JP2006098874A - Method and device for character information processing, program, and storage medium - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a method and a device for character information processing, a program, and a storage medium that make it possible to know the meaning of braille points when the braille points are inputted by dot impression specification on a view basis and can generate a braille label by grasping the meaning of the braille points without requiring reinput even if the braille points are inputted upside down. <P>SOLUTION: The braille points are inputted by specifying impression points and an image of the inputted braille points and a black letter corresponding thereto are displayed on a display screen. When a rotation indication for rotating the braille points by 180° is inputted, the braille points are rotated by 180° and the black letter corresponding to the braille points having been rotated by 180° is displayed on the display screen. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2006,JPO&NCIPI

Description

  The present invention relates to a character information processing method, a character information processing apparatus, a program, and a storage medium that perform ink character printing and Braille embossing on a common processing sheet.

Conventionally, Braille that can be recognized by a visually impaired person and ink characters that can be viewed by a sighted person who does not have visual impairments (in contrast to Braille, refer to normal print characters) are applied to the same processing sheet (tape). Processing sheets (braille labels) that are arranged side by side (or stacked) and can be recognized by both visually impaired and sighted people are known (for example, see Patent Document 1). There is also known a character information processing apparatus that can execute ink-printing and braille printing in parallel to create a processing sheet in which they are arranged (see, for example, Patent Document 2).
JP-A-10-275206 JP 2001-88358 A

  By the way, for example, when creating a Braille label with the same contents as Braille corresponding to “Sasuke” written (formed) on a sake can, for the sighted person who can read the Braille as “Sasuke”, the character string “ It is easier to create a braille label corresponding to that by entering “Osasuke”, but if you want to create a braille label that looks exactly like you see, even if you cannot read the braille, It is more convenient to be able to specify and input the point to be engraved: the engraving point.

  However, if you specify the stamped point in the image while looking at the braille, the upper and lower sides of the original braille need only be clear, for example, on the side of the liquor can. When it is on the bottom or on the bottom (usually on the top of the mouth), it is created while looking upside down (turned 180 °), and it is placed upside down, for example, on the side so that it has a different meaning. May be a label.

  The present invention can know the meaning of the braille when inputting by specifying the marking point while looking at the braille, and even if it is input upside down, it can grasp the meaning of the braille without re-input It is an object of the present invention to provide a character information processing method, a character information processing apparatus, a program, and a storage medium that can create a braille label.

  The character information processing method of the present invention is a character information processing method for inputting a braille by designating an inscription point and displaying an image of the inputted braille and a corresponding ink character on a display screen. When a rotation instruction to rotate the image is rotated 180 degrees, the braille is rotated 180 degrees, and ink characters corresponding to the rotated braille are displayed on the display screen.

  Further, the character information processing apparatus of the present invention includes a point designation input means for designating a marking point and inputting Braille, and a character display for displaying an image of the inputted Braille and a corresponding ink character on a display screen. Means, a rotation instruction input means for inputting a rotation instruction for rotating the Braille by 180 degrees, and a Braille rotation means for rotating the Braille by 180 degrees when the rotation instruction is input. The means is characterized in that when the rotation instruction is input, ink characters corresponding to the braille after rotation are displayed on the display screen.

  In this character information processing method and character information processing apparatus, braille can be input by designating a marking point. Therefore, even if the meaning of braille is not understood, it is possible to input braille, and the input braille image and the corresponding ink. Since the characters are displayed on the display screen, you can know the meaning of the braille characters, and even if you input the braille characters upside down, you can feel the sense of incongruity from the display of the ink characters. In response to the input of a rotation instruction to rotate the braille by 180 degrees, the braille is rotated and the corresponding ink character is displayed, so that it is not necessary to input again from the beginning of the braille (180 ° rotation state). You can input braille by converting to, and you can understand the meaning of braille after rotation.

  In the character information processing method described above, when the braille is composed of a plurality of squares, it is preferable that the plurality of squares are rotated as a unit in the 180-degree rotation.

  In this character information processing method, when the braille is composed of a plurality of squares, the entire plurality of squares are rotated by rotating 180 degrees. Therefore, when one character of braille is composed of a plurality of squares, braille corresponding to a character string is used. Can be rotated in a lump and displayed accurately.

  Each of the character information processing methods described above preferably includes a stamping step of stamping the braille on the processing sheet.

  In this character information processing method, a braille label or the like can be created by imprinting the input braille on a processing sheet, and thus can be applied as a character information processing method of a label creating apparatus.

  In the character information processing method described above, the processing sheet is preferably a tape.

  In this character information processing method, since the processing sheet is a tape, it can be applied as a tape processing device as a character information processing device capable of engraving Braille.

  In addition, in each of the character information processing methods described above, each time the marking point editing by the marking point input or the marking point deletion is performed for each marking point, the corresponding Braille image and the ink character are set as the editing process. It is preferable to display.

  In this character information processing method, each time a marking point is entered by marking point entry or marking point deletion, the corresponding braille image and ink characters are displayed as the editing progress. As you can see the editing results quickly, you can easily edit the braille specified by the inscription point, and you can also quickly understand the ink characters corresponding to the Braille editing result, The operability of editing can be further improved. Even if there is no specific target Braille, you can display various Braille characters and the corresponding ink characters by specifying the marking point, so you can study Braille by repeating this kind of operation. it can.

  In each of the character information processing methods described above, it is preferable that the rotation is performed 180 degrees each time the rotation instruction is input, and the corresponding ink characters are displayed.

  In this character information processing method, every time a rotation instruction is input, the image is rotated 180 degrees and changed to the corresponding ink character. It can be easily returned by input.

  Further, in each of the character information processing methods described above, the pre-rotation ink character that is the ink character corresponding to the Braille character, and the post-rotation ink character that is the ink character corresponding to the Braille character when it is assumed that the 180 degree rotation is performed. Are displayed together with the braille image on the display screen, and when the rotation instruction is input, the rotated ink character and the rotated ink character are exchanged in accordance with the rotation of 180 degrees. Are preferably displayed.

  In this character information processing method, a pre-rotation ink character and a post-rotation ink character that is assumed to have been rotated 180 degrees are displayed side by side on the display screen, and after rotation in accordance with a 180-degree rotation by inputting a rotation instruction. Since the ink character and the ink character after rotation are exchanged and displayed, it is possible to simultaneously confirm the ink character when the braille is not rotated and the ink character when the braille is rotated. For this reason, since it is possible to determine whether or not to input a rotation instruction after inputting Braille until one of the character strings is significant (a meaning can be understood), operability is improved.

  In each of the character information processing methods described above, when there is no ink character corresponding to the Braille, it is preferable to display that instead.

  In this character information processing method, when there is no ink character corresponding to Braille, that fact is displayed instead, so that the user can immediately grasp that fact (that is, no corresponding ink character exists). In this case, the message to that effect may be displayed as a message to that effect, or a symbol indicating that may be displayed. In addition, the symbol in this case may be a braille rotation symbol or other symbol indicating a braille image after rotation, or may be indicated by other simple figures or pictograms, or the rotated ink character in the symbol. It may be a symbol that is incorporated into and symbolized.

  A program according to the present invention is characterized in that any one of the above-described character information processing methods can be executed or the above-described character information processing apparatus is caused to function. The storage medium of the present invention stores the above-described program so as to be readable by a program-processable device.

  This program can execute any one of the character information processing methods described above, or the function of the character information processing device, so that it can be processed by a program-processable device or can be program-processed. By reading and executing the program stored in the storage medium by the device, you can know the meaning of the braille when entering it by specifying the marking point while looking at the braille. However, it is possible to grasp the meaning of the braille without re-input, and to create a braille label.

  Hereinafter, a label producing apparatus (character information processing apparatus) according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

  As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the label producing apparatus 1 has an outer case formed by an apparatus case 2 having a hand-held portion 13, and the apparatus case 2 is formed by integrally forming a front case 2a and a rear case 2b. Yes. The front case 2 a has an ink character printing unit 120 and performs ink character printing on a tape (processing sheet) T fed out from the tape cartridge C. In addition, the rear case 2b has a Braille stamping unit 150, and performs Braille stamping on the tape T after ink-character printing on which the user manually inserts the tape T.

  A keyboard 3 having various input keys is disposed on the front upper surface of the front case 2a, an opening / closing lid 21 is attached to the rear upper surface, and a rectangular display 4 is disposed on the opening / closing lid 21. . Further, a cartridge mounting portion 6 (ink-printing portion 120) for mounting the tape cartridge C is recessed in the left inner portion of the opening / closing lid 21, and the tape cartridge C is pressed by pressing the lid opening button 14. With the opening / closing lid 21 opened, it is detachably mounted on the cartridge mounting portion 6. In addition, the open / close lid 21 is formed with a viewing window 21a for visually confirming whether the tape cartridge C is mounted / not mounted in the closed state.

  A power supply port 11 for supplying power and a connection port (interface) 12 for connecting to an external device (not shown) such as a personal computer are formed on the right side of the front case 2a. Ink characters can be printed and Braille stamped based on character information from an external device. A printing tape discharge port 22 that communicates the cartridge mounting unit 6 with the outside is formed on the left side of the front case 2a, and the tape T fed from the ink character printing unit 120 is formed in the printing tape discharge port 22. The cutting part 140 for cutting is facing. Then, the rear end portion of the tape T is cut by the cutting unit 140, so that the tape T after ink-character printing is discharged from the printing tape discharge port 22.

  As shown in FIG. 3, the label producing apparatus 1 has a keyboard 3 and a display 4 as a basic configuration viewed from the control system, and has a man-machine interface for inputting character information and displaying various information. An operation unit 110 that controls the ink cartridge, a print head 7, and a print feed motor 121, an ink character printing unit 120 that performs ink character printing on the tape T while conveying the tape T and the ink ribbon R, and a full cutter 142 and a half cutter 144, and a full cutter motor 141 and a half cutter motor 143 for driving them, respectively, and a cutting section 140 for cutting the printed tape T.

  Also, a Braille stamping unit 150 that has a solenoid 47, a stamping pin 41, and a stamping feed motor 151 and performs Braille stamping on the tape T while transporting the tape T, and a type of the tape T (tape cartridge C). A tape identification sensor 171 that detects the leading edge of the tape T in the braille stamping portion 150, and a front / rear identification sensor 92 that detects the front and rear identification information D printed on the tape T in the braille stamping portion 150. A detection unit 170 that has a printing unit rotation speed sensor 172 that detects the rotation speed of the print feed motor 121 and a stamping unit rotation speed sensor 173 that detects the rotation speed of the stamping feed motor 151 and performs various detections; , Is further provided.

  Further, the display driver 181, the head driver 182, the print feed motor driver 183, the cutter motor driver 184, the stamp driver 185, and the stamp feed motor driver 186 are connected to the drive unit 180 that drives each unit, and each unit. And a control unit 200 that controls the entire label producing apparatus 1.

  The control unit 200 includes a CPU 210, a ROM 220, a RAM 230, and an input / output control device (hereinafter referred to as “IOC: Input Output Controller”) 250, which are connected to each other via an internal bus 260. The ROM 220 performs a control program block 221 that stores a control program for controlling various processes such as ink-character printing processing and braille embossing processing by the CPU 210, and performs character font data and braille embossing for ink-character printing. In addition to the Braille font data for this purpose, it has a control data block 222 for storing data for printing the front and rear identification information D in ink characters, control data for controlling printing of Braille data, and the like.

  The RAM 230 includes various work area blocks 231 used as flags and the like, an ink character data block 232 for storing the generated ink character data, a Braille data block 233 for storing the generated Braille data, and a display 4. A display data block 234 for storing display data for display, a layout block 235 for storing a layout of the set ink character printing area (printing arrangement part) Ep and Braille marking area (printing arrangement part) Eb, A reverse braille data block 236 for storing reverse braille data B ′ (see FIG. 9) used when the braille data is engraved in a state rotated by 180 ° according to the set layout, and the control processing Used as work area for. The RAM 230 is always backed up so that the stored data is retained even when the power is turned off.

  In the IOC 250, a logic circuit that complements the functions of the CPU 210 and handles interface signals with various peripheral circuits is configured by a gate array or a custom LSI. As a result, the IOC 250 captures input data and control data from the keyboard 3 or various sensor values of the detection unit 170 as they are or after processing them into the internal bus 260 and outputs them from the CPU 210 to the internal bus 260 in conjunction with the CPU 210. The processed data and control signals are output to the drive unit 180 as they are or after being processed.

  Then, with the above configuration, the CPU 210 inputs various signals and data from each unit in the label producing apparatus 1 via the IOC 250 according to the control program in the ROM 220, and in the RAM 230 based on the input various signals and data. By processing various data and outputting various signals and data to each part in the label producing apparatus 1 via the IOC 250, control of ink character printing processing and braille embossing processing is performed.

  For example, when character information is input from the keyboard 3, the CPU 210 generates ink character data P and Braille data B based on the character information, and adjusts the length between the two data as necessary. Inverted Braille data B ′ is prepared (see FIG. 9). In addition, ink data (including margin data) P before or after adjustment is stored in the ink character data block 232, and braille data (including margin data) B before or after adjustment is also stored in the Braille data block 233. And the inverted Braille data B ′ is stored in the inverted Braille data block 236.

  In addition, when an instruction for ink letter printing and braille embossing is acquired from the keyboard 3, driving of the print feed motor 121 is started, and the print head 7 is driven according to the detection result of the printing unit rotation speed sensor 172, thereby Ink characters are printed based on the character data P, and the front and rear identification information D of the tape T to be inserted is also printed based on the data stored in the control data block 222 in advance. Thereafter, tape feeding of a predetermined length (adjusted as necessary) is performed based on the ink character data, the tape rear end is cut by the full cutter 142, and the tape T is discharged from the printing tape discharge port 22.

  In addition, referring to FIGS. 1 to 3, the tape T cut into a strip shape is inserted into the stamping tape insertion slot 31 by manual insertion by the user (with no reset operation or power-off operation). Then, by driving the embossing unit 80 and the tape feeding mechanism 60, the Braille embossing is performed based on the Braille data B or the inverted Braille data B ′. Then, after the engraving is finished, the engraving feed motor 151 is driven to feed the tape having the adjusted predetermined length based on the Braille data B and the like, and the tape T is discharged from the embossing tape discharge port 32. It should be noted that the stamping start by the stamping unit 80 is not triggered by the detection of the leading edge of the tape by the leading edge detection sensor 91, but can be manually started by the user pressing the stamping start key on the keyboard 3. It is.

  Here, the Braille B (6 Braille B) formed on the tape T will be described with reference to FIG.

  According to the specifications of one character (1 cell) and between characters (between cells) (hereinafter “private specification”) commonly used in Braille devices and Braille typewriters, as shown in the figure, 6 Braille B is , One square 201 is composed of 6 points of 3 vertical x 2 horizontal (indentation points: 6 points called “1 point” to “6 point”: note the point number on the upper right of the figure) The one cell 201 represents an attribute such as a single character or a cloud point by a pattern of stamped points and non-marked points among the six points. For example, FIG. Braille (Braille data representing character information “shi” by setting points 1, 2, 5, and 6 as embossed points, and points 3 and 4 as non-imprinted points. FIG.

  In addition, the Braille B includes 6 Braille B representing such kana characters and numbers, as well as 8 Braille representing kanji (a braille composed of 4 vertical dots x 2 horizontal dots). in use. Here, the case where 6 Braille B is formed will be described as an example, but the present invention can also be applied to a label producing apparatus that forms 8 Braille.

  The 6-dot braille B is divided into 6 marking points 201a to 201f in a layout pattern of 3 in the vertical direction and 2 in the horizontal direction, and the vertical pitch is about 2.4 mm, and the horizontal in the square. The direction pitch is about 2.1 mm, and the pitch between the squares is about 3.3 mm. In the figure, among the six stamping points 201a to 201f, four stamping points 201a, 201b, 201e, 201f are selectively stamped on the tape T so as to express “shi”. Four stamping convex portions 202a, 202b, 202e, 202f having a cross-sectional shape (see FIG. 4B) such as a rounded cylindrical shape, a hemispherical shape, a conical shape, and a quadrangular pyramid shape are formed. In order to engrave 6 brailles B, a minimum tape width of 12 mm (tape T3) is required in terms of the size of one square 201 (the length in the tape width direction).

  In the label producing apparatus 1 of the embodiment, two types of units that can be exchanged with each other are prepared as the stamping unit 80, one of which forms a small stamping convex portion 203 having a small diameter of about 1.4 mm. On the other hand, a large large convex portion 204 having a diameter of approximately 1.8 mm is formed. The two types of large and small embossed convex portions 203 and 204 are used depending on the application. For example, the small embossed convex portion 203 is intended for a person (congenital blind person) who is used to reading Braille B. The ridges 204 are for beginners (half-blind people).

  Further details will be described with reference to FIGS. On the keyboard 3, a character key group 3a and a function key group 3b for designating various operation modes are arranged. The character key group 3a is for inputting character information for performing ink-printing or braille printing, and has a full key configuration based on the JIS layout. The function key group 3b includes a cancel key for canceling processing, a cursor key for moving a cursor, selection of choices in various selection screens, and a line feed when inputting text, as in a general word processor. Includes the enter key.

Further, the function key group 3b includes a print / execution key (print key) for executing ink character printing and Braille embossing, a feed start key for instructing the start of feeding of the tape T in the Braille embossing unit 150, and manual operation. In addition to the embossing start key for embossing Braille, the mode key for selecting the processing mode for performing ink printing and Braille embedding, the ink character printing area (printing arrangement section) Ep and the Braille embossing area (imprinting) Layout key) Layout key for setting the layout of Eb, scroll key for scrolling the layout result before execution of printing, etc., point input mode key for setting the point input mode, 180 ° for the input braille
Includes rotation keys to rotate.

  The processing mode selected by the mode key includes a first processing mode (see FIG. 8A) in which ink character printing and braille embossing are performed based on the input character information, and ink ink is determined based on the input character information. There is a second processing mode (see (b) in the figure) for performing only character printing, and a third processing mode (see (c) in the same figure) in which only braille embossing is performed based on the input character information. One processing mode is selected.

  The display 4 can display a display image of 192 dots × 80 dots inside a rectangular shape of about 12 cm in the horizontal direction (X direction) × 5 cm in the vertical direction (Y direction), and the user can display character information from the keyboard 3. It is used when inputting and creating / editing ink character data and braille data. Various errors and messages (instruction contents) are displayed and notified to the user.

  In the ink print unit 120, the cartridge mounting unit 6 includes a head unit 20 in which a print head 7 including a thermal head is built in a head cover 20 a, a platen drive shaft 25 facing the print head 7, and an ink ribbon R. A winding drive shaft 23 for winding and a positioning protrusion 24 of the tape reel 17 are provided. A print feed motor 121 that rotates the platen drive shaft 25 and the take-up drive shaft 23 is incorporated below the cartridge mounting portion 6.

  The tape cartridge C is configured by accommodating the tape reel 17 and the ribbon reel 19 inside the cartridge case 51, and the tape T and the ink ribbon R are configured to have the same width. Further, a through hole 55 for insertion into the head cover 20a is formed, and a platen roller 53 that is fitted to the platen drive shaft 25 and driven to rotate is disposed corresponding to a portion where the tape T and the ink ribbon R overlap. ing. Further, the ink ribbon R fed out from the ribbon reel 19 circulates around the head cover 20 a and is taken up by a ribbon take-up reel 54 disposed in the vicinity of the ribbon reel 19.

  When the tape cartridge C is mounted on the cartridge mounting portion 6, the through hole 55 is formed in the head cover 20 a, the center hole of the tape reel 17 is positioned in the positioning projection 24, the platen roller 53 is mounted on the platen drive shaft 25, and the take-up drive shaft 23 is mounted. The center hole of the ribbon take-up reel 54 is inserted, and the print head 7 comes into contact with the platen roller 53 with the tape T and the ink ribbon R sandwiched therebetween, so that ink characters can be printed. Then, the tape T after the ink character printing is sent to the printing tape discharge port 22.

  The tape T includes a base tape (base sheet: information forming layer) Tb provided with an adhesive layer (adhesive layer) on the back surface, and a release tape attached to the base tape Tb so as to cover the adhesive layer. (Peeling sheet: peeling layer) Te is comprised. The base tape Tb is a base composed of an image-receiving layer having improved fixability of ink thermally transferred from the ink ribbon R and a film made of polyethylene terephthalate (PET) which forms the main body of the base tape Tb from the front side. It is configured by laminating a layer and an adhesive layer composed of an adhesive. The release tape Te is used to prevent dust and the like from adhering to the adhesive layer until the base tape Tb is used as a label. Etc.).

  In addition, a plurality of types of tape T having different tape types (tape width, tape color, ink ink color, tape material, etc.) are prepared, and a plurality of holes (not shown) indicating this type are cartridges. It is provided on the back surface of the case 51. Further, the cartridge mounting portion 6 is provided with a plurality of tape identification sensors (microswitches) 171 for detecting these, corresponding to the plurality of holes, and by detecting the state of the tape identification sensor 171, the tape type Can be determined. In the present embodiment, three types of tape width 24 mm (tape T1), tape width 18 mm (tape T2), and tape width 12 mm (tape T3) will be described as examples (see FIG. 6).

  Next, in the cutting unit 140, the full cutter 142 is a slide type having a slant cutter blade that can slide cut in the vertical direction, although details are not shown, and a crank mechanism that uses the full cutter motor 141 as a drive source. Thus, the cutter blade (cutter holder) is slid in the width direction of the tape T. When the cutter blade slides, both the base tape Tb and the peeling tape Te of the tape T facing the cutter blade are cut, that is, the tape T is fully cut.

  Similarly, the half cutter 144 is a slide type having an oblique cutter blade that can slide cut substantially the same shape as the full cutter 142, and is arranged on the upstream side of the tape feed (side closer to the tape cartridge C). The tape cutter T is configured to be slidable in the width direction of the tape T via a crank mechanism using the half cutter motor 143 as a drive source. In this case, unlike the case of the full cutter 142, the protrusion amount of the cutter blade is adjusted to the protrusion amount that cuts only the base tape Tb, and when the cutter blade slides, only the base tape Tb of the tape T facing it is removed. Cutting, that is, the tape T is half-cut.

  On the other hand, the rear case 2b incorporates an assembly (braille stamping portion 150) for performing braille stamping therein, and its upper surface has a braille stamping portion 150 (specifically, a tape running path 70, a stamping unit). 80 and the tape feeding mechanism 60) are opened in a cross shape so as to be exposed. In addition, a cutting tape insertion port 31 into which the tape T is manually inserted by a user is formed at the right portion of the notch opening portion 30, and a stamping tape from which the tape T after braille cutting is discharged is formed at the left portion. A discharge port 32 is formed.

  The braille stamping unit 150 includes a stamping unit 80 that performs braille stamping with three stamping pins 41 (see FIG. 5B), and a tape T inserted into the stamping tape insertion slot 31 as a stamping tape. A tape feeding mechanism 60 that feeds toward the discharge port 32 and a tape traveling path 70 through which the tape T is transported. With respect to the tape T that is fed along the tape traveling path 70 by driving the tape feeding mechanism 60 The braille B is formed by selectively driving the three stamping pins 41 by the stamping unit 80.

  Next, as shown in FIG. 5, the embossing unit 80 is disposed on the back surface side of the tape T and includes an embossing member (embossing head) 81 in which the three embossing pins 41 are incorporated. A stamp receiving member 82 that receives the stamp pin 41 at a position facing the stamp member 81 across the tape T is fixedly disposed at the lower end of the tape running path 70 in the width direction.

  The stamping member 81 includes three stamping pins 41 arranged at intervals of 2.4 mm along the tape width direction (vertical direction in FIG. 5A). It corresponds to the individual stamping points 201a to 201c (or 201d to 201f) and is held perpendicular to the tape T by a guide member 45 that guides linear movement using the solenoid 47 as a drive source. The head 41a of the punching pin 41 has a cross-sectional shape (see FIG. 4B) such as a cylindrical shape, a hemispherical shape, a conical shape, or a quadrangular pyramid shape in which the shape of the stamped convex portion 202 is rounded. It is formed in such a shape.

  Here, when the plunger 48 linearly moves by the solenoid 47, the arm member 46 rotates about the support member 49, and the embossing pin 41 linearly moves in the direction perpendicular to the tape T. The three solenoids 47 respectively connected to the three arm members 46 are disposed so as to be positioned at triangular corners. On the other hand, the stamp receiving member 82 has three stamp receiving recesses 43 corresponding to the three stamp pins 41 formed on a surface 42 a facing the three stamp pins 41. Then, the stamping convex portion 202 is formed on the tape T by the stamping pin 41 and the stamp receiving member 82.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 6, the Braille engraving unit 150 includes guide members 71 and 72 that guide the conveyance of the tape T, a transmission type front end detection sensor 91 that detects the front end of the tape T, and front and rear of the tape T. And a reflective front / rear identification sensor 92 (detection sensor) for detecting front / rear identification information D for identifying the front and rear. As the front-rear identification information D, as shown in the figure, a point “·” is printed in the vicinity of the front end portion of the tape T and the lower end portion in the drawing, and this indicates the tape insertion direction (front side).

  Tapes T1, T2, and T3 (tape widths 24, 18, and 12 mm) having a large tape width can be inserted into the stamping tape insertion slot 31. The tape T1 having the maximum tape width is inserted by upper and lower guides 71 and 72. The other tapes T2 and T3 that are guided are guided only by the lower guide member 71, and are manually inserted by the user until the leading end reaches the tape feeding mechanism 60 (feeding roller 61) (to an insertable position). The Then, tape feeding by the tape feeding mechanism 60 is started by pressing a tape feeding start key on the keyboard 3.

  Next, the entire process of the label producing apparatus 1 will be described with reference to FIGS. As shown in FIG. 7, when the processing is started by pressing the power key (power on), first, initial settings such as restoring each saved control flag are performed to return to the previous power-off state. (S10), the tape type is detected by the tape identification sensor 171 (see FIG. 3) (S11), and then the character information is input by data input from the keyboard 3 (or from an external device such as a personal computer) by the user. Then, various information is displayed as an editing screen (S12).

  Here, when a mode selection interrupt occurs (INTM) by a mode selection instruction (mode key input) from the keyboard 3 (or by an instruction input from an external device), a process mode selection process is started, and the first process One of the mode (printed with black dots), the second processing mode (only ink characters), and the third processing mode (only braille characters) is selected (S13).

  When a layout setting interrupt occurs (INTL) by a layout setting instruction (layout key input) (or by an instruction input from an external device), layout setting processing is started (S30), and a point input mode setting instruction ( When a point input mode setting interrupt occurs (INTK) due to (point input mode key input) (or by an instruction input from an external device), a process for inputting a marking point is started (S31), and a print / execution instruction (print When a print interrupt occurs (key input) (or by an instruction input from an external device) (INTG), a pre-execution setting process is started (S14).

  Here, in the pre-execution setting (S14), settings such as an allocation arrangement required at the time of actual ink character printing or braille printing, final confirmation of each setting, and the like are performed. When a print interrupt occurs without any mode selection interrupt, layout setting interrupt, or point input mode setting interrupt (INTG), the previous setting mode (the first processing mode, (Lower Braille, Ink Mark Parallel, Ink Input) is selected. When the pre-execution setting (S14) is completed, the actual ink character printing and braille embossing process is started.

  That is, as shown in FIG. 7 and FIG. 8A, in the first processing mode (S13: (a)), after the ink character P is printed by the ink character printing unit 120 (ink character printing) ( S15) The tape is cut and the tape T is discharged from the printing tape discharge port 22 (S16), and an instruction to insert the tape into the embossing tape insertion port 31 is displayed on the display 4 (S17). This instruction display may be performed by an indicator or LED.

  When the user inserts (manually inserts) the tape T into the embossing tape insertion slot 31 according to the tape insertion instruction, the braille embossing unit 150 engraves Braille B (braille embossing) (S18), The stamped tape T is discharged from the stamping tape discharge port 32 (S19), and the process is terminated (S27). In this case, the braille stamping unit 150 detects the front and rear identification information D, and if the tape insertion direction is incorrect based on the detection result and the braille stamping direction corresponding to the set layout, the braille stamping is performed. The time is not done.

  In the case of the second processing mode (S13: (b)), after ink character printing by the ink character printing unit 120 (S20), tape cutting / discharging is performed (S21), and the process is terminated (S27). That is, in the second processing mode, as shown in FIG. 8B, the ink letter P is printed by feeding the tape T fed from the attached tape cartridge C to the ink character printing unit 120. When the second processing mode is selected, printing of the front / rear identification information D can be omitted.

  In the case of the third processing mode (S13: (c)), a tape insertion instruction to the embossing tape insertion slot 31 is displayed on the display 4 (S24), and after Braille embossing is performed by the user inserting the tape. (S25) The stamped tape T is discharged from the stamping tape discharge port 32 (S26), and the process is terminated (S27). That is, in the third processing mode, as shown in FIG. 8C, a strip-like tape (tape cut to an arbitrary length) T is sent to the braille stamping unit 150 by manual insertion, and the braille B Imprint. Also in this case, as in the case of the first processing mode, in the braille embossing unit 150, the insertion direction is incorrect with respect to the detection result of the front-rear identification information D and the braille embossing direction of the set layout. , I try not to do braille.

  Even in the third processing mode, the detection of the front and rear identification information D can be omitted, and it may be possible to select whether or not to detect the front and rear identification information D. Further, in order to obtain a strip-shaped tape T for manual insertion, before the tape insertion instruction (S24), as shown by a dotted line in FIG. 7 and FIG. After performing blank printing instead of character printing (only feeding the tape without printing anything) (S22), the tape is cut and discharged (S23), and the tape T after the tape cut is manually inserted. It may be used as a strip-shaped tape T. It is also possible to mount the tape cartridge C on the upstream side of the Braille stamping unit 150 and cause the long tape fed out from the tape cartridge C to perform Braille stamping. Ink-character printing and braille printing may be performed based on different character information rather than printing / stamping based on the same character information.

  Next, in the layout setting (S30), based on the tape width detection result (S11) and the processing mode selection result (S13), the main setting is an ink character print area (print placement unit) Ep or Braille. Set the relative position of the stamping area (the stamping arrangement part) Eb (see FIG. 9 etc.) and the length of each arrangement part (printing arrangement part length PL, stamping arrangement part length BL, common arrangement part length CL, etc.) In addition, settings similar to those of a general tape printer, word processor, etc., such as the character size for ink-printing, are performed.

  In the case of the first processing mode (both in black), as shown in FIG. 9, when the tape width detection result is 24 mm (tape T1) (see FIG. 9A), the print placement unit Ep is Either the upper stage, the embossed arrangement part Eb is the lower stage (a-1: "Braille lower stage" below), or the printing arrangement part Ep is the lower stage, the embossed arrangement part Eb is the upper stage (a-2: "Braille upper stage" below) Is selected. The top and bottom of the tape T indicate the top and bottom when the front / rear identification information D is the tape insertion direction (leftward) and the information forming surface is the front side.

  In the case of a tape width of 18 mm (tape T2) (see FIG. 9B), either the lower braille level (b-1) or the upper braille level (b-2) is selected. The length of the print arrangement portion Ep in the tape width direction is shortened according to the tape width. In addition, in the case of these tapes T1 and T2, in addition to the layout in which ink characters and Braille are arranged in parallel (hereinafter referred to as “ink ink parallel”), the layout in which ink characters and Braille are overlapped (hereinafter referred to as “black ink overlapping”). You can select and set.

  In the case of a tape width of 12 mm (tape T3) (see FIG. 9 (c)), the tape width is the minimum length that can be engraved with the size of braille one square 201 (the length in the tape width direction). (See FIG. 4A.) Regardless of the selection of the upper and lower parts of Braille and the selection / setting of the black dot parallel / overlay, only the layout in which the print placement part Ep and the stamp placement part Eb overlap is provided.

  Here, an example of a label that is actually created is shown. First, for example, as shown in FIG. 10, in the state of the text editing screen display in which the character (character) string “Abc” in the first line up to the cursor K is input (screen D10: state of S12 in FIG. 7), ( When the print key is pressed and a print interrupt occurs (INTG), when the second processing mode (ink characters only) is selected, for example, the ink character image (ink characters) of FIG. Data) According to Gp2, after determining the print arrangement part length PL as the length in the tape longitudinal direction of the ink character print area (print arrangement part) Ep and printing the ink character image Gp2 on the print arrangement part Ep (in FIG. S20), the tape T is discharged from the printing tape discharge port 22 (S21), and the process is terminated (S27). In this case, since only ink characters are used, the label Lp2 of the ink character print result is used as it is.

  When the third processing mode (braille only) is selected, as described above, after blank printing to tape T discharge (S22 to S23), a tape insertion instruction is displayed (S24), When the tape T is manually inserted, according to the braille image (braille data) Gb2 of FIG. 16 (b), the stamp arrangement portion length BL is set as the length in the tape longitudinal direction of the braille stamp region (the stamp arrangement portion) Eb. After determining, the braille embossing is performed on the embossing arrangement part Eb (S25 to S26), and the process is terminated (S27). In this case, since it is only Braille, it becomes the label Lb2 of the Braille stamping result as it is.

  Further, when the first processing mode (both inscribed with dots) is selected, the ink character image Gp2 in FIG. 16A is selected from the common arrangement portion length CL (the inscription arrangement portion length as a result of length adjustment as necessary. In the sense that BL and the print arrangement part length PL are larger (maximum value), CL is expanded to MAX [BL, PL]), and the ink character printing is performed with the ink character image Gp2 (FIG. 7). S15 to S16), a tape insertion instruction is displayed (S17), and when the tape T is manually inserted, the Braille image Gb2 in FIG. 5B is used to perform Braille printing (S18 to S19), and the process is terminated. (S27). As a result, it is possible to create a black dot label L20 like the appearance (image) G20 of FIG.

  Next, similarly, for example, in the state of the text editing screen display in which the character string “sasuke” is input (the state of S12 in FIG. 7), when a print key is pressed and a print interrupt occurs (INTG), When the two-processing mode (ink characters only) is selected, for example, ink characters are printed according to the ink character image Gp0 of FIG. 13A, and after tape cut / discharge (S20 to S21), the processing is terminated (S27). ) As it is, it becomes the label Lp0 of the ink character print result.

  Also, when the third processing mode (only Braille only) is selected, a blank insertion to tape T discharge (S22 to S23) is displayed as necessary, and a tape insertion instruction is displayed (S24), and the tape T is manually inserted. Then, Braille embossing is performed according to the Braille image Gb0 of FIG. 13B (S25 to S26), the process is terminated (S27), and the label Lb0 of the Braille embossing result is used as it is.

  When the first processing mode (printed with ink dots) is selected, the ink character image Gp0 in FIG. 13A is expanded to the common arrangement portion length CL as necessary, and the ink character image Gp0 is used. After ink-printing is performed (S15 to S16 in FIG. 7), a tape insertion instruction is displayed (S17), and when the tape T is manually inserted, the braille image Gb0 in FIG. (S18 to S19), and the process ends (S27). As a result, a black dot combined label L00 such as the appearance (image) G00 of FIG.

  By the way, for example, Braille characters corresponding to the character string “beer” may be formed at the mouth of canned beer. When a sighted person sees Braille like this, if you know Braille, you can see that it is a braille of `` beer '', but general sighted people do not know Braille, so as it is, the Braille is `` Beer '' Is not readable. In this situation, if you try to create a label that imitates it and imprints the braille of “beer”, in the above example, first enter the character string “beer” and imprint the corresponding braille Therefore, a desired braille label cannot be created unless it reads “beer”. Also, even if the braille can be input as it is with the image of a dot, it is created upside down (rotated 180 °) because the upper and lower sides of the original braille are not known in the case of the above-mentioned drinking mouth (upper surface, lower surface, etc.) And there is a possibility of sticking as it is.

  For this reason, in the label producing apparatus 1, it is possible to input by specifying a point with an image while looking at the braille, and it is possible to know the meaning without knowing the braille, and re-input even if it is input upside down. Braille labels can be created without the need for This process is the process of inputting the marking point (S31) mentioned in FIG. 7, and will be described in detail below. Here, for example, FIG. 13B illustrates a case where the above-mentioned “sacrifice” braille is mistakenly input upside down (from a direction rotated by 180 °).

  In this case, for example, as shown in FIG. 10, from the state of the text editing screen display after inputting the character string “Abc” (screen D10: hereinafter, the display screen state of the display 4 is the screen Dxx, and only Dxx is used. When the point input mode key is pressed (point input mode setting interrupt (INTK) in FIG. 7), the marking point input is activated (S31), and the marking point (six points) is input. Transition to the screen (D11). In the label producing apparatus 1, the user can cancel various instructions by key input using the cancel key. For example, by pressing the cancel key from the above state (D11), the display state of the original text editing screen (D10) ). This will not be described below.

  Here, the marking point of each square of braille can be designated by the point numbers 1 to 6 of the points 1 to 6. For example, when the numeric key “1” is pressed here, By moving the Kana column to the left, the cursor K is moved relatively to the right (hereinafter, relative movement every time one cell is determined), and one point is designated (input). In addition to displaying (clearly) by changing the display of No. 1, a braille image of only one point is displayed, and the character “a” corresponding to only one point is displayed as an unconfirmed state with “a” in katakana Is displayed. Similarly, when the number “3” is input, the point “1, 3” (points 1 and 3) is designated, the braille image is displayed, and the corresponding character “NA” is in an unconfirmed state. “NA” is displayed.

  Similarly, when the number “5” is continuously input, the point “1, 3, 5” is designated, the braille image is displayed, and the corresponding “ta” indeterminate state “ta” is displayed. Then, when “6” is input, the point “1, 3, 5, 6” is designated, and the braille image is displayed, and the corresponding “ma” unconfirmed state “ma” is displayed. . Each marking point designation (numerical designation) can be deleted by pressing a delete key in the middle, and can be re-input after deletion. Also, the number input order (designation of marking points) is arbitrary, such as shifting from “C” at the points “1, 3, 6” to “M” at the points “1, 3, 5, 6”.

  Here, since the first square is input as scheduled (D12: Upside down Braille of “ke”: see FIG. 12 and FIG. 13B), after confirming that, when the enter key is pressed, It shifts from the unconfirmed state to the confirmed state, and the fact is displayed as a change from “ma” to “ma”.

  Subsequently, when the points “1, 2, 6” are designated by inputting the numbers “1”, “2”, and “6”, the braille image is displayed and the undecided state “key” of the corresponding “ki” is displayed. When the enter key is pressed after confirming that, the state shifts from the unconfirmed state to the confirmed state, and this is displayed as a change from “ki” to “ki”. Similarly, when the points “3, 5” are designated by the input of the numbers “3”, “5”, the braille image is displayed and the unconfirmed state “W” of the corresponding “W” is displayed (D13).

  From this state (D13), after confirming that, when the enter key is pressed, the state shifts from the unconfirmed state to the confirmed state, and this is indicated by a change from “ki” to “ki”. However, in the label producing apparatus 1, the Braille input at any time in the stamping point input state (the state in which the stamping point (six points) input screen is displayed) is displayed. When an uncomfortable feeling is felt, the entire braille can be turned upside down (rotated 180 °) by pressing the rotation key.

  For this reason, here, if the rotation key is pressed at the time of the above-described “no” indeterminate state, that is, “Makiwo” is instructed to rotate 180 °, the Braille “Makiwo” is rotated ( The last third cell is designated by the cursor and is displayed in an unconfirmed state, and the corresponding “Osake” (the third character “K” is in an unconfirmed state) is displayed (D14).

  From this state (D14), after confirming that, when the enter key is pressed, the state shifts from the unconfirmed state to the confirmed state, and this is displayed as a change from “ke” to “ke”. ”Will be confirmed, and when the enter key is pressed for final confirmation, the braille character“ Osake ”corresponding to“ Sasuke ”is confirmed and the text editing screen (character information (D15: Same as D10: the state of S12 in FIG. 7). In addition, since the unconfirmed state before the rotation is “wo”, after the rotation, the “o” braille part (first square) corresponding to “wo” may be designated as the cursor ( (See D34 in FIG. 19).

  Next, from this state (D15), when the print key is pressed and a print interrupt occurs (INTG), as described above with reference to FIG. 13, when the second processing mode (only ink characters) is selected, Ink printing is performed according to the ink image Gp0, and the label Lp0 of the ink character printing result can be generated. When the third processing mode (only Braille is selected), the Braille embossing is performed according to the Braille image Gb0. When the label Lb0 of the engraving result can be created and the first processing mode (printed with ink dots) has been selected, after printing the ink characters with the ink character image Gp0, the Braille image Gb0 is imprinted with the braille characters. (Image) A black dot label L00 such as G00 can be created.

  Note that the above example has the same result as the case where the character string “Osake” is first input and a corresponding Braille character is created. Therefore, in the above text editing screen (D15), the character string “ Instead of “Abc”, the character string “pickup” may be a text editing screen during editing. In the above example, the confirmed state is displayed in hiragana (Hiragana) and the unconfirmed state is displayed in katakana (Katakana). However, the unconfirmed state may be displayed in decorative characters such as black and white reversed characters, Both the confirmed state and the unconfirmed state may be hiragana characters, or both may be katakana characters, or these may be designated.

  Also, in the above example, once the braille is input by the stamping point input, it returns to the character input state, and printing / cutting is executed by the subsequent printing / execution instruction (print interruption). It is also possible to execute the Braille stamping directly (after the flow indicated by the dotted line from S31 to S24 or S22 in FIG. 7) after the marking input is completed.

  Next, how to handle Braille data as in the above example in the label producing apparatus 1 will be described below.

  First, the data of each square is processed as 1-byte (8-bit) data. As shown in FIG. 11A, points 1 to 6 (points 1 to 6) are 1 respectively. It is represented by 6 bits of bits 0 to 2 and 4 to 6 of bits 0 to 7 in the byte, and when 1 is represented, it is represented as a stamped point, and when 0 is represented, it is represented as a non-printed point.

  For example, as shown in FIG. 11B, the pseudonym “ma” uses the points “1, 3, 5, 6” as the inscription points, so that the corresponding bit is set to 1, and [10100110] (binary : Binary), that is, data of [A6] (hexadecimal: hex: hereinafter expressed as “HEX”) (see also the lower part of FIG. 12).

  When a rotation instruction is input by pressing the rotation key, if the points [1, 6] [2, 5] [3, 4] are respectively exchanged, the data is reversed upside down. , 6] [1, 5] [2, 4] are respectively exchanged and converted to binary [11001010], that is, [CA] HEX, so that the braille corresponding to the upside down “ke” is obtained. In the above-described example, as shown in FIG. 12, this is applied to three characters “Maki” and converted to Braille “Osake”.

  When rotated upside down, the corresponding ink character data is stored in the ink character data block 232, the braille data after rotation is stored in the braille data block 233, and the inverted braille data is stored in the inverted braille data block 236. (That is, they are interchanged. Conversely, the 180 ° rotation function can be realized only by diverting the function used for creating the inverted Braille data in the first place). Then, by executing printing / stamping after conversion, the above-described various labels Lp0, Lb0, L00, etc. can be created in FIG.

  Here, another similar example is shown. For example, as shown in FIG. 14, when a character is specified as an inscribed point without being read as braille, for example, “Temihiki” is displayed as a corresponding character string in katakana display. If it is displayed (or in the middle), it is understood that the meaning is unknown, so that it can be recognized by the rotation key operation (rotation instruction) to be the character string “Sussis Seso”.

  Similarly, for example, as shown in FIG. 15, when a braille character is input with a marking point designation, if the corresponding display character string is “_Ab”, it is uncomfortable that it is a connecting mark (underbar) from the beginning. Rotate to know that it is actually “Abc”. Then, by executing printing / stamping after conversion, the above-described various labels Lp2, Lb2, L20, etc. can be created in FIG.

  As described above, the label producing apparatus 1 can input by specifying a point with an image while viewing Braille, and displays the corresponding ink character (character string), so that the meaning can be known without knowing the Braille. In addition, even if the characters are input upside down, the user can feel a sense of incongruity from the display of ink characters. Further, in that case, the braille can be rotated upside down (180 ° rotated state) by the rotation key operation (rotation instruction), and the corresponding ink characters are displayed, so that it is not necessary to input the braille again. You can know the meaning after rotation, and after confirming it, you can create a braille label.

  Further, the 180 ° rotation can be applied to one square unit such as “ma”, for example. However, even in the case of a plurality of squares such as “maki”, the entire braille (character string) is batched. Therefore, when the braille of one character is composed of a plurality of squares, the braille corresponding to the character string can be accurately read after the rotation.

  In addition, while entering or editing braille, each time you add or delete a marking point, the braille (mass) image to be displayed changes, so you can quickly grasp the editing results and edit the braille with the marking point specified. Can be easily performed. In addition, each time you edit in units of inscription points, the corresponding ink characters are changed, so you can quickly grasp the ink characters corresponding to the Braille editing results, and the operability of editing Braille characters with inscription points specified However, it improves further. Further, even if there is no specific target Braille, various Braille characters and the corresponding ink characters can be displayed by designating the marking points, so that Braille can be studied by repeating this kind of operation.

  In the case of 8-point braille, a so-called additional point is added to one or both of the upper and lower points depending on the specification. By assigning this additional point information to bits 4 and 7, one byte ( 8 bits). In the above-described embodiment, bits 0 to 2, 4 to 6 are assigned to points 1 to 6. However, if bits 1 to 6 are assigned, 0 is not used for 8-point braille for so-called Chinese characters. 7 is added, so that there is an advantage that the bit position coincides with the point number and can be easily considered. Of course, when other types of braille are handled, other assignments are possible according to the specifications.

  In each of the above examples, when the display character string corresponding to the marking point input feels uncomfortable (when the meaning is unknown), it is rotated 180 degrees (braille rotation), and the meaning has been clarified. If braille is rotated in the middle, the meaning may remain unclear even if it is rotated. In such a case, it can be rotated again by pressing the rotation key (from D14 in FIG. 10, it can be returned to D13 not only by the cancel key but also by the rotation key). In the following, this point will be supplementarily explained.

  Such an operation based on the user's thought is generally as shown in FIG. 17, and when the operation is started, first, Braille input is performed by designating a marking point (S41), and then it is determined whether or not it is Japanese. (S42). In this case, for example, if Braille input has been performed in the correct “sasuke” direction from the beginning, it can be read as it is (S42: correct). (If Braille input operation remains, the operation is terminated (S44: The operation is terminated (S43).

  Also, as in the example described above with reference to FIG. 10, if the judgment is made after inputting “Makiwo” (S42), if a sense of incongruity is felt (S42: meaning is unknown), the braille is rotated by pressing the rotation key (S45). Here, it is determined again whether it is Japanese (S46). In this case, since it can be read as “Osake” (S46: correct), after confirming “Ke” as the remaining Braille input operation (S44) The operation is terminated (S43).

  Further, for example, a judgment is made after inputting / determining “Maki” (S42). Similarly, if the user feels uncomfortable (S42: meaning unknown), the judgment is made by rotating the braille (S45 to S46). 12) (S46: correct), and as a remaining braille input operation, after entering the braille character “o” at the beginning of the braille by designating the embossing point (S44), the operation is terminated (S44). S43).

  Also, for example, as shown in FIG. 18, a determination is made after input is confirmed until “taka” (D21 in FIG. 18, S42 in FIG. 17). (D22, S45 to S46). In this case, it can be read as “kako”, but when it is not possible to determine whether “taka” is correct or “kako” is correct (S46: unknown meaning), further (because it is inverted, it is moved forward) Judgment is made after proceeding with Braille input (D23, S41 to S42), and in this case, it can be read as "Kokako", but since the meaning has become more unknown (S42: meaning is unknown), Judgment is made (D24, S45 to S46). In this case, it can be read as "Takada", so it is judged that it is correct (S46: correct), and if there is a remaining Braille input operation (S44), the operation is terminated. S43).

  Of course, when it is not possible to determine whether it is “Taka” or “Kako” (S46: Unknown meaning), in order to proceed with the Braille input in the original state, the braille is temporarily rotated back (S47: illustrated by a dotted line), and then normal The determination may be made by advancing Braille input so that it is added to the rear side (S41 to S42). In this case, since it can be read as “takada” (S46: correct), if there is a remaining Braille input operation (S44), it is performed (S43), and then the operation is terminated (S43).

  Note that a character string (a pseudonym) corresponding to the braille after the rotation may be displayed from the beginning in consideration of being at a loss in the middle of the determination as described above. In this case, for example, in response to the operations in D11 to D14 in the above-described example in FIG. 10 and the display thereby, as shown in FIG. 19, for example, the character string when reading Braille as it is (hereinafter “before rotation”) In the “Kana correct” column, the character string when it is read after being rotated in braille (hereinafter “after rotation”) is displayed in the “Kana reverse” column.

  In this case, from the start of Braille input (D31: corresponding to D11 in FIG. 10), if the input of the braille for “ma” is unconfirmed, “ma” is displayed in the “Kana correct” column and “Kana reverse”. “K” is displayed in the column (D32: see FIG. 12, the same applies hereinafter), “K” is displayed together with “MA” after confirmation, input is confirmed until “Maki”, and braille input for “W” is entered. In the unconfirmed state, “Makiwo” is displayed in the “Kana correct” column and “Osake” is displayed in the “Kana reverse” column (D33). When is pressed, the braille is rotated 180 °, the contents of the “Kana correct” and “Kana reverse” fields are exchanged and displayed, and the cursor is displayed in the first square of the braille corresponding to the unconfirmed “o” K is moved and displayed (D34).

  That is, in this case, the character string before the rotation is displayed in the “Kana correct” field and the character string after the rotation is displayed in the “Kana reverse” field. After entering, check both the text in the "Kana correct" field and the text in the "Kana reverse" field. If you think that the "Kana correct" field is correct, leave it as is. If it seems correct, the braille is rotated 180 ° by giving a rotation instruction, and the character string in the “Kana correct” field and the character string in the “Kana reverse” field are exchanged and displayed. The character string corresponding to the braille can be displayed in the “Kana correct” field (D34).

  Then, from this state (D34), after confirming that, when the enter key is pressed, the state shifts from the unconfirmed state to the confirmed state, and this is displayed as a change from “O” to “O”. It will be a "sake". In this example, the “Kana correct” field is “Makiwo” and the “Kana reverse” field is “Osake” (D33). May be rotated in braille after “Makio” and “Kana Reverse” are in “Sasuke” state. In this case, after the braille rotation, the “Kana correct” column is in the state of “Sasuke” and the “Kana reverse” column is in the “Makio” state.

  After confirming that the “Kanasho” field is “Sasuke” and confirming the braille and the character string “Sasuke” with “Sasuke” when the enter key is pressed for final confirmation. Returning to the text editing screen (character information input state) (the state of S12 in FIG. 7), when the print key is pressed and a print interrupt occurs (INTG), as described above with reference to FIG. The label Lp0 can be created in the 2 processing mode (only ink characters), the label Lb0 can be created in the third processing mode (only Braille characters), and the label L00 can be created in the first processing mode (both ink marks).

  In each of the above-described examples, a case has been described in which ink characters corresponding to braille in a normal state and braille rotated by 180 ° exist, but a corresponding ink character may not exist.

  For example, the braille “I” consists of 1 point and 4 points (hereinafter referred to as point [1, 4], etc.). In the former, there is no meaning unless the next cell is blank, and in the latter, there is no meaning unless the alphabet or alphabet-related braille is followed. Also, for example, since the braille of “A” is only the dot [1], if it is rotated, it becomes a braille of only the dot [6]. This indicates a semi-turbid note or capital letter. Does not make sense unless the braille on the line continues, and to interpret it as an uppercase letter, it requires an external character before it, and it does not make sense unless it is followed by an alphabetic braille.

  In addition, for example, in the example shown below, the braille of “NA” is the point [4, 6], and the rotated Braille is the dot [1, 3], which is “Pya” “Pyu” “ This is a hazy hazy note to indicate “pyo” or an exogenous note (special sound) “Tyu”, “fu” or “fu”. [1, 3, 6]), "F" (points [1, 3, 4, 6], "H" (points [2, 3, 4, 6]), followed by the external sound of the latter Then, in the second cell, the braille characters “tsu” (points [1, 3, 4, 5]), “yu” (points [3, 4, 6]), “yo” (points [3, 4, 5]) However, it doesn't make any sense other than these because it is not otherwise specified.

  Therefore, in the label producing apparatus 1, when there is no corresponding ink character even if it is interpreted including the context, the fact that the corresponding ink character does not exist is indicated in the ink character (kana) column. Display the symbol. More specifically, a symbol obtained by rotating the braille image by 180 ° (hereinafter, “braille rotation symbol”) is displayed.

  For example, as shown in FIG. 20A, braille (dot [1, 6]) corresponding to the kana “ka” is input to the first cell, and “na” is rotated to the second cell (拗). After entering braille (dot [4, 6]) corresponding to a semi-voiced note or special note, the braille (dot [2, 4, 6]) corresponding to “ko” not specified above is entered in the third cell. When input, the second cell becomes an unknown cell, and the corresponding ink character does not exist. Therefore, the braille rotation is performed to indicate that (no corresponding ink character) and to imply 180 ° rotation. A symbol (here, a symbol corresponding to the braille “NA”) is displayed (D51).

  And, of course, the user feels uncomfortable (determining that the meaning is unknown) for such a display. Therefore, the correct meaning of the braille can be determined by rotating the braille by 180 ° by pressing the rotation key (rotating instruction). It can be grasped that “they are” and that the original input was in a 180 ° rotation state (D52).

  The same applies to the example of FIG. 19B, and both the character string in the “Kana correct” field and the character string in the “Kana reverse” field are confirmed in the same manner as described above in FIG. It can be grasped that the "Kana correct" column is abnormal and the "Kana reverse" column is correct (D56), and the characters in the "Kana correct" and "Kana reverse" fields are rotated by rotating the braille by 180 degrees. After the columns are exchanged and displayed (D57), the ink letter “Tanaka” and its braille can be determined.

  Here, in the above-described example, the braille rotation symbol indicates that the corresponding ink character does not exist. However, other symbols may be used, or other simple figures or pictograms may be used. In addition, for example, various brackets, triangles, squares, circles, and the like may be added and symbolized to indicate the corresponding ink characters when rotated like “na” in the above example (for example, ( N) and “NA” in Δ: see FIG.

  Note that the function or various processing methods (character information processing method, etc.) as the character information processing apparatus employed in the above-described embodiment are processed not only by the above-described label creating apparatus 1 but also by various apparatuses capable of program processing. The program can be applied to a storage medium for storing such a program, and this type of program is stored or read from the storage medium or the like and executed to see Braille. It is possible to input by specifying the marking point as it is, you can know the meaning of the braille, and if you input it upside down, you can grasp the meaning of the braille without having to re-input and label the braille label Can be created.

  As the above-mentioned storage medium, a CD-ROM, flash ROM, memory card (compact flash (registered trademark), smart media, memory stick, etc.), compact disc, magneto-optical disc, digital versatile disc, flexible disc, etc. are used. be able to. Of course, other modifications can be made as appropriate without departing from the scope of the invention.

1 is an external perspective view of a label producing apparatus according to an embodiment. FIG. 2 is an external perspective view of the label producing apparatus of FIG. 1 in an open state. The schematic block diagram of the control system of the label production apparatus of FIG. Explanatory drawing of 6 dotted braille and sectional drawing of a stamping convex part. The top view and sectional drawing of a stamping unit. Explanatory drawing explaining conveyance of the tape in a braille stamping part. The flowchart of the whole process of a label production apparatus. Supplementary explanatory drawing regarding the processing mode of FIG. FIG. 8 is a supplementary explanatory diagram regarding the difference in tape width of FIG. 7. Explanatory drawing of operation and a process at the time of a marking point input. Explanatory drawing of the data processing at the time of 180 degree rotation and the data format of Braille data. Explanatory drawing of the data processing at the time of 180 degree | times rotation about the braille data equivalent to a character string. Explanatory drawing which shows the example of a ink character image, a braille image, and a label. Explanatory drawing similar to FIG. 12 which shows another example. Explanatory drawing similar to FIG. 12 which shows another example. The explanatory view similar to FIG. 13 corresponding to the example of FIG. Explanatory drawing which shows a user's operation flow. Explanatory drawing similar to FIG. 10 which shows another example. Explanatory drawing similar to FIG. 10 which shows another example. Explanatory drawing similar to a part of FIG. 10, which shows another example.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Label production apparatus (character information processing apparatus) 2 ... Apparatus case 3 ... Keyboard 4 ... Display 7 ... Print head 110 ... Operation part 120 ... Ink-printing part 140 ... Cutting part 142 ... Full cutter 144 ... Half cutter 150 ... Braille stroke Engraving part 170 ... Detection part 180 ... Driving part 200 ... Control part B ... Braille BL ... Stamping arrangement part length C ... Tape cartridge CL ... Common placement part length Eb ... Braille stamping area (cutting placement part) Ec ... Common processing Area (common arrangement part) Ep ... ink printing area (printing arrangement part) Gxx ... image Lxx ... label P ... ink letter PL ... print arrangement part length T, T1, T2, T3 ... tape (processing sheet)

Claims (11)

A character information processing method for designating an inscription point, inputting braille, and displaying an image of the inputted braille and a corresponding ink character on a display screen,
When a rotation instruction for rotating the Braille by 180 degrees is input, the Braille is rotated by 180 degrees and ink characters corresponding to the rotated Braille are displayed on the display screen. .   2. The character information processing method according to claim 1, wherein when the braille is composed of a plurality of squares, the plurality of squares are rotated as a unit in the rotation of 180 degrees.   The character information processing method according to claim 1, further comprising a stamping step of stamping the braille on a processing sheet.   The character processing method according to claim 3, wherein the processing sheet is a tape.   2. The printing of the corresponding Braille image and the ink character as the editing progress each time the printing point editing by the printing point input or the printing point deletion is performed in units of the printing points. 5. The character information processing method according to any one of 4 to 4.   6. The character information processing method according to claim 1, wherein each time the rotation instruction is input, the rotation is performed by 180 degrees and the corresponding ink character is displayed. The braille before printing, which is the ink character corresponding to the braille, and the rotated ink character which is the ink character corresponding to the braille when it is assumed that the 180 degree rotation has been performed, are arranged on the display screen, With the image of
7. The display device according to claim 1, wherein when the rotation instruction is input, the post-rotation ink character and the post-rotation ink character are exchanged and displayed in accordance with the rotation of 180 degrees. The character information processing method described in 1.   The character information processing method according to claim 1, wherein when there is no ink character corresponding to the braille, that effect is displayed instead. A point designation input means for designating a marking point and inputting braille,
Ink character display means for displaying the input braille image and the corresponding ink character on the display screen;
A rotation instruction input means for inputting a rotation instruction for rotating the Braille by 180 degrees;
Braille rotation means for rotating the Braille by 180 degrees when the rotation instruction is input;
With
The ink character display unit displays the ink character corresponding to the braille after rotation on the display screen when the rotation instruction is input.   A program capable of executing the character information processing method according to claim 1.   A storage medium storing the program according to claim 10 in a readable manner by an apparatus capable of program processing.

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