, the cursor is moved by the user, and then the process returns to S32. If the format designated by the cursor is selected by the user (S32: YES), the process proceeds to S34, where the format data of the selected format is expanded from the storage area 641 to the work area of the RAM 63, and the processing is terminated. Then, returning to the flowchart of FIG. 7, the process proceeds to S24 and waits for a key input. Steps S32 to S34 function as the format selection execution unit 103.
[0053]
The operation of the format input process in S26 of FIG. 7 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 10 is a flowchart of the operation of the format input process. The format input is a method of inputting according to a predetermined format, and the format content is specified for one or a plurality of items. Input is performed for each item, and movement between the items is performed using an item movement key. First, in S41, it is determined whether the character input key input in S24 of FIG. 7 is a character key. Here, the character input key means a character key and an item moving key. If it is a character key (S41: YES), the flow shifts to S42 to determine whether or not the current item can be input. Whether or not input is possible is determined based on whether the number of characters input so far does not exceed the input limit or not. If the input is not possible (S42: NO), the process proceeds to S43, and the fact is displayed on the display 2 and the format input process is terminated. If the input is possible (S42: YES), the flow shifts to S44, the input contents of the character keys are displayed on the display 2, and then the flow shifts to S45. In S45, the input contents of the character keys are registered in the work area of the RAM 63, and the processing ends. Then, the flow returns to the flowchart of FIG.
[0054]
On the other hand, if the input key is not a character key (S41: NO), the flow shifts to S46 to determine whether the input key is an item movement key which is a cursor movement key. If the key is the item move key (S46: YES), the process moves to S47, moves the item in accordance with the direction of the item move key, ends, returns to the flowchart of FIG. 7, and moves to S24 to wait for key input. . The item is moved sequentially to the next item when there are a plurality of items, and to the first item when it is the last item. If there is one item, do not move the item. If the input character input key is not the item movement key (S46: NO), the process ends, returns to the flowchart of FIG. 7, shifts to S24, and waits for key input.
[0055]
The operation of the format printing process in S28 of FIG. 7 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing the operation of the format printing process. First, in S51, the tape type detected by the tape type detection device 5 is detected, and the process proceeds to S52. In S52, it is determined whether the print target data input according to the format selected by the format selection unit 101 can be printed on the mounted tape type detected by the tape type detection device 5. If printing is possible (S52: YES), the flow shifts to S53 to generate a print image of the print target data according to the selected format. Thereafter, the flow shifts to S54. In S54, it is determined whether or not the print image can be printed. In some cases, printing becomes impossible due to an abnormality such as the remaining amount of the mounted tape being exhausted or the tape cassette containing the tape being detached. If printing is possible (S54: YES), the process proceeds to S55, where printing of the print image is completed by the print control unit 108, and the process ends. If printing is not possible (S54: NO), the flow shifts to S56, the effect is displayed on the display 2 as an error output, the processing is ended, the flow returns to the flowchart of FIG. 7, and the flow shifts to S24 to wait for key input. .
[0056]
If the print target data input according to the format selected by the format selection unit 101 cannot be printed with respect to the mounted tape type detected by the tape type detection device 5 (S52: NO), the process proceeds to S57. Then, the error output unit 107 displays the fact on the display 2 as an error output. At this time, a message that the exchange of a different tape type is necessary is displayed together with a list of printable tape types in the selected format, and the tape type displayed on the display 2 is replaced with one of the tape types. Prompt the user to Thereafter, the flow shifts to S58, where it is determined whether the user has exchanged the tape. If the tape has been replaced (S58: YES), the flow returns to S51. If the tape has not been replaced (S58: NO), the flow shifts to S59, and it is determined whether or not there is an end operation by the user. If there is no end operation (S59: NO), the process returns to S58. If there is an end operation (S59: YES), the operation ends, the flow returns to the flowchart of FIG. 7, and the flow shifts to S24 to wait for key input.
[0057]
Next, as a specific example, an operation when printing the print target data on an 18-mm normal tape using the format of Address # 1 will be described. Address # 1 is composed of two items, that is, an address and a name.
First, format input is performed according to FIG. After the format input is initialized (S21), the user selects a format to be printed (S22: see FIG. 8). Specifically, from the list of formats displayed on the display 2, the cursor at the left corner of the screen is set in accordance with Address # 1, as shown in FIG. 9A (S34). When the format is set, a format input edit screen is displayed (S23). In this case, the screen of item 1 in Address # 1 (address input screen) is displayed.
[0058]
Next, when the character input key is operated (S25: YES), the process proceeds to S26, and the format input process shown in FIG. 10 is performed. If the predetermined address data input by the user is inputtable (S42: YES), the input data is displayed on the display 2 (S44) and registered in the work area of the RAM 63. (S45). When the input data cannot be input (for example, when the number of characters exceeds the input limit), the fact is displayed on the display 2 (S43).
[0059]
Next, in order to input the content of item 2, the user inputs an item move key (S46: YES). When the item move key is input, the screen displayed on the display 2 is changed from the item 1 to the screen of the item 2 (name input screen), and the contents of the item 2 can be input. The user inputs the character data (S41: YES), inputs the name data according to the screen instruction of item 2, and determines that the input data can be input (S42: YES). (S44), and registered in the work area of the RAM 63 (S45). Then, the format input process ends, and the process returns to S24 in the flowchart of FIG. 7 to wait for a key input. When it is desired to change the content of item 1 after inputting item 2, the item move key may be input again to display the screen of item 1 on display 2.
[0060]
As described above, after the input process according to the format of Address # 1 is performed, if the print key is pressed (S27: YES), the process proceeds to S28, and the format print process is performed according to the flowchart of FIG. Since the user wants to print on a normal tape having a width of 18 mm, the mounted tape is a normal tape having a width of 18 mm. According to FIG. 12, since Address # 1 can be printed on a normal tape having a width of 18 mm (S52: YES), a print image is generated (S53), a printing process is performed (S55), and the user obtains a target print. be able to.
[0061]
As described above, according to the embodiment of the present invention, the print permission / non-permission determining unit 106 determines whether or not printing can be performed on the type of the attached tape. Is not limited to whether or not the print target data input according to the above is a specific tape type corresponding to the format, and printing can be performed if other tape types can be printed. As a result, a printed material in a format desired by the user can be obtained.
[0062]
By having a data table indicating the types of tapes that can be printed for each type of format, it is not necessary to prepare all formats for each tape type, and the number of format lists can be reduced (see FIG. 9). Therefore, the user can easily select a desired format from the format list.
[0063]
If the printability determining unit 106 determines that the print target data input in accordance with the format selected by the format selection unit 101 cannot be printed on the type of the mounted tape, the error output unit 107 performs printing. It is impossible to change the tape type, and a list of tape types that can be printed is displayed, so that the user can quickly respond.
[0064]
In the format input unit 105, a flexible input screen corresponding to each format is created by the format input edit screen display unit 104, so that user input becomes easier.
[0065]
The preferred embodiment of the present invention has been described above. However, the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and various design changes can be made within the scope of the appended claims. For example, in the above-described embodiment, all the format lists stored in the format list display are displayed by the format list display unit 102, but the format list corresponding to the mounted tape type or the tape type specified by the user is displayed. Only the format may be displayed.
[0066]
Further, in the above-described embodiment, the determination by the print permission / non-permission determination unit 106 is performed before printing is performed. However, the determination is not limited to such a case. For example, the determination is performed when the format selection unit 101 selects a format. Is also good.
[0067]
Furthermore, in the above-described embodiment, the storage area is provided in the built-in flash memory 64. However, the present invention is not limited to the built-in memory, and various storage devices (externally connected devices) connected via an interface are provided. A hard disk, an MO drive, a DVD drive, a memory card reader, etc.), or a storage device of a personal computer connected to a network. Further, the configuration may be such that not only the storage device but also all or a part of the control unit is realized on a connected personal computer.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is an external view of a tape printer.
FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating an internal configuration of the tape printer.
FIG. 3 is a plan view showing a cassette mounting portion.
FIG. 4 is an external view of a typical label tape.
FIG. 5 is a functional block diagram of the tape printer.
FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing the operation of the tape printer.
FIG. 7 is a flowchart of a format input operation.
FIG. 8 is a flowchart of a format selection operation.
FIG. 9 is a display example of a format list.
FIG. 10 is a flowchart illustrating an operation of a format input process.
FIG. 11 is a flowchart illustrating an operation of a format printing process.
FIG. 12 is a data table showing types of printable tapes for each type of format.
[Explanation of symbols]
1 Tape printer
2 Display
3 keyboard
4 Print head
5 Tape type detection device
6 control unit
7 Cassette mounting section
8 tape cassette
21 Graphic LCD Display
22 LCD Display Controller
61 CPU
62 ROM
63 RAM
64 flash memory
65 I / F
66 Data bus
80 Lower member
81 tapes
82 1st spool
83 2nd spool
84 Third spool
85 Platen roller
86 pressure roller
87 Transport roller
88 holes
89 Head storage section
91 Label area
92 Surrounding area
93 Cutting line
641 storage area

Claims (15)

A printing apparatus capable of detachably mounting a plurality of types of tapes and printing data to be printed on the mounted tapes,
Storage means for storing the type of printable tape for each type of format;
Format selection means operable to select a format to be printed from a plurality of types of formats,
Input means for inputting print target data according to the format selected by the format selection means,
Tape type detecting means for detecting the type of the mounted tape;
Whether or not the format selected by the format selection means can be printed on the tape detected by the tape type detection means, and printability determination means for determining in accordance with the contents stored in the storage means;
A print control unit that prints the print target data when the printability determination unit determines that printing is possible;
A printing device comprising: The format selection means,
Format list display means for displaying a list of the formats,
Selecting means for selecting a predetermined format from the list displayed by the format list display means,
The printing apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising: The input means has input edit screen display means for displaying an input edit screen that can be input according to the selected format,
The printing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein data to be printed is input in accordance with an instruction on an input editing screen displayed by the input editing screen display unit. 4. The printing apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising an error output unit that outputs an error when the print permission determination unit determines that printing is not possible. The printing apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the content output by the error output unit is a content that prompts a user to change a tape. 6. The printing apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the content output by the error output unit is a content for displaying a list of printable tape types. At least one of the plurality of types of tapes is formed of a long tape in which a print sheet and a release sheet are releasably overlapped, and the print sheet has a label area on which the print sheet is to be printed. The printing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein a cutting line is formed to divide the cutting line into a surrounding area and a surrounding area. A tape cassette containing any of a plurality of types of tapes as a print medium;
A printing mechanism for detachably mounting the tape cassette,
Storage means for storing the type of tape cassette containing printable tapes for each type of format;
Format selection means operable to select a format to be printed from a plurality of types of formats,
Input means for inputting print target data according to the format selected by the format selection means,
Cassette type detecting means for detecting the type of the attached tape cassette;
A printability determining unit that determines whether the format selected by the format selection unit is printable on a tape stored in the tape cassette detected by the cassette type detection unit, according to the storage content of the storage unit;
A print control unit that prints the print target data when the printability determination unit determines that printing is possible;
A printing device comprising: Computer
Storage means for storing the type of printable tape for each type of format;
Format selection means operable to select a format to be printed from a plurality of types of formats,
Input means for inputting print target data according to the format selected by the format selection means,
Tape type detecting means for detecting the type of the mounted tape;
Whether or not the format selected by the format selection means can be printed on the tape detected by the tape type detection means, and printability determination means for determining in accordance with the contents stored in the storage means;
A print control unit that prints the print target data when the printability determination unit determines that printing is possible;
A program characterized by functioning. The format selection means,
Format list display means for displaying a list of the formats,
Selecting means for selecting a predetermined format from the list displayed by the format list display means,
The program according to claim 9, wherein the program causes the program to function. The input means has input edit screen display means for displaying an input edit screen that can be input according to the selected format,
The program according to claim 9, wherein the program is made to function to input print target data in accordance with an instruction on an input edit screen displayed by the input edit screen display unit. Computer
The program according to any one of claims 9 to 11, further comprising an error output unit that outputs an error when the print permission determination unit determines that printing is not possible. 13. The program according to claim 12, wherein the contents output by the error output unit function so as to be contents for prompting a tape change. 14. The program according to claim 12, wherein the content output by the error output unit functions to display a list of types of printable tapes. A computer-readable recording medium that records the program according to claim 9.

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