JP3831938B2 - Tape printer - Google Patents

Description

[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a tape printer, and more particularly to a tape printer that can quickly confirm the contents of data to be printed on a tape and easily find an input error or the like.
[0002]
[Prior art]
Conventionally, various tape printers have been developed. These tape printers use a keyboard to input print data such as characters and symbols for each block, and check the print data for each block on the display unit, and then use the adhesive tape with release paper. Etc. are printed.
FIG. 6 shows the concept of the input print data. An example of use of the tape printer will be described with reference to the figure. First, characters / symbols to be printed are input by an input means such as a keyboard. The input is performed for each block with a group of characters printed on the tape that is cut after printing and having a predetermined length as one block, and is stored in the apparatus in a state in which the blocks are continuously arranged. . That is, for example, the block 101 and the print data “ABC” are input as the block 101, the block mark 104 and the print data “DEF” are input as the block 103, and the block block 106 and the print data “GHI” are input as the block 105. 6, the revised block mark 108 and the print data “JKL” are entered as the block 107, and the revised block mark 110 and the print data “MNO” are entered as the block 109, as shown in FIG. 6. Data is created and stored.
[0003]
By the way, after inputting the print data, it is necessary to check whether there is an error in the input of the print data. In this case, since the input data is partially displayed in the display 111 which is a display unit, the cursor indicating the data input position is moved in order to confirm the input content of the continuous data as described above. Or by scrolling the screen to change the data display.
An example is shown in FIG. FIG. 7A shows a state in which a block in which “ABC” at the head position of the print data input in the above example is input is displayed. From this state, for example, by moving the cursor or scrolling the screen, data such as “DEF” at the intermediate position of the data can be confirmed as shown in FIG. By the same method, the display content is changed to “MNO” which is the final data (FIG. 7C), and the content of the input data is confirmed.
Here, the block is for setting print data such as characters and symbols and a margin part for each label when printing data is printed on an adhesive tape with release paper to create a label.
[0004]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
However, in the above-described conventional tape printer, if a large amount of print data is input, it will take a considerable amount of time to move the cursor from the beginning to the final position of the print data and check the display contents while sending them. It was costing. In the example shown in FIG. 8, after inputting about 100 blocks 121a, 121b, 121c, 121d, 121e,... 121n, 121n + 1, etc., the print data of the block 121n is displayed on the display 111 for confirmation. Even in such a case, it is necessary to scroll the screen to a predetermined position by performing a cursor or a predetermined operation from the initial position of the data to the corresponding position.
In other words, in order to check data and make partial corrections, even when displaying data at a predetermined position, the screen must be scrolled one by one. It took time and had the problem that work efficiency was bad.
[0005]
The present invention has been devised in view of the above problems, and even when the number of input blocks is large, the print data of the target block can be quickly displayed to confirm or correct the contents. An object of the present invention is to provide a tape printer with high work efficiency.
[0006]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
The invention according to claim 1 provided by the present invention is characterized by having the following requirements in order to achieve the above object. That is, a tape printer for printing predetermined characters, symbols, etc. on the surface of a tape having an adhesive portion on the back surface and a release paper attached to the adhesive portion,
(B) It has an input means for inputting print data such as characters and symbols to be printed.
(B) It has storage means for storing the print data input from the input means for each block in association with the number indicating the block.
(C) It has a selection means for selecting a plurality of blocks by designating the block number from among the plurality of blocks stored in the storage means.
(D) having reading means for reading print data corresponding to the blocks within the range of the plurality of blocks selected by the selection means from the storage means;
(E) it has a display means for sequentially displaying the print data that corresponds to a block in a range of the plurality of blocks read by said reading means.
(F) It has printing means for printing the print data displayed on the display means or the print data stored in the storage means on a tape.
[0008]
The invention according to claim 2 provided by the present invention is characterized by having the following requirements. That is, in the tape printer, the block is a set of print data for each tape to be created.
[0009]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
A tape printer according to the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.
1 is a circuit block diagram of a tape printer according to the present invention, FIG. 2 is an external perspective view of the surface of the tape printer according to the present invention, and FIG. 3 is an external perspective view of the back surface of the tape printer according to the present invention. 4 is an enlarged explanatory view of the operation unit, and FIG. 5 is an explanatory view showing an operation related to the display of the tape printer.
[0010]
The tape printer 1 according to the present invention has an apparatus main body 3, and an operation unit 5 and a display device 7 are provided on the surface of the apparatus main body 3. Further, a tape cassette 9 and an ink ribbon 11 are accommodated in the apparatus main body 3, and a cassette cover 13 is provided in the accommodating portion so as to be opened and closed. Further, the apparatus main body 3 is formed with a concave tape passage 15 serving as a passage for the tape fed out from the tape cassette 9 so that the fed tape can be cut out by operating the scissors button 17. It has become.
[0011]
An insertion port 19 for connecting an AC adapter device (not shown) is provided on the side surface of the apparatus body 3.
A storage portion for storing a battery is provided on the back surface of the apparatus body 3, and a battery lid 21 is detachably provided in the battery storage portion. Further, a memory card storage part for storing a memory card is formed in the vicinity of the battery storage part, and a memory card cover 23 is detachably provided in the memory card storage part.
[0012]
Next, the configuration of the circuit unit incorporated in the tape printer 1 will be described with reference to FIG.
The control device 31 is connected to the operation unit 5 via the interface circuit 33. The control device 31 includes a ROM 32, a CPU 34, and a RAM 36.
A memory card 35 is detachably connected to the control device 31. Each circuit unit of the control device 31 is connected via the interface circuit 37. That is, the display device 7 is connected to the interface circuit 37 via the display drive circuit 39, the motor 43 is connected via the motor drive circuit 41, the thermal head 47 is connected via the head drive circuit 45, and the cutter drive. A tape cutter 51 is connected via a circuit 49.
[0013]
The operation unit 5 includes an input unit that inputs print data such as characters, numbers, and symbols for each block, and a selection unit that selects any one or a plurality of blocks among the plurality of blocks.
The ROM 32 has a program for setting the font of input characters for all blocks or for each block, and the format of character size, spacing, left and right margins, etc. for all blocks or each block. Various programs such as a program for setting, a Kanji conversion program, a display control program, a motor drive control program, a printing control program, and a tape cutter control program are stored. The ROM 32 stores a program for causing the display device 7 to display print data corresponding to any one or a plurality of blocks selected from the plurality of blocks. The ROM 32 stores data relating to standard character fonts.
[0014]
The CPU 34 executes various control processes based on programs and various data stored in the ROM 32, RAM 36, and memory card 35. The CPU 34 is a reading unit that reads from the ROM 32 print data corresponding to any one or a plurality of blocks selected by the operation unit 5. Then, the CPU 34 performs control for causing the display device 7 to display print data corresponding to any one or a plurality of read blocks out of a plurality of blocks.
The RAM 36 is backed up by a battery (not shown) and stores input print data and the like. That is, the RAM 36 is a storage unit that stores the print data for each block input from the input unit in association with each block. For example, when the operation unit 5 is operated, the block No. Is counted up, and this block No. Are sequentially stored in the RAM 36 and each block No. Are sequentially stored in the RAM 36.
[0015]
Note that an appropriate non-volatile memory such as an EEPROM can be used instead of the RAM 36.
A plurality of types of memory cards 35 are prepared, and each memory card 35 stores data related to a specific character font as an option, special pictograms, and the like. Therefore, by replacing the memory card 35, characters of various fonts can be created and printed on the tape.
[0016]
The display drive circuit 39 drives the display device 7 according to the control of the CPU 34. The display device 7 is a display unit that displays print data corresponding to any one or a plurality of blocks selected by the operation unit 5 among the plurality of blocks. Here, the image of the state printed on the tape is displayed on the display device 7 by a preset character font.
The motor drive circuit 41 drives the motor 43 according to the control of the CPU 34, and the tape is fed out.
The head drive circuit 45 drives the thermal head 47 according to the control of the CPU 34. The thermal head 47 is printing means for printing the print data displayed on the display device 7 or the print data stored in the RAM 36 on a tape.
The cutter drive circuit 49 drives the tape cutter 51 according to the control of the CPU 34. The tape cutter 51 can cut only the adhesive tape without cutting the release paper of the adhesive tape with release paper.
[0017]
The operation unit 5 has a plurality of keys as shown in an enlarged view in FIG. The key 61 is a key switch for power on / off, the key 63 is a key switch for switching alphanumeric characters, hiragana and katakana of input characters, the key 65 is a key switch for inputting prompt sounds, and a key 67 Is a key switch for setting various functions, and a key 69 is a key switch for printing input print data on a tape.
A plurality of character keys and the like are arranged in the key group 71. By operating this key group 71, print data can be input.
A plurality of key switches are provided in the key group 73, and various functions such as displaying the contents to be actually printed are set by operating in combination with any of the key switches of the key 67 and the key group 73 described above. can do.
A key 75 is a key switch for inputting a break block mark, a key 77 is a key switch for confirming a converted kanji, and a key 79 is a key switch for performing kanji conversion of kanji. A key 81 is a key switch used for moving the cursor, selecting a hiragana range to be converted, etc., a key 83 is a key switch for erasing input characters one by one, and a key 85 is a converted one. This is a key switch for returning kanji to hiragana.
[0018]
Next, the operation will be described.
First, the operation unit 5 is operated to input print data. For example, as shown in FIG. 1 is input with the modified block mark and the print data “ABC”. 2 is input with the modified block mark and the print data “DEF”. 3 is input with the modified block mark and the print data “GHI”. 4 is input with the modified block mark and the print data “JKL”. In 5, the modified block mark and the print data “MNO” are input, and print data for each block is created.
In addition, if a modified block mark is input by operating the operation unit 5 or the like at the time of the input, the block No. Are sequentially stored in the RAM 36 while being counted up, and each block No. Are sequentially stored in the RAM 36. That is, in the above example, the block No. The print data “ABC” is stored corresponding to the block No. The print data “DEF” is stored corresponding to the block No. The print data “GHI” is stored corresponding to the block No. The print data “JKL” is stored corresponding to the block No. 4 and the block No. Corresponding to 5, print data “MNO” is stored.
[0019]
Next, a description will be given of a case where print data of a desired block is displayed on the display device 7 in order to confirm whether or not there is an input error in the input print data.
First, for example, the function key 67 and the letter key “P” of the key group 71 are operated. Thereby, a command for displaying the print data on the display device 7 is input, and only the print data of the block where the cursor exists at this time is displayed on the display device 7.
Of the plurality of blocks, for example, block No. If you want to check the print data of No. 5, operate the operation unit 5 Enter.
For example, the function key 67 and the character key of the number “5” in the key group 71 are operated. As a result, the block No. 5 is selected, and the selected block No. 5 is selected as shown in FIG. The print data “MNO” of No. 5 is read from the RAM 36 and quickly displayed on the display device 7.
By the above operation, the operator can easily and quickly confirm that the print data has been correctly input by visually recognizing the print data “MNO” displayed on the display device 7. Content confirmation and partial correction can be performed in a short time.
[0020]
The input print data displayed on the display device 7 can be displayed in various modes by selection or setting.
That is, normally, only a predetermined number of characters and symbols displayed on the display device 7 are displayed, but an image printed on the tape can be displayed while being sent one block at a time. It can be displayed while sending every several blocks. In addition, there are several display modes as in the embodiments described later.
[0021]
By operating the print key 69, the print data input by the operations described above, etc., the head drive circuit 45 is driven by the thermal head 47 under the control of the CPU 34, and the print data is printed on the tape. Yes.
[0022]
【Example】
Some specific examples of the display mode of the print data by the display device 7 will be described.
In this embodiment, when the print data is displayed on the display device 7, the display device 7 has a whole display mode, a range display mode, and an individual display mode, and the print data is displayed on the display device 7 by switching to an appropriate display mode. It is characterized by the fact that it has been allowed to.
[Full display mode]
For example, when the function key 67 and the character keys “P” and “1” of the key group 71 are operated, the entire display mode is set, and the print data of all the input blocks can be displayed on the display device 7. . Here, for example, when the function key 67 and the character keys of the numbers “9” and “9” in the key group 71 are operated, the block No. 99 is selected and the block number of the print data displayed on the display device 7 is displayed. A marker is displayed at a portion corresponding to 99. In this case, block No. Only 99 print data may be displayed in a preset font, and print data of other blocks may be displayed in a different font.
[0023]
[Range display mode]
Further, for example, when the function key 67 and the character keys “P” and “2” of the key group 71 are operated, the range display mode is set, and print data of a block in an arbitrary range is read from the RAM 36 and displayed on the display device 7. Can be displayed.
Here, for example, the function keys 67 and the character keys “9” and “1” in the key group 71 are operated, and then the function keys 67 and the characters “9” and “9” in the key group 71 are operated. When the key is operated, No. 91 to No. No. 99 blocks are selected and No. 99 is selected. 91 to No. Each print data of up to 99 blocks is sequentially displayed on the display device 7. In this case, no. 91 to No. Each print data of up to 99 blocks can be automatically and sequentially displayed. In addition, the cursor is set to No. by manual operation. 91 to No. By moving within the range of up to 99 blocks, no. 91 to No. The print data of up to 99 corresponding blocks can be displayed sequentially.
This mode has an effect that only the changed part can be quickly confirmed when the data is partially changed and printed while the existing print data is input.
[0024]
[Individual display mode]
Further, when the function key 67 and the character keys “P” and “3” of the key group 71 are operated, the individual display mode is set, and one block where the cursor exists at that time, for example, the block number where the cursor is located, is set. . Only 99 print data can be displayed on the display device 7.
Here, for example, by operating the function keys 67 and the character keys of the numbers “5” and “1” in the key group 71, the cursor is instantaneously set to the block number. 51, the block No. Only 51 print data can be displayed on the display device 7.
[0025]
【The invention's effect】
The tape printer according to the present invention described above has the following effects.
In the conventional tape printer, the print data is stored and sent according to the order of printing on the tape. However, in the tape printer of the present invention, it is necessary to display the print data from the data at the head position. Rather, it can be performed at any position according to the user's will.
Therefore, when a large amount of printing tape is produced at a time, the input print data can be checked efficiently. In particular, if there is existing print data that has already been entered and stored, and only a part of the data is to be rewritten and used, the print data need only be checked for the corrected part. There is no need to display the target portion while sending and displaying the first print data, and there is an effect that time is wasted.
[0026]
In addition to the above effects, the present invention has the following effects. In other words, print data can be checked in print data units (blocks) for each print tape that is cut out from a long tape to become a single tape. However, it has an effect that the data can be confirmed.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a circuit block diagram of a tape printer according to the present invention.
FIG. 2 is an external perspective view of the surface of the tape printer according to the present invention.
FIG. 3 is an external perspective view of the back surface of the tape printer according to the present invention.
FIG. 4 is an enlarged explanatory diagram of an operation unit.
FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram showing an operation related to display of the tape printer.
FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram showing print data input for each block.
FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram showing display of print data in a conventional example.
FIG. 8 is an explanatory diagram showing display of print data in another conventional example.
[Explanation of symbols]
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Tape printer 3 Apparatus main body 5 Operation part 7 Display apparatus 9 Tape cassette 11 Ink ribbon 31 Control apparatus 32 ROM
33 Interface circuit 34 CPU
35 Memory card 36 RAM
39 Display drive circuit 41 Motor drive circuit 43 Motor 45 Head drive circuit 47 Thermal head 49 Cutter drive circuit 51 Tape cutter

Claims (2)

A tape printer having the following requirements for printing predetermined characters and symbols on the surface of a tape having an adhesive portion on the back surface and a release paper attached to the adhesive portion.
(B) It has an input means for inputting print data such as characters and symbols to be printed.
(B) It has storage means for storing the print data input from the input means for each block in association with the number indicating the block.
(C) It has a selection means for selecting a plurality of blocks by designating the block number from among the plurality of blocks stored in the storage means.
(D) having reading means for reading print data corresponding to the blocks within the range of the plurality of blocks selected by the selection means from the storage means;
(E) it has a display means for sequentially displaying the print data that corresponds to a block in a range of the plurality of blocks read by said reading means.
(F) It has printing means for printing the print data displayed on the display means or the print data stored in the storage means on a tape.   2. The tape printer according to claim 1, wherein the block is a set of print data for each tape to be created.

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