JP2008283647A - Image data generator, tape printing apparatus, printing system and program - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To reduce a waste of tape when enlarged printing is performed. <P>SOLUTION: An image data generator is disclosed that generates a plurality of divided image data to be printed on tape pieces T for forming a print image by sticking together the plurality of tape pieces T, the tape pieces T being obtained by printing on a long tape divided print images as a part of the print image G wider than a tape width of the relevant tape and cutting the long tape. The image data generator is equipped with: a means for allocating a part of the print image G to the tape pieces T disposed according to a predetermined rules; a means for determining a tape length of each tape piece T by deleting, in the tape pieces T to which the divided print images are allocated, a non-print image area E4 being a front end portion and a rear end portion where no divided print image is present in a direction of the tape length; and a means for generating the plurality of divided image data on the basis of the determined tape length and the divided print images allocated to the tape pieces T. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2009,JPO&INPIT

Description

  Image data generating apparatus, tape printing apparatus, printing system, and printing system for generating a plurality of divided image data to be printed on each tape piece for forming a print image by bonding a plurality of tape pieces on which a part of the print image is printed Regarding the program.

Conventionally, a so-called “enlarged printing function” is known in which a plurality of tape pieces on which a part of a print image larger than the tape width is printed are bonded together to form a print image (for example, Patent Document 1). In an apparatus equipped with this “enlarged printing function”, a printed image is formed by laminating in parallel a piece of printed tape having the same length on which a part of the printed image is printed.
JP-A-11-157136

  However, in the above method, there is no problem if the print image is a simple shape such as a square or a rectangle. However, if the print image is a triangle or a circle, a non-print area that does not include the print image is generated. For example, FIG. 21 shows a pasting example when a triangular print image is enlarged and printed. In this case, the shaded area shown in the figure becomes a non-print area. In particular, when enlarged printing is performed, scissors are cut along the outer periphery of the print image G (see the dashed line L0 in the figure), and the print image portion is often cut out and used. Discarded and wasted.

  In view of the above-described problems, an object of the present invention is to provide an image data generation device, a tape printing device, a printing system, and a program that can reduce waste of a tape when enlarged printing is performed.

  The image data generation device of the present invention is configured to bond a plurality of tape pieces obtained by printing and cutting a divided print image, which is a part of a print image larger than the tape width of the tape, onto a long tape. An image data generation device for generating a plurality of divided image data to be printed on each tape piece for forming, wherein the divided print image is assigned to each tape piece arranged according to a predetermined rule; The tape length of each tape piece is determined by deleting the non-printing image area which is the front end portion and the rear end portion where no divided print image exists in the tape length direction of each tape piece to which the divided print image is assigned. A plurality of divisions based on the tape length determination means, the determination result of the tape length determination means, and the divided print image assigned to each tape piece Characterized by comprising the divided image data generation means for generating image data.

  According to this configuration, since the tape length is determined by deleting the non-print image area of each tape piece to which the divided print image that is a part of the print image is assigned, the amount corresponding to the non-print image area is determined. , Tape waste can be reduced. For example, when the print image is in the shape of “A” and the print image is formed by two tape pieces arranged in parallel, at least the front end portion of the tape piece to which the apex portion of “A” is assigned and The rear end portion can be reduced as a non-print image area.

  In the image data generating apparatus described above, the print image assigning unit has a predetermined rule in which a plurality of tape pieces having a length equal to or longer than the long side of the rectangular area including the entire print image are arranged in parallel without a gap. In the state, it is preferable to assign the divided print image to each tape piece.

  According to this configuration, since the divided print image is assigned to each tape piece in a state where a plurality of tape pieces are arranged in parallel without a gap, the appearance when the tape piece is affixed is good. In addition, since a tape piece having a length equal to or longer than the long side of the rectangular area including the entire print image is used, the print image can be printed with a smaller number of tape pieces than when the long side of the rectangular area is assigned in the tape width direction. The time required for the pasting work can be shortened.

  In the image data generation device described above, an edit area for displaying the pasting result of each tape piece to which a divided print image is assigned, and a preview display area for previewing the generation result of the divided image data generation unit for each tape piece It is preferable that the display unit further includes:

  According to this configuration, by referring to the editing area, it is possible to confirm a pasting result obtained by pasting a plurality of tape pieces. Further, the print result of each tape piece can be confirmed by referring to the preview display. Moreover, since both these displays can confirm which part of the printed image the tape piece corresponds to, and determine the top and bottom of the tape piece, the pasting operation can be easily performed.

  In the image data generation device described above, it is preferable that the display unit displays a boundary line between the printable area and the non-printable area of each tape piece in at least one of the pasting result display area and the preview display area.

According to this configuration, the display unit allows the user to recognize the non-printable area of each tape piece.
The “non-printable area” refers to an area where printing cannot be performed, which is caused by the configuration of the printing mechanism or cutting mechanism on the apparatus side that prints partial image data.

  In the image data generation device described above, it is preferable that the print image assigning means assigns the divided print images in the printable area of each tape piece.

  According to this configuration, since the print image is not assigned to the non-printable area, it is possible to solve the problem that a part of the print image is lost.

  In the image data generation device described above, the image data generating device further includes an enclosing area setting unit that sets an enclosing area surrounding the entire print image according to the outer peripheral shape of the print image, and the print image assigning unit It is preferable to assign a part of the surrounding line indicating the region to each tape piece.

According to this configuration, since the encircling line that surrounds the entire print image is also printed on each tape piece as a divided print image, when the print image is cut out with scissors, the user only needs to cut it along the encircling line. Convenient. Further, since the surrounding line is set according to the outer peripheral shape of the print image, it is possible to improve the appearance of the cut print image.
Note that the surrounding line is preferably indicated by a dotted line, a chain line, or the like in consideration of being used as a cut line.

  In the image data generation device described above, the image data generating apparatus further includes an encircling area setting selecting unit that selects whether or not the encircling area is set by the encircling area setting unit, and the print image assigning unit includes an encircling line when the enclosing area is not set. It is preferable to assign the divided print images except for the tape pieces.

  According to this configuration, it is possible to select whether to set an enclosing area (print an encircling line) or not according to the user's preference and the usage of the print image. Setting the enclosing area is convenient when the print image is cut out with scissors, and if not set, the tape consumption can be reduced.

  In the image data generation device described above, a print instruction unit that instructs to print a plurality of divided image data generated by the divided image data generation unit, and a division that outputs a plurality of divided image data in accordance with an instruction from the print instruction unit And an image data output means.

  According to this configuration, it is possible to instruct printing on the image data generation device side and output the divided image data to an external device that executes printing.

  The image data generation device described above further includes a tape width designating unit for designating a tape width of each tape piece, and the print image assigning unit displays the divided print image according to the designated tape width of each tape piece. It is preferable to assign to each tape piece.

  According to this configuration, the tape width can be specified according to the user's preference, the shape of the print image, or the like.

  In the image data generation device described above, the divided image data output means outputs the divided image data for each tape width designated by the tape width designation means, and the divided image data output by the divided image data output means. It is preferable to further include a tape switching notification means for notifying that when switching the tape width.

According to this configuration, when the divided image data is output to an apparatus that needs to replace the tape for each tape width, the fact is notified when the tape width is switched. Therefore, the user can replace the tape according to the notification. It is often convenient for printing work.
As a notification method by the notification means, display on a display or voice guidance can be adopted.

  Another image data generation device of the present invention prints on a long tape by laminating a plurality of tape pieces obtained by printing and cutting a divided print image that is a part of a print image larger than the tape width of the tape. An image data generation device for generating a plurality of divided image data to be printed on each tape piece for forming an image, wherein the display means displays a state in which a print image and a plurality of tape pieces are arranged in an overlapping manner, and a display means A tape length specifying means for specifying the tape length of each tape piece displayed on the screen, a print image assigning means for assigning divided print images to each tape piece based on the designation of the tape length specifying means, and a print image assignment Split image data generating means for generating a plurality of split image data based on the assignment result of the means.

  According to this configuration, it is possible to specify the tape length of each tape piece while visually confirming the state in which the print image and the plurality of tape pieces are superimposed, so that the tape is avoided so as to avoid a non-printing area where no divided print image exists. By specifying the length, waste of tape can be reduced.

  Another image data generation device of the present invention prints on a long tape by laminating a plurality of tape pieces obtained by printing and cutting a divided print image that is a part of a print image larger than the tape width of the tape. An image data generation device for generating a plurality of divided image data to be printed on each tape piece for forming an image, wherein the total tape length of the plurality of tape pieces is set in accordance with the shape and size of the print image. A tape length and an arrangement angle of each tape piece are determined so as to be minimized, and a plurality of divided image data are generated based on a print image assigning unit for assigning a divided print image and an assignment result of the print image assigning unit. Divided image data generation means.

  According to this configuration, the tape length and the arrangement angle of each tape piece are determined so that the sum of the tape lengths of the plurality of tape pieces used to form the printed image is minimized. As a matter of course, the tape consumption can be kept to a minimum by arranging the tape pieces along the image line, such as in the case of an image of only the image line part.

  The tape printing apparatus of the present invention is characterized in that a plurality of tape pieces are created based on a plurality of divided image data generated by the image data generating apparatus described above.

  A printing system according to the present invention includes the above-described image data generation device, and a tape printing device that creates a plurality of tape pieces based on a plurality of divided image data generated by the image data generation device. Features.

  The program according to the present invention is a program for causing a computer to function as each unit in the above-described image data generation apparatus.

  By using these, it is possible to reduce the waste of the tape when enlarged printing is performed.

  Hereinafter, an image data generation device, a tape printing device, a printing system, and a program according to the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a printing system 1. As shown in FIG. 1, the printing system 1 includes an image data creation device 2 and a tape printing device 3, which are connected via a cable 4. As the image data creation device 2, a general personal computer having a keyboard 11, a mouse 12, a display 13, and the like can be used. That is, by installing the PC application 18b and the printer driver 18c (see FIG. 2) stored in the CD-ROM 5 in the personal computer, the PC can function as the image data creation device 2 of the present embodiment.

  The tape printer 3 uses a long tape T (see FIG. 5) as a print medium, and performs printing and cutting on the tape T based on the image data acquired from the image data creation device 2. A tape piece (label) is created by

  In the present embodiment, the configuration in which the image data creation device 2 and the tape printing device 3 are directly connected via the cable 4 is illustrated, but the image data creation device 2 and the tape printing device 3 may be connected via a network (Internet or local area network). It may be good or connected via wireless communication.

  Next, the control configuration of the image data creation device 2 will be described with reference to FIG. In addition to the keyboard 11, mouse 12 and display 13 shown in FIG. 1, the image data creation device 2 includes a CD drive 14, a connection interface 15, a CPU 16, a RAM 17, a hard disk (HDD) 18, and a connection bus 19 for connecting these components. It has.

  The CD drive 14 is for reading data stored in the CD-ROM 5, and is used for installing the PC application 18b and the printer driver 18c in this embodiment. The CD-ROM 5 is provided to the user as an accessory of the tape printer 3. The connection interface 15 is a connection port for connecting to the connector 113 of the tape printing apparatus 3 via the cable 4 and adopts a USB interface in this embodiment.

  The CPU 16 controls the entire image data creation device 2 by performing arithmetic processing of various data. The RAM 17 is directly connected to the CPU 16 without going through the connection bus 19, and is used as a work area when the CPU 16 performs various processes.

  The hard disk 18 stores a PC application 18b and a printer driver 18c read from the CD-ROM 5 in addition to an operating system (OS) 18a. The PC application 18b is application software incorporated and used in the operating system 18a, and includes a processing program for executing various processes to be described later, such as editing of the print image G, tape length adjustment, and printing instruction. The printer driver 18c serves as a bridge between the operating system 18a and the tape printer 3.

  Here, the editing screen 21 displayed on the display 13 in order for the user to edit the print image G and adjust the length of the tape piece T will be described with reference to FIG. The editing screen 21 includes an editing area 22 for displaying an image image of the tape piece T (hereinafter simply referred to as “tape piece T”) and a print image G, a basic operation toolbar 24 for performing basic operations, and characters as input data. An input toolbar 25 for inputting images and figures and an edit toolbar 26 for editing input data are provided.

  In the editing area 22, the user allocates a part of the print image G to each tape piece T by superimposing the print image G on the tape piece T. The example in the figure shows a case where the print image G showing a triangle is enlarged using four tape pieces T1 to T4. Here, a case where four tape pieces T1 to T4 having the same width and the same length are bonded in parallel without a gap to form a print image G is shown (in the flowchart of FIG. 13, S03: No). The image data creation device 2 of this embodiment sets the tape length for each tape piece T by setting the tape length adjustment mode. Can be adjusted. With this configuration, it is possible to reduce the waste of the tape when enlarged printing is performed. Details will be described later with a specific example.

  The basic operation toolbar 24 includes a new creation button 31 for creating new print data, a save button 32 for saving the created print data, and a read button for reading the saved image data and displaying it in the editing area 22. 33, and a print button 34 for executing printing based on the editing result displayed in the editing area 22.

  The input toolbar 25 includes an object selection button 41 for selecting an object such as a tape piece T and a print image G, a character input button 42 for inputting characters, various graphic input buttons 43 for inputting straight lines and figures, and the like. ing.

  The editing toolbar 26 includes a graphic toolbar 51 for editing an input graphic, a character toolbar 52 for editing an input character, and a label creation for generating a label (tape piece T) by the tape printer 3. A toolbar 53 is used. The figure toolbar 51 displays three list boxes 61a, 61b, and 61c (pull-down menu) for selecting and setting the outline type, thickness, and fill of the figure from a plurality of choices, and a window for performing various settings related to the figure. A graphic setting window display button 62 to be displayed.

  The character toolbar 52 includes list boxes 71a and 71b (pull-down menu) for selecting and setting the font and size of the input character, the style of the input character (bold, italic, underlined, etc.) and assignment (for example, centering, right Character setting window for displaying 14 various setting buttons 72 for setting vertical / horizontal writing, decoration character (white and outline), and various settings for input characters. And a display button 73.

  The label creation toolbar 53 selects the automatic setting button 81 for automatically setting the length of the tape piece T to be created according to the shape and size of the print image G, and the scroll bar 82 for selecting the length of the tape piece T to be created. A constant length setting button 83 for setting to a predetermined length, a margin setting list box 84 for selecting and setting a margin length in front of the print image G to a smaller, normal, or larger margin, and a scroll bar 85 for similarly setting the margin length. In addition to the margin setting box 86 for numerical setting, the tape width of a tape T (to be described later) attached to the tape printer 3 is acquired (by communication with the tape printer 3) and is displayed in the tape width display box 87. It has a tape width acquisition button 88 to be displayed. A scroll bar 89 is incorporated in the tape width display box 87, and the tape width can be manually input.

  Next, the device configuration of the tape printer 3 will be described with reference to FIGS. 4 and 5. The tape printer 3 includes an apparatus main body 102 that performs a printing process on the tape T, and a tape cartridge C that accommodates the tape T and the ink ribbon R and is detachably attached to the apparatus main body 102.

  In the apparatus main body 102, an outer shell is formed by an apparatus case 103, and a print processing unit 110 is widely formed therein. A keyboard 105 having various keys 104 is disposed on the upper surface of the front half of the device case 103. An opening / closing lid 106 is widely provided on the upper left surface of the rear half of the device case 103. On the upper surface of the opening / closing lid 106, a viewing window 107 for visually confirming the mounting / non-mounting of the tape cartridge C is formed. A lid opening button 108 for opening the lid 106 is provided on the front side of the lid 106. A rectangular display 109 for displaying an input result from the keyboard 105 and the like is formed on the upper right side of the rear half.

  When the lid opening button 108 is pressed to open the opening / closing lid 106, a cartridge mounting portion 111 into which the tape cartridge C is mounted is formed in the inside thereof, and the cartridge mounting portion 111 is drawn out from the tape cartridge C. A print head 121 for performing a printing process is provided on the tape T (see FIG. 5).

  A tape discharge port 112 is formed on the left side of the device case 103 to communicate the cartridge mounting portion 111 with the outside of the device. The device case 103 has a cutter for cutting the tape T facing the tape discharge port 112. A unit 114 is incorporated. The cutter unit 114 is disposed so as to face the tape discharge port 112, and a full cutter 115 that cuts the tape T in a scissors form by a motor drive (full cutter motor 116), and a downstream of the full cutter 115 in the tape feeding direction. And a discharging mechanism that forcibly discharges the cut tape piece Ta (see FIG. 6).

  Although not shown, a power supply port for supplying power and a connector 113 (see FIG. 2) for connecting to an external device such as the image data creation device 2 are formed on the right side of the device case 103. Has been. In addition, a circuit board constituting a control unit 117 (see FIG. 6) that performs overall control of the apparatus main body 102 is incorporated in the apparatus case 103.

  A print head 121 having a heating element and covered with a head cover 120, a positioning projection 122 for positioning a tape reel 131, which will be described later, and a tape T and an ink ribbon R of the tape cartridge C are sent to the cartridge mounting portion 111. A platen drive shaft 123 that faces the print head 121 and a take-up drive shaft 124 that winds up the ink ribbon R project from the tape, and a tape composed of a plurality of microswitches at the corner of the cartridge mounting portion 111. An identification sensor 125 (see FIG. 6) is provided. A print feed motor 126 (see FIG. 6) for driving the platen drive shaft 123 and the take-up drive shaft 124, a reduction gear train (not shown), and the like are incorporated inside the bottom plate of the cartridge mounting portion 111.

  The tape cartridge C is configured to house a tape reel 131 around which the tape T is wound, and a ribbon feeding reel 132 and a ribbon take-up reel 133 around which the ink ribbon R is wound at the lower right portion inside the cartridge case 130. ing. A through opening 134 is formed in the lower left part of the tape reel 131 to be inserted into the head cover 120 that covers the print head 121. Further, a platen roller 135 that is fitted to the platen drive shaft 123 and is driven to rotate is disposed corresponding to a portion where the tape T and the ink ribbon R overlap.

  When the tape cartridge C is mounted on the cartridge mounting portion 111, the through opening 134 is formed in the head cover 120, the tape reel 131 is positioned on the positioning protrusion 122, the ribbon winding reel 133 is positioned on the winding drive shaft 124, and the platen roller 135 is positioned on the platen driving shaft 123. When the opening / closing lid 106 is closed in this state, the print head 121 is brought into contact with the platen roller 135 with the tape T and the ink ribbon R interposed therebetween, and enters a printing standby state. Then, based on the image data transmitted from the image data creation device 2, the platen drive shaft 123 and the take-up drive shaft 124 rotate synchronously, and the print head 121 performs a printing process while feeding the tape T and the ink ribbon R. Is called. At the same time, the ink ribbon R fed from the ribbon feeding reel 132 goes around the opening wall of the through opening 134 and is taken up by the ribbon take-up reel 133. The printed part of the tape T after the printing process is cut by the full cutter 115, and the cut tape piece T is discharged from the tape discharge port 112 to the outside.

  The tape T is composed of a recording tape Ta having a pressure-sensitive adhesive layer applied to the back surface and a release tape Tb attached to the recording tape Ta by the pressure-sensitive adhesive layer. The 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 130. A plurality of tapes T having a tape width of 6 mm to 24 mm are prepared. A plurality of small detection holes (not shown) are formed on the back surface of the cartridge case C, and the plurality of detection holes are identified by the tape identification sensor 125, and the type of tape T (the width and material of the tape T) , Design, color, etc.).

  Next, the control configuration of the tape printer 3 will be described with reference to FIG. The tape printing apparatus 3 includes a data input / output unit 141, an operation unit 142, a print processing unit 110, a cutting unit 143, a detection unit 144, a driving unit 149, and a control unit that controls the tape printing apparatus 3 as a whole. 117.

  The data input / output unit 141 has a data supply interface (DS-IF) 140 and inputs image data from the image data creation device 2 via the connector 113 and inputs / outputs various commands and statuses. The operation unit 142 includes a keyboard 105 and a display 109, and controls a user interface such as input of character information by a user and display of various information.

  The print processing unit 110 includes a tape cartridge C, a print head 121, and a print feed motor 126, and prints character information and image data input or received on the tape T while feeding the tape T and the ink ribbon R. The cutting unit 143 has a full cutter 115 and a full cutter motor 116 for driving them, and performs a full cut on the printed tape T.

  The detection unit 144 includes a sensor such as a rotation speed sensor (not shown) that detects the rotation speed of the print feed motor 126 in addition to the tape identification sensor 125, and performs various types of detection. The drive unit 149 includes a display driver 145, a head driver 146, a print feed motor driver 147, and a cutter motor driver 148, and drives each unit.

  The control unit 117 includes a CPU 150, a ROM 151, a RAM 152, and an input control device 153 (IOC: Input Output Controller), which are connected to each other via an internal bus 154. The CPU 150 inputs various signals and data from each unit of the tape printer 3 via the IOC 153 in accordance with the control program in the ROM 151. Further, various data in the RAM 152 is processed based on the various signals and data input, and various signal data is output to each unit in the tape printer 3 via the IOC 153, thereby controlling printing processing and the like. For example, when image data is acquired from the data creation device 2 via the data supply interface 140, the CPU 150 expands the image data into bitmap data and temporarily stores it in a buffer in the RAM 152. Then, a command for driving the print head 121 and the print feed motor 126 is sent to the drive unit 149 to execute the printing process, and a command for driving the full cutter motor 116 is sent to the drive unit 149. By executing the cutting process, a printed tape piece T is created.

  Next, with reference to FIG. 7 to FIG. 12, the editing operation of the print image G and the length adjustment processing of the tape piece T using the editing screen 21 of the image data creation device 2 will be described. 7 to 12, the basic operation toolbar 24, the input toolbar 25, and the editing toolbar 26 (all of which are shown in FIG. 3) included in the editing screen 21 are omitted.

  First, the tape strip editing operation will be described. As shown in FIG. 7A, when “tape length adjustment” is selected from the setting menu M1, the tape length adjustment mode is set. In the tape length adjustment mode, either “automatic” or “manual” can be selected. Here, it is assumed that “automatic” is set.

  When the tape length adjustment mode is set, the tape piece T having the tape width (see FIG. 3) displayed in the tape width display box 87 of the editing screen 21 and a predetermined length corresponding to the tape width is displayed. Are arranged in parallel and displayed in a predetermined number (in the example shown, four pieces of tape pieces T1 to T4). Further, on each tape piece T, a print boundary line L1 (see the dotted line portion) indicating the boundary between the printable area E0 and the non-printable areas E1, E2 is displayed. The “non-printable area” refers to an area where the peripheral portion of the tape piece T cannot be printed, which is caused by the configuration of the print processing unit 110 and the cutting unit 143 on the tape printer 3 side. The dotted line indicating the printing boundary line L1 is not actually printed, but is displayed only on the editing screen 21 in order to indicate to the user the unprintable areas E1 and E2 of each tape piece T. However, it is also possible to print the print boundary line L1 on the tape piece T together with the print image G depending on the setting.

  Further, in the initial state after setting the tape length adjustment mode, the tape pieces T are arranged in parallel without a gap, and an inter-tape boundary line L2 (see the dotted line part) is provided at the boundary part between adjacent tape pieces T. Is displayed. The inter-tape boundary line L2 indicates a boundary line when the tape pieces T are pasted together. In order to match the actual pasting result, it is necessary to cut off the non-printable area E1 in the tape width direction. .

  That is, as shown in FIG. 14A, the tape piece T having the non-printable areas E1 and E2 at the peripheral portion of the tape piece T is created (actually, the printing boundary line L1 is not printed), and FIG. As shown in FIG. 14C, printing in the tape length direction is performed as shown in FIG. 14C by cutting out the non-printable area E1 in the tape width direction (the hatched portion in the drawing) with scissors or the like along the printing boundary line L1. The tape piece Tc in which the unusable area E2 and the printable area E0 remain can be obtained. As described above, in order to realize the arrangement of the tape pieces T1 to T4 shown in FIG. 7A, at least the tape pieces T2 and T3 need to be in the state of the tape piece Tc shown in FIG. is there. However, if the user does not mind that a part of the print image G is missing due to the non-printable area E1, or if the print-incapable area E1 in the tape width direction does not matter because the tape width is wide, the printing is performed. It is not necessary to cut off the impossible area E1.

  When the tape length adjustment mode is not set, as shown in FIG. 3, the tape pieces T having the tape length corresponding to the size in the horizontal direction of the print image G are set in parallel according to the designation of the enlarged printing. Plural sheets are arranged side by side, and divided image data for printing the divided print image on each tape piece T is generated based on the arrangement of the print image G and each tape piece T. That is, since the tape length and the number of used tapes of all the tape pieces T are set according to the size in the horizontal direction of the print image G, all the plurality of tape pieces T to be created have the same length.

  FIG. 7B shows a state in which the print image G edited by the user is superimposed on the tape pieces T1 to T4 shown in FIG. 7A. In this case, the lengths of the tape pieces T1 to T4 are the same, and the size of the print image G in the horizontal direction is within the printable area E0 of each tape piece T1 to T4 (inside the printing boundary line L1). Automatically adjust to fit. Further, the number of the tape pieces T arranged is determined according to the size of the print image G in the vertical direction. That is, the minimum value of n that satisfies “(size of print image G in the vertical direction) ≦ (length of printable area E0 in each tape piece T × number of sheets n)” (where n is 1 or more) The number of tape pieces T to be arranged is determined according to the integer).

  Note that the print image G may be a figure in which the inside of the image line is filled instead of a graphic having only the image line portion as shown in the figure, or may be a separated pattern in which the image line is not continuous (for example, “○ ○” etc.) may also be used. In the latter case, the tape length is automatically adjusted so that both of the separated symbols are regarded as one print image G and the two symbols are entirely within the printable area E0 of each tape piece T.

  Here, as shown in FIG. 8A, when “cut line” is selected from the insertion menu M2, a pointer for inserting a cut line (enclosing line) L0 as shown in FIG. 8B. PT1 is displayed, and the user draws using the pointer PT1, thereby setting the cut line L0. The cut line L0 is indicated by a one-dot chain line so that it can be distinguished from the print boundary line L1 indicated by the dotted line, and a guide for cutting the print image G with scissors or the like when the print image G is applied to an object to be applied. It is used as a line. By cutting out and pasting the printed image G in this way, the appearance of the pasting result can be improved even when the tape length adjustment processing for reducing the tape consumption is performed. In addition, when the edit screen 21 can be displayed in color, it is preferable that the cut lines L0 and the print boundary lines L1 are color-coded so that they can be clearly distinguished.

  As shown in FIG. 9A, when the cut line L0 is set, the length of each tape piece T is adjusted to be shorter or longer according to the cut line L0. That is, the non-print image area E4 (the hatched portion in the figure) that is the front end portion and the rear end portion of each tape piece T to which a part of the print image G is allocated does not exist in the tape length direction. ) Is deleted to determine the tape length of each tape piece T.

  In this case, as shown in FIG. 9B, the length from the left end of the printable area E0 of each tape piece T to the left end of the cut line L0, and the right end of the printable area E0 to the right end of the cut line L0. The tape length is adjusted so that the lengths are all the same length W. At this time, when the cut line L0 is regarded as a part of the print image G, the length from the left end of the printable area E0 of each tape piece T to the left end of the print image G and the print image G from the right end of the printable area E0. The tape length is adjusted so that all the lengths to the right end of the tape are the same length W. As described above, by deleting the non-print image area E4 where the print image G does not exist from each tape piece T to which a part of the print image G is assigned, the waste of the tape can be reduced.

  The “left edge of the print image” corresponds to the leftmost line among the lines where dots are scanned in the bitmap data of the print image G assigned to the tape piece T and each dot is present. To do. Similarly, “the right end of the print image” means that the bit map data of the print image G assigned to the tape piece T is scanned line by line, and the rightmost line among the lines where dots are present. Equivalent to.

  FIG. 10A is a diagram illustrating the adjustment result of the tape length when the cut line L0 is not set. When the cut line L0 is not set, after editing the print image G (in the state of FIG. 8A), the user selects “tape length adjustment” from the insertion menu M2, and the tape length is adjusted by the selection. To do. In this case, as shown in FIG. 10B, the length from the left end of the printable area E0 of each tape piece T to the left end of the print image G (the print image G itself that does not include the cut line L0), and printing The tape length is adjusted so that the length from the right end of the possible area E0 to the right end of the print image G (the print image G itself that does not include the cut line L0) becomes the same length W. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 9, the tape length of each tape piece T can be slightly shortened compared to the case where the cut line L0 is set.

  As shown in FIG. 11A, after the adjustment of the tape length is completed, the setting of “tape length adjustment-manual” from the setting menu M1 enables fine adjustment of the tape length. Yes. FIG. 11B shows a state in which the length of the tape piece T1 is adjusted. In this case, the tape length can be adjusted by dragging a predetermined mark MK1 arranged around the tape piece T1. In addition, the tape width of each tape piece T can be changed by a right-click menu (not shown) displayed by right-clicking the mouse 12. When the tape width is changed (when tape pieces T having a plurality of tape widths are used), the tape cartridge C of the tape printer 3 needs to be replaced. The message “Please replace with” is displayed on the editing screen 21 (notification means).

  After the editing of the print image G and the tape piece T, as shown in FIG. 12A, when “Preview” is selected from the display menu M3, as shown in FIG. 23 (preview display area) is displayed. In the print confirmation screen 23, each tape piece is based on the adjustment result of the tape length of each tape piece T displayed in the editing area 22 of the figure and the divided print image assigned to each tape piece T. Split image data for printing on T is generated and previewed. Also on the print confirmation screen 23, a print boundary line L1 for indicating a non-printable area is displayed on each tape piece T, but a print image is displayed outside the print boundary line L1 (non-printable areas E1, E2). G is not displayed (actual print result is displayed).

  In addition, the example of the print confirmation screen 23 illustrated in FIG. 12B indicates that the divided image data is output in the order of the tape piece T1, the tape piece T2, the tape piece T3, and the tape piece T4. This output order follows the arrangement of the tape pieces T, and in the example of FIG. 12B, the output order is determined from the upper side to the lower side of the tape arrangement. Here, when the print button BT1 at the bottom of the print confirmation screen 23 is clicked, printing (output of divided image data to the tape printer 3) is executed, and when the cancel button BT2 is clicked, the print confirmation screen 23 is displayed. close.

  Next, image data generation processing executed in the image data creation device 2 will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. Note that the image data generation process is executed mainly by the CPU 16, and the subject is appropriately omitted in the following description. When the activation of the PC application 18b is instructed by the operation of the keyboard 11 or the mouse 12, the PC application 18b is activated accordingly (S01), and the editing screen 21 (see FIG. 3 etc.) is displayed (S02, display means). .

  When the tape length adjustment mode is set by the setting menu M1 (see FIG. 7A) of the edit screen 21 (S03: Yes), first, a plurality of tape pieces T arranged according to a predetermined rule are displayed. (See FIG. 7A.) The print image G (characters, graphics, etc.) is edited (S04). In this step, a part of the print image G is allocated to each tape piece T by arranging the edited print image G on the tape piece T so as to overlap (print image assigning means).

  Subsequently, the “tape length adjustment mode” is set to “automatic” (S05: Yes), and if the cut line L0 is set (S06: Yes, the surrounding area setting means), the cut line L0 (print image) The tape length of each tape piece T is determined in accordance with the outer periphery of G (S08, tape length determination means). When the cut line L0 is not set (S06: No), the tape length of each tape piece T is determined according to the outer periphery of the print image G itself that does not include the cut line L0.

  When the adjustment of the tape length is completed and the preview mode is set by the display menu M3 (see FIG. 12A), the preview display is performed (S09, display means). In this step, a plurality of divided image data to be printed on a plurality of tape pieces T is generated based on the editing result of the print image G and the tape length adjustment result in S04 to S08 (divided image data generating means). Each divided image data is displayed on the print confirmation screen 23 for each tape piece T.

  The user confirms the preview display, and if the confirmation is OK, the user issues a print instruction by pressing the print button BT1 (see FIG. 12B) (S10: Yes, print instruction means). When printing is not executed with the contents of the preview display (S10: No), the editing process is continued by pressing the cancel button BT2 (see FIG. 12B).

  When a print instruction is issued (S10: Yes), the generated plurality of divided image data is output to the tape printer 3 (S11, divided image data output means), and the process is terminated. When the tape length is not automatically set (when “tape length adjustment mode-manual” is set by the setting menu M1) (S05: No), the tape length is set manually (S12). As shown in FIG. 11B, after the tape length is once automatically set, it can be further finely adjusted manually.

  On the other hand, when the tape length adjustment mode is not set by the setting menu M1 (S03: No), only the print image G is edited without adjusting the length of the tape piece T (S13), and the editing result is obtained. Is output (S11).

  As described above, according to the image data creation device 2 of the present embodiment, the tape is obtained by deleting the non-print image area E4 (see FIG. 9) of each tape piece T to which a part of the print image G is assigned. Since the length is determined, waste of the tape can be reduced by an amount corresponding to the non-print image area E4. Further, since the print image G is assigned in a state where a plurality of tape pieces T are arranged in parallel without gaps, the appearance when the tape pieces T are affixed is good.

  Further, by displaying the print confirmation screen 23, the print result of each tape piece T can be confirmed. Further, since it is possible to check which part of the printed image G each tape piece T corresponds to, and to determine the top and bottom of the tape piece T, the pasting operation can be easily performed.

  Further, by displaying the printing boundary line L1, the user can recognize the non-printable areas E1 and E2 of each tape piece T (see FIG. 7A). In addition, when “tape length adjustment mode-automatic” is set by the setting menu M1, the print image G is allocated in the printable area E0 of each tape piece T, so that it is allocated to the non-printable areas E1 and E2. As a result, a part of the print image G is not lost.

  Further, since the cut line L0 surrounding the entire print image G can be inserted, when the print image G is cut and used with scissors, the user may cut it according to the cut line L0. In addition, since it is possible to select whether or not the cut line L0 is set, it is possible to create a label according to the user's preference and the intended use of the print image G.

  Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 15 and 16. In the above embodiment, the plurality of tape pieces T are arranged in parallel. However, the present embodiment is different in that the arrangement angle is arbitrary. Hereinafter, a description will be given focusing on differences from the first embodiment.

  In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 15A, the print image G is first edited. Then, as shown in FIG. 15B, when “tape placement” is selected from the insertion menu M2, the tape placement mode is set. In the tape placement mode, either “automatic” or “manual” can be selected. Here, it is assumed that “automatic” is set.

  When “automatic” is set, the CPU 16 (see FIG. 2) determines an arrangement that minimizes the tape consumption. That is, the tape length and the arrangement angle of each tape piece T are determined so that the total length of the plurality of tape pieces T used is minimized, and the print image G is assigned to each tape piece T (print image assigning means). . It is assumed that all the tape pieces T to be used have the tape width (see FIG. 3) displayed in the tape width display box 87.

  FIG. 16A shows the result of assigning the edited print image G to each tape piece T so that the total length of the plurality of tape pieces T used is minimized. In the example of the figure, three tape pieces T1 to T3 are arranged along the image line of the print image G. As shown in FIG. 16, when “Preview” is selected from the display menu M3, a print confirmation screen 23 (preview display area) is displayed as shown in FIG. On the print confirmation screen 23, based on the assignment result of the print image G, the divided image data to be printed on each tape piece T is generated (divided image data generating means), and a preview is displayed. The print confirmation screen 23 indicates that the divided image data is output in the order of the tape piece T1, the tape piece T2, and the tape piece T3. This output order is based on the overlapping order of the tape pieces T. That is, when the divided image data is output to the tape printer 3 from the tape piece T located on the backmost surface, the tape pieces T are created according to the output order, and therefore the user can follow the created order. Can be attached.

  As described above, according to the second embodiment, by setting the tape arrangement mode to “automatic”, the sum of the tape lengths of the plurality of tape pieces T used to form the print image G is minimized. Thus, since the tape length and the arrangement angle of each tape piece T are automatically determined, the tape is not wasted, and the tape piece T is arranged along the image line, such as in the case of an image of only the image line part. By doing so, tape consumption can be kept to a minimum.

  In the second embodiment, when “manual” is selected in the tape arrangement mode, the user manually adjusts the shape of the print image G (by moving or rotating the tape piece T). Thus, each tape piece T can be arranged. Also in this case, the length of each tape piece T can be adjusted and the tape width can be specified.

  Although two embodiments have been described above, in both embodiments, it is easy to associate the tape piece T displayed in the editing area 22 with the tape piece T displayed in the print confirmation screen 23. In addition, it is preferable to display information for identifying each tape piece T in the editing area 22 and the print confirmation screen 23. In this case, a tape number may be automatically assigned to each tape piece T according to the order and arrangement of the tape pieces T, or a color-coded display may be performed for each tape piece T.

  Further, the tape number may be printed on the tape piece T so that the pasting operation is facilitated. For example, in the case where the tape printer 3 has a peel part addition function (a function of adding a peel part by half-cutting the vicinity of the end of the tape piece T in the width direction so that the tape can be easily peeled) as shown in FIG. In this way, the tape number may be printed on the peel part. In the example of FIG. 17, the tape is applied to each tape piece T in the form of “(tape number) / (total number of output sheets)” according to the arrangement of the tape pieces T (that is, according to the output order of the tape pieces T). The number is printed. Thereby, the user can confirm whether all the tape pieces T are produced reliably, and it is convenient because it is only necessary to perform the pasting work according to the tape number. Further, by printing on the peel part, the above effect can be obtained without affecting the label part.

  In the above embodiment, the cut line L0 is drawn manually by the user, but may be automatically set. FIG. 18 shows an example of the automatically set cut line L0. In this case, as shown in FIGS. 18A and 18B, it is preferably set according to the outer peripheral shape of the print image G. Further, as shown in both figures, it is preferable to set the cut line L0 so as to round the corner of the region surrounded by the cut line L0. According to this configuration, it is possible to improve the appearance when the tape piece T cut along the cut line L0 is applied and to prevent the tape piece T from being peeled off. Further, although the one-dot chain line is printed as the cut line L0, other line types may be used, and the user may be able to specify the line type.

  In the first embodiment, the tape length of the tape piece T is determined according to the size in the horizontal direction of the print image G, and the number of tape pieces T to be arranged is determined according to the size in the vertical direction. However, the tape length may be determined according to the long side of the rectangular area including the entire print image G. That is, in the first embodiment, as shown in FIG. 19A, as shown in FIG. 19B, according to the size la in the horizontal direction of the rectangular area E5 including the entire print image G. The lengths of the tape pieces T1 to T4 are determined. As shown in FIG. 19C, the horizontal size la and the vertical size lb of the rectangular region E5 are compared, and the longer one is longer. Alternatively, the tape length may be determined so that the size of la (lb in the example shown) is in the tape length direction. According to this configuration, since the tape piece T having a length equal to or longer than the long side of the rectangular area E5 including the entire print image G is used, compared to the case where the long side of the rectangular area E5 is assigned in the tape width direction, The printed image G can be formed with a small number of tape pieces T, and the time required for the pasting operation can be shortened.

  In the first embodiment, the tape pieces T are arranged in parallel with no gap in the initial state after setting the tape length adjustment mode (see FIG. 7A), but they are not necessarily parallel. There is no need, and an arrangement as shown in FIG. FIG. 20A shows four tape pieces T1 to T4 having the same length arranged side by side so that the tape length direction is the vertical direction. FIG. 20B shows the four tape pieces T1 to T3 having the same length so that the tape length direction is the vertical direction, and the four tape pieces T4 to T7 having the same length are the tape length direction. Are arranged in the horizontal direction, and these are combined without gaps. In the case of FIG. 20B, when the print image G is arranged on the tape pieces T1 to T3, the tape pieces T4 to T7 are deleted by the adjustment process of the tape length T (all become the non-printing area E4). Therefore, the tape length direction can be used as the vertical direction. On the other hand, when the print image G is arranged on the tape pieces T4 to T7, the tape pieces T1 to T3 are deleted by the adjustment process of the tape length T, so that the tape length direction can be used as the horizontal direction. That is, a preferred tape arrangement can be selected according to the user's preference and the shape of the print image G.

  In the above-described embodiment, the print boundary line L1 is displayed on the editing area 22 and the print confirmation screen 23. However, depending on the setting, the “print area display” is displayed in the display menu M3 (see FIG. 12A). The printing boundary line L1 may be hidden (by not setting). Further, although the dotted line is printed as the printing boundary line L1, other line types may be used, and the user may be able to specify the line type.

  Further, when the tape length adjustment processing is performed, a predetermined length W (FIG. 9B and FIG. 9B) from the end of the print image G (cut line L0) on each tape piece T to the end of the printable area E0. 10 (b)) may be specified by the user. In this case, for easy understanding even for beginners, it may be possible to designate from among options such as “more”, “ordinary”, and “less eyes”, or numerical values may be designated.

  Also, the PC application 18b shown in the above embodiment can be provided as a program. Further, the program can be provided by being stored in various recording media (CD-ROM, flash memory, etc.). That is, the PC application 18b itself and the recording medium on which it is recorded are also included in the scope of the rights of the present invention.

  In the above embodiment, the printing system 1 is configured. However, the function of the PC application 18b is provided in the tape printing apparatus 3, and the tape printing apparatus 3 is used as a single unit to edit the tape piece T or the print image G. You may make it perform a printing process. In addition, modifications can be made as appropriate without departing from the scope of the present invention.

1 is a schematic diagram of a printing system according to an embodiment. It is a block diagram of an image data creation device. It is a schematic diagram of an edit screen. It is an external appearance perspective view in the closed cover state of a tape printer. It is an external appearance perspective view in the open lid state of a tape printer. It is a block diagram of a tape printer. 6 illustrates an example of an editing operation using an editing screen. FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating an example of an editing operation using the editing screen following FIG. 7. FIG. 9 is an example of an editing operation using an editing screen following FIGS. 10 is an example of an editing operation using an editing screen following FIGS. FIG. 11 is an example of an editing operation using an editing screen following FIGS. 18 is a diagram illustrating an example of an editing operation using an editing screen following FIGS. 7, 8, 9, 10 and 11. It is a flowchart which shows the image data generation process in an image data creation apparatus. It is a figure for demonstrating the sticking pretreatment of a tape piece. It is a figure which shows an example of edit operation using the edit screen which concerns on 2nd Embodiment of this invention. FIG. 16 is a diagram illustrating an example of an editing operation using the editing screen following FIG. 15. It is a figure which shows the preparation example of the tape piece to which this invention is applied. It is a figure which shows the example of automatic setting of a cut line. It is a figure for demonstrating the process which determines tape length according to the long side of the rectangular area containing the whole print image. It is a figure which shows the application example of the tape arrangement | positioning in the initial state after a tape length adjustment mode setting. It is a figure for demonstrating a prior art.

Explanation of symbols

  DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Printing system 2 ... Image data creation apparatus 3 ... Tape printing apparatus 18b ... PC application 21 ... Edit screen 22 ... Edit area 23 ... Print confirmation screen C ... Tape cartridge E0 ... Printable area E1, E2 ... Unprintable area E4 ... Non-print image area E5 ... Rectangular area G ... Print image L0 ... Cut line L1 ... Print boundary line L2 ... Tape boundary line T ... Tape piece

Claims (15)

Each tape piece for forming the print image by bonding a plurality of tape pieces obtained by printing and cutting a divided print image that is a part of a print image larger than the tape width of the tape on a long tape An image data generation device for generating a plurality of divided image data to be printed on
Print image assigning means for assigning the divided print image to each tape piece arranged according to a predetermined rule;
The tape length of each tape piece is reduced by deleting the non-printing image area which is the front end portion and the rear end portion where the divided print image does not exist in the tape length direction of each tape piece to which the divided print image is assigned. A tape length determining means to determine;
Divided image data generation means for generating the plurality of divided image data based on the determination result of the tape length determination means and the divided print image assigned to each tape piece, An image data generation device.   The print image assigning unit, as the predetermined rule, performs the divided printing in a state where the plurality of tape pieces having a length equal to or longer than a long side of a rectangular area including the entire print image are arranged in parallel without a gap. 2. The image data generation apparatus according to claim 1, wherein an image is assigned to each tape piece.   Display means comprising: an editing area for displaying the pasting result of each tape piece to which the divided print image is assigned; and a preview display area for displaying the generation result of the divided image data generating means for each tape piece. The image data generation device according to claim 1, further comprising:   The image according to claim 3, wherein the display means displays a boundary line between a printable area and a non-printable area of each tape piece in at least one of the pasting result display area and the preview display area. Data generator.   The image data generation apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the print image assigning unit assigns the divided print image within the printable area of each tape piece. Further comprising an enclosing area setting means for setting an enclosing area surrounding the entire print image according to an outer peripheral shape of the print image;
The image data according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the print image assigning means assigns a part of an enclosing line indicating the enclosing area to each tape piece as the divided print image. Generator. A surrounding area setting selection means for selecting whether or not to set the surrounding area by the surrounding area setting means;
The image data generation apparatus according to claim 6, wherein the print image assigning unit assigns the divided print image excluding the surrounding line to each tape piece when the surrounding region is not set. Print instruction means for instructing printing of the plurality of divided image data generated by the divided image data generation means;
8. The image data generation apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a divided image data output unit that outputs the plurality of divided image data in accordance with an instruction from the print instruction unit. . A tape width specifying means for specifying the tape width of each tape piece;
9. The image data generating apparatus according to claim 8, wherein the print image assigning unit assigns the divided print image to each tape piece in accordance with a designated tape width of each tape piece. The divided image data output means outputs each divided image data for each tape width designated by the tape width designation means,
10. The image data generating apparatus according to claim 9, further comprising a tape switching notifying unit for notifying that when switching the tape width of the divided image data output by the divided image data output unit. . Each tape piece for forming the print image by bonding a plurality of tape pieces obtained by printing and cutting a divided print image that is a part of a print image larger than the tape width of the tape on a long tape An image data generation device for generating a plurality of divided image data to be printed on
Display means for displaying a state in which the print image and the plurality of tape pieces are arranged in an overlapping manner;
Tape length designation means for designating the tape length of each tape piece displayed on the display means;
Print image assignment means for assigning a part of the print image to each tape piece based on the designation of the tape length designation means;
An image data generation apparatus comprising: divided image data generation means for generating the plurality of divided image data based on an assignment result of the print image assignment means. Each tape piece for forming the print image by bonding a plurality of tape pieces obtained by printing and cutting a divided print image that is a part of a print image larger than the tape width of the tape on a long tape An image data generation device for generating a plurality of divided image data to be printed on
According to the shape and size of the print image, the tape length and the arrangement angle of each tape piece are determined so that the total tape length of the plurality of tape pieces is minimized, and a part of the print image Print image assigning means for assigning
An image data generation apparatus comprising: divided image data generation means for generating the plurality of divided image data based on an assignment result of the print image assignment means.   13. A tape printing apparatus that creates the plurality of tape pieces based on the plurality of divided image data generated by the image data generation apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 12. The image data generation device according to any one of claims 1 to 12,
A printing system comprising: a tape printing device that creates the plurality of tape pieces based on the plurality of divided image data generated by the image data generation device.   The program for functioning a computer as each means in the image data generation apparatus of any one of Claims 1 thru | or 12.

Images