JP3716671B2 - Image printing method for tape printer - Google Patents

Description

[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to an image printing method for a tape printer that prints a print image on a tape.
[0002]
[Prior art]
Conventionally, various tape printing apparatuses that perform printing on tapes having different tape widths are known. In this type of tape printing apparatus, a tape cartridge containing tapes of different tape widths is mounted, printing on the tape is performed, and the printed tape is cut to a desired length (arbitrary length). A label having a width and an arbitrary length according to the tape width can be created. In addition, a tape printer that prints by adding a predetermined cut mark indicating the arbitrary width by setting an arbitrary width within the tape width has been proposed. According to the tape printer, the cut mark By cutting the tape in the longitudinal direction at an arbitrary width indicated by, a label having an arbitrary width as well as the tape width of the mounted tape can be created (see, for example, JP-A-6-320826). Furthermore, in the sense of creating labels of arbitrary width, the applicant creates a label of arbitrary width exceeding the tape width by dividing and printing the print image on a plurality of tapes and joining them. A tape printer that can be used has been proposed (for example, Japanese Patent Application No. 9-344242).
[0003]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
By the way, in the case of a thermal type tape printer, for example, it is practically impossible to print completely to both ends of the tape in the width direction. That is, in order to print completely to both ends, it is necessary to generate heat by making the heat generation width (application width of print image data) of the heat generating element of the thermal head completely match the width of the tape. It is impossible to make them completely coincide with each other due to error factors such as the position, the posture, the mounting position of the tape cartridge, the storage position of the tape in the tape cartridge, and the running path (meandering etc.) of the tape. Also, printing beyond the tape width (extruding) prints to both ends because the heat of the protruding part damages the platen, etc., or attaches extra ink to cause stains etc. in each part. This is undesirable in terms of structure because it induces a reduction in quality. For these reasons, both ends of the tape in the width direction are conventionally provided with blank portions (ultra-wide print avoidance areas) for avoiding printing exceeding the tape width. There is also a tape printing apparatus that includes only a print head (thermal head) that is smaller than the maximum tape width by the width of the ultra-wide print avoidance area (print avoidance width).
[0004]
However, since the above-described various print avoidance widths are not taken into consideration in the various conventional tape printers described above, when the ultra-wide print avoidance area is provided, the margins at both ends in the width direction of the created label have a desired width. In some cases, such a problem may occur that a gap (a blank space or the like) as an image is generated at a joint portion when the print is joined by divided printing.
[0005]
The present invention provides a label having an arbitrary width equivalent to a case in which an ultra-wide print avoidance area having a predetermined print avoidance width is provided at both ends in the width direction of the tape and a print image is printed, but no ultra-wide print avoidance area is provided. It is an object of the present invention to provide an image printing method for a tape printing apparatus that can be created.
[0006]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
In the image printing method of the present invention, the ultra-wide print avoidance region for avoiding printing exceeding the tape width Tw of the tape that is the print object is provided so as to have the print avoidance width d at both ends in the width direction of the tape. An image printing method for a tape printing apparatus that prints a print image in a print target area of a print target width p of a tape, with a portion excluding the print avoidance width d of the tape width Tw as a print target width p (p = Tw−2d) A tape mounting process for mounting an arbitrary tape as a print target, a print target width determining process for determining a print avoidance width d and a print target width p of the mounted tape, and an arbitrary label width Lw are set. One or more boundary marks indicating a boundary line between a useful portion and a useless portion of the tape as a print result based on the label width setting step to be performed, the label width Lw, the print avoidance width d, and the print target width p. Append to A border mark adding step, and a printing step for printing a print image to which one or more boundary marks are added on a tape, when one end of the tape width direction of the tape is a reference end and the other is a set end, A first boundary mark indicating a boundary line between the inner side and the outer side of the label width Lw is added to the end portion on the set end side of the print image as one type of the boundary mark, and the margin area on the reference end side of the print image is added. When the width is less than the print avoidance width d, a second boundary mark indicating an end on the reference end side of the print image is added as one type of boundary mark, and the reference end of the print image is added to the end on the reference end side of the print target area. Prints a print image with a print width Pw = Lw with the edges on the sides aligned, and when the width of the margin area is equal to or greater than the print avoidance width d, the print avoidance width d on the reference end side of the print image is deleted and printed. Create a partial print image with width Pw = Lw-d and print it The combined end of the reference end side of the end to the partial print image of the reference end of the band, characterized by printing the partial print image instead of the printed image.
[0008]
In this image printing method and its apparatus, a super-wide print avoidance area having a predetermined print avoidance width d is provided at both ends in the width direction of the tape having a tape width Tw, and a print target having a print target width p (p = Tw−2d). Print the print image in the area. Specifically, an arbitrary tape is mounted as a printing object, a print avoidance width d and a printing target width p of the mounted tape are determined, an arbitrary label width Lw is set, the label width Lw, and printing Based on the avoidance width d and the print target width p, one or more kinds of boundary marks indicating the boundary line between the useful part and the useless part of the printed tape are added to the print image, and one or more kinds of boundary marks are added. Print the printed image on tape. In this case, based on the set arbitrary label width Lw, the print avoidance width d, and the print target width p, one or more boundary marks indicating the boundary line between the useful portion and the useless portion are added to the print image. Since printing is performed, the tape can be cut in the longitudinal direction based on the printed boundary mark, or a plurality of divided and printed tapes can be joined. Therefore, an arbitrary width (label width) Lw equivalent to the case where a super wide print avoidance area having a predetermined print avoidance width d is provided at both ends in the width direction of the tape and a print image is printed, but no super wide print avoidance area is provided. Labels can be created.
In addition, a first boundary mark indicating a boundary line between the inner side and the outer side of the label width Lw at the end portion on the set end side of the print image when one end of both ends of the tape in the tape width direction is a reference end and the other end is a set end. Is added as a kind of boundary mark. That is, when this print image is printed, the first boundary mark is printed at the end portion on the set end side of the print image, so the user can refer to the first boundary mark to cut in the longitudinal direction, etc. Can be easily performed. In addition, since the first boundary mark indicates a boundary line between the inside and the outside of the label width Lw, a label suitable for the set label width Lw can be created by cutting or the like.
Further, when printing is performed as it is without providing the ultra-wide print avoidance area, the margins at both ends in the width direction of the print image are directly used as the margins at both ends in the width direction of the label. On the other hand, when an ultra-wide print avoidance area is provided, if printing is performed as it is, a margin corresponding to the print avoidance width d is added to the margins at both ends in the width direction of the print image. That is, the margin is increased by the print avoidance width d, which causes a problem that the margins at both ends in the width direction of the created label do not have a desired width. In this image printing method, when there is a blank area having a width equal to or larger than the print avoidance width d on the reference edge side of the print image, the print avoidance width d on the reference edge side of the print image is deleted, and the print width Pw = Lw A partial print image of -d is created, the reference end side end of the partial print image is aligned with the reference end side end of the print target area, and the partial print image is printed instead of the print image. In this case, the margin on the reference end side of the print result is increased by the print avoidance width d, but is deleted by the print avoidance width d before printing, so it matches the margin on the reference end side of the original print image. Can be made. The actual print width Pw to be printed is the print width Pw = Lw−d, but since there is a margin for the print avoidance width d on the reference end side of the tape, the super-wide print avoidance area is set. A print result equivalent to that when a print image having a print width Pw = Lw is printed as it is without being provided is obtained.
Furthermore, when an ultra-wide printing avoidance area is provided, if printing is performed as it is, margins for the print avoidance width d are added to the margins at both ends in the width direction of the label, and the margins are added. As a result, the margins at both ends in the width direction of the created label do not have the desired width. In this image printing method, when the width of the blank area on the reference edge side of the print image is less than the print avoidance width d, the second boundary mark indicating the edge on the reference edge side of the print image is added as a kind of boundary mark. Then, the print image having the print width Pw = Lw is printed by aligning the reference edge side edge of the print image with the reference edge side edge of the print target area. That is, when this print image is printed, the second boundary mark indicating the end on the reference end side of the print image is printed, so that the user can easily perform processing such as cutting with reference to the second boundary mark. Can be done. The second boundary mark indicates a boundary line between the inner side and the outer side of the label width Lw, so that a label suitable for the set label width Lw can be created by cutting or the like.
[0009]
Also, Above In the image printing method, the print avoidance width d and the print target width p are determined in correspondence with the tape width Tw, and the print target width determination step detects the tape width Tw of the mounted tape. It is preferable to include a width detection step and a print target width setting step for setting a predetermined print avoidance width d and a print target width p corresponding to the detected tape width Tw.
[0011]
How to print this image In law The print avoidance width d and the print target width p are determined corresponding to the tape width Tw, and the tape width Tw of the mounted tape is detected, and predetermined print avoidance corresponding to the detected tape width Tw is detected. A width d and a print target width p are set. That is, since the print avoidance width d and the print target width p are determined corresponding to the tape width Tw, by detecting the tape width Tw of the mounted tape, a predetermined one corresponding to the tape avoidance width d is detected. And it can be determined and determined easily as the print target width p.
[0018]
Also, Above In the image printing method, a relationship of Lw> p + d is established for the label width Lw, the print target width p, and the print avoidance width d, and the print avoidance width d is greater than or equal to the reference end side of the print image. When there is a margin area with a width of n, the print width Pw = Lw−d is divided into n (n is an integer of 2 or more) divided print widths Pi (0 ≦ Pi ≦ p, where i = 1 to n, However, it further includes a print image dividing step of dividing the partial print image having the print width Pw into n divided print images having the respective divided print widths Pi (i = 1 to n), assigned to the sum ΣPi = Pw), In the boundary mark adding step, n−1 divided print images having a divided print width Pj (j = 2 to n) among the n divided print images are added to the reference end side of each divided print image. The third boundary mark indicating the end is a kind of the boundary mark A third boundary mark adding step to be added, and n-1 divided print images having a divided print width Pk (k = 1 to n-1) among the n divided print images. A fourth boundary mark adding step of adding a fourth boundary mark indicating an end on the set end side as one type of the boundary mark, and the partial image printing step includes adding the n boundary mark to the print target area. It is preferable to have a divided print image printing step of printing one of the divided print images sequentially or arbitrarily.
[0020]
How to print this image In law When the relationship of Lw> p + d is established for the label width Lw, the print target width p, and the print avoidance width d, and there is a blank area having a width equal to or greater than the print avoidance width d on the reference edge side of the print image, The print width Pw = Lw−d is assigned to n (n is an integer of 2 or more) divided print widths Pi (0 ≦ Pi ≦ p, where i = 1 to n, where the total ΣPi = Pw) and printed. The partial print image having the width Pw is divided into n divided print images each having a divided print width Pi (i = 1 to n). In this case, since the divided print width Pi of each of the n divided print images is 0 ≦ Pi ≦ p, printing can be performed in the print target area having the print target width p. Further, in this case, n-1 divided print images having divided print widths Pj (j = 2 to n) among the n divided print images indicate the end on the reference end side of each divided print image. Three boundary marks are added as a kind of boundary mark, and each of the n divided print images is divided into n-1 divided print images having a divided print width Pk (k = 1 to n-1) among the n divided print images. A fourth boundary mark indicating the end on the set end side of the print image is added as one type of boundary mark, and one divided print image out of n is sequentially or arbitrarily printed in the print target area. In this case, when the jth divided print image is printed, the third boundary mark of the divided print image indicates the boundary with the (j−1) th, so that the outer side (reference end side) becomes a useless part. Similarly, kth divided print image Print When this happens, the fourth boundary mark indicates the (k + 1) th boundary, so that the outside (setting end side) becomes a useless part.
[0021]
For this reason, the user can easily perform processing such as cutting unnecessary portions with reference to the third boundary mark and the fourth boundary mark. In addition, if all n divided print images are printed and all unnecessary portions indicated by the third boundary mark and the fourth boundary mark are cut and pasted adjacently, or useful portions are overlapped on adjacent unnecessary portions. N pieces of divided print images can be joined exactly. Further, since the sum ΣPi = Pw of the divided print width Pi and the print width Pw = Lw−d, a margin corresponding to the print avoidance width d is added to the reference end side of the divided print image having the divided print width P1 of i = 1. Thus, the total width of the joining result coincides with the label width Lw. In other words, when the divided print image is printed up to both ends in each tape width direction without providing an ultra-wide print avoidance area, the same print result is obtained, and the same desired label is obtained as a result of joining. A label having a width Lw can be created.
[0025]
Also, Above In the image printing method, the relationship of Lw> p is established for the label width Lw and the print target width p, and the width of the margin area on the reference end side of the print image is less than the print avoidance width d. Sometimes, the print width Pw is assigned to n (n is an integer of 2 or more) divided print widths Pi (0 ≦ Pi ≦ p, where i = 1 to n, where the sum ΣPi = Pw), A print image dividing step of dividing the print image having the print width Pw into n divided print images each having a divided print width Pi (i = 1 to n), wherein the boundary mark adding step includes the n divided print images; A third boundary mark indicating an end on the reference end side of each divided print image is added to n−1 divided print images having a divided print width Pj (j = 2 to n) in the print image. A third boundary mark adding step to be added as one kind of A fourth boundary mark indicating an end on the set end side of each divided print image is added to n−1 divided print images having a divided print width Pk (k = 1 to n−1) among the divided print images. A fourth boundary mark adding step for adding the boundary mark as one kind of the boundary mark, and the all image printing step sequentially adds one of the n divided print images to the print target area. Or it is preferable to have the division | segmentation print image printing process printed arbitrarily.
[0027]
How to print this image In law Is the print width Pw when the relationship of Lw> p is established for the label width Lw and the print target width p, and the width of the margin area on the reference end side of the print image is less than the print avoidance width d. (N is an integer of 2 or more) divided print widths Pi (0 ≦ Pi ≦ p, where i = 1 to n, where the sum ΣPi = Pw), and print images of the print width Pw are assigned to the divided print widths Since it is divided into n divided print images having Pi (i = 1 to n) ,Previous As described above, each of the n divided print images can be printed in a print target area having a print target width p. Further, a third boundary mark indicating an end on the reference end side of each divided print image is added to n−1 divided print images having the divided print width Pj (j = 2 to n), and the divided print width Pk ( A fourth boundary mark indicating the set end side of each divided print image is added to n−1 divided print images having k = 1 to n−1), and printing is performed sequentially or arbitrarily in the print target area. Similarly, the third boundary mark of the jth divided print image indicates the boundary with the (j−1) th, and the fourth boundary mark of the kth divided print image indicates the boundary with the (k + 1) th. It is possible to easily perform processing such as cutting unnecessary portions with reference to the drawings. In addition, by printing n divided print images, all unnecessary portions indicated by the third boundary mark and the fourth boundary mark are cut and adjacent to each other, or useful portions are overlapped on adjacent unnecessary portions and pasted exactly. Since joining is possible and the sum ΣPi = Pw = Lw, the total width of the joining results matches the label width Lw. In other words, when the divided print image is printed up to both ends in each tape width direction without providing an ultra-wide print avoidance area, the same print result is obtained, and the same desired label is obtained as a result of joining. A label having a width Lw can be created.
[0037]
In the image printing method described above, in the first boundary mark adding step, Pw = h × p + d (where h is an arbitrary integer equal to or greater than 1) is established for the print width Pw, and the print image setting end When there is a blank area having a width equal to or larger than the print avoidance width d on the side, the addition of the first boundary mark is omitted, and in the printing process, the print width Pw = h × p + d is established and the print image is set to the end side. When there is a margin area having a width equal to or larger than the print avoidance width d, it is preferable to print an image in which the print avoidance width d on the set end side of the print image is deleted instead of the print image.
[0039]
In this image printing method, Pw = h × p + d (where h is an arbitrary integer equal to or greater than 1) is established for the print width Pw, and a margin having a width equal to or greater than the print avoidance width d on the set end side of the print image When there is an area, the addition of the first boundary mark is omitted, and an image from which the print avoidance width d on the set end side of the print image is deleted is printed instead of the print image. Here, the case where the print width Pw = h × p + d (where h is an arbitrary integer equal to or greater than 1) is satisfied is the print avoidance width d from the total h × p of the print target widths p of the tapes for h sheets. This is the case when the print width Pw is large. As described above, unlike the case of printing as it is without providing the ultra-wide print avoidance area, when the ultra-wide print avoidance area is provided, if printing is performed as it is, the margins at both ends in the width direction of the label are the print avoidance width d. It grows by the minute. Therefore, if printing is performed for the printing width h × p (that is, only for Pw−d), the printing avoidance width d is added to the printing width, and it is equivalent to printing the printing width Pw as it is without providing the super-wide printing avoidance area. become. In this case, since there is a blank area having a width equal to or larger than the print avoidance width d on the set end side of the print image, there is no problem even if the print avoidance width d is replaced with the print avoidance width d. In this case, since the boundary line to be indicated by the first boundary mark coincides with the set end of the tape, it is not necessary to perform processing such as cutting. Therefore, in this image printing method, the addition and printing of the first boundary mark can be omitted, processing such as cutting can be omitted, and a printing result equivalent to the case where the ultra-wide printing avoidance area is not provided can be obtained.
[0046]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Hereinafter, a tape printing apparatus to which an image printing method and apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention are applied will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. First, FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a control system of the tape printer.
[0047]
The tape printer 1 prints a print image created based on a desired character input by a key on a tape T by a thermal method and cuts a printed portion of the tape T to create a label. is there.
[0048]
The tape T is composed of a base tape, an adhesive layer applied to the back surface of the base tape, and a release paper tape attached to the adhesive layer. The base tape is a paper having a paper or a coat layer, or a coat layer. It is made of a material that can sufficiently absorb ink such as film. The adhesive layer is for attaching a printing tape as a label to an object to be attached such as a file, and the release paper tape is for preventing dust and the like from adhering to the adhesive layer. Various types of tape T having a tape width of about 4.5 mm to 48 mm are prepared and provided in a state of being accommodated in the tape cartridge 5, respectively, and have a resolution of about 24 dots to 1024 dots in the width direction according to the tape width. A print image is printed. These tapes T are also available in different materials and other than white in ground color, and at least dozens of types can be used including those to be used in the future. Yes.
[0049]
As shown in FIG. 1, the tape printing apparatus 1 has, as a basic configuration, a tape cartridge 5 that includes a keyboard 3 and a display 4, an operation unit 11 that interfaces with a user, and a thermal printing head 7. A printing unit 12 that prints on T, a cutting unit 13 that cuts the tape T after printing, a detection unit 14 that has various sensors and performs various detections, and a drive unit 270 that has various drivers and drives each circuit. , An external memory mounting unit 280 to which an external memory (file pack) can be attached and detached, a power supply unit 290, and a control unit 200 for controlling each unit in the tape printer 1 are provided. Therefore, in addition to the printing unit 12, the cutting unit 13, the detection unit 14, the external memory mounting unit 280, and the like, a circuit board (not shown) is accommodated in the apparatus. In addition to the power supply unit 290, each circuit of the drive unit 270 and the control unit 200 is mounted on the circuit board. The power supply unit of the power supply unit 290 is connected to an AC adapter connection port or a battery such as a nickel-cadmium battery that can be removed from the outside, and supplies power to each unit in the tape printer 1.
[0050]
Although not shown in detail, first, in the printing unit 12, the tape cartridge 5 is configured to accommodate the tape T and the ink ribbon R inside the cartridge case, and is arranged in the pocket of the printing unit 12. A through-hole for insertion into the head unit is formed, and a tape reel inserted into the pocket positioning pin and a ribbon take-up reel inserted into the pocket take-up drive shaft are accommodated, and the tape T and the ink ribbon R overlap. The part accommodates a platen roller to be inserted into the platen drive shaft of the pocket corresponding to the print head (thermal head) 7 built in the head unit.
[0051]
The tape cartridge 5 is provided with a plurality of small holes on the back surface so that different types such as different widths of the built-in tape T can be identified, and the above pocket has a micro switch for detecting the presence or absence of the holes. A tape identification sensor is provided so that the type of the tape T can be detected. The pocket is provided with an ambient temperature sensor such as a thermistor that detects and reports the environment (ambient) temperature, and detects the ambient temperature and reports it to the control unit 200. Further, a head surface temperature sensor such as a thermistor is provided in close contact with the surface of the print head 7 to detect the surface temperature of the thermal head 7 and report it to the control unit 200. The device case is formed with a tape discharge port that communicates the pocket with the outside of the device, and a tape cutter that cuts the fed tape T faces the tape discharge port.
[0052]
When the tape cartridge 5 is mounted in the pocket, the through hole of the tape cartridge 5 is inserted into the head unit, the tape reel is inserted into the positioning pin, the platen roller is inserted into the platen drive shaft, and the ribbon take-up reel is inserted into the take-up drive shaft. Thus, the tape T and the ink ribbon R can be fed. In this state, the print head 7 is brought into contact with the platen roller with the tape T and the ink ribbon R sandwiched therebetween, and printing becomes possible. The tape T is unwound from the tape reel, the ink ribbon R is unwound from the ribbon reel, overlaps with the tape T and runs side by side, and is wound on the ribbon take-up reel. That is, when the platen roller and the ribbon take-up reel rotate in synchronization with each other, the tape T and the ink ribbon R are fed simultaneously, and the print head 7 is driven in synchronization with these to perform printing. .
[0053]
In the tape printer 1, the user installs the tape cartridge 5 in the pocket of the printing unit 12, and then inputs information of a print image such as a desired character (letters, numbers, symbols, figures, etc.) using the keyboard 3. The input result is confirmed and edited on the display 4. Thereafter, when printing is instructed via the keyboard 3, the tape feeding unit of the printing unit 12 is driven to feed the tape T from the tape cartridge 5, and at the same time, the print head 7 is driven to perform desired printing on the tape T. . Then, the printed portion of the tape T is sent out from the tape discharge port as needed in parallel with the printing operation. In this way, when the desired printing is completed, the feeding of the tape T is continued by continuing the rotation of the platen roller (the ribbon take-up reel also rotates synchronously) for a predetermined time, and conforms to the tape length including the margin. The predetermined cutting position is sent to the position of the tape cutter.
[0054]
The tape feeding unit of the printing unit 12 rotates the platen driving shaft and the winding driving shaft using a tape feed motor (TF motor) disposed on the side of the pocket as a power source. In the space extending from the side to the bottom of the pocket. The tape feeder includes a TF motor, a platen drive shaft, a take-up drive shaft, a reduction gear train that transmits the power of the TF motor to each drive shaft, and a chassis that supports them.
[0055]
Note that the TF motor in the present embodiment is configured by a DC motor, and the tape feeding unit of the printing unit 12 further includes an encoder for detecting the number of rotations of the TF motor (DC motor). Detection openings are formed at four locations in the circumferential direction, and are fixed to the tip of the main shaft of the DC motor. The rotational speed sensor includes a photosensor facing the detection opening of the encoder and a sensor circuit board that supports the photosensor and performs photoelectric conversion therebetween. In the photosensor, a light emitting element and a light receiving element are arranged to face each other, and the light of the light emitting element passes through a detection opening of an encoder (in the circumferential direction of the disk) and is received by the light receiving element, thereby rotating the DC motor. The number (number of pulses) is detected. That is, blinking of light received by the light receiving element is photoelectrically converted by the sensor circuit board and output to the control unit 200 as a pulse signal. Of course, the TF motor is composed of a stepping motor (pulse motor) so that a predetermined number of steps (pulses) can be easily fed by a pulse control signal, and the encoder and the rotation speed sensor are omitted. You can also
[0056]
In FIG. 1, for convenience of explanation of the control system, the detection unit 14 includes the tape identification sensor, the ambient temperature sensor, the head surface temperature sensor, and the rotation speed sensor described above. Here, the detection unit 14 reports various detection signals detected by these sensors to the control unit 200. Depending on the actual situation, other sensors such as a voltage sensor connected to the power supply unit of the power supply unit 290 for supplying power to each unit of the tape printing apparatus 1 and detecting the potential fluctuation can be provided. In the case where the TF motor is a pulse motor, a part of the structure may be omitted, such as omitting a rotational speed sensor.
[0057]
Next, the cutting unit 13 includes a tape cutter and a cutter motor for cutting the tape cutter. For this reason, in the case of automatic cutting at the time of constant-length printing or the like, printing is completed and the tape is fed by the margin, and at the same time, the cutter motor is driven and the tape T is cut. In the tape printer 1, a cut key is provided so that the cutting operation by the cutter can be performed manually, and automatic / manual can be switched by mode setting. For this reason, in the case of manual cutting at the time of arbitrary length printing or the like, when the printing is completed, the user presses the cut key to operate the tape cutter and cut the tape T to a desired length.
[0058]
The drive unit 270 includes a display driver, a head driver, and a motor driver. The display driver drives the display 4 of the operation unit 11 according to an instruction based on a control signal output from the control unit 200. Similarly, the head driver drives the print head 7 of the printing unit 12 in accordance with an instruction from the control unit 200. The motor driver includes a TF motor driver that drives the TF motor of the printing unit 12 and a cutter motor driver that drives the cutter motor of the cutting unit 13, and drives each motor in accordance with instructions from the control unit 200.
[0059]
Next, in the tape printer 1, the user can detachably mount an external memory (hereinafter “file pack”) 281 capable of storing a large number of document files and the like as auxiliary storage in a RAM 240 described later. The file pack 281 includes one or a plurality of (for example, two) SRAMs, and is backed up by a battery or the like so as to retain the stored data even after being removed from the tape printer 1. Further, when the file pack 281 is mounted in the pocket of the external memory mounting unit 280, it functions so as to appear to the user as a part of the storage area of the RAM 240 (for example, one directory) and is used as a work area for control processing. .
[0060]
The operation unit 11 includes a keyboard 3 and a display 4. The display 4 has a display screen 41 capable of displaying display image data of, for example, 198 dots × 64 dots inside a rectangular shape of about 8 cm in the horizontal direction (X direction) × 4 cm in the vertical direction (Y direction). A character string image in which characters such as letters, numbers, symbols, simple figures (hereinafter referred to as “characters” and used in the meaning of characters) are arranged by inputting data from the keyboard 3 This is used when creating / editing matrix data representing a print image to be included, viewing the result, etc., inputting various commands / selection instructions, etc. from the keyboard 3.
[0061]
The keyboard 3 includes an alphabet key group 311, a symbol key group 312, a numeric key group 313, a kana key group 314 such as hiragana and katakana, and an external character key group 315 for calling and selecting an external character. A function key group 32 for designating various operation modes and the like are arranged.
[0062]
The function key group 32 includes a power key 321 (not shown), a print key 322 for instructing a printing operation, a selection key 323 for instructing data selection at the time of text input, line feed, and various modes on a selection screen, and printing. A color designation key 324 for designating the print color of the image data and its intermediate color (mixed color), a color setting key 325 for setting the character color and the background color, and upper (“↑”) and lower (“↓”), respectively. ”), Four cursor keys 330 (330U, 330D, 330L, 330R) for moving the cursor in the left (“ ← ”) and right (“ → ”) directions and moving the display range of the display screen 41: Cursor "↑" key 330U ", etc. However, when represented as a representative," cursor key 330 "is included.
[0063]
The function key group 32 further includes a cancel key 326 for canceling various instructions, a shift key 327 used for changing the role of each key, correction of drawing registration image data and external character registration image data, a text input screen, An image key 328 for switching between a selection screen and a print image data display screen (image screen), and a ratio change for changing the ratio of the size of the print image data and the display image data displayed on the image screen ( Zoom) key 329, style key 331 for setting various styles, file key 332 for file operation, illustration key 333 for selecting a background image, cut key 340 for manually cutting the tape T, registration of external characters External character key 341 for operation, conversion key 342 for various conversion operations such as kana-kanji conversion, Pack key 343 for initializing and changing the setting of the Lepack 281, format key 344 for setting the format such as copy-forgery-inhibited pattern printing and fixed-length printing, and the base print image are enlarged at an arbitrary enlargement ratio An enlargement print key 345 for instructing enlargement printing to be printed is included.
[0064]
Of course, as with a general keyboard, these key inputs may be performed by providing a key for each key input, or using a smaller number of keys in combination with the shift key 327 or the like. May be entered. Here, in order to facilitate understanding, it is assumed that there are as many keys as described above.
[0065]
As shown in FIG. 1, the keyboard 3 inputs various commands and data as described above to the control unit 200.
[0066]
The control unit 200 includes a CPU 210, a ROM 220, a character generator ROM (CG-ROM) 230, a RAM 240, and an input / output control circuit (IOC) 250, which are connected to each other via an internal bus 260.
[0067]
The ROM 220 has a control data area 222 for storing control data including a kana-kanji conversion table (dictionary), a color conversion table, a character modification table and the like in addition to a control program area 221 for storing a control program processed by the CPU 210. Yes. The CG-ROM 230 stores font data such as characters prepared in the tape printer 1 and outputs corresponding font data when code data specifying the characters or the like is given.
[0068]
The RAM 240 is backed up so as to retain the stored data even when the power is turned off by the operation of the power key 321, and various registers 241 used as various flags and the like are input from the keyboard 3 by the user. A text data area 242 for storing text data such as a character, a display image data area 243 for storing display image data on the display screen of the display 4, a print image data area 244 for storing print image data, and a drawing registration image data A drawing registration image data area 245 for storing, an external character registration image data area 246 for storing external character registration image data, a background image data area 247 for storing background image data as a background image candidate and corresponding character color data, a character expansion buffer, Color conversion buffer, basic color layout buffer, print buffer, etc. Have regions of various buffer areas 248, it is used as a work area for control processes.
[0069]
In the IOC 250, a logic circuit for supplementing the function of the CPU 21 and handling interface signals with various peripheral circuits is configured by a gate array or a custom LSI. For example, a timer for performing various timings is incorporated as a function in the IOC 250. For this reason, the IOC 250 is connected to the various sensors of the detection unit 14 and the keyboard 3, and loads various detection signals from the detection unit 14 and various commands and input data from the keyboard 3 into the internal bus 260 as they are or after being processed. In conjunction with the CPU 210, the data and control signals output from the CPU 210 and the like to the internal bus 260 are output to the drive unit 270 as they are or after being processed.
[0070]
In addition, the IOC 250 is connected to the external memory mounting unit 280 and controls input / output of data that is actually access to the file pack 281 among accesses to the RAM 240, so that when the file pack 281 is mounted, Control is performed so that it appears to the user as if the RAM 240 is increased (the memory capacity of the RA 240 is increased). Therefore, unless otherwise specified, the following description will be made assuming that the RAM 240 includes the memory capacity of the file pack 281 and the data stored in the file pack 281 is stored in the RAM 240 (for ease of understanding, as the file pack area 249, Although shown in the figure, part or all of the above-mentioned areas can be shared in practice).
[0071]
With the above configuration, the CPU 210 inputs various signals and data from each unit in the tape printer 1 via the IOC 250 in accordance with the control program in the ROM 220, the font data from the CG-ROM 230, and the RAM 240 (described above). As described above, various data and the like in the file pack area 249 (including the file pack 281) are processed, and various signals and data are output to each part in the tape printer 1 via the IOC 250. The entire tape printing apparatus 1 is controlled such as performing position control, display control of the display screen 41, and the like, and controlling the print head 7 to print on the tape T under predetermined printing conditions.
[0072]
Next, a processing flow of the entire control of the tape printer 1 will be described with reference to FIG. When the process is started by pressing the power key 321 (power on), as shown in the figure, first, each control flag that has been evacuated to return the tape printer 1 to the previous power-off state. (S1), and the previous display screen is displayed as the initial screen (S2). The subsequent processing of FIG. 2, that is, the determination branch (S3) for determining whether or not the key is input and various interrupt processing (S4) are conceptually illustrated processing. Actually, in the tape printer 1, when the initial screen display (S2) ends, the key input interrupt is permitted, and the state is maintained until the key input interrupt is generated (S3: No). When any key input interrupt occurs (S3: Yes), the process proceeds to the respective interrupt process (S4), and when the interrupt process is completed, the state is maintained again (S3: No).
[0073]
As described above, the tape printing apparatus 1 performs the main processing by interrupt processing. Therefore, if the user is ready to create and print a print image, the user can press the print key 322 at any time to print. A processing interrupt occurs, print processing is activated, and a print image can be printed based on the print image data. In other words, the user can arbitrarily select the operation procedure up to printing.
[0074]
For example, as shown in FIG. 3, the text editing screen display state after inputting the character (character) column “ABCDE” in the first row (screen T10: hereinafter, the display state of the display screen 41 of the display 4 is displayed on the screen Txx. When the print key 322 is pressed by the user, the character string “ABCDE” is displayed together with the message being printed. Is printed as a print image (T11), and when printing is completed, the original text editing screen is restored (T12: same as T10). However, printing of this type of character string image is the same as in the prior art, and thus detailed description thereof is omitted.
[0075]
To be precise, the display image and the print image refer to the displayed image itself or the printed image itself, and the display image data representing the display image and the print image data representing the print image are handled in the apparatus. . That is, the object of processing such as creation / modification / registration within the apparatus is the image data, not the image itself. Like the image itself, it is called “˜image”.
[0076]
By the way, for example, in the case of an ink jet type tape printing apparatus, it is possible to print completely (full surface printing) to both ends in the width direction of the tape by performing printing exceeding the width of the tape. That is, the entire surface can be printed up to both ends in the width direction of the tape without any particular problem by appropriately treating the ink in the portion exceeding the tape width. On the other hand, as described above, for example, in the case of a thermal-type tape printer, the position and orientation of the thermal head, the mounting position of the tape cartridge, the tape storage position in the tape cartridge, the tape travel path (meandering, etc.) In addition, it may damage the platen, etc., or may cause excess ink to adhere to each part and cause stains, etc., leading to a decrease in print quality. It is practically impossible to print completely to both ends.
[0077]
And since the tape printer 1 of this embodiment is also a thermal system, margin portions (ultra-wide print avoidance areas) for avoiding printing exceeding the tape width are provided at both ends of the tape in the width direction as in the past. It has been. For this reason, conventionally, the margins at the both ends in the width direction of the produced label do not become a desired width, or a gap (margin, etc.) as an image is generated at the joined portion when the divided printing is joined. However, the tape printer 1 avoids super-wide printing while printing a print image by providing a super-wide print avoidance area having a predetermined print avoidance width d at both ends in the width direction of the tape T. A label or the like having an arbitrary width (label width) Lw equivalent to the case where no area is provided can be created. Hereinafter, this point will be described in detail.
[0078]
As shown in FIG. 4, first, when the user presses the format key 344 (when operated) in a state where the text editing screen similar to the above is displayed (T10), as shown in FIG. A selection screen of the first layer of “format” for selecting and setting the format is displayed (T20). In the tape printer 1, the user can cancel various instructions by key input by using the cancel key 326. By pressing the cancel key 326 from the first layer state (T20), the original text editing screen display is displayed. (T10) (Hereinafter, the action by the cancel key 326 is the same unless otherwise specified, and the description is omitted).
[0079]
On this selection screen (T20), options such as “background pattern printing”, “label width”, and “constant length printing” are displayed as “format” options. The user operates the cursor key 330 to display one of these options in reverse video or in blinking (illustrated by dot shading), and presses the selection key 323 to select the option in reverse video or flashing display. Can be selected / specified. Immediately after transitioning to each selection screen, the most recently selected (accessed) option (the option that is selected by default according to the initial setting when there is not) is highlighted, and the user operates the cursor key 330 to display other options. When this option is displayed, it is not the most recently selected option, so it is displayed blinking. The highlighted or blinked option on the selection screen of the tape printer 1 is an option selected by operating the selection key 323 in that state, and is hereinafter referred to as “selection display”. Further, in the following description, since it is not related to whether or not it has been selected most recently, it is all displayed in a blinking manner (illustrated by dot shading).
[0080]
When the user presses the cursor “↓” key 330D or the cursor “→” key 330R in the above state (T20), “fixed length printing” is selected and displayed. Conversely, when the cursor “↑” key 330U or the cursor “←” key 330L is pressed, “background pattern printing” is selected and displayed. However, since the user wants to set the label width Lw here, the user selects and displays “label width” and presses (operates) the selection key 323. When the user presses the selection key 323 in a state where “label width” is selected and displayed (T20), “label width” is selected, and the screen transitions to the selection screen of the second hierarchy (T21).
[0081]
In the selection screen for “label width” in the second layer, as options for “label width”, for example, “automatic”, “6 mm”,..., “9 mm”,. Options such as “22 mm”, “23 mm”,... Are displayed. The user can select and designate one of these choices by operating the cursor key 330 to select and display the choice and pressing the selection key 323. Also, on this “label width” selection screen, the label width can also be directly input (directly set) with a number by pressing (operating) the numeric key group 313.
[0082]
Here, the “automatic” option is an option in which the label width Lw is the tape width Tw of the tape T mounted, that is, the tape width Tw detected by the tape identification sensor of the detection unit 14. In the tape printer 1, since “automatic” is set as the default option when nothing is specified as “label width”, the label width Lw when the label width is not set is the tape width of the mounted tape T ( Detected tape width) Tw, that is, Lw = Tw. On the other hand, for example, when the cursor key 330 is operated by the user and “22 mm” is selected and displayed (T21) and the selection key 323 is pressed, “22 mm” is selected as the “label width”, that is, the label width Lw. = 22 mm is set, and the screen transitions to a “slit printing” selection screen (T22).
[0083]
In this “slit printing” selection screen, for example, “cutting line”, “width alignment line”, “both”, and “none” are displayed as options for “slit line printing”. The user can select and designate one of these choices by operating the cursor key 330 to select and display the choice and pressing the selection key 323. Here, for example, when the “width alignment line” is selected and displayed (T22) and the selection key 323 is pressed, “print only width alignment line” is selected, and then the original text editing screen is displayed again (T23). : Same as T10). In this state (T23), when printing is instructed in the same manner as described above in FIG. 3 (when the user presses the print key 322), printing is performed according to the “label width” and “slit line printing” set above. Is done.
[0084]
The above-mentioned “cut-off line” and “width alignment line” are a kind of boundary mark described later, and the boundary mark will be described in more detail as a more general concept. Specific examples will be given with the expression “width alignment line”.
[0085]
For example, the tape width Tw of the mounted tape T = 18 mm, the set label width Lw = 14 mm, and the “slit line” with “width alignment line” or “both” selected and set, as described above When the character string “ABCDE” is printed, for example, as shown in FIG. 5, the desired label R0 in FIG. 5A is applied to the width alignment line C1, that is, for width adjustment, as shown in FIG. A slit line (dotted line) C1 is printed. The hatched lines in the figure indicate unnecessary parts (unnecessary parts) as a printing result, and the hatched lines are not actually printed but are blank areas. In this case, if the tape T is cut in the longitudinal direction along the width adjusting line C1, the label R0 shown in FIG. In the following description, the same applies, but in the corresponding drawings, for the purpose of facilitating understanding, portions that are important points of the description are drawn slightly exaggerated. For example, in the above example, the width of the hatched portion of the useless portion is Tw−Lw = 4 mm, which is actually smaller than the illustration with respect to the tape width Tw = 18, but is drawn slightly exaggerated.
[0086]
Next, the above-mentioned “cut-off line” is mainly when the label width Lw set larger than the tape width Tw (that will be described later in detail), that is, when the relationship of tape width Tw <label width Lw is satisfied. Used. For example, the tape width Tw of the mounted tape T = 18 mm, the set label width Lw = 22 mm, and “both” as the “slit line” are selected and set, as shown in FIG. In the state where the character string “ABCDE” is prepared (T10), when printing is instructed by the user (when the print key 322 is pressed), for example, as shown in FIG. The label R2 is divided and printed on two tapes T as shown in FIGS.
[0087]
Therefore, as shown in FIG. 7, when the print key 322 is pressed in a state where the character string “ABCDE” is prepared (T10), the fact that the division printing is performed next and the division number n (the above figure) are performed. In the example of FIG. 8, since n = 2, a message for confirming (illustrated in this example) is displayed (T30). Here, when it is desired to further increase the division number n (for example, n = 3), the user can input and set the division number (for example, 3) using the numeric key group 313. On the other hand, when the displayed division number n (= 2) is sufficient, the displayed division number n (= 2) can be set as it is by pressing the selection key 323 as shown in the figure.
[0088]
When the selection key 323 is pressed by the user in the state where the above confirmation message is displayed (T30), a “print position” selection screen is displayed (T31). In this selection screen, for example, when the number of divisions n = 2, options of “all”, “first sheet”, and “second sheet” are displayed. The user can select and specify one of these options by operating the cursor key 330 to select and specify the option displayed by pressing the selection key 323. Here, for example, when the user selects the “first sheet” option, the original print image is divided into n (here, n = 2) (i =) only the first divided print image is printed. For example, in the example of FIG. 8, only the (i =) first divided print image of FIG. Similarly, when the “second sheet” option is selected, only (i =) the second divided print image, for example, only the (i =) second divided print image in FIG. 8C is printed. Further, as shown in the drawing, when the selection key 323 is pressed by the user in a state where the “all” option is selected and displayed (T31), the “all” option is selected. In this case, for example, in the example of FIG. 8, (i =) first and second divided print images in FIGS.
[0089]
When the selection key 323 is pressed by the user in the state where the above-mentioned “all” options are selected and displayed (T31), the first tape T is displayed together with the display of the first and second printing messages. (I =) prints the first divided print image, and (i =) prints the second divided print image on the second tape T (T32 to T33). (T34: Same as T10). In this way, for example, in the example of FIG. 8, the (i =) first and second divided print images in FIGS. When the user presses the cancel key 326 in the middle of printing (T32 to T33), the printing is terminated at that point and the original “printing position” selection screen is displayed (T31). Even during printing, the printing can be stopped at any time.
[0090]
In the case of the example of FIG. 8 described above, the cut line C4, that is, the ultra-wide printing of the lower end portion is provided at the lower end portion (end portion on the setting end side) of the first tape T of (i =) in FIG. A slit line (dotted line) C4 for printing out the print avoidance width d of the avoidance area is printed. The dot-dashing decoration shown in the figure indicates an unnecessary part (unnecessary part) as a printing result, and an actually dot-dashing decoration is not printed but becomes a blank area. Similarly, at the upper end (end on the reference end side) of the second tape T (i =) in FIG. 8C, the cut-off line C3, that is, the print avoidance width of the ultra-wide print avoidance region at the upper end. A slit line (dotted line) C3 for cutting off d is printed. Further, the above-described width alignment line C1 in FIG. 5B is printed on the (i =) second tape T. And in this case, if the tape T is cut in the longitudinal direction along the cut line C4, the cut line C3, and the width alignment line C1 and is adjoined, the desired label R2 shown in FIG. . The one-dot chain line shown in the figure is a virtual line indicating a boundary line C0 when the (i =) first and (i =) second tapes T are cut and pasted, and is not a line that is actually printed. .
[0091]
In this case, the cut-off line C3 indicates a boundary line between the useful part and the useless part of the tape T as a print result, and at the same time, the original print image is divided into the division number n = 2 (i =) Indicates the upper end (end on the reference end side) of the second divided print image. Further, it shows a boundary line C0 after cutting, in other words, (i =) a boundary line with the first divided print image. Similarly, the cut-off line C4 indicates the boundary line between the useful part and the useless part of the tape T as a print result, and at the same time, the original print image is divided into the division number n = 2 (i =) It shows the lower end (end on the set end side) of the divided print image, and shows the boundary line C0 after cutting, that is, the boundary line with the (i =) second divided print image.
[0092]
Therefore, in the following, the above-described content will be explained in principle as a more general concept. In the above-described example, the cut-off line and the width alignment line are cut lines, that is, cut lines. Since marks at both ends in the longitudinal direction may be used as in (e), a mark that serves as a rough standard for cutting is hereinafter referred to as a cut mark as a broader concept. Further, when the divided print images are joined as described above with reference to FIG. 8, not only both ends (boundary line C0) of the adjacent divided print images are cut, but, for example, as shown in FIG. This mark may be used as a glue margin mark, and both the cut mark and the glue margin mark indicate a border line as an image (for cutting and overlaying). Therefore, these are integrated and called a boundary mark as a broader concept.
[0093]
As described above and as shown in FIGS. 5, 6, 8, and 9 (the same applies to FIG. 12 and subsequent drawings), in the tape printer 1, the tape width Tw at both ends in the width direction of the tape T is used. An ultra-wide print avoidance area having a predetermined print avoidance width d is provided, and a print image is printed in a print target area having a print target width p (p = Tw−2d). For this reason, conventionally, when an ultra-wide print avoidance area is provided, the margins at both ends in the width direction of the created label do not become a desired width, or the image is displayed as an image at the joint when joining by divided printing. There are cases where gaps (margins, etc.) are generated, or other problems occur. However, the tape printer 1 solves these points as follows.
[0094]
First, as a whole, the tape printer 1 mounts an arbitrary tape T as a print target, determines a print avoidance width d and a print target width p of the mounted tape T, and sets an arbitrary label width Lw. Then, based on the label width Lw, the print avoidance width d, and the print target width p, one or more boundary marks indicating the boundary line between the useful part and the useless part of the tape T as a printing result are added to the printed image. A print image to which one or more kinds of boundary marks are added is printed on the tape T. In this case, based on the set arbitrary label width Lw, the print avoidance width d, and the print target width p, one or more boundary marks indicating the boundary line between the useful portion and the useless portion are added to the print image. Since printing is performed, the tape T can be cut in the longitudinal direction based on the printed boundary mark, or a plurality of dividedly printed tapes T can be joined. Therefore, an arbitrary width (label width) equivalent to a case where an ultra-wide print avoidance area having a predetermined print avoidance width d is provided at both ends in the width direction of the tape T and a print image is printed but no ultra-wide print avoidance area is provided. Lw labels can be created.
[0095]
More specifically, in the tape printer 1, the print avoidance width d and the print target width p are determined corresponding to the tape width Tw, and the tape width Tw of the mounted tape T is determined by the tape identification sensor described above. A predetermined print avoidance width d and a print target width p corresponding to the detected tape width Tw are set. That is, since the print avoidance width d and the print target width p are determined corresponding to the tape width Tw, by detecting the tape width Tw of the mounted tape T, a predetermined one corresponding thereto is detected as the print avoidance width. It can be easily determined by determining as d and the printing target width p.
[0096]
Also, as described above in FIG. 5 (the same applies to FIG. 6, FIG. 8, FIG. 9, etc.), one end (the upper end in the illustrated example) of the tape T in the tape width direction is the reference end and the other (the illustrated example). In this case, when the lower end is set as the set end, a first boundary mark (width matching in FIG. 5 and the like) indicating a boundary line between the inner side and the outer side of the label width Lw is set at the end portion on the set end (lower end) side of the print image. Line C1 is added as a kind of boundary mark. That is, when this print image is printed, the first boundary mark C1 is printed at the end on the set end (lower end) side of the print image, so the user refers to the first boundary mark C1. Processing such as cutting in the longitudinal direction can be easily performed. Further, since the first boundary mark C1 indicates a boundary line between the inside and the outside of the label width Lw, a label suitable for the set label width Lw can be created by cutting or the like.
[0097]
Contrary to the illustration, the lower end may be the reference end and the upper end may be the set end. In this case as well, the first boundary mark C1 is printed at the end on the set end (upper end) side of the print image. Therefore, the user can easily perform processing such as cutting in the longitudinal direction with reference to the first boundary mark C1, and the first boundary mark C1 indicates a boundary line between the inside and the outside of the label width Lw. Therefore, a label that conforms to the set label width Lw can be created by cutting or the like. If either the upper end or the lower end is the reference end and the other is the set end, whichever is the same as the reference end (or set end), the upper end is the reference end and the lower end is the set end. The description in the case of is omitted.
[0098]
By the way, when printing is performed as it is without providing the ultra-wide print avoidance area, the margins at both ends in the width direction of the print image are directly used as margins at both ends in the width direction of the label. On the other hand, when an ultra-wide print avoidance area is provided, if printing is performed as it is, a margin corresponding to the print avoidance width d is added to the margins at both ends in the width direction of the print image. That is, the margin is increased by the printing avoidance width d, and as a result, the margins at both ends in the width direction of the created label do not have a desired width as described above.
[0099]
Therefore, in the tape printer 1, as shown in FIG. 5, when there is a blank area having a width equal to or larger than the print avoidance width d on the reference end (upper end) side of the print image, the print avoidance width on the reference end side of the print image. d is deleted, a partial print image having a print width Pw = Lw−d is created, and the reference end side edge of the partial print image is aligned with the reference end side edge of the print target area, and the partial print image is printed. Print instead of images. In this case, the margin on the reference end side of the print result is increased by the print avoidance width d, but is deleted by the print avoidance width d before printing, so it matches the margin on the reference end side of the original print image. Can be made. The actual print width Pw to be printed is the print width Pw = Lw−d, but since there is a margin for the print avoidance width d on the reference end side of the tape, the super-wide print avoidance area is set. A print result equivalent to that when a print image having a print width Pw = Lw is printed as it is without being provided is obtained.
[0100]
On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 6, when the width of the margin area on the reference edge side of the print image is less than the print avoidance width d, the second boundary mark C2 indicating the edge on the reference edge side of the print image is changed to A print image having a print width Pw = Lw is printed by adding the reference end side of the print image to the reference end side end of the print target area having the print target width p. That is, when this print image is printed, the second boundary mark C2 indicating the end on the reference end side of the print image is printed, so that the user performs processing such as cutting with reference to the second boundary mark C2. Can be easily performed. Further, since the second boundary mark C2 indicates a boundary line between the inside and the outside of the label width Lw, a label R1 that conforms to the set label width Lw can be created by cutting or the like.
[0101]
For example, if the print avoidance width d = 3 mm defined for the tape width Tw = 40 mm of the mounted tape T, the print target width p = Tw−2d = 40−6 = 34 mm. In this case, when the set label width Lw = 30 mm and there is a blank area having a width equal to or larger than the print avoidance width d, for example, 5 mm, on the reference end (upper end) side of the print image, as described above with reference to FIG. The print avoidance width d on the reference edge side of the print image is deleted to create a partial print image with the print width Pw = Lw−d = 30−3 = 27 mm, and the reference of the print target area with the print target width p = 34 mm The partial print image is printed instead of the print image by aligning the end on the reference end side of the partial print image with the end on the end side. In this case, the margin on the reference end side of the print result is increased by the print avoidance width d = 3 mm, but since the print avoidance width d = 3 mm is deleted before printing, the reference end side of the original print image Can be matched with the margins. The actual print width Pw to be printed is the print width Pw = Lw−d = 27 mm, but there is a margin for the print avoidance width d = 3 mm on the reference end side of the tape T. A print result equivalent to that obtained when a print image with a print width Pw = Lw = 30 mm is printed as it is without providing a width print avoidance area is obtained. In this case, a first boundary mark C1 indicating a boundary line between the inner side and the outer side of the label width Lw (in this example, a position 30 mm from the reference end) is added to the end portion on the set end (lower end) side of the print image. And printed.
[0102]
On the other hand, when the print avoidance width d = 3 mm and the print target width p = Tw−2d = 34 mm with respect to the tape width Tw = 40 mm, the margin is reduced with the same character string, for example, 2 mm. When the label width Lw = 24 mm is set to print the printed image, the width of the margin area on the reference end side of the print image is less than the print avoidance width d, that is, 2 mm. Therefore, as shown in FIG. A second boundary mark C2 indicating an end on the reference end side (that is, a position 3 mm from the reference end of the tape T) is added as one kind of boundary mark, and the reference end side of the print target area having the print target width p = 34 mm is added. A print image having a print width Pw = Lw = 24 mm is printed by aligning the end of the print image on the reference end side with the end (position 3 mm from the reference end of the tape T). That is, when this print image is printed, the second boundary mark C2 indicating the end on the reference end side of the print image is printed. Therefore, the user refers to the second boundary mark C2 and the print avoidance width d = Processing such as cutting for 3 mm can be easily performed. Further, since the second boundary mark C2 indicates a boundary line between the inside and the outside of the label width Lw, a label R1 suitable for the set label width Lw = 24 mm can be created by cutting or the like. In this case, a first boundary mark C1 indicating a boundary line between the inner side and the outer side of the label width Lw (in this example, a position 27 mm from the reference end) is added to the end portion on the set end (lower end) side of the print image. And printed.
[0103]
The same thing as the above applies to the case of divided printing. First, as shown in FIG. 8, for the label width Lw, the print target width p, and the print avoidance width d, a relationship of Lw> p + d is established, and a width equal to or larger than the print avoidance width d is set on the reference end side of the print image. When there is a margin area, the print width Pw = Lw−d is divided into n (n is an integer of 2 or more) divided print widths Pi (0 ≦ Pi ≦ p, where i = 1 to n, where the sum ΣPi = Pw), and the partial print image having the print width Pw is divided into n divided print images having the respective divided print widths Pi (i = 1 to n). In this case, since the divided print width Pi of each of the n divided print images is 0 ≦ Pi ≦ p, printing can be performed in the print target area having the print target width p.
[0104]
For example, if the print avoidance width d = 3 mm defined for the tape width Tw = 24 mm of the mounted tape T, the print target width p = Tw−2d = 24−6 = 18 mm. In this case, when the set label width Lw = 30 mm and there is a blank area having a width equal to or larger than the print avoidance width d, for example, 5 mm, on the reference end (upper end) side of the print image, as described above with reference to FIG. The print avoidance width d = 3 mm for the reference edge side of the print image is deleted to create a partial print image with the print width Pw = Lw−d = 30−3 = 27 mm, and the print target area with the print target width p = 34 mm The partial print image is printed instead of the print image by aligning the reference end side end of the partial print image with the reference end side end.
[0105]
However, since the relationship of Lw (= 30 mm)> p + d (= 18 + 3 = 21) is satisfied here, for example, the print width Pw = Lw−d = 27 mm is divided into n (here, n = 2) divided print widths Pi. (Here, P1 and P2, where P1 = 18 mm, P2 = 9 mm, total sum ΣPi = P1 + P2 = 27 = Pw), and a partial print image having a print width Pw has each divided print width P1, P2 (n =) The image is divided into two divided print images. In this case, the divided print widths P1 (i = 1) and P2 (i = 2) of the two divided print images are 0 ≦ Pi ≦ p, that is, P1 = 18 mm and P2 = 9 mm. It is possible to print on a print target area of 18 mm. The example described later is also the same, but in this case, the allocation of division is arbitrary as long as the total sum ΣPi is the same, such as P1 = 15 mm and P2 = 12 mm. However, in the following description, for ease of understanding and ease of processing, description will be made assuming that Pi = p except for the last (i is the largest) divided print width Pi.
[0106]
Further, in this case, n-1 divided print images having divided print widths Pj (j = 2 to n) among the n divided print images indicate the end on the reference end side of each divided print image. Three boundary marks (the cut-off line described above in FIG. 8) C3 are added as one kind of boundary marks, and n− having a divided print width Pk (k = 1 to n−1) among n divided print images. A fourth boundary mark (the cut line described above in FIG. 8) C4 indicating the set end side of each divided print image is added to one divided print image as one kind of boundary mark, and is added to the print target area. One of the n divided print images is printed sequentially or arbitrarily. That is, as described above with reference to FIG. 7, all the divided print images are sequentially selected when “all” is selected, or the arbitrarily selected divided print image is selected when any divided print image such as “first sheet” is selected. Print.
[0107]
For example, in the above example, as shown in FIG. 8, (n =) n−1 pieces of divided print widths Pj (j = 2 to n) out of two divided print images, that is, FIG. The third boundary mark C3 indicating the reference end side of the divided print image (that is, the position 3 mm from the reference end of the tape T) is added to one divided print image having the divided print width P2 of 1 as the boundary mark. Add as a seed. Further, among n divided print images, n−1 pieces having divided print widths Pk (k = 1 to n−1), that is, one piece having divided print width P1 in FIG. A fourth boundary mark C4 indicating the set end side end of the divided print image (that is, a position 3 mm from the set end of the tape T) is added to the image as one type of the boundary mark, and (n = ) One of the two divided print images is printed sequentially or arbitrarily. For example, when “all” is selected, the (i =) second divided print image in FIG. 10C is printed following the (i =) first divided print image in FIG. Of course, by selecting “first sheet”, only (i =) the first divided print image in FIG. 10B is selected, and by selecting “second sheet”, ( i =) Only the second divided print image can be printed arbitrarily.
[0108]
In this case, when the jth divided print image is printed, the third boundary mark C3 of the divided print image indicates the boundary with the (j−1) th, so that the outer side (reference end side) becomes a useless portion. Similarly, when the k-th divided print image is formed, the fourth boundary mark C4 indicates the boundary with the (k + 1) -th boundary, and the outer side (setting end side) becomes a useless portion. That is, in the above example, as described above, the third boundary mark (the above-mentioned cut line) C3 of the (j =) second divided print image in FIG. The upper end (end on the reference end side) of the second divided print image obtained by dividing the original print image by the division number n = 2 (i = j =) The boundary line C0 after cutting is shown, and (i = j-1 =) indicates the boundary line with the first divided print image. Similarly, (k =) the fourth boundary mark (the above-mentioned cut-off line) C4 of the first divided print image indicates the boundary line between the useful portion and the useless portion of the tape T as the print result, and at the same time, the original print Indicates the lower end (end on the set end side) of the first divided print image obtained by dividing the image into the number of divisions n = 2 (i = k =), and the boundary line C0 after cutting, that is, (i = k + 1 =) second The boundary line with the divided print image is shown. For this reason, the user can easily perform processing such as cutting unnecessary portions with reference to the third boundary mark C3 and the fourth boundary mark C4.
[0109]
Here, when reviewing the conventional problems, for example, as shown in FIG. 10A, when an ultra-wide print avoidance area is provided and divided printing is performed, the divided print images are directly adjacent and pasted together. However, even if the print avoidance width d is overlapped and pasted together (as shown in FIG. 5B), the image of the overlapped print image is displayed at the junction of the divided print images. Gaps (such as margins) are generated. That is, since there is a margin corresponding to the print avoidance width d in both of the adjacent divided print images, it cannot be joined exactly as it is.
[0110]
In this case, both printing avoidance widths d are cut and bonded together as shown in FIG. 6C, or one printing avoidance width d is cut as shown in FIG. A method of overlapping the print avoidance width d as a margin is considered, but in order to cut the print avoidance width d, the conventional tape printer does not consider the print avoidance width d. There is no standard for cutting. For this reason, it is necessary to cut by the amount of scale, resulting in excess or deficiency of the cut, creating gaps or steps in the image of the joint (see (c) in the same figure), and unmatched margins remain (see ( d))) may occur. In addition, as shown in FIG. 11A, when the connection between adjacent divided print images is thin, it is difficult to form a gap (including a margin) or a step, but a measure of the distance between them, Since there is no standard for cutting, excess or deficiency of cuts and glue margins occur, and it is difficult to create a label that fits the set label width Lw when joined as shown in FIG. there were.
[0111]
On the other hand, for example, in the example described above with reference to FIG. 8, as described above, the third boundary mark C3 of the jth (second in this example) divided print image is the boundary between the j−1th (first) and the jth (first). Therefore, the outer side (reference end side) is a useless portion, and the fourth boundary mark C4 of the kth (first in this example) divided print image indicates the k + 1th (second) boundary. Therefore, the outside (setting end side) becomes a useless part. Therefore, if the third boundary mark C3 and the fourth boundary mark C4 are cut marks for cutting the tape T in the longitudinal direction after printing, the user refers to the third boundary mark C3 and the fourth boundary mark C4. That is, by using these as a guideline for cutting, by cutting unnecessary portions, it is possible to cut unnecessary portions of adjacent portions of each divided print image, and by adhering them adjacent to each other, as shown in FIG. Adjacent divided print images can be joined together. The same applies to the case where the third boundary mark C3 is one of a cut mark and a margin mark, and the fourth boundary mark is the other. The other is referred to as a cut mark and cut, and the adjacent one is defined as a margin mark. With reference to the cut edge, the adjacent divided print images can be joined together if the cut end is aligned with the paste margin mark and pasted.
[0112]
Further, since the sum ΣPi (= P1 + P2 = 18 + 9 = 27) = Pw of the divided print width Pi (P1, P2) and the print width Pw = Lw−d (= 30−3 = 27), i = 1 divided print By adding a margin corresponding to the print avoidance width d on the reference end side of the divided print image with the width P1, the total width of the joining result coincides with the label width Lw (= Pw + d = 27 + 3 = 30). In other words, when the divided print image is printed up to both ends in each tape width direction without providing an ultra-wide print avoidance area, the same print result is obtained, and the same desired label is obtained as a result of joining. A label R2 having a width Lw (= 30 mm) can be created. In this case, at the end on the set end (lower end) side of the print image, that is, the end on the set end side of the (i =) second divided print image in FIG. Since the first boundary mark C1 indicating the boundary line with the outside (in this example, a position 9 + 3 = 12 mm from the reference edge of the second sheet) is added and printed, the user refers to the first boundary mark C1. The desired label width Lw can be obtained by cutting.
[0113]
Next, the same thing as the relationship between FIG. 5 and FIG. 6 described above also applies to the case of divided printing. That is, for example, as shown in FIG. 9, when the relationship of Lw> p is established for the label width Lw and the print target width p, and the width of the margin area on the reference edge side of the print image is less than the print avoidance width d The print width Pw is assigned to n (n is an integer of 2 or more) divided print widths Pi (0 ≦ Pi ≦ p, where i = 1 to n, where the total ΣPi = Pw). Are divided into n divided print images having respective divided print widths Pi (i = 1 to n), so that each of the n divided print images is to be printed as in the above example in FIG. Printing can be performed in a print target area having a width p.
[0114]
For example, similarly to FIG. 8, when the print avoidance width d = 3 mm and the print target width p = Tw−2d = 24−6 = 18 mm defined for the tape width Tw = 24 mm of the mounted tape T, If a label width Lw = 24 mm is set in order to print a print image with the same size character string and a small margin, for example, 2 mm, the width of the margin area on the reference edge side of the print image is less than the print avoidance width d, That is, since it is 2 mm, as described above with reference to FIG. 6, the second boundary mark C2 indicating the end of the printed image on the reference end side (that is, the position 3 mm from the reference end of the first tape T) is a kind of boundary mark. And the reference end side end of the print image is aligned with the reference end side end (position 3 mm from the reference end of the tape T) of the print target area having the print target width p = 18 mm, and the print width Pw = Lw = Print a 24mm print image This second boundary mark C2 is a cut mark for cutting the tape T in the longitudinal direction after printing, as in the example described above with reference to FIG. 6. The second boundary mark C2 is an end on the reference end side of the printed image, that is, the inner side of the label width Lw. This is a boundary line between the outer boundary and the outer side, and is printed when the print image is printed. Therefore, the user fits the set label width Lw by cutting with reference to the second boundary mark C2. Label R3 to be created.
[0115]
However, in the example of FIG. 9, since the relationship of Lw (= 24 mm)> p (= 18 mm) is established for the label width Lw = 24 mm and the printing target width p = 18 mm, for example, n printing widths Pw = 24 mm The divided print width Pi (here P = 1 and P2, where P1 = 18 mm, P2 = 6 mm, total ΣPi = P1 + P2 = 18 + 6 = 24 = Pw) is assigned to the divided print width Pi (here n = 2), and the print image of the print width Pw is assigned. The divided print widths P1 and P2 are divided into (n =) two divided print images. In this case, since P1 = 18 mm and P2 = 9 mm as in the example described above with reference to FIG. 8, printing can be performed in a print target area having a print target width p = 18 mm.
[0116]
Further, in this case, similarly to the example of FIG. 8, (n =) n−1 pieces of divided print widths Pj (j = 2 to n) out of two divided print images, that is, FIG. 9C. The third boundary mark C3 indicating the reference end side of the divided print image (that is, the position 3 mm from the reference end of the tape T) is added to one divided print image having the divided print width P2 of 1 as the boundary mark. The divided print image is added to the n−1 divided print images having the divided print width Pk (k = 1 to n−1), that is, one having the divided print width P1 in FIG. A fourth boundary mark C4 indicating an end on the set end side (that is, a position 3 mm from the set end of the tape T) is added, and (n =) one of the two divided print images is printed on the print target area. Print sequentially or arbitrarily. Further, the third boundary mark C3 of the jth (second in this example) divided print image indicates the boundary with the (j-1) th (first) and the kth (first in this example) divided print image. Since the fourth boundary mark C4 indicates the (k + 1) th (second) boundary, it is possible to easily perform processing such as cutting unnecessary portions with reference to them.
[0117]
Further, (n =) two divided print images are printed and all unnecessary portions indicated by the third boundary mark C3 and the fourth boundary mark C4 are cut and adjacent to each other, or useful portions are overlapped with adjacent unnecessary portions. Since the total sum ΣPi (= P1 + P2 = 18 + 6 = 24) = Pw = Lw, the total width of the joining results matches the label width Lw. In other words, when the divided print image is printed up to both ends in each tape width direction without providing an ultra-wide print avoidance area, the same print result is obtained, and the same desired label is obtained as a result of joining. A label R3 having a width Lw (= 24 mm) can be created. In this case, at the end on the set end (lower end) side of the print image, that is, the end on the set end side of the (i =) second divided print image in FIG. Since the first boundary mark C1 indicating the boundary line with the outside (in this example, 6 + 3 = 9 mm from the second reference edge) is added and printed, the user refers to the first boundary mark C1. The desired label width Lw can be obtained by cutting.
[0118]
Next, for example, if the print avoidance width d = 3 mm defined for the tape width Tw = 20 mm of the mounted tape T, the print target width p = Tw−2d = 20−6 = 14 mm. In this case, for example, as shown in FIG. 12, the label width Lw set as the width of the desired label R4 = 48 mm, and the print avoidance width d on the reference end (upper end) side of the print image is greater than, for example, 8 mm. When there is a blank area, as described above with reference to FIGS. 5 and 8, the print avoidance width d = 3 mm on the reference edge side of the print image is deleted, and the print width Pw = Lw−d = 48−3 = 45 mm. The partial print image is created, and the reference end side end of the partial print image is aligned with the reference end side end of the print target area having the print target width p = 14 mm, and the partial print image is printed instead of the print image.
[0119]
In this case, since the relationship of Lw (= 48 mm)> p + d (= 14 + 3 = 17) is established as in the examples of FIGS. 5 and 8, for example, the print width Pw = Lw−d = 45 mm is set as described above. Assigned to n (here n = 3) divided print widths Pi (here P1, P2, P3 and P4, where P1 = P2 = P3 = 14 mm, P4 = 3, total ΣPi = P1 + P2 + P3 + P4 = 45 = Pw) , A print image having a print width Pw = 45 can be divided into (n =) four divided print images each having divided print widths P1, P2, P3, and P4, and these can be printed (another method can be used). Later). In this case, the boundary line (in this example) between the inner side and the outer side of the label width Lw is set at the end on the set end (lower end) side of the print image, that is, at the end on the set end side of the (i =) fourth divided print image. In this case, the first boundary mark C1 indicating 3 + 3 = 6 mm from the reference edge of the fourth sheet is added and printed. As described above, the first boundary mark C1 is a cut mark for cutting the tape T in the longitudinal direction after printing. The first boundary mark C1 is an end on the set end side of the print image, that is, the inside of the label width Lw (= 48 mm). This indicates a boundary line with the outside and is printed when the print image is printed. Therefore, the user refers to the first boundary mark C1 and cuts the label width Lw (= 48 mm). ) Can be created.
[0120]
In the above example, the last (i = 4th) divided print width P4 matches the print avoidance width d, and P4 = d. That is, Pw = h × p + d (where h is an arbitrary integer equal to or greater than 1) is established for the print width Pw. As is apparent from FIG. 12, in this example, a margin area having a width equal to or larger than the print avoidance width d similar to the margin area (8 mm width) on the reference end side is also on the set end side of the print image. For this reason, all i = 4th divided print images are blank images. In the examples of FIGS. 5, 6, 8, and 9 described above, the first boundary mark that indicates the boundary line between the inner side and the outer side of the label width Lw at the end of the set end (lower end) of the print image. In the case described above, the tape printing apparatus 1 prints the print avoidance area of the divided print width d on the set end side one before (i = 3 in the above example) in the last ( As a substitute for the divided print image of i = 4), the addition of the first boundary mark C1 is omitted. In other words, in the tape printer 1, Pw = h × p + d (where h is an arbitrary integer equal to or greater than 1) is established for the print width Pw, and a width equal to or greater than the print avoidance width d on the set end side of the print image When there is a blank area, the addition of the first boundary mark C1 is omitted, and an image from which the print avoidance width d on the set end side of the print image is deleted is printed instead of the print image. Here, the case where the print width Pw = h × p + d (where h is an arbitrary integer equal to or greater than 1) is satisfied is the print avoidance width d from the total h × p of the print target widths p of the tapes for h sheets. This is the case when the print width Pw is large.
[0121]
For example, in the case of FIG. 12 described above, the print width Pw (= 45) = h (here, h = 3) × p (= 14) + d (= 3) = 42 + 3 is established, so that the first boundary mark C1 is added. Omitted, an image from which the print avoidance width d on the set end side of the print image is deleted is printed instead of the print image. Therefore, the print image in this case is an image obtained by deleting the print avoidance width d on the set end side, that is, an image having a print width Pws = Pw−d = 45−3 = 42 mm. As shown in FIG. 13, the print width Pws = 42 mm is divided into n (here, n = h = 3) divided print widths Pi (here, P1, P2, and P3, where P1 = P2 = P3 = 14 mm, the sum ΣPi). = P1 + P2 + P3 = 42 = Pws), and the partial print image having the print width Pws is divided into (n =) three divided print images having the respective divided print widths P1, P2, and P3. In this case, the divided print widths P1 (i = 1), P2 (i = 2), and P3 (i = 3) of each of the three divided print images are 0 ≦ Pi ≦ p, that is, P1 = P2 = P3 = 14 mm. Therefore, printing can be performed in a print target area having a print target width p = 14 mm.
[0122]
In addition, as described above, unlike the case where printing is performed without providing the ultra-wide printing avoidance area, when the ultra-wide printing avoidance area is provided, if the printing is performed as it is, the margins at both ends in the width direction of the label are avoided. Increases by the width d. Therefore, if printing is performed for the printing width Pws = h × p (that is, only for Pw−d), the printing avoidance width d is added to the printing width Pw, and the printing width Pw is printed as it is without providing the ultra-wide printing avoidance area. Is equivalent to In this case, since there is a blank area having a width equal to or larger than the print avoidance width d on the set end side of the print image, there is no problem even if the print avoidance width d is replaced with the print avoidance width d. In this case, since the boundary line to be indicated by the first boundary mark C1 coincides with the set end of the tape T, it is not necessary to perform processing such as cutting. Accordingly, in the example described above with reference to FIGS. 12 to 14, the addition of the first boundary mark C1 and the printing thereof can be omitted, the processing such as the cutting can be omitted, and the printing equivalent to the case where the ultra-wide printing avoidance area is not provided. Results are obtained.
[0123]
In this example, the same margin area is provided on both the reference end side and the setting end side. However, if there is a margin area equal to or larger than the print avoidance width d only on the setting end side, processing on the reference end side is performed. 6 and FIG. 9 except that the print width Pw = Lw is obtained, the same processing can be performed, that is, the first boundary mark C1 can be similarly omitted. In this example, the number of h is plural, but the same applies to the case where printing can be performed on one (h = 1) tape T.
[0124]
On the other hand, in the case of the above example, as shown in FIG. 14, as in the examples of FIGS. 8 and 9, the divided print width Pj (j = 2 to n) of the (n =) three divided print images. ), I.e., (n-1 =) 2 divided print images having divided print widths P2 and P3 in FIGS. 2B and 2C, on the reference end side of the divided print image. A third boundary mark C3 indicating an end (that is, a position 3 mm from the reference end of the tape T) is added as a kind of boundary mark. Further, n-1 divided print widths Pk (k = 1 to n-1) of the n divided print images, that is, the divided print widths P1 and P2 shown in FIGS. A fourth boundary mark C4 indicating a set end side end of the divided print image (that is, a position 3 mm from the set end of the tape T) is added to (n-1 =) two divided print images as one kind of boundary mark. Add as Then, one of the three divided print images (n =) is printed sequentially or arbitrarily in the print target area. For this reason, the user can easily cut unnecessary portions with reference to the third boundary mark C3 and the fourth boundary mark C4.
[0125]
In this case, (n =) three divided print images may be printed and all unnecessary portions indicated by the third boundary mark C3 and the fourth boundary mark C4 may be cut and pasted adjacently. As shown in FIG. 15, the third boundary mark C3 of the second sheet (i =) and the third sheet (i =) is cut, and the fourth boundary mark C4 of the first sheet (i =) is a margin mark. And (i =) the second sheet, and (i =) the third boundary mark C4 of the second sheet (i =) as the glue mark, and the (i =) third sheet may be overlaid. In addition, when the third boundary mark C3 on the reference end (upper end) side is cut and overlapped on the set end (lower end) side, there is a situation where dust, dirt, etc. are likely to collect, conversely, for example, FIG. As shown in FIG. 16, the fourth boundary mark C4 of (i =) first sheet and (i =) second sheet is cut, and the third boundary mark C3 of (i =) third sheet is used as a margin mark. The (i =) second sheet may be pasted with the (i =) second sheet having the third boundary mark C3 as a glue mark, and the (i =) first sheet is overlapped. Also, (i =) the second third boundary mark C3 and the fourth boundary mark C4 are cut, and the (i =) first fourth boundary mark C4 and the (i =) third sheet The third boundary mark C3 may be overlapped and pasted as a margin mark, or conversely, the (i =) first fourth boundary mark C4 and the (i =) third third boundary mark C3 are cut. Then, each (i =) second and third boundary mark C3 and fourth boundary mark may be overlapped and pasted as paste margin marks.
[0126]
In any of these cases, all unnecessary portions can be cut and adjacent to each other, or by overlapping useful portions on adjacent unnecessary portions, they can be adhered and joined together, and the print avoidance width d ( = 3) + summation ΣPi (= P1 + P2 + P3 = 42) + printing avoidance width d (= 3) = 48 = Lw on the set end side, so that the total width of the joining result coincides with the label width Lw (= 48). In other words, when the divided print image is printed up to both ends in each tape width direction without providing an ultra-wide print avoidance area, the same print result is obtained, and the same desired label is obtained as a result of joining. A label R4 having a width Lw (= 48 mm) can be created. That is, since the tape printing apparatus 1 is a thermal type tape printing apparatus, an ultra-wide printing avoidance area is provided. However, as described above with reference to FIGS. An equivalent label having a set arbitrary width (label width) Lw can be created.
[0127]
3 to 16, the example described above is an example in which an arbitrary width is directly set as the label width Lw, and a label having the label width Lw is created. However, in the tape printing apparatus 1, a conventional tape printing apparatus is used. In the same manner as described above, an enlargement printing function capable of printing a print image (enlarged print image) obtained by enlarging a basic print image (basic print image) by setting an arbitrary enlargement ratio is provided. And for this enlargement printing, since the super-wide printing avoidance area has not been considered in the past, the margins at the both ends in the width direction of the created label do not become the desired width, or when divided printing is joined Due to the occurrence of gaps (margins, etc.) as images at the joints, there may be a problem that a label having a label width suitable for the set enlargement ratio cannot be created.
[0128]
Therefore, in the tape printer 1, by performing the same process as when the arbitrary label width Lw is directly set, an ultra-wide print avoidance area having a predetermined print avoidance width d is provided at both ends in the width direction of the tape T, thereby performing basic printing. Even if the enlarged print image obtained by enlarging the image is divided and printed on a plurality of tapes T, a label having a label width Lw that hardly causes a gap or the like when joining the divided print images and that matches the set enlargement ratio m. Etc. can be created. Hereinafter, this point will be described as a second embodiment. Incidentally, the case where the above-mentioned arbitrary label width Lw is set in correspondence with this is the first embodiment. In the following, in the case of the enlargement ratio m, it is assumed that the magnification is m times in both the width direction and the long width direction.
[0129]
As shown in FIG. 17, first, after inputting the character string “123A” on the first line (here, described according to the above example in FIG. 12 with a large number of divisions), as in FIG. When the user presses (operates) the enlargement print key 345 in the text editing screen display state (T40), as shown in FIG. 17, various kinds of “enlargement printing” corresponding to the setting of the enlargement ratio m are shown. A selection screen for the first layer for setting the format is displayed (T41). In this selection screen (T41), “never” with an enlargement ratio m = 1 and “does it be double in the enlargement ratio m = 2” (in the display and its illustration, “deka” is expressed as “deka 2”). ), “Is it at 3 times” for the enlargement ratio m = 3, “Is it at 4 times?” For the enlargement ratio m = 4,. The user can select / designate one of these choices by operating the cursor key 330 to select and display (illustrated by dot shading) and pressing the selection key 323.
[0130]
Here, for example, when the selection key 323 is pressed by the user in the state (T42) in which the enlargement ratio m = 3 is selected and displayed (T42), the item is selected in the second hierarchy. The screen transitions to the selection screen (T43). In addition, on the screen for selecting the enlargement factor m, it is possible to directly input (directly set) the enlargement factor m with a number by pressing (operating) the numeric key group 313. In this case, the second layer is selected. On the screen, for example, a title such as “magnification rate 2.5” is displayed instead of a title such as “3 times bigger”.
[0131]
Next, the selection screen for the divided print image to be printed is displayed on the selection screen of “3 times big” (T43). In this selection screen, for example, when the number of divisions is n = 3, “3/3” corresponding to “all” described above in FIG. 7, “1/3” corresponding to “first sheet” described above, and “2/3” options corresponding to “first sheet” and “second sheet” (that is, up to the second sheet) are displayed. Of course, the display may be the same as described above. Then, the user can select and specify one of these options by operating the cursor key 330 to select and specify the option displayed by pressing the selection key 323. Here, as shown in the figure, for example, when the selection key 323 is pressed by the user in a state where the option “3/3” (that is, “all”) is selected and displayed (T43), “3/3” is displayed. An option is selected, and then the screen transitions to a selection screen for selecting the presence or absence of a boundary mark in the third hierarchy (T44: common with FIG. 18). On this selection screen, it is possible to select either “ON” for printing with a boundary mark added or “NO” for printing without adding a boundary mark (T44). Of course, the boundary mark type may be set as shown in the T22 screen of FIG.
[0132]
As shown in FIG. 18, when the selection key 323 is pressed by the user in the state where the above-mentioned “enter” option is selected and displayed (T44), a confirmation message “print execution?” Is displayed (T45). When the user presses the selection key 323 in this state, the message “Enlarged printing” is displayed (T46), and (i =) the first divided print image (divided enlarged print) is displayed on the first tape T. Image), (i =) the second divided print image is printed on the second tape T, and (i =) the third divided print image is printed on the third tape T. When printing is completed, the original text editing screen is restored (T47: same as T40 in FIG. 17). Thus, for example, in the example of FIG. 12, (i =) first to third divided print images in FIGS. 14A to 14C are printed in order. As in the case of FIG. 7 described above, a message during printing of the first, second, and third sheets may be displayed together with the printing of the first, second, and third sheets. Similarly, even if “enlarged printing” is in progress, the user can cancel the printing with the cancel key 326 at an arbitrary time.
[0133]
Next, as in the case of setting the arbitrary label width Lw described above, the principle of the enlarged printing will be explained as a more general concept. In the tape printer 1, an ultra-wide print avoidance area having a predetermined print avoidance width d is provided at both ends in the width direction of the tape T having a tape width Tw, and the print target area having a print target width p (p = Tw-2d) is provided. Then, an enlarged print image obtained by enlarging the basic print image with an arbitrary enlargement ratio is printed. For this reason, conventionally, the various problems described above have occurred, but the tape printer 1 solves the problem as follows.
[0134]
First, as a whole, the tape printer 1 mounts an arbitrary tape T as a printing object, and determines a print avoidance width d and a printing target width p of the mounted tape T, while an arbitrary enlargement ratio m (m Is a real number of 1 or more), and a printing width corresponding to m times the printing width of the basic print image is determined as the label width Lw according to the set enlargement ratio m, and the basic print image is enlarged m times Thus, an enlarged print image having the label width Lw is created. Further, based on the label width Lw, the print avoidance width d, and the print target width p, one or more boundary marks indicating the boundary line between the useful part and the useless part of the tape T as a printing result are added to the enlarged print image. Then, an enlarged print image to which one or more kinds of boundary marks are added is printed on the tape T.
[0135]
In this case, based on the label width Lw, the print avoidance width d, and the print target width p, one or more boundary marks indicating the boundary line between the useful part and the useless part are added to the enlarged print image and printed. The tape T can be easily cut in the longitudinal direction based on the printed boundary mark. Further, when it is necessary to perform divided printing on a plurality of tapes T according to the label width Lw, it is possible to easily join a plurality of divided printed images that are divided based on the printed boundary marks. .
[0136]
Therefore, even if an enlarged print image is printed by providing an ultra-wide print avoidance area with a predetermined print avoidance width d at both ends in the width direction of the tape T, a label equivalent to the case where no ultra-wide print avoid area is provided is created. In addition, even if the enlarged print image is divided and printed on a plurality of tapes T, a gap or the like hardly occurs when the divided print images are joined, and the print width (label width suitable for the set enlargement ratio m) ) Lw label etc. can be created. In the past, the magnification m was generally an integer (integer multiple) for the convenience of printing and printing divided print images to the full width of the tape. For example, it may be a decimal number of 1 or more. However, even if the enlargement factor m is a decimal, in the sense that a label having a label width Lw that matches the enlargement factor m is created, it is the same as when the enlargement factor m is an integer. An integer is mainly used as the enlargement ratio m.
[0137]
Then, as described above, an enlarged print image is created and the label width Lw suitable for the set enlargement ratio m is determined. Thereafter, the enlarged print image is used as the aforementioned print image, and the determined label width is determined. By setting Lw to the above-described set label width Lw, basically, the same processing as that in the case where the above-mentioned arbitrary label width Lw is set (first embodiment) is performed, and the same operations and effects are performed. Can be obtained. For this reason, in the following, only the main points of the configuration, functions, etc. and the explanation of the operation and effect by them will be listed, and as specific examples, only the above-mentioned various examples will be referred to, and the detailed explanation will be duplicated. Omitted.
[0138]
First, in the tape printer 1, even in the case of enlarged printing, the print avoidance width d and the print target width p are determined corresponding to the tape width Tw, and the tape width Tw of the loaded tape T is detected. A predetermined print avoidance width d and a print target width p corresponding to the detected tape width Tw are set. That is, since the print avoidance width d and the print target width p are determined corresponding to the tape width Tw, by detecting the tape width Tw of the mounted tape T, a predetermined one corresponding thereto is detected as the print avoidance width. It can be easily determined by determining as d and the printing target width p.
[0139]
In addition, when one end of both ends of the tape T in the tape width direction is a reference end and the other is a set end, a first boundary line indicating the boundary line between the inner side and the outer side of the label width Lw is set at the end of the enlarged print image on the set end side. The boundary mark C1 is added as a kind of boundary mark (see FIGS. 5, 6, 8, and 9). That is, when this enlarged print image is printed, the first boundary mark C1 is printed at the end of the enlarged print image on the setting end side. In the present embodiment, the first boundary mark C1 prints the tape T. Since it is a cut mark for cutting in the longitudinal direction later, the user can easily and accurately cut with reference to the first boundary mark C1, and thereby the label width Lw suitable for the set enlargement ratio m. Labels R0 to R3 can be created.
[0140]
Further, as described above, unlike the case where the ultra-wide print avoidance area is not provided, when the ultra-wide print avoidance area is provided, if printing is performed as it is, the print avoidance width d is provided in the margins at both ends in the width direction of the enlarged print image. Therefore, there is a problem that the margin is increased by the print avoidance width d, and the margins at both ends in the width direction of the created label do not have a desired width. The tape printer 1 deletes the print avoidance width d on the reference end side of the enlarged print image when there is a blank area having a width equal to or larger than the print avoidance width d on the reference end side of the enlarged print image, and prints the print width Pw. = Lw-d partial enlarged print image is created, the reference end side end of the partial enlarged print image is aligned with the reference end side end of the print target area, and the partial enlarged print image is printed instead of the enlarged print image (See FIGS. 5, 8, and 14). In this case, the actual print width Pw = Lw−d to be printed, but there is a margin for the print avoidance width d on the reference end side of the tape T, so the reference end side of the original enlarged print image The same print result as that obtained when the enlarged print image with the print width Pw = Lw is printed as it is without providing the ultra-wide print avoidance area can be obtained.
[0141]
Further, when the relationship of Lw> p + d is established for the label width Lw, the print target width p, and the print avoidance width d, and there is a blank area having a width equal to or greater than the print avoidance width d on the reference end side of the enlarged print image. The printing width Pw = Lw−d is assigned to n (n is an integer of 2 or more) divided printing widths Pi (0 ≦ Pi ≦ p, where i = 1 to n, where the total ΣPi = Pw) The partially enlarged print image having the print width Pw is divided into n divided enlarged print images each having a divided print width Pi (i = 1 to n) (see FIGS. 8 and 14). In this case, the divided print width Pi of each of the n divided enlarged print images is 0 ≦ Pi ≦ p, and therefore can be printed in the print target area having the print target width p. In addition, n-1 divided enlarged print images having divided print widths Pj (j = 2 to n) among n divided enlarged print images indicate the end on the reference end side of each divided enlarged print image. Three boundary marks C3 are added to n-1 divided enlarged print images having divided print widths Pk (k = 1 to n-1) among n divided enlarged print images. A fourth boundary mark C4 indicating the edge on the side is added as one kind of boundary mark, and one divided enlarged print image out of n is sequentially or arbitrarily printed on the print target area.
[0142]
In this case, when the jth divided enlarged print image is printed, the third boundary mark C3 of the divided enlarged print image indicates the boundary with the (j−1) th, and similarly, the kth divided enlarged print image is printed. Sometimes, the fourth boundary mark C4 indicates the (k + 1) th boundary, so that the user can easily perform processing such as cutting unnecessary portions with reference to the third boundary mark C3 and the fourth boundary mark C4. . Further, if all n divided enlarged print images are printed and all unnecessary portions indicated by the third boundary mark C3 and the fourth boundary mark C4 are cut and pasted adjacently, or useful portions are adjacently used. If it is stuck on the part (see FIGS. 15 and 16), n divided enlarged print images can be joined exactly. Further, since the sum ΣPi = Pw of the divided print width Pi and the print width Pw = Lw−d, a margin corresponding to the print avoidance width d is added to the reference end side of the divided enlarged print image having the divided print width P1 of i = 1. Thus, the total width of the joining result coincides with the label width Lw. In other words, when the divided enlarged print image is printed up to both ends in the tape width direction without adhering to the super-wide print avoidance area, the same print result is obtained, and the same result is set as the result of joining. A label having a label width Lw suitable for the enlargement factor m can be created.
[0143]
Further, when the width of the margin area on the reference end side of the enlarged print image is less than the print avoidance width d, the second boundary mark C2 indicating the end on the reference end side of the enlarged print image is added as a kind of boundary mark. The enlarged print image having the print width Pw = Lw is printed by aligning the reference end side end of the enlarged print image with the reference end side end of the print target area (see FIGS. 6 and 9). In this case, when this enlarged print image is printed, an end on the reference end side of the enlarged print image, that is, a second boundary mark C2 indicating a boundary line between the inner side and the outer side of the label width Lw is printed. Then, since the second boundary mark C2 is a cut mark for cutting the tape T in the longitudinal direction after printing, the user can easily and accurately cut the tape by referring to the second boundary mark C2. , A label having a label width Lw suitable for the set enlargement ratio m can be created.
[0144]
Also in this case, when the relationship of Lw> p is established for the label width Lw and the print target width p, the print width Pw is divided into n (n is an integer of 2 or more) divided print widths Pi (0 ≦ Pi ≦). p, where i = 1 to n, where the summation ΣPi = Pw) is assigned to a partial enlarged print image having a print width Pw and n divided enlarged prints having each divided print width Pi (i = 1 to n). Since the image is divided into images, each of the n divided enlarged print images can be printed in a print target area having a print target width p (see FIG. 9). Further, a third boundary mark C3 indicating the end on the reference end side of each divided enlarged print image is added to n−1 divided enlarged print images having the divided print width Pj (j = 2 to n), and divided printing is performed. A fourth boundary mark C4 indicating an end on the set end side of each divided enlarged print image is added to n-1 divided enlarged print images having a width Pk (k = 1 to n-1), and a print target area Similarly, the third boundary mark C3 of the jth divided enlarged print image indicates the boundary with the (j−1) th, and the fourth boundary mark C4 of the kth divided enlarged print image is similarly k + 1. To indicate the boundary with the th, the outside of them becomes useless.
[0145]
For this reason, for example, by setting both the third boundary mark C3 and the fourth boundary mark C4 as cut marks for cutting the tape T in the longitudinal direction after printing, the user can refer to them for each divided enlarged printing. Unnecessary parts of the adjacent part of the image can be easily cut, and these can be stuck closely together. Further, since the useless portion indicated by the third boundary mark C3 and the useless portion indicated by the fourth boundary mark C4 are adjacent portions when arranged as a label, the third boundary mark C3 is formed in a longitudinal direction after the tape T is printed. One of the cut mark for cutting in the direction and the paste mark for overlapping, and the fourth boundary mark C4 as the other of the cut mark and the paste mark, with reference to one side as a cut mark, and cutting By referring to the direction to be used as the margin mark and pasting the cut end in accordance with the margin mark, the adjacent divided enlarged print images can be joined exactly. In these cases, since the total sum ΣPi = Pw = Lw, the total width of the joining result matches the label width Lw, and the divided enlarged print image is printed to both ends of each tape width direction without providing the super-wide print avoidance area. As a result, the same print result can be obtained, and a label having a label width Lw suitable for the set enlargement factor m can be created as a result of joining.
[0146]
In the case of enlarged printing, Pw = h × p + d (where h is an arbitrary integer equal to or greater than 1) is established for the print width Pw, and the print avoidance width d is greater than or equal to the set end side of the enlarged print image. When there is a blank area, the addition of the first boundary mark C1 is omitted, and an image from which the print avoidance width d on the set end side of the enlarged print image is deleted is printed instead of the enlarged print image (see FIG. 14). ). As described above, when the ultra-wide print avoidance area is provided, the margins at both ends in the width direction of the label of the print result are increased by the print avoidance width d, and therefore only the print width h × p (that is, Pw−d). If printing is performed, the print avoidance width d is added to the print width, and the print width Pw is printed as it is without providing the super-wide print avoidance area. Further, since there is a margin area having a width equal to or larger than the print avoidance width d on the set end side of the enlarged print image, there is no problem even if the print avoidance width d is replaced with the margin of the print avoidance width d. Further, since the boundary line to be indicated by the first boundary mark C1 coincides with the set end of the tape T, it is not necessary to perform processing such as cutting. Therefore, addition of the first boundary mark C1 and printing thereof can be omitted, processing such as cutting can be omitted, and a printing result equivalent to that obtained when no ultra-wide printing avoidance area is provided can be obtained.
[0147]
Since the tape printer 1 is a thermal type tape printer, a super-wide printing avoidance area is provided, but as described above, the same setting as when no super-wide printing avoidance area is provided is set. A label having a label width Lw suitable for the enlargement ratio m can be created.
[0148]
In each example described above with reference to FIGS. 5, 6, 8, 9, and 14, the boundary marks C <b> 1 to C <b> 4 are indicated by slit lines (dotted lines) (printed). As shown in FIG. 19, various printing methods are conceivable. That is, the boundary line as an image is shown as it is by the solid line in FIG. 5A and the dotted line in FIG. 5B (the above examples are applicable in FIG. 5 and the like). As shown in (e), it may be shown only at positions corresponding to the start point and end point of the boundary line (both ends in the longitudinal direction of the portion to be the label of the tape T). Even if any of the above-mentioned figures (a) to (e) is adopted, it is a guide for cutting when used as a cut mark, and a guide for pasting when used as a glue mark. Moreover, the same figure (d) and (e) can be used also as the alignment mark of the front and back (right and left of illustration) in the case of adhering adjacently after a cut, or in the case of overlapping and adhering as a paste margin. In addition, in the case where the lines are indicated by solid lines, dotted lines, or the like in FIGS. 10A and 10B, they can be shown (printed) so as not to overlap with the character portion as shown in FIG.
[0149]
In these cases, as shown in FIG. 20 (a), when one character is printed on one or more boundary marks, for example, the boundary mark C4, and one side is overlapped and pasted as a margin, (See FIG. 10D: In this case, by printing extra characters on the back (lower) side), it is possible to suppress the occurrence of unaligned margins. In FIG. 20, a small circle “◯” represents an ink dot for printing (simulated).
[0150]
In addition, the various boundary marks described above in FIGS. 19A to 19F indicate the boundary line of the image by the center or the center line as in the conventional case, but as shown in FIG. The boundary line may be indicated by the end on the inner side (useful part side), and a boundary mark may be added so that the outer side (useless part) has a predetermined width (print width: boundary width) q. Further, the above-described concept of FIG. 5F may be combined and shown (added and printed) so as not to overlap the character portion. FIG. 20B shows an image of the situation in this case. For example, the boundary mark C4 has a predetermined printing width (boundary width) q so that the boundary mark C4 can be easily noticed as a guideline for cutting or overlapping, and The upper end side (reference end side) is added so that the boundary line of the image indicates the boundary line of the image (that is, the boundary line is the same as the virtual boundary mark CL indicating the boundary line of the image by the center line, for example). be able to.
[0151]
By the way, when the tape T is cut in the longitudinal direction using the above-mentioned various boundary marks as a guide for cutting, or when the above-mentioned various boundary marks are used as a guide for the paste margin, the cut or paste margin (overlaying) is used. In order to create a label having a desired width by cutting or pasting accurately, the boundary mark needs to be conspicuous to some extent. However, if a part of the boundary mark remains after being cut or overlaid, the created label does not look good. Conventionally, as this type of boundary mark, a boundary mark such as a dotted line that draws a boundary line between a useful portion and a useless portion of the tape T as a print result has been adopted, but the boundary mark itself (the center of the boundary mark or the center of the boundary mark) Line) is a boundary line, so if you draw it with a thin line (if you print it), it will be difficult to stand out as a guideline for cutting or glue, but if you draw it with a thick line (if you print it), it will be after the cut or overlap There was a problem that a part of the boundary mark remained after pasting and the appearance was bad.
[0152]
For this reason, in the point that it is conspicuous as a standard for cutting or overlapping and sticking, and the boundary mark is difficult to remain after being cut or overlapping, the above-mentioned is shown in FIG. 19 (g) or FIG. 20 (b). It can be said that the boundary mark is preferable. Therefore, hereinafter, when this concept is adopted, that is, one or more boundary marks indicating the boundary line between the useful part and the useless part of the tape T on which the printed image is printed are suitable as a guideline for cutting or overlapping. As described above, a case where the image printing method (and its apparatus) capable of printing so that it is difficult to remain after being cut or after being applied in layers will be described as a third embodiment. However, in the first embodiment and the second embodiment described above, specific examples of the role of each boundary mark and the like have been described. Therefore, in the following, the principle will be described as a general concept from the beginning.
[0153]
First, in the tape printer 1 according to the present embodiment, as a whole, one or more kinds of print images are printed on the tape T that is a print target, and a boundary line between the useful part and the useless part of the tape T as a print result is displayed. The boundary mark is added to the print image for printing, and one or more boundary marks having a boundary width q (q> 0) that is a predetermined print width are printed adjacent to the print image in the tape width direction. The boundary on the printed image side of the boundary mark having the boundary width q indicates the boundary line between the useful part and the useless part. Conventionally, for example, a boundary mark by a dotted line or the like has a center line that coincides with a boundary line between a useful part and a useless part, but the boundary mark here is printed with a predetermined boundary width (printing width) q, And the edge by the side of the printed image shows a boundary line. For this reason, if the boundary width q is increased to some extent, it becomes more noticeable. In addition, when cutting or overlaying, the entire boundary mark can be cut, or the entire boundary mark can be used as an adhesive allowance so that it does not remain after label creation. Therefore, one or more boundary marks indicating the boundary line between the useful part and the useless part of the tape T on which the printed image is printed are pasted so as to be suitable as a guideline for cutting or overlapping, and after the cutting or overlapping. It can be printed so that it is hard to remain after.
[0154]
In this case, in the tape printer 1, an arbitrary tape T is mounted as a print target, and a print target that is the width of a print target area for printing a print image out of the tape width Tw of the mounted tape T. The width p and the boundary width q are determined, and an arbitrary label width Lw is set (see FIGS. 4 and 17). Based on the label width Lw, the print target width p, and the boundary width q, one or more boundary marks Is added to the print image, and the print image with one or more boundary marks added is printed on the tape T.
[0155]
For example, in the case described above with reference to FIG. 4, one or more boundary marks indicating the boundary line between the useful part and the useless part are displayed based on the set arbitrary label width Lw, the print target width p, and the boundary width q. Print with q added to the print image. For this reason, for example, in the above-described example in FIG. 5, the boundary line of the image is indicated by the center line of the first boundary mark C1, but here, instead of the boundary line of the image, the print image side (reference end side: A boundary mark having a boundary width q indicated by an end on the upper end side in the drawing is printed as the first boundary mark C1 (in the present embodiment). That is, in this case, the first boundary mark C1 having the boundary width q is printed outside the boundary line of the image (setting end side: the lower end side in the drawing). Similarly, in the example corresponding to the example of FIG. 6, the first boundary mark C1 and the second boundary mark C2 having the boundary width q are added outside the boundary line of the image and printed. The same applies to the examples corresponding to the examples of FIGS. 8, 9, and 14, and the first to fourth boundary marks C1 to C4 having the boundary width q are added to the outside of the boundary line of the image and printed. Note that when the super-wide print avoidance area is provided, the definition of the super-wide print avoidance area and the print avoidance width d is different. This will be described later as an example corresponding to the example of FIG.
[0156]
As described above, in the tape printer 1 according to the present embodiment, one kind of boundary line between the useful part and the useless part is set based on the set arbitrary label width Lw, the print target width p, and the boundary width q. Since the above boundary mark is added to the print image with the boundary width q and printed, the tape T is cut in the longitudinal direction or a plurality of divided prints T are joined using the printed boundary mark as a guide. The label of the desired arbitrary label width Lw can be created, and the edge on the printed image side of the boundary width q indicates the boundary line. The mark is difficult to remain.
[0157]
Here, the above-described enlarged printing in FIG. 17 and the like is also included in the concept of setting an arbitrary label width Lw because the label width Lw can be set via an arbitrary enlargement ratio m. For this reason, a boundary mark in which the end on the printed image side of the boundary width q indicates a boundary line can also be applied to enlarged printing, as in the case of directly setting an arbitrary label width Lw. In this case, an arbitrary enlargement ratio m (m is a real number equal to or greater than 1) is set, and a print width corresponding to m times the print width of the base image is determined as the label width Lw according to the set enlargement ratio m. Therefore, the label width Lw can be easily set, and a print image having the label width Lw is created by enlarging the base image to m times, so that not only the print image created in advance but also the base image Based on the above, it is possible to easily create a print image having a label width Lw. That is, it can be applied not only to normal printing but also to enlarged printing. In this case as well, the tape T can be cut in the longitudinal direction using a printed boundary mark as a guide, or a plurality of separately printed tapes T can be formed. Can be easily joined, a label having a label width Lw suitable for the set magnification m can be created, and the edge on the printed image side of the boundary width q indicates a boundary line. Boundary marks are hard to remain after pasting.
[0158]
In these cases, in the tape printer 1, the print target width p and the boundary width q are determined corresponding to the tape width Tw, and the tape width Tw of the mounted tape T is detected, and the detected tape width is detected. Corresponding predetermined print target width p and boundary width q are set according to Tw. That is, since the print target width p and the boundary width q are determined corresponding to the tape width Tw, by detecting the tape width Tw of the mounted tape T, a predetermined one corresponding to the tape width Tw is detected. And it can be determined easily as the boundary width q.
[0159]
Further, when one end of both ends of the tape T in the tape width direction is a reference end and the other is a set end, the end has a boundary width q and the end on the reference end side indicates a boundary line between the inner side and the outer side of the label width Lw. The first boundary mark C1 is added as a kind of boundary mark so as to be adjacent to the outside of the set end side of the print image. That is, when this print image is printed, the first boundary mark C1 is printed so as to be adjacent to the outside of the set end side of the print image. In the present embodiment, the first boundary mark C1 is the tape T Is a cut mark for cutting in the longitudinal direction after printing, the user can easily and accurately cut in the longitudinal direction with reference to the first boundary mark C1. Further, since the first boundary mark C1 indicates the boundary line between the inner side and the outer side of the label width Lw by the end on the reference end side of the boundary width q, a label suitable for the label width Lw set by the cut can be created. Since the entire first boundary mark C1 is cut, it does not remain as a part of the label thereafter.
[0160]
Also in the present embodiment, when the relationship of Lw> p is established for the label width Lw and the print target width p, the print width Pw of the print image is divided into n (n is an integer of 2 or more) divided print widths. Pi (0 ≦ Pi ≦ p, where i = 1 to n, where the sum ΣPi = Pw) is assigned to n print images having the print width Pw and each divided print width Pi (i = 1 to n) Is divided into divided print images. Thus, each of the n divided print images can be printed in the print target area having the print target width p. Further, n−1 pieces having divided print widths Pj (j = 2 to n) among n divided print images when one end of both ends of the tape T in the tape width direction is a reference end and the other is a set end. A third boundary mark C3 having a boundary width q and having a set end side end indicating a reference end side end of each divided print image so as to be adjacent to the outside of the reference end side end of the divided print image, Similarly, the boundary end has a boundary width q so as to be adjacent to the outside of the set end side end of n−1 divided print images having the divided print width Pk (k = 1 to n−1). A fourth boundary mark C4 whose end on the side indicates the set end side of each divided print image is added as one kind of boundary mark, and one of the n divided print images is added to the print target area. Print sequentially or arbitrarily.
[0161]
In this case, the third boundary mark C3 of the jth divided print image indicates the boundary of the j−1th (end on the reference end side of the jth divided print image) by the end on the set end side of the boundary width q. The fourth boundary mark C4 of the k-th divided print image indicates the boundary with the (k + 1) -th boundary (the end on the set end side of the k-th divided print image) by the end on the reference end side of the boundary width q. It is possible to easily perform processing such as cutting of unnecessary portions with reference to the entire boundary width q, so that it does not remain after cutting or the like, and is set by this A label suitable for the label width Lw can be created.
[0162]
That is, by setting both the third boundary mark C3 and the fourth boundary mark C4 as cut marks for cutting the tape T in the longitudinal direction after printing the tape T, the user can select the third boundary mark C3 or the second boundary mark C3 having the boundary width q. The whole of the four boundary marks C4 can be easily cut as a cutting target, and since the whole is cut, it does not remain after that. Further, since the reference end side including the third boundary mark C3 is an unnecessary portion and the setting end side including the fourth boundary mark C4 is an unnecessary portion, the unnecessary portion indicated by the third boundary mark C3 The useless part indicated by the fourth boundary mark C4 is an adjacent part when arranged as a label. Therefore, the third boundary mark C3 is set as one of a cut mark and a margin mark for cutting in the longitudinal direction after the tape T is printed, and the fourth boundary mark C4 is set as the other, so that one of them is referred to as a cut mark. Then, refer to the adjacent one as the margin mark, and align the end of the cut with the margin mark and paste it on top so that the adjacent divided print images can be joined together. Since the entire boundary mark is to be cut or overlaid, it does not remain as a part of the label. Also, in these cases, the sum of the widths of the joining results is the sum ΣPi = Pw = Lw where all the unnecessary parts are cut and adjacent, or the useful parts are overlapped on the adjacent unnecessary parts and bonded together. This matches the label width Lw, whereby a label having a desired label width Lw can be created.
[0163]
By the way, unlike the case of the first and second embodiments described above, the above description in the present embodiment can be applied to the case where the ultra-wide print avoidance region is not provided. For example, in the example corresponding to FIG. 5, if the width of the unnecessary part of Tw−Lw is equal to or larger than the boundary width q, that is, Tw ≧ q, the first boundary mark of the boundary width q is added regardless of the presence or absence of the print avoidance width d. Applicable because it can be printed. The example corresponding to FIG. 6 is the same as the example corresponding to FIG. 5 unless the print avoidance width d is provided. In the example corresponding to FIG. 8, the first boundary mark C1 is the same as that in FIG. 5 and the like, and the setting end side (lower end side) in FIG. 8B and the reference end in FIG. If the boundary width q is provided on the side (upper end side) instead of the print avoidance width d, the third boundary mark C3 and the fourth boundary mark C4 having the boundary width q can be added thereto for printing. The present invention can also be applied when no avoidance area is provided. The example corresponding to FIG. 9 is the same as the example corresponding to FIG. 8 unless the print avoidance width d is provided. In the example described above with reference to FIG. 14, the state where each boundary mark is not added is shown in FIG. 13. As is apparent from FIG. The present invention can also be applied when no width printing avoidance area is provided.
[0164]
Therefore, as in the first and second embodiments, the case where the super-wide print avoidance area is provided will be described below by taking the one corresponding to FIG. 14 as an example. That is, in the image printing method (and apparatus) described below, the ultra-wide print avoidance area for avoiding printing exceeding the tape width Tw of the print image has a predetermined print avoidance width at both ends in the width direction of the tape T. A portion of the tape width Tw excluding the print avoidance width d is set as a print target width p (p = Tw−2d), and a print image is printed in a print target area of the print target width p of the tape T. The present invention can be applied to a tape printing apparatus, and of course, can also be applied to the thermal type tape printing apparatus 1 of the present embodiment.
[0165]
However, here, as shown in FIG. 21, the print avoidance width for avoiding the influence of the error factors described above is set as the total print avoidance width f for avoiding the printing of both the print image and one or more boundary marks. In addition, while avoiding printing of a print image, an additional print width e (e ≧ q) that does not avoid printing of one or more boundary marks is provided, and a print avoidance area having a print avoidance width d = e + f To do. That is, the super-wide print avoidance area of the print avoidance width d here avoids printing of the print image, but does not avoid printing of one or more boundary marks, but the additional print area of the additional print width e (e ≧ q). And a total print avoidance area having a total print avoidance width f (f = de) for avoiding printing of both the print image and the one or more boundary marks. Thus, the boundary mark can be added without using a part of the print target width p, and the various advantages described above by adding the boundary mark of the boundary width q in the tape printer 1 that provides the ultra-wide print avoidance area. Can be obtained. In other words, one or more boundary marks indicating the boundary line between the useful part and the useless part of the tape T on which the printed image is printed are pasted so as to be suitable as a guideline for cutting or overlapping, and after cutting or overlapping. It can be printed so that it is hard to remain after.
[0166]
Since the example of FIG. 21 described above corresponds to FIG. 14 described above, a blank area having a width equal to or larger than the print avoidance width d on the reference end side of the print image, as in the examples of FIGS. In this case, the print avoidance width d on the reference edge side of the print image is deleted, a partial print image having the print width Pw = Lw−d is created, and the edge on the reference edge side of the print target area is created. The partial print image is printed instead of the print image by aligning the end of the partial print image on the reference end side. In this case, the actual print width Pw = Lw−d to be printed, but there is a margin for the print avoidance width d on the reference end side of the tape T. The same print result as that obtained when the print image having the print width Pw = Lw is printed as it is without providing the super-wide print avoidance area can be obtained.
[0167]
Of course, the present invention can also be applied when the width of the margin area on the reference end side of the print image is less than the print avoidance width d, corresponding to the examples of FIGS. 6 and 9 described above. In other words, when the width of the margin area on the reference end side of the print image when one of the both ends of the tape T in the tape width direction is the reference end and the other is the set end is less than the print avoidance width d, it is a kind of boundary mark. A second boundary mark C2 having a boundary width q and having an end on the set end side indicating an end on the reference end side of the print image so as to be adjacent to the outside of the end on the reference end side of the print image; A print image having a print width Pw = Lw is printed by aligning the end on the reference end side of the print image with the end on the reference end side of the print target region. Therefore, when this print image is printed, the second boundary mark C2 is printed so as to be adjacent to the outside of the reference end side of the print image. Here, also in the present embodiment, the second boundary mark C2 is a cut mark for cutting the tape T in the longitudinal direction after printing, as in the above-described embodiment. The second boundary mark C2 indicates an end on the reference end side of the printed image, that is, a boundary line between the inner side and the outer side of the label width Lw, and is printed when the printed image is printed. By cutting with reference to the second boundary mark C2, a label suitable for the set label width Lw can be created, and the entire boundary width q is targeted, so that it does not remain in a part of the label.
[0168]
In the example of FIG. 21 described above, the last print avoidance width d (on the setting end (lower end) side of (c) where i = 3 in the example of FIG. 21) corresponds to FIG. Since the first boundary mark C1 can be omitted as a part of the margin on the (lower end) side and the first boundary mark C1 can be omitted, the first boundary mark C1 is not added, but corresponds to FIG. 5, FIG. 6, FIG. 8, and FIG. For example, similarly, the first boundary mark C1 is added and printed. Even in these cases, the first boundary mark C1 indicates an end on the set end side of the print image, that is, a boundary line between the inner side and the outer side of the label width Lw, and is printed when the print image is printed. Therefore, the user can create a label that conforms to the set label width Lw by cutting with reference to the first boundary mark C1, and the inside of the label width Lw by the end on the reference end side of the boundary width q. Since the boundary line with the outside is shown, the entire first boundary mark is cut so that it does not remain as a part of the label thereafter.
[0169]
In the case of the divided printing example in the first to third embodiments described above, printing is performed by adding both the third boundary mark C3 and the fourth boundary mark C4, and one of them is cut as a cut mark. An example was given with the other as the glue mark, which was used as a guideline for overlaying. However, if one of the cuts can be performed accurately and the glue margin can be clearly identified from the relationship with the print result of the character string, etc. The addition of the boundary mark on the mark side and the printing thereof may be omitted. For example, in the case of the above-described example of FIG. 21, as shown in FIG. 22, even if the addition and printing on the fourth boundary mark C3 side are omitted, the fourth boundary mark C4 side is clear and easy to cut accurately. Since any of the character strings “123A” is to be divided and the boundary line can be easily and relatively accurately imaged as shown by the third boundary mark (glue mark in this case) C3 in FIG. 21, it is shown in FIG. Thus, the addition of the third boundary mark and the printing thereof may be omitted. In such a case, the additional print width e on the side where the boundary mark is omitted (the reference end (upper end) side in the example of FIG. 22) is omitted, and printing of both the print image and one or more types of boundary marks is avoided. For example, as in the first and second embodiments, the print avoidance width d can be increased by the omitted additional print width e, as in the first and second embodiments. .
[0170]
Since the tape printing apparatus 1 is a thermal type tape printing apparatus, an ultra-wide printing avoidance area is provided. However, as described above, the tape printing apparatus 1 is arbitrarily set as in the case where no ultra-wide printing avoidance area is provided. It is possible to create a label having a label width Lw, etc. (or adapted to an arbitrarily set enlargement ratio m).
[0171]
In the above-described embodiment, an example of a thermal type tape printing apparatus has been described. However, the present invention can be similarly applied to other systems as long as the tape printing apparatus is provided with an ultra-wide printing avoidance area. Of course, other modifications can be made as appropriate without departing from the scope of the present invention.
[0172]
【The invention's effect】
As described above, according to the image printing method and apparatus of the tape printing apparatus of the present invention, while providing a super-wide print avoidance region having a predetermined print avoidance width at both ends in the width direction of the tape, There is an effect that, for example, a label having an arbitrary width equivalent to that in the case of not providing the ultra-wide print avoidance area can be created.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a control system of a tape printing apparatus 1 to which an image printing method and apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention are applied.
FIG. 2 is a flowchart showing a conceptual process of overall control of the tape printer of FIG. 1;
FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a display screen for image printing and a typical operation on the display screen.
4 is an explanatory view similar to FIG. 3, showing an example of an operation for setting a label width. FIG.
FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of a relationship between a label to be created and a printing result of image printing for the label.
6 is an explanatory view similar to FIG. 5, showing another example. FIG.
7 is an explanatory view similar to FIG. 3, showing an example of a print instruction operation in the case of divided printing. FIG.
8 is an explanatory view similar to FIG. 5, showing yet another example corresponding to FIG. 7. FIG.
9 is an explanatory view similar to FIG. 5, showing yet another example corresponding to FIG. 7. FIG.
FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a conventional problem.
FIG. 11 is an explanatory view similar to FIG. 10, showing an example of another problem.
FIG. 12 is an explanatory diagram showing another example of a label to be created.
13 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of a problem of a printing result of image printing for creating the label of FIG. 12;
14 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of a print result of a divided print image for solving the problem illustrated in FIG.
15 is a conceptual explanatory diagram for creating a label by pasting a part of the divided print image of the print result of FIG. 13 in an overlapping manner.
FIG. 16 is an explanatory view similar to FIG. 15, showing another example.
FIG. 17 is an explanatory view similar to FIG. 3, showing an example of an operation for setting an enlargement ratio in the case of enlargement printing.
18 is an explanatory view similar to FIG. 17, continued from FIG. 17;
FIG. 19 is an explanatory diagram showing various examples of boundary marks.
FIG. 20 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of a relationship between a character part and a boundary mark.
FIG. 21 is an explanatory view similar to FIG. 14, showing still another example employing the boundary mark of FIG. 19 (g).
FIG. 22 is an explanatory view similar to FIG. 21, showing still another example.
[Explanation of symbols]
1 Tape printer
3 Keyboard
4 display
5 Tape cartridge
7 Print head
11 Operation unit
12 Printing department
13 Cutting part
14 detector
41 Display screen
200 Control unit
210 CPU
220 ROM
230 Character generator ROM (CG-ROM)
240 RAM
250 Input / output control circuit (IOC)
260 Internal bus
270 Drive unit
280 External memory mounting part
290 Power supply
T tape

Claims (5)

An ultra-wide print avoidance area for avoiding printing exceeding the tape width Tw of the tape that is the print object is provided at both ends in the width direction of the tape so as to have a print avoidance width d, and the tape width Tw An image printing method for a tape printing apparatus that prints a print image on a print target area of a print target width p of the tape, with a portion excluding the print avoidance width d as a print target width p (p = Tw−2d),
A tape mounting step of mounting an arbitrary tape as the print object;
A print target width determining step for determining the print avoidance width d and the print target width p of the tape mounted;
A label width setting step for setting an arbitrary label width Lw;
A boundary for adding one or more boundary marks indicating a boundary line between a useful portion and a useless portion of the tape as a print result based on the label width Lw, the print avoidance width d, and the print target width p to the print image Mark addition process;
A printing step of printing a print image with the one or more boundary marks added on the tape;
With
When one of the tape width direction ends of the tape is a reference end and the other is a set end,
A first boundary mark indicating a boundary line between the inner side and the outer side of the label width Lw is added to the end portion on the set end side of the print image as one type of the boundary mark,
When the width of the margin area on the reference edge side of the print image is less than the print avoidance width d, a second boundary mark indicating the edge on the reference edge side of the print image is added as one type of the boundary mark. , By aligning the end on the reference end side of the print image with the end on the reference end side of the print target region, printing the print image having a print width Pw = Lw,
When the width of the margin area is equal to or greater than the print avoidance width d, the print avoidance width d on the reference end side of the print image is deleted to create a partial print image with a print width Pw = Lw−d, An image printing of a tape printer, wherein the partial print image is printed instead of the print image by aligning a reference end side end of the partial print image with an end of the print target area on the reference end side Method. The print avoidance width d and the print target width p are determined corresponding to the tape width Tw,
The printing object width determining step includes:
A tape width detection step of detecting the tape width Tw of the mounted tape;
A print target width setting step for setting a predetermined print avoidance width d and a print target width p corresponding to the detected tape width Tw;
The image printing method of the tape printer according to claim 1, comprising: Regarding the label width Lw, the print target width p, and the print avoidance width d, a relationship of Lw> p + d is established, and a blank area having a width equal to or greater than the print avoidance width d is present on the reference end side of the print image. In some cases, the print width Pw = Lw−d is divided into n (n is an integer of 2 or more) divided print widths Pi (0 ≦ Pi ≦ p, where i = 1 to n, where the sum ΣPi = Pw And a print image dividing step of dividing the partial print image having the print width Pw into n divided print images each having a divided print width Pi (i = 1 to n),
The boundary mark adding step includes
A third boundary mark indicating an end on the reference end side of each divided print image in n−1 divided print images having a divided print width Pj (j = 2 to n) among the n divided print images. A third boundary mark adding step for adding as a kind of the boundary mark;
Of the n divided print images, n−1 divided print images having a divided print width Pk (k = 1 to n−1) indicate the end on the set end side of each divided print image. A fourth boundary mark adding step of adding a boundary mark as one kind of the boundary mark;
Further comprising
The partial image printing step includes a divided print image printing step of sequentially or arbitrarily printing one of the n divided print images in the print target area. An image printing method for a tape printing apparatus according to claim 1. When the relationship of Lw> p is established for the label width Lw and the print target width p, and the width of the margin area on the reference end side of the print image is less than the print avoidance width d, the print width Pw is assigned to n (n is an integer of 2 or more) divided print widths Pi (0 ≦ Pi ≦ p, where i = 1 to n, where the sum ΣPi = Pw), and a print image having the print width Pw Is further divided into n divided print images each having a divided print width Pi (i = 1 to n).
The boundary mark adding step includes
A third boundary mark indicating an end on the reference end side of each divided print image in n−1 divided print images having a divided print width Pj (j = 2 to n) among the n divided print images. A third boundary mark adding step for adding as a kind of the boundary mark;
Of the n divided print images, n−1 divided print images having a divided print width Pk (k = 1 to n−1) indicate the end on the set end side of each divided print image. A fourth boundary mark adding step of adding a boundary mark as one kind of the boundary mark;
Further comprising
3. The all-image printing step includes a divided print image printing step of sequentially or arbitrarily printing one of the n divided print images in the print target area. An image printing method for the tape printing apparatus according to claim 1. In the first boundary mark adding step, Pw = h × p + d (where h is an arbitrary integer greater than or equal to 1) is established for the print width Pw, and the print avoidance is performed on the set end side of the print image. When there is a blank area having a width greater than or equal to width d, the addition of the first boundary mark is omitted,
In the printing step, when the print width Pw = h × p + d is satisfied and there is a margin area having a width equal to or larger than the print avoidance width d on the set end side of the print image, the setting of the print image is performed. 5. The image printing method for a tape printer according to claim 1, wherein an image from which the print avoidance width d on the end side is deleted is printed instead of the print image.