JP3422382B2 - Tape-shaped label making device - Google Patents

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a tape-shaped label producing apparatus, and more particularly to an apparatus capable of setting a block length for dividing document data to be printed into a plurality of blocks for printing.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, the applicant of the present application has proposed that Kaikaihei 1-850.
As described in Japanese Patent Publication No. 50, a printing mechanism having a keyboard, a display and a thermal head is provided, and a tape as a printing object (for example, tape width 9 mm, 12 mm, 2
4 mm) is a tape-shaped label producing device capable of printing characters such as characters and symbols via an ink ribbon, and is suitable for producing a tape-shaped label suitable for being attached to the spine of a file. A label making device was proposed.

Further, as described in Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 5-305748 (Japanese Patent Application No. 4-139927), a set tape length for instructing the size of a print area is set and a character including a modified block code is set. Column data is used as block data, block data for multiple blocks is stored in the text memory, and when the character string data for each block is sequentially printed on the tape, the set line decoration (left edge alignment, right edge alignment, center alignment, We have proposed a tape-shaped label producing device that can perform even allocation in blocks as well as in blocks.

[0004]

As described above, in the tape-shaped label producing apparatus disclosed in Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 5-305748, the block data for a plurality of blocks stored in the text memory is, for example, left-sided. When multiple blocks are sequentially arranged adjacent to each other in the printing direction by aligning lines and printed on the tape, the block length of each block is the printing status of the character string data of that block, that is, the characters printed on that block. Since it is determined based on the number of characters in the row and the print character size, the start position of the character string data of the first block to be printed first is determined to be substantially the left end position of the set tape length. The print start position of each block after the block is the block according to the number of characters of the character string data and the print character size of the left block preceding the block. The size of the click length varies the printing direction or in the counter printing direction.

For example, when creating a label to be attached to a video tape or its case, "title of recorded contents" is used as data of the first block, and "recording time" and "recording date" are set.
When is the data of the second block, the print start position of these "recording time" and "recording date" of the second block is
Because the print length of the "Recorded content title" in the first block varies, when multiple videotapes are lined up, these "Recording time" and "Recording date" print positions will not be uniform and will look good. There is a problem of being bad.

An object of the present invention, provides a block length in the print state of the specified block, can be set for each block, the further the set value, the tape-shaped label producing device, such as may change, including automatic configuration To do.

[0007]

A tape-shaped label producing apparatus according to a first aspect of the present invention comprises an input means for inputting various data and commands, a display means having a display including a cursor, and a print object. in the tape-shaped label producing device including a printing means for printing on tape, and control means for controlling display means on the basis of input by said input means and the printing means, input from the entering-force means, and character Ya
As a block for each symbol data and multiple characters and symbols
Input data in which block specification data for specifying is stored
Data storage means and a block stored in the input data storage means.
Set tape of the tape based on the number of lock specified data
Set the number of setting areas for each block within the length range
In addition, in the print state of each set block
Set the block length within the range of the set tape length above for each block.
Block length setting means for setting regardless of the number of a plurality of characters or symbols in the cursor .

Here, the block length setting means may be configured to set the block length at least by taking into account preset margins at the left and right ends of the block (claims dependent on claim 1). 2). Further, when one set tape length is set for a plurality of blocks, the block length setting means may be configured to set the block length evenly to the plurality of blocks (claim 1). Dependent claim 3). Further, the input means and the block length changing means for changing the block length set evenly by the block length setting means while confirming the block length displayed on the display means may be provided (claim) Claim 4) dependent on claim 3.

Furthermore, the number of characters and symbols of each block stored in the input data storage means, based on the set character size set from the input means, the block length automatic for automatically setting the block length in the print status The configuration may include setting means (claim 5 dependent on claim 4). Further, the block length automatic setting means may be operated when the block length changed by the block length changing means is invalidated by a cancel command from the input means (depending on claim 5). Claim 6).

[0010]

In the tape label producing apparatus according to the first aspect, the input data is stored in the input data storage means by the input means.
And each character or symbol data and multiple characters or symbols
Block designation data for designating as a block is stored in. Then, the block length setting unit, the input data
Based on the number of block designation data stored in the data storage means.
Each block within the set tape length of the above tape
Set the number of setting areas for each block, and
Set the block length when the lock is printed in the setting table above.
Characters and symbols in each block within the range of
Set regardless of the number of .

In this way, the input from the input means, and
Block for each character or symbol data and multiple characters or symbols
Input that stores the block specification data for specifying
Force data storage means and the input data storage means
Tape setting data based on the number of block specified data
Set the number of setting areas of each block within the range of
In addition, in the print state of each set block
Set the block length for each block within the set tape length.
Set regardless of the number of multiple characters and symbols in the
Since the block length setting means is provided, the print start position of each block is always constant because the block length of each block is set regardless of how many kinds of document data are printed. When the formed tape-shaped labels are arranged, the print start positions of the character strings for each block are aligned, and a tape-shaped label having a good appearance can be created.

According to another aspect of the tape label producing apparatus of the present invention, the block length setting means sets the block length in consideration of at least margins set at the left and right ends of the block. Since the block data is printed on the tape-shaped label created by printing the data so that the left and right margins of the tape-shaped label fit inside, respectively, it is possible to create a good-looking tape-shaped label. it can.

In the tape-shaped label producing apparatus according to the third aspect, when one set tape length is set for a plurality of blocks, the block length setting means sets the block length evenly to the plurality of blocks. Since the tape length is set, the set tape length can be used as a guide for even allocation.

In the tape-shaped label producing apparatus according to the fourth aspect, while confirming the block length displayed on the input means and the display means, the block length set evenly by the block length setting means is changed. Since the block length changing means is provided, the evenly allocated block length can be arbitrarily changed to a desired length according to the number of characters to be printed and the arrangement of the character string for each block to be printed.

[0015] In the tape-shaped label producing device according to claim 5, based on the number of characters and symbols of each block stored in the input data storing means, and setting the character size set by the input means, printing Since the block length automatic setting means for automatically setting the block length in the state is included, it is possible to automatically set the block length based on the number of character strings and the set character size without setting the block length.

In the tape label producing apparatus according to the sixth aspect, the block length automatic setting means is activated when the block length changed by the block length changing means is invalidated by the cancel instruction from the input means. Since the invalidated block length is automatically set based on the number of input character strings and the set character size, a good-looking tape label can be created.

[0017]

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. In the present embodiment, the present invention is applied to a tape-shaped label creating apparatus that creates a tape-shaped label by printing a large number of characters such as hiragana, kanji, and symbols on a laminate tape (printing tape) that is a print target. If you do. As shown in FIG. 1, a keyboard 3 is arranged in the front part of the main body frame 2 of the tape-shaped label producing apparatus 1, a thermal printing mechanism PM is arranged in the main body frame 2 behind the keyboard 3, and Immediately behind the keyboard 3, there is provided a liquid crystal display 4 capable of displaying input characters and symbols for two lines. Here, reference numeral 5 is an operation knob for opening the cover case of the thermal printing mechanism PM.

On the keyboard (corresponding to input means) 3, in addition to character keys for inputting alphabetic characters, numbers and symbols, space key, line feed key, break block key, cursor and block cursor BK are moved up, down, left and right. Cursor movement keys to move each direction, format setting keys to set the format for print processing, edit keys such as cancel key and delete key, execute key, print keys to instruct printing, power ON / OFF There is a power key and so on.

Next, the thermal printing mechanism (corresponding to printing means) PM will be briefly described with reference to FIG. A rectangular tape cassette 10 is detachably attached to the thermal printing mechanism PM. The tape cassette 10 includes a tape spool 12 around which a laminate tape 11 as a print target is wound, and an ink ribbon. A ribbon spool 14 on which 13 is wound, and this ink ribbon 13
A ribbon take-up spool 15, a supply spool 17 in which a double-sided tape 12 having the same width as the laminating tape 11 is wound with the release paper outside, and the laminating tape 11 and the double-sided tape 16 are pressed. The joining roller 18 for joining is rotatably provided.

A thermal head 19 is erected at a position where the laminating tape 11 and the ink ribbon 13 overlap each other, and a platen roller 20 for pressing the laminating tape 11 and the ink ribbon 13 against the thermal head 19.
And a feed roller 21 for pressing the laminating tape 11 and the double-sided tape 16 against the joining roller 18 to feed the tape while forming the tape-shaped label 23, and a roller support body rotatably pivotally attached to the main body frame 2. It is rotatably supported at 22. In this thermal head 19, 128 heating elements are vertically arranged.

Therefore, by driving the tape feed motor 36 (see FIG. 3) in the predetermined rotation direction, the joining roller 18 and the ribbon take-up spool 15 are driven in synchronization with each other in the predetermined rotation direction, while the thermal head 19 of the thermal head 19 is driven. When a plurality of heating elements are energized, characters and symbols are printed in a mirror image by a plurality of dot rows on the back side of the laminating tape 11, and the double-sided tape 16 is joined to the back side of the laminating tape 11 to form a tape shape. A label 23 is created and fed in the tape feeding direction T, and as shown in FIGS.
It is delivered to the outside of the body frame 2. For details of the thermal printing mechanism PM, refer to Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2-106555.

By the way, the tape width of the laminated tape 11 wound around the tape spool 12 in the tape cassette 10 is 6 mm, 9 mm, 12 mm, 18 mm, 24.
5 types of mm are prepared, and three detection holes 24 to 26 are formed in the bottom wall portion of the tape cassette 10 so as to detect any of these 5 types of tape widths. Some of the detection holes 24-26 are combined and blocked. Then, in the main body frame 2 that supports the lower side of the tape cassette 10, these closed detection holes 2 are provided.
A cassette sensor 3 that detects a tape width, a tape type, and the like from the combination of 4 to 26 and outputs tape cassette information.
0 (see FIG. 3) is attached.

Next, the control system of the tape-shaped label producing apparatus 1 is constructed as shown in the block diagram of FIG. The input / output interface 44 of the control device C includes a keyboard 3, a cassette sensor 30, and a liquid crystal display (L
Video RAM 31 for outputting display data to CD) 4
Display Controller (LCDC) 32 with
A drive circuit 34 for the warning buzzer 33, a drive circuit 35 for driving the thermal head 19, and a drive circuit 37 for driving the tape feed motor 36 are connected to each other.

The control device C includes a CPU 40 and this CPU
40 connected via a bus 45 such as a data bus, a display character generator ROM (display CGROM) 41, a print character generator ROM (print CGROM) 42, an RO
It is composed of an M43 and a RAM 50. C for display
The GROM 41 stores display dot pattern data of a predetermined character size for each of a large number of characters such as alphabetic characters and symbols. CG for printing
In the ROM 42, printing dot pattern data for each of a large number of characters such as alphabetic characters and symbols is stored for a plurality of printing character sizes in association with code data for each typeface.

In the ROM 43, a display drive control program for controlling the display controller 32 in accordance with character code data such as characters, numbers and symbols input from the keyboard 3, dot pattern data for each dot row for printing. A print drive control program for sequentially transferring the prints to the thermal head 19 or the tape feed motor 36 for printing, and a control program for a tape-shaped label production control, which will be described later, peculiar to the present application are stored.

In the RAM 50, a text memory 51 for storing character code data input from the keyboard 3 as document data, a format information memory 52 for storing format information set for various format items, and fixed length printing. A set tape length memory 53 for storing the set tape length value, a block number memory 54 for storing the number of blocks included in the document data stored in the text memory 51, and “auto” or “set numerical value”. A block setting value memory 55 for storing the data of the block length set for each block, a first cancel flag which is set when the cancel key is operated (data is "1")
Flag data for C1F and the second cancellation flag C2F, and flag data for the even allocation value display flag DF that is set when all block lengths are "automatic" and the optimum even allocation value for each block length is displayed. And for each block, the dot pattern data corresponding to the character code stored in the flag memory 56 and the text memory 51 for storing the block length setting flag BF flag data set when setting the block length are expanded. Print data buffer 57 for storing in other
A memory, a buffer, and the like for temporarily storing the calculation result calculated in 1. are provided.

Next, a tape-shaped label production control routine executed by the controller C of the tape-shaped label production apparatus 1 will be described with reference to the schematic flow charts of FIGS. In the figure, reference numeral Si (i = 10, 11, 12, ...
() Is each step. When the power is turned on by operating the power key on the keyboard 3, the initialization process of the thermal printing mechanism PM and the like is executed, and then the document data input screen is displayed on the display 4 to start the label creation process control. To be done. When a printable key such as a character key, a numeric key, a symbol key, or a line feed key is operated (S10 / S11: Yes), the code data corresponding to the input key is the text memory 5 as document data.
1 (S17), a display process for displaying the document data on the display 4 is executed (S22), and the process returns to S10.

Next, when the modified block key is operated (S10: Yes, S11: No, S12: Yes), modified block processing control (see FIG. 5) for storing the modified block code is executed (S18). . When this control is started, no code data is stored in the storage position of the modified block code, and when newly input (S30: No),
The modified block code is written in the storage address of the text memory 51 (S33), the control is terminated, and the process returns to S22 of the tape-shaped label production control, and then S22 and S.
Return to 10.

Next, when the delete key is operated (S
10: Yes, S11 to S12: No, S13: Yes), delete processing control (see FIG. 6) is executed to delete (delete) the data in the text memory 51 corresponding to the display position of the cursor (S18). When this control is started and the data to be deleted is other than the modified block code (S35: No), the data in the text memory 51 corresponding to the display position of the cursor is deleted and the deleted data is continued. A deletion process of sequentially moving the code data one by one to the head address side is executed (S38), the control is ended, and the process returns to S22. Here, by operating the character keys or the block key, the text memory 51
For example, as shown in FIG. 18, the character string “A to C” is used as the data of the first block, the character string “H to O” is used as the data of the second block, and the character string is used as the data of the third block. “S to V” is stored.

Next, when the format setting key is operated to set the format for the printing process (S10: Yes,
S11 to S13: No, S14: Yes) and the formatting process control (see FIG. 7) are executed (S20). When this control is started, a formatting screen is displayed on the display 4 instead of displaying the document data (S40). For example, as shown in FIG. 19, in the upper part of the display 4, the first format setting item "margin" and its first set value "large", and in the lower part the next format item "fixed length" and its first The setting values of "auto" are displayed respectively. Here, as other formatting items,
Although not shown, “type of ruled line”, “arrangement” for line printing such as left alignment and right alignment, “pitch between characters”, etc. are provided. Default setting values are set in advance in each of the plurality of format setting items. The default setting values are displayed on the first format setting screen, and the work memory of the RAM 50 stores these default setting values. The format setting items and their default values are stored in association with each other.

Next, when the cursor down movement key or the cursor up movement key is operated (S41 / S42: Yes),
Formatting item display processing of moving the block cursor BK to the next (lower side) formatting item and displaying it or moving to the previous (upper) formatting item and displaying it is executed (S46), Return to S41. When the cursor right movement key or the cursor left movement key is operated (S41: Yes
, S42: No, S43: Yes), the set value display processing for changing the set value of the format setting item in which the block cursor BK is displayed to the next set value or the previous set value. Is executed (S47), and the process returns to S41.

Here, regarding the format setting item "fixed length",
Each time the cursor right move key is operated, the set value is
"Automatic" → minimum value "20" → "21" → "22" → "2"
3 ”→ ・ ・ ・ ・ → Maximum value“ 250 ”→“ Automatic ”→“ 2 ”
The set value is increased in sequence from 0 "..., But each time the cursor left movement key is operated, the set value is decreased in the reverse order of the increase. By the way, the set value "automatic" is to set the length of the print area determined by the value of the set print character size and the number of input characters to the length of the fixed length print. For example, as shown in FIG. 20, by operating the cursor down key, the format setting item "fixed length"
"150 mm" is set as the setting value of.

On the other hand, when the execute key is operated (S4
1: Yes, S42 to S43: No, S44: Yes), and the setting value of the format setting item "fixed length" is "automatic" (S48: Yes
), The plurality of format setting items and their set values stored in the work memory are stored in the format information memory 52 (S51), the control is terminated, and the process returns to S22. However, the setting value of the format setting item "fixed length" is
When the set value is "numerical value" other than "automatic" (S4
8: No), the set value is stored as the set tape length in the set tape length memory 53, and the block length (print length for printing the block data is set for the block set in the document data to be printed in the fixed length. The block setting process control (see FIG. 8) for setting () is executed (S49).

When this control is started, the block setting initial processing control (see FIG. 9) is first executed (S55). When this control is started, first, the total number of blocks N is obtained from the number of modified block codes based on the document data in the text memory 51, and the total number of blocks N is stored in the number of blocks memory 54 (S60). Then, the block length setting flag BF is reset, and the block setting value memory 55 stores the first block corresponding to the total number N of blocks.
A block setting area for blocks to the Nth block is provided, and in each of the block setting areas, an initial value “automatic” is set as a block number and its block length, and further, for each of the total blocks, The number of blocks AN whose block length is set to "automatic" is obtained (S61). For example, as shown in FIG. 21, the total number of blocks “3” is stored, and based on the document data of the text memory 51, the block number memory 54 is provided with three block setting areas, and each block setting area is An initial value "automatic" is set as a block number and a block length thereof, respectively.

Next, all of these total blocks are searched, and when the set values of all blocks are "automatic" (S62: Yes), the even allocation value display flag DF is set (S63), but all Block setting value is "Automatic"
If not (S62: No), the even allocation value display flag DF is reset (S64). Next, the maximum value BL that can be set as the block length of a plurality of blocks is obtained by the operational expression of BL = set tape length-left and right margin amount- {margin between blocks × total block number N-1)} (S6
Five). However, the inter-block margin is set to 3 mm, for example.

Next, when the maximum settable value BL is 0 or a negative number (S66: Yes), "0" is forcibly set as the maximum settable value BL (S67), but the maximum settable value is set. When BL is a positive number (S66: No), the settable maximum value BL is not changed at all and the process proceeds to S68. Then, the block length setting screen is displayed on the display 4 based on the data of the settable maximum value BL and the block length setting flag BF (S68), and the process returns to S56 of the block setting process control. For example, as shown in FIG. 22, the settable maximum value BL “130 mm” is displayed in the upper display area of the display 4, and two selection items “No” and “Yes” are displayed in the lower display area. It is displayed and the block cursor BK is displayed in the selection item "No".

Next, in the block setting process control, the block length setting process control (see FIG. 10) is executed (S).
56). When this control is started and the cursor left movement key is operated (S70 / S71: Yes), the block cursor BK is displayed in the left selection item "No" (S7).
6), the block length setting flag BF is reset (S7
7) Return to S70. However, when the cursor right movement key is operated (S70: Yes, S71: No, S72: Yes
), The block cursor BK is displayed in the right selection item "Yes" (S78), the block length setting flag BF is set (S79), and the process returns to S70. For example, as shown in FIG. 23, the block cursor BK indicates that the selection item is “do”.
Is displayed in.

Here, when the cancel key is operated (S70: Yes, S71 to S73: No, S74: Yes), the first cancel flag C1F is set (S75), and this control and block setting process control are ended. Then, S of the formatting process control
If the first cancel flag C1F is set (S50: Yes), the process returns to S40. On the other hand, when the execute key is operated (S70: Yes, S71 to S72: N
o, S73: Yes), if the block length setting flag BF is reset and the block length is not set (S80: No), all blocks (first block to Nth block) in the block setting value memory 55. ) Are set to "automatic" as the block length (S81), and similarly, the process returns to S50 of the formatting process control, and when the first cancel flag C1F is not set (S50: No), multiple format settings are made. The item and its setting value are the format information memory 52.
(S51), the control is terminated and the process returns to S22.

However, when the block length setting flag BF is set and the block length is set (S
80: Yes), block length setting processing for each block (FIG. 11)
(See) is executed (S82). When this control is started, the flag SF is first set (S89), and then the block length setting value display screen is displayed on the display 4 instead of the block length setting screen display (S90). Here, the flag SF is a flag indicating a key input for the first time since the block that is currently the target of the block length setting process, and is a target block by operating a cursor up / down movement key or the like. This flag SF is set (the flag value thereof becomes 1) each time is switched, and is reset (the flag value thereof becomes 0) by operating the cursor left / right moving key. For example, as shown in FIG. 24, in the upper display area of the display 4, the first block number “block length 1” of the set three blocks and its set value “automatic” are displayed, and In the lower display area, the second block number "block length 2" and its set value "auto" are displayed.

Next, when the cursor down movement key is operated (S91, S92: Yes), the block cursor next line display processing control (see FIG. 13) is executed (S102).
When this control is started, the block SF for which the block length is set has been changed, so the flag SF is set (S119), and then the set value as the block length, that is, the numeric key as described later. When the value set by or the evenly allocated value is equal to or less than the settable maximum value BL (S120: No) and the block cursor BK is displayed in the upper row (S121: Yes).
), The block cursor BK is displayed at the bottom (S122
), And terminates this control, and returns to S91 of block length setting processing control for each block. However, when the block length is "automatic", since it is not set with a specific numerical value, the set value of "automatic" is smaller than the settable maximum value BL.

However, when the set value is equal to or less than the settable maximum value BL, and the block cursor BK is displayed in the lower row (S120 / S121: No), when the next screen exists (S124: Yes). ), The next block length set value display screen is displayed on the display 4 and the block cursor BK is displayed on the upper stage (S125), the control is terminated and the process returns to S91. For example, when the cursor down movement key is operated twice in the screen display shown in FIG. 24, the next block length set value display screen is displayed as shown in FIG.

When the set value is larger than the settable maximum value BL (S120: Yes), the set value is invalidated and the settable maximum value BL is displayed on the display 4 (S123), and this control is performed. Upon completion, the process returns to S91. In the block length setting process control for each block, when the cursor up key is operated (S91: Yes, S92: No, S93: Yes), the block cursor preceding line display process control (see FIG. 14) is executed. (S103). When this control is started, the flag SF is set because the block to be set in the block length is changed (S129), and then the set value is equal to or less than the settable maximum value BL (S130). : No), and when the block cursor BK is displayed in the lower row (S131: Yes), the block cursor BK is displayed in the upper row (S132), and this control is terminated to execute the block length setting processing control for each block. Return to S91.

However, when the set value is equal to or less than the settable maximum value BL, and the block cursor BK is displayed in the upper row (S120 to S121: No), the previous screen exists (S134: Yes). ), The previous block length set value display screen is displayed on the display 4 and the block cursor BK is displayed in the lower row (S135), the control is terminated, and the process returns to S91. By the way, when the set value is larger than the settable maximum value BL (S130: Ye
s), the set value is invalidated, the maximum settable value BL is displayed on the display 4 (S133), the control is terminated, and the process returns to S91.

Next, in the block length setting process control for each block, when the numeric key is operated (S91: Ye
s, S92 / S93: No, S94: Yes), and the numerical code is stored as the block length of the block in which the block cursor BK is displayed in the corresponding block setting area of the block setting value memory 55 and is displayed. The storage / display processing control is executed (S104), and the process returns to S91.
Next, when the cursor left movement key is operated (S9
1: Yes, S92 to S94: No, S95: Yes), and set value decrease processing control (see FIG. 15) for sequentially decreasing set values is executed (S105).

When this control is started, the flag SF
Is set (S139: Yes) and the even allocation value display flag DF is set (S14:
0: Yes), and the even allocation value calculation processing control (see FIG. 17) that evenly allocates the set tape length to the plurality of blocks set to “automatic” is executed (S143). When this control is started, first, based on the data in the block setting value memory 55, the automatic setting block number AN whose setting value is set to "automatic" is obtained (S160), and this automatic setting block number AN is calculated. When it is not "0" (S161: No) and the settable maximum value BL is not "0" (S162:
No), the even allocation value is the even allocation value = {(maximum settable value BL−total value of block lengths for which a setting value other than “automatic” is set) / number of automatically set blocks A
N} is calculated by the arithmetic expression (S163), the flag SF is reset (S164), this control is ended, and the process returns to the set value reduction processing control. Then, in the set value reduction processing control, the evenly allocated value is displayed on the display 4 (S144), the control is terminated, and the process returns to S91.

For example, in the screen display shown in FIG.
When the cursor left movement key is operated, as shown in FIG. 26, the even allocation value “43” is displayed as the block length instead of “automatic”. Here, the uniform allocation value will be described with reference to FIG. 27. Since the block lengths of all blocks of the total number of blocks “3” are set to “automatic”, respectively, from the set tape length (150 mm), Maximum value BL that can be set by subtracting left and right margin amounts LY and RY (both 5 mm), left and right margins LM and RM (both 2 mm), and two block margins (eg, 6 mm)
Is divided by the total number of blocks “3” to obtain the first block B
An evenly-allocated value "43 mm" that is evenly allocated to the first block, the second block B2, and the third block B3 is obtained.

However, when the automatically set block number AN is "0" (S161: Yes), there is no block number set to "automatic", so "1" is set as the even allocation value ( After returning to S165) and S164. Further, although the automatic setting block number AN exists, when the current maximum settable value BL is "0" (S
162: Yes), and since the even allocation is not possible, "0" is set as the even allocation value (S165), and the process returns through S164.

On the other hand, in the set value reduction processing control, the flag SF is reset (S139: No), or the flag SF is set (S139: Yes) but the even allocation value display flag DF is not set. At this time (S140: No), when the set value is the settable maximum value BL or more (S141: Yes), the settable maximum value BL is forcibly set and displayed as the set value (S145), and this control is performed. Upon completion, the process returns to S91. But,
When the set value is smaller than the maximum settable value BL (S
141: No), the set value which is the block length is changed to the next set value on the decreasing side and set and displayed (S142), the control is terminated, and the process returns to S91. here,
The setting value is automatic → BL (the maximum value that can be set) →
(BL-1) → (BL-2) → ・ ・ ・ ・ 2 → 1 → Automatic ・
.. are sequentially changed to the next decreasing side based on the set value decreasing order of.

For example, in the screen display shown in FIG.
Operate the cursor down movement key to move the block cursor BK
When "135" is set as the set value by operating the number keys after displaying "" in the lower row, as shown in FIG. 28, for block number 2 "block length 2",
The set value is displayed on "135 mm", but when the cursor left movement key is operated after that, the set value will be "13 mm".
Since "5 mm" is larger than the settable maximum value BL "130 mm", the settable maximum value BL is forcibly set as the set value as shown in FIG.

Next, in the block length setting processing control for each block, when the cursor right movement key is operated (S91: Yes, S92 to S95: No, S96: Yes), the set value is increased in sequence. Processing control (see FIG. 16) is executed (S106). When this control is started,
When the flag SF is set (S149: Yes) and the evenly-allocated value display flag DF is set (S150: Yes), the equally-allocated value is obtained by calculation similarly to the above-mentioned S143 (S153), The evenly-allocated value is displayed on the display 4 (S154), the control is terminated, and the process returns to S91.

On the other hand, if the flag SF is reset (S149: No) or the flag SF is set (S149: Yes) and the even allocation value display flag DF is not set (S150: No). When the set value is equal to or larger than the settable maximum value BL (S151: Yes), the settable minimum value that can be set as the block length, that is, "auto" is forcibly set and displayed (S155),
This control is ended and the process returns to S91. However, when the set value is smaller than the settable maximum value BL (S151: No), the set value that is the block length is changed to the next increasing set value and is set and displayed (S152).
), And ends this control, and returns to S91.
Here, the set value is sequentially changed to the next increasing side based on the set value increasing order opposite to the set value decreasing order. In this way, the calculated evenly-allocated value is displayed on the display 4 after the first operation of the cursor left / right moving key after the desired block is set as the block length setting target. When the cursor left / right moving key is operated twice or more after the block length is set, the display 4 displays a value that is sequentially decreased or increased from the maximum value or the minimum value. Therefore, the block length can be set by first displaying the even allocation value and then increasing or decreasing from the minimum value or the maximum value, so that the block length can be set after referring to the even allocation value. The setting operation becomes extremely easy.

Next, in the block length setting processing control for each block, when the delete key is operated (S91: Ye
s, S92 to S96: No, S97: Yes), the set value of the block length designated by the block cursor BK is set to "auto" (S107), and the process returns to S91. Further, when the all erase key is operated (S91: Yes, S92 to S97: No, S
98: Yes), the block lengths of all currently set blocks are set to "automatic" (S108), and the process returns to S91.

By the way, when the cancel key is operated (S91: Yes, S92 to S99: No, S100: Yes), the second cancel flag C2F is set (S101), the control is terminated, and the block length is set. When the process returns to S82 of the process control and the second cancel flag C2F is set (S83: Yes), the block length setting screen is displayed (S8
4), return to S70.

On the other hand, when the execute key is operated (S9
1: Yes, S92 to S98: No, S99: Yes), and when the set value is larger than the settable maximum value BL (S109: Yes)
), The maximum settable value BL is displayed instead of the set value (S111), and the process returns to S91. When the set value is equal to or less than the settable maximum value BL (S109: No), when the sum of the set values stored in the block set value memory 55 is equal to or less than the settable maximum value BL (S110: No), After ending this control, the process returns to S83, and the second cancellation flag C2F
Is not set (S83: No), the block length setting process control and the block setting process control are also ended, and the process returns to S50 of the format setting process control.

However, when the total of the set values is larger than the settable maximum value BL (S110: Yes), an error message "fixed length over" is displayed ( S112) and S91.
Return to.

In the tape label production control, when the print key is operated (S10: Yes, S11 to S1).
4: No, S15: Yes), the document data stored in the text memory 51 is expanded into dot pattern data based on the data in the format information memory 52 and the data in the block setting value memory 55, and the print data buffer is created. 57, the dot pattern data is sequentially read out,
Printing is performed on the laminating tape 11 by the thermal printing mechanism PM (S21), and the process returns to S10 via S22. As a result, the document data is printed for each set block, and the tape-shaped label 23 is created.

For example, as shown in FIG. 30, for each of the character strings in the text memory 51 shown in FIG. 18, dot pattern data is created based on the format information, and further based on the block length set for each block. The dot pattern data of the character string for each block is sequentially expanded in the print data buffer 57 from the designated block start position and printed to form the tape-shaped label 23. Here, the code B1 is the block length of the first block, the code B2 is the block length of the second block, and the code B3 is the block length of the third block.

By the way, in the tape-like label production control, when the break block key is operated (S10: Yes
, S11: No, S12: Yes), and S18, when changing the character code or the line feed code to the new block code when the new block processing control is executed as described above (S30: Yes), the new block code Is rewritten to (S31). That is, since the number of blocks increases in the text memory 51, the setting values of all the blocks created in the block setting value memory 55 are forcibly changed to “auto” (S32), and the above S22 is executed. After that, it returns to S10.

Further, when the delete key is operated (S
10: Yes, S11 to S12: No, S13: Yes) and S19, when the deletion processing control is executed as described above,
When the modified block code is deleted (S35: Yes
), The modified block code is changed to a line feed code (S36), and the setting values of all blocks created in the block setting value memory 55 are forcibly changed to "automatic" (S37), and S22 is changed. After that, it returns to S10.

Next, the operation of setting the block length by the block length setting processing control will be described. When the set tape length is set during constant length printing, the block length in the block printing state can be changed by operating the number keys or the cursor right move key or cursor left move key via this set tape length. By the operation of, the block data of a plurality of characters and symbols which are set for each block and stored in the text memory 51 and which are designated as a block by the break block code are handled while sequentially adjoining the plurality of blocks in the printing direction. Since it is printed on the laminating tape 11 so as to be within the range of the block length of the block to be written, even if the document data including a plurality of block data designated by the modified block code is printed, The print start position of each block is always constant, and when these printed tape-like labels 23 are arranged, Will be the print starting position of the string of each lock are aligned, it is possible to create a tape-shaped label good-looking.

On the other hand , when the block lengths of the set plurality of blocks are all "automatic", the block lengths are set evenly to the plurality of blocks. Therefore, when the set tape lengths are evenly allocated. Can be used as a guide.

Since the block length at the time of even allocation can be changed to be small or large by operating the cursor left movement key or the cursor right movement key, the evenly allocated block length can be changed depending on the number of characters to be printed or each block. It can be changed to any desired length according to the arrangement of the character string to be printed. Further, when the break command when the break block key or the delete key is operated causes the number of blocks in the text memory 51 to be increased or decreased, and the block length set by the numerical value is invalidated, all blocks are invalidated. "Automatic" is set as the length,
Since the block length of each block is automatically set based on the number of input character strings and the set character size, a good-looking tape-like label can be created.

It should be noted that, within the scope of the technical idea of the present invention, for example, the present invention is not limited to using the ink ribbon 13 and is configured to print on a print tape made of a thermal paper, and existing techniques related to the above-described embodiment are used. Also, various modifications may be made based on the technique obvious to those skilled in the art. In addition, keyboard and C
It is needless to say that the present invention can be applied to various tape-shaped label producing apparatuses having an RT type display and a printing mechanism.

[0064]

According to the tape-shaped label producing apparatus of the first aspect of the present invention, the input of the input means and the decipherment of characters and symbols are performed.
Data and multiple characters and symbols are specified as a block
Input data memory that stores the block specification data for
And the block finger stored in the input data storage means.
Within the set tape length of the tape based on the number of constant data
Set the number of setting areas for each block in the
The block length in the printing state of each specified block is
Within the set tape length, multiple statements in each block
Block length setting means to set regardless of the number of letters and symbols
Because provided the door, even when printed over the document data into several types, the print start position of each block is always constant, but when formed by arranging these printed tape-shaped label printing strings for each block Since the starting positions are aligned, a good-looking tape-shaped label can be created.

According to the tape-shaped label producing apparatus of the second aspect, the block length setting means sets the block length in consideration of at least margins set in advance on the left and right ends of the block. Since the block data is printed on the tape-shaped label created by printing the data so that the left and right margins of the tape-shaped label fit inside, respectively, it is possible to create a good-looking tape-shaped label. it can.

According to the tape-shaped label producing apparatus of the third aspect, the block length setting means, when one set tape length is set for a plurality of blocks, sets the block length evenly to the plurality of blocks. Since the tape length is set, the set tape length can be used as a guide for even allocation.

According to the tape-shaped label producing apparatus of the fourth aspect, the block length set by the block length setting means is changed while confirming the block length displayed on the input means and the display means. Since the block length changing means is provided, the evenly allocated block length can be changed according to the number of characters to be printed and the arrangement of character strings for each block to be printed.
It can be arbitrarily changed to a desired length.

[0068] According to the tape-shaped label producing device according to claim 5, based on the number of characters and symbols of each block stored in the input data storing means, and setting the character size set by the input means, Since the block length automatic setting means for automatically setting the block length in the printing state is included, it is possible to automatically set the block length based on the number of character strings and the set character size without setting the block length.

According to the tape-shaped label producing apparatus of the sixth aspect, when the block length changed by the block length changing means is invalidated by the cancel instruction from the input means,
Since the block length automatic setting means is activated, the invalid block length is automatically set based on the number of input character strings and the set character size, so that a good-looking tape label can be created. .

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a plan view of a tape-shaped label producing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a schematic plan view of a thermal printing mechanism equipped with a tape cassette.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram of a control system of the tape label producing apparatus.

FIG. 4 is a schematic flowchart of a tape-shaped label production control routine.

FIG. 5 is a schematic flowchart of a modified block processing control routine.

FIG. 6 is a schematic flowchart of a deletion processing control routine.

FIG. 7 is a schematic flowchart of a routine for formatting process control.

FIG. 8 is a schematic flowchart of a block setting process control routine.

FIG. 9 is a schematic flowchart of a routine for block setting initial processing control.

FIG. 10 is a schematic flowchart of a block length setting process control routine.

FIG. 11 is a schematic flowchart of a part of a block length setting process control routine for each block.

FIG. 12 is a schematic flowchart of a part of a block length setting process control routine for each block.

FIG. 13 is a schematic flowchart of a routine for control processing of displaying the next line of a block cursor.

FIG. 14 is a schematic flowchart of a routine for controlling the preceding line display process of the block cursor.

FIG. 15 is a schematic flowchart of a routine for control for decreasing set value.

FIG. 16 is a schematic flowchart of a routine for control of increasing the set value.

FIG. 17 is a schematic flowchart of a routine of evenly-allocated value calculation processing control.

FIG. 18 is an explanatory diagram illustrating data stored in a text memory.

FIG. 19 is a diagram showing a display example of a format setting screen.

20 is a diagram corresponding to FIG. 19 in which a setting value is set in the format setting item “fixed length”.

FIG. 21 is an explanatory diagram illustrating data stored in a block setting value memory.

FIG. 22 is a diagram showing a display example of a block length setting screen.

23 is a view corresponding to FIG. 22 in which the setting content is set to “Yes”.

FIG. 24 is a diagram showing a display example of a top block length setting value display screen.

FIG. 25 is a diagram showing a display example of a second block length set value display screen.

FIG. 26 is a diagram corresponding to FIG. 24 in which an even allocation value is set to block number 1.

FIG. 27 is an explanatory diagram of uniformly allocating block lengths of blocks set to “automatic”.

FIG. 28 is a diagram corresponding to FIG. 24 in which a block length is set numerically for block number 2.

29 is a view corresponding to FIG. 28 in which the set value of block number 2 is changed to the maximum settable value.

FIG. 30 is a plan view of a tape-shaped label on which a character string is printed for each set block.

[Explanation of symbols]

1 Tape-shaped label making device 3 keyboard 4 LCD display 10 tape cassette 11 Laminating tape 19 thermal head 20 Platen roller 40 CPU 43 ROM 50 RAM 51 text memory PM thermal printing mechanism C control device

   ─────────────────────────────────────────────────── ─── Continued front page    (72) Inventor Mayumi Nishio               Broza, 15-1, Naeshiro-cho, Mizuho-ku, Nagoya               -Industrial Co., Ltd. (72) Inventor Yoshihiro Middle East               Broza, 15-1, Naeshiro-cho, Mizuho-ku, Nagoya               -Industrial Co., Ltd.                (56) Reference JP-A-5-305748 (JP, A)

Claims (6)

(57) [Claims] And 1. A variety of input means for inputting data and commands, and a display unit having a display including a cursor, a printing means for printing on the tape is a printing object, displayed on the basis of input by said input means In a tape-shaped label producing apparatus provided with a control means for controlling a printing means and a printing means , data of characters and symbols input from the input means and data and
And a block for specifying each character or symbol as a block.
The input data storage means storing the lock designation data and the block designation data stored in the input data storage means.
Based on the number of tapes
Set the number of setting areas for each block
The block length in the printed state of each block
Within the set tape length, multiple blocks in each block
A tape-shaped label producing apparatus comprising: a block length setting means for setting regardless of the number of characters or symbols . 2. The tape according to claim 1, wherein the block length setting means is configured to set the block length at least by taking into account preset margins at the left and right ends of the block. Label making device. 3. The block length setting means, when one set tape length is set for a plurality of blocks,
The tape-shaped label producing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the block length is set uniformly for the plurality of blocks. 4. An input means and a block length changing means for changing the block length set uniformly by the block length setting means while confirming the block length displayed on the display means. The tape-shaped label producing apparatus according to claim 3. 5. Furthermore, the number of characters and symbols of each block stored in the input data storing means, based on the set character size set from the input means, the block length for automatically setting the block length in the print status The tape-shaped label producing apparatus according to claim 4, further comprising an automatic setting unit. 6. The block length automatic setting means is operated when the block length changed by the block length changing means is invalidated by a cancel command from the input means. 5. The tape-shaped label producing apparatus according to item 5.