JP2008155388A - Printer and tape printer - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a printer which can store contents of a data stream etc. efficiently printed to a printing member such as a tape, and to provide a tape printer using this. <P>SOLUTION: When it is judged that a character printing region exceeds a constant-length printing region, a compression amount of a blank region necessary for the securement of the character printing region is preliminarily converted by a CPU 78. Moreover, it is also judged whether or not compression of the blank region is possible. Accordingly, compression processing of only the necessary blank region is carried out. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2008,JPO&INPIT

Description

The present invention relates to a printing apparatus that performs various printing based on input data and a tape printing apparatus that performs printing on a tape using the printing apparatus.

In a conventional tape printer, there is known a device that reduces the character size of a data string to be printed in order to fit within a predetermined tape length of a predetermined size (see Patent Document 1). In addition, there is known one that reduces the margin width at both ends in the longitudinal direction of the tape by a predetermined amount (see Patent Document 1).
JP 2003-109020 A

However, if the print content does not fit within the tape length even if the character size is reduced,
The specified length may not be printed. Even when margins at both ends in the longitudinal direction of the tape are used, there is a possibility that the print contents cannot be efficiently accommodated in the tape length by simply reducing the margins by a certain amount.

SUMMARY An advantage of some aspects of the invention is that it provides a printing apparatus capable of storing the contents of a data string or the like to be efficiently printed on a printing member such as a tape and a tape printing apparatus using the same.

In order to solve the above-described problems, a printing apparatus according to the present invention includes (a) a data storage unit that holds data about a character to be printed on a printing member, and (b) prints the character on the printing member. Mode setting means for setting a constant length mode in which a constant length printing area is designated and a margin mode in which a margin area on the printing member is designated; (c) a constant length mode and a margin mode by the mode setting means; When the variable margin mode including the variable margin area in which the margin area can be printed is additionally set in the margin mode setting, the character print area necessary for printing the character is fixed. An area limit determination unit for determining whether or not the print area has been exceeded, and (d) a character limit when the character print area exceeds the fixed-length print area. A compression amount conversion processing unit that calculates a compression amount of a blank area necessary for securing a print area, and (e) a blank compression process that sets a blank region with reference to the compression amount calculated by the compression amount conversion processing unit And (f) setting the position of the character to be printed on the printing member based on the corrected print area set by the area conversion processing section. A character processing unit to perform, and (g) a printing unit that performs printing in accordance with the character position setting based on the corrected printing area on the printing member.

In the printing apparatus, when the fixed length mode and the margin mode are set, and when the variable margin mode is additionally set in the margin mode setting, the margin conversion process for setting the margin area is performed by the area conversion processing unit. Thus, it is possible to set a modified print area in which the fixed-length print area is increased. As a result, when it is determined that the character print area exceeds the fixed-length print area, the character print area can be secured by setting the correction print area, and contents such as a data string to be printed can be stored. At this time, in particular, since the compression amount conversion processing unit calculates in advance the compression amount of the blank area necessary for securing the character print area, it is possible to perform the compression processing of the blank area as much as necessary, There is no need to repeat the margin compression process, and the print contents such as the data string to be printed can be efficiently stored in the print length.

As a specific aspect of the present invention, the compression amount conversion processing unit calculates the compression amount from the difference between the character print area and the fixed-length print area. In this case, an appropriate compression amount can be calculated with a relatively simple calculation.

As a specific aspect of the present invention, the area conversion processing unit divides and sets the margin area set in the margin mode at both ends of the fixed-length printing area in the margin compression process, and the divided margin area is set. Compress evenly. In this case, the positional balance on the printed matter of the blank area before the blank compression process can be maintained even after the blank compression process.

Further, as a specific aspect of the present invention, the area conversion processing unit performs a character size changing process. In this case, the contents such as a data string to be printed can be stored in the print length by the character size changing process.

Further, as a specific aspect of the present invention, the area conversion processing unit performs the blank space compression process with priority over the size change process. In this case, in the process for storing the contents such as the data string in the print length,
Processing that prioritizes securing the character size can be performed.

As a specific aspect of the present invention, the area conversion processing unit performs the size changing process with priority over the margin compression process. In this case, in the process for storing the contents such as the data string in the print length,
Processing that prioritizes securing of the margin area can be performed.

In order to solve the above problems, a tape printer according to the present invention includes any one of the above-described printing apparatuses, and a printing unit performs printing on a tape-shaped member as a printing member. In this case, it is possible to perform tape printing on various characters, and at this time, the contents such as a data string to be printed can be efficiently stored in the print length.

[First Embodiment]
FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing the entirety of a tape printing apparatus which is a printing apparatus according to the present embodiment. FIG. 2A is a perspective view when the opening / closing lid of the tape printer of FIG. 1 is opened,
FIG. 2B is a perspective view showing a tape cartridge loaded in the tape printer.

As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the tape printer 10 is divided into an upper and lower divided device case 20.
The outer case 21 is formed by an upper case 21 serving as an opening / closing lid, and the lower case 22 is provided with a mechanism portion such as a pocket 41 in which the tape cartridge C is loaded.

On the upper surface of the upper case 21, a keyboard 33 is disposed on the front side thereof, and a display 34 is disposed on the right side of the center portion. The keyboard 34 is used in a closed state except when the tape cartridge C is attached or detached.

The keyboard 33 is for inputting information such as data and commands to a microcomputer chip or the like which is a control system built in the lower case 22. On the keyboard 33, a function key group 32 for designating various operation modes and the like are arranged in addition to a character key group 31 for inputting text information including characters, symbols, numbers, and the like. The function key group 32 includes a [power] key (not shown), a [print] key for instructing a printing operation, data confirmation at the time of text information input, line feed, and instructions for selecting various modes on the selection screen. [Select] key, and move the cursor in the up (“↑”), down (“↓”), left (“←”), and right (“→”) directions and the display range of the display screen 36, respectively. In addition to the [cursor] key, a character or symbol not previously stored in the device is created as an “external character”.
Key etc. are included. Hereinafter, in addition to the characters, symbols, numbers, and the like as described above, the term “character” is used as a collective term including “external characters” and the like (for example, something like a pictograph).

The various modes set on the selection screen described above include, for example, a fixed-length mode that can specify a fixed-length print area on which a character is printed on a printing member, and a margin mode that can specify a blank area that is not printed. is there. These various modes can be specified by the user's operation of the function key group 32 and the like, and the fixed length mode and the margin mode are set. At this time, the variable margin mode is further set in the margin mode setting. Can be set.
When the variable margin mode is set, the variable margin area that can be printed can be adjusted (details will be described later).

The display 34 has a display screen 36 that can display an arbitrary character in n columns × m rows (n and m are appropriate natural numbers) in the horizontal and vertical directions, and is a control system built in the lower case 22. It is possible to display processing results, commands, and the like by the microcomputer chip. That is, the display 34 selects a character string to be processed, or when the user inputs data or various commands / instructions from the keyboard 33 to edit the character string, or visually recognizes the result. Used for.

The lower case 22 is provided with a pocket 41 for mounting the tape cartridge C. The tape cartridge C is attached to and detached from the pocket 41 with the upper case (opening / closing lid) 21 opened. In the tape cartridge C, a tape T and an ink ribbon R having a certain width are accommodated in the cartridge case 51, and a through hole 53 for inserting the head unit 42 disposed in the pocket 41 is formed. Yes. Further, a tape identification sensor 43 such as a micro switch is provided in the pocket 41 so that the types of the tape T having different widths can be identified, and the type and setting information of the tape T can be detected. Yes.

The tape T corresponds to a tape-like member that is a printing member, and has a configuration in which an adhesive surface is formed on the back surface and is covered with release paper. The tape T and the ink ribbon R travel while being overlapped with each other at the position of the through hole 53, and only the tape T is discharged to the outside, and the ink ribbon R is wound inside.

The head unit 42 provided at an appropriate position of the pocket 41 incorporates a print head 42a composed of a thermal head, and in a state where the tape cartridge C is loaded in the pocket 41, the print head 42a is inserted into the through hole of the tape cartridge C. 53 abuts on the back surface of the ink ribbon R that is exposed from 53. A character such as a desired character is printed on the surface of the tape T by driving the print head 42a to generate heat.

Further, a tape discharge port 44 that communicates the pocket 41 and the outside of the apparatus is formed on the left side of the lower case 22, and a tape cutter 45 that cuts the tape T that has been fed faces the tape discharge port 44. Yes. The pocket 41 is provided with drive shafts 47, 48 and the like that engage with the driven parts of the mounted tape cartridge C, and these drives are driven using a built-in feed motor (not shown) as a drive source. The shafts 47 and 48 feed the tape T and the ink ribbon R in the tape cartridge C, and the print head 42a is driven in synchronization with these to perform printing. Further, after the printing is completed, the feeding of the tape T is continued and the tape T
Is set to the position of the tape cutter 45.

A slot 49 for inserting a card-like portable memory device 61 is formed in the front side portion of the lower case 22. By inserting the portable memory device 61 into the narrow space of the slot 49 and pushing it in with a certain force, the portable memory device 61 is a control system in the lower case 22 via a built-in connector (not shown). Connected to a microcomputer chip or the like.
The portable memory device 61 attached to the slot 49 is detachable, and the portable memory device 61 is pulled by pulling the tip of the portable memory device 61 exposed in the opening of the slot 49 with a certain force. Can be separated from the connector and pulled out of the slot 49.

Note that the portable memory device 61 inserted into the slot 49 is a general-purpose memory card capable of holding data compatible with a plurality of apparatuses, and examples thereof include an SD card and a memory stick. . In the portable memory device 61, print data and a print program are recorded in a general-purpose format. Here, the print data includes information such as characters to be displayed on the display 34 of the tape printer 10 or to be printed on the tape T by the head unit 42, and the print program is stored in the tape printer 10.
Includes a procedure for printing on the tape T by the head unit 42 and the like, print data, and the like. The tape printer 10 incorporates character-related data and its control / processing mechanism (details will be described later with reference to FIG. 3), and is capable of independent tape printing. 61 can be inserted, and it is also possible to perform tape printing on characters such as external characters that are not stored in the apparatus based on data from the outside.

A general method of using the tape printer 10 configured as described above is that the user uses the keyboard 33 while confirming the input / editing result on the display 34 after loading the tape cartridge C in the pocket 41. Input printing information such as characters and symbols and instruct printing. By this instruction, the tape T is fed out from the tape cartridge C, and the print head 4
After the desired printing is performed on the tape T by 2a, the printed portion is sent out from the tape discharge port 44 to the outside at any time. When the printing is completed, the tape is fed to the position of the tape length including the margin, and the label is created by cutting the tape T at this position.

Next, the configuration of the control system of the tape printer 10 shown in FIG. 1 and the like will be described with reference to FIG. The tape printer 10 includes a keyboard 33 and a display 34 that serve as an interface with the user, a tape identification sensor 43 for detecting the tape type, a printing unit drive circuit 71 that drives the print head 42a and the feed motor 55, and the like. A cutting unit driving circuit 72 for driving a cutter motor 56 that causes the tape cutter 45 to perform a cutting operation; and a portable memory device 61
And an interface unit 74 for transmitting and receiving data to and from the control unit 77 and a control processing unit 77 that controls the above circuit portions to operate as appropriate. In the above, the print head 42a and the printing unit driving circuit 71 function as printing means for printing on the tape T, and the tape cutter 45, the cutter motor 56, and the cutting unit driving circuit 72 are cutters for cutting the tape T. Acts as a mechanism.

Here, the control processing unit 77 is a control unit composed of an IC such as a microcomputer chip, and an output port 75 that transmits output data to the display 34 and a storage unit 73 that stores data, calculation results, and the like. And a reading unit 7 for reading out various data stored in the storage unit 73.
6 and C for performing processing for character printing based on the data read from the reading unit 76
PU78. In particular, the CPU 78 performs an area limit determination unit 78a and a compression amount conversion processing unit 7 in order to adjust margins as necessary when performing the character printing process.
8b, an area conversion processing unit 78c, and a character processing unit 78d are provided as functions on the program (each function will be described in detail later).

The storage unit 73 is, for example, a data storage unit that holds data about characters or the like to be printed on the tape T, which is a printing member, and includes a ROM 73a and a RAM 73b.
More specifically, the ROM 73a is prepared in the tape printer 10 for a control program area for storing a control program processed by the control processing unit 77, a control data area for storing control data including a character modification table, and the like. CG that stores font data of characters
And a data area. Further, the RAM 73b is supplied with power by a backup circuit (not shown) so as to retain stored data even when the power is turned off. In addition to various register groups, the user inputs from the keyboard 33. Text data area for storing text data such as characters, format data area for storing a format for printing text data, external data introduction area for temporarily storing print data and print programs read from the portable memory device 61, buffer area And is used as a work area for control processing. Here, the data (hereinafter referred to as character data) and the like regarding the character that the storage unit 73 has is all information in a format that can be expressed as bitmap data. Thereby, for example, when adjusting the margin area, it is possible to perform the adjustment based on the dot number unit. In addition, when adjusting margin areas, character data such as external characters based on data from the outside by the portable memory device 61 is also RO.
It can be handled in the same way as normal character data held in M73a.

The control processing unit 77 operates in accordance with a control program in the ROM 73a provided in the storage unit 73, receives various commands, various data, various detection signals and the like from the keyboard 33 and the like, and enters a RAM 73b provided in the storage unit 73. Process various stored data and display 3
4. By outputting control signals to the printing unit driving circuit 71, the cutting unit driving circuit 72, etc., the display screen 36 is made to display necessary information, and the print head 42a is controlled so as to be applied to the tape T under predetermined printing conditions. The entire tape printer 10 is controlled such as printing. Among such processes, the characteristic operation of the present embodiment is that a blank area on the tape T for storing a character print area, which is an area occupied by a character string composed of characters to be printed, within a predetermined tape length. Adjustment. When adjusting the margin area, the CPU 78 reads out various data stored in the RAM 73b and performs arithmetic processing based on the data.

Here, the RAM 73b stores various data necessary for the printing process in various storage areas such as the above-described text data area. In order to secure information characteristic to the present embodiment, FIG.
A series of storage areas as shown in FIG. That is, of the storage areas of the RAM 73b, the fixed-length print information storage area 80a stores information about the fixed-length print area that is a predetermined print area on the tape T. Further, the margin mode information storage area 80b stores information about the margin area on the tape T, the character print information storage area 80c stores information about the character print area, and the character information storage area 80d. The character data of the character to be printed is stored.

Hereinafter, the margin adjustment operation by the CPU 78 will be described. The CPU 78 reads out information about the fixed length print area and the character print area from the fixed length print information storage area 80a and the character print information storage area 80c of the RAM 73b shown in FIG. It is determined whether or not the area exceeds the fixed length printing area.

Next, the CPU 78, as the compression amount conversion processing unit 78b, prints the compression amount of the blank area necessary for securing the character print area when the character print area is determined to exceed the fixed-length print area. It is calculated from the difference between the area and the fixed-length printing area. At this time, C
The PU 78 reads out information about the margin area from the margin mode information storage area 80b of the RAM 73b of FIG. 4, and determines whether or not the margin area for adjustment necessary for securing the character print area can be compressed. Also do.

Next, the CPU 78 refers to the compression amount calculated as described above, and performs a margin compression process for setting a margin region as the region conversion processing unit 78c. More specifically, the CPU 7
No. 8 sets a new corrected print area in which the fixed-length print area is increased by compressing the blank area according to the calculated compression amount. By adjusting the margin area as described above, a predetermined print area on the tape T can be enlarged.

As the character processing unit 78d, the CPU 78 reads character data of a character to be printed from the character information storage area 80d of the RAM 73b of FIG. 4, and prints the character on the tape T based on the modified print area set as described above. The character position is set as shown. Based on this, a signal is generated for causing the printing unit drive circuit 71, which is a printing means, to perform an operation. As described above, printing with margin adjustment performed becomes possible.

In the margin adjustment as described above in the present embodiment, when the area limit determination unit 78a determines that the character print area exceeds the fixed-length print area, the compression amount conversion processing unit 78b needs to secure the character print area in advance. Whether the compression amount of the blank area is converted from the difference between the character print area and the fixed-length print area, and whether the blank area can be compressed for adjustment necessary for securing the character print area Judgment is also made. Area conversion processing unit 78
Since c performs a blank compression process for setting a blank area with reference to the compression amount calculated by the compression amount conversion processing unit 78b, it is possible to perform a blank area compression process as many times as necessary. There is no need to do it. Therefore, the tape printer 10 according to the present embodiment can store contents such as a data string to be printed efficiently.

Next, an example of the operation of the tape printer 10 according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. In addition, the setting of the variable margin mode additionally set in the setting of the fixed length mode, the margin mode, and the margin mode will also be described.

First, when the user turns on the tape printer 10, a display showing an initial state as shown in FIG. 5A is displayed in the display screen 36 of FIG. Furthermore, a selection menu for print setting is displayed by appropriately operating the function key group 32 or the like or when a certain time has elapsed.

In this case, first, display for setting the fixed length mode as shown in FIG. 5B is performed by operating the function key group 32 or the like. Here, the fixed length mode is a mode in which a fixed length print area (hereinafter simply referred to as “fixed length”) is predetermined as a predetermined print area where printing is actually performed on the tape T. More specifically, when the user displays FIG. 5B, the user designates a fixed length by operating the function key group 32 or the like as mode setting means (in this case, for example, a fixed length of 50 mm is assigned). In response to this, the control processing unit 7 as mode setting means is selected.
7 accepts the setting of the fixed length mode. The fixed length mode is set as described above.

Further, by the operation of the function key group 32 or the like, for example, a display for setting the margin mode as shown in FIG. Here, the margin mode is a mode in which a margin width is selected for a margin area that is a print area on the tape T and is an area other than the print area. More specifically, for example, when FIG. 5C is displayed, the user operates the function key group 32 to select a margin pattern from “margin menu option”.
Here, as the “margin menu option”, for example, “None” (the margin is 1 mm necessary for the left and right sides), “Yes” (the margin is fixed at 10 mm each for the left and right), and “Auto” (the margin is 10 mm each for the left and right Can be varied in the range of 1 to 10 mm with reference to the above. The margin mode is set by the user making an appropriate selection from these margin menus.

Here, when “Auto” is selected from “Margin menu options”, the margin area is
Normally, it remains 10 mm, but is variable within a range of 1 to 10 mm as necessary. In the present embodiment, the mode for selecting “automatic” is referred to as “variable margin mode”. That means
When the variable margin mode is set, the margin area includes a printable variable margin area, and the fixed-length print area can be corrected by compressing the margin area as necessary.

After the fixed length mode and the margin mode are set by the operation as described above, the user appropriately inputs the character for printing by operating the keyboard 33 as shown in FIG. Do.

FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an example of area allocation on the tape T when the variable margin mode is selected as described above. In the case of FIG. 6, the constant length DL is 50 mm, and the margin areas BD at both ends thereof are 10 mm. Therefore, in this case, the total length TL of the tape T is 70 mm.
It becomes. Of the margin area BD, the minimum margin area MB, which is the left and right ends of the tape T, which is the minimum necessary for the margin, is 1 mm, and the remainder is a variable margin area VB that can be varied. Variable margin area VB
Can also be used as a print portion, but in the initial state, is a normal blank area. The variable margin area VB remains 9 mm on each of the left and right sides, but 0 to 9 mm as necessary.
It is possible to vary within the range. In this case, the maximum print area ML includes the fixed length DL and each variable margin area V.
B is the maximum value that can expand the printing area without changing the total length TL of the tape T. In the case of FIG. 6, the maximum print area ML is 68 mm. Maximum printing area M
The difference between L and the constant length DL, that is, a value twice the variable margin area VB in a normal state is set to be variable in the fixed length. That is, in the case of FIG. 6, the constant length variable is 18 mm. In FIG. 6, what corresponds to the character print area is a print length PL corresponding to the length of the character to be printed. In the case of FIG. 6, the characters to be printed are four “H”, and the length from end to end is the print length PL.

Each information DL, BD, VB, PL regarding the above-mentioned area is stored in each storage area of the RAM 73b of FIG. Of these, the fixed length DL, which is information about the fixed length mode, is shown in FIG.
Margin area BD which is stored in the fixed length print information storage area 80a and is information relating to the margin mode.
The variable margin area VB and the like are stored in the margin mode information storage area 80b, and the print length PL, which is information relating to the character to be printed, is stored in the character print information storage area 80c. These pieces of information are read out as needed.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart for explaining margin compression processing according to the present embodiment. When the input operation shown in FIG. 5D is completed and the user operates the function key group 32 or the like to give an operation instruction for print processing, the control processing unit 77 first sets the variable margin in the margin mode. It is determined whether or not the mode is set (step S1). If it is determined in step S1 that the variable margin mode is not set, that is, if it is determined that the margin is a fixed mode, printing processing is performed with fixed margin setting (step S2).

If it is determined in step S1 that the variable margin mode has been set, the CPU 78 of FIG. 3 performs conversion processing for the print length PL when the input character string is normally printed (step S3).

Next, the CPU 78 compares the print length PL with the constant length DL. That is, it is determined whether or not the print length PL corresponding to the character print area exceeds the fixed length DL (step S4). If it is determined that the value of the print length PL does not exceed the value of the fixed length DL, the margin compression process is not performed, and the print process is performed with the margin set to the automatically set default value (step S5). ).

On the other hand, if it is determined in step S4 that the value of the print length PL is equal to or greater than the value of the constant length DL, the CPU 78 further calculates the conversion amount of the blank space compression process necessary for securing the print length PL. Then, it is determined whether printing in the fixed length mode is possible by the margin compression process (step S6). More specifically, for example, in the case of FIG.
mm. Therefore, the CPU 78 can perform printing by the margin compression process if the print length PL is over, that is, if the difference between the print length PL value and the constant length DL value is a permissible limit of a constant length variable or less, ie, 18 mm or less. If the print length PL is larger than 18 mm, it is determined that printing in the constant length mode is impossible even if the margin compression process is performed.

If it is determined in step S6 that printing is possible by the margin compression process, a margin setting process for printing in the fixed length mode is performed (step S7). In other words, the CPU 78 adjusts the variable blank area VB shown in FIG. 5 according to the conversion amount converted in step S6, that is, the difference between the value of the print length PL and the value of the constant length DL. A blank compression process is performed in which the BD is compressed, the fixed length DL is enlarged, and a corrected print area is newly set. For example, in the case of FIG. 6, the margin area BD set in the margin mode is set by being divided at both ends of the constant length DL. In such a case, for example, in the margin compression process, the divided margin area BD can be compressed uniformly. FIG. 8A is an example of a printed matter printed according to the margin compression process. When the margin area BD is uniformly compressed, the fixed length DL
Is expanded to form the modified print area DDL, the variable blank area VB shown in FIG. 5 is compressed by half of the required compression amount. If it is determined in step S4 that the margin compression process is unnecessary and the printing process is performed with the default margin value automatically set (step S5), the constant length DL area conversion process is not performed. The printing shown in FIG. 8B is performed. Here, when the margin compression is not performed as shown in FIG. 8B, the respective margin areas BD are in a state where the left and right are balanced. On the other hand, FIG.
Even in such a case, the left and right balance on the printed matter of the blank area BD before the blank compression process can be maintained even after the blank compression process by uniformly compressing the divided blank area BD.

If it is determined in step S6 that printing in the fixed length mode is not possible even if the margin compression process is performed, a fixed length over process is performed (step S8). That is, the CPU 78 cancels the fixed length mode and performs normal printing, for example. In this case, for example, as shown in FIG. 9, “remaining character” or the like is displayed on the display screen 36, and a display indicating that printing in the fixed length mode is impossible before printing is performed. Is also possible.

Although the present embodiment has been described above, the above is an example of the invention according to the present application, and various other embodiments can be considered. For example, in the present embodiment, a tape printing apparatus using a printing member on a tape is used as a printing apparatus. However, the printing apparatus is not limited to this, and for example, prints on a label-type printing member or normal printing paper. It can also be used for various printing apparatuses that perform the above.

There are various ways to set the fixed length mode and the margin mode. For example, the margin area is not limited to dividing the setting location at both ends of the fixed length printing area. It may be biased toward one end (for example, a variable margin area is provided only on the right side), and there may be a mode setting in which such a margin area setting location can be set before printing. .

[Second Embodiment]
In the first embodiment, the mode setting has the constant length mode and the margin mode, and the margin compression process has been described. However, in the present embodiment, a printing apparatus capable of a character size change process is further described. explain.

FIG. 10 is a flowchart for explaining margin compression processing in the tape printer according to the present embodiment. The present embodiment is the same as the first embodiment except that the character size changing process can be further performed in the blank space compression process, and there is no difference in the appearance of the tape printing apparatus. The illustration and description of the printing apparatus are omitted. Further, the character size changing process in this embodiment is performed by the CPU 78 of FIG.

As in the case of the first embodiment, when the input operation is completed and the user operates the function key group 32 or the like to give an operation instruction for print processing, the control processing unit 77 in FIG. In step S101, a determination is made as to whether or not the variable margin mode is set.
If it is determined that the margin is a fixed mode, a fixed margin setting process is performed (step S102). If it is determined in step S101 that the variable margin mode is set, a conversion process for the printing length PL is performed. Is performed (step S103). Further, the CPU 78 determines whether or not the print length exceeds the fixed length (step S104). If it is determined that the print length value does not exceed the fixed length value, the margin compression process is performed. Printing is performed with the default margin set automatically, without being performed (step S105).

On the other hand, if it is determined in step S104 that the print length value is equal to or greater than the fixed length value, it is further determined whether printing in the fixed length mode is possible by the margin compression process (step S106). In other words, if the overprint length is less than the constant length variable that is the allowable limit, it is determined that printing is possible by the margin compression process.

If it is determined in step S106 that printing is possible by the margin compression process, a margin setting process for printing in the fixed length mode is performed (step S107), and the CPU
78, compresses the margin area, enlarges the fixed length, and newly performs a margin compression process for setting a corrected print area.

On the other hand, if it is determined in step S106 that printing cannot be performed by the margin compression process, the CPU 78 can perform printing in the fixed length mode by changing the font size of the character in addition to the margin compression process. (Step S108)
. More specifically, a lower limit of the font size capable of recognizing the character is determined in advance, and a font size changing process for reducing the font of the character with the lower limit as a limit is performed. The CPU 78 determines whether printing in the fixed length mode is possible by this size changing process.

When it is determined in step S108 that printing in the fixed length mode is possible by the font size changing process, the CPU 78 performs printing by setting the newly set corrected print area size and the changed font size of the character. Processing is performed (step S109).

On the other hand, if it is determined in step S108 that printing in the fixed length mode is not possible even by the font size changing process, the fixed length over process is performed (step S110).
.

FIG. 11 is a flowchart for explaining another example of the margin compression processing according to the present embodiment. In the example shown in FIG. 10, the CPU 78 performs the margin compression process in preference to the character font size change process, but in the margin compression process in FIG.
The PU 78 performs character font size change processing in preference to margin compression processing. still,
Steps S201 to S205 in FIG. 11 are the same as steps S101 to S105 in FIG.

In the margin compression process in FIG. 11, if it is determined in step S204 that the print length value is equal to or greater than the fixed length value, first, whether or not printing in the fixed length mode is possible by the size change process. Is determined (step S206), and if it is determined that printing in the fixed length mode is possible, the printing process is performed by setting the changed font size of the character (step S20).
7).

On the other hand, if it is determined in step S204 that printing is not possible due to the size changing process, it is further determined whether printing in the fixed length mode is possible due to the blank compression process (step S208). If it is determined by the processing that printing in the fixed length mode is possible, printing processing is performed by setting the font size and modified print area size of the newly determined character (step S209), and margin compression If it is determined that printing in the fixed length mode is not possible even by the processing, the fixed length over processing is performed (step S).
210).

As described above, in the present embodiment, since the CPU 78 can perform the character size changing process, the range of adjustment in the margin adjustment in the constant length mode can be further expanded.

Also in the present embodiment, various embodiments are possible without being limited to those described above. For example, in the present embodiment, a tape printing apparatus using a printing member on a tape is used as a printing apparatus. However, the printing apparatus is not limited to this, and for example, prints on a label-type printing member or normal printing paper. It can also be used for various printing apparatuses that perform the above. In setting various modes such as the fixed length mode, for example, it is possible to select the priority order of the above-described character font size change processing and margin compression processing.

1 is an external perspective view of a tape printer according to a first embodiment. (A) is an external appearance perspective view which shows the open state of the tape printer of FIG. 1, (b) is an external perspective view which shows the tape cartridge with which a tape printer is loaded. FIG. 2 is a block diagram of a control system of the tape printer of FIG. 1. It is a figure for demonstrating the data storage part of FIG. (A)-(c) is a figure explaining operation of a tape printer. It is a figure which shows an example of allocation of the area | region on a tape. It is a figure for demonstrating operation | movement of the tape printer of FIG. (A), (b) is a figure which shows the example of printing of a character. It is a figure which shows the display to perform fixed length mode cancellation | release. It is a figure explaining the margin compression process which concerns on 2nd Embodiment. It is a figure explaining the other example of the margin compression process which concerns on 2nd Embodiment.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 ... Tape printer, 20 ... Apparatus case, 21 ... Upper case, 22 ... Lower case, 33 ... Keyboard, 34 ... Display, 36 ... Display screen, 42 ... Head unit, 42a ... Print head, 44 ... Tape discharge port 45 ... tape cutter, 77
... Control processing section, 78a ... Area limit judgment section, 78b ... Compression amount conversion processing section, 78c ... Area conversion processing section, 78d ... Character processing section, DL ... Constant length, BD ... Blank area, VB ...
Variable margin area, MB ... Minimum margin area, C ... Tape cartridge, R ... Ink ribbon, T ... Tape

Claims (7)

A data storage unit for holding data about the character to be printed on the printing member;
Mode setting means for setting a fixed length mode in which a fixed length printing area for printing the character on the printing member is designated, and a margin mode in which a margin area on the printing member is designated;
When the fixed length mode and the margin mode are set by the mode setting means, and a variable margin mode including a variable margin area in which the margin area can be printed is additionally set in the margin mode setting. An area limit determination unit for determining whether a character print area necessary for printing the character exceeds the fixed-length print area;
A compression amount conversion processing unit that calculates a compression amount of the margin area necessary for securing the character print region when the region limit determination unit determines that the character print region exceeds the fixed-length print region; ,
An area conversion processing unit that sets a modified print region in which the fixed-length print region is increased by a margin compression process that sets the margin region with reference to the compression amount calculated by the compression amount conversion processing unit;
A character processing unit for setting the position of the character to be printed on the printing member based on the modified printing region set by the region conversion processing unit;
A printing apparatus comprising: a printing unit configured to perform printing corresponding to the character position setting based on the modified printing area on the printing member. The printing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the compression amount conversion processing unit calculates the compression amount from a difference between the character print region and the fixed-length print region. The region conversion processing unit divides and sets the margin region set in the margin mode at both ends of the fixed-length print region in the margin compression processing, and compresses the divided margin region evenly. Item 3. The printing apparatus according to Item 2. The said area | region conversion process part performs the size change process of the said character.
The printing apparatus as described in any one of. The printing apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the area conversion processing unit performs the margin compression processing in preference to the size changing processing. The printing apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the area conversion processing unit performs the size changing process in preference to the margin compression process. A printing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 6, comprising:
The said printing means is a tape printer which prints on a tape-shaped member as said printing member.

Images