JP2008173815A - Printing data generating apparatus, tape printer and program - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To reduce a consumption amount of a printing tape by a simple operation. <P>SOLUTION: The printing data generating apparatus is equipped with a batch-setting changing means 71 and a printing data generating means 62. The batch-setting changing means 71 sets changing tape lengths at a time from preliminarily specified default setting in setting of both a plurality of function menus which can be set independently and separately and make tape lengths change by set values, and object function menus as at least two or more preliminarily set function menus among the plurality of function menus. The printing data generating means 62 generates printing data on the basis of setting after changed by the batch-setting changing means 71. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2008,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a print data generation device, a tape printer, and a program that generate print data.

Conventionally, as this type of printing apparatus, a label printing apparatus that prints character data on a printing tape is known. This label printing apparatus has a function of arbitrarily setting the character size and character spacing in the longitudinal direction of the printing tape (see Patent Document 1).
Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 07-266632

  By the way, in the conventional printing apparatus, when the remaining amount of the printing tape is low, the tape consumption may be minimized. In such a case, the user needs to perform the character size reduction setting, the character spacing setting, and the like using the above-described arbitrary setting functions, which forces the user to perform troublesome operations.

  It is an object of the present invention to provide a print data generation device, a tape printing device, and a program that can reduce the consumption of a printing tape with a simple operation.

  The print data generation apparatus according to the present invention can be set individually and individually, and includes a plurality of function menus whose tape length varies according to the set value, and at least two or more predetermined functions among the plurality of function menus. Print data is generated based on the batch setting change unit that changes the tape length setting from the default setting specified in advance and the settings after the change by the batch setting change unit. And a print data generation means.

  According to this configuration, when the setting of two or more predetermined function menus among a plurality of function menus in which the tape length is changed is collectively changed from the default setting to the setting capable of shortening the tape length, Without requiring setting for each function menu, it is possible to generate print data in which the tape length is shorter than in the case of default setting. Therefore, the consumption of the printing tape can be reduced with a simple operation. For example, if all of the plurality of function menus are the target function menus in advance, all the function menus can be set by one setting change operation.

  In this case, the setting of the target function menu by the batch setting changing means is switched to either the regulation saving mode in which the tape length can be shortened from the default setting or the normal mode in which the setting of the target function menu is the default setting. It is preferable to further include mode setting means for setting.

  According to this configuration, the saving mode can be easily set and canceled by selecting the specified saving mode or the normal mode. This makes it possible to use different tape saving settings according to the user's purpose of use and usage.

  In this case, it is preferable to further include setting changing means for changing the setting of the target function menu whose setting has been changed by the batch setting changing means in the specified saving mode.

  According to this configuration, in the specified saving mode, the setting of the target function menu whose setting has been changed can be changed again in accordance with the user's usage purpose and usage pattern. Thereby, even in the specified saving mode, an arbitrary function menu can be changed according to the user's preference.

  In these cases, there is further provided target function menu selection means for selecting the target function menu from a plurality of function menus, and the mode setting means changes the setting of the target function menu selected by the target function menu selection means collectively. It is preferable to set one of a selection saving mode, a specified saving mode, and a normal mode for setting by means.

  According to this configuration, the user can freely select the target function menu in accordance with the purpose of use and the form of use. Here, the difference between the specified saving mode and the selected saving mode is whether the target function menu is a predetermined saving mode or a saving mode in which the target function menu is selected. For example, if a function menu having a high priority for the user is selected as a target function menu from among a plurality of function menus, a personal saving mode (selective saving mode) can be set. Further, if all of the plurality of function menus are selected as the target function menu, it is possible to prevent a setting omission that may occur when setting is made for each function menu.

  In these cases, it is preferable that the function menu for setting the character size is not a target of the plurality of function menus.

  According to this configuration, since the character size is not changed by the setting of the specified saving mode or the selection saving mode, the consumption of the printing tape can be reduced without deteriorating the visibility of the characters and the overall appearance. it can. The change in character size refers to a change in size in both the length direction and the width direction of the tape.

  A tape printing apparatus according to the present invention is a printing means for printing on a printing tape based on each means in the print data generation apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 5 and print data generated by the print data generation means. And.

  According to this configuration, it is possible to obtain a print tape generated by print data having a tape length shorter than that in the case of default setting.

  A program according to the present invention causes a computer to function as each unit in a print data generation apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 5.

  By using this program, it is possible to realize a print data generation apparatus that generates print data with a tape length shorter than that in the case of default setting with a simple operation.

  Hereinafter, a print data generation device, a tape printing device, and a program according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. This tape printer changes the settings of multiple function menus that change the tape length of the print tape from the default settings all at once, generates print data based on the changed settings, and prints the print tape Is.

  As shown in FIG. 1 and FIG. 2, the tape printer 1 contains a device main body 11 that performs a printing process on a processing tape (printing tape) T, a processing tape T, and an ink ribbon R. And a tape cartridge C which is detachably mounted.

  The apparatus main body 11 has an outer shell formed by an apparatus case 12, and on the upper surface of the front half of the apparatus case 12, various input keys 13 for inputting characters and a plurality of function menus for changing the tape length are set. A keyboard 17 having a function menu setting key 14 for performing and a confirmation key 15 for confirming setting by the function menu setting key 14 is provided. This function menu consists of, for example, setting the margin length of the processing tape T, the scale of characters in the longitudinal direction of the processing tape T, the length between characters in the longitudinal direction of the processing tape T, etc. The tape length can be set independently and the tape length varies depending on the set value. Note that the tape printer 1 according to the present embodiment may set other function menus (format setting, paragraph setting, decoration (such as a frame)) whose tape length does not change by pressing the function menu setting key 14. Although possible, detailed description is omitted here.

  An opening / closing lid 21 is widely provided on the upper left surface of the rear half of the device case 12, and a viewing window 22 is formed on the upper surface of the opening / closing lid 21 for visually confirming the mounting / non-mounting of the tape cartridge C. On the front side of the opening / closing lid 21, a lid opening button 23 for opening the lid is provided. A display 24 for displaying an input result from the keyboard 17 and the like is formed on the upper right side of the rear half.

  When the lid opening button 23 is pressed to open the open / close lid 21, a cartridge mounting portion 31 into which the tape cartridge C is mounted is formed in the inside thereof, and the cartridge mounting portion 31 is fed out from the tape cartridge C. A print head 41 is disposed on the processing tape T to be printed (see FIG. 2).

  A tape discharge port 32 is formed on the left side of the device case 12 to communicate the cartridge mounting portion 31 with the outside of the device. The device case 12 faces the tape discharge port 32 to cut the processing tape T. A cutter unit 33 is incorporated. The cutter unit 33 is driven downstream by a motor (full cutter motor 35) to cut the processing tape T in a scissors form, and is disposed downstream of the full cutter 34 in the tape feed direction, forcing the cut tape piece. And a discharge mechanism (not shown) for discharging automatically (see FIG. 3). Although omitted in FIGS. 1 and 2, a circuit board constituting a control unit 63 (see FIG. 3) that performs overall control of the apparatus main body 11 is mounted inside the apparatus case 12.

  A print head 41 having a heating element and covered with a head cover 40, a positioning projection 42 for positioning a tape reel 51 described later, a processing tape T and an ink ribbon R of the tape cartridge C are sent to the cartridge mounting portion 31. A platen drive shaft 43 facing the print head 41 and a take-up drive shaft 44 that winds up the ink ribbon R are projected. The cartridge mounting portion 31 is provided with a tape identification sensor (not shown) corresponding to a plurality of detection holes formed on the back surface of the cartridge case C. Further, the cartridge mounting portion 31 incorporates a print feed motor 46 (see FIG. 3) and a reduction gear train (not shown) for driving the platen drive shaft 43 and the take-up drive shaft 44.

  The tape cartridge C is configured such that a tape reel 51 around which a processing tape T is wound and a ribbon feeding reel 52 and a ribbon take-up reel 53 around which an ink ribbon R is wound at the lower right are housed in a cartridge case 50. Has been. A through opening 54 is formed in the lower left portion of the tape reel 51 to be inserted into the head cover 40 that covers the print head 41. Further, a platen roller 55 that is fitted to the platen drive shaft 43 and is driven to rotate is disposed corresponding to the portion where the processing tape T and the ink ribbon R overlap.

  When the tape cartridge C is mounted on the cartridge mounting portion 31, the through opening 54 is formed in the head cover 40, the tape reel 51 is positioned on the positioning projection 42, the ribbon winding reel 53 is positioned on the winding drive shaft 44, and the platen roller 55 is positioned on the platen driving shaft 43. When the open / close lid 21 is closed in this state, the print head 41 is in contact with the platen roller 55 with the processing tape T and the ink ribbon R interposed therebetween, and enters a print standby state. . Then, based on the print data generated by the print data generation means 74 (see FIG. 4), the platen drive shaft 43 and the take-up drive shaft 44 rotate synchronously while feeding the processing tape T and the ink ribbon R, and the print head The printing process is performed at 41. At the same time, the ink ribbon R fed from the ribbon feeding reel 52 goes around the opening wall of the through opening 54 and is taken up by the ribbon take-up reel 53. The printed part of the processing tape T after the printing process is cut by the full cutter 34, and the cut processing tape T is discharged to the outside from the tape discharge port 32 as a label.

  A plurality of types of processing tape T having different tape types (tape width, tape color, ink ribbon color, tape material, etc.) are prepared, and a recording tape T1 having an adhesive layer coated on the back surface, It is composed of a release tape T2 attached to the recording tape T1 with an adhesive layer. The processing tape T is wound in a roll shape with the recording tape T1 on the outside and the release tape T2 on the inside, and is accommodated in the cartridge case 50. A plurality of small detection holes (not shown) are formed on the back surface of the cartridge case 50, and the plurality of detection holes are detected by the tape identification sensor so that the type of the processing tape T can be identified. It has become.

  Next, the control system of the tape printer 1 will be described with reference to FIG. The tape printer 1 includes an operation unit 61 that functions as a user interface, such as data input from various keys on the keyboard 17 and display of print data on the display 24, a printing unit (printing means) 62, and tape printing. And a control unit 63 that is connected to each unit of the apparatus 1 and controls the entire tape printing apparatus 1.

  The printing unit 62 performs a printing process on the processing tape T by the print head 41 based on print data generated by a print data generation unit 74 (see FIG. 4) described later, and the full cutter motor 35 drives the full cutter 34 to perform printing. The processing tape T is cut to create a label.

  The control unit 63 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 64, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 65 having a control program for performing various control processes by the CPU 64, and a RAM (Random Access Memory) serving as a work area for various control processes. 66, and an input / output controller (IOC: Input Output Controller) 67 for inputting / outputting input data and control signals to / from each unit of the tape printer 1, and these are connected to each other via an internal bus. Here, the ROM 65 stores a control program for performing setting processing of a plurality of function menus that affect the tape length by setting values. The CPU 64 inputs various signals and data from each unit of the tape printer 1 via the IOC 67 according to the control program in the ROM 65. Further, the CPU 64 processes various data in the RAM 66 based on the input various signals and data, and outputs various signals and data to each part of the tape printer 1 via the IOC 67 to control the printing process.

  Here, the control system of the tape printer 1 will be further described with reference to the functional block diagram of FIG. As illustrated in FIG. 4, the tape printer 1 includes a batch setting change unit 71, a mode setting unit 72, a setting change unit 73, a print data generation unit 74, and a printing unit 62.

  The mode setting means 72 is a specified saving mode in which the setting of the target function menu predetermined by the collective setting changing means 71 described later is set by the user's operation so that the tape length can be shortened from a predetermined default setting. Then, any mode of the normal mode in which the setting of the target function menu is set as a default setting without changing the setting by the collective setting changing unit 71 is set.

  The batch setting change means 71 batches the setting of the target function menu, which is at least two or more function menus determined in advance, from a plurality of function menus to a setting that can shorten the tape length from a predetermined default setting. To change the settings. In the present embodiment, the plurality of target function menus include a print tape margin length (hereinafter referred to as “margin length”), a character scale in the longitudinal direction of the print tape (hereinafter referred to as “character scale”), There are four lengths between characters in the longitudinal direction of the printing tape (hereinafter referred to as “character spacing”) and character size. The target function menu includes three function menus (“ Margin length "," character scale "," character spacing ").

  FIG. 5 shows the setting values of “character size” with candidates for setting values of “large”, “normal”, and “small” from “normal” (see FIG. 5A) to “small” (FIG. 5). The state of the character size when the setting is changed to (b) is shown. As shown in FIG. 5, the change in “character size” refers to size change (reduction) in both the length direction (L direction) and the width direction (W direction) of the tape, and the appearance is impaired when the setting is changed. Therefore, it is not included in the target function menu (not subject to batch setting change). On the other hand, in FIG. 6, the setting value of “character scale” including the setting value candidates of “shrink”, “normal”, and “stretch” is changed from “normal” (see FIG. 6A) to “ This shows the state of the scale of the character when the setting is changed to “shrink” (see FIG. 6B). As shown in the figure, the change of “character scale” refers to a change in size only in the tape length direction (L direction shown in FIG. 6). That is, although the character width after the change is changed, the height of the character is not changed, and the appearance is not impaired when the setting is changed. Therefore, “character scale” is included in the target function menu. In the specified saving mode, the setting value of each function menu in the target function menu is set in advance so that the setting value can shorten the tape length.

  The setting changing means 73 is for changing the menu setting (setting value) of the target function whose setting has been changed by the batch setting changing means 71 in the specified saving mode in accordance with a user operation.

  The print data generation unit 74 generates print data based on the changed setting. The printing unit 62 performs printing on the printing tape based on the print data generated by the print data generation unit 74.

  The batch setting change unit 71, the mode setting unit 72, the setting change unit 73, and the print data generation unit 74 have the CPU 64 calculate various data according to the control program in the ROM 65, and further cooperate with the operation unit 61 and the IOC 67. Thus, it is realized by executing various processes.

  Next, the print data generation operation of the tape printer 1 will be described with reference to FIG. Here, it is assumed that “margin length”, “character scale”, and “character spacing” are set in advance as the target function menu.

  First, the user presses the function menu setting key 14 to set the target function menu setting to the default saving mode and setting the target function menu to be a setting that can shorten the tape length from the default setting by changing the batch setting. The setting of one of the normal mode is started (S1). Here, the display 24 displays a mode setting screen 80 as shown in FIG. 8, and the user selects one of the “stipulated saving mode” 80a and the “normal mode” 80b to select the keyboard 17. The mode is set by pressing the upper confirmation key 15.

  Next, when the mode setting means 72 sets the specified saving mode 80a by pressing the enter key 15 (S2: Yes), even if the setting value of the specified saving mode in the target function menu is one, the recommended setting mode is recommended. Whether or not the setting is different from the setting value, that is, whether the setting values of the “Character spacing”, “Margin length” and “Character scale” in the target function menu have been changed from the setting values with the shortest tape length. Confirm (S3).

  Next, when the set values of the specified saving mode are different (S3: Yes), the user sets whether to enable the specified saving mode set by the batch setting change unit 71 (S4). Here, the display 24 displays a screen 81 as shown in FIG. 9, and selects either “valid” 81 a or “saving setting” 81 b based on pressing of the confirmation key 15. In other words, when the user selects and sets the “prescribed saving mode” 80a or “normal mode” 80b on the mode setting screen 80 and selects the “prescribed saving mode” 80a, the user sets the mode on the saving mode setting screen 81. Then, either “valid” (automatic batch setting) 81a or “saving setting” (setting change of the target function menu) 81b of the specified saving mode is selected.

  Then, when the specified saving mode is set to “valid” 81a on the screen 81 (S42: Yes), the batch setting changing unit 71 batches the setting of the target function menu from the default setting to the setting that can shorten the tape length. The setting is changed (S5). FIG. 10 shows a screen for explaining a state of setting change of each function menu when the target function menu is collectively changed. Here, for example, when the normal mode is switched to the specified saving mode, as shown in the screen 82 of FIG. 10A, the setting candidates for “between characters” are “contact” 82a, “narrow” 82b, In the case of “normal” 82c, the setting of “character spacing” is changed from the default setting (for example, “normal” 82c) to “contact” 82a that can shorten the tape length the shortest. As shown in the screen 83 of FIG. 10B, when the “margin length” setting candidates are “minimum” 83a, “small” 83b, “normal” 83c, and “large” 83d, The setting of “margin length” is changed from the default setting (for example, “normal” 83c) to “minimum” 83a that can make the tape length the shortest. Also, as shown in the screen 84 of FIG. 10C, when the “character scale” setting candidates are “shrink” 84a, “normal” 84b, and “stretch” 84c, “character scale” Is changed from the default setting (for example, “normal” 84b) to “shrink” 84a that can shorten the tape length the shortest.

  Then, the print data generation unit 74 generates print data based on the changed setting (S6).

  On the other hand, when the specified saving mode is not enabled (S4: No), that is, when “saving setting” 81b is selected on the screen 81 shown in FIG. The set value is changed for each function menu which is a function menu (S7 to S9). That is, from the setting of the target function menu when the specified saving mode is enabled by the user's operation (see FIG. 10), for example, “character spacing” is changed from “contact” 82a to “narrow” as shown in FIG. In 82b, the “margin length” is changed from “minimum” 83a to “less” 83b, and “character scale” is changed to “shrink” 84a, so that the user-specific saving mode can be changed. Here, the setting of the target function menu whose setting has been changed is stored in the ROM 65, and this setting becomes the setting of the target function menu in the batch setting change. Then, the print data generation unit 74 generates print data based on the changed setting (S6).

  In S3, when the set value of the specified saving mode is the same (S3: No), the user selects whether to reset the specified saving mode (S10). Here, the display 24 displays a screen 85 as shown in FIG. 12, and selects either “reset” 85 a or “saving setting” 85 b based on the operation of the operation unit 61.

  Then, when “reset” 85a of the specified saving mode is selected on the screen 85 (S10: Yes), the specified saving mode is canceled, and the settings of various function menus that are the target function menu become default settings (S11). ). Then, based on this default setting, the print data generation means 74 generates print data (S6).

  On the other hand, when “saving setting” 85b is selected on the screen 85, that is, when the specified saving mode is not reset (S10: No), the saving setting process after S7 is performed.

  In S2, when the mode setting means 72 sets the “normal mode” 80b by pressing the enter key 15 (S2: No), the settings of the various function menus that are the target function menu are the default settings ( S11).

  As described above, according to the tape printer 1 of the present embodiment, the setting of two or more function menus whose tape length changes is collectively changed from the default setting to the setting capable of shortening the tape length. Therefore, print data having a tape length shorter than that in the default setting can be generated. Thereby, the consumption of a printing tape can be reduced by simple operation.

  In the above embodiment, when the specified saving mode is not enabled (S4: No) and when the specified saving mode is not reset (S10: No), the setting is changed for each function menu of the target function menu. When the saving mode is set (S4), for example, as shown in FIG. 13, "valid (automatic batch setting)" 81a, "saving setting (change of setting value)" 81b, "select target function menu" 81c Any one of the options may be selected. In other words, the user can select the normal mode, the specified saving mode, and the target function menu according to his / her preference instead of either the normal mode or the specified saving mode in which the target function menu is predetermined. The mode may be set from the three modes of saving mode (mode setting means). When the user presses the enter key 15 and selects “select target function menu” 81c, for example, a target function menu selection screen 90 as shown in FIG. 14 is displayed, and a plurality of function menus are displayed. The target function menu is selected (target function menu selection means). Here, the user selects “character spacing” 90a and “margin length” 90b from among a plurality of function menus “character spacing” 90a, “margin length” 90b, “character scale” 90c, and “character size” 90d. Selected. When the confirmation key 15 is pressed by the user, the function menus “between characters” 90a and “margin length” 90b are set as target function menus. Here, the setting of the selected target function menu is stored in the ROM 65, and this setting becomes the target function menu in the batch setting change. According to this configuration, by selecting a function menu to be a target function menu, the target function menu can be changed, and a saving mode (selection saving mode) according to the user's purpose of use and usage mode can be freely set. Note that, after this, in the setting of the saving mode, “saving setting” may be selected, and saving setting (change of setting value) may be performed for each function menu.

  In addition, each component (collective setting change means, print data generation means, mode setting means, setting change means, target function menu selection means) of the tape printer 1 shown in the above embodiment may be provided as a program. Is possible. Further, the program can be provided by being stored in various recording media (CD-ROM, flash memory, etc.). That is, a program obtained by programming each component of the tape printer 1 and a recording medium on which the program is recorded are also included in the scope of the right of the present invention.

1 is an external perspective view of a tape printer according to an embodiment of the present invention in a closed state. It is an external appearance perspective view in the open lid state of the tape printer concerning this embodiment. It is a control block diagram of the tape printer concerning this embodiment. It is a functional block diagram of the tape printer concerning this embodiment. (A) is a figure which shows the state before setting change (reduction) of a character size, (b) is a figure which shows the state after setting change (reduction). (A) is a figure which shows the state before the batch setting change of the scale of a character, (b) is a figure which shows the state after the batch setting change of the scale of a character. It is a flowchart for demonstrating the print data generation operation | movement of the tape printer which concerns on this embodiment. It is a figure which shows the example of a display of a mode setting screen. It is a figure which shows the example of a display of a screen when saving mode is validated. It is a figure for demonstrating the setting change of each function menu when a target function menu is changed collectively. It is a figure for demonstrating the setting change for every function menu in a saving setting. It is a figure which shows the example of a display of a screen at the time of resetting a saving mode. It is a figure which shows the example of a display of a screen at the time of selecting selection of a target function menu. It is a figure which shows the example of a display of the selection screen of a target function menu.

Explanation of symbols

  DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Tape printer 71 ... Batch setting change means 72 ... Mode setting means 73 ... Setting change means 74 ... Print data generation means 62 ... Printing means

Claims (7)

Multiple function menus that can be set independently and the tape length varies depending on the setting value,
Batch setting changing means for batch-changing setting of the tape length from a predetermined default setting for a setting of a target function menu which is at least two or more predetermined function menus among the plurality of function menus; ,
A print data generation device comprising: print data generation means for generating print data based on the setting after the change by the batch setting change means.   One of a regulation saving mode in which the setting of the target function menu is set so that the tape length can be shortened from a default setting by the batch setting changing unit, and a normal mode in which the setting of the target function menu is the default setting The print data generation apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising mode setting means for setting a mode.   3. The print data generation apparatus according to claim 2, further comprising a setting changing unit that changes the setting of the target function menu that has been changed by the batch setting changing unit in the specified saving mode. A target function menu selecting means for selecting the target function menu from the plurality of function menus;
The mode setting means is selected from a selection saving mode for performing setting by the batch setting change means for the target function menu selected by the target function menu selection means, the specified saving mode, and the normal mode. The print data generation apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the print data generation apparatus is set to any mode.   The print data generation apparatus according to claim 1, wherein a function menu for setting a character size is not a target of the plurality of function menus. Each unit in the print data generation device according to any one of claims 1 to 5,
A tape printing apparatus comprising: a printing unit that prints on the printing tape based on the print data generated by the print data generation unit.   A program for causing a computer to function as each means in the print data generation apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 5.

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