JP3576018B2 - Character information processing device - Google Patents

Description

[0001]
TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a character information processing apparatus, which displays an input character string on a display means such as a liquid crystal display, and prints the input character string on a tape, or prints the input character string on a stamping member such as an ultraviolet curable resin. The present invention can be applied to a stamp making apparatus for transferring and forming.
[0002]
[Prior art]
Conventionally, a character information processing apparatus of this type includes an input device having a plurality of input keys for inputting a character string including pictograms and the like and an operation key for switching a font, and a screen for displaying the input character string on a screen. For display, a display device having a display unit such as a liquid crystal display (LCD) and an output device for creating and outputting a tape, a seal, or the like on which an input character string is printed and transferred are indispensable.
[0003]
The mechanical configuration of the output device is provided with a lid for setting and securely holding the loaded unprinted and untransferred tape or seal. In order to simplify the mechanical structure and reduce the number of parts, this lid is constituted by a single lid that is opened and closed by rotating the shaft.
[0004]
As a basic trend of this type of character information processing apparatus, since various types of character strings are input, displayed, and output in various forms, the number of input keys and the number of operation keys tend to increase. In view of the above, these keys tend to be concentrated on the surface facing the user in the normal character input state, that is, on the upper surface of the main body of the processing apparatus.
[0005]
Accordingly, the processing apparatus generally has a wide top surface.
[0006]
A display device and an output device are also arranged on the wide upper surface mainly from the viewpoint of operability, and keys are concentrated in a near area in front of the user in the upper surface of the main body in a normal character input state. In addition, a display device is arranged in the upper surface of the main body or in a slightly separated area so that a user's hand for inputting characters does not obstruct the direct view of the display device, and is farther than the display device or arranged side by side with the output device. Is disposed.
[0007]
In the case of a stamp making device, the above-described output device has an opening only on the upper surface of the main body where a large opening is easily formed, and the loading and unloading of the stamp is performed through this opening. The hinge of the lid is arranged at the upper end of the upper surface farthest from the user.
[0008]
In the case of a tape printer, the configuration of the lid of the output device is almost the same, but the printed tape can be output in order from the printed portion without opening the lid each time. Since the configuration is preferable, a narrow slit for outputting a printing tape is provided on the side surface, and one lid has a shape that can cover a part of the side surface except the slit.
[0009]
The user can input a character string by operating the input keys while checking the display device, and can output a tape, a seal, or the like on which the desired character string is printed and transferred.
[0010]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
By the way, the liquid crystal display unit, which is the display unit of the above-described display device, is desirably large in order to simultaneously display an input character string of many lines and many characters in a fixed character size on the screen.
[0011]
This is because the liquid crystal display unit not only displays the input character string on the screen, but also displays the input character string together with the input character string in the actual state of forming the input character string on the tape or stamping surface member, or in a print image close to the print state. Is also required to be displayed.
[0012]
However, the liquid crystal display section of this type of conventional label writer is such that the input character string displayed on the screen of the liquid crystal display section includes the entire text including the characters not displayed on the screen (accordingly, on the printed tape). Except for a line mark, which is a small number indicating the number of the line, only two characters and four characters (or four lines and six characters) can be displayed simultaneously.
[0013]
Conventionally, the character size of the input character string for two lines is reduced and displayed on one line, and the display area for one ordinary line is used for the print image. Can be displayed, but in such a case, the operability such as the character size displayed in the print image being too small or the display area of the input character string being substantially one line becomes large. Not always enough.
[0014]
Also, if an input character string of, for example, 4 lines and 12 characters is to be displayed on a small liquid crystal display unit as in the related art, the size of the displayed character may be too small to make it difficult to see.
[0015]
Therefore, there is a high need to enlarge the liquid crystal display section.
[0016]
The enlargement of the liquid crystal display portion exposed on the upper surface of the main body of the character information processing device means the enlargement of the upper surface portion of the main body, that is, the enlargement of the main body of the character information processing device itself.
[0017]
This type of character information processing device specializing in specific applications has a high degree of ingenuity not only in the electronic circuit but also in the mechanical structure, such as a built-in mechanism for cutting printed tape. Since the demand for compactness is higher than that of a general-purpose character information processing apparatus (for example, a word processor) or the like, an increase in the size of the main body is a problem.
[0018]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
(A) In order to solve such a problem, according to the present invention, a plurality of input keys for inputting a character string, a display unit for displaying the input character string, and a print medium as an internal space in which a print medium can be attached and detached. In a character information processing apparatus comprising a mounting portion and an openable / closable lid covering the print medium mounting portion on the upper surface of the main body, and the input key, the display portion is disposed on the outer surface of the lid, When the cover is opened, the print medium mounting portion is opened so that the print medium can be attached and detached, and the display on the display unit is stopped.When the cover is closed, an input character string is displayed. The display unit may be configured to form a part of the upper surface of the main body.
[0019]
In the present invention, a print medium (for example, a tape or a seal) is loaded from a print medium mounting portion in which the lid is opened and opened, and when the lid is closed, the lid covers the loaded print medium. In addition, the display unit is supported at a position where the user can easily see the display unit on the outer surface. In other words, by using the lid as a support for the display unit, the print medium mounting unit and the display unit can be arranged in an overlapping manner on the upper surface of the main body of the character information processing apparatus. It is possible to have a large display unit. In addition, when the lid is opened, the user stops inputting a character string which has been input by the input key and displayed on the display unit until then, so that power consumption can be reduced if necessary.
[0023]
BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION
(A) Embodiment Hereinafter, an embodiment will be described with an example in which a character information processing apparatus according to the present invention is applied to a tape printing apparatus (label writer).
[0024]
(A-1) Configuration and Operation of Embodiment The label writer 10 of the embodiment is shown in FIGS. The label writer 10 is a device for receiving (loading) a tape cartridge and transferring (printing) an input character string to a tape sent out from the tape cartridge in a specified manner. As the transfer method, a thermal transfer method using a thin film thermal head 45 (see FIG. 2) is used.
[0025]
The tape on which the character string has been transferred is discharged (output) from the label writer 10 in accordance with a predetermined operation.
[0026]
In FIG. 3, input keys 11 are keys for inputting numbers, kana, alphabets, and the like, and operation keys 12 are keys for performing kana-kanji conversion and the like. The input keys 11 and the operation keys 12 are arranged in a keyboard system based on the JIS layout.
[0027]
The handle 13 is a portable grip used when carrying the label writer 10.
[0028]
The opening / closing key 14 is a key interlocking with the internal mechanism. When the key is pushed in, the hook 52 formed on the inner surface 15B of the upper cover 15 (both 15B and 52 both refer to FIG. 4) and the engagement with the internal mechanism are released. It has become.
[0029]
Various modes can be considered for the operation and mechanism when the upper cover 15 is opened. In this embodiment, when the engagement between the hook 52 and the internal mechanism is released, the upper cover 15 is slightly lifted by the urging force, Then, it should be possible to open it manually manually.
[0030]
The upper cover 15 is a lid that is opened by rotating along the locus of the arrow R in the counterclockwise direction in FIG. The upper cover 15 is integrally formed by, for example, plastic molding.
[0031]
The structure around the rotation axis A1 can be mechanically rotated while the electronic circuit on the input key 11 side and the liquid crystal display unit 17 are electrically connected, such as a hinge part of a notebook personal computer. It has a configuration.
[0032]
The angle at which the upper cover 15 supporting the liquid crystal display unit 17 on the outer surface 15A (see FIG. 5) is opened and closed is at least larger than 90 °, as is clear from the locus of the arrow R, and is stable when opened. In the state, the upper cover 15 is configured to be stabilized by the action of gravity in a direction slightly away from the user position UP than vertically. In the present embodiment, this angle is about 120 °.
[0033]
Most of the upper surface of the upper cover 15 is covered with a transparent plate 16 made of transparent plastic. The transparent plate 16 is disposed mainly to protect a liquid crystal display (LCD) unit 17 disposed immediately below the transparent plate 16.
[0034]
The display operation keys 18 that penetrate the transparent plate 16 and protrude upward are input by using the input keys 11 and the operation keys 12, and are additional for displaying a character string displayed on the screen of the liquid crystal display unit 17. These keys are used for performing operations, for example, changing a format, font, and decoration, and displaying a print image.
[0035]
This liquid crystal display unit 17, which is enlarged as compared with the liquid crystal display unit of a conventional label writer, is a dot matrix type LCD capable of simultaneously displaying characters (input character strings) of a fixed size for 4 lines and 12 characters. The print image PI is displayed in two lines L1 and L2 in a normal character size, and the input character string is displayed in two lines L3 and L4.
[0036]
The print image PI is displayed and deleted according to the operation of the display operation key 18.
[0037]
Confirmation windows 19 and 20 provided on the left and right sides of the liquid crystal display unit 17 are a tape confirmation window 19 for visually confirming the type of the tape cartridge and a file pack / ROM (RAM which is an auxiliary storage medium 380). ) The pack confirmation window 20 for confirming the type of the pack 381.
[0038]
Note that "file pack / ROM pack" means a file pack or a ROM pack.
[0039]
Here, a file pack is a pack-shaped auxiliary storage medium having a built-in memory for storing a predetermined file or external character, and a ROM pack is a ROM for supporting characters in a line font or a script PL. Is an auxiliary storage medium in the form of a pack in which is embedded.
[0040]
A slit 10C for discharging the printed tape is formed on the side surface of the main body of the label writer 10.
[0041]
In a portion covered by the upper cover 15 of the label writer 10 main body, there are provided a tape cartridge loading section 50 and a pack mounting section 51 which are recesses for accommodating tape cartridges and packs described later.
[0042]
A tape cartridge (not shown) is a cartridge in which a tape ribbon to receive a character string is wound and housed in a roll shape, and the tape width and the like of the tape are described at predetermined display locations. Since this display location is located immediately below the tape confirmation window 19 when the tape cartridge is loaded, the user can look into the tape confirmation window 19 and recognize the type of the tape.
[0043]
The tape cartridge also has a built-in prevention mechanism for preventing the tape from sagging or reversing, and several types corresponding to a plurality of tape widths are prepared.
[0044]
It is necessary to replace the tape cartridge not only when the tape is used up but also because the number of printable character strings varies depending on the tape width.
[0045]
Similarly, information indicating the type of the pack is displayed at a predetermined display location on the file pack / ROM pack 381. By looking through the pack confirmation window 20, the user can easily check the type of the pack being mounted. I can do it.
[0046]
Therefore, in the label writer 10 of the present embodiment, the upper cover 15 has a function of supporting the liquid crystal display unit 17 which is a display unit for displaying input character strings and the like, and a function of a lid when a tape cartridge or the like is loaded. Will be.
[0047]
When inputting a character string with such a label writer 10, usually, the user is near the position UP, operates the label writer 10 from the direction of the arrow UD, and moves from the eye position near the point EP immediately above the UP to the ED direction. The label writer 10 will be visually observed. Therefore, the characters displayed on the liquid crystal display unit 17, the characters displayed on the main body of the label writer 10, the diagrams, and the like all have a convenient direction when viewed from the position EP.
[0048]
FIG. 1 is a top view of such a label writer 10, that is, a view as seen from the direction of arrow B2.
[0049]
1 and 3, the input key 11, the operation key 12, and the display key 18 are operated from the position UP, and the input key 11 and the operation key are viewed from the viewpoint of operability for the user who views the liquid crystal display unit 17 from the position EP. Twelve input operation units 10B are arranged in the proximity area E1 close to the position UP, and the display unit 10A of the liquid crystal display unit 17 has an arrangement configuration of the upper surface US arranged in the separation area E2 farther from the position UP. There is a need.
[0050]
Further, since the rotation axis A1 of the upper cover 15 is disposed near the upper end UE farthest from the position UP in the main body of the label writer 10, the user may move the main body of the label writer 10 in the open state of the upper cover 15. Instead, the tape cartridge can be loaded or replaced directly from the position UP when the character string is input.
[0051]
However, even when the rotation axis of the upper cover 15 is set near the right end like A2 instead of A1, the operability such as loading of the tape cartridge is good, so that it may be adopted. Of course, it may be set near the left end.
[0052]
However, if the rotation axis of the upper cover 15 is set along the boundary line (in a direction parallel to the axis A1) near the boundary between the proximity area E1 and the separation area E2, it is opened when the tape cartridge is replaced. Since the upper cover 15 blocks the visual observation from the position UP, the operability is deteriorated such that the direction of the label writer 10 must be changed and the tape cartridge needs to be replaced, which is not preferable.
[0053]
Conventionally, packs are likely to be large when mounted on the top surface of the main unit with a small label writer, and in a relatively large stamp making device, they are housed on the bottom surface of the main unit (surface corresponding to BS in FIG. 3). File pack / ROM pack 381.
[0054]
Note that a dry battery is housed in the bottom surface BS of the main body of the label writer 10.
[0055]
FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing the label writer 10 shown in FIGS. 3 and 1 with the upper cover 15 opened. FIG. 5 is a left side view of the label writer 10 in the state of FIG. 4, that is, a view of the label writer 10 viewed from the direction of the arrow B1. In this state, the upper cover 15 is opened by about 120 °.
[0056]
In FIG. 4, a tape cartridge loading unit 50 for loading a tape cartridge is provided on the left side of the internal space of the label writer 10 opened by opening the upper cover 15, and a pack on which a file pack / ROM pack 381 or the like is mounted on the right side. A mounting section 51 is provided.
[0057]
FIG. 2 shows the electrical configuration of the label writer 10 as described above.
[0058]
2, an internal system 10E, which is an electronic circuit and information processing configuration of the label writer 10, is largely composed of an input unit 30, a control unit 31, and an output unit 32, like other general information processing apparatuses. I have.
[0059]
The control unit 31 executes processing according to the information from the input unit 30 and the processing stage at that time, and outputs the processing result and the like to the liquid crystal display unit 17 by the output unit 32 or prints out to a tape.
[0060]
The input unit 30 includes a key input unit 33, a tape width detection sensor 34, a pack detection unit 35, and a lid open / close detection unit 36.
[0061]
The key input unit 33 is a circuit that supplies an electric signal corresponding to each key operation of the input keys 11, the operation keys 12, and the display operation keys 18 to the input interface 37.
[0062]
The tape width detection sensor 34 is a circuit that detects the tape width of the loaded tape cartridge and supplies a signal corresponding to the detection result to the input interface 37.
[0063]
The pack detection unit 35 is a circuit that supplies a signal corresponding to the type of the mounted pack to the input interface 37 and also functions as an interface between the pack and the control unit 31.
[0064]
The lid opening / closing detection unit 36 is a switch that detects opening / closing of the upper cover 15 by, for example, a mechanical switch operation.
[0065]
When the lid opening / closing detecting unit 36 detects that the upper cover 15 is opened, after a predetermined time (for example, about several seconds) elapses, the internal system 10 </ b> E except for a part such as a backup for the RAM 39 includes the electronic circuits (17, 33) constituting itself. To 35, 44 to 48, etc.), the power supply to the display drive circuit 48 is also stopped, and the screen display on the liquid crystal display unit 17 is stopped.
[0066]
However, the display contents of the liquid crystal display unit 17 before the upper cover 15 is opened are held in the RAM 39 in the control unit 31. Therefore, when the lid opening / closing detecting unit 36 detects that the upper cover 15 is closed, the liquid crystal display unit is reopened. 17 is displayed on the screen.
[0067]
When the lid opening / closing detection unit 36 detects that the upper cover 15 is closed, power supply to the electronic circuits 17, 33 to 35, 44 to 48, and the like is restarted. Of course, the supply power at this time is the minimum power when the drive circuit 44 or the like is not operating.
[0068]
Specifically, for example, the operation of the internal system 10E at the time of opening and closing the upper cover 15 when exchanging the tape cartridge corresponds to this. The same display content can be used immediately before and after the tape cartridge exchange.
[0069]
Further, as in the conventional character information processing apparatus, the power supply may be stopped when the upper cover is opened, and the power supply may not be restarted only by closing the upper cover again, and the user may be required to restart the power supply. .
[0070]
The control unit 31 is constituted by a microcomputer, and includes an input interface 37, a ROM 38, a RAM 39 and a CPU 40, an output interface 41, a character generator ROM (CG-ROM) 42, and a system bus 43 connecting these. It is composed of
[0071]
The ROM 38 stores various processing programs and fixed data such as kana-kanji conversion dictionary data.
[0072]
The RAM 39 is used as a working memory, and stores fixed data input by a user. As described above, the RAM 39 is backed up even when the power is turned off, and retains the display contents of the liquid crystal display unit 17 before and after the opening and closing operation of the upper cover 15.
[0073]
The CG-ROM 42 stores dot patterns or outline fonts of characters and symbols prepared in the label writer 10, and corresponds to a dot pattern corresponding to code data for specifying the characters and symbols. Alternatively, an outline font is output. The CG-ROM 42 stores characters and symbols of various sizes.
[0074]
Note that separate CG-ROMs may be provided for display on the liquid crystal display unit 17 and for printing on the tape.
[0075]
The CPU 40 uses a signal supplied from the input unit 30 and a processing program in the ROM 38 determined according to a processing stage at that time, using the RAM 39 as a work area, and stores the fixed program stored in the ROM 38 or the RAM 39 as necessary. Processing is performed using data as appropriate. The processing status and the processing result are displayed on the liquid crystal display unit 17 or printed on the tape.
[0076]
The output interface 41 is a circuit that serves as an interface between the control unit 31 and the output unit 32.
[0077]
The output unit 32 includes a head drive circuit 44, a (thin film) thermal head 45, a motor drive circuit 46, a tape ribbon feed motor 47, a display drive circuit 48, and the liquid crystal display unit 17.
[0078]
The head drive circuit 44 is a circuit that drives the thermal head 45 to perform the above-described thermal transfer on the tape that is in contact with the thermal head 45.
[0079]
The motor drive circuit 46 is a circuit that drives the tape ribbon feed motor 47 to send out the tape from the tape cartridge.
[0080]
The display drive circuit 48 is a circuit that drives the liquid crystal display unit 17 to display a character string as specified by the CPU 40 on the screen.
[0081]
When the file pack / ROM pack 381 is mounted on the above-described pack mounting section 51, the file pack / ROM pack 381 is connected to the system bus 43 in FIG.
[0082]
(A-2) Effects of the Embodiment As described above, according to the embodiment, the number of the liquid crystal display units 17 and the number of the upper covers 15 are the same as the conventional one, so that the increase in the number of parts is suppressed. While maintaining the compactness of the main body of the label writer, the liquid crystal display section 17 can be enlarged, so that it is possible to provide a compact and operable label writer.
[0083]
Furthermore, in the present embodiment, the liquid crystal display unit 17 can be enlarged even if a label writer whose main body size is almost the same as that of the related art is used, and the internal space of the tape cartridge mounting unit 50, the pack mounting unit 51, and the like is increased. Therefore, the degree of freedom in designing the packs on the label writer is improved as compared with the related art, and the packs can be loaded and mounted with a margin.
[0084]
Note that the tape confirmation window 19 and the pack confirmation window 20 also contribute to improvement in operability.
[0085]
(B) Other Embodiments In the above embodiment, a label writer has been described as an example, but the present invention can also be applied to a seal making device.
[0086]
In the above-described embodiment, the file pack / ROM pack 381 is mounted in the pack mounting section 51. However, the mounting of the packs may be omitted if not necessary. In that case, the pack confirmation window 20 becomes unnecessary.
[0087]
Further, with the packs or in place of the packs, in the label writer 10 of the above-described embodiment, a dry battery or the like stored in the bottom surface BS of the main body may be loaded into the pack mounting portion 51. Thus, the user can replace the battery without troublesome turning over the body of the label writer 10.
[0088]
Further, a display device utilizing physical properties other than liquid crystal may be used instead of the liquid crystal display unit 17.
[0089]
The print medium may be a tape, a seal, or the like, or paper.
[0090]
Further, the keys 11, 12, and 18 may be keys of a type that requires a predetermined stroke to be pressed, or may be a touch panel that operates only by touching.
[0091]
Further, in the above description, the lid opening / closing detection unit 36 detects opening / closing of the upper cover 15 by a mechanical switch operation, but an optical switch or the like may be used as necessary.
[0092]
That is, the present invention includes a plurality of input keys for inputting a character string, a display unit for displaying the input character string, and a print medium mounting unit that is an internal space in which a print medium can be attached and detached. The present invention can be widely applied to a character information processing apparatus in which an openable and closable cover for covering the print medium mounting portion and the input keys are arranged.
[0093]
【The invention's effect】
As described above, according to the present invention, the display unit can be enlarged while maintaining the compactness of the apparatus main body while suppressing an increase in the number of parts of the character information processing apparatus. Is high. Further, when the lid is opened, the display of the character string is stopped, so that the power consumption can be reduced if necessary.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a top view of a label writer according to an embodiment.
FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating an electrical configuration of the label writer according to the embodiment.
FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the label writer according to the embodiment.
FIG. 4 is a perspective view when the upper cover of the label writer according to the embodiment is opened.
FIG. 5 is a left side view when the upper cover of the label writer according to the embodiment is opened.
[Explanation of symbols]
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 ... Label writer, 10A ... Display part, 10B ... Input operation part, 11 ... Input key, 12 ... Operation key, 15 ... Top cover (lid), 17 ... Liquid crystal display part, 19 ... Tape confirmation window, 20 ... Pack confirmation Window, 50: tape cartridge loading section, 51: pack mounting section, 381: file pack / ROM pack, A1: rotating shaft (of upper cover), E1: proximity area, E2: separation area, US: upper surface.

Claims (4)

A plurality of input keys for inputting a character string, a display unit for displaying the input character string, and a print medium mounting unit as an internal space into which a print medium can be attached and detached, and the print medium mounting unit In a character information processing apparatus in which an openable cover that covers
The display unit is disposed on the outer surface of the lid,
When the cover is opened, the print medium mounting portion is opened so that the print medium can be attached and detached, and the display on the display unit is stopped.When the cover is closed, an input character string is displayed. A character information processing apparatus, wherein the display unit is configured to form a part of the upper surface of the main body. Further, a storage medium mounting portion which is an internal space to which a storage medium can be attached and detached is provided, and the lid also covers the storage medium mounting portion,
When the lid is opened, the print medium mounting portion is opened to make the printing medium detachable, and the storage medium mounting portion is opened to make the storage medium detachable, and when the lid is closed, , character information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the display unit to display the input character string is configured so as to form a portion of the upper surface of the body. The character information processing apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein
A display content storage unit that stores the content displayed on the display unit before the lid is opened,
After opening of the lid, again when closing the lid, the character information processing device, characterized in that it again displays the display contents stored in the display content storage unit on the display unit. In the character information processor according to claim 1 or 3,
Furthermore the lid, whether the printing medium body is mounted, the possible check window visually confirmed from the lid outer surface, character information processor is characterized by providing one or a plurality.

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