JP2016129960A - Tape printing device - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a tape printing device capable of enhancing the decoration effect, by imparting a design property to a blank part in a character string.SOLUTION: A tape printing device comprises an operation part for forming printing to a printing label L and operating-inputting a character string R composed of a plurality of characters and a memory prepared in advance to be formed together with the character string R in the printing label L and storing a plurality of insertion images, and whether or nor a character-nonexistent blank part 41 exists between a character and a character in the character string R operated-inputted by the operation part, is determined, and when determined as existing, the insertion image inserted into the blank part 41 of the character string R, is selected from among the plurality of insertion images stored in the memory, and the selected insertion image is controlled by cooperating between a platen roller and a thermal head by generating printing data inserted into the blank part 41 of the character string R, to make the printing label L for forming the printing corresponding to the printing data.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

  The present invention relates to a tape printer for producing a printing tape.

  2. Description of the Related Art A tape printer that prints a character string on a print-receiving tape to create a print tape is known (see, for example, Patent Document 1). In this tape printer, a print tape is created by forming a print on a print-receiving tape (print tape) transported by a transport means (tape feed roller) by a print means (thermal head). At this time, text characters input by the operator and a frame surrounding and modifying the text characters can be printed on the print tape.

JP 2008-2333977 A

  However, with the above prior art, it is possible to surround and modify a character string, but when a blank portion exists between characters in the character string, no modification is made to the blank portion. . Therefore, the modification effect was not sufficient.

  An object of the present invention is to provide a tape printer that can give a design property to a blank portion in a character string and enhance a modification effect.

  In order to achieve the above object, the present invention has a conveying means for conveying a print-receiving tape, and a printing means for forming a print on the print-receiving tape conveyed by the conveying means, A tape printing apparatus for creating a printing tape from the tape to be printed after printing is formed, and a character string input means for operating and inputting a character string composed of a plurality of characters that is printed on the printing tape; A first storage means for storing a plurality of first images prepared in advance for forming together with the character string on the printing tape, and between characters in the character string operated and input by the character string input means. A first determination unit for determining whether or not there is a first blank part having no character, and the first storage unit when the first determination unit determines that the first blank part is present. Selected from the plurality of first images stored in the first image selection means for selecting a first image to be inserted into the first blank portion of the character string, and selected by the first image selection means A print data generation unit that generates print data inserted into the first blank portion of the character string, the transport unit, and the print unit are controlled in cooperation with each other to print corresponding to the print data. And a linkage control means for producing the printing tape on which is formed.

  In the present invention, when there is a blank portion (first blank portion) between characters in a plurality of characters constituting the character string operated and input by the operator, the determination of the first determination means is satisfied, The first image to be inserted into the first blank portion is selected by the one image selection means. Then, the print data generating means generates print data in which the selected first image is inserted in the first blank portion in the character string. As a result, a printing tape is formed in which a plurality of characters of the character string are formed and the first image is formed in the first blank portion under the control of the cooperation control unit. As a result, the blank portion in the character string can be given a design and the modification effect can be enhanced. Therefore, since the expressive power of the printing tape can be increased, the convenience for the operator can be improved.

  According to the present invention, it is possible to give designability to the blank portion in the character string and enhance the modification effect.

It is a front view showing the appearance of the tape printer of one embodiment of the present invention. It is a functional block diagram which shows the detailed function of a tape printer. It is explanatory drawing for demonstrating the content of the printed label production method. It is a figure which shows the example of the image for insertion memorize | stored in memory. It is a flowchart showing the control procedure performed by the control circuit. It is explanatory drawing for demonstrating the content of the printed label production method in the modification which has a blank part also in the front part and rear part of a character string. It is explanatory drawing for demonstrating the content of the printing label production method in the modification which inserts an image in the location corresponding even if it does not provide the blank part in the front part and rear part of a character string. It is a flowchart showing the control procedure performed by the control circuit. It is explanatory drawing for demonstrating the content of the printing label production method in the modification which inserts an image in a character string blank part corresponding to selection of a frame image. It is a flowchart showing the control procedure performed by the control circuit.

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

<Schematic configuration of tape printer>
A tape printer 20 of this embodiment is shown in FIG. In FIG. 1, a tape printer 20 includes, for example, a display unit 22 made up of a liquid crystal display for displaying various information and various messages, an operation unit 23 that allows an operator to perform various operations, and a cutter disposed in the apparatus main body. 27 (refer to FIG. 2 described later) and a cut lever 24 for driving.

  The operation unit 23 includes an input key for inputting characters, symbols, numbers, and the like, a print key for instructing start of creation of the print label L, a power button for turning on / off the apparatus power, and the like. Various keys and buttons are included.

<Functional configuration of tape printer>
A functional configuration of the tape printer 20 is shown in FIG. 2, the tape printer 20 includes a control circuit 25, a memory 26 (corresponding to a first storage means and a second storage means) for storing various information, the display unit 22, the operation unit 23, and the above. It has a cut lever 24, a cartridge holder 32, a platen roller 29 (corresponding to a conveying means), a thermal head 30 (corresponding to a printing means), and a cutter 27.

  The control circuit 25 includes a CPU, a RAM, and a ROM (not shown). The control circuit 25 executes various programs stored in advance in the ROM while using the temporary storage function of the RAM. Thereby, the control circuit 25 controls the entire tape printer 20.

  The memory 26 is composed of a non-volatile memory such as an EEPROM capable of adding and deleting stored contents. The memory 26 stores a plurality of insertion images prepared in advance (details will be described later).

  The cartridge holder 32 is configured such that the cartridge 31 capable of supplying the print-receiving tape 33 is detachable. The cartridge 31 includes a tape roll 34 (which is originally a spiral shape but is simplified and shown as a concentric circle) around which a print-receiving tape 33 is wound around a reel member (spool) (not shown).

  The platen roller 29 is provided to face the thermal head 30. The platen roller 29 is rotated by the driving force of the drive motor controlled by the control circuit 25, feeds the print-receiving tape 33 from the tape roll 34 of the cartridge 31 mounted on the cartridge holder 32, and transports the fed print-receiving tape 33. To do.

  Under the control of the control circuit 25, the thermal head 30 forms a desired print on the print-receiving tape 33 that is fed from the tape roll 34 and conveyed by the platen roller 29.

  When the operator operates the cut lever 24, the cutter 27 cuts the print-receiving tape 33 that has been printed by the thermal head 30, and prints the label L (corresponding to the print tape; see FIG. 3 and the like described later). To do.

  In the above configuration, when the cartridge 31 is mounted on the cartridge holder 32, the platen roller 29 is pressed against the thermal head 30, and the print-receiving tape 33 fed from the tape roll 34 is interposed between the platen roller 29 and the thermal head 30. Pinched. Then, the platen roller 29 is rotated by the driving force of a drive motor (not shown), and the print-receiving tape 33 is conveyed between the platen roller 29 and the thermal head 30. At this time, a plurality of heating elements (not shown) provided in the thermal head 30 are energized by the control circuit 25 to generate heat. As a result, the print corresponding to the print data (details will be described later) of the desired print content is printed on the print-receiving tape 33 by the thermal head 30.

  Thereafter, when the cut lever 24 is operated, the print-receiving tape 33 on which the cutter 27 has finished printing is cut, and the print label L is generated.

<Features of the embodiment>
In the tape printer 20 configured as described above, a feature of the present embodiment is that a print label in which an appropriate insertion image (details will be described later) is formed in a blank portion in a character string.

<Specific example of printing label creation>
That is, for example, when a user (corresponding to an operator) turns on the power button of the operation unit 23, a text input unit for inputting text characters or the like on the display unit 22 as shown in FIG. A text editing screen 40A having 40 is displayed. In this state, the user inputs text characters to the text input unit 40 using the input key of the operation unit 23. In this example, the input text character is a character string R of “Nomura Hiroki” representing the boy's name in hiragana. In the character string R, there is a blank portion 41 (corresponding to the first blank portion) having no character between the characters “ra” and the character “hi” (in other words, an intermediate portion of the character string R).

  Thereafter, when the user appropriately operates the operation unit 23, a group selection screen 42A is displayed on the display unit 22, as shown in FIG. On this group selection screen 42A, a plurality of image groups G each including a plurality of insertion images are displayed in a listable manner (for example, by scrolling).

<Image group of images for insertion>
Examples of the plurality of image groups and insertion images belonging to each of the plurality of image groups are shown in FIG. As shown in FIG. 4, in this example, as the image group G (corresponding to a group), “boy” group, “girl” group, “animal” group, “summer” group, “winter” group, “birthday” Six groups are prepared in advance. The “boy” group includes eleven images 101 to 111 prepared in advance to represent vehicles and toys for boys, and the “girl” group represents accessories and flowers for girls. The eleven images 121 to 31 prepared in advance are included, and the “animal” group includes nine images 141 to 149 prepared in advance to represent representative animals. Includes nine images 151 to 159 prepared in advance to represent a sense of summer season, and the “winter” group includes six images 161 to 161 prepared in advance to represent a sense of winter season. The “birthday” group includes six images 171 to 176 prepared in advance to represent the birthday event. The images 101 to 111, 121 to 131, 141 to 149, 151 to 159, 161 to 166, 171 to 176 (corresponding to the first image) are stored in the memory 26 in a form associated with each group in advance. ing.

  Returning to FIG. 3, on the group selection screen 42A, all the image groups G of the “boy” group, “girl” group, “animal” group, “summer” group, “winter” group, and “birthday” group are displayed. Is displayed so as to be selectable by an appropriate operation on the operation unit 23 by the user. In the example shown in FIG. 3B, each image group G is displayed in a form including an insertion image belonging to each group (may be all images belonging to each group or only a representative one of them). ing. Only a text display such as a group name may be displayed so as to be selectable.

  In a state where the plurality of image groups G are displayed on the group selection screen 42A, the user designates one image group G to be applied to the print label L that he / she intends to create by an appropriate operation of the operation unit 23. To do. In this example, the “boy” group is specified.

  Thereafter, the user presses the print key in the operation unit 23 to instruct the start of the production of the print label L. As shown in FIG. 3C, the designated image group G (in this example, “boy” One insertion image is selected at random from “Group”. In this example, the baseball cap image 106 (see FIG. 4) is selected. Then, print data in which the selected image 106 is inserted into the blank portion 41 in the character string R is generated. When such print data is generated, a plurality of characters “Nomura Hiroki” are printed on the print label L created using the print data, and the characters “ra” and the characters “hi” are printed. The image 106 is printed and formed in a blank portion between the two.

  When there are a plurality of blank portions 41 in the middle portion of the character string R (not necessarily in the middle of the character string), an insertion image is selected at random for each of them as described above. Then, print data in which the selected images are respectively inserted into the plurality of blank portions 41 in the character string R is generated, and the image is printed and formed in a plurality of blank portions between characters on the print label L.

<Control procedure>
FIG. 5 shows a flow representing a processing procedure executed by the control circuit 25 in order to realize the method of the present embodiment described above.

  In FIG. 5, for example, when the user turns on the tape printer 20 by operating the power button on the operation unit 23, this flow is started.

  First, in step S5, the control circuit 25 outputs a control signal to the display unit 22 to display the above-described text editing screen 40A on the display unit 22 (see FIG. 3A). When step S5 ends, the process proceeds to step S10.

  In step S <b> 10, the control circuit 25 accepts an input operation of the character string R on the text editing screen 40 </ b> A performed by the user using the operation unit 23. In the above-described example, the input of the character string R “Nomura Hiroki” is accepted (see FIG. 3A). The operation unit 23 at this time functions as a character string input unit described in each claim. When step S10 ends, the process proceeds to step S15.

  In step S <b> 15, the control circuit 25 receives the designation of the image group G on the group selection screen 42 </ b> A performed by the user using the operation unit 23. The operation unit 23 at this time functions as the first operation means described in each claim (in the modified example (1) described later, functions as the second operation means). In the above-described example, designation of the “boy” group in the plurality of image groups G is accepted (see FIG. 3B). When step S15 ends, the process proceeds to step S20.

  In step S20, the control circuit 25 determines whether or not the print key in the operation unit 23 has been pressed by the user. If the user does not press the print key, the determination in step S20 is not satisfied (step S20: NO), and the process returns to step S10 and the same procedure is repeated. If the user presses the print key, the determination in step S20 is satisfied (step S20: YES), and the process proceeds to step S25. Note that the operation unit 23 at this time functions as third operation means described in each claim.

  In step S25, the control circuit 25 determines whether there is a blank portion in the middle of the character string R received in step S10. In the above example, in the accepted character string R “NOMURA Hiroki”, there is a blank portion 41 between the characters “RA” and the characters “HI” (see FIGS. 3A and 3C). . Thus, when there is a blank part in the middle of the character string R, the determination in step S25 is satisfied (step S25: YES), and the process proceeds to step S30. On the other hand, if there is no blank portion in the middle of the character string R that has been accepted, the determination in step S25 is not satisfied (step S25: NO), and the process proceeds to step S35 described later. The control circuit 25 that executes step S25 functions as first determination means described in each claim.

  In step S30, the control circuit 25 randomly selects one of the plurality of insertion images in the image group G that has been designated in step S15. In the above example, the image 106 in the designated “boy” group is selected (see FIG. 3C). Note that step S15 described above is omitted, and after receiving the input of the character string R in step S10, one insertion image is selected at random in step S30 through step S20 and step S25. Also good. In this case, for example, all images stored in the memory 26 (images 101 to 111, 121 to 131, 141 to 149, 151 to 159, 161 to 166, 171 to 176 in the above example) are randomly assigned. One is selected. Or you may select from several suitable images among all the images. When step S30 ends, the process proceeds to step S35. The control circuit 25 that executes step S30 functions as the first image selection means described in each claim.

  In step S35, the control circuit 25 generates print data in a form reflecting the processing so far. That is, when the blank portion 41 is in the middle of the character string R and the process proceeds to step S35 after the insertion image is selected in step S30, the control circuit 25 applies the blank portion 41 in the character string R to the blank portion 41. Print data in a form in which the selected image for insertion (image 106 in the above example) is inserted is generated. On the other hand, if there is no blank portion 41 in the middle of the character string R and the determination in step S25 is not satisfied and the process proceeds to step S35, the control circuit 25 generates print data corresponding to the characters in the character string R as it is. . The control circuit 25 that executes this step S35 functions as a print data generating means described in each claim. When step S35 ends, the process proceeds to step S40.

  In step S40, the control circuit 25 outputs a control signal to the drive motor of the platen roller 29 (or may output a control signal via an appropriate motor drive circuit. The same applies hereinafter). The conveyance of the print-receiving tape 33 is started. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S45.

  In step S45, the control circuit 25 determines whether the print-receiving tape 33 has been transported to a predetermined print area start position based on the print data generated in step S35 (in other words, a predetermined print on the print-receiving tape 33). It is determined whether or not the print-receiving tape 33 has been transported until the thermal head 30 reaches the transport direction position facing the front end of the region. This determination may be performed by a known appropriate method such as counting the number of pulses of the drive motor including a stepping motor. If the print-receiving tape 33 has not been conveyed to the start position of the print area, the determination in step S45 is not satisfied (step S45: NO), and the loop waits until the determination in step S45 is satisfied. When the print-receiving tape 33 is conveyed to the start position of the print area, the determination in step S45 is satisfied (step S45: YES), and the process proceeds to step S50.

  In step S50, the control circuit 25 energizes the heating element of the thermal head 30 based on the print data generated in step S35, and performs a printing process. As a result, a print corresponding to the print data is formed on the print-receiving tape 33. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S55.

  In step S55, the control circuit 25 determines whether the print-receiving tape 33 has been transported to the end position of the print area (in other words, until the thermal head 30 is in the transport direction position facing the rear end of the print area. It is determined whether or not the tape 33 has been conveyed. This determination may be performed by the same known method as described above. If the print-receiving tape 33 has not been transported to the end position of the print area, the determination in step S55 is not satisfied (step S55: NO), and the same procedure is repeated by returning to step S50. If the print-receiving tape 33 has been conveyed to the end position of the print area, the determination in step S55 is satisfied (step S55: YES), and the process proceeds to step S60.

  In step S60, based on the print data generated in step S35, the control circuit 25 determines that the printed tape 33 to be printed is set at a predetermined cutting position set on the label rear end side from the print area. (In other words, whether or not the printed print-receiving tape 33 has been conveyed until the cutter 27 reaches the position in the conveyance direction directly facing the cutting position). This determination may be performed by a known method similar to that described above. If the printed print-receiving tape 33 has not been conveyed to the cutting position, the determination in step S60 is not satisfied (step S60: NO), and the loop waits until the determination in step S60 is satisfied. When the printed print-receiving tape 33 is conveyed to the cutting position, the determination in step S60 is satisfied (step S60: YES), and the process proceeds to step S65. In addition, the control circuit 25 which performs the said step S40-step S65 functions as a cooperation control control means as described in each claim.

  In step S <b> 65, the control circuit 25 outputs a control signal to the drive motor of the platen roller 29 and stops the conveyance of the print-receiving tape 33 by the platen roller 29. When step S65 ends, the process proceeds to step S70.

  In step S <b> 70, the control circuit 25 outputs a control signal to the display unit 22, and causes the display unit 22 to display to prompt the user to cut the printed tape 33 to be printed. Thereby, when the user operates the cut lever 24, the printed tape 33 to be printed is cut, and the print label L on which the print based on the print data generated in step S35 is formed is generated. That is, when there is no blank portion in the character string R, a print label L on which only a plurality of characters constituting the character string R are printed is generated. If there is a blank portion in the character string R, a plurality of characters constituting the character string R are printed and the insertion image selected in step S30 in the blank portion (in the above example, a baseball cap). A print label L on which the image 106) is printed is generated (see FIG. 3C). Thereafter, this flow is terminated.

<Effect of embodiment>
As described above, in the tape printer 20 according to the present embodiment, when the print label L is created, there is a blank portion 41 having no character between the characters in the character string R input by the operation unit 23. It is determined whether or not to do so. If it is determined that the blank portion 41 exists, one of the plurality of insertion images stored in the memory 26 is selected, and the selected insertion image is inserted into the blank portion 41 of the character string R. Print data is generated, and a print label L corresponding to the print data is created. As a result, the blank portion in the character string R in the print label L can also be given design and the modification effect can be enhanced. Therefore, the expressive power of the print label L can be increased, and user convenience can be improved. For example, when the size of the blank portion 41 is relatively large, a plurality of insertion images may be inserted.

  In the present embodiment, in particular, a plurality of insertion images are classified into a plurality of predetermined image groups G. Then, when the user designates one image group G by the operation of the operation unit 23, one insertion image corresponding to the designated image group G is selected and inserted into the blank portion 41. As a result, the user designates the image group G according to his / her preference and intention via the operation unit 23, and thus an image for insertion suitable for the preference and intention can be formed on the print label L. In the above example, one image is selected at random from among a plurality of insertion images included in one image group G designated by the user. However, the present invention is not limited to this. That is, one image is selected from a plurality of insertion images included in one image group G designated by the user based on a predetermined regularity (for example, in the order of identification numbers of the images). May be. Alternatively, one specific image (for example, a representative image) may be selected in response to designation of one image group G. In these cases, the same effect is obtained.

<Various modifications>
The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and various modifications can be made without departing from the spirit and technical idea of the present invention. Hereinafter, such modifications will be described in order. In addition, the same code | symbol is attached | subjected to the part equivalent to the said embodiment, and description is abbreviate | omitted or simplified suitably.

(1) When there are blank portions at the front and rear portions of the character string In the above embodiment, when there is a blank portion 41 without characters in the middle portion of the character string R input by the user, the blank portion 41 Although the image for insertion is inserted in, it is not limited to this. That is, when there are blank portions at the front and rear portions of the character string R that has been input, the insertion image can be inserted into the front and rear blank portions.

<Specific example of printing label creation>
That is, in FIG. 6 corresponding to FIG. 3 of the above-described embodiment, when the user turns on the power button of the operation unit 23, as shown in FIG. 3A, first, as shown in FIG. 22, the text editing screen 40A is displayed. In this state, the user inputs text characters to the text input unit 40 using the operation unit 23. In this example, the input text character is a character string R of “Kazuhiro Sasaki” in which a male name is input in hiragana. The character string R includes a blank portion 41 between the character “ra” and the character “hi”, before the first character “sa” and after the last character “ro”, respectively. There are blank portions 43 and 44 (corresponding to the second blank portion).

  Thereafter, as described above, when the user appropriately operates the operation unit 23, the group selection screen 42A is displayed on the display unit 22 as illustrated in FIG. 6B. The user designates one image group G to be applied to the print label L that he or she intends to create by an appropriate operation of the operation unit 23. In this example, an “summer” group is designated from among the plurality of image groups G described above.

  Thereafter, the user presses the print key in the operation unit 23 to instruct the start of the production of the print label L. As shown in FIG. 6C, the designated image group G (in this example, “summer ”Group) from one insertion image (corresponding to the first image) to be inserted into the blank portion 41 in the character string R, and two insertion images (second image) to be inserted into the preceding and following blank portions 43 and 44, respectively. Is equivalent to an image). In this example, a beer mug image 154 (see also FIG. 4 described above) is selected for the blank portion 41 in the middle of the character string R, and a tent is displayed for the blank portion 43 before the character string R. The image 156 (see also FIG. 4 described above) is selected, and the image 155 of the yacht in the “summer” group (see also FIG. 4 described above) is selected in the subsequent blank portion 44. Then, print data in which the selected images 154, 156, and 155 are inserted into the blank portions 41, 43, and 44, respectively, is generated. By generating such print data, a plurality of characters “Kazuhiro Sasaki” are printed on the print label L created using the print data, and the characters “Kazuhiro Sasaki” are also formed. A tent image 156 in the space before “sa”, a beer mug image 154 in the space between the characters “ki” and “ka”, and a yacht in the space after the characters “ro” Each image 155 is printed.

  In the above description, the insertion images to be inserted into the blank portions 42 and 43 before and after the character string R are common to the insertion images to be inserted into the blank portion 41 in the middle of the character string R. However, the present invention is not limited to this. That is, the images for insertion into the blank portions 42 and 43 are stored in the memory 23 in advance and stored in the memory 23 in a plurality of images different from those in FIG. 4 (previously classified into a plurality of image groups. ) May be selected. In this case, the plurality of image groups are displayed on the group selection screen 42A shown in FIG. 6B, and the user selects one desired image group from them.

  In the above description, two images 156 and 155 are selected corresponding to the blank portions 42 and 43 provided before and after the character string R, and these images 156 and 155 are printed. However, the present invention is not limited to this. . That is, as shown in FIG. 7 (a), even if the text edit screen 40A is input with the character string R of “Gondo Hiroshi” (without the blank parts 43 and 44 before and after), the selection is made. In response to the “summer” group (FIG. 7B), the image 154 is selected as the blank portion 41 in the character string R, and in addition, two images are arranged to be arranged before and after the character string R. Images (images 156 and 155) may be further selected. In this case, as described above, the image 154 is inserted into the blank portion 41 between “U” and “HI”, the image 156 is inserted before “GO”, and the image 155 is inserted after “SH”. The printed data is generated, and the corresponding print label is generated (FIG. 7C).

<Control procedure>
FIG. 8 shows a flow representing a processing procedure executed by the control circuit 25 in order to realize the technique of this modification. The flowchart in FIG. 8 is different in that steps S32 and S34 are newly added between step S30 and step S35 in FIG.

  8, after steps S5 to S25 similar to those in FIG. 5, in step S30, the control circuit 25 performs the above steps in order to insert the blank space 41 in the middle of the character string R as in FIG. 5. One image (image 154 in the above example) is selected at random from a plurality of insertion images in the image group G (in the above example, “summer” group) that has received the designation in S15. Thereafter, the process proceeds to newly provided step S32. As described above, step S15 is omitted, and after the input of the character string R in step S10 is accepted, one insertion image is selected at random in step S30 through step S20 and step S25. You may do it.

  In step S32, the control circuit 25 determines whether or not there is a blank part before and after the character string R received in step S10. In the above example, the received character string R “Kazuhiro Sasaki” has a blank portion 43 before the character “SA” and a blank portion 44 after the character “RO” (FIG. 6A). FIG. 6 (c)). Thus, when there is a blank part before and after the character string R, the determination in step S32 is satisfied (step S32: YES), and the process proceeds to newly provided step S34. On the other hand, if there is no blank part before and after the character string R that has been accepted, the determination in step S32 is not satisfied (step S32: NO), and the process proceeds to step S35. Note that the control circuit 25 that executes step S32 functions as the second determination means described in each claim.

  In step S34, the control circuit 25 selects two insertion images at random from the plurality of insertion images in the image group G that has been designated in step S15. In the above example, the images 156 and 155 in the designated “summer” group are selected (see FIG. 6C). As described above, step S15 is omitted, and after receiving the input of the character string R in step S10, two insertion images are selected at random in step S34 through steps S20 to S32. You may do it. In this case, for example, all images stored in the memory 26 (images 101 to 111, 121 to 131, 141 to 149, 151 to 159, 161 to 166, 171 to 176 in the above example) are randomly assigned. Two are selected. Or you may select from several suitable images among all the images. When step S34 ends, the process proceeds to step S35. The control circuit 25 that executes step S34 functions as a second image selection unit described in each claim.

  Steps S35 to S70 are the same as those in FIG.

  According to this modified example, when the print label L is created, in the character string R input by the operation unit 23, in addition to the intermediate blank portion 41, blank portions 43 and 44 having no characters at the front and rear portions. It is determined whether or not (second blank portion) exists. When it is determined that the blank portions 43 and 44 exist, the image to be inserted into the blank portions 43 and 44 and the blank portion 41 are inserted from the plurality of insertion images stored in the memory 26. An image is selected, print data is generated by inserting the selected image into the blank portions 41, 43, and 44, and a print label L corresponding to this print data is created. As a result, a print label L is formed in which a plurality of characters of the character string R are formed, and images are formed in the blank part in the middle of the character string R and the blank part before and after the character string R, respectively. As a result, the modification effect can be further enhanced and the expressive power of the print label L can be further increased.

  In this modification, the insertion images inserted in the blank portions 43 and 44 before and after the character string R are common to a plurality of predetermined image groups G (the insertion images inserted in the blank portion 41). Or another group). Then, when the user designates one image group G by the operation of the operation unit 23, an insertion image corresponding to the designated image group G is selected and inserted into the blank portions 41, 43, and 44. The As a result, the user designates the image group G according to his / her preference and intention via the operation unit 23, and thus an image for insertion suitable for the preference and intention can be formed on the print label L. As described above, the three images are selected from a plurality of insertion images included in one image group G designated by the user based on predetermined regularity (for example, in the order of identification numbers of the images). It may be selected. Alternatively, specific images (for example, three predetermined representative images) may be selected in response to designation of one image group G. In these cases, the same effect is obtained.

(2) When an image is inserted into a character string blank portion corresponding to the selection of a frame image In other words, in this modification, a plurality of frame images for enclosing a character string are prepared in advance for character string decoration. Has been. Then, when the user selects one frame image, the corresponding image is automatically selected and inserted into the blank portion in the character string.

<Specific example of printing label creation>
That is, in FIG. 9 corresponding to FIG. 3 and FIG. 6, when the user turns on the power button of the operation unit 23, as shown above, first, as shown in FIG. A text editing screen 40A is displayed. In this state, the user inputs text characters to the text input unit 40 using the operation unit 23. In this example, the input text character is a character string R of “Miura Daisuke” in which the boy's name is input in hiragana. In the character string R, a blank portion 41 (corresponding to the first blank portion) exists between the characters “ra” and the character “da”.

  Thereafter, as described above, when the user appropriately operates the operation unit 23, a frame selection screen 42B is displayed on the display unit 22 as illustrated in FIG. 9B. The user designates one frame image F to be printed on the print label L by an appropriate operation of the operation unit 23. This example shows an example in which a frame image representing a haircut having a comb and hair extending from the comb and scissors for cutting the hair is specified in the upper right of the screen (however, FIG. 9 ( In the illustration of b), for the sake of convenience, a frame image at the upper left position in the screen is designated and displayed in reverse video). Note that the plurality of frame images F to be selected are stored in the memory 26 in advance, for example.

  After that, as described above, the user presses the print key in the operation unit 23 to instruct the start of production of the print label L, so that the designated frame image F is a character as shown in FIG. The image group G (in this example, the frame image of the haircut) is inserted so as to surround the row R and corresponds to the designated frame image F (in this example, the frame image of the haircut). Corresponding “boy” group, where each frame image F and each image group G is stored in advance in association with each other), so that one insertion image is inserted into the blank portion 41 in the character string R. (Corresponding to the first image) is selected at random. In this example, the grab and ball image 103 (see FIG. 4 described above) of the “boy” group is selected. Then, the selected image 103 is inserted into the blank portion 41 of the character string R, and the character string R is surrounded by the selected frame image F (in this example, in detail, before and after the character string R and Print data is generated). By generating such print data, a plurality of “Miura Daisuke” characters are printed on the print label L created using the print data, and the frame is surrounded around the character string R. An image is printed and a grab and ball image 103 is printed and formed in a blank portion between the characters “RA” and “DA”.

<Control procedure>
FIG. 10 shows a flow representing a processing procedure executed by the control circuit 25 in order to realize the technique of this modification. The flowchart in FIG. 10 is different in that step S17 is provided instead of step S15 in FIG.

  In FIG. 10, after the same steps S5 and S10 as described above, in step S17, the control circuit 25 receives the designation of the frame image F in the frame selection screen 42B performed by the user using the operation unit 23. The operation unit 23 at this time functions as the second operation means described in each claim. In the above example, designation of a “haircut” frame image is accepted. When step S17 ends, the process proceeds to step S20. Steps S20 to S70 are the same as those in FIG.

  According to this modification, when the print label L is created, the user simply designates the frame image F according to his / her preference or intention via the operation unit 23, and the image group G corresponding to the designation is automatically created. And the image for insertion is selected from the image group. Therefore, it is possible to reliably form the frame image F and the insertion image suitable for the operator's preference and intention on the print label L with a small operation burden.

  Note that a plurality of frame images F prepared in advance as described above may be used in common with the insertion images in the embodiment and the modification example (1). That is, the frame image F may be divided into parts (for example, a front frame image, a rear frame image, and the like), and the parts may be used as the above-described insertion image.

(3) Others In the above, when the blank part 41 or the blank parts 43 and 44 are a half-width space or a full-width space in the determination in step S25 or step S32 of the flow of FIGS. It may not be determined that there is a blank portion (assuming that the user intentionally provided a blank), and print data that does not include the insertion image or the frame image F may be generated in subsequent step S35. . Thereby, it can prevent that an image and a frame are inserted in a character string contrary to the said intention of a user.

  Also, a mode for executing insertion processing of an insertion image or a frame image for the blank portions 41, 43, and 44 as described above (corresponding to the first mode) and a mode for not performing such insertion processing at all (second) Mode), and the user may select one of the two modes by appropriately operating the operation unit 23, for example. Thereby, according to an operator's use and liking, two modes can be switched and the convenience can be improved further.

  In addition, in the above description, when there are descriptions such as “vertical”, “parallel”, and “plane”, the descriptions are not strict. That is, the terms “vertical”, “parallel”, and “plane” are acceptable in design and manufacturing tolerances and errors, and mean “substantially vertical”, “substantially parallel”, and “substantially plane”. .

  In addition, in the above description, when there are descriptions such as “same”, “equal”, “different”, etc., in terms of external dimensions and sizes, the descriptions are not strict. That is, the terms “identical”, “equal”, and “different” mean that “tolerance and error in manufacturing are allowed in design and that they are“ substantially identical ”,“ substantially equal ”, and“ substantially different ”. .

  In addition, in the above, the arrow shown in FIG. 2 shows an example of a signal flow, and does not limit the signal flow direction.

  Further, the flowcharts shown in FIGS. 5, 8, and 10 do not limit the present invention to the procedure shown in the above-described flow, and the addition / deletion of the procedure 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.

20 tape printer 23 operation unit (character string input means, first operation means, second operation means, third operation means)
Memory (first storage means, second storage means)
29 Platen roller (conveying means)
30 Thermal head (printing means)
33 Tape to be printed 41 Blank part (first blank part)
43,44 Blank part (second blank part)
G Image group (group)
L Printing label (printing tape)
R string

Claims (11)

Conveying means for conveying the print-receiving tape;
Printing means for forming a print on the print-receiving tape conveyed by the conveying means;
Have
A tape printer that creates a printing tape from the print-receiving tape after printing is formed,
Character string input means for operating and inputting a character string consisting of a plurality of characters, which is printed on the printing tape,
First storage means for storing a plurality of first images prepared in advance for forming together with the character strings on the printing tape;
First determination means for determining whether or not there is a first blank part having no character between characters in the character string operated and input by the character string input means;
When the first determination unit determines that the first blank portion exists, the first blank portion of the character string is selected from the plurality of first images stored in the first storage unit. First image selection means for selecting a first image to be inserted;
Print data generation means for generating print data in which the first image selected by the first image selection means is inserted into the first blank portion of the character string;
Cooperative control means for controlling the conveying means and the printing means in cooperation, and creating the printing tape on which printing corresponding to the printing data is formed;
A tape printer characterized by comprising: The tape printer according to claim 1, wherein
The plurality of first images are classified into a plurality of predetermined groups,
The tape printer further comprises:
First operating means for designating any one of the plurality of groups;
The first image selection means includes
A tape printing apparatus, wherein a first image corresponding to a group designated by the first operation means is selected from the plurality of first images stored in the first storage means. In the tape printer according to claim 1 or 2,
The first image selection means includes
A tape printing apparatus, wherein one first image is randomly selected from the plurality of first images stored in the first storage means. In the tape printer according to any one of claims 1 to 3,
Second storage means for storing a plurality of second images prepared in advance to be formed together with the character string at the front and rear of the character string input by the character string input means;
Second determination means for determining whether or not there is a second blank part having no character at the front part and the rear part of the character string in the character string input by the character string input means;
When the second determination means determines that the second blank portion exists, the second blank portion is inserted into the second blank portion of the character string from the plurality of second images stored in the second storage means. Second image selection means for selecting a second image to be performed;
Have
The print data generating means includes
The first image selected by the first image selection means is inserted into the first blank portion of the character string, and the second image selected by the second image selection means is inserted into the character string. A tape printer which generates the print data inserted into the second blank portion. The tape printer according to claim 4, wherein
The plurality of second images are classified into a plurality of predetermined groups,
The tape printer further comprises:
A second operating means for designating any one of the plurality of groups;
The second image selection means includes
2. A tape printer according to claim 1, wherein a second image corresponding to a group designated by the second operation means is selected from the plurality of second images stored in the second storage means. In the tape printer according to claim 5,
The first image selection means includes
A tape printing apparatus, wherein a first image corresponding to a group designated by the second operation means is selected from the plurality of first images stored in the first storage means. The tape printer according to any one of claims 4 to 6,
The second image selection means includes
A tape printer, wherein one second image is selected at random from the plurality of second images stored in the second storage means. The tape printer according to any one of claims 1 to 7,
Further comprising a third operating means for instructing to start the printing tape;
The first image selection means includes
The tape printer according to claim 1, wherein the first image is selected in response to the creation start instruction via the third operation means. The tape printer according to any one of claims 4 to 7,
Further comprising a third operating means for instructing to start the printing tape;
The second image selection means includes
The tape printer according to claim 1, wherein the second image is selected in response to the creation start instruction via the third operation means. The tape printer according to any one of claims 1 to 9,
The print data generating means includes
A tape printer that generates print data without inserting the first image into the first blank portion when the first blank portion is a half-width space or a full-width space. The tape printer according to any one of claims 1 to 10,
A first mode in which the first image can be inserted into the first blank portion by the print data generating means, and the first image is inserted into the first blank portion by the print data generating means. A tape printing apparatus comprising: a second mode that is not selectable.

Images