JP3054179B2 - Label printer - Google Patents

Description

Description: BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a label printer having a key input device for inputting "kana" and "alphabet".

"Conventional technology" When entering "Kana" or "Alphabet", if keys are provided for each character, the number of keys increases, so "Kana" and "Alphabet" can be input with one key A key input device that switches between a kana input mode and an alphabet input mode by operating a function key is known (for example, a word processor or a keyboard of a personal computer).

By the way, in a conventional label printer, characters (kanji, kana, alphabet, etc.) are input by inputting a character code using a numeric keypad.
A device for directly inputting "Kana" and "Alphabet" was developed. As shown in FIG. 18, the key input device in this label printer is "Kana"
And "Alphabet" are listed side by side, "Selection key"
Each time the (input mode switching key) is operated once, the character input mode is sequentially switched in the order shown in FIG. That is, each time the "selection key" is pressed, the input mode changes in the order of alphabet (uppercase) → alphabet (lowercase) → katakana → hiragana → alphabet (uppercase).

[Problem to be Solved by the Invention] However, this method switches from the "alphabet uppercase input mode" to the "kana katakana input mode" even when the lowercase alphabet is not printed on the label due to the circumstances of each store using the label printer. In this case, there is a disadvantage that the "selection key" must be pressed twice.

In addition, there is a possibility that an erroneous input in which lowercase letters of the alphabet are input may occur due to an erroneous operation of the “select key”.

The present invention has been made in view of such circumstances,
For example, when there is an input mode that is not used at all due to the circumstances of each store, it is an object of the present invention to provide a label printer equipped with a key input device that does not need to uselessly operate the "selection key" and there is no possibility of erroneous input. And

Means for Solving the Problems The present invention has a specification setting mode as a hidden function and is constituted by a plurality of keys, each of which is capable of inputting a plurality of characters by switching an input mode. In a label printer having an input device, a single input mode selection key for sequentially switching the input mode of the key each time the key is operated once, and the input mode selection key can be switched in the specification setting mode. It is characterized by comprising setting means for setting the type and / or order of the input modes, and a non-volatile memory for storing the setting contents of the setting means.

[Operation] According to the above configuration, in the specification setting mode, which is a hidden function, the type and / or order of the input modes that can be switched by the selection key can be changed by the setting means. For example, if there are four types of input modes: 1: Alphabet (uppercase) input mode, 2: Alphabet (lowercase) input mode, 3: Katakana input mode, 4: Hiragana input mode, by operating the setting means, for example, ( B) 1 → 2 → 3 → 4 → 1 (b) 1 → 3 → 4 → 1 (c) 1 → 4 → 1 As appropriate, the order and / or type of the input mode is appropriately changed according to the situation of the user. be able to.

Therefore, unnecessary input modes can be omitted, and the "select key" is not operated unnecessarily. Further, since an operation error of the "selection key" occurs, an erroneous input is eliminated.

The contents set by the setting means are stored in a non-volatile memory, and are retained even when the power of the label printer is turned off.

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

FIG. 1 shows a label printing apparatus 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a side view of the device 1. First
In FIG. 1, reference numeral 2 denotes a display / operation unit, which includes a dot type liquid crystal display 3, a function key group 4, and a numeric keypad 5. FIG. 3 is an enlarged view of the display / operation unit 2.

The function key group 4 is for setting various functions. In this case, the operation mode of the apparatus is switched by pressing the "mode switching key" 4a.
As shown in the figure, "call mode", "inspection mode",
The mode switches to the “setting mode”. The operation of the operation keys in each of these modes is as follows.

"Paper feed key": Used in each mode to feed labels and receipts. Used for initial up of product.

"Mode switching key": Used for switching the operation mode in each mode (the mode is switched in the order of calling → inspection → setting → calling).

“+, Return key”; used for issuing an addition label in the case of the call mode. In the setting and inspection mode, it is used to return to the previous state.

"Lot No. 1, add / change key"; used for inputting lot number 1 in call mode. In the setting mode,
Used for switching between insert and overwrite of character input.

"Lot No. 2, character size key"; used for inputting lot number 2 in the case of calling mode. In the setting mode,
Used to change the character size when entering characters.

"Abbreviated, product name key"; used for calling abbreviated numbers in the call mode. In the setting mode, it is used to call the product name master.

"Code key": used for calling a code number in the call mode. In the case of the inspection mode, it is used for inspection printing of one item. In the setting mode, it is used for storing data in a memory.

"* Key": Used for printing a label in the case of the call mode. In the case of the inspection mode, it is used for printing a receipt. In the setting mode, it is used for data input.

"Schedule, ← key"; In the case of the call mode, used for calling the schedule. In the setting mode, it is used for moving the cursor to the left.

"Address, @ key"; used for calling an address in the call mode. In the inspection and setting modes, it is used for moving the cursor upward.

"Message, ↓ key"; Used for calling a message in the call mode. In the inspection and setting modes, it is used for moving the cursor downward.

"-, → key"; used for subtraction of data in call mode. In the setting mode, it is used for moving the cursor to the right.

"Serial number, character switching key"("selectionkey"); used for inputting serial number data in the case of the call mode. In the case of the setting mode, it is used for switching the character type, that is, for switching the input mode. In this case, the characters to be switched are English (uppercase), English (lowercase), katakana, and hiragana names.

"Quantity, delete key"; used for inputting quantity data in the case of the call mode. In the setting mode, it is used to delete data.

"Erase key": Select the print type in the call mode,
Used for print mask operation. In the setting mode, it is used to shift to a maintenance operation. Used for initial up of product.

"0,1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8,9 key"; In each mode,
Used for inputting numerical values.

In FIG. 1, reference numeral 6 denotes a character input key operation unit.
Input "Alphabet", "Katakana", "Hiragana" and "Special symbol". Here, FIG. 7 is an enlarged view of the character input key operation unit 6. As shown in this figure, in the character input key operation unit 6, two characters or characters and symbols are assigned to one key. After selecting the “setting mode” with the “mode switching key” 4a of the function key group 4 described above, the “serial number,
Each time the character switching key 4b is pressed, the type of character input by the same key is changed to "English (uppercase)", "English (lowercase)", "Katakana", as shown in FIGS. It switches to "Hiragana". Returning to FIG.
7 is a label issuing port, and 8 is a label. In this case, the label 8 is issued with the backing sheet attached.

Next, FIG. 12 is a block diagram showing an electrical configuration of the label printing apparatus 1. As shown in FIG. In this figure, reference numeral 10 denotes a CPU (Central Processing Unit), which controls each unit of the device 1. Reference numeral 11 denotes a program memory using a ROM or the like, in which a program for controlling the CPU 10 is written. Here, a memory map of the program memory 11 is shown in FIG. As shown in the figure, the “control program” is stored in the program memory 11.
"Key code → character code conversion table (encoder)" and "character switching key table". In this case, the “key code → character code conversion table” further includes “English (uppercase) encoder”, “English (lowercase) encoder”, “Katakana encoder”, and “Hiragana encoder” as shown in FIG. It is composed of In this case, when the character key of the character input key operation unit 6 described above is operated, a key code corresponding to the pressed key is generated, and the generated key code is an encoder of an input mode when the character key is operated. Conversion table). On the other hand, the "character switching key table" stores six types of tables to define the functions of the character switching keys. That is, if 0: English (uppercase) input mode 1: English (lowercase) input mode 2: Katakana input mode 3: Hiragana input mode, the following six types of tables are stored.

This “character switching key table” is provided for each function type of “serial number, character switching key” 4b, and “serial number,
Indicates the current input mode to be switched to when the "character switching key" 4b is pressed.The left column of each table indicates the input when the "serial number, character switching key" 4b is pressed. Mode, the right column shows the input mode to be switched. In other words, if the above table is selected,
When the "serial number / character switching key" 4b is pressed in "2" (Katakana input mode), the mode is switched to "0" (English (uppercase) input) mode. That is, according to the specification setting described later,
When one of the functions of the "serial number, character switching key" 4b is selected from the above, a table corresponding thereto is specified. Thereafter, the input mode switching process is performed in accordance with the table specified when the "serial number / character switching key" 4b is pressed (in the description of the table, the upper left of each table is replaced by each table). The type and order of the input modes to be switched are shown). And
When a character input key is operated, the "character code conversion table" of the currently set mode is used, and the key code is converted to a character code.

In FIG. 12, reference numeral 12 denotes a writable / readable memory using a RAM or the like, which is used in the processing of the CPU 10.
Here, FIG. 14 shows a memory map of the memory 12. As shown in this figure, in the memory 12, a "specification storage area (a type of flag)", a "flag register buffer area", a "preset data area", and a "total data area" are set. I have. In this case, the “specification storage area” is set in the nonvolatile RAM. The “preset data area” and the “total data area” are always backed up by a battery. In the "specification storage area", the function number (-) of the "serial number, character switching key" 4b is stored by a later-described specification setting process (the initial value is set to "1"). The current input mode (“0” to “3” described above) is stored in the “register / buffer area” (the initial value is set to “0”). Referring back to FIG. 12, reference numeral 13 denotes a printing unit which prints on the label 8 described above.

Here, the function selection processing of the “serial number, character switching key” 4b will be described.

In this embodiment, the specification setting is performed by storing the data in the non-volatile memory using the display / operation unit 2 instead of switching the normal DIP switch. Further, when the specification is changed by a user's operation, the apparatus does not operate as desired by the user, so this function is a hidden function. Accordingly, the "specification setting mode" is set only when the apparatus is in a certain state and a special key operation is performed. The "specification setting mode" can be performed by interactive input so that the specification setting process can be performed easily and accurately. In this case, the technology for setting the specifications in the nonvolatile memory is disclosed in
It is described in detail in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 62-240821. In this embodiment, too, a "mode switching key" 4a is operated to switch to a "setting mode", and an encryption predetermined in the "setting mode", for example, By inputting "0", "0", "7", "", a "specification setting mode" is set. Also, among the specifications that can be set, there is a function selection of the “serial number, character switching key” 4b, that is, a selection order of switching at the time of character input,
At the time of setting the specifications, a display indicating the switching order at the time of character input as shown in FIG. In this case, the currently selected item is in the reverse display. In the selection, a cursor key is used, and then a (print key) is pressed to set the function of the “serial number, character switching key” 4b. In this case, the function number of the “serial number, character switching key” 4b is internally stored in a predetermined area of the specification storage area of the memory 12. For example, if you select English (uppercase) → English (lowercase) → katakana, “” will be stored, and English (uppercase) → English (lowercase) →
When katakana → hiragana is selected, “” is stored.

Next, the processing when the “serial number / character switching key” 4b is operated is as shown in the flowchart of FIG. That is, the function number stored in the specification storage area of the memory 12 is checked, and when the number is n (n = 1 to 6), the input mode is switched using the table n.
For example, if the function number is and the current mode is “2” (Katakana input mode), the mode is switched to “0” (English (uppercase) input mode).

処理 Also, when operating the “character key”,
As shown in the flowchart of FIG. That is, when the "character key" is operated, the current input mode is checked, and the key code is converted into the character code using the conversion table of the input mode. For example, when the "character key" is operated and the input mode is "1", it is converted to a character code by an English (lowercase) conversion table.

The types and order of the input modes described above are not limited to those in the embodiment.

Further, in the above embodiment, the conversion from the key code to the character code is performed by the CPU that controls the label printer. However, the conversion may be performed by the input device itself and the character code may be output.

"Effects of the Invention" As described above, according to the label printer of the present invention, the following beneficial effects can be obtained.

Since the input mode of characters is switched with a single input mode selection key, even a label printer, such as a part-time clerk or part-time clerk, who is unfamiliar with the operation of the key input device for character input, can input characters. Mode switching can be performed easily and reliably. For this reason, the time required for the character input operation is reduced, and as a result, the operation efficiency is improved.

Since the setting means can change the type and / or the order of the input modes that can be switched by the selection keys, unnecessary input modes can be omitted according to the user's circumstances, and unnecessary operation of the selection keys can be eliminated. Can be. Therefore, the operation is simplified, and an input error can be prevented. In addition, a manufacturer can produce a product customized for each store without producing a custom product.

Since the setting by the setting means is performed in the specification setting mode which is a hidden mode, there is no possibility that the user changes the setting contents due to an erroneous operation during the operation. Further, since the setting contents by the setting means are stored in the non-volatile memory, the stored contents are stored even when the power of the label printer is turned off. Therefore, even when the power is turned on next time, the setting contents are not changed, and the work of resetting is unnecessary.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a front view of a label printing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 2 is a side view of the label printing apparatus, FIG. 3 is an enlarged view of an operation / display unit 2, and FIGS. FIG. 7 is a diagram showing a layout of keys in each mode, FIG. 7 is an enlarged view of the character input key operation unit 6, FIGS. 8 to 11 are diagrams showing types of characters, and FIG. Block diagram showing an electrical configuration, FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a memory map of the program memory 11, FIG. 14 is a diagram showing a memory map of the memory 12,
FIG. 15 is a diagram showing a display example displayed on the display unit 3, FIG. 16 and FIG. 17 are diagrams for explaining the operation of the embodiment,
FIG. 18 and FIG. 19 are diagrams for explaining the prior art. 1 ... label printing device, 2 ... display / operation unit, 4 ... function key group, 4a ... mode switching key, 4b ... serial number, character switching key (selection key), 6 ... character input key operation Unit, 10 CPU, 11 Program memory, 12 Memory (4a, 10, 11, 12 are setting means).

Continued on the front page (58) Fields surveyed (Int.Cl. ⁷ , DB name) G06F 3/02-3/027 G06F 3/03-3/033 G06F 15/02 G06F 17/21-17/22 H03M 11 / 14 B41J 29/00

Claims (1)

(57) [Claims] 1. A label printer having a specification setting mode as a hidden function and comprising a plurality of keys, each key being capable of inputting a plurality of characters by switching an input mode. A single input mode selection key for sequentially switching the input mode of the key each time the key is operated, and a type and / or order of input modes that can be switched by the input mode selection key in the specification setting mode And a non-volatile memory for storing the setting contents of the setting means.