JP2007219662A - Document preparing device, printing device, document processing method and program - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a document preparing device, a printing device, a document processing method and a program for enabling a user to surely prepare a text document using a symbol which is available only in a specific region even when the user does not have any special knowledge about the region. <P>SOLUTION: This document preparing device is configured to store a plurality of variable symbols used in the same meaning, and expressed with different symbols for each region by associating them with each other, and to set a specific region mode, and to, according to the designation of a specific region mode symbol based on the set region mode which is any of the plurality of variable symbols and region information for converting the region mode symbol into any of the plurality of corresponding variable symbols, convert the region mode symbol into the variable symbol of the pertinent region information. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2007,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a document creation apparatus, a printing apparatus, a document processing method, and a program capable of creating a document using symbols that are valid only in a specific area.

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, document creation apparatuses that can create documents using different symbols for each country or region are known. For example, Patent Document 1 is an invention related to an accent code input method that differs from country to country. By displaying only accent codes according to a specified country code as candidates, it is possible to easily input an accent code of each country. It has become.
JP-A-5-12287

  By the way, the symbols that differ for each region include not only the above accent codes but also those whose language is included in the design. Most of these symbols are valid only in the country in which the language is included. In addition, the shape of what is depicted may vary depending on the country or region. In this way, there are many symbols that differ from region to region, in other words, symbols that are valid only in a specific region.

  When the accent code input method described in Patent Document 1 is applied to such different symbols for each region, it is possible to specify a country code and select a target symbol from the symbol group of that country. is assumed. That is, for example, if you specify the country code of “Korea” and instruct the selection of the symbol by pressing the “symbol” key, etc., the candidate for the Korean symbol is displayed, and if you select and enter the desired symbol Conceivable.

  However, for example, when a Japanese tries to create a text document including a Korean “ticket” symbol, even if a ticket symbol is displayed as a candidate, it is difficult to recognize it as a “ticket”. That is, in the conventional document processing apparatus, it is difficult to select a target symbol accurately and create a text document without knowledge of the country or region where the symbol is used to some extent.

  In view of such problems, the present invention provides a document creation apparatus, program, and document processing that can accurately create a text document using symbols that are valid only in a specific area without special knowledge about the specific area. It aims to provide a method.

  The document creation apparatus of the present invention is used in the same meaning, and a storage unit that stores a plurality of variable symbols that are expressed by different symbols for each region in association with each other, and a region mode setting unit that sets a specific region mode A text editing means for editing text as at least part of the text using a regional mode symbol based on the regional mode set by the regional mode setting means, and any of a plurality of variable symbols; A regional information designation means for specifying regional information for converting a mode symbol into one of a plurality of related variable symbols, and a regional mode symbol corresponding to the regional mode symbol based on designation by the regional information designation means Conversion means for converting to a text document, and text document creation means for creating a text document for output using the converted variable symbols. The features.

  According to this configuration, the user edits the text using the region mode symbol based on the set region mode, and further specifies the region information, so that the region mode symbol is converted into the variable symbol of the corresponding region. However, even if there is no special knowledge about a specific region, it is possible to accurately create a text document using variable symbols that differ from region to region. In other words, it is possible to accurately use variable symbols that can be used only in a specific region, regardless of the nationality of the user or the region where the document creation device is used, by setting a region mode that the user can understand in advance. Can do. For example, when it is desired to create a text document using the national flags of each country as a variable symbol, the text document can be created simply by redesigning regional information instead of starting over from the beginning. “Region” refers to a country, region, prefecture, municipality, local government, or the like.

  Preferably, the document creation device further includes display means for displaying contents edited by the text editing means, and the display means displays the regional mode symbol so as to be distinguishable from symbols and text other than the regional mode symbol.

  According to this configuration, the user can confirm that the symbol displayed in an identifiable manner is a regional mode symbol (a symbol converted into a variable symbol), which is useful for text editing. Note that “display in an identifiable manner” means that the user can visually distinguish the regional mode symbols, such as adding a predetermined decoration or mark to the regional mode symbols, or changing the display color.

  In the document creation apparatus, the display means preferably displays the variable symbol after conversion by the conversion means.

  According to this configuration, the user can create a text document after confirming the converted variable symbols on the display means.

  In the document creation apparatus, it is preferable that the region information specifying unit specifies the region information by the character property setting of the region mode symbol specified by the text editing unit.

  According to this configuration, even when a plurality of regional mode symbols are included in one text, different regional information can be designated for each regional mode symbol.

  In the above document creation device, if the regional information is not designated by the regional information designation unit, the conversion by the conversion unit is omitted, and the text document creation unit creates a text document for output using the regional mode symbol. It is preferable.

  According to this configuration, when the user wants to create a text document using a regional mode symbol, that is, when conversion to a variable symbol is not required, designation of regional information can be omitted.

  According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a printing apparatus comprising: each unit in the document creation apparatus; and a printing unit that prints a text document.

  According to this configuration, the user can accurately print a text document using a symbol that can be used only in a specific area without special knowledge about the specific area.

  The above printing apparatus further includes a plurality of print keys assigned to a plurality of regions, and the region information designation unit, the conversion unit, and the text document creation based on pressing one or more of the plurality of print keys It is preferable to make the means and the printing means function.

  According to this configuration, the user can cause each unit to function only by pressing any one or more of the plurality of print keys.

  The document processing method of the present invention is used in the same meaning, the step of storing a plurality of variable symbols expressed in different symbols for each region, and the step of setting a specific region mode, A specific regional mode symbol that is one of a plurality of variable symbols and based on the set regional mode, and regional information for converting the regional mode symbol into one of a plurality of corresponding variable symbols, And a step of converting the regional mode symbol into a variable symbol of the corresponding regional information in accordance with the designation.

  According to this configuration, since the regional mode symbol is converted into the variable symbol of the corresponding region by setting the regional mode and specifying the regional mode symbol and regional information of the region, the user has special knowledge about the specific region. Even if there is no text document, it is possible to accurately create a text document using variable symbols that differ from region to region. In other words, by setting a regional mode in a region that can be understood by the user, a variable symbol that can be used only in a specific region can be accurately used regardless of the nationality of the user or the region in which the user is used. “Region” refers to a country, region, prefecture, municipality, local government, or the like.

  A program according to the present invention is for causing a computer to function as each unit in the document creation apparatus or each unit in the printing apparatus.

  By executing this program, even if the user has no special knowledge about a specific area, a text document using symbols that can be used only in that area can be accurately created or printed.

  Hereinafter, a document creation device, a printing device, a document processing method, and a program according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

  FIG. 1 is an external perspective view of the tape printer 1 according to the present embodiment with the open / close lid opened. As shown in the figure, the tape printer 1 has an outer case formed by a device case 2, and a keyboard 3 having various input keys is disposed on the front upper surface of the device case 2. An opening / closing lid 21 is attached to the left part, and a display 4 is arranged on the right part thereof. A cartridge mounting portion 6 for mounting the tape cartridge C is recessed inside the opening / closing lid 21, and the tape cartridge C is detachably mounted on the cartridge mounting portion 6 with the opening / closing lid 21 opened. The 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 a state in which the lid 21 is closed.

  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 has a full key configuration based on the JIS layout, and is similar to a general word processor or the like, including a shift key for suppressing an increase in the number of keys to be operated. The function key group 3b instructs the [Environment] key for setting the environment, the [Symbol] key for selecting a symbol, the [Mode] key for selecting a character mode (character property), and printing. In addition to the [Print] key, the [Cancel] key for canceling processing, the cursor keys for moving the cursor ([↓], [↑], [←], [→])) Includes the [Select] key for line breaks when entering text.

  The display 4 includes a display screen 41 capable of displaying 96 dot × 64 dot display image data inside a rectangular shape of about 6 cm in the horizontal direction (X direction) × 4 cm in the vertical direction (Y direction), and a display screen. A display switching key group 42 for switching the display of 41 and an indicator 60 indicating various information by lighting or blinking of LEDs are provided. The display screen 41 allows the user to input data from the keyboard 3 to create / edit print data such as documents and images, to check the results, and to input various commands / selection instructions input from the keyboard 3. It is used when checking the contents. The display switching key group 42 is a first display key 42a for displaying only the print image printed on the print tape T on the display screen 41, and only the input content (text editing content) is displayed on the display screen 41. A second display key 42b for displaying, and a third display key 42c for simultaneously displaying the print image and the input contents in the area of the display screen 41 divided into two, respectively. The indicator 60 is a “country” indicator indicating that the character (symbol) designated by the cursor is converted into a variable symbol based on the designation of the area information. The character designated by the cursor is a variable symbol (country symbol) of each country. Each country indicator ("Japan" indicator, "USA" indicator, etc.) indicating that printing is to be performed is included (details will be described later).

  A tape discharge port 22 is formed on the left side of the apparatus case 2 so as to communicate the cartridge mounting portion 6 with the outside. The tape discharge port 22 is exposed to a tape cutter 23 for cutting the printing tape T that has been sent out. It is out. Then, the printed printing tape T is sent out from the tape discharge port 22 by a predetermined length, and the printed printing tape T is cut by the tape cutter 23 in a state where the feeding is temporarily stopped. In addition, automatic cutting / manual cutting can be switched according to the environment setting (see D02 in FIG. 5), automatic (automatic) for fixed-length printing, etc., and manual (manual) for arbitrary-length printing, etc. Then, the cutter motor 131 is driven by operating the cut key.

  On the other hand, the cartridge mounting portion 6 has a head unit 61 in which a print head 7 composed of a thermal head is built in a head cover 61a, a platen drive shaft 62 facing the print head 7, and a winding for winding an ink ribbon R described later. A take-up drive shaft 63 and a positioning projection 64 of the tape reel 17 described later. In addition, a tape feeding mechanism 120 (see FIG. 2) for rotating the platen drive shaft 62 and the take-up drive shaft 63 is incorporated below the cartridge mounting portion 6.

  The tape cartridge C has a tape reel 17 in which a printing tape T having a certain width (about 4.5 mm to 48 mm) is wound in the upper center portion inside the cartridge case 51, and a ribbon in which an ink ribbon R is wound in the lower right portion. The reel 19 is accommodated, and the printing tape T and the ink ribbon R are configured with the same width. Further, a through hole 55 for insertion into the head cover 61a covering the head unit 61 is formed in the lower left portion of the tape reel 17, and the platen drive is corresponding to the portion where the printing tape T and the ink ribbon R overlap. A platen roller 53 that is fitted to the shaft 62 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 19, and the ink ribbon R fed out from the ribbon reel 19 is taken up by the ribbon take-up reel 54 arranged so as to go around the head cover 61a. It is like that.

  When the tape cartridge C is mounted on the cartridge mounting portion 6, the through hole 55 is formed in the head cover 61 a, the center hole of the tape reel 17 is positioned in the positioning protrusion 64, and the center hole of the ribbon take-up reel 54 is positioned in the winding drive shaft 63. The thermal head 7 is brought into contact with the platen roller 53 with the printing tape T and the ink ribbon R interposed therebetween, and printing becomes possible. Thereafter, text information such as desired characters (characters such as letters, numbers, symbols, and simple figures) is input (text editing) using the keyboard 3 while confirming the input / editing results on the display 4, and a print instruction is issued. Then, the tape T is fed out from the tape cartridge C by the tape feeding mechanism 120 and desired printing is performed on the tape T by the print head 7, and the printed portion is fed out from the tape discharge port 22 as needed. When the desired printing is completed, the tape feeding mechanism 120 feeds the tape T to the position of the tape length including the margin, and then stops the feeding (then shifts to a cutting process).

  On the other hand, the printing tape T is composed of a recording tape Ta having a pressure-sensitive adhesive layer formed on the back surface and a release tape Tb attached to the recording tape Ta by the pressure-sensitive adhesive layer. The printing tape T is wound in a roll shape with the recording tape Ta on the outside and the release tape Tb on the inside, and is accommodated in the cartridge case 51. In addition, a plurality of types of printing tape T having different tape types (tape width, tape color, ink color, etc.) are prepared, and a plurality of holes (not shown) for specifying this type are provided on the back surface of the cartridge case 51. ) Is provided. Further, the cartridge mounting portion 6 corresponding to the plurality of holes is provided with a plurality of tape identification sensors (microswitches) 142 (see FIG. 2) for detecting these, and the tape identification sensor 142 and the plurality of holes are provided. By detecting the state, it is possible to determine the tape type.

  Next, the control configuration of the tape printer 1 will be described with reference to the control block diagram of FIG. The tape printing apparatus 1 includes an operation unit 11, a printing unit 12, a cutting unit 13, a detection unit 14, a driving unit 15 that drives these units, and a control unit 200 that is connected to each unit and controls the tape printing apparatus 1 as a whole. And is composed of.

  The operation unit 11 includes a keyboard 3 and a display 4 (a display screen 41 and an indicator 60), and manages a user interface such as character input by the user and display of various information.

  The printing unit 12 includes a cartridge mounting unit 6 in which the tape cartridge C and the print head 7 are disposed, and a tape feed mechanism 120 that transports the tape T and the ink ribbon R by the feed motor 121, and generates generated print data. Based on this, printing is performed on the tape T.

  The cutting unit 13 includes a tape cutter 23, a cutter motor 131 that drives the tape cutter 23, and a cut button 133 that instructs tape cutting. The cutting unit 13 cuts the printed tape T to a predetermined length.

  The detection unit 14 includes a rotation speed sensor 141 that detects the rotation speed of the feed motor 121 and a tape identification sensor 142 that detects the type of the print tape T (tape cartridge C), and performs various types of detection.

  The drive unit 15 includes a rotation speed sensor 141 that detects the rotation speed of the feed motor 121 and a tape identification sensor 142 that detects the type of the print tape T (tape cartridge C), and a detection unit 14 that performs various detections. , A display driver 151, an indicator driver 152, a head driver 153, and a motor driver 154 (feed motor driver 154a, cutter motor driver 154b), and each part is driven.

  The control unit 200 includes a CPU 210, a ROM 220, a character generator ROM (CG-ROM) 230, a RAM 240, 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 stores a control program block 221 that stores a control program for controlling various processes such as various symbol conversion processes and printing processes by the CPU 210, and a symbol table that associates a plurality of symbols used in the same meaning (FIG. 5). And a control data block 222 (storage means) for storing various control data such as (see (a) and (b)). Further, the CG-ROM 230 stores font data such as characters, and outputs corresponding font data when code data specifying the characters or the like is given.

  The RAM 240 has various work area blocks 241 used as flags and the like, an environment setting block 242 that stores setting values according to environment settings (region mode setting, etc.), and an area information block 243 that stores specified values of area information. A display data block 244 for storing display data (print image display data, text edit content display data) for display on the display screen 41, and a print data block 245 for storing print data for printing on the tape T. And used as a work area for control processing. The RAM 240 is always backed up so as to retain the stored data even when the power is turned off.

  In the IOC 250, a logic circuit that complements the functions of the CPU 210 and handles interface signals with various peripheral circuits is configured by a gate array or a custom LSI. As a result, the IOC 250 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. Alternatively, it is processed and output to the drive unit 15.

  Then, according to the control program in the ROM 220, the CPU 210 inputs various signals and data from each unit in the tape printer 1 via the IOC 250 according to the control program in the ROM 220, and the font data from the CG-ROM 230 and the various data in the RAM 240. Are processed, and various signals and data are output to each unit in the tape printer 1 via the IOC 250, thereby performing conversion processing of various symbols, control of printing processing, and the like.

  Next, the processing flow of the entire control of the tape printer 1 will be described with reference to FIG. When processing is started by pressing the power key (power on), as shown in the figure, first, initial settings such as restoring each control flag are performed in order to return to the previous power-off state ( Next, the previous display screen is displayed as an initial screen (S02).

  When the initial screen display (S02) is completed, the key input interrupt is permitted, and the state is maintained until the key input interrupt is generated (S03: No), and any key input interrupt is generated. (S03: Yes), the process proceeds to each interrupt process (S04), and when the interrupt process is completed, the state is maintained again (S03: No).

  As described above, the tape printing apparatus 1 performs the main processing by interrupt processing. Therefore, if the preparation of print data creation or the like is ready, the user can press the print key at an arbitrary time to print the print processing allocation. Occurs, print processing is started, and printing can be performed based on the print data. In other words, the user can arbitrarily select the operation procedure up to printing.

  Next, the outline of the text document creation / printing process in the tape printer 1 will be described with reference to the flowcharts of FIGS. The text document creation / printing process is executed as one of the interrupt processes (S04) in FIG. Here, the text to be edited is one of a symbol (unified symbol, see Fig. 5 (a)) or a variable symbol that does not change depending on the country or region and can be understood by all, and is set in the region mode. Any one of symbols determined based on (region mode symbol, see FIG. 5B) is included. These unified symbols and regional mode symbols are all converted to variable symbols by designation of regional information.

  As shown in FIG. 4A, when the regional mode setting (country region designation) is not performed in the environment setting (or when the country region designation is “none”) (S11: No), the unified symbol is changed. Using this, text editing is performed (S12). Thereafter, when printing is instructed in a state where no area information is specified (S13: Yes), the user is prompted to specify area information. When the area information is specified by the user (S14), a unified symbol in the text Is converted into a variable symbol of the corresponding area to create a text document (print data) for printing (S15) and print it (S16).

  That is, as shown in the symbol table of FIG. 5A (however, only a part of the symbol table is shown in the figure), the unified symbol (“¥ / $”) of the monetary mark is included in the text, If “Japan” is specified as the regional information, it is converted to a Japanese variable symbol (“¥”). If “USA” is specified as the regional information, it is converted to the US variable symbol (“$”). Convert and create / print text documents. If the unified symbol is not included in the text, a text document is created as it is (without the conversion process) and printed without prompting the user to specify the regional information.

  If printing is instructed after the regional information is designated (S17: Yes), the unified symbol is converted and the text document is created based on the designated regional information (S15), and this is printed ( S16). The designation of area information in S17 can be realized, for example, by setting a character mode (area information designation / printing operation 2, see FIGS. 11 and 12).

  On the other hand, when the regional mode is set (S11: Yes), text editing is performed using the regional mode symbol as shown in FIG. 4B (S21). Thereafter, when printing is instructed without specifying the area information (S22: Yes), a text document is created using the area mode symbol (S23), and this is printed (S24).

  That is, as shown in the symbol table of FIG. 5B (however, only a part of the symbol table is shown in the figure), the regional mode setting is “Japan”, and the symbol of the monetary mark is displayed in the text. When inputting, use the Japanese variable symbol (“¥”) as the regional mode symbol, and when printing is instructed without specifying regional information, use the regional mode symbol (“¥”) as it is, Create and print text documents.

  If printing is instructed after the area information is specified (S25: Yes), the area mode symbol is converted into a variable symbol based on the specified area information to create a text document (S26). This is printed (S24). In other words, when the text is edited using the regional mode symbol (“¥”) and the regional information “US” is designated, it is converted into a US variable symbol (“$”), and a text document is created and printed. I do. Note that when the regional information “Japan” is designated, the text is edited using the Japanese variable symbol (“¥”), and as a result, the regional information is not designated (S22: Yes). ) And the same print result.

  As described above, according to the present embodiment, it is possible to select whether to perform text editing using the unified symbol or the regional mode symbol according to the user's needs. For example, when it is assumed that one tape printer 1 is used by users in a plurality of countries, the country / region designation “none” is set in the environment setting (set so as to use a unified symbol). It is preferable. In addition, when it is assumed that users in the same country will use, it is preferable to set the regional mode of the country in the environment setting.

  Next, a specific operation method of the text document creation / printing process will be described with reference to FIGS. 6 is an environment setting for selecting text editing using a unified symbol or a regional mode symbol. FIGS. 7 to 14 are operations when text editing is performed using a unified symbol. FIG. 17 shows operations when text editing is performed using the regional mode symbols.

  As shown in FIG. 6, the text editing screen (D01) displays a line head mark M1 indicating that text input on the first line is possible, and a cursor K indicating a text editing position. In the illustrated example, since no text is input, the cursor K is added to the line mark M1. In this state, when the [Environment] key in the function key group 3b is pressed, an environment setting screen (D02) is displayed.

  On the environment setting screen (D02), as shown in <Environment menu hierarchy> in FIG. 7, three options such as “print density”, “display density”, and “country region designation” can be selected (first). One layer). In the first level of the <environment menu level>, the option “display density” is set as a default value (see the shaded part, hereinafter the shaded part in the <menu level> table of FIGS. 9 and 13). (The explanation is omitted assuming that all the default values of the hierarchy are shown) Further, when each option is selected, the options shown in the table can be further selected in the second hierarchy, and the environment setting is performed by selecting one of them.

  Returning to the description of FIG. In the environment setting screen (D02), the default value “display density” is highlighted, and when any of the [↓] key, [→] key, and [Conversion] key is pressed in this state, The option “specify country / region” is displayed blinking (D03). The blinking display indicates that the option “specify country / region” is currently selected. Here, when the [Select] key is pressed, the screen transits to a country / region designation screen (second level of environment menu, D04).

  On the country / region designation screen (D04), five options such as “none”, “Japan”, “US”, “Korea”, and “China” can be selected (see FIG. 7). Here, when “None” is selected, text editing is performed using a unified symbol (in the case of no regional mode setting, refer to FIG. 5A). If any of “Japan”, “US”, “Korea”, and “China” is selected, text editing will be performed using the regional mode symbol of each country (when regional mode is set). FIG. 5 (b)).

  On the country / region designation screen (D04), for example, when any of the [↑] key, [←] key, and [No conversion] key is pressed and the option “None” is selected (D05), [Select] ] Key is pressed, the setting value “country region designation: none” is set, the environment setting is terminated, and the screen returns to the text editing screen (similar to D06 and D01).

  Next, <text editing operation 1> will be described with reference to FIGS. The text editing screen (D11) of FIG. 8 shows a state where the text “national flag” has been input. Here, when the [Symbol] key is pressed, a symbol selection screen (D12) is displayed. In the symbol selection screen (D12), options as shown in the first layer of the <symbol menu layer> in FIG. 9 can be selected, and symbols (pictograms) to be actually included in the text in the second layer are displayed. The symbols that can be selected in the second hierarchy are not shown.

  As shown in FIG. 8, any one of the [↑] key, [←] key, and [No Conversion] key is pressed while the default value “description” is highlighted in the symbol selection screen (D12). Then, the option “by country” is displayed blinking (D13). When the screen (D12) is changed to the screen (D13), it can be realized by simultaneously pressing the [shift] key and the [↓] key or the [→] key (the same hierarchy is obtained by pressing the [shift] key. The first or last selection of options in the middle can be selected (see FIG. 9).

  When the option “by country” is selected by pressing the [Select] key on the screen (D13), a candidate selection screen (D14) is displayed. Here, at the bottom of the screen, the unified symbols as shown in FIG. The displayed unified symbols are all surrounded by a dotted frame, and indicate that the symbols can be converted into country-specific variable symbols by specifying regional information. For example, when any of the [↓] key, [→] key, and [Conversion] key is pressed while the first option (“¥ / $”) is selected, the second option (the flag is changed). When the [Select] key is further pressed, the text in which the second option is input is displayed (text editing screen, D16).

  At this time (when the cursor K is added to the unified symbol), the “country” indicator, which is one of the indicators 60 (see FIG. 1), lights up. This indicates that the symbol indicated by the cursor K is a unified symbol (a symbol that can be converted into a variable symbol). Therefore, for example, when the cursor K is added to a symbol other than the unified symbol by pressing any of the [↑] key, [←] key, and [No Conversion] key, the “Country” indicator is turned off (D17). In the text editing screen, similarly to the candidate selection screen (D14 or D15), the unified symbol may be surrounded by a dotted frame to indicate that the symbol can be converted into a variable symbol.

  Next, with reference to FIG. 10, <Country / Region Information Specifying Operation 1> will be described. In the state of the text editing screen (D21) (similar to D16 in FIG. 8), when the [Print] key is pressed (corresponding to S13: Yes in the flowchart of FIG. 4A), the country / region selection screen (D22) Is displayed. However, when the unified symbol is not included in the text, when the [Print] key is pressed, the country / region selection screen (D22, D23) and the print execution confirmation screen (D24) are omitted, and direct printing is executed. Will be.

  On the country / region selection screen (D22), five options such as “None”, “Japan”, “United States”, “Korea”, and “China” are selected as in the country / region designation screen (D04) shown in FIG. It can be done. For example, when any of the [↓] key, [→] key, and [Conversion] key is pressed here, the option “US” is selected (D23), and when the [Select] key is further pressed. (Regional information designation, corresponding to S14 in the flowchart of FIG. 4A), a print execution confirmation screen (D24) is displayed. On the print execution confirmation screen (D24), the “US symbol” that is the selection result is displayed. When the [PRINT] key or the [SELECT] key is pressed in this state, the print detail display screen (D25) is displayed. . It is also possible to omit the print execution confirmation screen (D24) and display the print details display screen (D25) directly from the screen (D23).

  In the print execution confirmation screen (D24), in addition to the length of the tape T (label) to be created (including the front and back margins, the length to the cutting position) and the tape width, if a uniform symbol is included in the text, The area information ("USA" in the illustrated example) and the number of printed sheets are displayed. In addition to the display of the print execution confirmation screen (D24), the tape feeding operation and the printing operation are started, and the cutting operation is performed after the completion of both operations, whereby the tape T as shown in FIG. 10 is created. On the tape T, after the character “National Flag”, a variable symbol of the United States (a star and stripe flag, a unified national flag symbol converted based on designated area information) is printed. When “None” is selected on the country area selection screen (D22, D23), the national flag unified symbol is printed as it is. After printing, pressing any of the [↓] key, [→] key, and [Conversion] key returns to the text editing screen (similar to D26 and D21).

  In addition, when it is desired to create a plurality of tapes T on which the national flag mark of a plurality of countries is printed after the character “flag”, press the [Print] key and select another country on the country area selection screen (D22, D23). Just choose. That is, it is possible to print a text document in which the unified symbols are converted into the variable symbols of each country by simply repeating the print instruction and the designation of the regional information without recreating the text from the beginning.

  Next, <Regional Information Specifying / Printing Operation 2> will be described with reference to FIGS. In this example, a print instruction is given after the area information is designated. When the [MODE] key is pressed in the state of the text editing screen (D31), the screen transits to the character mode selection screen (D32). On the character mode selection screen (D32), options as shown in the first layer of the <character mode menu layer> in FIG. 13 can be selected, and further, as shown in the table in the lower layer (second layer to fourth layer). You can select an option.

  As shown in FIG. 11, any one of the [↓] key, [→] key, and [Conversion] key is pressed five times while the default value “typeface” is highlighted on the character mode selection screen (D32). When this is done (see FIG. 13), the option “country / region” blinks (D33). Here, when the [Select] key is pressed, a country / region designation screen (D34) is displayed. As in the country / region selection screen (D22), “None”, “Japan”, “United States”, Five options such as “Korea” and “China” are displayed (refer to the second layer of the character mode menu layer in FIG. 13).

  For example, while the default value “Japan” is highlighted (D34), any of the [↓] key, [→] key, and [Conversion] key is pressed, and the option “US” is blinking. When the state is (D35) and the [Select] key is further pressed, the screen returns to the character mode selection screen (D36). On the character mode selection screen (D36), the option “end” is flashed and the effective range selection screen (D37) is displayed when the [Select] key is pressed in this state.

  The effective range selection screen (D37) corresponds to the lower layer of the character mode option “end”, and is used to select the effective range of the character mode. Here, four options such as “this sentence”, “from this character”, “this line”, and “this paragraph” are selected (the second hierarchy of the character mode menu hierarchy in FIG. 13). reference). "This sentence" is all entered contents, "From this letter" is entered after the position of the cursor K, "This line" is the entered line, and "This paragraph" is set as a paragraph Each of the paragraphs to which the cursor K belongs is an effective range.

  For example, while the default value “This sentence” is highlighted, any of the [↓] key, [→] key, and [Conversion] key is pressed, and the option “From this letter” flashes. In this state (see D38, FIG. 12), when the [Select] key is further pressed, the screen returns to the text editing screen (D39). In the text editing screen (D39) after setting the character mode, the mode mark M2 is displayed at the mode start position. When the cursor K is moved to the unified symbol, the “USA” indicator is lit (not shown) based on the region information designated on the country / region designation screen (D35 in FIG. 11). This indicates that the area information: “USA” is designated (when printing, it is converted to a US variable symbol).

  When the [PRINT] key is pressed in the state of the text editing screen (D39), a print detail display screen (D40) is displayed, and a tape T as shown in FIG. 12 is created. By pressing any of the [↓] key, [→] key, and [Conversion] key, the screen returns to the text editing screen (similar to D41 and D39). Note that the print result of <Regional information designation / print operation 2> shown in FIGS. 11 and 12 is the same as the print result example of FIG. That is, the print result is the same whether the print instruction is given after the area information is designated or the area information is designated after the print instruction. Note that D32 to D40 in this example correspond to S17 (print instruction after area information designation) in the flowchart of FIG.

  Next, <Regional Information Specifying Operation 3> will be described with reference to FIG. In this example, the regional information is specified by setting the country / region specification: “None” once in the environment setting, and then setting the environment again (changing the environment setting). When the [Environment] key is pressed in the state of the text editing screen (D51), the environment setting screen (D52) is displayed. On the environment setting screen (D52), when the default value “display density” is highlighted, when the [↓] key, [→] key, or [conversion] key is pressed, the option “designate country / region” is selected. "Is displayed blinking (D53), and when the [Select] key is further pressed, a country / region designation screen (D54) is displayed.

  On the country / region designation screen (D54), when any of the [↓] key, [→] key, and [Conversion] key is pressed while the default value “Japan” is highlighted, the option “US” "Is blinking displayed (D55), and when the [SELECT] key is further pressed, a text editing screen (D56) is displayed. By these series of environment settings, the unified symbol of the national flag is converted into the variable symbol (star flag) of the US flag, and the variable symbol of the US flag is displayed. Therefore, when the [Print] key is pressed in this state, printing is performed using the variable symbol of the US flag (similar to the printing results shown in FIGS. 10 and 12).

  In this example, the country / region designation in the environment setting has been described as one method for designating the area information. However, in the flowchart of FIG. 4, after S11 to S13: No to S17: No in FIG. , S11: This corresponds to the case where the process proceeds to S21 in Yes. That is, the designation of the country / region in the environment setting serves as both the setting of the region mode and the designation of the position information.

  In the screen display examples shown in FIG. 6 and subsequent figures, only the text editing contents are displayed, but the first display key 42a and the second display key 42b, which are one of the display switching key group 42 (see FIG. 1). It is possible to display a print image on the display screen 41 by pressing. That is, in the example of FIG. 14, the case where the variable symbol of the US flag is displayed on the screen displaying the text editing content has been described (see D56), but naturally the variable image of the US flag is also displayed on the print image. To do. Also, when the indicator indicates “United States” or “Japan” (D39 in FIG. 12, etc.), it is displayed on the print image using the variable symbol of that country.

  Subsequently, <text editing / printing operation 4> will be described with reference to FIGS. This example shows an operation when the regional mode is set in the environment setting (when anything other than “None” is selected on the country region designation screen in FIG. 6D04). Here, it is assumed that the regional mode “Japan” is set.

  When the [Symbol] key is pressed in the state of the text editing screen (D61), the symbol selection screen (D62) is displayed. On the symbol selection screen (D62), with the default value “description” highlighted, any one of the [↑] key, [←] key, [No Conversion] key is pressed, or the [Shift] key and [ When the [↓] key or [→] key is pressed at the same time, the option “by country” is flashed (D63). When the [Select] key is pressed in this state, a candidate selection screen (D64) for selecting symbols belonging to “by country” is displayed. Here, since “Japan” is selected as the regional mode, options (candidates) are displayed using the Japanese regional mode symbol (see FIG. 5B).

  Similarly to the example shown in FIG. 8, the displayed region mode symbols are all surrounded by a dotted frame, and indicate that the symbols can be converted into country-specific variable symbols by specifying region information. ing. For example, if the [↓] key, [→] key, or [Conversion] key is pressed while the first option (“¥”) is selected, the second option (Hinomaru) is selected. When the [Select] key is further pressed, the text in which the second option is input is displayed (text editing screen, D66). In this text editing screen, the text is naturally displayed using the “Japan” regional mode symbol. When the cursor K is moved to the regional mode symbol, the “Japan” indicator is lit. This indicates that printing is performed using a regional mode symbol of “Japan” when regional information is not designated.

  Therefore, when the [PRINT] key is pressed in the state of the text editing screen (D65) (corresponding to S22: Yes in the flowchart of FIG. 4B), a screen for prompting the designation of regional information (country region selection screen) , D22 and D23 in FIG. 10) are not displayed, and the print detail display screen (D67) is displayed and printing is executed. As shown in FIG. 16, a variable symbol (Japanese regional mode symbol: Hinomaru mark) indicating the Japanese national flag is printed after the character “national flag” as shown in FIG. After printing, the text editing screen (similar to D68 and D66) is returned by pressing any of the [↓] key, [→] key, and [Conversion] key.

  Although not shown in particular, even when text editing is performed using a regional mode symbol as in this example, regional information is specified by setting the character mode (character property), and then printing is instructed. In this case (see <Regional information designation / printing operation 2> in FIG. 11), conversion / text document creation and printing are performed based on the regional information. This corresponds to S25: Yes to S26 to S24 in the flowchart of FIG.

  Next, with reference to FIG. 17, <Printing / Regional Information Designation Operation 5> will be described. In this example, even when text editing is performed using the regional mode symbol (when the regional mode is set), the regional information is specified after the printing instruction by a printing instruction different from the normal printing instruction. Is possible. This example is a modification that is not shown in the flowchart of FIG.

  When the [Shift] key and the [Print] key are pressed simultaneously in the state of the text editing screen (D71), the country / region selection screen (D72) is displayed. However, when the region mode is not included in the text, an error is displayed and the screen does not transit to the screen (D72). If only the [PRINT] key is pressed, printing is performed using the regional mode symbol as shown in FIGS. 15 and 16.

  On the country / region selection screen (D72), since the region mode: “Japan” is set in this example, “USA”, which is the next candidate for the option “Japan”, is highlighted as a default value. When the [Select] key is pressed, a print execution confirmation screen (D73) is displayed. If a region mode other than “Japan” is set, the default value is “Japan”. When the [Select] key or the [Print] key is pressed on the print execution confirmation screen (D73), the print detail display screen (D74) is displayed and printing is executed. Since “USA” is designated as the area information, the print result is obtained by converting the regional flag of the Japanese flag into a variable symbol of the US flag (star and stripe mark) after the character “flag”. After printing, any of the [↓] key, [→] key, and [Conversion] key is pressed to return to the text editing screen (similar to D74 and D71). The indicator 60 lights the “Japan” indicator.

  As described above, according to the present embodiment, text editing can be performed using either the unified symbol or the regional mode symbol according to the needs and preferences of the user. In the former case, by adopting a symbol that can be understood by everyone as a unified symbol, a variable symbol that can be used only in a specific region can be accurately used regardless of the nationality or region of the user who uses the tape printer 1. Can be used. In the latter case, a similar effect can be obtained by previously setting a regional mode that can be understood by the user and using the regional mode symbol of the region. That is, even if the user has no special knowledge about a specific area, a text document using variable symbols that differ for each area can be accurately created. Furthermore, according to the present embodiment, since the number of options (number of candidates) to be displayed when selecting a target variable symbol can be reduced, selection is easy.

  In addition, since the unified symbol and the regional mode symbol are surrounded by a dotted line frame on the candidate selection screen (see D14 in FIG. 8, D64 in FIG. 15, etc.), the symbol displayed in an identifiable manner is converted into a variable symbol. It can be confirmed by the user. In addition, when the cursor K is moved to the unified symbol or the regional mode symbol, a predetermined indicator is turned on, so that the same can be confirmed on the text editing screen.

  In addition, designation of regional information for converting unified symbols and regional mode symbols into variable symbols for each country can be performed by setting the character mode. Therefore, even when a plurality of these symbols are included in one text, Different regional information can be specified for each.

  In addition, when text editing is performed using a unified symbol, only when the unified symbol is included in the edited text, the user is prompted to specify regional information after pressing the [Print] key (Fig. (Refer to S14 of 4 (a)), specifying regional information, converting to variable symbols, creating a text document, and printing on the same operation as the print instruction when the unified symbol is not included in the text Can do.

  When text editing is performed using the regional mode symbol and printing is instructed without specifying the regional information, a text document is created and printed using the regional mode symbol as it is (FIG. 4B). ) (See S22 to S24), the operation is easy when conversion to variable symbols is not required.

  In the above example, the currency mode, the national flag, and the symbol indicating the national land are illustrated as the regional mode symbols (see FIG. 5B), but other symbols as shown in FIGS. 18 and 19 are applied. Is possible. For example, as shown in FIG. 18 (a), when a language is included in the design, it is often impossible to understand except in the country or region where the language is used. For example, the symbols shown in (a) -1 to (a) -3 are not valid outside Japan. In such a case, symbols of each country used in the same meaning may be stored in association with each other as variable symbols so that conversion is possible based on designation of regional information.

  Also, as shown in FIG. 18B, a shape whose shape is different depending on the country or region can be applied as the region mode symbol. In the figure, the symbol used in “Japan” is shown in the upper row, and the symbol used in “Korea” is shown in the lower row. For example, as shown in (b) -1 and (b) -2, the shapes of outlets and plugs differ in countries and regions. In addition, as shown in (b) -3, there are oranges on Japanese offerings, but not on Korean offerings. Also, as shown in (b) -4, Japanese demons have one horn, but Korean demons have two horns. In addition, as shown in (b) -5, the high-speed rail mark differs from country to country. Further, as shown in (b) -7, marks indicating tickets are different between Japan and Korea.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 18 (c), those related to the sovereignty and the governing right of the state such as money, calendar, and national land are applicable as the regional mode symbols. In this figure, as in FIG. 18B, symbols used in “Japan” and “Korea” are shown in the upper and lower sections, respectively. For example, as shown in (c) -1, there are 2,000 yen bills in Japan, but not in Korea. The minimum coin in Japan is 1 yen, but in Korea, 10 won is the minimum coin (symbols indicating Korean coins are not shown).

  Further, as shown in FIG. 18 (d), the one based on the difference in culture and religion can also be applied as the regional mode symbol. For example, as shown in (d) -1 and (d) -2, the end of the Japanese zodiac is a wild boar, but the end of the Korean twelve is a pig. (D) -3 shows the Korean sumo mark, but the style and uniform of martial arts vary depending on the ethnic group.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 18E, the language or the translation itself can be applied as the regional mode symbol. For example, as shown in (e) -1 and (e) -2, the abbreviation of a stock company is different between Japan and Korea.

  In addition, as shown in FIG. 19, a notation for calling attention (notation for posting) varies depending on the country or region, but these can be applied as a region mode symbol. As described above, there are a wide variety of symbols that can be used only in a specific country or region, but such symbols can be applied as regional mode symbols, that is, variable symbols in each country. In addition, these symbols can be applied as unified symbols by changing them to symbols that can be understood by everyone.

  In the above example, depending on whether or not the regional mode is set in the environment setting, it is determined whether text editing is performed using either the unified symbol or the regional mode symbol. A configuration in which the setting) itself is omitted may be employed. That is, S11 in the flowcharts shown in FIGS. 4A and 4B may be omitted, and only the routine of S11: Yes or only the routine of S11: No may be executed. According to this configuration, there is no need for environment setting, and operation is easy. If there is no particular setting, the default value setting is also arbitrary, such as setting the regional mode: “Japan”.

  In the above example, when the cursor K is added to the unified symbol or the regional mode symbol, the various indicators 60 are turned on (see, for example, D21 in FIG. 10). When any one of these symbols is input, a predetermined indicator may be turned on. In this case, for example, in the state of the text editing screen (D21) of <Print / Region Information Designation Operation 1> in FIG. 10, when the predetermined indicator is lit, the country / region selection screen (D22) is displayed, When the indicator is off, normal printing is performed as it is.

Further, in order to display these unified symbols or regional mode symbols so that they can be distinguished from other texts, the indicator 60 is not lit when the cursor K is moved, but a HELP display (explanation) is displayed on a part of the display screen 41. Document display). According to this configuration, it becomes easier for the user to recognize that it is a unified symbol or a regional mode symbol. In addition, on the candidate selection screen (for example, see D14 in FIG. 8), the user can visually recognize the unified symbol by other methods such as adding a predetermined decoration or mark, changing the display color, etc. You may make it display so that can be identified.

  In the above example, the region information is designated by the region mode setting (environment setting), country region designation (selection), or character mode setting. However, the tape printer 1 has a plurality of regions. A plurality of [Print] keys assigned to the computer are installed, and designation of regional information, conversion to variable symbols, creation of a text document, and the like based on pressing one or more of these [Print] keys Printing may be executed. According to this configuration, the user can execute the present invention with an easy operation by simply pressing any one or more of the plurality of [print] keys.

  Moreover, it is also possible to provide each part (each function) of the tape printer 1 shown in the above example as a program. Further, the program can 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.

  Further, regardless of the above-described embodiments, the device configuration, processing steps, and the like of the tape printer 1 can be changed as appropriate without departing from the scope of the present invention. In addition to the tape printer 1, the present invention can also be applied to a document creation apparatus such as a personal computer or a word processor.

It is an external appearance perspective view of the tape printer of an open state. It is a control block diagram of a tape printer. It is a flowchart which shows the whole process of a tape printer. It is a flowchart which shows a text document preparation / printing process. It is a figure which shows a symbol table. It is a figure explaining regional mode setting operation with a display screen. It is a figure which shows an environment menu hierarchy. It is a figure explaining text edit operation 1 with a display screen. It is a figure which shows a symbol menu hierarchy. It is a figure explaining printing and area information designation operation 1 with a display screen. It is a figure explaining area information designation and printing operation 2 with a display screen. It is explanatory drawing following FIG. It is a figure which shows a character mode menu hierarchy. It is a figure explaining area information designation operation 3 with a display screen. It is a figure explaining the text edit / print operation 4 with a display screen. It is explanatory drawing following FIG. It is a figure explaining printing and area information designation operation 5 with a display screen. It is a figure which shows an example of a regional mode symbol. It is a figure which shows another example of a regional mode symbol.

Explanation of symbols

  1: Tape printer, 3: Keyboard, 4: Display, 41: Display screen, 60: Indicator, 200: Control unit, 210: CPU, K: Cursor, M1: Line head mark, M2: Mode mark, T: Printing tape

Claims (9)

Storage means for storing a plurality of variable symbols that are used in the same meaning and that are associated with different symbols for each region,
A regional mode setting means for setting a specific regional mode;
A text editing means for editing text as at least part of the text using a regional mode symbol that is one of the plurality of variable symbols and is based on the regional mode set by the regional mode setting means;
Area information designating means for designating area information for converting the area mode symbol into any of the plurality of related variable symbols;
Conversion means for converting the regional mode symbol into the variable symbol of the corresponding region based on designation by the regional information designation unit;
Text document creation means for creating a text document for output using the variable symbol after conversion,
A document creation device characterized by comprising: Further comprising display means for displaying the content edited by the text editing means,
The document creating apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the display unit displays the regional mode symbol so as to be distinguishable from symbols other than the regional mode symbol and the text.   The document creating apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the display unit displays the variable symbol after the conversion by the conversion unit.   The document according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the regional information designating unit designates the regional information by a character property setting of the regional mode symbol designated by the text editing unit. Creation device. If the area information is not specified by the area information specifying means,
The conversion by the conversion means is omitted,
5. The document creation apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the text document creation unit creates a text document for output using the regional mode symbol. Each means in the document creation device according to any one of claims 1 to 5,
And a printing unit that prints the text document. A plurality of print keys assigned to a plurality of regions;
7. The area information specifying unit, the converting unit, the text document creating unit, and the printing unit are caused to function based on pressing of any one or more of the plurality of print keys. The printing apparatus as described. A process of storing a plurality of variable symbols that are used in the same meaning and are associated with different symbols for each region,
Setting a specific regional mode;
A specific regional mode symbol that is one of the plurality of variable symbols and based on the set regional mode, and regional information for converting the regional mode symbol into any of the corresponding variable symbols And converting the regional mode symbol into the variable symbol of the corresponding regional information according to the designation of
A document processing method comprising:   The program for functioning a computer as each means in the document preparation apparatus of any one of Claims 1 thru | or 5, or each means in the printing apparatus of Claim 6 or 7.

Images