JP2007087165A - Image creation method, image creation apparatus, program, and printer - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To make it possible to exactly convert an inputted postal code (address) to its corresponding address (postal code), and to generate a print image by performing the input and edit operation of a character string efficiently in succession to the conversion processing. <P>SOLUTION: An input edit screen 131 for inputting and editing the character string is switched to a postal code conversion dedicated screen 132 for inputting the postal code and converting the postal code to the corresponding address, the postal code is converted to the corresponding address on the basis of the inputted postal code, and the screen is again switched to the input edit screen 131. The converted address is displayed as a character string onto the input edit screen 131 and, on the basis of the character string on the input edit screen 131, a print image is created. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2007,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention converts an input zip code (address) into an address (zip code) corresponding to the zip code (address) and creates a print image of the converted address (zip code), an image creation device, a program, and The present invention relates to a printing apparatus.

Conventionally, an input postal code is converted into an address corresponding to the postal code and a print image is created, or conversely, an input address is converted into a postal code corresponding to the address and the printing is performed. An image creating apparatus that creates an image is known. (For example, refer to Patent Document 1).
Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 10-334091

  By the way, since the input numeric string such as a postal code is not always converted into an address, a normal conversion mode in which postal code / address conversion is not performed, and a postal code conversion dedicated mode in which postal code / address conversion is performed, Can be considered. According to this, when the user wants to convert the input number string as a number string (for example, full-width → half-width), the conversion is performed in the normal conversion mode, and only when the conversion to the address is performed. By switching to the mode and executing the postal code / address conversion, the input postal code can be reliably converted into a corresponding address without being converted as a numeric string.

  However, if this is done, mode switching operations are frequently performed, which is inconvenient. In other words, after switching to postal code conversion mode and executing postal code / address conversion, if you want to convert a separately input number string as a number string, you must switch from postal code conversion mode to normal conversion mode. When the number string and the address are alternately input, the mode switching operation is performed each time.

  The present invention can reliably convert the input postal code (address) into an address (postal code) corresponding thereto, and, following the conversion process, efficiently input / edit the character string, An object of the present invention is to provide an image creation method, an image creation apparatus, a program, and a printing apparatus that can create the print image.

  The image creating method of the present invention is a screen for switching an input editing screen for inputting / editing a character string to a postal code conversion dedicated screen for inputting a postal code and converting the postal code into an address corresponding thereto. After the switching step and the screen switching step, based on the input postal code, the conversion step for converting the postal code into the corresponding address, and the input editing screen is switched again through the conversion step and converted. A screen display process for displaying an address as a character string on the input edit screen and a print image creation process for creating a print image based on the character string on the input edit screen are provided.

According to this configuration, the address converted on the postal code conversion dedicated screen can be displayed as a character string on the input editing screen. For this reason, the user need not perform a switching operation from the postal code conversion dedicated screen to the input editing screen after the postal code / address conversion. Therefore, the input postal code can be reliably converted into an address corresponding thereto, and the address and other character strings (including characters, symbols, pictograms, etc.) are input / edited following the conversion process. Can be performed efficiently.
In this case, it is preferable that the input edit screen has a configuration in which conversion from the input zip code to an address corresponding to the zip code is prohibited. If you want to input a column, you can enter the numeric string on the input edit screen without switching to the postal code conversion dedicated screen, so that the numeric string is not accidentally converted to an address.

  In another image creation method of the present invention, an input editing screen for inputting / editing a character string is switched to a postal code conversion dedicated screen for inputting an address and converting the address into a postal code corresponding thereto. After the screen switching step and the screen switching step, based on the input address, the conversion step for converting the address into a corresponding zip code, and the input editing screen is switched again through the conversion step and converted. It is characterized by comprising a screen display step for displaying a zip code as a character string on the input edit screen, and a print image creation step for creating a print image based on the character string on the input edit screen.

According to this configuration, the postal code converted on the postal code conversion dedicated screen can be displayed as a character string on the input editing screen. For this reason, the user need not perform a switching operation from the postal code conversion dedicated screen to the input editing screen after the address / postal code conversion. Therefore, the input address can be reliably converted into a postal code corresponding thereto, and the postal code and other character strings can be input / edited efficiently following the conversion process.
In this case, it is preferable that the input edit screen has a configuration in which conversion from the input address to the postal code corresponding to the address is prohibited, and according to this, the user can display a character string such as an address. When the user wants to input, the character string is not erroneously converted into a zip code by inputting the character string in the input edit screen without switching to the postal code conversion dedicated screen.

  The image creation apparatus of the present invention has an input editing screen for inputting / editing a character string, a postal code / address conversion for inputting a postal code and converting the postal code to an address corresponding thereto, and an address And a postal code conversion dedicated screen for executing any of address / postal code conversion processing for converting the address into a postal code corresponding thereto, a screen storage means for storing, and an input editing screen as a postal code. Screen switching means for switching to a dedicated number conversion screen, conversion means capable of executing any of postal code / address conversion and address / postal code conversion processing on the postal code conversion dedicated screen, and the conversion means is a postal code When the address conversion is feasible, the screen is switched to the input editing screen again, and the converted address is displayed as a character string on the input editing screen. When the address / postal code conversion can be executed, the screen is switched to the input editing screen again, and the screen display means for displaying the converted postal code as a character string on the input editing screen, and the character string on the input editing screen And a print image creating means for creating a print image based on the above.

According to this configuration, when the conversion unit can execute the postal code / address conversion on the postal code conversion dedicated screen, the converted address can be displayed as a character string on the input editing screen. For this reason, the user need not perform a switching operation from the postal code conversion dedicated screen to the input editing screen after the postal code / address conversion. Therefore, the input postal code can be reliably converted into an address corresponding thereto, and the address and other character strings can be input / edited efficiently following the conversion process.
Similarly, when the conversion means can execute address / zip code conversion on the postal code conversion dedicated screen, the converted postal code can be displayed as a character string on the input editing screen. Therefore, the input address can be reliably converted into a postal code corresponding thereto, and the postal code and other character strings can be input / edited efficiently following the conversion process.

  Another image creating apparatus of the present invention includes an input editing screen for inputting / editing a character string, a postal code / address conversion for inputting a postal code and converting the postal code into an address corresponding thereto, and an address And a postal code conversion dedicated screen for executing both address / postal code conversion processing for converting the address into a postal code corresponding thereto, a screen storage means for storing, and an input editing screen On the screen switching means for switching to the postal code conversion dedicated screen and the postal code conversion dedicated screen, the postal code / address conversion is executed when the postal code is input, and the address / postal code conversion is performed when the address is input When the conversion means executes the postal code / address conversion, the input edit screen is displayed again, and the converted address is displayed on the input edit screen. Screen display means for displaying as a character string and displaying the converted postal code as a character string on the input editing screen together with switching to the input editing screen when the conversion means performs address / zip code conversion. Print image creating means for creating a print image based on a character string on the input editing screen is provided.

  According to this configuration, when the conversion means executes the postal code / address conversion on the postal code conversion dedicated screen, the converted address can be displayed as a character string on the input editing screen, while the conversion means When the address / zip code conversion is executed on the postal code conversion dedicated screen, the converted postal code can be displayed as a character string on the input editing screen. Therefore, the input postal code can be reliably converted into an address corresponding thereto, and the input address can be reliably converted into a postal code corresponding thereto, which is convenient. Moreover, following the conversion process, the address, postal code, and other character strings can be input / edited efficiently.

  In these cases, the screen storage means further stores a plurality of conversion dedicated screens including a postal code conversion dedicated screen, and the screen switching instruction means displays a plurality of conversion dedicated screens as a selection menu. And a screen selection means for selecting any one conversion-dedicated screen on the selection menu.

According to this configuration, the screen is switched from the input editing screen to the selected one conversion-dedicated screen by selecting any one conversion-dedicated screen among the plurality of conversion-dedicated screens displayed as the selection menu. It can be performed. For this reason, since it is possible to switch screens from the input editing screen using a common selection menu for multiple conversion-dedicated screens, there is no need to set a large number of screen switching menus, improving operability. Can do.
In addition, examples of the conversion dedicated screen other than the postal code conversion dedicated screen include a radical conversion dedicated screen for inputting a Chinese character to be printed from the radical, a code conversion dedicated screen for inputting a character code, etc. Can do.

  The program of the present invention causes a computer to function as each means in the above-described image creating apparatus.

  According to this configuration, the input zip code (address) can be reliably converted into the corresponding address (zip code), and the character string input / edit operation can be efficiently performed following the conversion process. Thus, it is possible to provide a program for creating the print image.

  According to another aspect of the invention, there is provided a printing apparatus including: each unit in the above-described image creating apparatus; and a printing unit that prints on a print medium based on a print image created by the image creating apparatus.

  According to this configuration, the input zip code (address) can be reliably converted into the corresponding address (zip code), and the character string input / edit operation can be efficiently performed following the conversion process. Since the print image can be created and printed on the print medium, the address and postal code can be printed appropriately and simply.

  Hereinafter, a tape printer (printing apparatus) to which an image creating apparatus of the present invention is applied will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. This tape printer converts the input postal code to the corresponding address, and is provided with a postal code conversion dedicated screen for converting the input address to the corresponding postal code. A numbered print image is created, the print image is printed on the print tape, and then the rear end of the printed print tape is cut to create a label (tape piece).

As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the tape printer 1 contains an apparatus main body 2 that performs a printing process on the printing tape T, a printing tape T, and an ink ribbon R, and is detachably attached to the apparatus main body 2. Tape cartridge C.

  In the apparatus main body 2, an outer shell is formed by an apparatus case 11, and a keyboard 12 having various keys is disposed on the upper surface of the front half of the apparatus case 11. An opening / closing lid 13 is widely provided on the upper left surface of the rear half of the device case 11, and a viewing window 14 is formed on the upper surface of the opening / closing lid 13 for visually confirming whether the tape cartridge C is mounted / not mounted. A lid opening button 15 for opening the lid 13 is provided on the front side of the lid 13. A rectangular display 16 for displaying an input result from the keyboard 12 and the like is formed on the upper right side of the rear half of the device case 11.

  When the lid opening button 15 is pressed to open the opening / closing lid 13, a cartridge mounting portion 17 into which the tape cartridge C is mounted is recessedly formed. The cartridge mounting portion 17 is provided with a tape identification sensor 18 (see FIG. 3) composed of a plurality of microswitches or the like at the corner.

  Furthermore, the cartridge mounting portion 17 is provided with a thermal head 21 having a heating element. When the tape cartridge C is mounted, the thermal head 21 comes into contact with the platen roller 26 provided on the tape cartridge C with the printing tape T and the ink ribbon R interposed therebetween, and enters a print standby state. Then, a printing process (from the ink ribbon R to the printing tape) is performed while feeding the printing tape T and the ink ribbon R by a power transmission mechanism (not shown) including a feed motor 22 (see FIG. 3) and a gear train. Thermal transfer of ink to T) is performed.

  A tape discharge port 23 is formed on the left side of the device case 11 so as to communicate the cartridge mounting portion 17 with the outside of the device. A cutter motor 25 (see FIG. 3) is provided in the device case 11 facing the tape discharge port 23. The cutter unit 24 that is driven by is built in, whereby the rear end of the printing tape T after the printing process is cut to create a tape piece. Although not shown, the cutter unit 24 includes a full cutter that cuts both a recording tape T1 and a peeling tape T2 of the printing tape T, which will be described later, and a half cutter that cuts only the recording tape T1.

  Although not shown, a power supply port for supplying power and a connector for connecting to an external device such as a personal computer (not shown) are formed on the right side of the device case 11. For this reason, the tape printer 1 may acquire a print image created by a personal computer or the like in addition to a print image created based on input data from its keyboard 12 and print it on the print tape T. Is possible. Although not shown, a circuit board constituting a control unit 105 (which will be described later) that performs overall control of the tape printer 1 is mounted inside the apparatus case 11.

  The printing tape T is composed of a recording tape T1 having an adhesive applied on the back surface and a release tape T2 attached to the recording tape T1 with the adhesive. And the user can peel off the peeling tape T2 from the tape piece of the printing tape T separated after the printing process, and can stick the recording tape T1 on the adherend.

  A plurality of small detection holes (not shown) are formed on the back surface of the cartridge case 27, and the plurality of detection holes are recognized by the tape identification sensor 18, and the type of the printing tape T (for example, tape) Width) can be identified.

  The display 16 is composed of a dot matrix type liquid crystal display device. For example, a display screen 31 capable of displaying display image data and a plurality of indicators (not shown) for displaying various setting conditions are displayed inside a rectangular shape. And is used when the user inputs data from the keyboard 12 to create / edit a print image (print data) and visually check the result.

  The keyboard 12 is arranged with a character key group including a kana key group, a numeric key group, an alphabet key group, and the like, and a function key group for designating various processes. Characters such as hiragana, katakana, kanji, numerals, and alphabets can be mainly input from the keyboard 12 by conversion keys (described later) of the character key group and function key group.

  The function key group includes a power key, a print key for instructing print processing, a conversion key for converting characters input by the character key group (kana characters → kanji, etc.), and a character key converted by the conversion key. Selection key for confirming, line feed and selection screen, cancel key for canceling various operations, delete key for canceling various processes and deleting the character after confirmation, as well as up / down / left / right Four cursor keys for moving a cursor 142 (see FIG. 4 and the like) described later in the direction are included. Note that these may be input by providing a key for each key input, or may be input using a smaller number of keys in combination with a shift key or the like. The keyboard 12 inputs various commands and data to the control unit 105 using these various keys.

  Next, the configuration of the control system of the tape printer 1 will be described with reference to FIG. The tape printer 1 includes a keyboard 12 and a display 16, an operation unit 101 that controls a user interface such as input of character information and display of various information by a user, a thermal head 21, a feed motor 22, and a cutter motor 25. A print processing unit 102 that performs print processing, various sensors such as a tape identification sensor 18, a detection unit 103 that performs various detections, a display driver 106, a head driver 107, and a motor driver 108. Drive unit 104 and a control unit 105 connected to each unit and controlling the entire tape printer 1. Based on an input signal from the keyboard 12, the control unit 105 is connected to the display 16 and the display unit 16 via the drive unit 104. The print processing unit 102 is controlled.

  The control unit 105 includes a CPU 111, a ROM 112, a character generator ROM (CG-ROM) 116, a RAM 113, and a peripheral control circuit (P-CON) 114, which are connected to each other via a bus 115.

  In addition to the control program area 121 that stores the control program processed by the CPU 111, the ROM 112 includes a postal code conversion table, a kana-kanji conversion table (dictionary) that constitutes a postal code / address dictionary, which will be described later, and character strings “italic”, “ It has a control data area 122 for storing a character decoration table or the like for decoration such as “emphasis”. Further, the CG-ROM 116 stores font data of characters such as characters, symbols and figures prepared in the tape printer 1, and when code data for specifying the character is given, the corresponding font data is stored. Output.

  The RAM 113 is used as a work area for control processing, and includes various flag / register groups 125, a text data area 126 for storing text data input by the user from the keyboard 12, and a display for storing display image data on the display screen 31. An image data area 127, a print buffer 128 that is an area for creating a print image to be printed on the print tape T, and the like are provided. The RAM 113 is supplied with power by a backup circuit (not shown) so as to retain stored data even when the power of the tape printer 1 is turned off.

  In the P-CON 114, a logic circuit that complements the function of the CPU 111 and handles interface signals with peripheral circuits is configured and configured by a gate array, a custom LSI, or the like. The P-CON 114 is connected to the keyboard 12 and various sensors, and directly or processes various commands, input data, various detection signals and the like from the keyboard 12 and outputs them to the CPU 111 and the RAM 113 via the bus 115. The data and control signals output from the bus 115 via the bus 115 are output to the drive unit 104 as they are or after being processed.

  In the drive unit 104, the display driver 106 controls the display screen 31 of the display 16 in accordance with a control signal output from the control unit 105. Similarly, the head driver 107 drives the thermal head 21 in accordance with an instruction from the control unit 105. In addition, the motor driver 108 drives the feed motor 22 according to an instruction from the control unit 105 to control the feeding operation of the printing tape T and the ink ribbon R, and drives the cutter motor 25 to control the cutting operation. ing.

  In the control system configured as described above, the CPU 111 of the control unit 105 inputs various commands, various data, and the like from the keyboard 12 and the like via the P-CON 114 according to the control program in the ROM 112, and from the CG-ROM 116. Font data, various data in the RAM 113, and the like are processed, and a control signal is output to the drive unit 104 via the P-CON 114. Thus, the entire tape printer 1 is controlled such as display control of the display screen 31 and creation / editing of a print image, and control of the thermal head 21 and the like to print on the print tape T under predetermined printing conditions. Yes.

  In the case of the tape printer 1 of the present embodiment, the image creating apparatus of the present invention is mainly realized by the operation unit 101 and the control unit 105. Hereinafter, labels are created with reference to FIG. 4 to FIG. The operation which is the feature will be described while showing the operation procedure up to.

  The tape printer 1 can print a plurality of paragraphs in the tape length direction when creating one label, and can change the format setting such as vertical writing / horizontal writing for each paragraph. It has become. Further, in each paragraph, a character string composed of one or more characters can be printed over one or more lines in the tape width direction. The maximum number of lines that can be printed is determined by the tape width of the mounted tape cartridge C. Here, the description will be made assuming that six lines or more can be printed unless otherwise specified.

  In addition to the input editing screen 131 (see FIG. 4 and the like) for inputting and editing an arbitrary character string, the tape printer 1 includes a postal code conversion dedicated screen 132 (see FIG. 6 and the like) described later, Multiple input / conversion screens are available, such as a radical conversion dedicated screen for inputting Chinese characters (not shown) and a code conversion dedicated screen for inputting characters from JIS codes (not shown). The print data is input respectively. In addition, a plurality of special forms such as address forms are prepared for creating specially designed labels. The input editing screen 131, address writing form, and postal code conversion dedicated screen 132 will be described in this order.

  As shown in FIG. 4, when the tape printer 1 is turned on by pressing the power key, the tape printer 1 starts in an operation state in which key input is possible, and the display screen 31 of the display 16 becomes an input editing screen 131. In the input editing screen 131, the lower half is an image editing area 136 for inputting and editing a print image, and the right side of the upper half is a preview area for previewing the print image of the print image. 137. Further, on the left side of the upper half of the display screen 31, the label length corresponding to the print image being created / edited is displayed.

  When an arbitrary character string is input with the keyboard 12 while performing a line feed / paragraph break operation, the input character string is displayed in the image editing area 136 (for example, “Yes” in the first paragraph, the second paragraph) "Kakiku" on the first line, "Keko" on the second line, "Sashisu" on the third paragraph), and negative display (white) on which line each character string is located A line head mark 141 and a cursor 142 indicating the edit input position on the display screen 31 are displayed (see FIG. 5A). Note that the image editing area 136 can display only three lines, for example, but other lines can also be displayed by scrolling up and down.

  Here, all the input character strings are initially set in a format that is printed in horizontal writing (horizontal horizontal writing) with the tape length direction as the character string direction, but by performing predetermined key operations, For each paragraph, vertical writing with the tape length direction as the character string direction (horizontal vertical writing), horizontal writing with the tape width direction as the character string direction (vertical horizontal writing), and vertical writing with the tape width direction as the character string direction (Vertical vertical writing) can be selectively converted. Here, it is assumed that the format of the second paragraph is converted into horizontal vertical writing, and the format of the third paragraph is converted into vertical horizontal writing. These format settings are made visible to the user, for example, by an indicator.

  Although a character string composed only of hiragana is input here, it is also possible to input other characters such as kanji by performing kana-kanji conversion or the like. However, conversion from an input zip code to an address corresponding to the zip code and conversion from an input address to a zip code corresponding to the address are prohibited. The character string input operation to the image editing area 136 includes inputting characters one by one from the character key group of the keyboard 12, pasting a character deleted with the delete key with a resurrection key, or a postal code conversion dedicated screen 132. It is also possible to input the postal code or address converted in step (details will be described later).

  When the user completes the input / editing of the character string, the user confirms the print image in the preview area 137 and presses the print key, so that the user is based on the character string on the input editing screen 131 (image editing area 136). Thus, a print image is created, and a tape piece (label) on which the print image is printed on the print tape T can be obtained (see FIG. 5B).

  Next, the address form that is a special form will be described. In the address form, multiple addresses can be registered. For each item, there are six items: “zip code”, “address 1”, “address 2”, “company name”, “department”, and “name”. Can be registered. These items can be printed in a predetermined layout.

  Note that the zip code / address dictionary is stored in the ROM 112 of the control unit 105 and mounted in the tape printer 1, and the zip code / address dictionary associates the zip code of each place in the country with its address. Data is stored. That is, in the zip code / address dictionary, for example, the zip code “100-0000” and its address “Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo”, the zip code “392-0001” and its address “Yamato, Suwa-shi, Nagano” Associated. Of course, the postal code / address dictionary may include data relating postal codes in various countries and their addresses.

  As shown in FIG. 5, specifically, first, the address writing form is called by a predetermined key operation. When the address writing form is called, an address registration screen 133 is displayed on the display screen 31 (see FIG. 5A). Three items among the above six items are displayed on the address registration screen 133 (other three items can be displayed by scrolling up and down). Enter the desired zip code (for example, 100-0000) in “Zip code” and press the conversion key. The address corresponding to the zip code (in this case, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo) is displayed in “Address 1”. (Refer to (b) in the figure). In “Address 1”, a town name and an address are continuously input, and in “Address 2”, a building name is input. Similarly, “Company Name”, “Department”, and “Name” are input. When the print key is pressed, a print image is created with a predetermined layout of “zip code”, “address 1”, “address 2”, etc., and is printed on the print tape T (see FIG. 10C). .

  Next, the postal code conversion dedicated screen 132 will be described. The tape printer 1 has a postal code / address conversion for converting an input postal code to an address corresponding to the postal code conversion dedicated screen 132, and an address for converting the input address into a postal code corresponding thereto. / Both postal code conversion processes can be executed.

  As shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, when the input editing screen 131 is displayed (see FIG. 6A), when a predetermined key operation is performed, a selection screen 134 is displayed on the display screen 31. The selection screen 134 is displayed as a selection menu in order to select any one conversion dedicated screen from the radical conversion dedicated screen, the postal code conversion dedicated screen 132, and the code conversion dedicated screen (FIG. )reference). When “Zip code conversion” is selected in this selection menu, the screen is switched to the postal code conversion dedicated screen 132 (see FIG. 4C). According to this, since it is possible to perform screen switching from the input editing screen 131 using a common selection menu for the three conversion-dedicated screens, it is not necessary to set many menus for screen switching, and operability is improved. Can be improved.

  The postal code conversion dedicated screen 132 is provided with a postal code input field 146 for inputting a postal code corresponding to the address to be printed and an address input field 147 for inputting an address corresponding to the postal code to be printed. ing.

  When a 7-digit number (for example, “1000000”) is input as a postal code from the keyboard 12 to the postal code input field 146, a hyphen is automatically inserted and the postal code is displayed (see FIG. 7A). When the selection key is pressed, a conversion confirmation screen 135 is displayed on the display screen 31, and an address (for example, “Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo”) corresponding to the input zip code is displayed (see FIG. 5B).

  When the converted address is confirmed and the selection key is pressed, the screen is switched to the input editing screen 131. In the image editing area 136, the converted address is displayed at the cursor position before switching to the postal code conversion dedicated screen 132. They are displayed as columns (see (c) in the figure). Furthermore, following the conversion process, a town name, a street address, and the like are input (see (d) in the figure). When the print key is pressed after confirming the print image in the preview area 137, a print image is created based on the character string on the input editing screen 131 and is printed on the print tape T ((e) in the figure). )reference).

  According to this, the address converted on the postal code conversion dedicated screen 132 can be displayed on the input editing screen 131 as a character string. Therefore, the user does not need to perform a switching operation from the postal code conversion dedicated screen 132 to the input editing screen 131 after the postal code / address conversion. Therefore, the input postal code can be reliably converted into an address corresponding thereto, and the address and other character strings (including characters, symbols, pictograms, etc.) are input / edited following the conversion process. Can be performed efficiently. Furthermore, in the present embodiment, as described above, the input editing screen 131 prohibits conversion from an input zip code to an address corresponding to the zip code. If you want to enter a numeric string, such as a number, you can enter the numeric string without changing to the postal code conversion dedicated screen 132 and enter the numeric string on the input edit screen 131, and the numeric string will be mistakenly converted to an address. There is no.

  As shown in FIG. 8, on the postal code conversion dedicated screen 132, the input address may be converted into the corresponding postal code by the same operation as converting the input postal code into the corresponding address. Is possible. That is, instead of inputting a zip code in the zip code input field 146, a character string (for example, “Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo”) as an address is input from the keyboard 12 into the address input field 147 (see FIG. 4A). ) When the selection key is pressed, a conversion confirmation screen 135 is displayed on the display screen 31, and a zip code (for example, “100-0000”) corresponding to the input address is displayed (see FIG. 5B). .

  When the converted zip code is confirmed and the selection key is pressed, the screen is switched to the input editing screen 131. In the image editing area 136, the converted zip code is located at the cursor position before switching to the zip code conversion dedicated screen 132. Are incorporated as character strings (see FIG. 4C). Further, following the conversion process, an address or the like is input (see FIG. 4D). When the print key is pressed after confirming the print image in the preview area 137, a print image is created based on the character string on the input editing screen 131 and is printed on the print tape T ((e) in the figure). )reference).

  According to this, the postal code converted on the postal code conversion dedicated screen 132 can be displayed on the input editing screen 131 as a character string. For this reason, the user need not perform a switching operation from the postal code conversion dedicated screen 132 to the input editing screen 131 after the address / postal code conversion. Therefore, the input address can be reliably converted into a postal code corresponding thereto, and the postal code and other character strings can be input / edited efficiently following the conversion process. Furthermore, in the present embodiment, as described above, the input editing screen 131 prohibits conversion from an input address to a zip code corresponding to the address. If the user wishes to input a character string, the character string may be erroneously converted to a postal code by inputting the character string without changing to the postal code conversion dedicated screen 132 and entering the input editing screen 131. Absent.

  As described above, the tape printer 1 of the present embodiment is configured to execute both the postal code / address conversion and the address / postal code on the postal code conversion dedicated screen 132. Only the postal code / address conversion can be executed, or only the address / postal code conversion can be executed. However, if both postal code / address conversion and address / postal code can be executed as in this embodiment, the input postal code can be reliably converted into the corresponding address, and the input address can be converted to this. Therefore, convenience can be improved.

  Since the postal code and address converted on the postal code conversion dedicated screen 132 are displayed as a character string on the input editing screen 131, the postal code and address are different from those when using the address writing form. The desired layout can be edited, and various format settings and decorations can be performed.

  For example, first, in the image editing area 136 of the input editing screen 131, the input editing screen 131 is switched to the postal code conversion dedicated screen 132 with the cursor position on the first line of the first paragraph, and the postal code conversion dedicated screen 132 is switched. If the converted postal code is displayed as a character string on the input editing screen 131, the postal code “100-0000” is displayed in the first line of the first paragraph in the image editing area 136. Is displayed.

  Subsequently, the address is entered in the first line of the second paragraph, the building name in the second line, the company name in the third line, the department in the fourth line, and the name in the fifth line. Further, the format of the first paragraph is converted to vertical horizontal writing, and the format of the second paragraph is converted to horizontal vertical writing. With such an operation, a desired layout can be edited and formatted with respect to the postal code, address, etc., and a print image can be created, and the print image can be printed on the print tape T (FIG. 9). (See (a)). In this case, since the postal code is written in horizontal writing and the address, name, etc. are written in vertical writing when viewed from the front end of the printing tape T, a label suitable for being attached to an envelope, a postcard, etc. It becomes.

  As another example, first, a zip code is input to the first line of the first paragraph from the keyboard 12 in the image editing area 136 of the input editing screen 131. After the line feed operation, with the cursor position on the second line, the screen is switched to the postal code conversion dedicated screen 132, the postal code / address conversion is performed on the postal code conversion dedicated screen 132, and the converted address is displayed on the input editing screen 131. When displayed as a character string, the address “Tokyo Chiyoda-ku” is displayed on the second line of the first paragraph on the image editing area 136.

  Next, enter the address after the address on the second line, the building name on the third line, the company name on the first line of the second paragraph, the department name on the second line, and the name on the third line. input. With such an operation, a desired layout can be edited and formatted with respect to the postal code, address, etc., and a print image can be created, and the print image can be printed on the print tape T (FIG. 9). (See (b)). According to this, when the above address writing form is used, what is printed over 6 lines in the tape width direction can be printed in 3 lines by dividing it into 2 paragraphs. A label on which a zip code, an address, and the like are appropriately printed can be created even for a printing tape T having a small maximum number of printable lines.

  As described above, according to the tape printer 1 of the present embodiment, the inputted zip code (address) can be reliably converted into the corresponding address (zip code), and the character is continued following the conversion process. Since it is possible to efficiently perform column input / editing operations, create a print image thereof, and print it on the print tape T, it is possible to appropriately and easily print addresses and postal codes.

  Furthermore, each part (each function) of the tape printer 1 can be provided as a program. It is also possible to provide the program stored in a storage medium such as a CD-ROM.

1 is an external perspective view of a tape printer according to an embodiment of the present invention in a closed state. It is an external appearance perspective view of a tape printer in the opened state. It is a block diagram of the control system of a tape printer. (A) is a figure which shows the input edit screen of a tape printer, (b) is a figure which shows the example of the label produced by the tape printer. (A) is a figure explaining the address writing form of a tape printer, (b) is a figure which shows the example of the label produced using the address writing form. FIG. 6 is a diagram for explaining screen switching from an input editing screen to a postal code conversion dedicated screen in a tape printer. It is a figure explaining the process which performs postal code / address conversion on the postal code conversion exclusive screen of a tape printer, displays the converted address as a character string on an input edit screen, and prints the print image. It is a figure explaining the process which performs address / zip code conversion on the postal code conversion exclusive screen of a tape printer, displays the converted postal code as a character string on an input edit screen, and prints the print image. . It is a figure which shows the example of the label produced by performing desired layout edit and format setting with respect to the postal code and address displayed as a character string on the input edit screen.

Explanation of symbols

  1 ... Tape printer 131 ... Input editing screen 132 ... Postal code conversion screen T ... Print tape

Claims (7)

A screen switching step for switching the input editing screen for inputting / editing the character string to a postal code conversion dedicated screen for inputting the postal code and converting the postal code into an address corresponding thereto;
After the screen switching step, based on the input zip code, a conversion step for converting the zip code into an address corresponding thereto,
A screen display step for switching to the input edit screen again through the conversion step and displaying the converted address as the character string on the input edit screen;
A print image creating step for creating a print image based on the character string on the input editing screen;
An image creation method characterized by comprising: A screen switching step for switching an input editing screen for inputting / editing a character string to a postal code conversion dedicated screen for inputting an address and converting the address into a postal code corresponding thereto,
After the screen switching step, based on the input address, a conversion step of converting the address into a corresponding zip code;
A screen display step for switching to the input edit screen again through the conversion step and displaying the converted postal code as the character string on the input edit screen;
A print image creating step for creating a print image based on the character string on the input editing screen;
An image creation method characterized by comprising: Input edit screen for inputting / editing character strings, postal code / postal code / address conversion for converting the postal code to the corresponding address, and input of the address and corresponding to the address Screen storage means for storing a postal code conversion dedicated screen for executing any one of address / postal code conversion processing to be converted into a postal code to be
Screen switching means for switching the input editing screen to the postal code conversion dedicated screen;
In the postal code conversion dedicated screen, conversion means capable of executing any of the postal code / address conversion and the address / postal code conversion process;
When the conversion means can execute the zip code / address conversion, the conversion means switches to the input edit screen again, and the converted address is displayed as the character string on the input edit screen. The conversion means When the address / postal code conversion can be executed, the screen is switched again to the input editing screen, and the converted postal code is displayed as the character string on the input editing screen;
Print image creating means for creating a print image based on the character string on the input editing screen;
An image creating apparatus comprising: Input edit screen for inputting / editing character strings, postal code / postal code / address conversion for converting the postal code to the corresponding address, and input of the address and corresponding to the address Screen storage means for storing a postal code conversion dedicated screen for executing both address / postal code conversion processing to be converted into the postal code to be converted;
Screen switching means for switching the input editing screen to the postal code conversion dedicated screen;
In the postal code conversion dedicated screen, conversion means for executing the postal code / address conversion when the postal code is input and executing the address / postal code conversion when the address is input;
When the conversion unit executes the zip code / address conversion, the conversion unit switches to the input editing screen again, and the converted address is displayed as the character string on the input editing screen. When the address / zip code conversion is executed, the screen is switched again to the input editing screen, and the converted zip code is displayed as the character string on the input editing screen;
Print image creating means for creating a print image based on the character string on the input editing screen;
An image creating apparatus comprising: The screen storage means further stores a plurality of conversion dedicated screens including the postal code conversion dedicated screen,
The screen switching instruction means
Menu display means for displaying the plurality of conversion dedicated screens as selection menus;
Screen selection means for selecting any one conversion-dedicated screen on the selection menu;
The image creating apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the image creating apparatus includes:   The program for functioning a computer as each means in the image production apparatus in any one of Claim 3 thru | or 5. Each means in the image creating apparatus according to any one of claims 3 to 5,
Printing means for printing on a print medium based on the print image created by the image creation device;
A printing apparatus comprising:

Images