JP2005216071A - Character input device and tape printer - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a sentence input device and a tape printer allowing rapid input of an accent character by making a specific accent character in a non-display state among displayed accent characters. <P>SOLUTION: In a first accent input process and a second accent input process, the accent character positioned to a cursor 16 among the accent characters displayed (S24, S44) on a selection candidate display screen 71 of a liquid crystal display 5 when inputting the accent character is deleted (S68) from a displayed (S62) accent character list not to display it as an accent character candidate, and the accent character once made to be in the non-display state is newly restored to be displayed (S71) as the accent character candidate. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2005,JPO&NCIPI

Description

  The present invention relates to a text input device and a tape printer for displaying and selecting an accent character having an accent code, and in particular, a character input device and a tape printer configured to hide a part of the displayed accent character. It is about.

Conventionally, various character input devices configured to allow the input of accented characters with accent codes such as umlauts “「 ”and accent“ ′ ”have been proposed.
For example, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 6-223053 discloses a text memory for storing at least one text file composed of a plurality of character codes, input means for inputting the character codes and dead character codes, and the text A document processing apparatus comprising a character code stored in a memory or a display means for displaying a character corresponding to a character code input by an input means, wherein a dead character code and a dead character indicated by the dead character code are Dead composite character storage means for storing dead composite character display data for displaying the dead composite character used on the display means in association with each other, and determining whether the code input by the input means is a dead character code And when the determination means determines that it is a dead character code, the dead character code A first character input device comprising: display control means for reading dead composite character display data corresponding to the character from the dead composite character storage means and displaying the dead composite character on the display means based on the dead composite character display data There is.
Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 6-223053 (page 4-5, FIG. 4 to FIG. 7)

  However, the sentence creation apparatus described in Patent Document 1 described above has the following drawbacks when it corresponds to languages of a plurality of countries such as English, French, and German. That is, when displaying dead synthetic character candidates for input of dead synthetic characters, there is no consideration regarding the type and frequency of use of dead synthetic characters used in each country. Depending on the language, even dead composite characters that do not exist are displayed as candidates. In addition, the sentence creation device is basically used in the same type of language every time, and displaying characters that are rarely used as input candidates every time makes the character input operation complicated and the input time longer. Operation efficiency will fall.

  The present invention has been made to solve the above-described conventional problems, and includes a display selection means for preventing an accent character that does not need to be displayed from being displayed by the accent character display means. It is an object of the present invention to provide a character input device and a tape printer that can quickly and easily input accent characters.

  In order to achieve the above object, a character input device according to claim 1 includes a character key for inputting characters, a display screen for displaying the input characters, and an accent character for displaying accented characters having an accent code on the display screen. In a character input device having a display means and a selection means for selecting an arbitrary accent character from the accent characters displayed by the accent character display means, a specific accent character among the accent characters displayed by the accent character display means It is characterized by having a display selection means for hiding.

  According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided the character input device according to the first aspect, further comprising display return means for displaying again the accent character that has been hidden by the display selection means.

  The character input device according to claim 3 is a character key for performing character input, a display screen for displaying the input character, an accent character display means for displaying an accent character having an accent code on the display screen, In a character input device having selection means for selecting an arbitrary accent character from the accent characters displayed by the accent character display means, when the accent character displayed by the accent character display means is unique, the selection means The unique accent character is selected.

  The character input device according to claim 4 is the character input device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the accent character display means is pressed by continuously pressing the character key. An accent character associated with a character key is displayed on the display screen.

  The character input device according to claim 5 is a character key for inputting characters, a display screen for displaying the input character, an accent character display means for displaying an accent character having an accent code on the display screen, In the character input device having selection means for selecting an arbitrary accent character from the accent characters displayed by the accent character display means, the accent character display means is pressed by continuously pressing the character key. An accent character associated with the character key is displayed on the display screen.

  The character input device according to claim 6 is the character input device according to claim 4 or 5, wherein the accent character associated with the continuously pressed character key is unique. The selection means selects the unique accent character.

  A character input device according to claim 7 is the character input device according to any one of claims 4 to 6, wherein there is an accent character associated with the character key continuously pressed. A first determining unit that determines whether or not an accented character is present by the first determining unit, the accented character associated with the pressed character key is When it is displayed on the display screen and it is determined that there is no accent character, the character of the pressed character key is displayed on the display screen.

  A character input device according to claim 8 is the character input device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the character input device includes an accent key and a character string input by the character key and displayed on the display screen. A character selection unit that selects one character, and the accent character display unit displays an accent character associated with the character selected by the character selection unit by pressing the accent key. It is characterized by.

  The character input device according to claim 9 is a character key for performing character input, a display screen for displaying the input character, an accent character display means for displaying an accent character having an accent code on the display screen, In a character input device having a selection means for selecting an arbitrary accent character from the accent characters displayed by the accent character display means, an accent key and a character string input by the character key and displayed on the display screen Character selection means for selecting one character, and the accent character display means displays an accent character associated with the character selected by the character selection means by pressing the accent key. It is characterized by that.

  The character input device according to claim 10 is the character input device according to claim 8 or 9, wherein the accent character associated with the character selected by the character selection means is unique. The selection means selects the unique accent character.

  A character input device according to claim 10 is the character input device according to any one of claims 8 to 10, wherein there is an accent character associated with the character selected by the character selection means. A second determining means for determining the accent character associated with the character selected by the selecting means by the accent character displaying means when the second determining means determines that there is an accent character. Is displayed on the display screen, and when it is determined that there is no accent character, the character selected by the selection means is displayed on the display screen.

  The character input device according to claim 11 is the character input device according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein the accent character display means displays a plurality of accent characters as a list on the display screen. It is characterized by making it.

  The character input device according to claim 12 is the character input device according to any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein the accent character display means displays one accent character and another accent character. It is characterized by sequentially switching and displaying.

  A character input device according to a thirteenth aspect of the present invention is the character input device according to any one of the first to thirteenth aspects, further comprising a switching key for switching between uppercase and lowercase characters, and the accent character display means includes: Each time the switching key is pressed, uppercase letters and lowercase letters of the accented characters are switched and displayed.

  Furthermore, the tape printer according to claim 14 is accommodated in the tape cassette accommodated in the apparatus main body, a character input device incorporated in the apparatus main body, and characters input by the character input device. A tape printer comprising: a printing unit that prints on a long tape, wherein the character input device is the character input device according to any one of claims 1 to 14. .

  According to the sentence input device according to claim 1 having such a feature, since it has the display selection means for hiding a specific accent character among the accent characters displayed by the accent character display means, it is displayed for the user. The accent character can be selected by the selecting means from among the accent characters excluding the specific accent character without displaying the specific accent character that does not require the character on the display screen. Therefore, it is possible to input accent characters quickly and easily.

  Further, according to the sentence input device according to the second aspect, since there is a display return means for displaying again the accent character that has been hidden by the display selection means, the accent character that has once been hidden is restored again and the accent character is displayed. It can be displayed by the character display means. Therefore, even when the text input device is used in various languages, it is possible to change accent characters to be displayed or hidden for each language.

  Further, according to the sentence input device according to claim 3, when the accent character to be displayed is unique, the selection means selects the sole accent character, so that the user does not need to select the accent character, It is possible to input accent characters more quickly and easily.

  According to the sentence input device of the fourth aspect, the accent character display means displays the accent character associated with the pressed character key on the display screen by continuously pressing the character key. It is possible to quickly display the desired type of accent characters. Therefore, it is possible to input accent characters quickly and easily.

  According to the sentence input device of the fifth aspect, the accent character display means displays the accent character associated with the pressed character key on the display screen by continuously pressing the character key. It is possible to quickly display the desired type of accent characters. Therefore, it is possible to input accent characters quickly and easily.

  According to the sentence input device of the sixth aspect, when the accent character associated with the character key continuously pressed is unique, the selection means selects the unique accent character. There is no need to make a selection, and an accent character can be input more quickly and easily.

  The sentence input device according to claim 7 includes first determination means for determining whether or not there is an accent character associated with the character key that is continuously pressed, and it is determined that there is an accent character. The accented character associated with the pressed character key is displayed on the display screen. If it is determined that there is no accented character, the character of the pressed character key is displayed on the display screen. In addition, it is possible to input an accent character by using a character key, and when a character key to which no accent character is associated is pressed, normal character input can be performed.

  According to the sentence input device of the eighth aspect, the character selected by selecting one character from the character string input by the character key and displayed on the display screen and pressing the accent key. Since the accent character associated with is displayed, it is possible to display the accent character together in the sentence after once inputting the sentence that does not include the accent character. Therefore, it is possible to input accent characters quickly and easily. Even if an incorrect accent character is input, it is possible to change to the correct accent character without deleting the incorrect accent character.

  According to the sentence input device of the ninth aspect, the character selected by selecting one character among the character strings input by the character key and displayed on the display screen and pressing the accent key. Since the accent character associated with is displayed, it is possible to display the accent character collectively in the sentence after inputting the sentence not including the accent character. Therefore, it is possible to input accent characters quickly and easily. Even if an incorrect accent character is input, it is possible to change to the correct accent character without deleting the incorrect accent character.

  According to the sentence input device of the tenth aspect, when the accent character associated with the character selected by the character selection means is unique, the selection means selects the unique accent character. There is no need to make a selection, and an accent character can be input more quickly and easily.

  The sentence input device according to claim 11 further comprises second determining means for determining whether or not there is an accent character associated with the character selected by the character selecting means, and it is determined that there is an accent character. The accented character associated with the pressed character key is displayed on the display screen. If it is determined that there is no accented character, the character of the pressed character key is displayed on the display screen. Even when a character that is not associated with an accent character is selected and the accent key is pressed, character input can be performed without displaying the accent character.

  According to the sentence input device of the twelfth aspect, since the accent character display means displays a plurality of accent characters in a list on the display screen, it is possible to easily select a desired accent character. . Therefore, it is possible to input accent characters quickly and easily.

  According to the sentence input device of the thirteenth aspect, since the accent character display means displays one accent character and sequentially displays other accent characters, the desired accent character can be easily selected. Is possible. Therefore, it is possible to input accent characters quickly and easily.

  The sentence input device according to claim 14 has a switching key for switching between uppercase and lowercase letters, and the accented character display means changes the uppercase and lowercase letters of the accented character displayed each time the switching key is pressed. Since the display is switched, it is possible to change the case of the accent character after displaying the accent character. Therefore, even when the accent letters are displayed in the wrong case, the correction can be easily performed.

  Further, according to the sentence input device of the fifteenth aspect, the tape cassette accommodated in the device main body, the character input device incorporated in the device main body, and the characters input by the character input device are accommodated in the tape cassette. 15. A tape printing apparatus comprising: a printing unit for printing on a long tape, wherein the character input device is the character input device according to any one of claims 1 to 14. The sentence input device can also be applied to the above, and accent characters can be input quickly and easily.

Hereinafter, the character input device and the tape printer according to the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings based on the first to third embodiments in which the character input device is embodied in the tape printer in which the device body is built. Explained.
First, a schematic configuration of the tape printer according to the first embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 3. 1 is a schematic external perspective view showing a tape printer according to the first embodiment, FIG. 2 is a front view showing the tape printer according to the first embodiment, and FIG. 3 is attached to the tape printer according to the first embodiment. It is a back side perspective view which shows the state which removed the back cover and was mounted | worn with the tape cassette.

  As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the tape printer 1 includes a synthetic resin main body 2 and a back surface of the main body 2 (on the side opposite to the surface facing the user when the tape printer 1 is used). Surface) and a synthetic resin back cover 3 which is detachably attached so as to cover the entire surface. In addition, a substantially upper half side portion of the main body 2 in the longitudinal direction is formed to be slightly round in a horizontal view, and a horizontally long window portion 4 is formed in a substantially central portion of the upper surface in the left-right direction. A liquid crystal display 5 is disposed on the lower side. Further, a cutter lever 6 is provided on the right side surface portion of the liquid crystal display 5 of the main body 2, and a tape discharge port 7 (see FIG. 5) formed on the upper end portion is printed by pressing the cutter lever 6 inward with a thumb or the like. 3) can be cut with a cutting blade (not shown).

  In addition, the left and right width dimension of the lower half portion of the main body 2 in the longitudinal direction is slightly narrower than the left and right width dimension of the upper portion, and the left and right side corners are also rounded. It is composed. Further, the corners on the left and right side surfaces of the portion corresponding to the grip portion 10 of the back cover 3 are also rounded. The back cover 3 attached to the main body 2 is formed so that the thickness dimension of the tape printer 1 gradually decreases from the portion facing the tape cassette 11 (see FIG. 3) to the grip portion 10. Is formed so as to be smaller than the thickness dimension of the portion in which the tape cassette 11 is accommodated, and the grip portion 10 is configured so as to be easily held in the user's hand.

  On the surface of the gripping part 10, a keyboard 24 is disposed on which keys formed of an elastic member (for example, silicon rubber) are arranged. The keyboard 24 includes a character input key 12 for creating text composed of document data, a space key 13 for inputting a space, a Caps key 14 for switching the type of alphabet to be input between uppercase and lowercase, A print key 15 for instructing printing, a cursor key 17 for moving the cursor 16 (see FIG. 9) left and right on the liquid crystal display 5 for displaying characters such as characters, a power button 18 for turning on / off the power, and character selection Enter key 19 for instructing etc., function key 20 for calling each function selection screen when changing the typeface of the character, etc., and accent codes (lamlaut “¨”, accent “′” used for inputting French, German, etc. ”)) Is displayed on the liquid crystal display 5 A cent key 21, a delete key 22 for erasing a character designated by the cursor 16 among characters inputted and displayed on the liquid crystal display 5, a symbol key 23 for inputting a special symbol such as “@” and “%”, etc. It has. The accent character input method using the accent key 21 will be described later in detail.

  Each character input key 12 includes a numeric keypad 26 composed of numbers “0” to “9” provided from the liquid crystal display 5 and alphabets “A” to “Z” provided from the grip portion 10. Are divided into alphabet keys 27 for inputting. When each alphanumeric character is pressed, the alphanumeric character drawn on the key is displayed on the liquid crystal display 5 and can be input.

  Further, on the back surface of the grip portion 10 of the main body 2, each character input key 12, space key 13, Caps key 14, print key 15, cursor key 17, power button 18, enter key 19, function key 20, accent key 21, a circuit board 29 on which a keyboard 24 having a delete key 22, a symbol key 23, and the like is arranged on an upper surface portion is provided. In addition, a control board 30 that constitutes a control circuit unit is disposed on the back surface portion between the grip portion 10 of the main body 2 and the liquid crystal display 5. A platen roller 32 (see FIG. 3), which is a tape feeding means, is rotationally driven via a gear train (not shown) on the opposite side of the control board 30 to the thermal head 31 and on the upper side in the longitudinal direction of the main body 2. A drive motor (not shown) is disposed on the back surface of the main body 2.

Further, as shown in FIG. 3, a cassette storage section 35 for storing the tape cassette 11 and a dry battery are provided on the back side of the back side where the substrates 29 and 30 of the main body 2, the liquid crystal display 5, and the drive motor are arranged. A battery storage portion 37 in which 36 is stored is formed.
The cassette housing portion 35 has a substantially rectangular horizontal cross section substantially the same as the outer shape of the tape cassette 11 and is formed so as to bulge to the back side of a depth dimension substantially equal to the thickness dimension of the tape cassette 11. In addition, a plurality of heating elements (not shown) are arranged on the bottom surface of the cassette housing portion 35 near the edge on the cutter lever 6 side, and a printing ribbon (not shown) is attached to the printing tape. A thin plate-like thermal head mounting portion 38 to which a thermal head 31 for printing characters and the like is mounted is erected in a right-angled outer direction along the longitudinal direction of the main body 2.

Further, when attaching the back cover 3 to the main body 2, the first insertion portion 39 formed at the end on the gripping portion 10 side is inserted into the insertion groove 40 provided in the main body 2, and then the first difference is made. The back cover 3 is attached by fitting the claw portion 42 of the second insertion portion 41 provided on the opposite side of the insertion portion 39 to the claw fixing portion 43 provided on the main body 2. Since the claw portion 42 is configured to be detached from the claw fixing portion 43 when the second insertion portion 41 is pushed into the inside of the apparatus with the back cover 3 attached, the back cover 3 is easy with respect to the main body 2. It is removable. In a state where the back cover 3 is removed, the tape cassette 11 can be taken out from the cassette housing portion 35. In addition, the dry batteries 36 stored in the battery storage unit 37 can be sequentially taken out and replaced.
Further, a confirmation window 44 is provided in a portion of the back cover 3 facing the tape cassette 11. When the back cover 3 is attached to the main body 2, a cassette label 45 on which the type of the tape cassette 11 is printed is displayed on the confirmation window 44. It is possible to see through. The type of the tape cassette 11 stored in the cassette storage unit 35 can be confirmed without opening the back cover 3.

Furthermore, a plurality of (seven in the present embodiment) detection switches (not shown) are disposed on the bottom surface of the cassette storage unit 35, and the detection switches connect the tape cassette 11 to the cassette storage unit 35. Is set on and off selectively through a plurality of (seven in this embodiment) uneven portions (not shown) formed on the bottom surface of the tape cassette 11. As a result, the type of tape cassette can be detected.
The tape cassette 11 incorporates a printing tape and a printing ribbon. The types of the tape cassette 11 used in the tape printing apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment are built-in printing tape and printing ribbon. It is distinguished by the combination. Among them, the tape width of the printing tape includes 6 types of 6 mm, 9 mm, 12 mm, 18 mm, 24 mm, and 36 mm, and there are two types of tapes, a laminate tape and a receptor tape.

  Next, the control system of the tape printer 1 configured as described above will be described with reference to FIG. As shown in FIG. 4, the control configuration of the tape printer 1 is configured with a control circuit unit 50 formed on the control board 30 as a core. The control circuit unit 50 includes a CPU 51 that controls each device, and an input / output interface 53, a CGROM 54, ROMs 55 and 56, and a RAM 57 connected to the CPU 51 via a data bus 52. A timer 51A is provided inside the CPU 51.

Here, the CGROM 54 stores dot pattern data for display corresponding to the code data for each of a large number of characters.
In addition, in a ROM (dot pattern data memory) 55, for each of a large number of characters for printing characters such as alphabet letters and symbols, printing dot pattern data is provided for each typeface (Gothic typeface, Ariele typeface, etc.). For each typeface, five types (16, 24, 32, 48, and 64 dot sizes) of print character sizes are stored corresponding to the code data. Also stored is graphic pattern data for printing modified characters including character modifications (bold, white, italic, shaded).

  The ROM 56 also has an initial switching order for switching between uppercase and lowercase letters when the Caps key 14 is pressed for the first time after activation (in the first embodiment, “uppercase letters” → “lowercase letters” → “uppercase letters”). The initial switching order storage area 56 </ b> A is stored.

  In addition, the ROM 56 is provided with an accent switching order storage area 56B for storing a switching order for switching the type of accent character displayed on the liquid crystal display 5 when the accent key 21 is pressed. In the first embodiment, the accent characters are stored in all European accent characters such as French, German, Italian, Spanish, etc. Each time the accent key 21 is pressed, the accent characters are associated with each parent character. A list of accented characters is displayed in alphabetical order (from the top of FIGS. 5 and 6).

  The ROM 56 stores accent character selection tables 60 and 61 (see FIGS. 5 and 6) that store a list of accent character candidates that are repeatedly displayed by continuously pressing the accent key 21. A storage area 56C is provided.

  Further, the ROM 56 reads out the data of the display drive control program for controlling the liquid crystal display (LCD) 5 and the data of the print buffer 57B in correspondence with the character code data such as characters and numbers inputted from the character input key 12 or the like. A print drive control program for driving the thermal head 31 and the platen roller 32, a pulse number determination program for determining the number of pulses corresponding to the amount of energy formed for each print dot, and a first accent input process and a second accent input process described later, And an accent input setting process control program (see FIGS. 8, 10, and 12), a drive control program for driving the print tape to a cutting position when printing is completed, and other control necessary for the tape printer 1 Various programs are stored. The CPU 51 performs various calculations based on various programs and data stored in the ROM 56.

  Further, the RAM 57 is provided with a text memory 57A, a print buffer 57B, a counter 57C, a non-display accent character storage area 57D for storing non-display accent characters, and the text memory 57A has a character input key. 12, the document data input from the accent key 21 and the symbol key 23 is stored. The print buffer 57B stores a dot pattern for printing such as a plurality of characters and symbols, the number of applied pulses that is the amount of energy for forming each dot, and the like as dot pattern data, and the thermal head 31 is stored in the print buffer 57B. Dot printing is performed according to the dot pattern data. The counter 57C stores the count value of the number of times the accent key 21 is pressed. The non-display accent character storage area 57D stores accent characters set to non-display. The RAM 57 is initialized at startup.

The input / output interface 53 drives the circuit board 29, a display controller (hereinafter referred to as LCDC) 65 having a video RAM 64 for outputting display data to the liquid crystal display (LCD) 5, and the thermal head 31. The drive circuit 66 and the drive circuit 67 for driving the tape feed motor 63 are connected to each other.
Therefore, when a character or the like is input via the character input key 12, the accent key 21, and the symbol key 23 on the circuit board 29, the text (document data) is sequentially stored in the text memory 57A and a dot pattern is generated. A dot pattern corresponding to characters and the like input via the circuit board 29 based on the control program and the display drive control program is displayed on the LCD 5. The thermal head 31 is driven via the drive circuit 66 to print the dot pattern data stored in the print buffer 57B. In synchronization with this, the tape feed motor 63 controls the tape feed via the drive circuit 67. Is to do.

Next, the accent character selection tables 60 and 61 stored in the accent character storage area 56C will be described with reference to FIGS.
As shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, the accent character selection tables 60 and 61 are composed of an alphabet which is a parent character and a plurality of types of accent character candidates associated with the alphabet. In addition, there are uppercase letters and lowercase letters in the accent letters as in the alphabet. FIG. 5 is an uppercase accent character selection table, and FIG. 6 is a lowercase accent character selection table.

  The stored accent characters are all accent characters used throughout Europe, such as French, German, Italian, Spanish, etc. The number of accent characters associated with each parent character is Different types (for example, accent characters associated with “A” are “umlaut A”, “axantegu A”, “axantrove A”, “hat A”, in order from the left of the accented character selection table 60. There are nine types: “Caron A”, “Ogonek A”, “Chilled A”, “Ring Above A”, and “Ligacher A.” On the other hand, the accent letter associated with “Y” is one type of “Axantegyu Y” Is).

When the user wishes to input an accent character from these accent character selection tables 60 and 61, there are the following methods.
First, as one method, the alphabets (“A”, “C”, “D”, “E”, “I”, “L”, “N”, “O”, “R”, “S”) are used as parent characters. ”,“ T ”,“ U ”,“ Y ”,“ Z ”) 14 characters input keys 12 are continuously pressed (about 2 seconds in the first embodiment) to associate with the alphabet. There is a method of displaying a candidate list of accent characters on the liquid crystal display 5 and inputting them (see FIG. 9). When entering uppercase letters, uppercase accent letters are displayed, and when entering lowercase letters, lowercase accent letters are displayed. For example, when the character input key 12 of “N” is continuously pressed when inputting small letters, accent characters “Axanteg n”, “Caron n”, and “Chilled n” are displayed.

As another method, there is a method in which the accent character 21 is pressed to display and input accent character candidates. First, when the accent key 21 is pressed, “umlaut A”, “axantegu A”, “axantrove A”, “hat A”, “caron A” associated with the base character “A” on the liquid crystal display 5. ”,“ Ogonek A ”,“ Chilled A ”,“ Ring Above A ”, and“ Ligacher A ”are displayed in a list (lowercase if the Caps key is used to enter lowercase letters) Accent character associated with “a” is displayed). Each time the accent key is pressed, the list of accent characters displayed in the order of the parent characters “A” → “C” → “D” →... (Alphabetical order) is switched.
When the accent character candidate including the desired accent character is displayed, the user can stop the operation of the accent key 21 and select and input the desired accent character with the cursor key 17 (FIG. 11). reference). In addition, when the Caps key 14 is pressed while the accent character is displayed, it is possible to switch between uppercase and lowercase letters of the currently displayed accent character (for example, “List of accent characters associated with E” → “associated with e” Accent character list ”→ ...).
Further, each accent character is numbered from “1” in order from the left. As a method for selecting a desired accent character from the displayed accent characters, in addition to the method of selecting with the cursor key 17, the numeric keypad 26. It is possible to select directly by pressing the number corresponding to the character (see FIG. 2).
The order in which the accent characters in the accent character selection tables 60 and 61 are displayed is stored in the accent switching order storage area 56B.
The accent character input method described above will be described in detail later using a flowchart.

Next, control processing of character input such as alphabet characters and accent characters of the tape printer 1 according to the first embodiment configured as described above will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 7 is a flowchart of the main system control program of the tape printer 1.
As shown in FIG. 7, first, in step (hereinafter abbreviated as S) 1, it is determined whether or not a cold start has been performed. Here, the cold start is to completely clear (initialize processing) the contents of the memory and the like performed at the time of power-on, for example.

  When cold-started (S1: YES), the CPU 51 of the tape printer 1 performs an initialization process in S2. That is, the text memory 57A, print buffer 57B, counter 57C, non-display accent character storage area 57D, etc. are initialized. As a result, all accent character candidates that have been hidden by an accent input setting process (see FIG. 12) described later are restored. On the other hand, when the cold start is not performed (S1: NO), the process proceeds to S3 while maintaining the state.

In S3, the CPU 51 determines whether any one of the keys (see FIG. 2) arranged on the keyboard 24 on the surface of the apparatus main body has been pressed, and waits until it is not pressed. (S3: NO).
Subsequently, when any key is pressed (S3: YES), in S4, first, a determination process for determining whether or not the character input key 12 including the numeric keypad 26 and the alphabet key 27 is pressed is performed. Execute. When the tape printer 1 is started, the character type that can be input by key input is set to “alphabetic capital letters”.

  If the character input key 12 is pressed (S4: YES), it is determined in S5 whether or not the character input key 12 is continuously pressed for a certain time (about 2 seconds in the first embodiment). Is done. When the character is not continuously pressed (S5: NO), that is, in the case of normal character input, the alphabet or number corresponding to the pressed character input key 12 is input and displayed on the liquid crystal display (S6). .

  On the other hand, when the character input key 12 is continuously pressed (S5: YES), the CPU 51 subsequently determines whether or not the pressed character input key 12 is a mother character (S7). . The parent character is an alphabet character in which an accent character is formed by adding an accent code, and the accent character is associated by the accent character selection tables 60 and 61 (see FIGS. 5 and 6). Specifically, “A”, “C”, “D”, “E”, “I”, “L”, “N”, “O”, “R”, “S”, “T”, “U” ”,“ Y ”, and“ Z ”(14 lowercase letters).

  When the character input key 12 other than the mother character is pressed (S7: NO), alphabets or numbers corresponding to the pressed character input key 12 are input and displayed on the liquid crystal display (S6). When the mother character input key 12 is pressed (S7: YES), an accent character associated with the pressed mother character input key 12 is displayed and input. (S8). Details of the first accent input process will be described later.

  If the character input key 12 is not pressed (S4: NO), it is determined in S9 whether the print key 15 is pressed. If the print key 15 is pressed (S9: YES), the text (including accented characters) currently input and displayed on the liquid crystal display 5 is printed (S10). In the printing process, the document data stored in the text memory 57A is expanded in the print buffer 57B, the data is read, the thermal head 31, the platen roller 32, etc. are driven and printed on the printing tape stored in the tape cassette 11. I do. The details of the printing process performed by the tape printer 1 are already known, and therefore detailed description thereof is omitted here.

  If the print key 15 has not been pressed (S9: NO), a determination process for determining whether the cursor key 17 has been pressed is executed (S11). The cursor key 17 is used to move the position of the cursor 16 (see FIG. 9) displayed on the liquid crystal display 5 to the left and right. The cursor 16 position designates a position where a character is input or deleted. When the cursor key 17 is operated (S11: YES), the cursor 16 moves left and right in accordance with the left and right operation of the cursor key 17 (S12).

  If the cursor key 17 has not been pressed (S11: NO), it is determined in S13 whether the accent key 21 has been pressed. When the accent key 21 is pressed (S13: YES), a second accent input process for inputting an accent character is performed (S14). Details of the second accent input process will be described later.

  Further, if the accent key 21 is not pressed (S13: NO), it is determined whether or not the accent input setting process is started in S15. The accent input setting process is a process of selecting the type of accent character displayed as an input candidate in the first accent input process and the second accent input process in S8 and S14. The accent input setting process is started when the function key 20 is specifically pressed and the accent key 21 is subsequently pressed. When the accent input setting process is performed (S15: YES), after the accent input setting process is performed in S16, the process returns to S3. Details of the accent input setting process will be described later.

  On the other hand, when the accent input setting is not started (S15: NO), in S17, the CPU 51 executes various other processes corresponding to other pressed keys such as a character size change and a font change, The processing after S3 is executed again.

Next, the first accent input process executed in S8 will be described with reference to FIG. As described above, in the first accent input process, when the character input key 12 of the mother character is continuously pressed for a predetermined time, the accent character associated with the character input key 12 (the mother character described in the character key) Accent characters associated with characters) are displayed, selected and input. Details thereof will be described below.
First, as shown in FIG. 8, in S21, the CPU 51 determines the state of CapsLock. That is, it is determined whether the current alphabet is entered in uppercase letters or lowercase letters. When the power is turned on, it is “alphabetic capital letters”, and each time the Caps key 14 is pressed, the switching is made in the order of “alphabetic capital letters” → “alphabetic small letters” → “alphabetic capital letters” →. The initial switching order for switching between uppercase and lowercase letters of the alphabet is stored in the initial switching order storage area 56A.

Subsequently, a determination is made as to whether or not the number of accent character candidates associated with the character input key 12 pressed in S4 is single (S22). As shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, the accent characters are alphabets “A”, “C”, “D”, “E”, “I”, “L”, “N”, “O”, “R”. , “S”, “T”, “U”, “Y”, “Z”, 14 types of capital letters, “a”, “c”, “d”, “e”, “i”, “l”, “ n, “o”, “r”, “s”, “t”, “u”, “y”, “z” are associated with each of 14 types of lowercase letters. Among these, the only candidate for the ascent character associated with “Y” is “Accenteg Y”. Therefore, if the character input key 12 of “Y” is continuously pressed during capital letter input, the accent character candidate is single.
In addition, when the accent input setting process to be described later hides all but one accent character candidate associated with the pressed character input key 12 of the mother character, the character of the specific mother character is displayed. It is determined that the number of accent character candidates associated with the input key is single.

  If it is determined in S22 that there is a single accent character candidate (S22: YES), the single candidate accent character is automatically displayed without displaying a list of candidate accent characters. It is selected (S23), input immediately and displayed on the liquid crystal display (S30).

  On the other hand, if it is determined that there is no single accent character candidate (S22: NO), a list of accent character candidates associated with the parent character of the pressed character input key 12 is displayed on the liquid crystal display 5. (S24). According to the accent character selection tables 60 and 61 (see FIGS. 5 and 6), uppercase accent characters are displayed when uppercase characters are input, and lowercase accent characters are displayed when lowercase characters are input.

In S25, the CPU 51 determines whether any of the keys (see FIG. 2) arranged on the keyboard 24 on the surface of the apparatus main body has been pressed. If not pressed (S25: NO) Wait until
Subsequently, when any key is pressed (S25: YES), in S26, first, determination processing for determining whether or not the cursor key 17 is pressed is executed. The cursor key 17 is used to move the position of the cursor 16 (see FIG. 9) displayed on the liquid crystal display 5 to the left and right.
When the cursor key 17 is operated (S26: YES), the cursor 16 moves in accordance with the operation of the cursor key 17 (S27). At that time, the user can move the cursor 16 to the desired accent character from the list of accent character candidates displayed in S24 and select it.

  Subsequently, in S28, it is determined whether or not the enter key 19 has been pressed. When the enter key 19 is pressed (S28: YES), an accent character candidate at which the cursor 16 is currently located is selected (S29), input is made and displayed on the liquid crystal display (S30). Thereafter, the process returns to the main flowchart.

  On the other hand, if it is determined that the enter key 19 has not been pressed (S28: NO), it is then determined whether or not the numeric keypad 26 has been pressed (S31). In the selection of the accent character candidate displayed in S24, in addition to the selection by the cursor 16 in S29, a number associated with the accent character candidate (see the accent character selection tables 60 and 61) is directly pressed using the numeric keypad 26. You can also choose. When the numeric keypad 26 is pressed (S31: YES), an accent character candidate is selected based on the pressed number (S32), input is made and displayed on the liquid crystal display (S30).

Further, if it is determined that the numeric keypad 26 has not been pressed (S31: NO), it is determined whether the Caps key 14 has been pressed (S33). When the Caps key 14 is pressed (S33: YES), the CPU 51 determines the current CapsLock state (S34). That is, it is determined whether the current alphabet is entered in uppercase letters or lowercase letters. Based on the result of the determination, if the input is currently in uppercase, the uppercase accent character candidate is changed to the display of the lowercase accent character candidate. If the input is in lowercase, The lowercase accent character candidate is changed to the uppercase accent character candidate display (S35). Thereafter, the changed accent character candidates are displayed as a list on the liquid crystal display 5 (S24), and the process is continued again.
On the other hand, if it is determined that the Caps key 14 has not been pressed (S33: NO), the process returns to S26 and the process is performed again.

  As described above, in the first accent input process according to the first embodiment, by continuously pressing the character input key 12, the accent character associated with the pressed character input key 12 is displayed on the display screen. Therefore, it is possible to quickly display the desired type of accent characters. Therefore, it is possible to input accent characters quickly and easily.

Here, an example of the display screen of the liquid crystal display 5 executed in the first accent input process of S8 will be described with reference to FIG. In this example, the accent character “umlaut O” is input after “G” and “R”.
As shown in FIG. 9A, in the normal text input screen 70, capital letters are set with the Caps key 14, and “G” and “R” are first input with the character input key 12. Thereafter, the character input key 12 “O” is continuously pressed for a long time. Then, as shown in (B), the screen shifts to the selection candidate display screen 71, and a list of accent characters associated with the parent character “O” is displayed on the liquid crystal display 5.

The user operates the cursor key 17, moves the cursor 16 to “Umlaut O” from the displayed list of accent characters, and presses the enter key 19. As a result, as shown in (C), the display returns to the normal text input screen 70, and the accent character “umlaut O” is input after “G” and “R”.
It should be noted that when a desired accent character is selected from the accent character candidates displayed on the selection candidate display screen 71, it is also possible to select with the numeric keypad 26. Since “umlaut O” is associated with the number “1” as shown in the accent character selection table 60, it can also be selected by pressing “1”.

  In addition, when inputting “Accenteg Y” in which only one accent character candidate is associated with the parent character, “Y” of the character input key 12 is continuously pressed on the normal text input screen 70. Then, without shifting to the selection candidate display screen 71, “Accent Y” is immediately input. Therefore, it is not necessary to select an accent character, and an accent character can be input more quickly and easily.

Next, the second accent input process executed in S14 will be described with reference to FIG. As described above, in the second accent input process, when the accent key 21 is pressed, a list of accent character candidates is displayed and an accent character is input. Details thereof will be described below.
First, as shown in FIG. 10, in S41, the CPU 51 determines the state of CapsLock. That is, it is determined whether the current alphabet is entered in uppercase letters or lowercase letters. When the power is turned on, it is “alphabetic capital letters”, and each time the Caps key 14 is pressed, the switching is made in the order of “alphabetic capital letters” → “alphabetic small letters” → “alphabetic capital letters” →. The initial switching order for switching between uppercase and lowercase letters of the alphabet is stored in the initial switching order storage area 56A.

  Subsequently, it is determined whether or not the number of accent character candidates displayed on the liquid crystal display 5 is single (S42). As shown in FIG. 5 and FIG. 6, the accent character is associated with each of 14 types of capital letters and 14 types of small letters. Then, when the accent input setting process described later is hidden except for one accent character candidate associated with each parent character, it is determined that the number of accent character candidates is single. The

  If it is determined in S42 that there is a single accent character candidate (S42: YES), the single candidate accent character is automatically displayed without displaying a list of candidate accent characters. It is selected (S43), input immediately and displayed on the liquid crystal display (S50).

  On the other hand, if it is determined that there is no single accent character candidate (S42: NO), a list of accent character candidates is displayed on the liquid crystal display 5 (S44). At that time, the accent character candidate displayed first is the accent character associated with the parent character “A” or “a” (see FIG. 11). However, after the power is turned on, if an accent character has already been input and an accent character is subsequently input, a list of candidates including the previously input accent character is displayed first. For example, when the accent character “umlaut O” was previously input, the accent character associated with the parent character “O” is displayed.

In S45, the CPU 51 determines whether any of the keys (see FIG. 2) arranged on the keyboard 24 on the surface of the apparatus main body has been pressed, and waits until it is pressed. (S45: NO).
Subsequently, when any key is pressed (S45: YES), a determination process for determining whether or not the cursor key 17 is first pressed is executed in S46. The cursor key 17 is used to move the position of the cursor 16 (see FIG. 11) displayed on the liquid crystal display 5 to the left and right.
When the cursor key 17 is operated (S46: YES), the cursor 16 moves in accordance with the operation of the cursor key 17 (S47). At that time, the user can move the cursor 16 to the desired accent character from the accent character candidates displayed in S44 and select it.

  Subsequently, when it is determined that the cursor key 17 has not been operated (S46: NO), it is determined whether or not the enter key 19 has been pressed in S48. When the enter key 19 is pressed (S48: YES), an accent character candidate at which the cursor 16 is currently located is selected (S49), input is made, and displayed on the liquid crystal display (S50). Thereafter, the process returns to the main flowchart.

  On the other hand, when it is determined that the enter key 19 has not been pressed (S48: NO), it is subsequently determined whether the numeric key 26 has been pressed (S51). In the selection of the accent character candidate displayed in S42, in addition to the selection by the cursor 16 in S49, a number associated with the accent character candidate (see the accent character selection tables 60 and 61) is directly pressed by the numeric keypad 26. You can also choose. When the numeric keypad 26 is pressed (S51: YES), a candidate for an accent character is selected based on the pressed number (S52), input is made and displayed on the liquid crystal display (S50).

  Furthermore, when it is determined that the numeric keypad 26 has not been pressed (S51: NO), the CPU 51 determines whether the accent key 21 has been pressed (S53). If it is determined that the accent key 21 has been pressed (S53: YES), the accent character candidate currently displayed on the liquid crystal display 5 is changed (S54). Specifically, every time the accent key 21 is pressed, the alphabetical order of the mother character (“A” → “C” → “D” →... → “Z” → “A” →... The list of accent character candidates displayed in the same way for lowercase letters is also switched (see FIG. 11). Then, the changed accent character candidates are displayed as a list on the liquid crystal display 5 (S44), and the process is continued again.

  When it is determined that the accent key 21 has not been pressed (S53: NO), the CPU 51 uses the base characters (“A”, “C”, “D”, “E”, “I”, “ It is determined whether or not the character input key 12 (14 types of “L”, “N”, “O”, “R”, “S”, “T”, “U”, “Y”, “Z”) has been pressed. (S55). If it is determined that the character input key 12 of the mother character has been pressed (S55: YES), the accent character candidate currently displayed on the liquid crystal display 5 is changed (S54). Specifically, the display is switched to a list of accent character candidates associated with the pressed parent character. For example, when the character input key “N” is pressed, the accent characters “Axantegu N”, “Caron N”, and “Chilled N” associated with the parent character “N” are displayed. Then, the changed accent character candidates are displayed as a list on the liquid crystal display 5 (S44), and the process is continued again.

Further, when it is determined that the mother character input key 12 is not pressed (S55: NO), it is determined whether the Caps key 14 is pressed (S56). When the Caps key 14 is pressed (S56: YES), the CPU 51 determines the current CapsLock state (S57). That is, it is determined whether the current alphabet is entered in uppercase letters or lowercase letters. Based on the result of the determination, if the input is currently in uppercase, the uppercase accent character candidate is changed to the display of the lowercase accent character candidate. If the input is in lowercase, The lowercase accent character candidate is changed to the uppercase accent character candidate display (S58). Thereafter, the changed accent character candidates are displayed as a list on the liquid crystal display 5 (S44), and the process is continued again.
On the other hand, if it is determined that the Caps key 14 has not been pressed (S56: NO), the process returns to S46 and the process is performed again.

Here, an example of the display screen of the liquid crystal display 5 executed in the second accent input process of S14 will be described with reference to FIG. In this example, the accent character “umlaut O” is input after “G” and “R”.
As shown in FIG. 11A, in the normal text input screen 70, capital letters are set with the Caps key 14, and “G” and “R” are first input with the character input key 12. Thereafter, the accent key 21 is pressed. Then, as shown in (B), the screen shifts to the selection candidate display screen 71, and a list of accent characters associated with the parent character “A” is displayed on the liquid crystal display 5.

The user presses the accent key 21 to sequentially switch the accent character candidate list. The accent characters are switched in alphabetical order of the associated parent characters (in the order of “A” → “C” → “D” →... → “Z” → “A” →...). Then, when the accent character candidate associated with the parent character “O” is displayed, the operation of the accent key 21 is stopped, and then the cursor key 17 is operated to change the displayed accent character list to “umlaut O”. Move the cursor 16 and press the enter key 19. As a result, as shown in (C), the display returns to the normal text input screen 70, and the accent character “umlaut O” is input after “G” and “R”.
It should be noted that when a desired accent character is selected from the accent character candidates displayed on the selection candidate display screen 71, it is also possible to select with the numeric keypad 26. “Umlaut O” can be selected by pressing “1” as shown in the accent character selection table 60.

  Further, as a method of displaying the accent character candidate associated with the base character “O” on the selection candidate display screen 71 in (B), the accent character 21 is sequentially switched by the accent key 21 as described above, and character input is performed. It is also possible to display the accent character candidate associated with the parent character “O” by pressing the key “O”.

Next, the accent input setting process executed in S16 will be described with reference to FIG. The accent input setting process is started when the function key 20 is pressed as described above and then the accent key 21 is pressed. In the first accent input process and the second accent input process in S8 and S14, This is a process of selecting the type of accent character displayed as a candidate on the selection candidate display screen 71 (see FIGS. 9 and 11). Details thereof will be described below.
First, as shown in FIG. 12, in S61, the CPU 51 determines the CapsLock state. That is, it is determined whether the current alphabet is entered in uppercase letters or lowercase letters. When the power is turned on, it is “alphabetic capital letters”, and each time the Caps key 14 is pressed, the switching is made in the order of “alphabetic capital letters” → “alphabetic small letters” → “alphabetic capital letters” →. The initial switching order for switching between uppercase and lowercase letters of the alphabet is stored in the initial switching order storage area 56A.

  Subsequently, a candidate list of accent characters is displayed on the liquid crystal display 5 (S62). At that time, the accent character candidate displayed first is the accent character associated with the parent character “A” or “a” (see FIG. 13).

In S63, the CPU 51 determines whether any of the keys (see FIG. 2) arranged on the keyboard 24 on the surface of the apparatus main body has been pressed, and waits until it is not pressed. (S63: NO).
Subsequently, when any key is pressed (S63: YES), a determination process for determining whether or not the cursor key 17 is first pressed is executed in S64. The cursor key 17 is used to move the position of the cursor 16 (see FIG. 13) displayed on the liquid crystal display 5 to the left and right.

When the cursor key 17 is operated (S64: YES), the cursor 16 moves in accordance with the operation of the cursor key 17 (S65). At that time, the user selects the accent character candidates displayed on the selection candidate display screen 71 in S24 and S44 of the first accent input process and the second accent input process from among the accent character candidates displayed in S62. From the list (see FIGS. 9 and 11), the cursor 16 can be selected by moving the cursor 16 to the desired accent character so that it will not be displayed as a candidate from the next time.
The tape printer 1 according to the first embodiment includes all accented characters used in various parts of Europe such as French, German, Italian, Spanish, etc., but is used depending on the language used by the user. There are no accent characters and rarely used accent characters. Displaying such accent characters each time complicates the operation. Therefore, the accented character can be input quickly and easily by not displaying the selected accented character.

  Subsequently, in S66, it is determined whether or not the Delete key 22 has been pressed. If the Delete key 22 is pressed (S66: YES), it is further determined in S67 whether or not the cursor 16 is positioned on the non-display mark 73 (see FIG. 14). The non-display mark 73 is added and displayed at the end of the accent character list when there is an accent character that has not been displayed in S69 described later in the currently displayed accent character candidate list. Is.

  If the cursor 16 is not positioned on the non-display mark 73 (S67: NO), that is, if the cursor 16 is positioned on the accent character, the accent character at the cursor 16 position is set to non-display and the liquid crystal is displayed. It is deleted from the display 5 (S68). Further, it is determined whether or not the non-displayed mark 73 is currently displayed on the liquid crystal display 5 by S69, and if the non-displayed mark 73 is not displayed (S69: NO), it is displayed. A non-displayed mark 73 is added to the end of the list of accent character candidates being displayed (S70). On the other hand, if the non-displayed mark 73 has already been displayed (S69: YES), the process returns to S62 without additionally displaying the non-displayed mark 73, and the accent character in the state where the accent character has been deleted is displayed. Display the list of candidates again. Here, two or more non-display marks 73 are not displayed on the liquid crystal display 5.

  If the cursor 16 is positioned on the non-display mark 73 (S67: YES), among the accent character candidates associated with the same parent character currently displayed, the accent character that is not displayed in S68. Are all restored (S71). Based on the restored state, a list of accent character candidates is displayed again (S62).

  On the other hand, when it is determined that the Delete key 22 has not been pressed (S66: NO), the CPU 51 determines whether or not the accent key 21 has been pressed (S72). If it is determined that the accent key 21 has been pressed (S72: YES), the accent character candidate currently displayed on the liquid crystal display 5 is changed (S73). Specifically, every time the accent key 21 is pressed, the alphabetical order of the mother character (“A” → “C” → “D” →... → “Z” → “A” →... The list of accent character candidates displayed in the same way for lowercase letters is switched (see FIG. 13). Then, the changed accent character candidates are displayed as a list on the liquid crystal display 5 (S62), and the process is continued again.

  If it is determined that the accent key 21 has not been pressed (S72: NO), the CPU 51 uses the base characters (“A”, “C”, “D”, “E”, “I”, “I”). It is determined whether or not the character input key 12 (14 types of “L”, “N”, “O”, “R”, “S”, “T”, “U”, “Y”, “Z”) has been pressed. (S74). If it is determined that the character input key 12 for the mother character has been pressed (S74: YES), the accent character candidate currently displayed on the liquid crystal display 5 is changed (S73). Specifically, the display is switched to a list of accent character candidates associated with the pressed parent character. For example, when the character input key “N” is pressed, the accent characters “Axantegu N”, “Caron N”, and “Chilled N” associated with the parent character “N” are displayed. Then, the changed accent character candidates are displayed as a list on the liquid crystal display 5 (S62), and the process is continued again.

  Further, when it is determined that the mother character input key 12 is not pressed (S74: NO), it is determined whether the Caps key 14 is pressed (S75). When the Caps key 14 is pressed (S75: YES), the CPU 51 determines the current CapsLock state (S76). That is, it is determined whether the current alphabet is entered in uppercase letters or lowercase letters. Based on the result of the determination, if the input is currently in uppercase, the uppercase accent character candidate is changed to the display of the lowercase accent character candidate. If the input is in lowercase, The lowercase accent character candidate is changed to the uppercase accent character candidate display (S77). Thereafter, the changed accent character candidates are displayed as a list on the liquid crystal display 5 (S62), and the process is continued again.

  On the other hand, if it is determined that the Caps key 14 is not pressed (S75: NO), it is determined whether the enter key 19 is pressed (S78). If it is determined that the enter key 19 has been pressed (S78: YES), the accent input setting process is terminated and the process returns to the main flowchart. If it is determined that the enter key 19 has not been pressed (S78: NO), the process returns to S64 and the process is performed again.

  As described above, in the accent input setting process according to the first embodiment, an accent character is excluded from the accent characters excluding the specific accent character without causing the liquid crystal display 5 to display a specific accent character that does not need to be displayed for the user. Can be selected. Therefore, it is possible to input accent characters quickly and easily. Furthermore, since the accent characters once hidden can be restored again and displayed as accent character candidates, even when using the text input device in various languages, it is displayed or hidden for each language. It is possible to change the accent character.

  Here, an example of the display screen of the liquid crystal display 5 executed in the accent input setting process of S16 will be described based on FIG. 13 and FIG. FIG. 13 shows an example in which accent character candidates are not displayed. In this example, “hat U” is not displayed from the accent character candidates associated with the parent character “U”.

As shown in FIG. 13A, when the function key 20 is first depressed and then the accent key 21 is depressed, a list of accent characters associated with the parent character “A” is displayed on the selection candidate display screen 71. It is displayed on the liquid crystal display 5.
Thereafter, the user presses the accent key 21 to sequentially switch the accent character candidate list. The accent characters are switched in alphabetical order of the associated parent characters (in the order of “A” → “C” → “D” →... → “Z” → “A” →...). Then, when the accent character candidate associated with the parent character “U” is displayed, the operation of the accent key 21 is stopped, and then the cursor key 17 is operated. Further, as shown in (B), the cursor 16 is moved to “hat U” from the displayed list of accent characters, and the Delete key 22 is pressed. As a result, as shown in (C), “hat U” is deleted, and a non-displayed mark 73 is additionally displayed at the end of the list instead.
Further, when other accent characters are not displayed (for example, when “Axan Grove U” is not displayed in addition to “Hat U”), the cursor 16 is moved to “Axan Grove U” as described above. And press the Delete key 22. As a result, “Axan Grove U” is also deleted. However, since two or more non-display marks 73 are not displayed, the non-display marks 73 are not additionally displayed.
As a method of displaying the accent character candidate associated with the parent character “U” on the selection candidate display screen 71 in FIG. (A), the accent character 21 is sequentially switched using the accent key 21 as described above. It is also possible to display accent character candidates associated with the parent character “U” by pressing the key “U”.

  On the other hand, FIG. 14 is an example of restoring accent character candidates. In this example, “hat U” that is hidden from the candidate accent character associated with the parent character “U” is restored.

As shown in FIG. 14A, when the function key 20 is first pressed and then the accent key 21 is pressed, a list of accent characters associated with the parent character “A” is displayed on the selection candidate display screen 71. It is displayed on the liquid crystal display 5.
Thereafter, the user presses the accent key 21 to sequentially switch the accent character candidate list. The accent characters are switched in alphabetical order of the associated parent characters (in the order of “A” → “C” → “D” →... → “Z” → “A” →...). Then, when the accent character candidate associated with the parent character “U” is displayed, the operation of the accent key 21 is stopped, and then the cursor key 17 is operated. Further, as shown in (B), the cursor 16 is set to “Hide mark 73” from the displayed list of accent characters and the Delete key 22 is pressed. As a result, as shown in (C), the “hat U” that has been hidden is restored, and the mark 73 with no display is deleted.
Similarly, on the selection candidate display screen 71 of (A), as a method of displaying the accent character candidates associated with the parent character “U”, the accent characters 21 are sequentially switched and the character input key is used. It is also possible to display accent character candidates associated with the base character “U” by pressing “U”.

  As described above, in the tape printer 1 according to the first embodiment, when an accent character is input, it is displayed on the liquid crystal display 5 (S24, S44). Of the accent characters, a specific accent character is not displayed as a candidate. It is possible to set so as to (S68). Therefore, it is possible to quickly and easily input accent characters by excluding accent characters that are not normally used by the user from the candidates and narrowing the options for selecting accent characters from the candidates. Moreover, since the accent characters once hidden can be restored again and displayed as accent character candidates (S71), even when the text input device is used in various languages, it is displayed or hidden for each language. It is possible to change the accent character to be displayed.

Further, the accent character can be displayed by continuously pressing and holding the character input key 12 of the mother character to display a list of accent characters associated with the character input key 12 (S24). Therefore, it is possible to quickly display a desired type of accent character. If the accent character associated with the character input key that has been continuously pressed is unique (S22: YES), the unique accent character is automatically selected (S23) and input. There is no need to do so, and accent characters can be input more quickly and easily.
In addition, on the selection candidate display screen 71, since a plurality of accent characters are displayed in a list on the liquid crystal display 5, a desired accent character can be easily selected. Furthermore, by pressing the Caps key 14, it is possible to easily switch between uppercase and lowercase letters of accented characters displayed as candidates. Therefore, even when the accent letters are displayed in the wrong case, the correction can be easily performed.

Next, a tape printer according to a second embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. The same reference numerals as those of the tape printer 1 according to the first embodiment denote the same or corresponding parts as those of the tape printer 1 according to the first embodiment.
The overall configuration of the tape printer according to the second embodiment and the configuration of the control system are substantially the same as those of the tape printer 1 according to the first embodiment. The control process of the tape printer according to the second embodiment is substantially the same as the control process of the tape printer 1 according to the first embodiment.
However, the second accent input process is different from that of the first embodiment as described later.

First, the second accent input process of the tape printer according to the second embodiment will be described with reference to FIG.
Here, the second accent input process of the tape printer according to the second embodiment is performed in a state in which characters are input in S6 of the control process of the main flowchart of FIG. 7 and a sentence is already displayed on the liquid crystal display 5. , S12 is different from the second accent input process according to the first embodiment in that the cursor 16 is set to the alphabet of the mother character and the accent key 21 is further pressed (S13: YES). Then, the alphabet of the parent character on which the cursor 16 is placed is changed to an accent character associated with the parent character.

As shown in FIG. 15, first, in S81, the CPU 51 determines that the alphabet on which the cursor 16 is placed in S12 is a parent character (“A”, “C”, “D”, “E”, “I”, “L”). , “N”, “O”, “R”, “S”, “T”, “U”, “Y”, “Z”, 14 types of capital letters, “a”, “c”, “d”, “ e ”,“ i ”,“ l ”,“ n ”,“ o ”,“ r ”,“ s ”,“ t ”,“ u ”,“ y ”,“ z ”in 14 small letters) Is judged. If it is not a parent character (S81: NO), the accent character candidates are not displayed and the process returns to the main flowchart.
On the other hand, if it is a mother character (S81: YES), then the CapsLock state is determined. That is, it is determined whether the current alphabet is entered in uppercase or lowercase (S82). When the power is turned on, it is “alphabetic capital letters”, and each time the Caps key 14 is pressed, the switching is made in the order of “alphabetic capital letters” → “alphabetic small letters” → “alphabetic capital letters” →. The initial switching order for switching between uppercase and lowercase letters of the alphabet is stored in the initial switching order storage area 56A.

Next, it is determined whether or not the number of accent character candidates associated with the parent character at the position of the cursor 16 is single (S83). As shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, the accent character is associated with each alphabet of the mother character. Among these, the only candidate for the ascent character associated with “Y” is “Accenteg Y”. Therefore, when the accent key is pressed while the cursor key 16 is on “Y”, the number of accent character candidates is single.
In addition, when the accent input setting process hides all but one accent character candidate associated with the parent character at the position of the cursor 16, the number of accent character candidates associated with the parent character Is determined to be single.

  If it is determined in S82 that there is a single accent character candidate (S83: YES), the single candidate accent character is automatically selected without being displayed in order. (S84), input immediately and displayed on the liquid crystal display (S89).

  On the other hand, if it is determined that there is no single accent character candidate (S83: NO), among the accent character candidates associated with the parent character of the pressed character input key 12, the accent character selection table 60, One character of the leftmost accent character 61 (see FIGS. 5 and 6) is displayed on the liquid crystal display 5 (S85).

  In S86, the CPU 51 determines whether any of the keys (see FIG. 2) arranged on the keyboard 24 on the surface of the apparatus main body has been pressed. If no key is pressed (S86: NO), that is, if it is desired to input the currently displayed accent character, the character is input (S90) and determined.

  On the other hand, if any key is pressed (S86: YES), the CPU 51 determines whether the accent key 21 is pressed (S87). If it is determined that the accent key 21 has been pressed (S87: YES), the accent character candidate currently displayed on the liquid crystal display 5 is changed (S88). Specifically, every time the accent key 21 is pressed, the accent characters displayed in order from the left to the right in the accent character selection tables 60 and 61 are changed (for example, in the case of the accent character associated with the parent character “O”). “Lamlaut O” → “Axanteg O” → “Axan Grove O” →... “Ligger O” → “Lamlaut O” →.

In S89, it is determined again whether any of the keys (see FIG. 2) has been pressed. If none of the keys are pressed (S89: NO), that is, if it is desired to input the currently displayed accent character, the character is input (S90) and determined.
On the other hand, if any key is pressed (S89: YES), that is, if it is desired to change the currently displayed accent character candidate, the process returns to S87 and the accent character displayed by each key operation is changed. Change the candidate.

  When it is determined that the accent key 21 has not been pressed (S87: NO), the CPU 51 uses the base characters (“A”, “C”, “D”, “E”, “I”, “I”). It is determined whether or not the character input key 12 (14 types of “L”, “N”, “O”, “R”, “S”, “T”, “U”, “Y”, “Z”) has been pressed. (S91). If it is determined that the character input key 12 for the mother character has been pressed (S91: YES), the accent character candidate currently displayed on the liquid crystal display 5 is changed (S92). Specifically, among the accent character candidates associated with the pressed parent character, one character of the accent character (see FIGS. 5 and 6) located on the leftmost in the accent character selection tables 60 and 61 is displayed on the liquid crystal display. 5 is displayed. For example, when the character input key “N” is pressed, the accent character “AXANTEGU N” is displayed. In S89, it is determined whether or not a key input has been performed, and the processing is continued thereafter.

  Further, when it is determined that the mother character input key 12 is not pressed (S91: NO), it is determined whether the Caps key 14 is pressed (S93). When the Caps key 14 is pressed (S93: YES), the CPU 51 determines the current CapsLock state (S94). That is, it is determined whether the current alphabet is entered in uppercase letters or lowercase letters. Based on the result of the determination, if the input is currently in uppercase, the uppercase accent character candidate is changed to the display of the lowercase accent character candidate. If the input is in lowercase, The lowercase accent character candidate is changed to the uppercase accent character candidate display (S95). Thereafter, in S89, it is determined whether or not a key input has been performed. Thereafter, the processing is continued.

  On the other hand, if it is determined that the Caps key 14 has not been pressed (S93: NO), the process returns to S87 and the process is performed again.

As described above, in the second accent input process according to the second embodiment, once a normal alphabet text is input, the cursor 16 is moved after the text input is completed, and the parent character at the cursor position is changed to an accent character. Thus, it is possible to input accent characters together in the sentence (S90). Accordingly, the efficiency of inputting accent characters is improved, and the input operation is facilitated. Even when an accent character is entered incorrectly, it is possible to change the accent character to another accent character without deleting the accent character that has been entered incorrectly (S88, S92, S95).
Further, when the accent character associated with the character set to the cursor 16 is unique (S83: YES), the unique accent character is automatically selected (S84) and input is performed. There is no need to do so, and accent characters can be input more quickly and easily.

Here, an example of the display screen of the liquid crystal display 5 executed in the second accent input process according to the second embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 16 and 17. In this example, “GROSSSE” “O” is changed to the accent character “umlaut O”.
As shown in FIG. 16A, in the normal text input screen 70, the caps key 14 is used to set the capital letter input state. First, “G”, “R”, “O”, “S”, “S”, “E” is input with the character input key 12.
After that, as shown in FIG. 16B, the cursor key 17 is operated, and the cursor 16 is moved so that the cursor 16 is positioned at the position “O” in the inputted “GROSSSE”.

In this state, the accent key 21 is pressed. Then, as shown in (C), the alphabet character “O” at which the cursor 16 is positioned is located on the leftmost side of the accent character selection tables 60 and 61 among the accent characters associated with the parent character “O”. The accent character is changed to “ramlaut O”.
Thereafter, the cursor key 17 is operated, the cursor 16 is moved to an arbitrary place, and the text input is continued.

As shown in FIG. 17, the accent character that is changed from the parent character when the accent key is pressed on the screen (C) is the leftmost of the accent character selection tables 60 and 61 every time the accent key 21 is pressed. Switches from the accented character to the right sequentially. For example, when the accent key 21 is pressed in accordance with the mother character “O”, “Lamlaut O” → “Axantegu O” → “Axan Grove O” → ・ ・ ・ “Ligchar O” → “Lamlaut O” → ・・ Change in order.
In addition, when selecting an accent character, when the character input key 12 for the mother character is pressed, the accent character candidate associated with the parent character is switched. Further, when the Caps key 14 is pressed, the uppercase and lowercase letters of the accent character are switched.

As described above, in the tape printer 1 according to the second embodiment, it is possible to once input a normal alphabet sentence, and after completing the sentence input, collectively input accent characters in the sentence ( S90). Accordingly, the efficiency of inputting accent characters is improved, and the input operation is facilitated. Even when an accent character is entered incorrectly, it is possible to change the accent character to another accent character without deleting the accent character that has been entered incorrectly (S88, S92, S95).
Further, when the accent character associated with the character set to the cursor 16 is unique (S83: YES), the unique accent character is automatically selected (S84) and input is performed. There is no need to do so, and accent characters can be input more quickly and easily.
In addition, since the accent character candidate is displayed, one accent character is displayed and another accent character is sequentially switched (S88, S92, S95), so that the desired accent character can be easily selected. is there. Therefore, it is possible to input accent characters quickly and easily.

Next, a tape printer according to a third embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. The same reference numerals as those of the tape printer 1 according to the first embodiment denote the same or corresponding parts as those of the tape printer 1 according to the first embodiment.
The overall configuration of the tape printer according to the third embodiment and the configuration of the control system are substantially the same as those of the tape printer 1 according to the first embodiment. The control process of the tape printer according to the third embodiment is substantially the same as the control process of the tape printer 1 according to the first embodiment.
However, the accent input setting process is different from that of the first embodiment as described later.

First, the accent input setting process of the tape printer according to the third embodiment will be described with reference to FIG.
Similar to the accent input setting process according to the first embodiment, the accent input setting process according to the third embodiment is started when the function key 20 is pressed and subsequently the accent key 21 is pressed. In the accent input process and the second accent input process, the type of accent character displayed as an input candidate is selected.
However, unlike the accent input process according to the first embodiment, the non-display mark 73 (see FIG. 13) is not displayed in the accent input process according to the third embodiment. In addition, the restoration of the non-displayed accent characters is not performed for each parent character, but is performed uniformly for all the mother characters by initializing the memory by cold start (S2 in FIG. 7). The details will be described below.

  First, as shown in FIG. 18, in S101, the CPU 51 determines the state of CapsLock. That is, it is determined whether the current alphabet is entered in uppercase letters or lowercase letters. When the power is turned on, it is “alphabetic capital letters”, and each time the Caps key 14 is pressed, the switching is made in the order of “alphabetic capital letters” → “alphabetic small letters” → “alphabetic capital letters” →. The initial switching order for switching between uppercase and lowercase letters of the alphabet is stored in the initial switching order storage area 56A.

  Subsequently, a candidate list of accent characters is displayed on the liquid crystal display 5 (S102). At that time, the accent character candidate displayed first is the accent character associated with the parent character “A” or “a” (see FIG. 19).

In S103, the CPU 51 determines whether any of the keys (see FIG. 2) arranged on the keyboard 24 on the surface of the apparatus main body has been pressed, and waits until it is pressed. (S103: NO).
Subsequently, when any key is pressed (S103: YES), in S104, first, determination processing for determining whether or not the cursor key 17 is pressed is executed. The cursor key 17 is used to move the position of the cursor 16 (see FIG. 19) displayed on the liquid crystal display 5 to the left and right.

When the cursor key 17 is operated (S104: YES), the cursor 16 moves in accordance with the operation of the cursor key 17 (S105). At that time, the user selects a list of accent character candidates displayed on the selection candidate display screen 71 in the first accent input process and the second accent input process from among the accent character candidates displayed in S102 (FIG. 9). From FIG. 11, the cursor 16 can be moved to the desired accent character so as not to be displayed as a candidate next time.
The tape printer 1 according to the first embodiment includes all accented characters used in various parts of Europe such as French, German, Italian, Spanish, etc., but is used depending on the language used by the user. There are no accent characters and rarely used accent characters. Displaying such accent characters each time complicates the operation. Therefore, the accented character can be input quickly and easily by not displaying the selected accented character.

  Subsequently, in S106, it is determined whether or not the Delete key 22 has been pressed. When the Delete key 22 is pressed (S106: YES), the accent character at the cursor 16 position is set to non-display and deleted from the liquid crystal display 5 (S107).

  On the other hand, when it is determined that the Delete key 22 has not been pressed (S106: NO), the CPU 51 determines whether or not the accent key 21 has been pressed (S108). If it is determined that the accent key 21 has been pressed (S108: YES), the accent character candidate currently displayed on the liquid crystal display 5 is changed (S109). Specifically, every time the accent key 21 is pressed, the alphabetical order of the mother character (“A” → “C” → “D” →... → “Z” → “A” →... The list of accent character candidates displayed in the same way for lowercase letters is switched (see FIG. 19). Then, the changed accent character candidates are displayed as a list on the liquid crystal display 5 (S102), and the process is continued again.

  If it is determined that the accent key 21 has not been pressed (S108: NO), the CPU 51 uses the base characters (“A”, “C”, “D”, “E”, “I”, “I”). It is determined whether or not the character input key 12 (14 types of “L”, “N”, “O”, “R”, “S”, “T”, “U”, “Y”, “Z”) has been pressed. (S110). If it is determined that the character input key 12 for the mother character has been pressed (S110: YES), the accent character candidate currently displayed on the liquid crystal display 5 is changed (S109). Specifically, the display is switched to a list of accent character candidates associated with the pressed parent character. For example, when the character input key “N” is pressed, the accent characters “Axantegu N”, “Caron N”, and “Chilled N” are displayed. Then, the changed accent character candidates are displayed as a list on the liquid crystal display 5 (S102), and the process is continued again.

  Further, when it is determined that the mother character input key 12 is not pressed (S110: NO), it is determined whether the Caps key 14 is pressed (S111). When the Caps key 14 is pressed (S111: YES), the CPU 51 determines the current CapsLock state (S112). That is, it is determined whether the current alphabet is entered in uppercase letters or lowercase letters. Based on the result of the determination, if the input is currently in uppercase, the uppercase accent character candidate is changed to the display of the lowercase accent character candidate. If the input is in lowercase, The lowercase accent character candidate is changed to the uppercase accent character candidate display (S113). Thereafter, the changed accent character candidates are displayed as a list on the liquid crystal display 5 (S102), and the process is continued again.

  On the other hand, if it is determined that the Caps key 14 is not pressed (S111: NO), it is determined whether the enter key 19 is pressed (S114). If it is determined that the enter key 19 is pressed (S114: YES), the accent input setting process is terminated and the process returns to the main flowchart. If it is determined that the enter key 19 has not been pressed (S114: NO), the process returns to S104 and the process is performed again.

Here, an example of the display screen of the liquid crystal display 5 executed in the accent input setting process according to the third embodiment will be described with reference to FIG.
In this example, “hat U” is not displayed from the accent character candidates associated with the parent character “U”.

As shown in FIG. 19A, when the function key 20 is first depressed and then the accent key 21 is depressed, a list of accent characters associated with the parent character “A” is displayed on the selection candidate display screen 71 by liquid crystal. It is displayed on the display 5.
Thereafter, the user presses the accent key 21 to sequentially switch the accent character candidate list. The accent characters are switched in alphabetical order of the associated parent characters (in the order of “A” → “C” → “D” →... → “Z” → “A” →...). Then, when the accent character candidate associated with the parent character “U” is displayed, the operation of the accent key 21 is stopped, and then the cursor key 17 is operated to display the displayed accent character as shown in FIG. The cursor 16 is set to “Hat U” from the list. Then, the Delete key 22 is pressed. As a result, “hat U” is deleted as shown in FIG.
Further, when other accent characters are not displayed (for example, when “Axan Grove U” is not displayed in addition to “Hat U”), the cursor 16 is moved to “Axan Grove U” as described above. And press the Delete key 22. As a result, “Axan Grove U” is also deleted. However, since two or more non-display marks 73 are not displayed, the non-display marks 73 are not additionally displayed.
As a method of displaying the accent character candidate associated with the parent character “U” on the selection candidate display screen 71 in FIG. (A), the accent character 21 is sequentially switched using the accent key 21 as described above. It is also possible to display accent character candidates associated with the parent character “U” by pressing the key “U”.

  Further, as a method of restoring the hidden accent character candidates, a cold start is performed (S2 in FIG. 7). The cold start is performed when the power is first turned on and when the power button 18 is pressed for a long time. When a cold start is performed, the memory is initialized, and the accent characters associated with all the parent characters that have been hidden are uniformly restored.

  As described above, in the tape printer according to the third embodiment, in the accent input setting process, settings are made so that specific accent characters that do not require display for the user are not displayed as candidates on the liquid crystal display 5 (S107). ) By narrowing the choices for selecting an accent character from candidates, it is possible to input the accent character quickly and easily. Furthermore, since the accent character that has been hidden once by cold start can be restored again and displayed as an accent character candidate, even when using the text input device in various languages, it is displayed or hidden for each language. It is possible to change the accent character to be displayed.

In addition, this invention is not limited to the said 1st Embodiment thru | or 3rd Embodiment, Of course, various improvement and deformation | transformation are possible within the range which does not deviate from the summary of this invention.
For example, in the first accent input process and the second accent input process according to the first embodiment, the accent character candidates associated with the long-pressed character input key 12 are displayed in a list and selected with the cursor 16. First, only one character of the leftmost accent character in the accent character selection tables 60 and 61 may be displayed, and each time the accent key 21 is pressed, the character is sequentially switched to the right character. .

  In the second accent input process according to the third embodiment, only the accent character located at the leftmost position of the accent character selection tables 60 and 61 among the accent characters associated with the parent character to which the cursor 16 is placed is initially set. Each time the accent key 21 is pressed, the character is sequentially switched to the right character. The accent character candidates associated with the parent character to which the cursor 16 is placed are displayed in a list and selected with the cursor 16. You may do it.

1 is a schematic external perspective view of a tape printer according to a first embodiment. It is a front view showing a tape printer concerning a 1st embodiment. It is a back side perspective view which shows the state which removed the back cover with which the tape printer which concerns on 1st Embodiment was mounted | worn, and mounted | worn with the tape cassette. It is a block diagram which shows the control structure of the tape printer which concerns on 1st Embodiment. It is a figure which shows an example of the accent character selection table stored in the accent character storage area of the tape printer which concerns on 1st Embodiment. It is a figure which shows an example of the accent character selection table stored in the accent character storage area of the tape printer which concerns on 1st Embodiment. It is a flowchart of the main system control program of the tape printer which concerns on 1st Embodiment. It is a flowchart of the 1st accent input processing program of the tape printer which concerns on 1st Embodiment. It is explanatory drawing which showed an example of the display screen of the liquid crystal display performed in the 1st accent input processing program of the tape printer which concerns on 1st Embodiment. It is a flowchart of the 2nd accent input processing program of the tape printer which concerns on 1st Embodiment. It is explanatory drawing which showed an example of the display screen of the liquid crystal display performed in the 2nd accent input processing program of the tape printer which concerns on 1st Embodiment. It is a flowchart of the accent input setting process program of the tape printer which concerns on 1st Embodiment. It is explanatory drawing which showed an example of the display screen of the liquid crystal display which does not display the accent character performed in the accent input setting process program of the tape printer which concerns on 1st Embodiment. It is explanatory drawing which showed an example of the display screen of the liquid crystal display which returns the accent character performed in the accent input setting processing program of the tape printer which concerns on 1st Embodiment. It is a flowchart of the 2nd accent input processing program of the tape printer which concerns on 2nd Embodiment. It is explanatory drawing which showed an example of the display screen of the liquid crystal display performed in the 2nd accent input processing program of the tape printer which concerns on 2nd Embodiment. It is explanatory drawing which showed an example of the display screen of the liquid crystal display performed in the 2nd accent input processing program of the tape printer which concerns on 2nd Embodiment. It is a flowchart of the accent input setting process program of the tape printer which concerns on 3rd Embodiment. It is explanatory drawing which showed an example of the display screen of the liquid crystal display performed in the accent input setting process program of the tape printer which concerns on 3rd Embodiment.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Tape printer 2 Main body 5 Liquid crystal display 11 Tape cassette 12 Character input key 14 Caps key 16 Cursor 17 Cursor key 19 Enter key 20 Function key 21 Accent key 22 Delete key 26 Numeric keypad 27 Alphabetic key 29 Circuit board 31 Thermal head 49 Main body cover Unit 50 Control circuit 51 CPU
55, 56 ROM
57 RAM
60, 61 Accent character selection table 70 Sentence input screen 71 Selection candidate display screen

Claims (15)

Character keys for inputting characters, a display screen for displaying the input characters, accent character display means for displaying an accent character having an accent code on the display screen, and an accent character displayed by the accent character display means In a character input device having a selection means for selecting an arbitrary accent character,
A character input device comprising: a display selection means for not displaying a specific accent character among the accent characters displayed by the accent character display means. The character input device according to claim 1, further comprising a display return unit that displays the accented character that has been hidden by the display selection unit. Character keys for inputting characters, a display screen for displaying the input characters, accent character display means for displaying an accent character having an accent code on the display screen, and an accent character displayed by the accent character display means In a character input device having a selection means for selecting an arbitrary accent character,
When the accent character displayed by the accent character display means is unique, the selection means selects the unique accent character. 3. The accent character display unit displays the accent character associated with the pressed character key on the display screen by continuously pressing the character key. The character input device described in 1. Character keys for inputting characters, a display screen for displaying the input characters, accent character display means for displaying an accent character having an accent code on the display screen, and an accent character displayed by the accent character display means In a character input device having a selection means for selecting an arbitrary accent character,
The accent character display means displays the accent character associated with the pressed character key on the display screen by continuously pressing the character key. 6. The character according to claim 4, wherein when the accent character associated with the continuously pressed character key is unique, the selection means selects the unique accent character. Input device. First determination means for determining whether there is an accent character associated with the continuously pressed character key;
When it is determined by the first determination means that there is an accent character, the accent character associated with the pressed character key is displayed on the display screen by the accent character display means,
The character input device according to any one of claims 4 to 6, wherein when it is determined that there is no accent character, the character of the pressed character key is displayed on a display screen. Accent keys,
Character selection means for selecting one character among character strings input by the character key and displayed in the display screen,
The character according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the accent character display means displays an accent character associated with the character selected by the character selection means by pressing the accent key. Input device. Character keys for inputting characters, a display screen for displaying the input characters, accent character display means for displaying an accent character having an accent code on the display screen, and an accent character displayed by the accent character display means In a character input device having a selection means for selecting an arbitrary accent character,
Accent keys,
Character selection means for selecting one character among character strings input by the character key and displayed in the display screen,
The character input device, wherein the accent character display means displays an accent character associated with the character selected by the character selection means by pressing the accent key. 10. The character according to claim 8, wherein when the accent character associated with the character selected by the character selection unit is unique, the selection unit selects the unique accent character. Input device. Second determining means for determining whether there is an accent character associated with the character selected by the character selecting means;
When it is determined by the second determination means that there is an accent character, the accent character display means displays an accent character associated with the character selected by the selection means on the display screen,
11. The character input device according to claim 8, wherein when it is determined that there is no accent character, the character selected by the selection means is displayed on a display screen. The character input device according to claim 1, wherein the accent character display unit displays a plurality of accent characters in a list on the display screen. The character input device according to any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein the accent character display means displays one accent character and sequentially switches and displays another accent character. Has a switching key to switch between uppercase and lowercase letters,
The character input device according to any one of claims 1 to 13, wherein the accent character display means displays an accent character by switching between uppercase and lowercase letters each time the switch key is pressed. . A tape cassette accommodated in the apparatus main body, a character input device incorporated in the apparatus main body, a printing means for printing characters input by the character input apparatus on a long tape accommodated in the tape cassette, In the tape printer with
The tape printer according to claim 1, wherein the character input device is the character input device according to claim 1.

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