JP2010020373A - Tape printer, character string conversion device, and character string conversion method - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a tape printer for raising convenience in putting the character string of a foreign language, and to provide a character string conversion device and a character string conversion method therefor. <P>SOLUTION: Dictionary data Sd stores multiple registration character strings in association with Kana (the Japanese syllabary) character strings expressing the readings. Language information expressing the language is associated with the respective registration character strings stored in the dictionary data Sd, thereby specifying the language of each registration character string among the four languages, i.e., Japanese, Chinese (simplified characters), Chinese (traditional characters), and English. When the Kana character string is input by a keyboard 11, a CPU 31 extracts the registered character string corresponding to the Kana character string from the dictionary data Sd, and displays the registered character string in a display part 12 as a conversion candidate. A language mark relative to corresponding language information is added to each displayed registered character string. Thus, a user recognizes the language of each registered character string, based on the language mark. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2010,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a tape printer, a character string conversion device, and a character string conversion method.

  2. Description of the Related Art A tape printing apparatus (label printer) that prints a character string or the like on a tape (label) is provided with a kana-kanji conversion apparatus that converts kana to kanji (kana-kanji conversion) (see, for example, Patent Document 1). . This makes it possible to easily convert kana (reading) entered by romaji input from a keyboard or the like into a character string containing kanji, which is convenient for creating tapes printed in Japanese. Improved. On the other hand, if an alphabet entered from a keyboard or the like is printed as it is without performing kana-kanji conversion, a tape on which a foreign language character string (for example, English words) is printed can be created.

JP 2000-20515 A

  However, when inputting a foreign language character string, it is necessary to know the foreign language character and the spelling of the character string (word). For this reason, for users who are not good at foreign languages, characters and spelling must be checked in advance using a dictionary, etc., even for foreign languages that are often heard or used in katakana. Sex was impaired.

  SUMMARY An advantage of some aspects of the invention is to solve at least a part of the problems described above, and the invention can be implemented as the following forms or application examples.

  Application Example 1 A tape printing apparatus according to this application example is a tape printing apparatus that prints a character string on a tape, and associates a plurality of registered character strings including foreign language character strings with their reading kana characters. A storage unit for storing the dictionary data stored in the memory, a character string input unit for inputting a kana character string, and the input kana character string from among the plurality of registered character strings stored in the dictionary data A character string extraction unit that extracts at least one registered character string that reads as a kana, a display unit that displays the registered character string extracted by the character string extraction unit, and the registered character string displayed on the display unit And a printing unit for printing the registered character string selected by the selection unit on the tape.

  According to this tape printer, since the foreign character string is stored in the dictionary data in association with the reading kana, by inputting the reading kana into the character string input unit, the foreign character The column can be printed. That is, if the kana is known, it is possible to print a foreign language character string, which improves convenience.

  Application Example 2 In the tape printer according to the application example described above, the registered character string stored in the dictionary data is associated with language information indicating a language of the registered character string, and the display unit It is preferable that the registered character string extracted by the character string extraction unit is displayed and the language of the registered character string is displayed based on the language information.

  According to this tape printer, the display unit displays the language together with the registered character string extracted by the character string extracting unit, and therefore, when the registered character string is selected by the selection unit, the displayed language can be referred to. It becomes possible. For this reason, it becomes easy to select a registered character string in a desired language.

  [Application Example 3] In the tape printer according to the application example described above, a language specification unit that specifies a language and a language specified by the language specification unit from the registered character strings extracted by the character string extraction unit. It is preferable that a language extraction unit that extracts a registered character string based on the language information is further included, and the display unit displays the registered character string extracted by the language extraction unit.

  According to this tape printer, the language extraction unit extracts the registered character string of the specified language from the registered character strings extracted by the character string extraction unit, and the display unit registers the registration extracted by the language extraction unit. Since the character string is displayed, the number of choices (candidates) when the registered character string is selected by the selection unit can be narrowed down by language. This makes it easier to select a registered character string in a desired language.

  Application Example 4 In the tape printer according to the application example described above, the tape printing apparatus further includes a language designating unit that designates a language, and the character string extraction unit uses the dictionary data to register registered characters in the language designated by the language designating unit. The column may be extracted based on the language information.

  According to this tape printer, since it is possible to cause the character string extraction unit to extract only the registered character string of the language specified by the language specifying unit, it is further easy to select the registered character string of the desired language. Become.

  Application Example 5 A character string conversion device according to this application example includes a storage unit that stores dictionary data in which a plurality of registered character strings including foreign language character strings and their reading kana are associated with each other, and a kana Extract at least one registered character string that reads the input kana character string as a kana from the character string input unit for inputting a character string and the plurality of registered character strings stored in the dictionary data A character string extraction unit, a display unit that displays the registered character string extracted by the character string extraction unit, a selection unit that selects one of the registered character strings displayed on the display unit, A character string conversion unit that converts the kana character string input to the character string input unit into the registered character string selected by the selection unit;

  According to this character string converter, since the foreign character string is stored in the dictionary data in association with the reading kana, by inputting the reading kana to the character string input unit, It can be converted to a character string. In other words, if the kana is known, it is possible to input a foreign language character string, which improves convenience.

  [Application Example 6] In the character string conversion method according to this application example, a character string input step for inputting a kana character string, a plurality of registered character strings including a foreign language character string, and the reading kana are associated with each other. A character string extracting step for extracting at least one registered character string using the input kana character string as a reading from the stored dictionary data, and a display step for displaying the registered character string extracted in the character string extracting step A selection step of selecting one of the registered character strings displayed in the display step; and the kana character string input in the character string input step, the registered character selected in the selection step And a character string conversion step for converting into a string.

  According to this character string conversion method, the dictionary data in which a foreign language character string and its reading kana are stored in association with each other is used. It becomes possible to convert to a column. In other words, if the kana is known, it is possible to input a foreign language character string, which improves convenience.

  Further, when the above-described tape printing apparatus, character string conversion apparatus, and character string conversion method are constructed using a computer provided in the tape printing apparatus or the character string conversion apparatus, the above form and the above application example Can be configured in the form of a program for realizing the function or a recording medium on which the program is recorded so as to be readable by the computer. As a recording medium, a flexible disk, a CD-ROM, a magneto-optical disk, an IC card, a ROM cartridge, a punch card, a printed matter on which a code such as a barcode is printed, an internal storage device (RAM) of a tape printer or a character string converter And various other media that can be read by the computer, such as an external storage device.

(First Embodiment)
Hereinafter, as a first embodiment, a tape printer that prints an input character string or the like on a tape will be described with reference to the drawings.
The tape printer according to the present embodiment also functions as a character string conversion device. A character string (kana character string) input by a user as a kana character is converted into a Japanese character string (kana character) composed of kanji or the like. Kanji character strings) can be appropriately converted and printed. Furthermore, the tape printer of this embodiment can also convert the input kana character string into a foreign language character string (foreign language character string), and the user can read the foreign language character string. By inputting a kana, a foreign language character string written in the original language can be printed. Note that the tape printer of this embodiment supports three foreign languages, Chinese (simplified), Chinese (traditional), and English, and the input kana character string (reading kana) It can be converted into character strings of four languages including words.

1 and 2 are perspective views showing the tape printer of this embodiment, and FIG. 3 is a plan view showing a display unit provided in the tape printer.
As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the tape printer 1 has a configuration in which a main body is accommodated in a housing 10, and a keyboard 11 as a character string input unit is provided on the front side of the upper surface of the housing 10. Is provided. The keyboard 11 has a plurality of control keys for instructing the tape printing apparatus 1 to perform various operations in addition to a large number of character keys capable of inputting a character string composed of alphabets, kana, numbers, symbols, and the like. Yes. Control keys provided on the keyboard 11 include a power key for switching the power on and off, an input switching key for switching Japanese (kana) input methods ("Kana input" and "Romaji input"), and input kana characters Conversion key for converting a string into a kana / kanji character string or a foreign language character string (character conversion), a decision key for confirming the input character string or the converted character string, conversion during cursor movement or character conversion Cursor keys (four keys corresponding to four directions, up, down, left, and right) used for candidate selection and the like are included.

  A display unit 12 made of a liquid crystal display device or the like is provided on the back side of the upper surface of the housing 10. The display unit 12 is used for displaying various images such as displaying characters input from the keyboard 11, displaying conversion candidates during character conversion, displaying a print image, and displaying a setting menu screen.

  As shown in FIG. 3, the image display area 12a of the display unit 12 displays an input character display area As that displays an input character string and a print image when the input character string is printed on a tape. And an image display area Ai. The input character display area As is an area for displaying a kana character string input by the keyboard 11 or a character string obtained by converting the kana character string. A character string that has already been confirmed by the enter key is displayed in a positive manner. Are displayed in a negative (character color and background color reversed from positive). In the image display area Ai, a character string determined by the enter key among the input character strings is displayed.

  Returning to FIG. 2, a recess 13 for mounting the tape cartridge 2 is formed adjacent to the display unit 12 on the back side of the upper surface of the housing 10. An opening / closing lid 14 is provided on the opening of the recess 13 so as to be openable and closable. By opening the opening / closing lid 14, the tape cartridge 2 can be attached and detached. Further, the opening / closing lid 14 is provided with a light-transmitting confirmation window 14a so that whether or not the tape cartridge 2 is mounted in the recess 13 can be visually recognized from the outside. A convex thermal head 15 and rotating shafts 16a and 16b constituting a transport mechanism 16 are provided on the bottom surface of the concave portion 13. When the tape cartridge 2 is mounted in the concave portion 13, holes provided in the tape cartridge 2 are provided. The thermal head 15 is fitted to the head-like fitting portion 21 and the rotating shafts 16a and 16b are engaged with the driven portions 22a and 22b of the tape cartridge 2, respectively.

  The tape cartridge 2 has a belt-like tape T and an ink ribbon R built in the cartridge case 20. The tape T has a configuration in which an adhesive layer is formed on the back surface of a base material made of PET (polyethylene terephthalate) or paper, and is covered with release paper. The tape printer 1 can cope with a plurality of types of tape cartridges 2 having different widths, materials (materials of base materials), colors, and the like of the tape T, and the user uses the tape cartridge 2 according to the application and preference. be able to. Note that a plurality of holes (not shown) that can identify the width of the tape T incorporated therein are provided on the back surface of the tape cartridge 2, and the tape printer 1 is a micro switch provided on the bottom surface of the recess 13. The identification sensor 19 (see FIG. 4) or the like can identify the tape width of the mounted tape cartridge 2.

  When the tape cartridge 2 is mounted in the recess 13, the surface of the tape T is opposed to the thermal head 15 via the ink ribbon R in the head fitting portion 21, and the thermal head 15 is driven to generate heat. The image composed of the input character string or the like can be thermally transferred (printed) onto the surface of the tape T. Further, when the rotary shafts 16 a and 16 b are driven to rotate in this state, the tape T and the ink ribbon R are conveyed, the tape T is discharged to the outside of the cartridge case 20, and the ink ribbon R is wound inside the cartridge case 20. Taken.

  A slit 17 is provided on the side surface of the housing 10 to communicate the recess 13 and the outside of the housing 10, and the printed tape T discharged from the cartridge case 20 passes through the slit 17. It is conveyed by a predetermined amount toward the outside. A cutter unit 18 capable of cutting the tape T traversing the slit 17 is disposed inside the housing 10, and the printed portion of the tape T is cut off as a tape piece (label) by the cutter unit 18. Then, it is discharged from the opening (tape discharge port) of the slit 17.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram illustrating a circuit configuration of the tape printer 1.
As shown in FIG. 4, the tape printing apparatus 1 includes the keyboard 11, the display unit 12, the thermal head 15, the transport mechanism 16 including the rotation shafts 16 a and 16 b (see FIG. 2), the cutter unit 18, and the identification sensor 19. In addition, the control unit 30 that performs overall control of the operation of the tape printer 1, the display drive unit 41 that displays an image on the display unit 12, the head drive unit 42 that drives the thermal head 15 to generate heat, and the transport mechanism 16 are driven. And a cutter driving unit 44 for driving the cutter unit 18.

  The control unit 30 functions as a computer, and is a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 31, a RAM (Random Access Memory) 32, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 33, a CGROM (character generator) connected to each other via a bus 30a. ROM) 34, input interface (I / F) 35, output interface (I / F) 36, and the like.

  The CPU 31 operates according to a control program stored in the ROM 33 and controls various operations of the tape printer 1. The RAM 32 temporarily stores processing results of the CPU 31, character codes of characters input from the keyboard 11, image data of images to be displayed on the display unit 12, and the like.

  The ROM 33 is a storage unit configured by a nonvolatile storage device such as a flash memory, and stores the above-described control program and the like. The control program stored in the ROM 33 includes a character conversion program Sp for converting a kana character string input from the keyboard 11 into a kana / kanji character string or a foreign language character string. The ROM 33 performs character conversion. The dictionary data Sd referred to is also stored. In the dictionary data Sd, a large number of character strings (registered character strings) composed of kana-kanji character strings and foreign language character strings are stored in association with kana character strings that are the reading kana characters. A character code string of a corresponding registered character string can be extracted by designating a character code string (character code string) representing the string.

  The CGROM 34 stores font data such as characters and symbols that can be printed by the tape printer 1. The font data is bitmap format data used when characters or the like are printed or displayed on the display unit 12, and is stored in association with each character code. The CPU 31 acquires corresponding font data from the CGROM 34 by designating a character code, and forms display and print image data using this font data. As the font data, outline-format font data that can easily correspond to various character sizes may be used.

  The input interface 35 is connected to the keyboard 11 and the identification sensor 19. When the user operates the keyboard 11, the keyboard 11 outputs key information corresponding to the operated key to the CPU 31 via the input interface 35. Further, the identification sensor 19 outputs identification information corresponding to the tape width of the mounted tape cartridge 2 to the CPU 31 via the input interface 35.

  A display drive unit 41, a head drive unit 42, a transport drive unit 43, and a cutter drive unit 44 are connected to the output interface 36, and these are based on the control of the CPU 31, the display unit 12, the thermal head 15, The transport mechanism 16 and the cutter unit 18 are driven.

  The tape printer 1 according to the present embodiment has the above-described configuration. When the user operates the keyboard 11 to input a pseudonym, the CPU 31 sets key information input from the keyboard 11 and is set. The input kana is specified based on the input method (“kana input” or “romaji input”), and the character code representing this kana is stored in the RAM 32. Further, the CPU 31 acquires font data corresponding to the character code from the CGROM 34, and forms display image data using the font data. When the CPU 31 supplies this image data to the display drive unit 41, the input pseudonym is displayed on the display unit 12. When the user inputs a kana character string by repeating the input of the kana, a character code string representing the kana character string is stored in the RAM 32, and the kana character string is displayed on the display unit 12.

  Thereafter, when the user operates the conversion key of the keyboard 11, the CPU 31 operates in accordance with the character conversion program Sp, and converts the input kana character string into another character string having this as a reading kana. Specifically, the CPU 31 determines the character code of the corresponding registered character string (kana / kanji character string and / or foreign language character string) based on the input kana character string, that is, the character code string stored in the RAM 32. A column is extracted from the dictionary data Sd. Here, when there are a plurality of registered character strings corresponding to the input kana character string, the plurality of registered character strings are extracted. Next, the CPU 31 acquires font data from the CGROM 34 based on the extracted character code string of the registered character string. Then, when image data for display is generated using this font data and is supplied to the display drive unit 41, one or more extracted registered character strings are displayed on the display unit 12 as conversion candidates. The When a plurality of registered character strings are displayed, the user can select one registered character string with the cursor keys. Thereafter, when the user operates the enter key, a character string to be converted (converted character string) is determined.

  When the user finishes input and conversion of a desired character string and operates the print key, the CPU 31 forms image data for printing including the determined converted character string, and the head drive unit 42 based on this image data. And the thermal drive 15 and the conveyance mechanism 16 are driven to the conveyance drive part 43, respectively. As a result, an image corresponding to the image data is printed on the tape T. Thereafter, the CPU 31 causes the cutter driving unit 44 to drive the cutter unit 18 to cut the tape T.

Here, the character conversion according to the character conversion program Sp will be described in detail.
FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram schematically showing the contents of the dictionary data Sd stored in the ROM 33.
As shown in FIG. 5, in the dictionary data Sd, a large number of registered character strings are stored in association with kana character strings representing the reading kana. For example, “ichi” in kana character string “1”, “one”, “position” written in Japanese (Katakana or kanji), “1” in Arabic numerals, etc. are associated as registered character strings. It has been. In addition, the kana character string “Nihao”, which is originally Chinese, has a character string written in the original language (Chinese) along with the character string “Nihao” written in Japanese (Katakana). It is associated. The kana character string “Wan” is also associated with a plurality of character strings that are pronounced “Wan” in each language. The original language (English), that is, the character string “ONE” written in alphabet is included. Further, the Arabic character “1” is also associated with the kana character string “Wan”.

  In addition, each registered character string stored in the dictionary data Sd is associated with language information representing the language, and each registered character string includes Japanese, Chinese (simplified characters), Chinese (traditional characters). ) And English, it is possible to specify which language is the character string. Here, for a registered character string that is a common reading character in a plurality of languages such as “arm”, a plurality of language information is attached to one registered character string. Note that the characters “Man” and “King” (registered character strings) associated with “Wan” in the kana character string are also used in Japanese, but they are pronounced “Wan”. Since this is the case of Chinese, language information representing Japanese is not attached to “ten” and “king” associated with “Wan”. In addition, for the Arabic numeral “1”, the linguistic information representing Japanese is attached to the one corresponding to the reading kana “1” when pronounced as Japanese, and the reading kana when pronounced as Chinese. The language corresponding to "I-" is accompanied by language information representing Chinese (simplified and traditional), and the language corresponding to the reading kana "Wan" when pronounced as English is the language representing English. Information is attached.

  FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating the operation of the control unit 30 when performing character conversion, and FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an image displayed on the display unit 12 when performing character conversion. When the conversion key is operated by the user in a state where the kana character string is input, the control unit 30 operates as shown in FIG. 6 according to the character conversion program Sp. Here, it is assumed that the conversion key is operated in a state where the kana character string “Wan” is input (see FIG. 7A). In this state, nothing is displayed in the image display area Ai because it is a state before the input character string is confirmed.

  As shown in FIG. 6, in step S101, the CPU 31 extracts a corresponding registered character string from the dictionary data Sd based on a character code string of the input kana character string (kana character string before confirmation). As a result, in addition to Katakana “One” and various character strings (Kanji) pronounced “Wan” in Japanese and / or Chinese, the character string “ONE” pronounced “Wan” in English. And a plurality of registered character strings associated with the kana character string “Wan” such as Arabic numeral “1”. The CPU 31 acquires the character code string of the extracted registered character string and the language information corresponding to each extracted registered character string and stores them in the RAM 32.

  In step S102, the CPU 31 provides a conversion candidate display area Ac in the image display area 12a of the display unit 12 (see FIG. 7B), and the extracted registered character string is stored in the conversion candidate display area Ac in a predetermined manner. Display in order (for example, registration order, use frequency, etc.). When the number of extracted registered character strings exceeds the number that can be displayed in the conversion candidate display area Ac, only the displayable number of registered character strings is displayed in the conversion candidate display area Ac. The registered character string of the copy is not displayed. Each displayed registered character string is provided with a language mark M corresponding to the corresponding language information, and the language of each registered character string can be recognized by this language mark M. The language mark M is an icon with a single kanji character representing the language. If the language information represents Japanese, it is “Japanese”, if the Chinese character is Simplified, “simplified”, and the Chinese traditional character. In this case, “Traditional” is displayed, and in English, “English” is displayed. One of the registered character strings displayed in the conversion candidate display area Ac (first registered character string “one”) is displayed in a negative state, and this registered character string is selected. It is shown that. The user can select another registered character string by operating the cursor keys corresponding to the vertical direction.

  In step S103, the CPU 31 determines whether or not the user has operated the cursor key corresponding to the vertical direction. If the cursor key is operated, the process proceeds to step S104. If the cursor key is not operated, the process proceeds to step S105.

  When the cursor key is operated and the process proceeds to step S104, the CPU 31 selects another registered character string corresponding to the direction of the operated cursor key, and returns to step S103. Specifically, when the up cursor key is operated, the CPU 31 selects the registered character string displayed one above the currently selected registered character string, and the down cursor key. When is operated, the registered character string displayed immediately below the currently selected registered character string is selected. Here, when the number of extracted registered character strings exceeds the number that can be displayed in the conversion candidate display area Ac, the lowest registered character string in the conversion candidate display area Ac is selected ( When the downward cursor key is operated in FIG. 7C, the next registered character string and its language mark M which are not displayed are scrolled and displayed, and this registered character string is selected. (See FIG. 7D). In addition, when the upward cursor key is operated in a state where the first registered character string is selected (see FIG. 7B), the last registered character string is selected (FIG. 7E). If the last cursor key is operated while the last registered character string is selected, the first registered character string is selected. When the extracted registered character string is one, the operation of the cursor key is ignored.

  On the other hand, when the cursor key is not operated in step S103 and the process proceeds to step S105, the CPU 31 determines whether or not the determination key is operated by the user. If the enter key is operated, the process proceeds to step S106, and if the enter key is not operated, the process returns to step S103.

  When the enter key is operated and the process proceeds to step S106, the CPU 31 determines the currently selected registered character string as a converted character string, and ends the flow. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 7F, the CPU 31 erases the conversion candidate display area Ac displayed on the display unit 12 and displays the kana character string displayed in the input character display area As. The registered character string (for example, “king”) is converted and displayed, and the registered character string selection (conversion) result is reflected in the image display area Ai.

  As described above, according to the tape printer 1 of the present embodiment, the following effects can be obtained.

  (1) According to the tape printer 1 of the present embodiment, the dictionary data Sd stores a foreign language character string written in the original language in association with the reading kana (kana character string). Therefore, it is possible to print a foreign language character string written in the original language by inputting the reading kana with the keyboard 11. That is, even a user who does not know a foreign language character or spelling can print a foreign language character string as long as he / she knows the reading kana, improving convenience.

  (2) According to the tape printer 1 of the present embodiment, when displaying the conversion candidate (registered character string) on the display unit 12, the language mark indicating the language is displayed in the registered character string extracted from the dictionary data Sd. Since M is added, the user can know the language of the registered character string displayed as the conversion candidate. For this reason, it becomes easy to select a character string in a desired language from the displayed registered character strings.

  In this embodiment, the CPU 31 that executes step S101 to extract a registered character string corresponds to the character string extraction unit, and selects one registered character string from the extracted registered character strings. The keyboard 11 (cursor key and determination key) corresponds to the selection unit. Further, the CPU 31 when executing the step S106 to determine the converted character string corresponds to the character string converting unit, and the head driving unit 42 and the conveyance driving unit when printing the character string on the tape T based on the control of the CPU 31. 43, the thermal head 15, and the conveyance mechanism 16 correspond to a printing unit.

(Second Embodiment)
Hereinafter, the tape printer 1 of 2nd Embodiment is demonstrated with reference to drawings.
The keyboard 11 of the tape printer 1 of the present embodiment includes a language designation key as a language designation section as one of the control keys, and designates the language of the registered character string displayed in the conversion candidate display area Ac as the language designation. Can be specified by key. Other configurations are the same as those in the first embodiment.

  In the present embodiment, a plurality of registered character strings are extracted from the dictionary data Sd in step S101 (see FIG. 6), and are displayed in the conversion candidate display area Ac in step S102 (see FIG. 6). When the language is designated by operating the language designation key, the CPU 31 further narrows down the extracted registered character string, and displays only the registered character string of the designated language in the conversion candidate display area Ac. Whenever the language designation key is operated, the CPU 31 displays the display state of the conversion candidate display area Ac, the Japanese display state in which only the Japanese registered character string is displayed, and the Chinese simplified character registered character string only. Simplified character display state, traditional Chinese character display state that displays only Chinese traditional registered characters, English display state that displays only English registered character strings, and all language display states that display registered character strings in all languages The five states are sequentially switched.

FIG. 8 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an image displayed on the display unit 12 of the tape printer 1 according to the present embodiment, and illustrates switching of the display state of the conversion candidate display area Ac.
In the state where the conversion candidate registration character string is displayed in step S102, the conversion candidate display area Ac is in the all-language display state, and all (four) language registration character strings are displayed (FIG. 7B). To (e)). When the language designation key is operated by the user in this state, the CPU 31 further extracts only the registered character string corresponding to the language information representing Japanese from all the registered character strings extracted in step S101. The conversion candidate display area Ac is displayed in Japanese (see FIG. 8A). When the language designation key is operated in the Japanese display state, the CPU 31 selects only a registered character string corresponding to language information representing Chinese (simplified characters) from all the registered character strings extracted in step S101. Are extracted and displayed, and the conversion candidate display area Ac is set in a simplified display state (see FIG. 8B). Similarly, when the language designation key is operated in the simplified character display state, only the registered character string corresponding to the language information representing Chinese (traditional characters) is extracted and set in the traditional character display state (FIG. 8C). When the language designation key is operated in the traditional character display state, only the registered character string corresponding to the language information representing English is extracted and set in the English display state (see FIG. 8D). When the language designation key is operated in the English display state, the all language display state in which all the registered character strings extracted in step S101 are displayed regardless of the language information (see FIG. 7B). Return to.

  As described above, according to the tape printer 1 of the present embodiment, the user can select a target by operating the language designation key after the conversion candidate (registered character string) is extracted from the dictionary data Sd. It becomes possible to narrow down the number of conversion candidates (options) to be reduced by language. For this reason, it becomes easy to select a registered character string in a desired language.

  In the present embodiment, the CPU 31 that extracts only the registered character string of the language designated by the language designation key from all the registered character strings extracted in step S101 corresponds to a language extracting unit.

  Further, in the present embodiment, the mode in which the languages are sequentially switched by repeatedly operating one language designation key has been described. However, the mode for designating the language is not limited to this, for example, a plurality of languages corresponding to each language. It is also possible to provide a language designation key so that it can be switched to a desired display state by a single operation. In this case, after the language is designated by the language designation key, the same language designation key may be operated again to return to the all language display state.

  Further, in the present embodiment, the configuration is shown in which the conversion candidate is narrowed down by the language designation key after extracting the registered character string from the dictionary data Sd. However, prior to the extraction of the registered character string from the dictionary data Sd in step S101. It is possible to designate a language and extract only the registered character string of the designated language from the dictionary data Sd. When specifying a language, the language specification key as described above may be used, or a registered character string of a language corresponding to the operated conversion key so as to have a plurality of conversion keys corresponding to each language. May be extracted. Also in this case, only the registered character string in the desired language can be extracted as the conversion candidate, so that the convenience for selecting the registered character string is improved.

(Modification)
Moreover, you may change the said embodiment (1st Embodiment and 2nd Embodiment) as follows.

  In the above embodiment, the dictionary data Sd (see FIG. 5) in which a plurality of registered character strings are associated with one kana character string is shown. However, if the kana character string and the registered character string are associated with each other, the dictionary The configuration of the data Sd is not limited to this. For example, as shown in FIG. 9, it is possible to adopt a configuration in which a plurality of kana character strings are associated with one registered character string. In this case, the registered character string and the language information may be associated with each kana character string.

  In the above embodiment, the dictionary data Sd in a mode in which language information is stored is shown, but the language information is not an essential configuration.

  In the above embodiment, a configuration in which registered character strings of a plurality of languages are stored in one dictionary data Sd is shown, but a configuration having a plurality of dictionary data Sd for each language is also possible. In this case, when extracting the registered character string as a conversion candidate, it is possible to specify the language of the registered character string depending on which dictionary data Sd is extracted from, so the dictionary data Sd itself functions as language information. This eliminates the need to store language information in the dictionary data Sd.

  In the above embodiment, as a reading kana of a foreign language character string stored in the dictionary data Sd, that is, a kana character string to be associated with a registered character string of a foreign language, a notation generally used in Japan may be used. In addition, one foreign language character string (registered character string) can be converted into a plurality of kana character strings, such as “Niihao” and “Niihao” or “Two” and “Tsu” for “TWO”. May be associated.

  In the above embodiment, the thermal transfer method using the thermal head 15 is used as a printing method for printing a character string on the tape T. However, the printing method is not limited to this method, and other printing methods such as an ink jet method may be used. .

  In the above embodiment, the tape printer 1 has been described as an example, but the function as a character string conversion device that converts the input reading kana into a foreign language character string is other than the tape printer 1. It is also possible to apply to an apparatus (for example, an electronic dictionary or a word processor).

The perspective view which shows a tape printer. The perspective view which shows a tape printer. The top view which shows the display part with which a tape printer is equipped. The block diagram which shows the circuit structure of a tape printer. Explanatory drawing which showed typically the content of the dictionary data memorize | stored in ROM. The flowchart which shows operation | movement of the control part at the time of performing character conversion. Explanatory drawing which shows the image displayed on a display part when performing character conversion. Explanatory drawing which shows the image displayed on a display part, when performing character conversion in the tape printer of 2nd Embodiment. Explanatory drawing which showed typically the content of the dictionary data concerning a modification.

Explanation of symbols

  DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Tape printer, 2 ... Tape cartridge, 10 ... Housing | casing, 11 ... Keyboard, 12 ... Display part, 13 ... Recessed part, 14 ... Opening / closing lid, 15 ... Thermal head, 16 ... Conveyance mechanism, 17 ... Slit, 18 ... Cutter unit, 19 ... identification sensor, 20 ... cartridge case, 30 ... control unit, 30a ... bus, 31 ... CPU, 32 ... RAM, 33 ... ROM, 34 ... CGROM, 35 ... input interface, 36 ... output interface, 41 ... Display drive unit 42... Head drive unit 43. Transport drive unit 44. Cutter drive unit Ac Ac conversion candidate display area Ai Image display area As As input character display area M M Language mark R Ink Ribbon, Sd ... dictionary data, Sp ... character conversion program, T ... tape.

Claims (6)

A tape printer for printing a character string on a tape,
A storage unit for storing dictionary data in which a plurality of registered character strings including foreign language character strings and their readings are associated with each other;
A character string input part for inputting a kana character string;
A character string extraction unit that extracts at least one registered character string that reads the input kana character string as a kana from the plurality of registered character strings stored in the dictionary data;
A display unit for displaying the registered character string extracted by the character string extraction unit;
A selection unit for selecting one of the registered character strings displayed on the display unit;
A printing unit that prints the registered character string selected by the selection unit on the tape;
A tape printing apparatus comprising: The tape printer according to claim 1,
The registered character string stored in the dictionary data is associated with language information representing the language of the registered character string,
The tape printing apparatus, wherein the display unit displays the registered character string extracted by the character string extraction unit and displays a language of the registered character string based on the language information. The tape printer according to claim 2, wherein
A language specification section for specifying a language;
A language extracting unit that extracts a registered character string of a language designated by the language designating unit from the registered character string extracted by the character string extracting unit based on the language information;
Further comprising
The tape printing apparatus, wherein the display unit displays the registered character string extracted by the language extraction unit. The tape printer according to claim 2, wherein
A language designating part for designating a language;
The tape printing apparatus, wherein the character string extraction unit extracts a registered character string of a language designated by the language designation unit from the dictionary data based on the language information. A storage unit for storing dictionary data in which a plurality of registered character strings including foreign language character strings and their readings are associated with each other;
A character string input part for inputting a kana character string;
A character string extraction unit that extracts at least one registered character string that reads the input kana character string as a kana from the plurality of registered character strings stored in the dictionary data;
A display unit for displaying the registered character string extracted by the character string extraction unit;
A selection unit for selecting one of the registered character strings displayed on the display unit;
A character string conversion unit that converts the kana character string input to the character string input unit into the registered character string selected by the selection unit;
A character string conversion device comprising: A character string input step for inputting a kana character string;
Characters for extracting at least one registered character string using the input kana character string as a reading kana from dictionary data in which a plurality of registered character strings including a foreign language character string and their kana are stored in association with each other A column extraction step;
A display step for displaying the registered character string extracted in the character string extraction step;
A selection step of selecting one from the registered character strings displayed in the display step;
A character string conversion step of converting the kana character string input in the character string input step into the registered character string selected in the selection step;
A character string conversion method characterized by comprising:

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