JP4442108B2 - Printing device - Google Patents

Description

[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
  The present invention prints a character string on a tape as a printing medium, and cuts the tape after printing to create a label for a heading.Printing deviceAbout.
[0002]
[Prior art]
Printing devices that print character strings on tape as a print medium and cut the tape after printing to create labels for headings are widely used. The created labels can be used as document files, video tape cassettes, audio tapes, etc. Used by attaching to a cassette or the like.
[0003]
Conventionally, for example, in a label for labeling affixed to a series of video tape cassettes or audio tape cassettes that consist of several books or several volumes of filed materials, the order of the materials is the same as the title and title. The label for each heading such as a number of files was created with a serial number to represent. In order to create such a heading label, a printing apparatus having a numbering printing function for printing a serial number on each label as disclosed in Patent Document 1 has been used.
[0004]
Then, using the above-described conventional printing apparatus having a numbering printing function for printing serial numbers, for example, as shown in FIG. 15, “City Planning Document 1”, “City Planning” are written vertically along the tape length direction. Create seven labels 100 such as "Document 2" ... "Urban Planning Document 7", paste these labels on the back of a series of seven document files 101, and store them in a bookcase in numerical order. Was.
[0005]
[Patent Document 1]
JP-A-11-105385
[0006]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
In the conventional printing device, as described above, when creating a label corresponding to a series of multiple volumes or multiple volumes such as a document file or video tape cassette, the numbering printing function is used to create the label. A serial number was assigned, and the document files with the labels attached were arranged in the order according to the serial number and stored in the bookcase.
[0007]
However, when an object such as a document file to which the label is attached is stored in the bookcase, the arrangement position of the object such as the document file is determined based on the number assigned to the label. It is not possible to easily check visually whether things are arranged in a predetermined order, or when there are missing items, it is not possible to check them easily. There was a problem that it took time and effort.
[0008]
  The present invention has been made to solve the above-described problems, and is used by pasting on a plurality of objects such as a document file and managing the objects by arranging them in a predetermined arrangement order. When creating labels, it is possible to print labels so that the order of arrangement of objects to which the labels are attached can be easily confirmed by these labels.Printing deviceThe purpose is to provide.
[0009]
  In addition, the present invention provides an object such as a document file to be added to or inserted in a predetermined array order into a plurality of objects such as a document file to which a sequence order is determined and a label for determining the sequence order is attached. When a problem occurs, it is possible to print a label corresponding to the object to be added / inserted in the predetermined arrangement order.Printing deviceThe purpose is to provide.
[0010]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
  The invention according to claim 1 is a plurality of sheets that are attached to a plurality of objects having a predetermined width in correspondence with the width direction, and display the arrangement order of the objects when the plurality of objects are aligned. A printing apparatus for continuously printing the plurality of labels on a printing tape having a width smaller than the width of the object, using the tape width of the printing tape as a label width. Storage means for storing character strings to be printed; number of prints setting means for setting the number of prints of labels to be created corresponding to the number of the plurality of objects; and tape width size setting means for setting the width size of the print tape And an object width size setting means for setting a width size of the object, and an alignment direction of the objects displayed on each label attached to each object when the plurality of objects are aligned. along Order to allow determining the sequence order of each object by an inclined line pattern inclined at a constant angle, the inclination angle of the inclined line pattern,A print length of a character string to be printed stored in the storage means, a width size of the print tape set by the tape width size setting means, a width size of the object set by the object width size setting means, and The number of prints set by the number-of-prints setting meansCalculate based on,Print data for forming the inclined line pattern within the width of the print tape is generated corresponding to each label of the set number of printed sheets, while the inclined line pattern print data for the set number of printed sheets and the storage unit Print data generating means for generating print data for each label of a set number of prints by combining print data of character strings stored in the print data, and printing the print data for each label generated by the print data generating means Printing means for continuously printing along the length direction of the tape.
[0012]
  According to the printing apparatus of claim 1, when creating a plurality of labels that are used by being attached to a plurality of objects such as a document file and managing the objects by arranging them in a predetermined arrangement order. The arrangement order of the objects to which the labels are attached can be easily confirmed visually by the alignment pattern printed on these labels together with the character strings, and management and organization of the objects to which the labels are attached Can be easily done.
[0018]
In addition, it is preferable that the printing apparatus further includes a numbering unit that updates a target character included in the character string stored in the storage unit every time the printing unit prints a set number of printed labels.
[0029]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.
[0030]
FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing an external configuration of a printing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention.
[0031]
This printing apparatus prints on a tape as a print target medium, and cuts the printed portion to create a label. As shown in FIG. 1, a keyboard 12 and a liquid crystal display unit 13 are provided on the upper surface of the apparatus main body 11, and a cartridge mounting unit 15 covered with an openable / closable lid 14 is provided.
[0032]
The keyboard 12 includes a power key 12a, a character / symbol input key 12b for inputting character and symbol data, a format setting key for setting a print format such as a print direction (vertical / horizontal), character size, and character spacing. 12c, a print mode setting key 12d for setting a “continuous print mode” for continuously printing a plurality of labels, a print key 12e that is operated when a character string print process is executed, and the like.
[0033]
Here, the “continuous printing mode” includes two modes, a mode in which a set number of labels are continuously printed repeatedly with the same contents, and a mode in which a set number of labels are continuously printed while numbering. In the embodiment, description will be made assuming the continuous printing mode by the latter numbering.
[0034]
The printing apparatus is provided with the following four modes as the continuous printing mode by the numbering.
[0035]
The first mode is called “standard mode”, and is used when the number of printed labels is known in advance. That is, it is suitable for the case where the number of objects such as a document file to which the label is attached is known in advance and the label for that amount is created for the time being.
[0036]
The second mode is called an “addition mode”, and is used when a label having an arrangement order following each label that has already been created is additionally created. In other words, the label created in the first mode was pasted to the material file and used. However, if a material to be added later occurs, the label created first is pasted to the additional material file. It is suitable when creating in the sequence order following.
[0037]
The third mode is called “insert mode”, and is used when an additional label to be inserted at an arbitrary rank position in each label already created is created. In other words, if the label created in the first mode is pasted and used in multiple document files, but additional material that can be inserted into the previous file is subsequently generated, This is suitable for inserting labels to be pasted into a plurality of labels arranged in advance. The second and third modes correspond not only to the first mode, but also to the creation of labels to be added / inserted corresponding to the next fourth mode.
[0038]
The fourth mode is used for printing a label that is assumed to be added later. In other words, when the number of objects such as document files to which labels are to be pasted has been determined in advance, the number of labels to be used for the objects is initially created and then the number of objects to be pasted increases. Furthermore, it is suitable for the case where additional printing of labels is performed as necessary within the predetermined number range.
[0039]
These modes can be arbitrarily set by the user on a print setting screen (not shown) displayed on the liquid crystal display unit 13 by pressing the print mode setting key 12d, for example. That is, on this print setting screen, first, a selection menu of “normal printing mode” and “continuous printing mode” is displayed. When the user selects “continuous printing mode”, “no numbering” and “numbering are present” "" Selection menu is displayed. Then, when “with numbering” is selected, the selection menu for the four modes described above is displayed, and the user can arbitrarily select one of these.
[0040]
Reference numeral 16 denotes a tape discharge port through which the printed tape T is discharged outside the apparatus main body 11.
[0041]
FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing a general configuration of the printing apparatus with the lid 14 opened and a tape cassette used therefor.
[0042]
As shown in FIG. 2, the tape cartridge 30 mounted on the cartridge mounting unit 15 accommodates therein a strip-shaped print tape 31 and an ink ribbon 32 wound around a reel, and the print tape 31 and the ink ribbon 32 are accommodated therein. They are stacked on top of each other and fed out. In the printing tape 31, an adhesive is applied to the back surface of a tape material having a printing surface, and a release paper is attached thereto.
[0043]
In addition, a plurality of types of print tapes 31 having different tape width sizes are prepared, and each tape cartridge has a cover on which the type (width size) of the print tape stored in the tape cartridge can be detected by a printing apparatus. A detection unit 33 is provided at a protruding portion of the corner of the cartridge case. The detected portion 33 is formed in a different shape according to the type of the printing tape, and the position of the hole or notch is changed according to the type of the printing tape to change the position of the cartridge sensor 21 provided in the printing apparatus. A plurality of microswitches are selectively turned on and off in different combinations.
[0044]
On the other hand, the cartridge mounting unit 15 is provided with a printing mechanism of a printing apparatus. In this printing mechanism, a thermal head as a print head that drives heat generating elements arranged in a vertical direction corresponding to the width direction of the print tape 31 and the ink ribbon 32 to perform thermal transfer printing on the print tape 31 via the ink ribbon 32. The head 17, the platen roller 18 that draws and conveys the print tape 31 and the ink ribbon 32 from the tape cartridge 30 in the vertical direction, and the ink ribbon winding that winds and collects the ink ribbon 32 that has been printed in the tape cartridge 30. A take-up shaft 19 and the like are provided.
[0045]
The cartridge mounting portion 15 is provided with receiving portions 20 for positioning and supporting the tape cartridge 30 with respect to the thermal head 17 so as to protrude from a plurality of corners. A part of the receiving portion 20 is a cartridge composed of a plurality of detection switches for detecting the width of the print tape 31 which is operated by the detected portion 33 provided in the tape cartridge 30 and is accommodated therein. A sensor 21 is provided.
[0046]
In addition, a discharge path 22 is formed on one side of the cartridge mounting portion 15 and continues to the tape discharge port 16 for sending the print tape 31 to the outside. The discharge path 22 includes a fixed blade 23 and a movable blade 24 for printing. A cutter 25 for cutting the printed tape 31 is provided.
[0047]
In such a configuration, after the user inputs a character string for printing through the keyboard 12, when the printing is instructed by pressing the print key 12e, the platen roller 18 and the ink ribbon take-up shaft 19 are driven to rotate, and the cartridge mounting portion The print tape 31 in the tape cartridge 30 attached to the printer 15 is conveyed together with the ink ribbon 32. As the print tape 31 and the ink ribbon 32 are conveyed, the thermal head 17 comes into contact with the print tape 31 via the ink ribbon 32 to print a character string for each line along the longitudinal direction of the print tape 31. Is done. After printing, the print tape 31 is guided to the tape discharge port 16 via the discharge path 22 and discharged outside the apparatus. In addition, the used ink ribbon 32 is wound and collected in the tape cartridge 30 by the rotation of the ink ribbon winding shaft 19.
[0048]
When printing is completed, the movable blade 24 of the cutter 25 installed in the discharge path 22 moves toward the fixed blade 23, and the printed printing tape 31 is cut. The cut printing tape 31 can be used as a single label, and it can be easily used as a document file, video tape cassette, audio tape cassette, etc. by peeling off the release paper attached to the back of the tape via an adhesive. Can be pasted on.
[0049]
FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating a circuit configuration of the printing apparatus according to the present embodiment.
[0050]
As shown in FIG. 3, the printing apparatus includes a control unit 41 configured by a CPU (Central Processing Unit). The control unit 41 reads the program and executes various processes according to the procedure described in the program.
[0051]
The control unit 41 is connected to the keyboard 12, the liquid crystal display unit 13, and the cartridge sensor 21, and the head drive for driving the memory device such as the ROM 42 and the RAM 43, the character generator 44, and the thermal head 17. A circuit 45, a motor drive circuit 47 for driving the tape feed motor 46, a motor drive circuit 49 for driving the cutter motor 48, and the like are connected.
[0052]
The keyboard 12 is for inputting data and giving instructions. As shown in FIG. 1, in addition to the power key 12a and the character / symbol input key 12b, the keyboard 12 has a format setting key 12c, a print mode setting key 12d, and a print. It has function keys such as a key 12e. In addition, a character string input from the liquid crystal display unit 13 and the keyboard 12 and various menu screens are displayed.
[0053]
The ROM 42 is a memory in which various data necessary for the printing apparatus is stored in advance, and includes a program area 42a in which various program data including a program (a control program for label printing) for realizing the present invention is stored. .
[0054]
The RAM 43 is a memory for storing various data necessary for the processing operation of the control unit 41, and includes an input memory 43a, a display memory 43b, a printing memory 43c, a format memory 43d, a register group 43e, and the like. .
[0055]
The input memory 43a stores each character code data of a character string to be printed that is input in response to an operation of the character / symbol input key 12b of the keyboard 12. In the display memory 43b, bitmap data corresponding to the character string to be displayed on the liquid crystal display unit 13 is stored as display data. Bitmap data corresponding to the character string data to be printed stored in the input memory 43a is stored as print data in the print memory 43c. The format memory 43d stores data in a format set by the user. The register group 43e stores various types of data that are referred to during label printing, including the number n of prints to be described later and the current number k of prints.
[0056]
The character generator 44 stores in advance bitmap patterns for display and printing corresponding to codes of various characters and symbols inputted from the character / symbol input key 12b.
[0057]
The head drive circuit 45 heats and drives the heating element of the thermal head 17. The motor drive circuit 47 drives the tape feed motor 46 to rotate. The tape feed motor 46 is a motor for rotating the platen roller 18 and the ink ribbon take-up shaft 19. The motor drive circuit 49 rotates the cutter motor 48. The cutter motor 48 is a motor for moving the movable blade 24 of the cutter 25 toward the fixed blade 23.
[0058]
Further, the cartridge sensor 21 detects the detected portion 33 having a shape corresponding to the type (width size) of the printing tape provided in the tape cartridge 30.
[0059]
Next, the operation when creating a plurality of labels using the continuous printing function provided in the printing apparatus will be described separately for the first to fourth modes described above.
[0060]
Each label created by the continuous printing function of this printing apparatus is used as a headline by pasting it on a plurality of objects such as document files, for example. “Alignment” means the same as “alignment of objects” to which labels are attached. More specifically, this means an alignment state of the objects when the labels are attached to the same positions of the objects.
[0061]
(A) First mode (“standard mode”)
First, the first mode will be described.
[0062]
The first mode is used when the number of printed labels is known in advance. That is, the first mode is used when the number of objects such as a material file to which the label is pasted is known in advance, and only that much label is created for the time being.
[0063]
FIG. 4 shows a state in which a plurality of labels created in the first mode are pasted and arranged on the back of the material file. A plurality of (seven in this case) labels 50a to 50g shown in FIG. 4 are printed vertically on a printing tape 31 having a width b and character strings 51a to 51g including numbering characters are printed. (That is, the alignment direction when each label is attached to each object such as a document file and aligned, more specifically, the alignment direction when each label is attached and aligned at the same position) Are printed on the alignment patterns 52a to 52g.
[0064]
In this case, the width of each label 50a-50g is b, and the length is e. The lengths (print lengths) of the character strings 51a to 51g printed there are a, and d margins are provided above and below the character strings. Then, when the labels 50a to 50g are pasted on the backs of the document files 60a to 60g having the same width and are aligned, the alignment patterns 52a to 52g of the labels 50a to 50g are arranged in the width direction of the labels. On the other hand, a continuous inclined line pattern inclined at an angle of θ1 is formed.
[0065]
Further, among the labels 50a to 50g, a start mark 53 and an end mark 54 are printed on the first label 50a and the last label 50g in the arrangement order, which indicate that the label is the first and last in the arrangement order. Yes.
[0066]
Next, a printing process related to the first mode for realizing label printing as shown in FIG. 4 will be described.
[0067]
FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing a printing process related to the first mode. First, as a user input operation, input of a character string to be printed, setting of a format, and setting of the numbering number are performed through the keyboard 12 (steps A11 to A13).
[0068]
The character string is input through the character / symbol input key 12b of the keyboard 12. In this case, in addition to the character string to be printed, an initial numbering number is input. In the example of FIG. 4, “city planning material 1” is input. The character string data input here is stored in the input memory 43a.
[0069]
The format is set through the format setting key 12c of the keyboard 12. When the format setting key 12c is pressed, a format setting screen (not shown) is displayed on the liquid crystal display unit 13. On the format setting screen, for example, the vertical / horizontal printing direction, character size, character spacing, and the like are set. In addition, whether to add the start mark 53 and the end mark 54 as shown in FIG. 4 is also set here.
[0070]
Further, the label width e is set here. As a method for setting the label width e, the label width e is set based on the width of the print tape 31 automatically detected by the cartridge sensor 21 in addition to the method for the user to input and set on the format setting screen. That's fine. Various setting data set here is stored in the format memory 43d.
[0071]
The numbering number is set through the print mode setting key 12d of the keyboard 12. As already described, a print setting screen (not shown) is displayed when the print mode setting key 12d is pressed. When “first mode” is selected as the “continuous printing mode” on this print setting screen, a numbering setting screen (not shown) is subsequently displayed, where the number of numbers can be arbitrarily set. Here, the numbering number = the number of printed sheets, which is “7” in the example of FIG.
[0072]
After the character string is input, the format is set, and the numbering number is set in this way, when the print key 12e of the keyboard 12 is pressed (Yes in step A14), the following processing is executed by the control unit 41. .
[0073]
That is, first, after an initial value “1” is set to k representing the current number of printed sheets (label alignment order) in the register group 43e (step A15), the print data corresponding to the character string is stored in the print memory 43c. (Step A16). Specifically, bitmap data corresponding to each character of a character string (including numbering characters) stored in the input memory 43a is read from the character generator 44, and these bitmap data are printed as print data for each line. The data is sequentially expanded in the printing memory 43c.
[0074]
Next, in order to generate the alignment patterns 52a to 52g to be added to the set number of labels 50a to 50g as shown in FIG. 4, first, the length a of the character strings 51a to 51g is stored in the format memory 43d. Calculation is performed based on the formatted data (step A17). Specifically, the character size and the character interval included in the format data are read from the format memory 43d, and the length a of the character strings 51a to 51g is obtained by the following arithmetic expression.
[0075]
a = number of characters × character size + (number of characters−1) × character spacing
Subsequently, the width b of the labels 50a to 50g is read from the format memory 43d (step A18).
[0076]
Then, the xy coordinate values of Pk1 and Pk2 are obtained based on the print length a and the label width b of the character string and the set number n of prints, and two points Pk1 and Pk2 are obtained in the printing memory 43c. The dot at the address corresponding to the straight line connecting is converted to a black dot (step A19).
[0077]
Here, how to obtain the coordinate values of Pk1 and Pk2 will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 6 is a view showing the development state of the print data of the character string and the alignment pattern for each label in the print memory 43c. FIG. 6A shows the first label 50a, and FIG. The label 50b for the first sheet and FIG. 10C show the development state of the print data of the character string and the alignment pattern corresponding to each of the seventh label 50g.
[0078]
First, in FIG. 4, the rightmost point corresponding to the print length a of the character string 51g printed on the label 50g which is the final label is set to A1, and the print length a of the character string 51a printed on the label 50a which is the top label. If the corresponding leftmost point is A2, the length of the line segment connecting the two points A1 and A2 is represented by nb. n is the number of labels, that is, the number of printed sheets (in this example, n = 7), and nb is the total width when the labels for the set number of printed sheets are aligned.
[0079]
Now, the base nb is the line segment nb connecting the points A1 and A2, the right triangle A is the line segment a connecting the points A2 and P11, the base is the label width b, and the height is x1. When the right triangle B is compared, the following relationship is established.
[0080]
That is, the angle formed between the base and the hypotenuse of the right triangle A is equal to the angle formed between the base and the hypotenuse of the right triangle B, and the angle is θ1,
tan θ1 = a / nb = x1 / b
It becomes a relationship.
[0081]
Therefore, x1 = ab / nb = a / n. In this example, since n = 7, x1 = a / 7. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 6, when the xy coordinate values of the two points constituting the alignment pattern developed in the printing memory 43c for each label are the origin O (0, 0), It can be expressed as
[0082]
P11: (0, b)
P12: (x1, 0) = (a / 7, 0)
P21: (x1, b) = (a / 7, b)
P22: (2 × 1,0) = (2a / 7,0)
In terms of n labels, the xy coordinate values of Pk1 and Pk2 can be expressed as follows.
[0083]
Pk1 = ((k−1) a / n, b)
Pk2 = (ka / n, 0)
Where a is the print length of the character string
b is the label width
n is the set number of prints
k is the current number of prints (label alignment order)
By converting the dot of the address corresponding to the straight line connecting Pk1 and Pk2 into a black dot, print data of the alignment patterns 52a to 52g inclined at a predetermined angle as shown in FIG. It is generated corresponding to each of the number n of labels, and is synthesized with the print data of the character string already developed in the printing memory 43c.
[0084]
Returning to the flowchart of FIG. 5, after the alignment pattern development processing in step A19, the value of k is confirmed (step A20). As a result, if k = 1 and the print data for the leading label is being developed, the print data corresponding to the start mark 53 as shown in FIG. 4 is developed in the print memory 43c (step A21). . If k = n and the print data for the final label is being developed, the print data corresponding to the end mark 54 as shown in FIG. 4 is developed in the printing memory 43c (step A22).
[0085]
This mark development process is executed only when the mark setting is set in the format setting, and the development position is, for example, on or near the line of the alignment pattern.
[0086]
In this way, character string print data, alignment pattern print data, and, if necessary, mark print data are expanded in the print memory 43c to generate print data for one label. Then, the following label printing is executed based on the print data (step A23).
[0087]
That is, the print data is sequentially read from the printing memory 43c for each line in the main scanning direction of the thermal head 17, and the print data is output to the heating element of the thermal head 17 via the head driving circuit 45. The tape feed motor 46 is driven by the motor drive circuit 47 and the platen roller 18 and the ink ribbon take-up shaft 19 are driven to rotate, and the belt-like print tape 31 and the ink ribbon 32 stored in the tape cartridge 30 are 1 dot line. By sequentially transporting each width, printing for one label is performed on the printing tape 31.
[0088]
When the print data is read from the print memory 43c, in the example shown in FIG. 6, since the origin position is opposite to the main scanning direction of the thermal head 17, each dot position of the print data is set in accordance with the main scanning direction. Read while converting.
[0089]
The label-printed print tape 31 is guided to the tape discharge port 16 through the discharge path 22 and discharged outside the apparatus (step A24). At that time, the used ink ribbon 32 is wound and collected in the tape cartridge 30 by the rotation of the ink ribbon winding shaft 19. At this time, the cutter motor 48 is driven, and the movable blade 24 of the cutter 25 installed in the discharge path 22 moves toward the fixed blade 23, so that the printed printing tape 31 discharged outside the apparatus is discharged. It is cut and separated as one label (step A25).
[0090]
After such label printing for one sheet is completed, the value of k representing the current number of printed sheets is updated by +1 (step A26). If k = n is not satisfied (No in step A27), it is assumed that there are still labels to be printed, and processing for the next label printing is executed.
[0091]
That is, first, the printing memory 43c is cleared (step A28), and the numbering characters included in the character string stored in the input memory 43a are updated (step A29), and the corresponding character string is updated. The print data is expanded in the print memory 43c as new label printing data (step A30).
[0092]
Thereafter, by repeating the processing from step A19, labels 50a to 50f for the set number of sheets as shown in FIG. 4 are created. On these labels 50a to 50f, character strings 51a to 51g including numbering characters are printed, and alignment patterns 52a to 52g are printed.
[0093]
The alignment patterns 52a to 52g are used when the labels 50a to 50f are aligned, that is, when the labels 50a to 50f are aligned at the same position of each object such as a document file. An inclined line pattern that is inclined at a predetermined angle along the alignment direction is formed. Therefore, it is possible to easily determine the arrangement order of each label visually from the state of the inclined line pattern. For example, a document file of several volumes, a series of video tape cassettes and audio tapes of several volumes are provided. When pasting as a label for a headline on a cassette, you can easily check at a glance whether these are arranged in a predetermined order or whether there are missing ones. Very convenient.
[0094]
In addition, a start mark 53 and an end mark 54 are printed on the first and last labels in the arrangement order to indicate that the labels are the first and last in the arrangement order, respectively. It can be seen that the target object is the first position or the last position in the arrangement order.
[0095]
Next, processing when the sizes of the material files 60a to 60g, which are the label pasting objects, and the labels 50a to 50g are different will be described.
[0096]
FIG. 7 shows a state in which a plurality of (here, seven) labels 50a to 50g are attached to the backs of the large document files 61a to 61g. FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating a state in which the printing results of the labels 50a to 50g are arranged in the arrangement order.
[0097]
As shown in FIG. 7, the size of the width of the material files 61a to 61g is c, which is larger than the width b of the labels 50a to 50g. In such a case, when these labels 50a to 50g are affixed to the material files 61a to 61g, gaps are created between the labels, so that the alignment patterns 52a to 52g are based on only the label width b. If it produces | generates, a level | step difference will be made when printing and it will worsen the appearance. Therefore, this problem is solved by generating the alignment patterns 52a to 52g in consideration of the file width c.
[0098]
The printing process will be described below. Since the basic flow is the same as that of the flowchart of FIG. 5, only different portions will be described here using FIG.
[0099]
After inputting the character string to be printed in step A11, when the format is set by operating the format setting key 12c of the keyboard 12 in step A12, the size of the label pasting object, that is, the document files 61a to 61g in the example of FIG. The width c is set. This can be realized, for example, by adding a setting item for the size of the label pasting object to a format setting screen (not shown) displayed by pressing the format setting key 12c. The file width c set here is stored in the format memory 43d as one of the format data.
[0100]
In step A19, the xy coordinate values of Qk1 and Qk2 are obtained based on the file width c, the print length a of the character string, and the number n of prints, and the two points Qk1 and Qk2 are connected in the printing memory 43c. The address dot corresponding to the straight line is converted to a black dot.
[0101]
Here, how to obtain the coordinate values of Qk1 and Qk2 will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 9 is a diagram showing the development state of the print data of the character string and the alignment pattern for each label in the print memory 43c. FIG. 9A shows the first label 50a, and FIG. The label 50b for the first sheet and FIG. 10C show the development state of the print data of the character string and the alignment pattern corresponding to each of the seventh label 50g.
[0102]
First, in FIG. 7, the rightmost point corresponding to the print length a of the character string 51g printed on the label 50g which is the final label is C1, and the print length a of the character string 51a printed on the label 50a which is the top label. If the corresponding leftmost point is C2, the length of the line segment connecting the two points C1 and C2 is expressed by (n-1) c + b. n is the number of labels, that is, the number of printed sheets (in this example, n = 7), and (n−1) c + b is the total width when the labels for the set number of printed sheets are aligned.
[0103]
Now, the base is (n-1) c + b of the line segment connecting the points C1 and C2, the right triangle C is a line segment a connecting the point C2 and the point Q11, and the base is b of the label width b, high When a right triangle D having a length of x2 is compared with a right triangle E having a base of (c−b) and a height of x3, the following relationship is established.
[0104]
That is, the angle formed by the base and the hypotenuse of each right triangle C, D, E is equal, and if this is θ2,
tan θ2 = a / ((n−1) c + b) = x2 / b = x3 / (c−b)
It becomes a relationship.
[0105]
Therefore, x2 = ab / ((n−1) c + b) and x3 = a (c−b) / ((n−1) c + b). In this example, since n = 7, x2 = ab / (6c + b) and x3 = a (c−b) / (6c + b). Therefore, as shown in FIG. 9, when the xy coordinate values of the two points constituting the alignment pattern developed in the printing memory 43c for each label are the origin O (0, 0), the following is performed. It can be expressed as
[0106]
Q11: (0, b)
Q12: (x2, 0) = (ab / (6c + b), 0)
Q21: (x2 + x3, b) = (ac / (6c + b), b)
Q22: (2 × 2 + x3, 0) = (a (b + c) / (6c + b), 0)
In terms of n labels, the xy coordinate values of Qk1 and Qk2 can be expressed as follows.
[0107]
Qk1: ((k-1) x2 + (k-1) x3, b)
Qk2: (kx2 + (k-1) x3, 0)
Substituting the values of x2 and x3 into this, the result is as follows.
[0108]
Qk1: ((k-1) ac / ((n-1) c + b), b)
Qk2: ((k-1) c + b) a / ((n-1) c + b), 0)
Where a is the print length of the character string
b is the label width
c is the width of the object to be labeled
n is the set number of prints
k is the current number of printed sheets (label alignment order).
[0109]
By converting the dot of the address corresponding to the straight line connecting Qk1 and Qk2 to a black dot, the print data of the alignment patterns 52a to 52g inclined at a predetermined angle as shown in FIG. It is generated corresponding to each of the number n of labels, and is synthesized with the print data of the character string already developed in the printing memory 43c.
[0110]
Since the subsequent processing is the same as the processing after Step A19 in FIG. 5, the description thereof is omitted.
[0111]
In this way, by setting the size of the label application object, an alignment pattern that is inclined at an angle corresponding to the size of the label application object is formed. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 7, when the labels 50a to 50g are attached to the material files 61a to 61g, it is possible to form a good-looking alignment pattern having no step even if the width sizes of both are different. .
[0112]
(B) Second mode (“additional mode”)
Next, the second mode will be described.
[0113]
The second mode is used when an additional label having an arrangement order following each already created label is created. In other words, the label created in the first mode was pasted on the material file and used, but when a material to be added later was generated, the label to be pasted on the additional material file was created first. This second mode is used when creating in the order of arrangement following the label.
[0114]
FIG. 10 is a diagram showing the arrangement state of each label additionally created in the second mode. Here, the case where the eighth to tenth labels are added after the already created seven labels is shown. ing.
[0115]
In the figure, reference numerals 50a to 50g denote labels that have already been created, each of which is printed with a character string 51 including numbering characters and an arrangement pattern 52. In the second mode, it is possible to additionally create labels of the sequence order following these labels 50a to 50g. Reference numerals 70a to 70c in the figure denote additional created labels, each of which is printed with a character string 71 including numbering characters and an arrangement pattern 72. In this case, the numbering characters included in the character string 51 and the numbering characters included in the character string 71 are attached according to the arrangement order of the labels. The organizing pattern 52 and the organizing pattern 72 are also continuous in the order of arrangement of the labels.
[0116]
Next, a printing process related to the second mode for realizing label printing as shown in FIG. 10 will be described.
[0117]
FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing a printing process related to the second mode. As in the first mode, first, as a user input operation, a character string to be printed and a format are set through the keyboard 12 (steps B11 and B12). In this case, it is necessary to input the same character string as the previous time and set the same format. Note that for the numbering characters included in the character string, numbers corresponding to the arrangement order to be added are input. That is, in the example of FIG. 10, “city planning material 8” is input.
[0118]
Next, the arrangement order of the labels to be added is set (step B13). This is performed through the print mode setting key 12d of the keyboard 12. As already described, a print setting screen (not shown) is displayed when the print mode setting key 12d is pressed. When “second mode” is selected as the “continuous printing mode” on this print setting screen, a rank setting screen (not shown) is subsequently displayed, and the arrangement order of labels to be added can be arbitrarily set here. it can. In the example of FIG. 10, settings such as 8th to 10th are performed.
[0119]
After the character string is input, the format is set, and the arrangement order of the labels to be added is set in this way, when the print key 12e of the keyboard 12 is pressed (Yes in Step B14), the control unit 41 performs the following processing. Is executed.
[0120]
That is, first, after an initial value “1” is set to k representing the current number of printed sheets (label alignment order) in the register group 43e (step B15), the input character string is read from the input memory 43a. The print data corresponding to the character string is developed in the print memory 43c (step B16).
[0121]
Next, in order to generate the alignment pattern 72 to be added to the additional labels 70a to 70c as shown in FIG. 10, first, the length a of the character string 71 is based on the format data stored in the format memory 43d. Calculated (step B17). As already explained about the arithmetic expression at this time,
a = number of characters × character size + (number of characters−1) × character spacing
It is.
[0122]
Subsequently, the width b of the additional labels 70a to 70c is read from the format memory 43d (step B18). This label width can also be automatically set by the cartridge sensor 21 in the method that the user inputs and sets at the time of formatting as described above.
[0123]
Next, xy coordinate values of P (n + k) 1 and P (n + k) 2 are obtained based on the print length a and the label width b of the character string and the arrangement order of the set additional labels, and the print In the memory 43c, the dot at the address corresponding to the straight line connecting the two points P (n + k) 1 and P (n + k) 2 is converted into a black dot (step B19).
[0124]
Here, how to obtain the coordinate values of P (n + k) 1 and P (n + k) will be described with reference to FIG.
[0125]
Now, a straight line connecting two points P (n + k) 1 and P (n + k) 2 is a straight line that rises to the right as shown in FIG. In this case, if the inclination angle is determined only by the number of additional labels, the alignment pattern rises to an acute angle when the number of additional labels is extremely small, and the appearance looks very bad. A straight line that rises to the right of the angle shall be drawn.
[0126]
In the same manner as in FIG. 6, the xy coordinate values of two points in the n-th additional first label can be expressed as follows when the origin is O (0, 0).
[0127]
Point P (n + 1) 1 = (a, b)
Point P (n + 1) 2 = (aa−m, 0)
In addition, an additional second label after n sheets can be expressed as follows.
[0128]
Point P (n + 2) 1 = (aa−m / b)
Point P (n + 2) 2 = (a-2a / m, 0)
The k-th label can be expressed as follows.
[0129]
Point P (n + k) 1 = (a− (k−1) a / m, b)
Point P (n + k) 2 = (a−ka / m, 0)
However, k is m or less.
[0130]
By converting the dot of the address corresponding to the straight line connecting P (n + k) 1 and P (n + k) to a black dot, the alignment pattern 72 inclined at a predetermined angle as shown in FIG. Print data is generated corresponding to the arrangement order of the labels to be added, and is combined with the print data of the character string already developed in the print memory 43c.
[0131]
Returning to the flowchart of FIG. 11, when the print data of the character string and the print data of the alignment pattern are expanded in the print memory 43c and the print data of one label is generated, the label is based on the print data. Printing is executed (step B20). The label-printed print tape 31 is guided to the tape discharge port 16 via the discharge path 22 and discharged outside the apparatus (step B21). At this time, the cutter motor 48 is driven, and the movable blade 24 of the cutter 25 installed in the discharge path 22 moves toward the fixed blade 23, so that the printed printing tape 31 discharged outside the apparatus is discharged. It is cut and separated as one label (step B22).
[0132]
Subsequently, the value of k representing the current number of printed sheets is updated by +1 (step B23). At this time, it is determined whether or not printing for the additional label set in step B13 has been completed. If printing of a label to be added still remains (No in step B24), the next label printing is performed. The process for is executed.
[0133]
That is, first, the printing memory 43c is cleared (step B25), and the numbering characters included in the character string stored in the input memory 43a are updated (step B26), and the updated character string is supported. The print data is expanded in the print memory 43c as new label printing data (step B27).
[0134]
Thereafter, by repeatedly executing the processing from step B19, labels 70a to 70c as shown in FIG. 10 are additionally created.
[0135]
In this way, by using the second mode, it is possible to additionally create a label having an alignment pattern that is continuous in the arrangement order after each already created label. When pasted on an object such as an additional material file, the arrangement order of each object including the additional objects can be easily confirmed from the continuity of the alignment pattern formed on these labels. it can.
[0136]
In this second mode as well, by setting the size of the object to which the label is to be attached, the inclination angle of the alignment pattern can be obtained in accordance with the size of the object. Even when the sizes of the widths of the objects are different, it is possible to form a good-looking alignment pattern without steps when the objects are arranged.
[0137]
(C) Third mode (“insert mode”)
Next, the third mode will be described.
[0138]
The third mode is used when an additional label to be inserted at an arbitrary rank position in each already created label is created. That is, when the label created in the first mode is pasted to a plurality of document files and used, but additional material that is inserted into the previous file is generated later, the additional material file This third mode is used when a label to be attached to is inserted into the arrangement order of a plurality of labels created previously.
[0139]
FIG. 12 is a diagram showing a state in which additional labels created by the third mode are inserted and arranged. Here, a newly created label is inserted between the fourth label and the fifth label. Has been inserted.
[0140]
Reference numerals 50a to 50f in the figure denote labels that have already been created, each of which is printed with a character string 51 including numbering characters and an arrangement pattern 52. In the third mode, labels to be inserted at arbitrary positions in these labels 50a to 50 can be additionally created. In the figure, 80 is an additionally created label, on which a character string 81 including numbering characters is printed and an arrangement pattern 82 is printed. In this case, the numbering characters included in the character string 81 are appropriately input by the user according to the arrangement position where the label 80 is inserted. The organizing pattern 82 is a horizontal line so as to be connected to the organizing pattern 52 of the labels 50d and 50e before and after the organizing pattern 82.
[0141]
Next, a printing process related to the third mode for realizing label printing as shown in FIG. 12 will be described.
[0142]
FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing a printing process related to the third mode. As in the first mode, first, as a user input operation, a character string to be printed and a format are set through the keyboard 12 (steps C11 and C12). In this case, it is necessary to input the same character string as the previous time and set the same format. Note that for the numbering characters included in the character string, a number corresponding to the rank position to be inserted is input. That is, in the example of FIG. 12, “city planning material 4a” is input.
[0143]
Next, the order position of the label to be inserted is set (step C13). This is performed through the print mode setting key 12d of the keyboard 12. As already described, a print setting screen (not shown) is displayed when the print mode setting key 12d is pressed. When “third mode” is selected as the “continuous printing mode” on this print setting screen, a rank setting screen (not shown) is subsequently displayed, where the rank position of the label to be inserted can be arbitrarily set. it can. In the example of FIG. 12, setting is made such that it is inserted between the fourth and fifth. Here, the number of labels that can be inserted is one.
[0144]
After the character string is input, the format is set, and the rank position of the label to be inserted is set as described above, when the print key 12e of the keyboard 12 is pressed (Yes in Step C13), the control unit 41 performs the following processing. Is executed.
[0145]
That is, first, the arrangement order immediately before insertion is set to k representing the current number of printed sheets (label alignment order) in the register group 43e (step C15). That is, in the example of FIG. 12, k = 4. Subsequently, the input character string is read from the input memory 43a, and the print data corresponding to the character string is developed in the print memory 43c (step B16).
[0146]
Next, in order to generate an alignment pattern 82 to be added to the insertion label 80 as shown in FIG. 12, first, the length a of the character string 81 is calculated based on the format data stored in the format memory 43d. (Step B17). As already explained about the arithmetic expression at this time,
a = number of characters × character size + (number of characters−1) × character spacing
It is.
[0147]
Subsequently, the width b of the insertion label 80g is read from the format memory 43d (step C18). This label width can also be automatically set by the cartridge sensor 21 in the method that the user inputs and sets at the time of formatting as described above.
[0148]
Next, the coordinate values of Pk2, P (k + 1) 1 are obtained based on the print length a and label width b of the character string and the set position of the inserted label, and are stored in the printing memory 43c. A dot at an address corresponding to a straight line connecting two points Pk2 and P (k + 1) 1 is converted into a black dot (step A19). In this case, Pk2 and P (k + 1) 1 may be adjusted to the xy coordinates of the second point of the label 50d and the first point of the label 50e before and after the insertion label 82, respectively. .
[0149]
Pk2: (ka / n, 0)
P (k + 1) 1: (ka / n, b)
Here, k is the arrangement order immediately before insertion.
[0150]
Returning to the flowchart of FIG. 13, after the alignment pattern development processing is performed in step C19, label printing is executed based on the print data of one label developed in the printing memory 43c. (Step C20).
[0151]
The label-printed print tape 31 is guided to the tape discharge port 16 via the discharge path 22 and discharged outside the apparatus (step C21). At this time, the cutter motor 48 is driven, and the movable blade 24 of the cutter 25 installed in the discharge path 22 moves toward the fixed blade 23, so that the printed printing tape 31 discharged outside the apparatus is discharged. It is cut and separated as one label (step C22). As a result, a label 80 as shown in FIG. 12 is created.
[0152]
As described above, when the third mode is used, a label having an alignment pattern that is continuous with the preceding and succeeding labels is easily created when the label is inserted at an arbitrary rank position in each of the already created labels. If the label is attached to an object such as a document file added at the insertion position, the object added to the insertion position is included due to the continuity of the alignment pattern formed on these labels. The sequence order of each object can be easily confirmed.
[0153]
In this third mode as well, by setting the size of the target object to which the label is attached, the inclination angle of the alignment pattern can be obtained in accordance with the size of the target object. Even when the sizes of the widths are different, it is possible to form a good-looking alignment pattern having no steps when the objects are arranged.
[0154]
(D) Fourth mode
Next, the fourth mode will be described.
[0155]
The fourth mode is used when printing a label that is assumed to be added later. While the number of objects such as document files to which labels are to be affixed has been determined in advance, the number of labels to be used for the object is created initially, and then the number of objects to be affixed increases. The fourth mode is used when additional printing of labels is performed as necessary within the predetermined number range.
[0156]
FIG. 14 is a diagram showing an arrangement state of each label printed in the fourth mode. When the predetermined number is S, a specified number of sheets (here, 7) within the range. The label is created.
[0157]
90a to 90g in the figure are labels printed in a predetermined range of S sheets. A character string 91 including numbering characters and an alignment pattern 92 are printed on these labels 90a to 90g. The alignment pattern 92 is obtained when the S labels, which are a predetermined number, are aligned, that is, when the labels are pasted and aligned at the same position of each object such as a document file, These labels are inclined at a predetermined angle along the alignment direction of the labels, and there is still a margin in the inclination in the same direction when the labels 90a to 90g are printed. When the label printing is continued after the labels 90a to 90g are printed, each additional label is printed within the range of the S sheets. In this case, as described above, since the alignment pattern 92 has a margin in the alignment pattern 92 from the beginning, it is inclined at the same angle in one direction until S labels are printed. .
[0158]
Hereinafter, a printing process related to the fourth mode for realizing label printing as shown in FIG. 14 will be described. Note that the basic flow is the same as that of the flowchart of FIG. 5 and will be described with reference to FIG.
[0159]
As in the first mode, the character string to be printed and the format are set in steps A11 and A12 of FIG. In step A13, the numbering number, that is, the number of printed labels is set. At this time, in the fourth mode, a number smaller than the number S in the range of the predetermined number S is designated as the print number n. The number of S may be determined as a default or may be determined arbitrarily by the user.
[0160]
The number n of prints is set through a print mode setting key 12d. That is, as already described, a print setting screen (not shown) is displayed by pressing the print mode setting key 12d. When “fourth mode” is selected as the “continuous printing mode” on this print setting screen, a print number setting screen (not shown) is displayed, and the user arbitrarily sets the print number n on this print number setting screen. Can be set. At that time, since it is necessary to designate a number smaller than the number S, for example, a message to that effect is displayed.
[0161]
In addition, as the print key 12e is pressed, the current value of the number k of prints is updated, and the print data of the character string is developed in the print memory 43c, and a series of operations such as printing the character string and reading the label width. Processing is executed (steps A14 to A18).
[0162]
In step A19, the dot at the address corresponding to the straight line connecting the two points Pk1 and Pk2 in the printing memory 43c is converted into a black dot. Here, in the fourth mode, since the number n of prints is set within the range of the predetermined number S as described above, the xy coordinates of Pk1 and Pk2 at this time are as follows.
[0163]
Pk1 = ((k−1) a / S, b)
Pk2 = (ka / S, 0)
Where a is the print length of the character string
b is the label width
S is a predetermined number
k is the current number of printed sheets (label alignment order).
[0164]
By converting the dot of the address corresponding to the straight line connecting Pk1 and Pk2 into a black dot, the print data of the alignment pattern 92 inclined at a predetermined angle as shown in FIG. Print data for each label of the set number of prints n is generated corresponding to the labels of each arrangement order for the set number of prints and combined with the print data of the character string already developed in the print memory 43c. Is done.
[0165]
Since the operation when performing label printing based on the print data is the same as that in the first mode, description thereof is omitted.
[0166]
In this way, when the fourth mode is used, as shown in FIG. 14, label printing is performed for the number of prints set within a predetermined range of S sheets. In this case, the inclination of the inclined line pattern of the alignment pattern 92 formed on each of the labels 90a to 90g is the label width b, the predetermined number S, as shown by the above-described formulas Pk1 and Pk2. The character string is obtained based on the print length a of the character string.
[0167]
That is, in the case of the first mode, the number n of prints set by the user is used as one of the elements for calculating the inclination angle, but here a predetermined number S is used instead of the number n of prints. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 14, for each label produced within the range of the number S, the alignment pattern 92 having an inclined line pattern inclined in one direction is obtained. Will be formed.
[0168]
Therefore, for example, while the number of objects such as document files to which labels are to be pasted is determined in advance, for the time being, the number of labels to be used for the objects is created initially, and then the number of objects to be pasted increases When the additional number of labels is printed as necessary within the predetermined number range, when the additional label is attached to an object such as an additional material file and arranged. , Easily visually confirm the arrangement order of each label (that is, the order when each label is attached to each object) from the continuity of the inclined line pattern of the alignment pattern formed there. Can do.
[0169]
In this fourth mode as well, by setting the size of the object to which the label is attached, the inclination angle of the alignment pattern can be obtained in accordance with the size of the object. Even when the widths of the objects are different from each other, it is possible to form a good-looking alignment pattern without steps when the objects are arranged.
[0170]
In addition, the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and various modifications can be made without departing from the scope of the invention in the implementation stage. Further, the embodiments include inventions at various stages, and various inventions can be extracted by appropriately combining a plurality of disclosed constituent elements. For example, even if some constituent elements are deleted from all the constituent elements shown in the embodiment, the effects described in “Problems to be solved by the invention” can be solved, and are described in the “Effects of the invention” column. If the effect is obtained, a configuration from which this configuration requirement is deleted can be extracted as an invention.
[0171]
In addition, the method described in the above-described embodiment can be applied to a recording medium such as a magnetic disk (flexible disk, hard disk, etc.), an optical disk (CD-ROM, DVD, etc.), a semiconductor memory, etc. as a program that can be executed by a computer. The program can be written and applied to various devices, or the program itself can be transmitted through a transmission medium such as a network and applied to various devices. A computer that implements this apparatus reads a program recorded on a recording medium or a program provided via a transmission medium, and performs the above-described processing by controlling operations by this program.
[0173]
【The invention's effect】
  Claim 1According to this printing apparatus, when creating a plurality of labels that are used by being attached to objects such as a plurality of document files and managing the objects in a predetermined arrangement order, these labels are used. Printed with text on labelInclined line pattern that inclines at a predetermined angle along the alignment direction of each labelThus, the order of arrangement of the objects to which the labels are attached can be easily confirmed visually, and the objects to which the labels are attached can be easily managed and organized.In this case, even if the width of the label and the size in the alignment direction of the objects are different, it can be visually recognized with an inclined line pattern in a state where the label is attached to each object. This makes it easy to align objects.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a perspective view illustrating an external configuration of a printing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing an external configuration of the printing apparatus and the tape cartridge.
FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of an electronic circuit of the printing apparatus.
FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an arrangement state of labels in a first mode in the printing apparatus.
FIG. 5 is a flowchart illustrating a printing process related to the first mode.
FIG. 6 is a diagram showing a data development state of a printing memory in the first mode.
FIG. 7 is a diagram showing a state in which labels are attached to document files having different sizes.
8 is a diagram showing a state in which the printing results of the labels in FIG. 7 are arranged in the order of arrangement.
FIG. 9 is a view showing a data development state of the printing memory corresponding to FIG. 7;
FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an arrangement state of labels in a second mode of the printing apparatus.
FIG. 11 is a flowchart illustrating a printing process related to the second mode.
FIG. 12 is a diagram illustrating an arrangement state of labels in a third mode of the printing apparatus.
FIG. 13 is a flowchart illustrating a printing process related to the third mode.
FIG. 14 is a diagram showing an array state of each printed label in the fourth mode of the present invention.
FIG. 15 is a diagram showing a state where a conventional label is attached.
[Explanation of symbols]
11 ... Device body
12 ... Keyboard
13 ... Liquid crystal display
14 ... Lid
15 ... Cartridge mounting part
16 ... Tape outlet
17 ... Thermal head
18 ... Platen roller
19 ... Ink ribbon take-up shaft
20 ... Tape outlet
21 ... Cartridge sensor
22 ... Discharge path
23 ... Fixed blade
24 ... movable blade
25 ... Cutter
30 ... Tape cartridge
31 ... Printing tape
32 ... Ink ribbon
33 ... detected part
50a-50g ... label
51a-51g ... Character string
52a to 52g ... pattern for alignment
60a-60g ... document file

Claims (3)

In order to create a plurality of labels that are attached to a plurality of objects having a predetermined width in correspondence with the width direction and display the order of arrangement of the objects when the objects are aligned. A printing apparatus that continuously prints the plurality of labels with a tape width of the printing tape as a label width for a printing tape having a width smaller than the width of the object,
Storage means for storing a character string to be printed on the printing tape;
A print number setting means for setting the number of prints of a label to be created corresponding to the number of the plurality of objects;
A tape width size setting means for setting the width size of the printing tape;
Object width size setting means for setting the width size of the object;
When the plurality of objects are aligned, the order of arrangement of the objects is determined by an inclined line pattern that is inclined at a predetermined angle along the alignment direction of the objects, which is displayed on each label attached to each object. In order to be able to discriminate, the inclination angle of the inclined line pattern, the print length of the character string to be printed stored in the storage means, the width size of the print tape set by the tape width size setting means, the object by calculating based on the width size and the number of prints set by the print number setting means of the object which is set by the width size setting means, printing for forming the inclined line pattern within the width of said printing tape While generating the data corresponding to each label of the set number of prints, the print data of the inclined line pattern for the set number of prints and the print data of the character string stored in the storage unit are combined. A print data generating unit that generates print data for each label set number of prints Te,
Printing means for continuously printing the print data for each label generated by the print data generation means along the length direction of the print tape;
A printing apparatus comprising:   The print data generation unit synthesizes print data of a mark indicating that the labels are the first and last labels in the arrangement order with respect to the print data for the first and last labels in the arrangement order, respectively. The printing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein print data for each label is generated.   3. The numbering means for updating the numbering target character included in the character string stored in the storage means every time the printing means prints a set number of printed labels. A printing apparatus according to claim 1.

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