JP2006315214A - Printing/processing device, its control method and program - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a printing/processing device in which one or more kinds of processing out of a plurality of kinds of processing including simple printing, simple processing and printing and processing can be carried out easily. <P>SOLUTION: A label forming device 1 performing printing on a processing sheet based on inputted print information and performing processing (Braille points embossing) on a processing sheet based on inputted processing information comprises a means 3 for inputting print information and/or processing information, a means 4 for selecting two or more options out of three options selectable as processing of inputted information, i.e. "simple printing", "simple processing" and "printing and processing", and means 120 and 150 performing one kind or more of processing selected by the means for selecting the processing. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2007,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a printing / processing apparatus that performs printing processing and / or processing processing on a processing sheet based on input information, a control method for the printing / processing apparatus, and a program.

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 (referred to normal print characters as opposed to Braille) are placed on the same forming medium. A Braille label that can be recognized by both sighted people is known (see, for example, Patent Document 1).
JP-A-10-275206

  With this type of device that creates Braille labels, it is usually possible to create labels that have only been subjected to ink-printing processing or labels that have only been subjected to Braille-inscription processing. After specifying either “Braille mode” or “Ink Braille mode”, information for executing each process is input, and the process is executed. For this reason, based on the same Braille information and ink character information, for example, a label that has undergone only ink character printing processing, a label that has undergone only braille character printing processing, and a label that has undergone ink character printing and braille character imprinting processing When it was desired to make the three types, it was necessary to take steps such as mode setting, information input, and processing execution for each label, and it took time to create the label.

  The present invention is a printing / processing apparatus capable of performing printing processing and processing processing such as ink-character printing and braille printing, and performs a plurality of types of processing such as printing processing only, processing processing only, printing processing and processing processing, etc. An object of the present invention is to provide a printing / processing apparatus, a printing / processing apparatus control method, and a program that can easily execute one or more processes based on the same information.

  A printing / processing apparatus according to the present invention is a printing / processing apparatus that performs a printing process on a processing sheet based on input printing information and performs a processing process on the processing sheet based on input processing information. Input means for inputting information and / or processing information, and “print processing only”, “processing processing only”, “printing and processing” selectable as processing of information input by the input means after input by the input means Selected by means of an option display means for displaying two or more options from among the three types of “process”, a process selection means for selecting one or more kinds of processes from the two or more options, and a process selection means And a process execution means for executing one or more types of processes.

  The printing / processing apparatus control method of the present invention is a printing / processing apparatus that performs a printing process on a processing sheet based on input printing information and performs a processing process on the processing sheet based on input processing information. Control method, and an input process for inputting print information and / or processing information, and “print processing only”, “processing processing only”, “ An option display process that displays two or more options among the three types of “printing and processing”, and a process selection that selects one or more processes from the two or more options displayed in the option display process And a process execution step of executing one or more types of processes selected in the process selection process.

  According to these configurations, as the processing of the information input by the user, one type out of two or more options among the three types of “print processing only”, “processing processing only”, and “printing and processing processing”. Since the above processing can be selected and executed, the user can easily execute one or more types of processing based on the same input information. That is, since the user does not need to take steps such as process selection, information input, and process execution for each process, it is possible to save the operation and to quickly execute the target process. Further, since the options for selecting the process are displayed, the user can know the executable process without referring to the instruction manual or the like, and can be easily operated even by a beginner.

  In the printing / processing apparatus described above, it is preferable that the option display unit and the process selection unit do not function when only one of the print information and the processing information is input by the input unit.

  According to this configuration, when only one of the print information and the processing information is input, if the input information is the print information, the print processing is performed, if the input information is the processing information, the processing processing is performed, and the option display and the processing selection are performed. Run directly without the need for Therefore, the user can execute the target process quickly and easily.

  In the printing / processing apparatus, the input unit preferably inputs one character information as information common to the printing information and the processing information.

  According to this configuration, both processes can be executed only by inputting one piece of character information common to the printing process and the processing process. Therefore, the user's work of inputting character information is reduced, and the target process can be executed quickly.

  In the printing / processing apparatus described above, it is preferable that the process selection unit can select the same process a plurality of times.

  According to this configuration, even when it is desired to execute the same process a plurality of times, it is possible to repeatedly execute the same process without starting the process again from information input. Therefore, even when the same process is executed a plurality of times, the user's operation can be saved.

  Another printing / processing apparatus of the present invention is a printing / processing apparatus that performs printing processing and processing processing on a processing sheet based on input printing information and processing information, and inputs the printing information and processing information. , A process instruction unit for instructing processing of information input by the input unit by pressing one key, and an instruction by the processing instruction unit as a trigger, “print processing only”, “processing processing only”, “print and And a processing execution means for executing two or more types of processing among the three types of “processing”.

  Another control method for a printing / processing apparatus according to the present invention is a control method for a printing / processing apparatus that performs printing processing and processing processing on a processing sheet based on input printing information and processing information. Using an input process for inputting information and processing information and an instruction by pressing one key as a trigger, two or more types of processing of “print processing only”, “processing processing only”, and “printing and processing processing” are performed. And a process execution step to be executed.

  According to this configuration, it is possible to execute two or more types of processing among the three types of printing processing, processing processing, printing processing, and processing processing with a single key press instruction for processing of the input information. it can. That is, when two or more types of processing are executed based on the same input print information and processing information, it is not necessary to take steps such as processing selection, information input, and processing execution for each target processing, and information input Since a simple operation such as pressing a key is sufficient, the target process can be executed more quickly.

  In the above-described printing / processing apparatus, the processing sheet is configured in a tape shape, and when “printing and processing” is selected by the processing selection unit, the processing execution unit is arranged vertically or in the same direction in the width direction of the processing sheet. Both processes are preferably executed with the area as the processing target area.

  According to this configuration, when “printing and processing” is executed, the printing sheet and the processing are not performed in the two regions separated in the longitudinal direction of the sheet, so that the processing sheet can be used efficiently. .

  In the printing / processing apparatus described above, it is preferable that the processing execution unit performs braille stamping processing or cut-out character forming processing on the processing sheet as processing processing.

  According to this configuration, it is possible to create a processing sheet in which Braille that can be recognized by a visually impaired person and ink characters that can be visually recognized by a sighted person can be created by printing and processing. Furthermore, various products combining print characters and cut characters can be obtained by the cut character forming process.

  Another control method for a printing / processing apparatus according to the present invention is a control method for a printing / processing apparatus that performs printing processing and processing processing on a processing sheet based on input character information. As common information to be executed, there are three types of “printing process only”, “processing process only”, and “printing and processing process” based on the input process for inputting one character information and the input character information. And a process execution step for executing two or more types of processes.

  According to this configuration, both processes can be executed only by inputting one piece of character information common to the printing process and the processing process. Therefore, the user's work of inputting character information is reduced, and the target process can be executed quickly.

  The program of the present invention is a program for causing a computer to execute each step in the control method for a printing / processing apparatus described above.

  By processing this program with a computer, one or more types of processing based on the same information can be easily performed from among multiple types of processing such as “printing only”, “processing only”, “printing and processing”, etc. An executable printing / processing apparatus can be realized.

  Hereinafter, a printing / processing apparatus, a printing / processing apparatus control method, and a program according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. The present invention relates to a printing / processing apparatus that performs printing processing and / or processing on a processing sheet based on input information. For example, “print processing only”, “processing processing only”, “printing and processing processing”. It is an object to allow a user to easily execute a plurality of types of processing such as “ Therefore, the printing / processing apparatus of the present invention is a label for creating a braille label in which 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 are arranged on the same processing tape. A case where the present invention is applied to a creation apparatus will be described as an example.

  FIG. 1 is an external perspective view of the label producing apparatus 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention in a closed state, and FIG. 2 is an external perspective view of the label producing apparatus 1 in an opened state. FIG. 2 also shows a part of the device case 2 cut out in order to show the Braille stamping unit 150 for performing Braille stamping in an easy-to-understand manner. As shown in both figures, the label producing apparatus 1 has an outer case formed by an apparatus case 2. The apparatus case 2 has a keyboard 3 disposed on the upper surface of the front half thereof, and an open / close lid 21 on the upper surface of the latter half. Is attached. Inside the opening / closing lid 21, there is an ink character printing unit 120 that performs ink character printing (printing of characters such as characters and symbols) on the processing tape T fed out from the tape cartridge C. The apparatus case 2 has a braille stamping portion 150 that performs braille stamping by manually inserting the processing tape T from the front half.

  A display 4 having a rectangular shape is formed on the front side of the opening / closing lid 21, and a cartridge mounting portion 10 (ink-printing portion 120) for mounting a tape cartridge C on the inner left side of the opening / closing lid 21. The tape cartridge C is detachably mounted on the cartridge mounting portion 10 with the opening / closing lid 21 opened by pressing the lid opening button 14. Further, the open / close lid 21 is formed with a viewing window 21a for visually confirming whether the tape cartridge C is mounted or not mounted in the closed state.

  The display 4 can display display image data 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). Is used to create / edit ink character information for printing ink characters and Braille information for performing Braille embossing. Also, various errors and messages (operation contents and instruction contents) are displayed to notify the user.

  On the other hand, on the upper surface of the device case 2, a power lamp 5 indicating a power state and a keyboard 3 having various input keys are arranged. 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 ink character information (printing information) for performing ink character printing and Braille information (processing information) for performing Braille embossing, and has a full key configuration based on a JIS array. It has become.

  In addition, the function key group 3b is instructed to start the printing of the processing tape T in the braille embossing unit 150 and the print key for starting the ink character printing process (printing process) and / or the braille embossing process (processing process). In addition to a feed start key for starting, a stamp start key for starting Braille stamping manually, a format setting key for setting the character size, font, etc. of Braille P, and Braille stamping for performing Braille stamping A layout setting key for setting the arrangement of the area E1 and the ink character printing area E2 (both see FIG. 7) for performing ink character printing is included. With the layout setting key, the position in the tape width direction between the braille embossing area E1 and the ink character printing area E2 (the ink character printing area E1 and the braille embossing area E2 are arranged vertically, the two areas are overlapped, etc.), and The positions (left-justified, center-justified, right-justified, etc.) of each area E1, E2 in the tape length direction can be set. If there is no particular setting, the ink-character printing process is performed according to the default layout corresponding to the tape width. And / or braille stamping.

  FIG. 6 shows the default arrangement of the Braille embossed area E1 and the ink-printed area E2 for each tape width when both the Braille B and the ink P are formed on the processing tape T. In the present embodiment, the processing tape T1 (tape width 24 mm, see FIG. 1A), processing tape T2 (tape width 18 mm, see FIG. , (C) of FIG. 7) can be inserted. As shown in FIG. 6A, in the case of the processing tape T1, the upper side in the tape width direction is set to the ink character printing area E2, and the lower side is set to the braille marking area E1. In the example of the figure, the number of characters is the same as the number of ink characters “3” and the number of braille characters “3”. However, depending on the number of characters or the font size of the ink character P, whichever is longer in the tape length direction The tape length is variable according to the area, and the other area is arranged so that the ink letter P or the braille B is “centered”. Also, as shown in FIG. 5B, in the case of the processing tape T2, the upper side is set to the ink character printing region E2, and the lower side is set to the braille stamping region E1. The length of E2 in the tape width direction is shortened, and the character size is further reduced accordingly. Further, as shown in FIG. 5C, in the case of the processing tape T3, the tape width is the minimum length that can be printed in braille, so the braille stamping area E1 and the ink-printing area E2 are in the tape width direction. Are set so that the same region, that is, Braille B and Ink P are overlapped. As described above, in this embodiment, in any tape width, both processes are performed using the upper and lower regions or the same position region in the width direction of the processing tape T as the processing target region. The processing tape T can be used more efficiently than in the case where the printing process and the processing process are performed on one area.

  In addition to these, the function key group 3b includes a cancel key for canceling processing, a cursor key for moving a cursor, selection of options on various selection screens and text input, in the same manner as a general word processor or the like. An enter key (selection key) for line feed is included.

  On the other hand, a power supply port 11 for supplying power is formed at the center of the right side of the device case 2, and a connection port for connecting to an external device (not shown) such as a personal computer is formed on the right side of the first half. 12 (interface) is formed. Then, by connecting an external device to the connection port 12, it is possible to perform ink-character printing or Braille stamping based on character information generated by the external device. Further, a printing tape discharge port 22 is formed on the left side of the apparatus case 2 to communicate the cartridge mounting unit 10 with the outside. The processing tape T fed from the ink character printing unit 120 is provided in the printing tape discharge port 22. A tape cutter 19 for full cutting in a scissor form is faced. Then, the processing tape T is cut by the tape cutter 19, whereby the processing tape T after ink character printing is discharged from the printing tape discharge port 22.

  Here, a configuration around the ink character printing unit 120 (cartridge mounting unit 10) and the braille stamping unit 150 will be described. The cartridge mounting unit 10 winds up a head unit 20 in which a print head 7 composed of a thermal head is built in a head cover 20a, a platen drive shaft (not shown) facing the print head 7, and an ink ribbon R described later. A winding drive shaft (not shown) and a positioning projection 24 of a tape reel 27 described later are provided. A print feed motor 121 (see FIG. 7) for rotating the platen drive shaft and the take-up drive shaft is incorporated below the cartridge mounting portion 10.

  The tape cartridge C has a configuration in which a tape reel 27 around which a processing tape T having a certain width is wound and a ribbon reel 29 around which an ink ribbon R is wound at the lower right portion are accommodated in an upper center portion inside the cartridge case 51. The processing tape T and the ink ribbon R have the same width. A through hole 55 for inserting into the head cover 20a covering the head unit 20 is formed in the lower left portion of the tape reel 27, and the platen driving is performed corresponding to the portion where the processing tape T and the ink ribbon R overlap. A platen roller 53 that is fitted to the shaft and driven to rotate is disposed. On the other hand, a ribbon take-up reel 54 is arranged in the vicinity of the ribbon reel 29, and the ink ribbon R fed out from the ribbon reel 29 is taken up by the ribbon take-up reel 54 arranged so as to go around the head cover 20a. It is like that.

  When the tape cartridge C is mounted in the cartridge mounting portion 10, the through hole 55 is formed in the head cover 20a, the central hole 27a of the tape reel 27 is formed in the positioning projection 24, and the central hole of the ribbon take-up reel 54 is formed in the take-up drive shaft. Then, the print head 7 is brought into contact with the platen drive shaft (platen roller) with the processing tape T and the ink ribbon R sandwiched therebetween, so that ink-printing can be performed. Then, the processing tape T after the ink character printing is sent to the printing tape discharge port 22.

  The processing tape T is not particularly shown, but a recording sheet of a resin (for example, made of polyethylene terephthalate) having an adhesive layer provided on the back surface, and a resin (for example, polyethylene / polypropylene copolymer) pasted on the recording sheet by the adhesive layer. The print surface of the recording sheet is processed to improve the ink transfer by thermal transfer. In addition, a plurality of types of processing tapes 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 the type are provided. It is provided on the back surface of the cartridge case 51. A plurality of tape identification sensors (microswitches) 171 (see FIG. 7) for detecting these are provided in the cartridge mounting portion 10 corresponding to the plurality of holes, and the state of the tape identification sensor 171 is detected. Thus, the tape type can be determined.

  On the other hand, a stamping assembly (braille stamping part 150) for performing braille stamping is incorporated in the right half of the rear half of the device case 2, and a stamping part cover 30 is attached to the upper surface so as to cover it. It has been. In addition, a stamping tape insertion slot 31 into which the processing tape T is manually inserted by the user is provided on the front side of the stamping portion cover 30, and a processing tape T after braille marking is ejected on the back side. The tape discharge port 32 is recessed and formed so as to be inclined downward along the tape running path 70. In addition, a manual feed guide 31 a that can be adjusted in the tape width direction is provided in the vicinity of the stamping tape insertion opening 31.

  The braille stamping unit 150 includes a stamping unit 80 that performs braille stamping with three stamping pins (stamping heads) 41 (see FIG. 4B), and a process inserted into the stamping tape insertion port 31. It has a tape feeding unit 60 for feeding the tape T toward the embossing tape discharge port 32 and a tape traveling path 70 through which the processing tape T is conveyed. These units are incorporated in a frame constituting the tape traveling path 70. Thus, a stamping assembly is constructed and is mounted on the device case 2 as a unit. Further, the braille B is formed by selectively driving the three stamping pins 41 by the stamping unit 80 with respect to the processing tape T fed by the drive of the tape feeding unit 60 along the tape traveling path 70. Is done.

  The tape feeding unit 60 includes a feeding roller 61, a support member 62 that supports the feeding roller 61 on the apparatus frame 65, and a stamping feeding motor 151 that can rotate forward and reverse to rotate the feeding roller 61. The feed roller 61 is a grip roller comprising a drive roller (not shown) and a driven roller 61a. The driven roller 61a has three vertical marking points 201 (not to crush the formed braille B). An annular groove 63 (see FIG. 5) is formed so as to escape interference at a position corresponding to FIG.

  Here, Braille B (6 Braille B) formed on the processing tape T (T3: tape width 12 mm) will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 5A is a diagram showing Braille (Braille information) B representing character information “shi”. As shown in the figure, the 6-point braille B is composed of 6 dots (cutting points) of 3 vertical x 2 horizontal (a stamping point). An attribute is represented. 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). Although used, the present invention is naturally applicable also to a label producing apparatus that forms 8-point braille.

  The six-point braille B is divided into six marking points 201a to 201f in an arrangement pattern of 3 vertical lines x 2 horizontal lines in one square 200, and in the figure, there are 6 marking points 201a to 201f. Of these, four stamping points 201a, 201b, 201e, 201f are selectively stamped, and four stamping convex portions 202a, 202b, 202e, 202f are formed on the processing tape T. ing. The six embossing projections 202 have a vertical pitch of about 2.4 mm, a horizontal pitch of about 2.4 mm, and a pitch between adjacent squares (between the squares) of about 3.2 mm. ing.

  FIG. 4B shows a cross-sectional shape of the stamped convex portion 202. As shown in the figure, the shape of the stamped convex portion 202 is a cylindrical shape with rounded corners. Note that the shape of the stamped convex portion 202 is preferably a cylindrical shape with rounded corners (a good tactile feeling is preferable), but other shapes such as a hemispherical shape, a conical shape, a quadrangular pyramid shape, and the like. May be.

  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 and the other of which is a large stamping unit. A large stamping projection 204 is formed. The small embossed convex portion 203 has a cylindrical diameter of about 1.4 mm and a height of about 0.4 mm, and the large embossed convex portion 204 has a cylindrical diameter of about 1.8 mm and a height of about 0.1 mm. 5 mm. The two types of large and small embossed protrusions 203 and 204 are used depending on the application. For example, the small embossed protrusion 203 is intended for a person (congenital blind person) accustomed to reading Braille B. The ridges 204 are for beginners (half-blind people).

  Next, a detailed configuration of the embossing unit 80 will be described with reference to FIG. 1A is a plan view of the embossing unit 80 as viewed from above in FIG. 1, and FIG. 1B is a cross-sectional view of the embossing unit 80. FIG. FIG. 6A shows that the ink-printing area E1 and the braille-printing area E2 are set up and down, and the processing tape T (tape width 12 mm) after printing the ink-character is the stamping tape insertion slot. 3 shows a state in which the tape 31 is fed into the tape running path 70 by manual insertion and the processing tape T is fed toward the stamping tape discharge port 32.

  As shown in both the drawings, the stamping unit 80 includes a stamping member 81 having three stamping pins 41 and a stamp receiving member 82 that receives the pushing (scoring) of the stamping pins 41. In addition, an impact-resistant spring (not shown) is incorporated on the back surface of the stamp receiving member 82.

  The stamping member 81 includes three stamping pins 41 arranged at an interval of 2.4 mm along the tape width direction (the left-right direction in the drawing). It corresponds to each marking point 201 and is held perpendicular to the processing tape T by a stamping pin guide 45 that guides linear motion using the solenoid 47 as a drive source. The head 41a of the punching pin 41 is formed in a cylindrical shape with rounded corners so that the stamped convex portion 202 has a rounded cylindrical shape. When the shape of the embossing convex portion 202 is changed to another shape such as a hemispherical shape, a conical shape, or a quadrangular pyramid shape, the shape of the head 41a of the embossing pin 41 is also formed in a complementary shape. Is done.

  Further, one end of an arm member 46 is semi-fixedly connected to the tail portion of each embossing pin 41. The arm member 46 is provided with a support member 49 that rotatably supports a distal end portion of a plunger 48 of a solenoid 47, which will be described later, and rotatably supports an intermediate portion thereof. . And the plunger 48 of this solenoid 47 is arrange | positioned in parallel with the said punching pin 41 so that it may linearly move with respect to the process tape T at a perpendicular | vertical direction. Therefore, when the plunger 48 is linearly moved by the solenoid 47, the arm member 46 is rotated with the support member 49 as a fulcrum, and the embossing pin 41 is linearly moved in the vertical direction with respect to the processing tape T from the back surface side.

  The three arm members 46 respectively connected to the three stamping pins 41 extend so that the arm members 46 positioned at the upper and lower ends are separated in the tape width direction (in the tape vertical direction), respectively. An arm member 46 located in the middle extends along the feed direction of the processing tape T. The three solenoids 47 respectively connected to the three arm members 46 are arranged so as to form a triangle.

  On the other hand, the stamp receiving member 82 is formed with three stamp receiving recesses 43 corresponding to the three stamp pins 41 on the surface 42 a facing the three stamp pins 41. The receiving recess 43 has a concave cylindrical shape with rounded corners in accordance with the head shape of the embossing pin 41. The surface 42a facing the three stamping pins 41 may be a flat surface made of an elastic material such as synthetic rubber instead of forming the stamp receiving recess 43.

  Then, the embossing unit 80 forms the embossing convex portion 202 on the processing tape T by the embossing pin 41 and the embossing receiving member 82. That is, the solenoid 47 is excited in response to the braille marking data generated based on the input braille information (data indicating the marking / non-stamping of each marking point 201a to 201f), and the plunger 48 is activated. When sucked, the embossing pin 41 is guided by the embossing pin guide 45 and proceeds in the vertical direction with respect to the processing tape T, hits the corresponding embossing receiving recess 43 with the processing tape T interposed therebetween, and reaches the processing tape T. A stamping convex portion 202 is formed.

  Next, with reference to FIG. 5, the feeding operation of the processing tape T in the braille stamping unit 150 will be described. As described above, the Braille embossing unit 150 includes the embossing unit 80 that forms the embossing convex portion 202 on the processing tape T by the embossing pin 41, the tape traveling path 70 through which the processing tape T is conveyed, and the tape traveling path 70. In addition to a tape feeding unit (feeding means) 60 that transports the processing tape T along the guide path 71, guide members 71 and 72 that guide the transport of the processing tape T in the tape travel path 70, and a transmission that detects the tip of the processing tape T And a die tip detection sensor 91.

  As described above, the processing tape T1 (tape width 24 mm), the processing tape T2 (tape width 18 mm), and the processing tape T3 (tape width 12 mm) can be inserted into the stamping tape insertion slot 31. The processing tape T1 is guided by the upper and lower guides 71 and 72, and the processing tapes T2 and T3 having other tape widths are guided only by the lower guide member 71. For example, when the processing tape T3 having the minimum tape width is used, the user moves the processing tape T3 along the lower guide member 71 until the tip of the processing tape T3 reaches the tape feeding unit 60 (feeding roller 61) (to a position where it can be inserted). Insert manually. Then, by pressing the tape feed start key on the keyboard 3, the tape feed unit 60 starts feeding the processing tape T3. Then, the detection of the leading end of the tape by the leading end detection sensor 91 is used as a trigger to start the braille stamping process (tape processing operation). At this time, when the length from the leading end of the tape to the stamping start position is set shorter than the length L1 between the stamping unit 80 (the stamping pin 41) and the leading end detection sensor 91 (however, The positional relationship of the feed roller 61 is based on the premise that the length of the front non-cutting area is set longer than the length L2 between the stamping unit 80 and the feed roller 61). The processing tape T is fed back by rotating in the reverse direction. When the processing tape T is fed to an appropriate position, stamping and tape feeding in the forward direction are started. Note that the braille stamping process by the stamping unit 80 is not started with the detection of the leading edge of the tape by the leading edge detection sensor 91 as a trigger, but is manually started by the user pressing the stamping start key on the keyboard 3. Is also possible.

  Here, a series of operations of the braille embossing process will be described by taking as an example a case where the braille “shi” (see FIG. 2A) is imprinted. The processing tape T inserted from the stamping tape insertion port 31 is positioned along the tape running path 70 so that the first row of stamping points 201a, 201b, 201c faces the three stamping pins 41 (the stamping position). ). When the processing tape T is fed to this position, the tape feeding is temporarily stopped and braille stamping is performed. In the first row of the braille “SHI”, the stamping points 201a and 201b are the stamping points. Therefore, the first stamping pin 41 is driven to drive the stamping convex portion 202a. Form. Next, the embossing convex part 202b is formed when the middle embossing pin 41 drives. Thus, after the stamping points 201a and 201b in the first row are finished, the tape is fed again, and after approximately 2.4 mm, the middle and lower sides of the three stamping pins 41 are similarly used. The two embossing pins 41 are engraved in the order of the embossing point 201e and the embossing point 201f, thereby forming the two embossing projections 202e and 202f on the surface. When the stamping is completed, the tape is fed to the position where the stamping row where the next stamping point (actual stamping point) that requires driving of the stamping pin 41 exists and faces the stamping pin 41, and the Braille stamping is performed. I do. If there are no more actual marking points (when the last marking row has been stamped), the tape is fed and the stamped processing tape T is discharged from the stamping tape discharge port 32.

  Next, the control configuration of the label producing apparatus 1 will be described with reference to FIG. The label producing apparatus 1 includes a keyboard 3 and a display 4, an operation unit 110 that controls a user interface such as input of character information and display of various information by a user, a tape cartridge C, a print head 7, and a print feed motor (stepping motor). ) 121, the ink character printing unit 120 that prints ink characters based on the ink character information on the processing tape T while conveying the processing tape T and the ink ribbon R, the tape cutter 19, and the cutter motor that drives the ink cutter 141, and includes a cutting unit 140 that cuts the printed processing tape T to a predetermined length, a solenoid 47, a stamping pin 41, and a stamping feed motor (stepping motor) 151, and feeds the processing tape T. While the braille embossing unit 150 for imprinting braille based on the braille information on the processing tape T, the processing tape A tape identification sensor 171 that detects the type of (tape cartridge C), a leading edge detection sensor 91 that detects the leading edge of the processing tape T in the braille stamping section 150, and a printing section rotational speed sensor 172 that detects the rotational speed of the print feed motor 121. , Having a stamping portion rotational speed sensor 173 for detecting the rotational speed of the stamping feed motor 151, a detection unit 170 for performing various detections, a display driver 181, a head driver 182, a print feed motor driver 183, and a cutter motor driver 184. The driving unit 180 includes a stamping driver 185 and a stamping feed motor driver 186. The driving unit 180 drives each unit, and the control unit 200 is connected to each unit and controls the label producing apparatus 1 as a whole.

  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. And a control data block 222 for storing Braille font data and the like.

  In addition to various work area blocks 231 used as flags and the like, the RAM 230 expands the ink character print data block 232 for storing ink character print data obtained by expanding the input ink character information, and the input braille information. A braille embossing data block 233 for storing braille embossing data expressing embossing / non-imprinting of each embossing point (201a, 201b, 201c or 201d, 201e, 201f) for each embossing row; Used as a work area for control processing. 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 and built by a gate array, a custom LSI (pulse control LSI), or the like. As a result, the IOC 250 takes the input data and control data from the keyboard 3 as they are or processes them and imports them into the internal bus 260 and, in conjunction with the CPU 210, directly outputs the data and control signals output from the CPU 210 to the internal bus 260. Or it processes and outputs to the drive part 180. FIG.

  And CPU210 inputs various signals and data from each part in the label production apparatus 1 via IOC250 according to the control program in ROM220 by said structure. In addition, various data in the RAM 230 is processed based on the various signals / data input, and various signals / data are output to each part in the label producing apparatus 1 via the IOC 250, so that the selected processing mode is selected. , Control of ink character printing processing and braille embossing processing.

  Here, the overall processing of the label producing apparatus 1 mainly controlled by the CPU 210 will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. As shown in the figure, Braille information and / or ink character information is first input by the user (S01). That is, here, only information of either Braille information or ink character information may be input, or both may be input. Thereafter, when a print instruction is issued to instruct processing of the input information (S02), it is determined whether both Braille information and ink character information are input to the input information (S03). Here, when Braille information and ink character information are input (S03: Yes), there are three types of processing modes (here, “Ink + Braille” mode, “Braille only” mode, and “Ink character only” mode). , (See S11 in FIG. 9) is displayed (S04), and according to the selection result of the processing mode by the user (S05), Braille embossing and / or ink character printing processing is executed (S06). .

  When the Braille marking and / or ink character printing process (S06) is completed, it is determined whether or not the cancel key is pressed (S07). If the cancel key is not pressed, that is, if the process is continued (S07: No) ), An option for selecting the processing mode is displayed again (S04). If the cancel key is pressed (S07: Yes), the process ends. If only information of braille information or ink character information has been input, the process ends.

  On the other hand, when only information of Braille information or ink-print information is inputted (S03: No), the steps of option display (S04) and processing mode selection (S05) are not executed, but according to the inputted information. Then, either one of the braille embossing process or the ink-character printing process is executed (S08), and then the process ends. In this case, the process returns to the information input step (S01) without completing the process, and the print instruction (S02) is performed again, so that the same type of process based on the same information (braille information or ink character information) is performed. May be executed multiple times.

  Next, details of the Braille stamping and / or ink character printing process (corresponding to S06 in FIG. 8) will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. 9 and the label creation example of FIG. Here, a case where a processing tape T1 having a width of 24 mm (see FIG. 6) is used will be described.

  In the Braille stamping and / or ink character printing process, the Braille stamping and / or ink character printing process is performed according to the processing mode selected in the process mode selection step (S05 in FIG. 8). That is, the flow of each process is executed for each of the three processing modes indicated by (a), (b), and (c) in FIG.

  When the option display process and the process mode selection process (S04, S05 in FIG. 8) are not executed (S03: No in FIG. 8), the process mode is set according to the input information. That is, if the input information input in the information input step (S01) is only braille information, the mode is “braille only” (b), and if the input information is only ink information, the mode is “crib only” mode (c). Is set.

  On the other hand, when the “ink + braille” mode is selected in the processing mode selection process (S11: (a) in FIG. 9), the ink printing unit 120 performs printing of the ink P (ink printing). Thereafter (S12), the tape is cut and the processing tape T is discharged from the printing tape discharge port 22 (S13), and a tape insertion instruction to the embossing tape insertion port 31 is displayed on the display 4 (S14). This instruction display may be performed by an indicator or LED.

  When the user inserts (manually inserts) the processing tape T into the stamping tape insertion slot 31 according to the tape insertion instruction, the braille stamping unit 150 stamps Braille B (braille stamping) (S15). Then, the stamped processing tape T is discharged from the stamping tape discharge port 32 (S16), and the process ends. An example of a label created in this processing mode is shown in FIG. Here, when “emergency exit” is input as ink character information and “hijoguchi” (translation information) is input as braille information, the layout is not set (the default layout setting) Shows the label to be created. In this way, in the case of the default layout setting, ink characters are printed on the upper part of the processing tape T and braille is imprinted on the lower part of the tape, so that the processing tape can be used effectively and sighted people who cannot read Braille The contents of braille can be understood at a glance.

  When the “Braille only” mode is selected (S11 in FIG. 9: (b)), a tape insertion instruction to the embossing tape insertion slot 31 is displayed on the display 4 (S19), and the tape is inserted by the user. After performing the braille stamping (S20), the stamped processing tape T is discharged from the stamping tape discharge port 32 (S21), and the process ends. An example of a label created in this processing mode is shown in FIG. As described above, when the “Braille only” mode is selected, Braille stamping is performed by approaching the upper or lower end in the width direction of the processing tape T. This is because the arrangement of the embossing unit 80 faces a position closer to the lower side of the tape running path (see FIG. 5). When the arrangement of the braille embossing area E1 is set at the upper stage), the braille data is read out in the reverse direction on the processing tape T inserted from the rear end side to perform the braille embossing.

  Further, when the “only ink characters” mode is selected (S11 in FIG. 9: (c)), after ink character printing by the ink character printing unit 120 (S22), tape cutting and discharging are performed (S23), and processing Exit. An example of a label created in this processing mode is shown in FIG. As described above, when the “ink-character only” mode is selected, the character size is changed to an appropriate size according to the tape width, and ink-character printing is performed. Thereby, a good-looking label according to the tape width can be created.

  As shown in FIG. 10, the label lengths to be created are the same regardless of which processing mode is selected. Thereby, when it sticks combining two or more labels, it looks good. However, it is also possible to unify the character size of the ink letter P and change the length of the label created according to the selected processing mode according to user settings.

  When the “Braille only” mode is selected (S11 in FIG. 9: (b)), in order to obtain a strip-shaped processing tape T for manual insertion, before the tape insertion instruction (S19), After performing blank printing instead of ink printing in the “ink + braille” mode (only feeding the tape without printing anything) (S17), cutting and discharging the tape (S18), after the discharged tape is cut The processing tape T may be used as a strip-shaped processing tape T for manual insertion. According to this configuration, even when it is desired to create a label in which only the Braille B is formed, it is not necessary to prepare the strip-shaped processing tape T. In the following description, it is assumed that these steps (S17, S18) are executed.

  Although not shown, it is possible to mount the tape cartridge C on the upstream side of the Braille stamping unit 150, and it is possible to perform Braille stamping on the long tape fed out from the tape cartridge C. Ink-character printing and braille printing can be executed based on character information of different contents, not the same contents.

  Here, the steps shown in the flowchart of FIG. 8 will be further described with reference to the screen transition diagrams of FIGS. 11 and 12. As shown in FIG. 11, here, Braille information (“Hijoguchi”) is input (input according to the braille translation rules) following the bullet mark M1, and ink character information (“emergency exit”) is entered following the bullet mark M2. It is assumed that it has been input (D01). Hereinafter, the display state of the display screen of the display 4 is represented by a screen Dxx, and the reference number is represented only by Dxx. The cursor position is indicated by a cursor K. In this state, when the user presses the print key, since both pieces of information have been input (S03: Yes in FIG. 8), a processing mode selection screen is displayed (D02). Here, the “ink + braille” mode is highlighted as a default value. When the selection key is pressed in this state, a character string image of the ink information “emergency exit” is displayed together with a message “printing”. Is printed as a print image, and the label is discharged from the print tape discharge port (D03). The label discharged here is the label shown in FIG. 10A in which only the ink letter P is formed. Next, a message “Please insert the tape into the embossing tape insertion slot” is displayed (D04), the braille embossing process is executed according to the insertion of the processing tape T, and the ink letter and the Braille label are created. (See FIG. 10A). At this time, “in-process” may be displayed.

  When the “ink + braille” mode processing is completed, a processing mode selection screen for the next processing is displayed (D05). The default value is the previously selected option, and “ink + braille” is highlighted. When the “braille only” mode is selected by pressing the cursor key (“↓”) and the selection key (D06), a “printing” message is displayed (D07 in FIG. 12), and the empty label is discharged. I do. After that, the message “Please insert the tape into the embossing tape insertion slot” is displayed (D08). When an empty label is inserted into the tape insertion slot 31, the braille embossing process is executed and the braille label is displayed. It creates (refer FIG.10 (b)).

  When the “braille only” mode processing is completed, the processing mode selection screen for the next processing is displayed again (D09). When the “ink-only” mode is selected (D10), a “printing” message is displayed (D11), ink-printing processing is executed, and ink-character labels are created (FIG. 10C). reference).

  When the process of the “ink-only” mode is completed, the process mode selection screen for the next process is displayed again (D12). If the cancel key is pressed here, the screen returns to the information input screen (D01 in FIG. 11).

  Note that the cancel key may be pressed at any time, and the cancel may be added to the options on the processing mode selection screen. According to this configuration, the processing can be stopped at any timing during the processing, and a situation where the processing tape T is wasted when an error is found during the processing can be avoided. Further, by adding the cancellation to the screen options, the cancellation can be executed intuitively without searching for the cancel key from the keyboard 3, and even a beginner can operate it easily.

  Further, when only one of the ink character information or the Braille information is input on the information input screen of D01 (in the case of S03: No in FIG. 8), although not particularly illustrated, the Braille information is displayed by pressing the print key. If it is only, the message “Printing” is displayed and the empty label is ejected, and then the message “Please insert the tape into the stamping tape insertion slot” is displayed. When the empty label discharged to the tape insertion slot is inserted, a Braille label is created and the process is terminated. If the input information is only ink character information, a message “printing” is displayed to generate an ink character label, and the process ends.

  As described above, the label creating apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment can process the information input from the keyboard 3 as “ink + braille” mode (a), “braille only” mode (b), and “inkprint only”. "Of the three types of mode (c), one or more types of processing can be selected and executed from two or more options, so that one or more types of processing can be easily executed. That is, since it is not necessary to perform steps such as process selection, information input, and process execution for each process, it is possible to save the user's operation and to perform the target process quickly.

  Moreover, since the choice for selecting a process is displayed on the display 4, the user can know an executable process without referring to an instruction manual or the like, and can be easily operated even by a beginner.

  Further, when only one of the ink information or Braille information is input (in the case of S03: No in FIG. 8), the ink character printing process is performed when the input information is ink character information, and the Braille information when the input information is Braille information. The embossing process can be executed without requiring display of options and selection of processes. Therefore, the target process can be executed quickly and easily.

  In the above example, each time a processing mode is selected, label creation is executed one by one. However, immediately after a print instruction is given or after a processing mode is selected, the number of times of processing (number of labels created) May be specified. According to this configuration, when performing braille printing and / or ink-printing processing for input information having the same content, a plurality of braille printing and / or ink-printing is performed by one processing selection and / or processing execution. The processing can be performed, and the user's operation can be saved, and the target processing can be performed quickly.

  Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. In the above embodiment, Braille information and ink character information are input separately (see D01 in FIG. 11). However, in this embodiment, these pieces of information are input as one common character information. Different. Therefore, the following description will be focused on differences from the first embodiment.

  FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing information input processing according to the present embodiment. As shown in the figure, first, the user inputs character information as common information for executing the Braille embossing process and the ink-character printing process (S31). This character information refers to a character string composed of characters, numbers, and symbols. When a character is converted to Kanji, the converted Kanji is used as ink character information. In this embodiment, Braille information and ink character information are input as common information, so that only one of the information cannot be input. Therefore, after printing instruction (S35) described later, options are displayed (S04 in FIG. 8) without determining whether or not both pieces of information are included in the input information (see S03 in FIG. 8). It becomes.

  After the character information is input (S31), a braille translation instruction for the character information is performed (S32), and a braille translation of the character information is performed according to the instruction (S33). The braille translation of the character information is performed according to a predetermined braille translation algorithm, and the braille translation result (the braille translation character string and the braille pattern) and the input character information are displayed on the display 4 as ink character information (S34). Then, according to the print instruction from the user, the processing mode options are displayed on the display 4 (S04 in FIG. 8). Since the following processing is the same as that of the first embodiment, description thereof is omitted.

  Here, with reference to FIG. 14, the steps shown in the above flowchart will be further described with reference to a screen transition diagram. As shown in the figure, in the initial screen (D21) displaying only the first mark M3 indicating the input of the first line of character information and the cursor K, [HIGASHI] and the Roman character input using the character key group 3a. When the conversion key is further pressed to perform kanji conversion (D22), the kanji character “East” is displayed (D23). That is, the kanji character “East” is input as the character information. Here, when the braille translation key is pressed, the ink character information and the braille translation information are displayed based on the Chinese character “East” and the keyed information (Roman character [HIGASHI]) (D24).

  Here, after the Roman character [HIGASHI] has been converted to Kanji, the braille translation key is pressed, so the Chinese character “East” is displayed as ink character information. Therefore, when the braille translation key is pressed in a state where the character is fixed without being converted into Kanji after inputting Roman characters [HIGASHHI], the alphabet character string “HIGASHHI” is displayed as ink character information. The braille translation information is based on the information (Romaji [HIGASHI]) that is key-entered because it cannot be determined whether it reads “Higashi” or “Azuma” only from the information “East” after Kanji conversion. This is judged as “Higashi”, and “Higashi” is displayed as a braille translation character string. In addition, when it is necessary to perform character writing such as split writing or kana (C → W, F → D, etc.), it is written according to the Braille rules. In addition, a braille pattern corresponding to the braille character string and converted to 6 braille is also displayed.

  On the screen (D24), ink information and braille character strings can be edited. If necessary, the cursor K is moved to correct, add, or delete characters. When the print key is pressed, options for selecting the first processing mode are displayed (corresponding to D02 in FIG. 11). For example, when the “ink + braille” mode is selected, the Chinese character “Eastern” is printed as the ink letter P on the upper side of the processing tape T1, and the braille pattern shown in D24 is further below the processing tape T1. Correspondingly, processing for creating a label in which Braille B is engraved is executed.

  As described above, according to the present embodiment, the braille information and the ink character information are input as a single piece of common character information, so that it is possible to save the input effort as compared with the case where they are input separately. it can. In addition, the conversion into the braille translation information uses keyed information (in the case of the above embodiment, the Roman alphabet [HIGASHI]), so that the braille translation can be performed accurately.

  In the above example, the case of inputting Roman characters is illustrated, but Kana input may be used. Also, instead of inputting character information as common information for performing Braille stamping processing and ink character printing processing, it is converted from direct input specifying each stamp point of Braille pattern to ink character information. Based on this, both processes may be performed. According to this configuration, even if the braille pattern is known but the reading is unknown, a label in which both the braille B and the ink letter P are formed can be created. Similarly, it is also possible to input a braille translation character string as common character information for performing both processes, and to perform conversion into ink character information and conversion into a braille pattern. is there.

  Next, a third embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 15 and 16. In the above embodiment, every time a processing mode is selected, a process for creating a label is executed (see S05 and S06 in FIG. 8). However, in this embodiment, the processing mode is not selected. The difference is that the process is executed directly. Therefore, the following description will be focused on differences from the second embodiment.

  FIG. 15 is a flowchart showing the overall processing according to the present embodiment. As shown in the figure, when character information is input as common information for executing the Braille stamping process and the ink character printing process (S41), and when a print instruction is given (S42), the braille conversion of the character information is performed. In addition, braille information and ink character information are displayed on the display 4 (see D24 in FIG. 14), and the process is executed (S43). That is, in this embodiment, although Braille information and ink character information are displayed, the ink character printing process and the Braille embossing process are executed at the same time, so the display is only used for user confirmation. , Braille information and ink information cannot be edited.

  Further, in the step S43, as shown in FIG. 16A, three types of labels (Braille + Ink letter label, Braille label, Ink letter label) are issued in succession. Further, the boundary portion of each label is subjected to a half cut in which only the recording sheet is cut out of the laminated recording sheet and release paper. Therefore, first, after the ink character printing process, ink characters are printed on the first and third labels and the half-cut between the labels is performed, the processing tape shown in FIG. After the tape is ejected, the tape is inserted into the embossing tape insertion slot, the braille engraving is performed on the first and second labels, and then the processing tape is ejected from the embossing tape ejection opening. The label shown in FIG.

  As described above, according to the present embodiment, since three types of labels can be created only by a print instruction (pressing one key), the work load required for creating the three types of labels can be reduced. . In addition, since the user operation is a simple configuration with only two steps, such as information input and press of a print key, there is an advantage that it is convenient for beginners.

  In the above example, as shown in FIG. 16, three types of labels are created, but any two types may be used. Moreover, the user may be allowed to set the label types to be continuously created in advance (before inputting information).

  In the above example, the character information is input as information common to the Braille stamping process and the ink-character printing process (see S41 of FIG. 15). However, as in the first embodiment, the Braille information and A configuration may be adopted in which ink information is separately input.

  The three types of labels may not be issued continuously, but may be issued in a form in which the three labels are separated (full cut) as in the first embodiment ( (See FIG. 6).

  Next, a fourth embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 17 and 18. In the above embodiment, the Braille stamping process is performed after the ink character printing process. However, the present embodiment is different in that a cut character forming process is performed instead of the Braille stamping process. Therefore, a description will be given mainly of cut-out character forming processing and information input for executing the processing.

  As the information input for executing the cut-out character forming process, for example, as in the first embodiment, the cut-out information indicating the character to be cut out and the ink character information are separately displayed on the screen as shown in D01 of FIG. For example, as in the second and third embodiments, character information common to both processes may be input on a screen as shown in D21 of FIG. Here, for example, when common character information “A” is input, after printing “A” of the ink letter P, the outline CT of this character “A” is cut as a cut character forming process, and the label (See FIG. 18A). When ink information is not input and only clipping information is input, and when only the “cut-out character formation” mode is selected, the printing of the ink character P is not performed, and the outline CT of “That” is simply displayed. A cut label is created (see FIG. 18B).

  Here, with reference to FIG. 17, the structure of the cutting part 500 which performs a cut-out character formation process is demonstrated. Note that it is assumed that the cutting unit 500 is incorporated in the label producing apparatus 1 instead of the braille stamping unit 150 (see FIG. 2). Therefore, the cut-out character forming process is performed by manually inserting the processing tape after the ink-character printing.

  As shown in the figure, the cutting unit 500 is provided along a cutting mechanism 540 that performs an outline cut on the processing tape T introduced into the cutting unit 501, and a tape running path 502 that extends horizontally in the cutting unit 501. A cutting feed mechanism 550 that forwards and reversely feeds the processing tape T, and a paper feeding mechanism 560 that introduces the manually fed processing tape T into the tape running path 502. The cutting feeding mechanism 550 and the paper feeding mechanism 560 A first leading end detection sensor 506 disposed so as to face the tape running path 502, a second leading end detection sensor 507 disposed near the downstream side of the main feed roller 551 of the cutting feed mechanism 550, and each of the above-described mechanisms. And a controller 570 for overall control.

  An insertion port 581 for receiving the manually inserted processing tape T is formed at one end of the cutting unit 501, and the paper feed mechanism 560 faces the insertion port 581 from the inside of the cutting unit 501. In addition, a retraction opening 582 is formed at one end of the cutting unit 501 directly below the insertion opening 581 so as to face the upstream end of the tape running path 502, and at the other end of the cutting unit 501. Is formed with a discharge port 583 so as to face the downstream end of the tape running path 502. After the processing tape T fed from the insertion port 581 is introduced into the tape travel path 502 by the paper feed mechanism 560, the forward / reverse feed of the cutting feed mechanism 550 and the cutting operation of the cutting mechanism 540 are performed on the tape travel path 502. As a result, outline cutting of a desired shape (cutout character CT) is performed. In the forward / reverse feeding of the cutting mechanism 540, the processing tape T is temporarily discharged from the cutting port 582 to the outside of the cutting unit 501.

  The paper feed mechanism 560 drives an introduction plate 561 extending obliquely downward from the insertion port 581 toward the tape traveling path 502, a paper feed roller 562 disposed above the introduction plate 561, and the paper feed roller 562. A paper feed motor 563. After the processing tape T is inserted (manually inserted) from the insertion port 581 along the introduction plate 561, when the user performs a predetermined start operation, the paper feeding roller 562 is rotated by the paper feeding motor 563 and the processing tape T travels on the tape. It is sent to the road 502. When the leading end portion of the processing tape T reaches the position of the first leading end detection sensor 506, the cutting feed mechanism 550 starts driving based on this, and the processing tape T is delivered from the paper feed mechanism 560 to the cutting feed mechanism 550. It is.

  The cutting feed mechanism 550 includes a main feed roller 551 disposed on the upstream side of the cutting mechanism 540, a sub-feed roller 552 disposed on the downstream side of the cutting mechanism 540, and a feed motor that drives the rollers 551 and 552 to rotate forward and backward. 553 and a power transmission mechanism 554 that transmits the rotational power of the feed motor 553 to both rollers 551 and 552. The main feed roller 551 controls the forward / reverse feed amount of the processing tape T, and the sub-feed roller 552 is slip-rotated (the feed amount is large for normal feed and the feed amount is small for reverse feed). Functions to give tension. The front end of the processing tape T transferred from the paper feeding mechanism 560 to the main feed roller 551 is detected by a second front end detection sensor 507 located on the downstream side of the main feed roller 551, and the processing tape T is used as a reference. Is controlled with high accuracy. In synchronism with the cutting feed mechanism 550, the cutting mechanism 540 performs a reciprocating cutting operation.

  The cutting mechanism 540 has a cutting tool 541 having a slant blade rotating around the vertical axis at the tip, a tool carriage 542 that holds the cutting tool 541, and the cutting tool 541 goes straight to the tape travel path 502 via the tool carriage 542. A timing belt 543 that reciprocates in the direction, and a carriage motor 544 that causes the timing belt 543 to travel forward and reverse, and an up / down mechanism 545 that raises and lowers the cutting tool 541 via these components, and an up / down mechanism 545. And an up / down motor 546 for driving the motor.

  The timing bit 543 is moved forward and backward by the carriage motor 544, and the cutting bit 541 is reciprocated via the bite carriage 542 fixed to the timing belt 543, whereby the cutting bit 541 performs a reciprocating cutting operation, and the cutting feed is sent thereto. By synchronizing the forward / reverse feeding of the processing tape T by the mechanism 550, the outline character CT is cut out in outline. In addition, the up / down motor 546 is driven at the start position and the end position of the outline cut to raise and lower the cutting tool 541.

  As described above, based on the input cutout information (character information), a cutout character having a desired shape is obtained by forward / reverse feed of the processing tape T by the cutting feed mechanism 550 and reciprocation of the cutting bit 541 by the cutting mechanism 540. CT outline cut is performed.

  Therefore, in the present embodiment, even when the cut-out character CT forming process is performed after the printing process, a plurality of types of processes can be easily executed. Further, as in the first embodiment, after the ink character print information and the cutout information are input, the processing mode is selected from, for example, “ink + cut character”, “clipped character only”, and “ink character only”. Specify and create labels one by one, or input one character information as information common to the ink character printing process and the cut-out character forming process as in the third embodiment, and continue multiple types of labels. Can be created.

  The cut-out information for executing the cut-out character forming process is not limited to the information for performing the outline cut of the character. For example, as shown in FIG. Information for performing clipping may be input. In this case, by specifying the outer frame “round frame” as one of the decorations, it can be replaced with input of cutout information. In addition to this, it is possible to apply ink printing on the upper side in the tape width direction and cut-out character CT on the lower side.

  As described above, as shown in the first to fourth embodiments, according to the first embodiment of the present invention, as the processing of Braille information and ink character information input by the user, “printing and printing in Braille” One or more types of processing can be selected and executed from two or more options among the three types of “processing”, “braille stamping processing only”, and “ink-printing processing only”. More than one type of processing can be easily executed. That is, since it is not necessary to perform steps such as process selection, information input, and process execution for each process, it is possible to save the user's operation and to perform the target process quickly.

  Further, according to the second embodiment, it is only necessary to input one piece of character information common to the ink character printing process and the Braille embossing process, so that the operability can be improved and the target process can be executed more quickly. Can do.

  In addition, according to the third embodiment, after the information is input, the above three types of processing can be executed continuously by simply pressing the print key, so that the target processing can be executed more quickly. it can.

  Further, according to the fourth embodiment, the present invention can be applied to the case where the ink character printing process and the cutout character processing process are performed, and various labels are created by combining the ink letter P and the cutout character CT. can do.

  In addition, you may provide each part (each function) of said label production apparatus 1 as a program. The program may be provided by being stored in a recording medium (not shown). As the recording medium, a CD-ROM, a flash ROM, a memory card (compact flash (registered trademark), smart media, memory stick, etc.), a compact disk, a magneto-optical disk, a digital versatile disk, a flexible disk, and the like can be used.

  In addition, the apparatus configuration and processing steps of the label producing apparatus 1 can be appropriately changed without departing from the gist of the present invention, regardless of the embodiment described above.

  For example, in the above example, a configuration in which the ink print process and the braille embossing process are executed in two passes (after the ink character print process, the processing tape is temporarily ejected from the apparatus, and the processing tape is inserted again. However, a configuration may be adopted in which both processes are executed in one pass. Further, the information forming medium (processing sheet) to be processed is not limited to the above-described long processing tape, but may be a strip shape or a sheet of a prescribed size.

  In addition to the case of performing braille stamping or cut-out character formation, for example, when performing printing of a plurality of colors, the second color printing can be performed as the processing process. That is, the present invention can be applied to any apparatus that performs a printing process and some processing on the same information forming medium.

  Further, the processing is not limited to one, and a plurality of types of processing can be performed. In this case, it is preferable to make appropriate changes such as increasing the number of options displayed on the display 4 according to the number of types of processing or increasing the number of labels to be issued continuously.

It is an external appearance perspective view of the closed state of the label production apparatus which concerns on embodiment. It is an external appearance perspective view of the label production apparatus in the open cover state. It is explanatory drawing of 6 dotted braille and sectional drawing of a stamping convex part. It is the top view and sectional drawing of a stamping unit. It is a figure explaining tape feeding in a braille stamping part. It is a figure which shows the preparation example of a label according to tape width. It is a control block diagram of a label production apparatus. It is a flowchart which shows the whole process of a label production apparatus. It is a flowchart which shows the braille embossing of a label production apparatus, and / or an ink-character printing process. It is a figure which shows the preparation example of a label according to processing mode. It is the figure which showed the whole process of the label production apparatus according to the screen transition. It is a figure following FIG. It is a flowchart which shows the information input process of the label production apparatus which concerns on 2nd Embodiment. It is the figure which showed the information input process of the label production apparatus which concerns on 2nd Embodiment according to the screen transition. It is a flowchart which shows the whole process of the label production apparatus which concerns on 3rd Embodiment. It is a figure which shows the creation example of the label which concerns on 3rd Embodiment. It is a block diagram of the cutting part of the label production apparatus which concerns on 4th Embodiment. It is a figure which shows the creation example of the label which concerns on 4th Embodiment.

Explanation of symbols

  1: Label creation device, 3: Keyboard, 4: Display, 120: Ink printing section, 150: Braille stamping section, 500: Cutting section, B: Braille, E1: Braille stamping area, E2: Ink printing area , P: Ink, T: Processing tape

Claims (11)

A printing / processing apparatus that performs a printing process on a processing sheet based on input printing information and performs a processing process on the processing sheet based on input processing information,
Input means for inputting the print information and / or the processing information;
Two or more of three types of options “printing process only”, “processing process only”, and “printing and processing process” that can be selected as processing of information input by the input unit after input by the input unit An option display means for displaying the options of
Processing selection means for selecting one or more types of processing from the two or more options;
And a processing execution unit that executes the one or more types of processing selected by the processing selection unit.   2. The printing / processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein when only one of the printing information and the processing information is input by the input unit, the option display unit and the processing selection unit are not functioned.   The printing / processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the input unit inputs one character information as information common to the print information and the processing information.   The printing / processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the process selection unit can select the same process a plurality of times. A printing / processing apparatus that performs printing processing and processing on a processing sheet based on input printing information and processing information,
Input means for inputting the print information and the processing information;
Processing instruction means for instructing processing of information input by the input means by pressing one key;
Processing execution means for executing two or more types of processing among the three types of “printing process only”, “processing process only”, and “printing and processing process” with an instruction from the processing instruction unit as a trigger; A printing / processing apparatus characterized by the above. The processing sheet is configured in a tape shape,
When “printing and processing” is selected by the processing selection unit,
6. The printing / processing according to claim 1, wherein the processing execution unit executes both processes with the upper and lower sides or the same area in the width direction of the processing sheet as a processing target area. apparatus.   The printing / processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the processing execution unit performs a braille embossing process or a cut-out character forming process on the processing sheet as the processing process. A control method for a printing / processing apparatus that performs a printing process on a processing sheet based on input printing information and performs a processing process on the processing sheet based on input processing information,
An input step for inputting the printing information and / or the processing information;
After the input step, two or more options among the three options “print process only”, “process process only”, and “print and process process” that can be selected as the process of the input information are displayed. An option display process;
A process selection step of selecting one or more types of processes from the two or more options displayed in the option display process;
And a process execution step of executing the one or more types of processes selected in the process selection step. A control method for a printing / processing apparatus that performs printing processing and processing on a processing sheet based on input character information,
An input step for inputting one character information as common information for executing the printing process and the processing process;
A process execution step for executing two or more types of processes among the three types of “print process only”, “only process process”, and “print and process process” based on the input character information. A control method for a printing / processing apparatus. A control method of a printing / processing apparatus that performs printing processing and processing on a processing sheet based on input printing information and processing information,
An input step for inputting the print information and the processing information;
And a process execution step of executing two or more types of processing among three types of “printing process only”, “processing process only”, and “printing and processing process” with an instruction by pressing one key as a trigger. A method for controlling a printing / processing apparatus.   The program for making a computer perform each process in the control method of the printing / processing apparatus of Claim 8, 9 or 10.

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