JP2013095048A - Tape printing apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To improve convenience by reliably printing, when a printing object tape is almost consumed, the content of purchase support information on the printing object tape.SOLUTION: A label forming device 100 identifies the model of a cartridge 10 installed to a cartridge holder 27, which corresponds to attribute information of the installed cartridge 10 to acquire corresponding current model information, and generates purchase support information based on the acquired current model information. The label forming device 100 includes an end mark sensor 60 for detecting an end mark 64 in the vicinity of the terminal end of a cover film 11, calculates, when the end mark 64 is detected by the end mark sensor 60, the size of an information printing area AR which is located on the downstream side of the end mark 64 in the cover film 11 and in which the purchase support information can be printed, and prints the generated purchase support information on the cover film 11 in a printing mode according to the calculated size of the information printing area AR.

Description

  The present invention relates to a tape printer that performs desired printing on a print-receiving tape.

  As a printing apparatus that performs desired printing on a printing medium such as a printing tape, for example, a technique described in Patent Document 1 is known. In this printing apparatus, a cartridge (ink cartridge) filled with ink is mounted, and printing is performed on a printing medium (recording medium) using ink supplied from the mounted cartridge.

  Here, since the ink in the cartridge is consumed every time it is used, the cartridge is a consumable item. Therefore, at least when all the ink in the cartridge has been consumed, the operator must purchase and replenish a new cartridge in order to perform new printing.

  When purchasing a new cartridge as described above, the operator generally intends to purchase a cartridge of the same type as the cartridge currently used (that is, the cartridge mounted on the printing apparatus). is there. Therefore, according to the above-described conventional technique, when it is time to replace the cartridge, the purchase support information (the type of the cartridge) for purchase by the operator is printed on a recording medium, and the operator is notified. Is notified.

JP-A-7-227971

  By the way, a tape printing apparatus that prints on a print-receiving tape is known as a printing apparatus that prints on a print-receiving medium in the same manner as the above-described prior art. In a tape printer, when a tape cartridge is mounted in a cartridge holder, a print-receiving tape supplied from the mounted tape cartridge is transported, and desired printing is performed on the transported print-receiving tape by a printing unit. Is done. Since the print-receiving tape is consumed every time it is used for printing, this tape cartridge is also a consumable item as described above. Therefore, when it is almost time to replace the tape cartridge by applying the above prior art, it is conceivable that purchase support information such as the type of the tape cartridge is printed on the print-receiving tape and notified to the operator. Specifically, an appropriate mark or the like is provided in the vicinity of the end portion of the print-receiving tape, and a sensor for detecting the mark is provided upstream of the printing unit along the transport path. As a result, when the sensor detects the mark, the tape printer recognizes that almost all of the print-receiving tape has been consumed, and the purchase support information can be printed on the print-receiving tape and formed.

  However, in this case, another problem occurs as follows. That is, in the above method, as described above, the sensor detects a mark or the like while the print-receiving tape is being transported when forming a desired print by the printing means based on the print data, thereby consuming the print-receiving tape. Identify. In other words, since normal print formation based on the print data is being performed when the mark is detected, the print formation being performed on the print-receiving tape is started before the purchase support information is formed on the print-receiving tape. Must be completed. At this time, if there are few unprinted portions of the print data, the distance in the tape transport direction necessary for completing the print formation is shortened, so the purchase support information is printed on the remaining portion of the print-receiving tape. Area (information printing area) can be secured sufficiently large. On the other hand, when there are many unprinted portions in the print data, the tape transport direction distance required for completing the print formation becomes longer, so the purchase support information is printed on the remaining portion of the tape to be printed. The information printing area for forming becomes smaller. For this reason, if the amount of purchase support information is relatively large, the content of the purchase support information printed on the print-receiving tape may be cut off halfway. That is, in any case, it is difficult to reliably print and form the contents of the purchase support information on the print-receiving tape.

  An object of the present invention is to provide a tape printer capable of improving the convenience by reliably forming the print support information on the print-receiving tape when almost all the print-receiving tape is consumed. It is in.

  In order to achieve the above object, the present invention provides a print-receiving tape that is configured by winding a print-receiving tape in a roll shape so that the print-receiving tape can be fed, and having a detection portion in the vicinity of a terminal portion in the feed-out direction of the print-receiving tape. A cartridge holder capable of mounting a tape cartridge containing a roll; a transport means for transporting a print-receiving tape supplied from the tape cartridge mounted on the cartridge holder; and the print-receiving tape transported by the transport means On the other hand, a tape printing apparatus having a printing unit that performs desired printing corresponding to printing data, an attribute detection unit that detects attribute information of the tape cartridge mounted on the cartridge holder, and the attribute detection The mounted tape cartridge corresponding to the attribute information detected by the means Based on the current type information acquired by the current type information acquisition unit and the current type information acquired by the current type information acquisition unit. A support information generating means for generating purchase support information when purchasing a new type of tape cartridge to be purchased, and provided upstream of the printing means along a transport path of the print-receiving tape transported by the transport means; An end detection means for detecting the detected portion in the vicinity of the end portion of the print-receiving tape, and when the detected portion is detected by the end detection means, based on the print data, Of these, the area calculating means, which is located downstream of the detected part, calculates the size of an information printing area in which the printing means can form the purchase support information, and the support The printing means is configured to print and form the purchase support information generated by the information generation means on the print-receiving tape in a printing mode corresponding to the size of the information printing area calculated by the area calculation means. Printing control means for controlling.

  In the tape printer of the present invention, when a tape cartridge is mounted on the cartridge holder, the print-receiving tape supplied from the print-receiving tape roll of the mounted tape cartridge is transported by the transport means. Desired printing corresponding to the print data is performed on the conveyed print-receiving tape by the printing means.

  Since the print-receiving tape is consumed every time it is used by such printing formation, the tape cartridge is a consumable item. Therefore, when all the print-receiving tape in the tape cartridge mounted on the cartridge holder has been consumed, the operator must purchase and replenish a new tape cartridge in order to perform new tape printing.

  In the present invention, in order to detect such consumption of the print-receiving tape, a detected portion is provided in the vicinity of the end portion in the feed-out direction of the print-receiving tape, and an end detection means for detecting the detected portion However, it is provided upstream of the printing means along the transport path. As a result, when the end detection means detects the detected portion, it is possible to identify that almost all the tape roll to be printed has been consumed on the tape printer side.

  When purchasing such a new tape cartridge, the operator usually intends to purchase a tape cartridge of the same type as the tape cartridge currently used (that is, the tape cartridge mounted in the cartridge holder). . However, in general, the model notation is composed of symbols, numbers, and the like set by the convenience of the manufacturer, and is not easy for the operator to remember. Also, different types of tape cartridges may have similar external shapes, and the operator may purchase them incorrectly.

  Therefore, in the present invention, attribute detection means and current type information acquisition means are provided. The attribute detection means detects attribute information (for example, tape width, tape color, tape material, etc. of the tape to be printed) attached to the tape cartridge holder, and the current type information acquisition means responds to the attribute information. Thus, the current type information of the mounted tape cartridge is acquired. Based on the acquired current type information, purchase support information is generated by the support information generating means.

  When almost all of the print-receiving tape is consumed as described above and the end detection means detects the detection portion, the generated purchase support information is transferred to the information on the print-receiving tape by the printing means based on the control of the print control means. Printing is formed in the printing area. Thus, the operator can remove the tape cartridge from the cartridge holder after the purchase support information is printed on the information print area of the print target tape (or only the information print area of the print target tape separated from the tape cartridge). By bringing the cartridge to a store or the like, it is possible to reliably purchase a tape cartridge having the same function as the tape cartridge that the operator intended to purchase.

  Here, in the present invention, as described above, the consumption of the print-receiving tape is identified by detecting the detected portion by the end detection means during the conveyance of the print-receiving tape at the time of printing. That is, since the print formation based on the print data is being performed at the time of detection of the detected portion, the print formation based on the print data in the middle of execution is performed before the print formation of the purchase support information is started. Must be completed. At that time, if there are many unprinted portions of the print data, the distance in the tape transport direction necessary for completing the print formation becomes longer, and the information print area for printing the purchase support information becomes smaller. . When the number of unprinted portions of the print data is small, the tape transport direction distance necessary for completing the print formation is shortened, and the information print area for printing the purchase support information is enlarged.

  Corresponding to the fact that the size of the information print area varies depending on the print data, the present invention is provided with area calculation means. The area calculating means calculates the size of the information printing area that can be secured on the downstream side of the detected portion of the tape to be printed based on the print data when the end detecting means detects the detected portion. Then, the purchase support information is printed on the tape to be printed in a printing mode corresponding to the calculated size of the information printing area under the control of the printing control means. As a result, even if the size of the information print area changes according to the contents of the print data as described above, the purchase support information is printed on the print-receiving tape in an appropriate print mode corresponding to the size. Can do. As a result, the operator can visually confirm the contents of the purchase support information printed and printed in any case. Therefore, the convenience when purchasing a new tape cartridge can be improved.

  According to the present invention, when almost all the print-receiving tape is consumed, the contents of the purchase support information can be surely printed on the print-receiving tape, thereby improving convenience.

It is a system configuration figure showing the label creation system of one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 3 is a perspective view illustrating an external configuration of a cartridge holder inside the apparatus main body and a cartridge attached to the cartridge holder with the opening / closing lid of the label producing apparatus opened. It is a figure which shows the peripheral part of the cartridge holder of the state which mounted | wore with the laminate type cartridge with a cartridge. It is a functional block diagram showing the functional structure of a label production apparatus. It is a top view which shows the feed direction termination | terminus part of a cover film. It is a circuit diagram which shows the circuit structure of an end mark sensor. It is explanatory drawing which shows the mode of the detection of the end mark by an end mark sensor. It is a top view showing an example of the appearance of the printed label created by the label producing device. It is explanatory drawing showing the example of the printing formation aspect of the purchase assistance information to an information printing area. It is explanatory drawing showing the behavior when purchase support information is printed and formed in the information printing area | region in the feed direction termination | terminus part of a printing label. It is a flowchart showing the control content performed by CPU of a label production apparatus. It is a flowchart showing the detailed procedure of step S100. It is a flowchart showing the detailed procedure of step S200.

  Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

<System configuration>
The system configuration of the label producing system of this embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. In FIG. 1, a label production system LS includes a label production device 100 (tape printing device) capable of producing a print label L on which desired printing has been performed, and an operation terminal 400 for operating the label production device 100. have. The label producing apparatus 100 and the operation terminal 400 are connected to be able to transmit and receive information via a wired or wireless communication line NW. In addition, the label creating apparatus 100 and the operation terminal 400 via the communication line NW, in this example, the product information website WA of the manufacturer of the label creating apparatus 100, the website WB of the dealer of the label creating apparatus 100, and the label creation The apparatus 100 is connected to a mail-order Web site WC that can be accessed. Each of the Web sites WA to WC functions as information providing means described in each claim.

  The label producing apparatus 100 includes an apparatus main body 101 having an overall rectangular parallelepiped apparatus casing 101s that constitutes an outline of the label producing apparatus 100. An opening / closing lid 102 is provided on the upper surface of the apparatus main body 101 so as to be openable / closable (or detachable). A tape discharge port 104 is provided on the front surface of the apparatus main body 101. The tape discharge port 104 is a discharge port for discharging the printed label tape 23 and the like (see FIG. 3 described later).

  The operation terminal 400 is a general-purpose personal computer that is generally commercially available, and includes a display unit 401 such as a liquid crystal display and an operation unit 402 such as a keyboard and a mouse.

<Internal configuration of label production device>
The external structure of the cartridge holder and cartridge inside the label producing apparatus 100 will be described with reference to FIG. In FIG. 2, the illustration of the open / close lid 102 opened upward is omitted to avoid the complexity of the illustration.

  In FIG. 2, in the apparatus main body 101 of the label producing apparatus 100, there are a cartridge holder 27, a print head 19 (printing means), a tape feed roller driving shaft 30 (conveying means), a ribbon take-up roller driving shaft 31, and the like. A cartridge sensor 37 is provided.

  The cartridge holder 27 can selectively attach and detach a plurality of types of cartridges 10 (tape cartridges) having different types of tapes to be stored. In this example, the cartridge 10 is a cartridge having a base tape roll 17 around which a base tape 16 for producing the print label L is wound (see FIG. 3 described later). Further, the cartridge holder 27 can selectively attach and detach a plurality of types of cartridges having different tape widths to be stored in each of the cartridges 10 having different types of tape.

  The print head 19 performs desired printing on a cover film 11 described later conveyed by the tape feed roller drive shaft 30 and the like. The tape feed roller drive shaft 30 and the ribbon take-up roller drive shaft 31 are drive shafts that respectively provide a transport driving force for the used ink ribbon 13 and the printed label tape 23 (both refer to FIG. 3 described later), and are linked to each other. And is driven to rotate.

  The cartridge sensor 37 indirectly detects the detected portion 24 (see FIG. 3 to be described later) formed on the mounted cartridge 10 at the time of mounting the cartridge 10 mechanically (or may be non-contact type). In addition, type information (in other words, attribute information described later) of the cartridge 10 is detected. In this example, the type of cartridge is a laminate type having a base tape 16 and a cover film 11 bonded thereto, such as a cartridge 10 shown in FIG. 3 described later.

  The cartridge 10 has the cartridge housing 70 formed in a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape as a whole, and the cartridge housing 70 has a head insertion opening 39 penetrating both front and back surfaces for inserting the print head 19. Is formed.

<Cartridge>
The cartridge holder 27 in which the cartridge 10 is mounted and its peripheral structure will be described with reference to FIG.

  In FIG. 3, the cartridge 10 is detachably accommodated in the cartridge holder 27 that is a recess in the apparatus main body 101. The cartridge 10 also includes a base tape roll 17 wound with a base tape 16, a cover film roll 12 (printed tape roll) wound with a cover film 11, and a ribbon supply for feeding out an ink ribbon 13 for printing. A side roll 14, a ribbon take-up roller 15 for taking up the ink ribbon 13 after printing, and a tape feed roller 18 are provided.

  The base tape roll 17 has the base tape 16 wound around a base tape spool 17a that is rotatably fitted in and stored in a boss 95 standing on the bottom surface of the cartridge 10.

  The base tape 16 has a laminated structure of a plurality of layers (4 layers in this example) (see a partially enlarged view in FIG. 3). That is, an adhesive layer 16a for bonding the cover film 11 made of an appropriate adhesive from the side wound inside (right side in the enlarged view) to the opposite side (left side in the enlarged view), for example, PET ( A tape base layer 16b made of polyethylene terephthalate), an adhesive layer 16c made of an appropriate pressure-sensitive adhesive, and a release paper 16d.

  The release paper 16d can be adhered to the object to be attached by the adhesive layer 16c by peeling off the finally completed print label L when the object is attached to an object such as a predetermined article. It is what.

  The cover film roll 12 has a width approximately the same as that of the base tape 16 in this example around the cover film spool 12a that is rotatably fitted and accommodated in a boss 96 provided upright on the bottom surface of the cartridge 10. A certain cover film 11 is wound.

  The ribbon supply side roll 14 winds the ink ribbon 13 around the ribbon supply side spool 14a. The ribbon take-up roller 15 includes a ribbon take-up spool 15a, and is driven by the ribbon take-up roller drive shaft 31 on the cartridge holder 27 side to take up the used ink ribbon 13 and take up the ribbon. Winding around the spool 15a.

  The tape feed roller 18 is driven by the tape feed roller drive shaft 30 on the cartridge holder 27 side so that the base tape 16 and the cover film 11 are pressed and bonded to form a printed label tape 23. The tape is fed in the direction indicated by the arrow T in FIG. That is, the tape feed roller 18 also functions as a tape pressure roller. The cover film 11 and the printed label tape 23 correspond to the print-receiving tape described in each claim.

  The ribbon take-up roller 15 and the tape feed roller 18 are driven by a driving force of a tape feed motor 33 (see FIG. 4 described later) provided outside the cartridge 10 via a gear mechanism (not shown). By being transmitted to the ribbon take-up roller drive shaft 31 and the tape feed roller drive shaft 30, they are driven to rotate in conjunction with each other.

  Further, the cartridge 10 has a detected portion 24 at a corner opposite to the tape feeding roller 18 (upper right corner in FIG. 3). The detected portion 24 is provided with a plurality of switch holes in a predetermined pattern. As described above, each pattern includes the type information of the cartridge 10, that is, the base tape 16 and the cover film 11. Contains cartridge attribute information including tape width, tape color, tape material, and the like. The cartridge sensor 37 (see FIG. 2) described above can detect different switch hole patterns depending on the type of each cartridge 10 as described above, and thereby detect the type of the cartridge 10.

  On the other hand, the cartridge holder 27 has the print head 19, the ribbon take-up roller drive shaft 31, the tape feed roller drive shaft 30, and the roller holder 22. The print head 19 includes a large number of heating elements, and performs printing on a predetermined print area of the cover film 11 fed out from the cover film roll 12.

  The tape feed roller drive shaft 30 is configured so that the cover film 11 fed from the cover film roll 12 of the cartridge 10 mounted on the cartridge holder 27 and the base tape 16 fed from the base tape roll 17 are transferred to the tape feed roller 18. It is conveyed by driving.

  The roller holder 22 is pivotally supported by a support shaft 29 and can be switched between a printing position and a release position by a switching mechanism (not shown). A platen roller 20 and a tape pressure roller 21 are rotatably disposed in the roller holder 22, and when the roller holder 22 is switched to the printing position (position shown in FIG. 3), the platen roller 20. The tape pressure roller 21 is pressed against the print head 19 and the tape feed roller 18.

  Further, a cutter 28 is disposed in the cartridge holder 27 adjacent to the discharge port (not shown) of the cartridge 10. The cutter 28 is activated when a cutter driving button 38 (see FIG. 4 described later) is pressed, and the printed label tape 23 is cut to a predetermined length to generate a printed label L.

  In the above configuration, after the cartridge 10 is mounted on the cartridge holder 27, the ribbon take-up roller drive shaft 31 and the tape feed roller drive shaft 30 are synchronized with each other by the driving force of the tape feed motor 33 (see FIG. 4 described later). Is rotated. As the tape feed roller drive shaft 30 is driven, the tape feed roller 18, the platen roller 20, and the tape pressure roller 21 rotate to feed the base tape 16 from the base tape roll 17, and the tape feed roller 18 as described above. Supplied to. On the other hand, the cover film 11 is fed out from the cover film roll 12, and a plurality of heating elements of the print head 19 are energized by a print head drive circuit 32 (see FIG. 4 described later). At this time, the ink ribbon 13 is pressed against the print head 19 to be brought into contact with the back surface of the cover film 11. As a result, desired printing is performed in a predetermined printing area on the back surface of the cover film 11. The base tape 16 and the cover film 11 after printing are bonded and integrated by a tape feeding roller 18 and a tape pressing roller 21 to form a printed label tape 23, and a cartridge is formed from the discharge port. 10 is carried out. Then, the printed label tape 23 is cut by the cutter 28, and the print label L on which the desired printing is performed is generated.

  Instead of the cartridge 10 having a configuration in which the base tape 16 and the cover film 11 are bonded together, a cartridge of a type that does not perform the bonding may be used. That is, a cartridge having a print-receiving layer (e.g., a print-receiving tape roll) capable of feeding out a heat-sensitive tape having a heat-sensitive layer made of a heat-sensitive material that can be colored and formed by heat. In addition, the thermal tape fed from the roll may be printed only by the heat generated by the print head 19 without using an ink ribbon or the like, or the present invention is not limited to this, and instead of the thermal tape. Using a cartridge having a roll (corresponding to a print-receiving tape roll) capable of feeding a tape having a transfer-receiving layer composed of a transfer-receiving material that can be printed by thermal transfer from an ink ribbon, the cartridge is drawn out from the roll. The tape may be printed using an ink ribbon as in the case of the cartridge 10 described above.

<Control system of label production device>
A functional configuration of the label producing apparatus 100 will be described with reference to FIG.

  In FIG. 4, a control circuit 40 is disposed on a control board (not shown) of the label producing apparatus 100. The control circuit 40 is provided with a CPU 44, which is connected to the input / output interface 41, ROM 46, flash memory (EEPROM) 47, RAM 48, table storage unit 49, and communication interface (for communication) via the data bus 42. I / F) 43 is connected.

  The ROM 46 reads out data from a print buffer 48B, which will be described later, drives the print head 19 and the tape feed motor 33, which will be described later, and executes print drive control for executing the procedures shown in the flowcharts of FIGS. Program, cutting drive control program for driving the printed label tape 23 to the cutting position by driving the tape feed motor 33 and driving the solenoid 35 described later to cut the printed label tape 23 when printing is completed Various programs necessary for control are stored. The CPU 44 performs various calculations based on various programs stored in the ROM 46.

  The RAM 48 temporarily stores various calculation results calculated by the CPU 44. The RAM 48 is provided with a text memory 48A, a print buffer 48B, a work memory 48C for storing various calculation data, and the like. The text memory 48A stores print data such as document data.

  The table storage unit 49 is constituted by a part of the storage area of the ROM 46 or the EEPROM 47, for example. In the table storage unit 49, for example, the form of the detected portion 24 of the cartridge 10, 10 ′ and the model of the cartridge 10, 10 set by the manufacturer of the label producing device 100 when the label producing device 100 is manufactured. Is stored in advance in a model table (not shown).

  The flash memory (EEPROM) 47 stores the current type information of the cartridge 10 every time a label is created (details will be described later). The communication I / F 43 performs network communication with the operation terminal 400 via the communication line NW.

  The input / output interface 41 includes a print head drive circuit 32 for driving the print head 19, a tape feed motor drive circuit 34, a solenoid drive circuit 36, the cartridge sensor 37, and a cutter drive button 38. It is connected.

  The tape feed motor drive circuit 34 drives the tape feed motor 33 to drive the tape feed roller drive shaft 30 and the ribbon take-up roller drive shaft 31 described above. The label tape 23 is conveyed. The solenoid drive circuit 36 drives a solenoid 35 that drives the cutter 28 to perform a cutting operation. The cutter driving button 38 is used by the operator to manually operate the cutter 28 so that the print label L has a desired length.

  From the cartridge sensor 37, the detection result of the detected portion 24 formed on the cartridge 10 described above is input, and the CPU 44 detects the type information of the cartridge 10 based on the detection result.

  The end mark sensor 60 connected to the input / output interface 41 will be described later.

  In the control system configured as described above, print data (print data) created by an appropriate operation of the operation terminal 400 is input to the label creating apparatus 100 via the communication line NW. The input print data is sequentially stored in the text memory 48A. The stored print data is read again and subjected to predetermined conversion by the conversion function of the control circuit 40, whereby dot pattern data is generated and stored in the print buffer 48B. Further, the print head 19 is driven via the print head drive circuit 32, and each of the heating elements is selectively driven to generate heat corresponding to the print dots for one line, and the dot pattern data stored in the print buffer 48B is stored. Printing is performed, and in synchronization with this, the tape feed motor 33 performs transport control of the cover film 11 and the like via the tape feed motor drive circuit 34 and finally creates a print label L.

<End mark>
As described above, when the print label L is repeatedly produced and the cover film 11 is sequentially consumed, the remaining amount of the cover film 11 is finally reduced, and the print label L can be produced. Disappear. Therefore, in the present embodiment, as described above, a plurality of end marks 64 (detected parts) are provided at the end of the cover film 11 wound around the cover film roll 12 when the cover film 11 is fed out from the cover film roll 12. (See FIGS. 5, 7, 9, and 10 to be described later). An end mark sensor 60 (terminal detection means) for optically detecting the end mark 64 is provided in a portion of the cartridge holder 27 in the vicinity of the feeding position of the cover film 11 of the cover film roll 12. The detection signal of the mark sensor 60 is input to the CPU 44 via the input / output interface 41, and based on the detection of the end mark 64 of the end mark sensor 60, the CPU 44 identifies the end portion of the cover film 11 in the feeding direction (details). Will be described later). Note that a lower hole 70d of the cartridge housing 70 described above is provided with a transmission hole (not shown) through which detection light input and output by the end mark sensor 60 is transmitted in order to smoothly perform the above detection.

  In FIG. 5, the extending | stretching direction termination | terminus part of the said cover film 11 is shown. As shown in FIG. 5, at least one pair of end marks 64 (up to three pairs are shown in this example) called so-called end marks are provided on the end E of the cover film 11 in the feeding direction. In this example, a normal film portion 11A (a portion other than the end mark 64) of the cover film 11 ends at the end portion E, and an end mark 64 is provided following the end. In the end portion E, after the end mark 64 is finished, some of the normal film portions 11A may be further provided. Each end mark 64 is composed of a pair of patterns in which, for example, a light absorbing region 64a such as black and a light transmitting region 64b (non-light absorbing region) such as a transparent color are alternately arranged. It is formed in a shape.

<End mark sensor>
FIG. 6 shows a circuit configuration of the end mark sensor 60. As shown in FIG. 6 and FIG. 3 described above, the end mark sensor 60 is projected from the projector 60a (projecting means) capable of projecting toward the transport path of the cover film 11 to be transported, and the projector 60a. The optical sensor includes a light receiver 60b (light receiving means) capable of outputting a detection voltage value corresponding to the amount of light received through the light transmissive region 64b. As shown in FIG. 6, a projector 60a (for example, a light emitting diode) and a light receiver 60b (for example, a phototransistor) are connected in parallel between power supply voltage input terminals 66a and 66b. Further, the current limiting resistor R1 is inserted in series on the ground side (the cathode side of the light emitting diode) of the projector 60a, and the load resistor R2 is inserted in series on the ground side (the emitter side of the phototransistor) of the light receiver 60b. The detection voltage value V (sensor output of the end mark sensor 60) is taken out from the output terminal 67 between the light receiver 60b and the load resistor R2. For example, + 3.3V is used as the power supply voltage Vcc. The detected voltage value V from the end mark sensor 60 is input to a CPU (not shown) of the control unit 53 of the label producing apparatus 100. In the illustrated configuration, the detected voltage value V from the end mark sensor 60 increases as the amount of received light increases, but the detected voltage value V from the end mark sensor 60 increases as the amount of received light increases. You may make it give the characteristic which becomes small.

  FIG. 7 shows how the end mark sensor 60 detects the end mark 64 in the vicinity of the end portion E of the cover film 11. The cover film 11 displays the above-described three-layer structure with a one-layer structure in a schematic form.

  In FIG. 7, the cover film 11 is fed out from the cover film roll 12 in the direction of the arrow and is conveyed. For example, it is assumed that the normal film portion 11A of the cover film 11 passes on the optical path λ of the light emitted from the light projector 60a of the end mark sensor 60 to the light receiver 60b. In this case, since the light emitted from the projector 60a is transmitted through the film portion 11A with almost no interruption, the amount of light received by the light receiver 64b increases, and the sensor output voltage (the detected voltage value V described above) output from the light receiver 64b. (The same applies hereinafter) increases corresponding to the amount of received light.

  Thereafter, it is assumed that the light absorbing region 64a of the end mark 64 following the normal film portion 11A in the feeding direction end side is located on the optical path λ. In this case, since the light emitted from the projector 60a is blocked by the light absorbing region 64a, the amount of light received by the light receiver 64b decreases, and the sensor output voltage output from the light receiver 64b corresponds to the amount of light received. Get smaller. After that, when the translucent area 64b of the end mark 64 is positioned on the optical path λ by further transport of the cover film 11, the light emitted from the projector 60a is transmitted through the translucent area 64b. As the amount of received light increases, the sensor output voltage output from the light receiver 60b increases corresponding to the amount of received light. Therefore, due to the difference (in this example, increase) in the sensor output voltage of the end mark sensor 60 as described above when the light absorptive region 64a enters the light transmissive region 64b, the end mark 64 is placed on the label producing apparatus 100 side. The terminal E of the cover film 11 can be detected.

  The end mark sensor 60 may be a reflective sensor instead of the so-called transmissive sensor as described above. In this case, both the light projector 60a and the light receiver 60b are provided on the same side of the cover film 11 (left side in FIG. 3). The light projector 60a projects light toward the cover film 11, and the light receiver 60b receives the reflected light reflected from the non-light-absorbing region of the cover film 11 after being emitted from the light projector 60a. The voltage corresponding to is output.

<Appearance of printed label>
The appearance and structure of the printed label L produced by the label producing apparatus 100 as described above will be described with reference to FIG.

  In FIG. 8, the print label L has a five-layer structure in which the cover film 11 is added to the base tape 16 shown in FIG. That is, the cover film 11, the pressure-sensitive adhesive layer 16a, the tape base material layer 16b, the pressure-sensitive adhesive layer 16c, and the release paper 16d are laminated in this order from the surface to the opposite side (illustration of the sectional structure is omitted). ). At this time, on the back surface of the cover film 11, a print R (character “Taro Hokkaido” in this example) corresponding to the print data input by the operator via the operation unit 402 of the operation terminal 400 is mirror image printed. Is printed.

<Features of this embodiment>
In the basic configuration described above, in the present embodiment, as a feature thereof, when the end mark 60 in the vicinity of the end portion of the cover film 11 is detected, purchase support information (when the operator newly purchases the cartridge 10) ( The details will be described later, but are printed on the cover film 11. At that time, the printing mode (printing contents) changes according to the size of the area where the purchase support information can be printed. Hereinafter, the contents will be described in order.

  That is, as described above, in the label producing apparatus 100, the cover film 11 and the base tape 16 in the cartridge 10 are consumed every time they are used for printing, so the cartridge 10 is a consumable item. Therefore, at least when the cover film 11 and the base tape 16 in the cartridge 10 mounted on the cartridge holder 27 are consumed and the new cover film 11 and the base tape 16 cannot be fed out, the operator newly A new cartridge 10 must be purchased and refilled to perform tape printing.

  As already described, in this embodiment, in order to detect such consumption of the cover film 11, an end mark 64 is provided in the vicinity of the end portion in the feeding direction of the cover film 11, and printing is performed along the conveyance path. An end mark sensor 60 is provided upstream of the head 19. Thereby, when the end mark sensor 60 detects the end mark 64, it can be identified that almost all the cover film roll 12 has been consumed on the label producing apparatus 100 side.

  When purchasing such a new cartridge 10, the operator intends to purchase a cartridge 10 of the same type as the cartridge 10 currently used (that is, the tape cartridge mounted on the cartridge holder 27). Is common. However, in general, the model notation is composed of symbols, numbers, and the like set by the convenience of the manufacturer, and is not easy for the operator to remember (see also FIGS. 9A to 9E described later). Also, different types of cartridges 10 may have similar external shapes, and the operator may purchase them incorrectly.

<Print formation mode in information print area>
Therefore, in the present embodiment, when the end mark sensor 60 detects the end mark 64 as described above, the information print area (FIG. In accordance with the size of the information printing areas AR1, AR2 and AR3, printing in any of the forms shown in FIGS. 9A to 9E is formed on the upstream side of the end mark 64 of the cover film 11. Hereinafter, various aspects of the print formation of the purchase support information will be described step by step with reference to FIGS.

  FIG. 9A shows a case where the size of the information print area AR in which purchase support information can be formed when the end mark 64 is detected is a sufficiently large area (specifically, the tape in the information print area AR). In the case where the dimension in the length direction is not less than the threshold value S2 and smaller than the threshold value S1, details will be described later. In the information printing area AR in this case, the current model / latest model information printing section T1 on which purchase support information (corresponding to the first information section) including the current model information and the latest model information of the cartridge 10 is printed and formed. Applicable to the label production apparatus 100 and the use history information printing section T2 in which purchase support information (corresponding to the second information section) including the use history information of the cartridge 10 used in the past in the label production apparatus 100 is printed. Printing of all types of information such as all type information of the cartridge 10 and purchase support information (corresponding to the third information category) including other device specification information (performance information, specification information, etc.) of the label producing device 100 is printed. And a section T3. At this time, as shown in the drawing, the all-model-information printing section T3 is arranged on the upstream side of the usage history information printing section T2 in the tape transport direction, and the usage history information printing section T2 includes the current model information / latest model information printing. It arrange | positions in the tape conveyance direction upstream rather than the division T1.

  The current model information of the current model / latest model information print classification T1 is acquired as follows. That is, when the cartridge 10 is mounted on the cartridge holder 27, attribute information (for example, tape width, tape color, tape material, etc. of the tape to be printed) of the mounted cartridge 10 is determined by the CPU 44 based on the detection result of the cartridge sensor 37. Obtained by Then, the CPU 44 refers to the above-described model table of the table storage unit 49 with respect to the acquired attribute information, thereby acquiring the model of the mounted cartridge 10 as the current model information. In the example of FIG. 9A, the current model (indicated as “in-use model” in the figure) is “TZ-378”, the width of the cover film 11 and the base tape 16 is 12 mm, and the base tape 16 The fact that the color is black and that the cartridge 10 is a laminate type is shown by the print formation.

  On the other hand, the latest model information is acquired as follows. That is, the CPU 44 accesses one of the product information website WA of the manufacturer of the label producing apparatus 100, the website WB of the dealer, the website WC of mail order, etc. via the communication I / F 43. Then, the CPU 44 acquires the latest model information of the cartridge 10 corresponding to the attribute information acquired from the detection result of the cartridge sensor 37 as described above, and stores it in the EEPROM 47. In the example of FIG. 9A, the latest model corresponding to the current model “TZ-378” (shown as “new model” in the figure) is “Tze-733” as shown by the print formation. Yes.

  Further, the use history information of the use history information print section T2 is acquired as follows. That is, as already described, the label producing apparatus 100 can be used by appropriately replacing a plurality of types of cartridges 10. When a plurality of types of cartridges 10 are exchanged and used sequentially in the cartridge holder 27, the attribute information of each cartridge 10 by the cartridge sensor 37 is controlled by the CPU 44 as described above. The type (that is, current type information) of each cartridge 10 obtained by applying the table is stored and accumulated in the EEPROM 47 as usage history information. Then, when the support information label LA is created, the use history information is read from the EEPROM 47 and used. In the example of FIG. 9A, “Tz-365” (a thermal type cartridge 10 ′ in which the width of the thermal tape 16 ′ is 24 mm) is used as a type that has been used in the past in the label producing apparatus 100. “Tz-123” (laminate type cartridge 10 with a cover film 11 width of 6 mm) and “Tz-057” (laminate type cartridge 10 with a cover film 11 width of 9 mm) are used for print formation. It is represented by

  The above-described all-type information print classification T3 and device specification information may be acquired from the storage contents of the EEPROM 47 or the like, or may be acquired from each of the Web sites WA to WC, as described above. In the example of FIG. 9A, all types of models that can be used in the label producing apparatus 100 are “TZ-XXX”, “Tze-XXX”, and “SZ-XXX”. The formation of the print tape 11, 16 ′ etc. has a width of 6 [mm] to 24 [mm]. In this example, not all type information (a full description of the type) but information corresponding to all type information (information omitted in this example) such as “TZ / Tze / SZ” shown in the figure. It is written. In addition, as the above-mentioned apparatus specifications of the label producing apparatus 100, it is possible to correspond to a predetermined high-speed printing mode, and the fact that six AA alkaline batteries are required when using the battery drive. Represented by formation.

  FIG. 9B shows a case where the size of the information printing area AR in which purchase support information can be formed when the end mark 64 is detected is a slightly smaller area than that in FIG. 9A (details). Shows a case where the dimension in the tape length direction of the information printing area AR is equal to or larger than the threshold value S3 and smaller than the threshold value S2, details will be described later. In this case, the information printing area AR is provided with the current type / latest type information printing section T1 and the usage history information printing section T2 as described above, while the all-type information printing section T3 has a space that can be formed. Omitted because it is not.

  FIG. 9C shows a case where the size of the information print area AR in which the purchase support information can be formed when the end mark 64 is detected is a small area that is slightly smaller than that in FIG. Specifically, the case where the tape length direction dimension of the information print area AR is equal to or larger than the threshold value S3 and smaller than the threshold value S2 (details will be described later) is shown. In this case, the information printing area AR is provided with the current type / latest type information printing section T1 similar to the above, while the use history information printing section T2 and the printing section T3 such as all type information have no space to be formed. Therefore, it is omitted.

  FIG. 9D shows a case where the size of the information print area AR in which purchase support information can be formed when the end mark 64 is detected is a minimum area that is even smaller than that in FIG. 9C (details). Shows a case where the dimension in the tape length direction of the information printing area AR is equal to or larger than the threshold value S4 and smaller than the threshold value S3 (details will be described later). In the information printing area AR in this case, since there is no space for forming the current type / latest type information printing section T1, the usage history information printing section T2, and the printing section T3 such as all type information, etc. A two-dimensional barcode area T4 on which a two-dimensional barcode BC is printed is provided.

  In this example, the two-dimensional bar code BC is printed in the current type / latest type information printing section T1, the usage history information printing section T2, and the all-type information printing section T3 shown in FIG. 9A. The content equivalent to each purchase support information is converted into barcode information. That is, in the example shown in FIG. 9D, the two-dimensional barcode BC in the two-dimensional barcode region T4 is read by an appropriate optical reading device (so-called barcode reader, not shown). The current model information / latest model information / all model information of the cartridge 10 is the same as the contents printed on the above-mentioned current model / latest model information printing category T1, usage history information printing category T2, all model information etc. printing category T3, Usage history information, spec information, and the like of the label producing apparatus 100 can be displayed on appropriate display means (not shown).

  In the illustrated example, the same contents as the purchase support information shown in FIG. 9A, that is, the current model of the cartridge 10 is “TZ-378” and the width of the cover film 11 and the base tape 16 is 12 mm. The material tape 16 is black and is the laminate type cartridge 10, the corresponding latest model is “Tze-733”, and the usage history of the label producing apparatus 100 is “Tz-365” (thermal tape Thermal type cartridge 10 with a width of 24 mm), “Tz-123” (laminate type cartridge 10 with a cover film 11 width of 6 mm), “Tz-057” (a laminate with a cover film 11 width of 9 mm) The presence of the type of cartridge 10) is displayed on the display means by reading with the optical reading device. It is.

  FIG. 9E shows a case where the size of the information print area AR in which the purchase support information can be formed when the end mark 64 is detected cannot be taken (specifically, the dimension of the information print area AR in the tape length direction). Is smaller than the threshold value S4 (details will be described later). In this case, since the space of the information print area AR cannot be secured in practice, the purchase support information is printed on the end mark 64 instead. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 9 (e), at least a part of the purchase support information is sequentially formed in each of the non-light-absorbing regions 64 b of the plurality of end marks 64.

  In this example, “currently used tape” indicating the current model information / latest model information in the first non-light-absorbing region 64b from the downstream side in the transport direction (left side in the figure) to the upstream side (right side in the figure). Etc. are formed. The next second non-light-absorbing region 64b indicates that the current model is the cartridge 10 in which the width of the cover film 11 and the base tape 16 is 12 mm and the color of the base tape 16 is black. Printing of “lami 12 mm black” or the like is performed. The next third non-light-absorbing region 64b is formed with a print such as “TZ-378”, which is the current model, and the next fourth non-light-absorbing region 64b has the current model. Print formation of “Tze-733”, which is the latest compatible format, is performed.

  A print history such as a “history tape” indicating use history information is formed in the sixth non-light-absorbing region 64b. The next seventh non-light-absorbing region 64b is formed with a print such as “Tz-365” which is one of the types used, and the next eighth non-light-absorbing region 64b has Print formation such as “Tz-123” which is one of the used types is performed, and “Tz-057” which is one of the used types in the ninth non-light-absorbing region 64b. Etc. are formed.

  The printing mode shown in FIG. 9 (e) is not limited to the case where the space of the information printing area AR cannot be secured as described above, and the space can be secured. This may also be applied to the case where purchase support information is not desired to be printed and formed in this portion (substantial print effective area).

<Print formation behavior of purchase support information>
Next, the behavior of printing the purchase support information created by the label creating apparatus 100 as described above will be described with reference to FIG. In FIG. 10, the tape transport behavior is conceptually illustrated only by the cover film 11, and the illustration and description of the behavior of the base tape 16 bonded to the cover film 11 is actually omitted.

  In the present embodiment, as described above, the consumption of the cover film 11 is identified by the end mark sensor 60 detecting the end mark 64 during the conveyance of the cover film 11 during print formation. In other words, when the end mark 64 is detected, the print formation for creating the print label L based on the print data is being performed. Therefore, before starting the print formation of the purchase support information, it is necessary to complete the print formation for the print label L during the execution. At that time, if there are many unprinted portions in the print data, the distance in the tape transport direction necessary for completion of the print formation becomes long, and the information print area AR (for print formation of the purchase support information) ( 10 (b), (g) and (l)) become smaller. Conversely, when there are few unprinted portions of the print data, the tape transport direction distance necessary for completing the print formation is shortened, and the information print area AR for printing the purchase support information is enlarged. .

<When a relatively large information printing area can be secured>
The examples shown in FIGS. 10A to 10E are examples in which a relatively large information print area AR can be secured, and correspond to the above-described FIG. 9A. In this example, a print label L having a two-character print R of the text “AB” is created at the last portion of the cover film 11 immediately before the end mark 64. First, the conveyance of the cover film 11 is started (see FIG. 10A). After the formation of the print R is started by the print head 19, the formation of the print R progresses as the conveyance proceeds. Then, the end mark sensor 60 detects the end mark 64 at the timing when about half of “B” is printed by the print head 19 (see FIG. 10B). In this case, only the remainder of “B” is not printed on the cover film 11. As a result, the information print area AR calculated based on the print data including the text character “AB” (in other words, from the vicinity of the end portion on the upstream side in the transport direction of the portion that becomes the print label L to the downstream side in the transport direction of the end mark 64. The size of the region up to the vicinity of the end of the portion is sufficiently large.

  Here, in the present embodiment, the priority order of the print sections in which the print formation is performed in the information print area AR is the above-mentioned current type / latest type information print section T1 with the highest priority (first priority), and the usage history. The information printing section T2 is determined in the order of the second priority (second priority), and the all-type information printing section T3 is the third priority (third priority). In the above case, since the size of the information print area AR is sufficiently large, as the cover film 1 is further conveyed after the formation of the print R of the text “AB” is completed as described above, the first All of the priority to third priority levels, that is, the current type / latest type information printing category T1, the usage history information printing category T2, and the all type information printing category T3 are sequentially printed in this order (FIG. 10 (c)).

  In this example, the conveyance is stopped during the print formation of the print section T3 such as the above-described all-type information, and the upstream end (rear end side) of the cover film 11 serving as the print label L is the cutter 28 on the upstream side (rear end side). It is cut (see FIG. 10D). Then, even after the transport is resumed and the cut print label L is discharged, the print formation of the print section T3 such as the all-model information is continued, and finally the downstream side of the end mark 64 in the transport direction (the front end side). ), The transport of the cover film 11 is stopped when all of the current type / latest type information printing section T1, the usage history information printing section T2, and the printing section T3 such as all type information are formed (see FIG. 9A). (See FIG. 10E).

<When the information printing area can be secured to a medium level>
The examples shown in FIGS. 10F to 10J are examples in which a medium information printing area AR that is slightly smaller than the above-described FIGS. 10A to 10E can be secured. It corresponds to b). In this example, a print label L having a five-character print R of the text “ABCDE” is created at the last portion of the cover film 11 immediately before the end mark 64. Similarly to the above, after the transport of the cover film 11 is started (see FIG. 10F), the end mark 64 is detected at the timing when about half of “B” is printed after the formation of the print R is started. (See FIG. 10 (g)). However, in this case, the remaining “B” and three characters “CDE” are not printed on the cover film 11. As a result, the size of the information print area AR calculated based on the print data including the text character “ABCDE” is slightly smaller than that in FIG.

  As a result, as the cover film 1 is further conveyed after the formation of the print R of the text “ABCDE” is completed as described above, the first priority and the first priority among the first to third priorities Only the current type / latest type information printing section T1 and the usage history information printing section T2 of the second priority are preferentially selected, and these printing sections T1 and T2 are sequentially printed in this order (FIG. 10 (h)). reference).

  In this example, the conveyance is stopped at almost the same timing as the completion of the print formation of the usage history information print section T2, and the upstream end (rear end side) end of the cover film 11 serving as the print label L is the cutter 28. (See FIG. 10D). Then, the transport label is restarted and the cut print label L is discharged. Finally, the current model / latest model information print classification T1 and the use of the end mark 64 are disposed downstream in the transport direction (front end side). The conveyance of the cover film 11 is stopped in a state where the history information printing section T2 is formed (see FIG. 10 (j)).

<When the information printing area can only be kept small>
The examples shown in FIGS. 10 (k) to 10 (o) are examples in which only a small information print area AR smaller than those shown in FIGS. 10 (f) to (j) can be secured. ). In this example, a print label L having a print R of 7 characters of the text “ABCDEFG” is created at the last portion of the cover film 11 immediately before the end mark 64. Similarly to the above, after the conveyance of the cover film 11 is started (see FIG. 10 (k)), the end mark 64 is detected at the timing when about half of “B” is printed after the formation of the print R is started. (See FIG. 10 (l)). In this case, the remaining “B” and the five characters “CDEFG” are not printed on the cover film 11. As a result, the size of the information print area AR calculated based on the print data including the text character “ABCDEFG” is smaller and smaller than that in FIG.

  As a result, as the cover film 1 is further transported after the formation of the print R of the text “ABCDEFG” is completed as described above, the first priority among the first to third priorities. Only the current model / latest model information printing section T1 is preferentially selected, and this printing section T1 is printed (see FIG. 10 (m)).

  In this example, after the formation of the current type / latest type information print section T1 is completed and further conveyed, the conveyance is stopped, and the upstream side (rear side) end of the cover film 11 serving as the print label L in the conveyance direction Is cut by the cutter 28 (see FIG. 10 (n)). Then, the transporting is resumed and the cut print label L is discharged. Finally, the current type / latest type information printing section T1 is formed on the downstream side (front end side) of the end mark 64 in the transport direction. In this state, the conveyance of the cover film 11 is stopped (see FIG. 10 (o)).

<Control procedure>
Next, the control contents executed by the CPU 44 of the control circuit 40 of the label producing apparatus 100 in order to realize the above contents will be described with reference to FIGS.

  In FIG. 11, for example, when the operator turns on the power of the label producing apparatus 100, this flow is started ("START" position).

  First, in step S5, the CPU 44 initializes all of the end mark detection flag Fe, the barcode printing flag Fb, and the end mark printing flag Fz to zero. Details of these flags will be described later.

  Thereafter, in step S10, the CPU 44 inputs a detection signal from the cartridge sensor 37, and the tape of the base tape 16 and the cover film 11 provided in the cartridge 10 and the like mounted on the cartridge holder 27 according to the input signal. The attribute information (in other words, the type information) such as width, tape color, and tape material is detected, and the detection result is stored in the RAM 48, for example. The CPU 44 may always input the detection result of the cartridge sensor 37 and store it in the RAM 48 at this timing. In addition, this step S10 functions as the attribute detection means described in each claim.

  Thereafter, in step S20, the CPU 44 determines whether or not the creation instruction signal output from the operation terminal 400 is input via the communication line NW. When the operator intends to create the print label L, print data for printing the text is generated by an appropriate operation of the operation unit 402 by the operator, and the print label including the print data is generated. An L label creation instruction signal is transmitted from the operation terminal 400. The determination is not satisfied until this label creation instruction signal is input from the operation terminal 400 (S20: NO), and a loop standby is performed. When the label creation instruction signal is input from the operation terminal 400, the determination is satisfied (S20: YES), and the print data for creating the print label L included in the label creation instruction signal is stored in the text memory 48A. Control goes to step S22.

  In step S22, the CPU 44 uses the model table in the table storage unit 49 to acquire the current model information of the currently installed cartridge 10 or the like corresponding to the attribute information of the cartridge 10 or the like acquired in step S10. To do. In addition, this step S22 functions as the present type information acquisition means described in each claim.

  Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S23, where the CPU 44 accesses the product information website WA, the dealer website WB, the mail order website WC, etc. via the communication I / F 43, and is detected in step S10. The latest model information of the cartridge 10 or the like corresponding to the attribute information of the cartridge 10 or the like is acquired. This step S23 functions as the latest model information acquisition means described in each claim.

  Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S27, and the CPU 44 acquires, from the EEPROM 47, usage history information of the cartridge 10 and the like used in the label producing apparatus 100 up to that point in the label producing apparatus 100. Of the usage history information, for example, information older than a predetermined elapsed time may be cut and not acquired.

  Thereafter, in step S29 and step S291, as described above, the CPU 44 stores the information stored in the EEPROM 47 and the like, all types of information such as the cartridge 10 applicable to the label producing apparatus 100 from each of the websites WA to WC, and The apparatus specification information is acquired. In the illustrated example, device specification information is acquired from the EEPROM 47 in step S29, and all format information is acquired from each of the Web sites WA to WC in step S291 and stored in the EEPROM 47. Therefore, step S291 functions as an all-type acquisition unit.

  In step S30, the CPU 44 reads the printing data for creating the print label L stored in the text memory 48A in step S20 and performs, for example, predetermined conversion, and performs dot conversion corresponding to the print contents on the cover film 11. Pattern data (print drive data) is generated. Then, it is stored in the print buffer 48B.

  Thereafter, in step S100, the CPU 44 executes label creation processing for creating a print label L or support information label L on which printing corresponding to the dot pattern data is formed. That is, the plurality of heating elements of the print head 19 are energized by the print head drive circuit 32 (see FIG. 5), whereby the print is printed on the cover film 11 and formed as a printed label tape 23. This step S100 functions as a print control means described in each claim.

  In step S40, the CPU 44 stores the current model (model acquired in step S22) used by the label creation process in step S100 in the EEPROM 47 as a use history. This step S40 functions as history storage means described in each claim. Then, this flow ends.

<Label creation process>
Next, the detailed procedure of the label creation process in step S100 of FIG. 11 will be described with reference to FIG. In FIG. 12, a case where the print label L is produced using the laminate type cartridge 10 shown in FIG. 3 will be described as an example.

  First, in step S110, the CPU 44 outputs a control signal to the tape feed motor drive circuit 34, and drives the tape feed roller drive shaft 30 and the ribbon take-up roller drive shaft 31 by the tape feed motor 33. Thereby, the feeding of the base tape 16 from the base tape roll 17 and the feeding of the cover film 11 from the cover film roll 12 are started, and the base tape 16, the cover film 11, and the label tape for printing are started. 23 (hereinafter simply referred to as “base tape 16 or the like”) is started.

  Thereafter, in step S120, the CPU 44 determines whether or not the base tape 16 or the like has been conveyed by a predetermined amount. The predetermined amount is, for example, a conveyance distance that the front end of the print area provided in the cover film 11 reaches a position where the print head 19 is substantially opposed. This conveyance distance determination is performed by, for example, detecting a marking provided on the base tape 16 with a known tape sensor (not shown), or outputting it from the tape feed motor drive circuit 34 to the tape feed motor 33 which is a pulse motor. A known method such as counting the number of control pulses as the control signal is sufficient. If the predetermined amount is conveyed, the determination in step S120 is satisfied (S120: YES), and the process proceeds to step S130 described later. If the predetermined amount is not conveyed, the determination in step S120 is not satisfied (S120: NO), and the process proceeds to step S121.

  In step S <b> 121, the CPU 44 determines whether the end mark sensor 60 has detected the end mark 64 based on the detection signal of the end mark sensor 60. If the end mark 64 is not detected, the determination in step S121 is not satisfied (S121: NO), and the process returns to step S120 and the same procedure is repeated. If the end mark 64 is detected, the determination in step S121 is satisfied (S121: YES), and the process proceeds to step S200.

  In step S200, the CPU 44 executes a support information setting process for generating purchase support information when the operator newly purchases the cartridge 10. Details of the support information setting process will be described later. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S123.

  In step S123, the CPU 44 sets the end mark detection flag Fe to 1, and then returns to step S120 to repeat the same procedure.

  In step S <b> 130, the CPU 44 outputs a control signal to the print head drive circuit 32 and causes the print head 19 to start printing corresponding to the print drive data in the print area of the cover film 11.

  Thereafter, in step S140, the CPU 44 determines whether or not printing for the print area of the cover film 11 has been completed (in other words, whether printing of the print drive data on the cover film 11 by the print head 19 has been completed). Or not). If printing has been completed, the determination in step S140 is satisfied (S140: YES), and the process proceeds to step S150 described later. If printing has not been completed, the determination in step S140 is not satisfied (S140: NO), and the process proceeds to step S141.

  In step S141, the CPU 44 determines whether or not the end mark sensor 60 has detected the end mark 64, as in step S121. If the end mark 64 is not detected, the determination in step S141 is not satisfied (S141: NO), and the process returns to step S140 and the same procedure is repeated. If the end mark 64 is detected, the determination in step S141 is satisfied (S141: YES), and the process proceeds to step S200.

  In step S200, the CPU 44 executes the support information setting process as described above. Thereafter, in step S143, the CPU 44 sets the end mark detection flag Fe to 1 similarly to step S123, returns to step S140, and repeats the same procedure.

  In step S150, the CPU 44 determines whether or not the base tape 16 or the like has been further conveyed by a predetermined amount. The predetermined amount is, for example, a conveyance distance that the entire printing area exceeds the cutter 28 by a predetermined length. For example, the conveyance distance determination at this time may be the same as in step S120. If the predetermined amount is conveyed, the determination in step S150 is satisfied (S150: YES), and the process proceeds to step S160 described later. If the predetermined amount is not conveyed, the determination in step S150 is not satisfied (S150: NO), and the process proceeds to step S151.

  In step S151, the CPU 44 determines whether or not the end mark detection flag Fe is 1. If Fe = 0, the determination in step S151 is not satisfied (S151: NO), and the process proceeds to step S151a. If Fe = 1, the determination in step S151 is satisfied (S151: YES), and the process proceeds to later-described step S152.

  In step S151a, the CPU 44 determines whether or not the end mark sensor 60 has detected the end mark 64, as in step S121 and step S141. If the end mark 64 is not detected, the determination in step S151a is not satisfied (S151a: NO), the process returns to step S150, and the same procedure is repeated. If the end mark 64 is detected, the determination in step S151a is satisfied (S151a: YES), and the process proceeds to step S200.

  In step S200, the CPU 44 executes the support information setting process as described above. Thereafter, in step S151b, the CPU 44 sets the end mark detection flag Fe to 1 similarly to step S123, returns to step S150, and repeats the same procedure.

  On the other hand, in step S152, the CPU 44 determines whether or not the barcode print flag Fb is 1. If Fb = 0, the determination in step S152 is not satisfied (S152: NO), and the process proceeds to step S153. If Fb = 1, the determination in step S151 is satisfied, and the process proceeds to step S156 described later.

  In step S153, the CPU 44 determines whether or not the end-mark print flag Fz is 1. If Fz = 0, the determination at step S153 is not satisfied, and the routine goes to step S154. If Fb = 1, the determination in step S153 is satisfied, and the process proceeds to step S158 described later.

  In step S154, the CPU 44 causes the cover film 11 to print the purchase support information based on the setting of support information setting processing described later (in other words, the information printing in the examples of FIGS. 9A to 9C, for example). It is determined whether or not the end of the area AR in the transport direction is reached. The conveyance distance at this time may be determined in the same manner as in step S120, for example. As described above with reference to FIG. 10, when there are many unprinted portions of the print data of the print label L created when the end mark 64 is detected by the end mark sensor 60, The distance in the tape conveyance direction required for completion of printing formation becomes longer, and the printing start position of the purchase support information is more upstream in the conveyance direction (end mark 64 side). When the number of unprinted parts is small, the distance in the tape transport direction necessary for completion of the print formation is short, and the print start position of the purchase support information is further downstream in the transport direction (away from the end mark 64). Side). If the purchase support information print start position has not been reached, the determination in step S154 is not satisfied (S154: NO), and a loop is waited for. When the print start position is reached, the determination in step S154 is satisfied (S154: YES), and the process proceeds to step S155.

  In step S155, the CPU 44 outputs a control signal to the print head drive circuit 32, and the print head 19 generates the information print area AR of the cover film 11 in step S230, step S250, or step S270 described later. Start printing the set purchase support information. Then, it returns to said step S150 and repeats the same procedure.

  On the other hand, in step S156, the CPU 44 determines whether or not the cover film 11 has reached the barcode printing start position (in other words, for example, the downstream end in the transport direction of the information printing area AR in the example of FIG. 9D). Determine. For example, the conveyance distance determination at this time may be the same as in step S120. If the bar code printing start position has not been reached, the determination in step S156 is not satisfied (S156: NO), and a loop standby is performed. When the barcode printing start position is reached, the determination in step S156 is satisfied (S156: YES), and the process proceeds to step S157.

  In step S157, the CPU 44 outputs a control signal to the print head drive circuit 32, and the print head 19 generates the information print area AR of the cover film 11 in step S230, step S250, or step S270 described later. Printing of the barcode BC (see FIG. 9D) corresponding to the set purchase support information is started. Then, it returns to said step S150 and repeats the same procedure.

  On the other hand, in step S158, the CPU 44 determines whether or not the cover film 11 has reached a position where the end mark 64 faces the print head 19. If the position has not reached the position facing the end mark 64, the determination in step S158 is not satisfied (S158: NO), and a loop standby is performed. If the position has reached the position facing the end mark 64, the determination in step S158 is satisfied (S158: YES), and the process proceeds to step S159.

  In step S159, the CPU 44 outputs a control signal to the print head drive circuit 32, and the print head 19 causes the light-transmitting regions 64b of the end marks 64 of the cover film 11 to be described later in step S230 or step S250. Alternatively, printing according to the purchase support information generated and set in step S270 is started in the order of the above-mentioned priority. Then, it returns to said step S150 and repeats the same procedure.

  In step S160 where the determination in step S150 is satisfied and the process proceeds to step S160, the CPU 44 outputs a control signal to the tape feed motor drive circuit 34, and the tape feed roller drive shaft 30 and the ribbon take-up roller drive shaft 31 by the tape feed motor 33. Is stopped, the feeding of the base tape 16 and the cover film 11 from the base tape roll 17 and the cover film roll 12, and the transport of the base tape 16 and the like are stopped.

  Thereafter, in step S170, the CPU 44 determines whether or not the cutter driving button 38 has been manually operated by the operator. The determination is not satisfied until the cutter driving button 38 is manually operated (S170: NO), waits in a loop, and when the cutter driving button 38 is manually operated, the determination is satisfied (S170: YES), and the process proceeds to step S180. .

  In step S <b> 180, the CPU 44 outputs a control signal to the solenoid drive circuit 36, drives the solenoid 35, and cuts the printed label tape 23 with the cutter 28. As described above, at this time, all of the printed label tape 23 including the printing area has sufficiently exceeded the cutter 28, and the printing corresponding to the print drive data is performed by cutting the cutter 28. A label L is generated.

  Thereafter, in step S190, the CPU 44 outputs a control signal to a discharge motor (not shown) that drives a separately provided discharge roller (not shown), and the print label L generated in step S180 is displayed on the apparatus. Drain out. Note that step S190 may be omitted when the print-receiving tape can be discharged out of the apparatus by manual operation without a discharge motor. Thereafter, this routine is terminated.

<Support information setting process>
Next, the detailed procedure of step S200 in FIG. 12 will be described with reference to FIG.

  First, in step S210, the CPU 44 responds to the fact that the end mark sensor 60 has detected the end mark 64, and prints the print data of the print label L created at this time (acquired in step S20 in FIG. 11). On the basis of the size of the information print area AR that can be secured on the downstream side in the transport direction from the end mark 64 in the cover film 11 (specifically, the length S in the transport direction of the information print area AR. FIG. FIG. 10 (g) and FIG. 10 (l)) are calculated. As described above, when there are many unprinted portions of the print data of the print label L, the distance in the tape transport direction necessary for completing the print formation becomes long, and the size of the information print area AR that can be secured is large. The thickness becomes smaller (see FIG. 10L). When the number of unprinted portions is small, the tape transport direction distance necessary for completing the print formation is short, and the size of the information print area AR that can be secured is large (see FIG. 10B). In addition, this step S210 functions as an area calculation unit described in each claim. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S220.

  In step S220, the CPU 44 determines whether or not the conveyance direction length S of the information printing area AR calculated in step S210 is equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold value S1. The threshold value S1 is sufficient to print all of the current type / latest type information printing section T1, the use history information printing section T2, and the printing section T3 such as all type information described above with reference to FIG. This is a value set and stored in advance as a short distance (see FIGS. 9A and 10E). When S ≧ S1, the determination in step S220 is satisfied (S220: YES), and the process proceeds to step S230. When S <S1, the determination in step S220 is not satisfied (S220: NO), and the process proceeds to step S240 described later.

  In step S230, the CPU 44 acquires the current model information (“Tz-378 in the example of FIG. 9B) acquired in step S22 of FIG. 11 and the latest model information acquired in step S23 (FIG. 9B). )) And the use history information acquired in step S27 (in the example of FIG. 9B, the thermal tape 16 'is a thermal type cartridge 10' having a width of 24 mm). “Tz-365”, “Tz-123” which is a laminate type cartridge 10 having a cover film 11 width of 6 mm, and “Tz-057” which is a laminate type cartridge 10 having a cover film 11 width of 9 mm), All model information and device specification information acquired in step S29 or step S291 (in the example of FIG. 9B, all models are “TZ-XXX”). Each series of “Tze-XXX” and “SZ-XXX” has a type with a width of 6 [mm] to 24 [mm] of the tapes 11 and 16 ′ to be printed, and a high-speed printing mode. And the purchase support information including that six AA alkaline batteries are required when the battery is driven. Thereafter, this routine is terminated.

  On the other hand, in step S240, the CPU 44 determines whether or not the conveyance direction length S of the information printing area AR calculated in step S210 is equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold S2 and less than S1. The threshold value S2 is the current type / latest type information among the current type / latest type information printing section T1, the usage history information printing section T2, and the all type information printing section T3 described above with reference to FIG. These values are preset and stored as a distance sufficient to print the print section T1 and the usage history information print section T2 (see FIGS. 9A and 10J). When S1> S ≧ S2, the determination in step S240 is satisfied (S240: YES), and the process proceeds to step S250. When S <S2, the determination in step S240 is not satisfied (S240: NO), and the process proceeds to step S260 described later.

  In step S250, the CPU 44 purchases the current model information acquired in step S22 of FIG. 11, the latest model information acquired in step S23, and the usage history information acquired in step S27. Generate support information. Thereafter, this routine is terminated.

  On the other hand, in step S260, the CPU 44 determines whether or not the conveyance direction length S of the information print area AR calculated in step S210 is equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold S3 and less than S2. The threshold value S3 is the current type / latest type information among the current type / latest type information printing section T1, the usage history information printing section T2, and the all type information printing section T3 described above with reference to FIG. It is a value that is preset and stored as a distance sufficient to form the print section T1 (see FIGS. 9A and 10O). When S2> S ≧ S3, the determination in step S260 is satisfied (S260: YES), and the process proceeds to step S270. If S <S3, the determination in step S260 is not satisfied (S260: NO), and the process proceeds to step S280 described later.

  In step S270, the CPU 44 generates purchase support information including the current model information acquired in step S22 of FIG. 11 and the latest model information acquired in step S23. Thereafter, this routine is terminated.

  On the other hand, in step S280, the CPU 44 determines whether or not the conveyance direction length S of the information print area AR calculated in step S210 is equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold value S4 and less than S3. The threshold value S4 is a value that is set and stored in advance as a distance sufficient to print the two-dimensional barcode area T4 described above with reference to FIG. 9 (see FIG. 9D). ). When S3> S ≧ S4, the determination in step S280 is satisfied (S280: YES), and the process proceeds to step S290. When S <S4, the determination in step S280 is not satisfied (S280: NO), and the process proceeds to step S300 described later.

  In step S290, the CPU 44 sets the barcode print flag Fb described above to 1. Thereafter, this routine is terminated.

  On the other hand, in step S300, the CPU 44 is obtained in step S22 of FIG. 11 described above for sequentially printing the translucent areas 64b provided in the end marks 64 of the cover film 11 in the order of priority. The current model information, the latest model information acquired in step S23, the usage history information acquired in step S27, and the all model information and device spec information acquired in step S29 and step S291. Generate purchase support information including.

  In step S310, the CPU 44 sets the inter-end mark print flag Fz to 1. Thereafter, this routine is terminated. In addition, step S230, step S250, step S270, and step S300 described above function as support information generation means described in each claim.

  As described above, in this embodiment, the cartridge sensor 37 detects the attribute information of the cartridge 10 attached to the cartridge holder 27, and the current state of the attached cartridge 10 corresponding to the attribute information. Model information is acquired. Further, the manufacturer information product website WA, the dealer website WB, and the mail order website WC of the label producing apparatus 100 are accessed, and the latest model information of the cartridge 10 corresponding to the detected attribute information is acquired. The Then, purchase support information is generated based on both the current model information and the latest model information.

  When almost all the cover film 11 is consumed and the end mark sensor 60 detects the end mark 64, the generated purchase support information is printed and formed in the information print area AR of the cover film 11. Thus, the operator can print the purchase support information on the information print area AR of the cover film 11 and then remove the cartridge 10 from the cartridge holder 27 (or the information print area of the cover film 11 separated from the cartridge 10). By bringing (AR only) to a store or the like, the cartridge 10 having the same function as the cartridge 10 that the operator intended to purchase can be purchased with certainty.

  At this time, in response to the fact that the size of the information print area AR varies according to the print data of the print label L created when the end mark 64 is detected, in the present embodiment, the end mark sensor 60 has the end mark. When 64 is detected, the size of the information print area AR that can be secured on the downstream side of the end mark 64 in the cover film 11 is calculated based on the print data (step S210). The generated purchase support information is printed on the cover film 11 in a printing mode (see Steps S230, S250, S270, and S300) according to the calculated size of the information printing area AR. The As a result, even if the size of the information print area AR changes according to the content of the print data as described above, the purchase support information is printed on the cover film 11 in an appropriate print mode corresponding to the size. can do. As a result, the operator can visually confirm the contents of the purchase support information printed and printed in any case. Therefore, the convenience when purchasing a new cartridge 10 can be improved.

  In the present embodiment, in particular, in order to execute the printing in the mode according to the size of the information printing area AR as described above, a plurality of information printing categories (current type / latest type information printing) for printing purchase support information are formed. A predetermined priority is assigned to each of the section T1, the use history information print section T2, and the print section T3 such as all type information. Based on the control of the CPU 44, as shown in FIG. 9A, FIG. 9B, and FIG. 9C, a higher priority information section is preferentially printed on the downstream side in the transport direction. (In other words, printing is formed at an early timing). As a result, important information such as the current type information can be preferentially printed and recorded in the limited information printing area AR by increasing the priority (FIGS. 9A to 9). c)). As a result, the operator can surely visually confirm at least important information with a high priority in the information printing area AR.

  In addition, due to changes in consumer needs, minor changes or version upgrades on the label producing apparatus 100 side, when the new cartridge 10 is purchased, the model of the cartridge 10 that the operator intends to purchase is changed by the manufacturer. It may have disappeared. Therefore, in this embodiment, in particular, the operation terminal 400 accesses the respective sites WA, WB, and WC related to the cartridge 10 and acquires the latest model information of the cartridge 10 corresponding to the detected attribute information. Based on both the current model information and the latest model information, the current model / latest model information printing section T1 is printed.

  As a result, when the model of the cartridge 10 that the operator intends to purchase has disappeared as described above, the model is not the non-existing model indicated by the current model information, but the corresponding model is displayed at each site WA, WB, WC. New model information represented by the latest model information that has been newly prepared instead of the model that does not exist is printed. If the model of the cartridge 10 that the operator intends to purchase exists, the current model information corresponding to the current cartridge 10 is printed as it is. At this time, the current model information and the latest model information are given the above-described first priority, and are printed as the current model / latest model information printing section T1. That is, the current model information and the latest model information are preferentially printed in the limited information printing area AR as information having the highest priority (see FIG. 9C). As a result, the operator can visually confirm at least the current model information and the latest model information with high probability in the information print area AR.

  In the present embodiment, in particular, the usage history information is given a second priority following the first priority, and is printed as the usage history information printing section T2. That is, the usage history information is preferentially printed after the current type / latest type information printing section T1 including the current type information and the latest type information (see FIG. 9B). As a result, the operator can also visually check the usage history information with a relatively high probability in the information print area AR.

  Further, when there are many unprinted portions of the cover film 11 when the end mark 64 is detected, and the size of the information print area AR that can be secured is very small, the current priority type / latest is the first priority. Even the type information printing section T1 may not be formed in the information printing area AR. Therefore, in this embodiment, particularly in such a case, a two-dimensional barcode area T4 including the two-dimensional barcode BC corresponding to the purchase support information is printed (see FIG. 9D). Thus, by reading the two-dimensional bar code BC with an optical reading device, the entire purchase support information can be displayed on an appropriate display means (see FIG. 9D). As a result, the convenience can be further improved.

  Further, if there are a large number of unprinted portions in the cover film 11 when the end mark 64 is detected, the information print area AR may not be secured. Alternatively, purchase support information may not be printed on a substantial print effective area other than the end mark 64 in the cover film 11. Therefore, in this embodiment, particularly in such a case, at least a part of the purchase support information is formed in the translucent area 64b of the end mark 64 (see FIG. 9E). Thereby, the minimum necessary portion of the purchase support information can be surely printed and recorded on the cover film 11. As a result, it is possible to reliably improve convenience when the operator purchases a new cartridge 10.

  In the above, the case where the label creating apparatus 100 directly accesses each of the Web sites WA to WC to acquire various types of information such as the latest model information has been described as an example, but the present invention is not limited thereto. That is, an appropriate communication terminal or other communication device (functioning as an information providing unit described in each claim) connected to the label producing device 100 accesses the Web sites WA to WC as appropriate to constantly update the latest information. The update may be acquired and the label creating apparatus 100 may access the communication terminal or the communication apparatus to acquire various information such as the latest model information. In this case, the same effect is obtained.

  In the above description, the case where the printed label tape 23 having been printed is cut by the cutter 28 to produce the printed label L has been described as an example. However, the present invention is not limited thereto. That is, in the case where a label mount (so-called die-cut label) previously separated into a predetermined size corresponding to the label is continuously arranged on the tape fed out from the roll, even if it is not cut by the cutter 28, After the tape has been discharged from the tape discharge port 104, only the label mount (the one on which the corresponding printing has been performed) may be peeled off from the tape to produce the print label L. Applicable.

  In addition, in the above, the arrow shown in FIG. 4 shows an example of the signal flow, and does not limit the signal flow direction. Further, the flowcharts shown in FIGS. 11, 12, and 13 do not limit the present invention to the procedures shown in the above-described flow, and the addition / deletion of the procedures or the order of the procedures are within the scope not departing from the spirit and technical idea of the invention. Changes may be made.

  In addition to those already described above, the methods according to the above-described embodiments and modifications may be used in appropriate combination.

  In addition, although not illustrated one by one, the present invention is implemented with various modifications within a range not departing from the gist thereof.

10 Cartridge (tape cartridge)
11 Cover film (printed tape)
12 Cover film roll (printed tape roll)
19 Print head (printing means)
23 Printed label tape (printed tape)
27 Cartridge holder 30 Tape feed roller drive shaft (conveyance means)
44 CPU
60 End mark sensor (terminal detection means)
60a Floodlight (light flooding means)
60b Light receiver (light receiving means)
64 End mark (detected part)
100 Label production device (tape printer)
AR information printing area

Claims (6)

A cartridge holder configured to wind a print-receiving tape in a roll shape so that the print-receiving tape can be fed, and to which a tape cartridge containing a print-receiving tape roll provided with a detection portion in the vicinity of a terminal portion in the feed-out direction of the print-receiving tape can be mounted When,
Transport means for transporting a print-receiving tape supplied from the tape cartridge mounted on the cartridge holder;
Printing means for performing desired printing corresponding to print data on the print-receiving tape conveyed by the conveying means;
A tape printer having:
Attribute detection means for detecting attribute information of the tape cartridge mounted on the cartridge holder;
Current type information acquisition means for identifying the type of the mounted tape cartridge corresponding to the attribute information detected by the attribute detection means and acquiring the corresponding current type information;
Based on the current type information acquired by the current type information acquiring unit, support information generating means for generating purchase support information when the operator newly purchases the current type information or a corresponding type of tape cartridge. When,
An end detection unit that is provided upstream of the printing unit along a transport path of the print-receiving tape transported by the transport unit, and detects the detected portion in the vicinity of the end portion of the print-receiving tape;
When the detected portion is detected by the end detection means, based on the print data, the print means is located downstream of the detected portion of the print-receiving tape, and the printing means can print the purchase support information. Area calculating means for calculating the size of the information printing area;
The print support information generated by the support information generation means is printed on the print-receiving tape in a printing mode corresponding to the size of the information print area calculated by the area calculation means. Print control means for controlling the means;
A tape printer characterized by comprising: The tape printer according to claim 1, wherein
The purchase support information is
It consists of multiple information categories each with a predetermined priority,
The print control means includes
When the size of the information print area calculated by the area calculation means is large enough to print all of the plurality of information sections, the plurality of information sections are printed on the information print area. If the size of the information printing area calculated by the area calculating means is smaller than the size capable of printing all of the plurality of information sections, the information section having a higher priority among the plurality of information sections. The tape printing apparatus is characterized in that the printing unit is controlled so that printing is performed on the downstream side in the transport direction in preference to the information section having a lower priority. The tape printer according to claim 2, wherein
Latest model information acquisition means for acquiring latest model information of the tape cartridge corresponding to the attribute information detected by the attribute detection means from information providing means related to the tape cartridge outside the tape printer. ,
The support information generating means includes
First information that is generated based on the current model information acquired by the current model information acquisition unit and the latest model information acquired by the latest model information acquisition unit and that is given a first priority. Generating the purchase support information including a category;
The print control means includes
If the size of the information print area calculated by the area calculation means is smaller than the size capable of printing all of the plurality of information sections, the first information section of the plurality of information sections other than that The tape printing apparatus is characterized in that the printing means is controlled so as to form a print on the downstream side in the transport direction with priority over the section. In the tape printer according to claim 3,
When the plurality of types of tape cartridges are replaced and used sequentially in the cartridge holder, the current type information is obtained for the plurality of types of tape cartridges based on the attribute information respectively detected by the attribute detection means. A history storage means for storing a plurality of the current type information respectively acquired by the means as usage history information;
The support information generating means includes
In addition to the first information section, the purchase support information is generated including a second information section that is generated including at least a part of the usage history information stored by the history storage means and is given a second priority. And
The print control means includes
If the size of the information print area calculated by the area calculation means is smaller than the size capable of printing all of the plurality of information sections, the first information section of the plurality of information sections other than that The second information section is prioritized over other sections other than the first information section and the second information section in the transport direction upstream with respect to the first information section. A tape printer which controls the printing means so as to form a print on the side. In the tape printer according to any one of claims 2 to 4,
The print control means includes
When the size of the information printing area calculated by the area calculating means is equal to or less than a predetermined threshold, the plurality of information categories of the purchase support information can be displayed by reading with an optical reading device. A tape printer which controls the printing means so as to print the two-dimensional bar code information in the information printing area. The tape printer according to any one of claims 1 to 5,
The detected portion is
Comprising at least one pair of end marks comprising a light absorbing region and a non-light absorbing region;
The end detection means includes
Light projecting means capable of projecting toward the transport path of the print-receiving tape transported by the transport means, and light projected from the light projecting means and transmitted through the non-light-absorbing region or the non-light-absorbing property A light receiving means capable of outputting a detection voltage value corresponding to the amount of light reflected by the region, and an optical sensor comprising:
The print control means includes
Tape printing characterized by controlling the printing means so as to print and form at least a part of the purchase support information generated by the support information generating means on the non-light-absorbing area of the print-receiving tape. apparatus.

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