JP4840453B2 - Print data editing apparatus and print data editing program - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a print data editing apparatus and a print data editing program that can be edited in the process of creating print data such as characters, symbols, and symbols.

  Conventionally, a label produced by a tape printer has been printed on a label tape having a solid background or a color or pattern prepared in advance and cut to a size to be used. When this label is attached to the surface of the paper with a color or pattern as the label application target surface, for example, the color or pattern of the paper and the background of the label (that is, the color or pattern of the original label tape) ), The label shape often stands out. In order to make a label affixed to a patterned paper look natural, there is also a method of printing characters on a transparent label tape and affixing it on the paper. However, with this method, characters or the like may be mixed into the paper pattern and may not be clearly recognized.

  In such a case, if a preview image representing a state in which the image of the label to be created is superimposed on the image of the pasting target surface is created before the label is actually created by the tape printer, the finish can be confirmed. For example, when printing characters, etc. on paper with a color or pattern, the paper pattern is captured by the scanner in advance as an image, and a preview image representing the state of printing the characters, etc. on the captured paper image is displayed. Document editing apparatuses that can perform the above are known (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

JP 2006-268645 A

  However, the document editing apparatus described in Patent Document 1 can edit characters and the like to be printed on paper, but does not edit paper color or pattern. Therefore, when creating labels by printing characters and other characters edited using this document editing device on label tapes with colors and patterns, carefully select label tapes with colors and patterns that match the label application surface. If it is not used, the label will stand out, and the important characters may not be noticeable. Also, characters etc. were printed on a transparent label tape, imitating the state of pasting on the pasting target surface, and editing characters etc. using a preview image directly overlaying the characters etc. on the pasting target surface However, if the completed label is not pasted at the position confirmed in the preview image, characters or the like may be mixed into the color or pattern of the paper, and may not be clearly recognized.

  The present invention has been made to solve the above-described problems, and creates print data for creating a label that is naturally familiar with the object to be pasted and that can clearly recognize characters and the like printed on itself. It is an object of the present invention to provide a print data editing apparatus and a print data editing program that can be edited in the process.

In order to achieve the above object, a print data editing apparatus according to a first aspect of the present invention is a print data editing apparatus capable of editing in the process of creating print data for printing character data on a tape-like print medium. An original image acquisition unit that acquires, as original image data, an image of a pasting target surface to which the print medium is pasted, and prints on the print medium from the original image data acquired by the original image acquisition unit. First character background extraction means for extracting first character background data to be used as a first background image of the character data, the first character background data extracted by the first character background extraction means, and the character data A composite data creating means for creating composite data, and a mark for creating the print data from the composite data created by the composite data creating means. A data creation unit, performing image processing upon the first character background data, said first and an image processing means for changing the state of the background image, the image processing means is further the first character background An area constituting the data is divided into three in the vertical direction when combined with the character data, and is divided into an uppermost upper area, a lowermost lower area, and an intermediate area between them, First compression means for compressing the upper region upward from the boundary with the middle region; second compression means for compressing the lower region downward from the boundary with the middle region; and the upper region and In accordance with the compression of the lower region, the first character is formed by combining expansion means for extending the middle region in the vertical direction, the upper region after compression, the lower region after compression, and the middle region after expansion. and coupling means for reconstructing the background data Eteiru.

A print data editing apparatus according to a second aspect of the invention is a print data editing apparatus capable of editing in the process of creating print data for printing character data on a tape-shaped print medium. Original image acquisition means for acquiring an image of a pasting target surface to which a print medium is attached as original image data; and first character data to be printed on a print medium from the original image data acquired by the original image acquisition means. A first character background extraction means for extracting first character background data to be used as a background image of the image, a combination of the first character background data extracted by the first character background extraction means and the character data. Composite data creation means for creating data, print data creation means for creating the print data from the composite data created by the composite data creation means, Image processing means for performing image processing on the first character background data and changing the state of the first background image, wherein the image processing means further blurs the first background image. Blur means for performing processing on the first character background data is provided.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided the print data editing apparatus according to the first or second aspect , wherein the image processing means is arranged along an outline of a region constituting the first character background data. And a shadow adding means for adding a shadow image imitating the shadow of the first character background data to the outline.

The print data editing apparatus of the invention according to claim 4, in addition to the configuration of the invention according to any one of claims 1 to 3, the shape of the character frame area set as an area surrounding the periphery of the character data A character frame shape storage means for storing a plurality of types of shapes; a character frame shape selection means for selecting one shape from among the plurality of character frame area shapes stored by the character frame shape storage means; Character color storage means for storing a plurality of types of colors as a color in the character frame area, and one color among the colors in the character frame area stored by the character frame color storage means A character frame color selecting unit to select; and a color selected by the character frame color selecting unit is set as a color in the character frame region whose shape is selected by the character frame shape selecting unit, and the character Second background of data A second character background creating unit that creates second character background data to be an image; and the synthesized data creating unit includes the first character background data, the character data, and the second character background data. It synthesize | combines and produces the said synthetic | combination data.

A print data editing program according to a fifth aspect of the invention causes a computer to function as various processing means of the print data editing apparatus according to any one of the first to fourth aspects.

  In the print data editing apparatus according to the first aspect of the present invention, the image of the pasting target surface can be extracted as the first character background data and used as the first background image of the character data. Therefore, if print data is created from composite data obtained by synthesizing the first character background data and the character data, and printed on the printing medium, the printed matter is in a state where the character data is familiar with the image on the pasting target surface. Can be obtained. When the printed material is pasted on the pasting target surface, the pasting position can be determined by matching the pasting target surface image printed as the first character background data with the pasting target pasting image. Positioning can be performed easily. And while making the printed matter stretched on the sticking target surface conform to the whole sticking target surface without a sense of incongruity, the character data printed on the printed matter can be made sufficiently conspicuous.

Further, it is possible to apply the first character background data to the image processing extracted from the image of the object surface with bonded, by creating a printed matter by using the first character background data, the user is appropriate to the pasting target surface Prints with an impression can be obtained. If this printed material is pasted on the surface to be pasted, the image of the portion to which the printed material is pasted will be slightly uncomfortable when viewed on the entire surface to be pasted, but character data is arranged in that portion. Therefore, the character data can be made sufficiently conspicuous.

Also , the first character background data can be created by performing image processing on the first character background data, and having the impression that the original image of the pasting target surface has been opened up and down. If a printed matter is created using the first character background data, the user can obtain a printed matter having an impression that matches the pasting target surface. In addition, the first character background data having the impression that it has been pry open when seen on the entire pasting target surface causes a slightly uncomfortable feeling in the image where the printed material is pasted, but the character data is arranged in that portion. Therefore, the character data can be made sufficiently conspicuous.

In the print data editing apparatus according to the second aspect of the present invention, the image on the pasting target surface can be extracted as the first character background data and can be used as the first background image of the character data. Therefore, if print data is created from composite data obtained by synthesizing the first character background data and the character data, and printed on the printing medium, the printed matter is in a state where the character data is familiar with the image on the pasting target surface. Can be obtained. When the printed material is pasted on the pasting target surface, the pasting position can be determined by matching the pasting target surface image printed as the first character background data with the pasting target pasting image. Positioning can be performed easily. And while making the printed matter stretched on the sticking target surface conform to the whole sticking target surface without a sense of incongruity, the character data printed on the printed matter can be made sufficiently conspicuous.
In addition, since image processing can be performed on the first character background data extracted from the image of the pasting target surface, if a printed matter is created using the first character background data, the user has an impression that matches the pasting target surface. You can get a print with If this printed material is pasted on the surface to be pasted, the image of the portion to which the printed material is pasted will be slightly uncomfortable when viewed on the entire surface to be pasted, but character data is arranged in that portion. Therefore, the character data can be made sufficiently conspicuous.
In addition , the first character background data can be created by performing image processing on the first character background data so as to blur the original image of the pasting target surface and have a blurred impression. If a printed matter is created using the first character background data, the user can obtain a printed matter having an impression that matches the pasting target surface. In addition, when viewed on the entire pasting target surface, the first character background data having a blurred impression causes a slightly uncomfortable feeling in the image of the portion where the printed matter is pasted, but the character data is arranged in that portion. Therefore, the character data can be made sufficiently conspicuous.

In the print data editing apparatus of the invention according to claim 3 , in addition to the effect of the invention of claim 1 or 2 , the first character background data can be given a stereoscopic effect by adding a shadow image. it can. Then, the visual effect by the three-dimensional effect can give a high-quality feeling to the printed matter to be created, and can make the printed character data stand out.

Further, in the print data editing apparatus of the invention according to claim 4, in addition to the effect of the invention according to any one of claims 1 to 3, further adds a second character background data to the first character background and character data As a result, not only the color but also the visual effect based on the shape can be provided, and the character data can be made more prominent.

According to the print data editing program of the invention according to claim 5 , it is possible to cause a computer to function as various processing means of the print data editing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 4 . Therefore, an effect similar to the effect of the invention according to any one of claims 1 to 6 can be obtained.

2 is a perspective view of a PC 2 connected to the tape printer 1. FIG. It is a block diagram which shows the electric constitution of PC2. 3 is a conceptual diagram of a storage area of an HDD 65. FIG. It is a top view which shows the internal structure of the tape cassette 30 which discharges | emits the non-laminate type label tape. 2 is a block diagram showing an electrical configuration of the tape printer 1. FIG. It is a figure which shows the edit screen 7 displayed on the monitor 21 of PC2. 6 is a flowchart of a print data editing program. 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of a background image 100. FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating a state in which a “frame indicating a label size” (frame 811) is arranged in a background image 100. FIG. It is a flowchart of a subroutine of image display processing. It is a flowchart of a subroutine of image processing. It is a figure which shows the example which displayed on the sample display part 75 the external appearance of the label produced after the shadow addition process was performed to the 1st character background image. It is a figure for demonstrating the opening process performed to a 1st character background image. It is a figure for demonstrating the opening process performed to a 1st character background image. It is a figure which shows the example which displayed on the sample display part 75 the external appearance of the label produced after performing the opening process to the 1st character background image. It is a figure which shows the example which displayed on the sample display part 75 the external appearance of the label produced after the blurring process was performed to the 1st character background image. It is a figure which shows the example which displayed on the sample display part 75 the external appearance of the label produced after a granular process was performed to the 1st character background image. It is a figure which shows the example which displayed on the sample display part 75 the external appearance of the label produced after the noise process was performed to the 1st character background image. It is a figure which shows the example which displayed on the sample display part 75 the external appearance of the label produced after crystal processing was performed to the 1st character background image. It is a figure which shows the example which displayed on the sample display part 75 the external appearance of the label produced after the 2nd character background image was produced and it overlapped with the 1st character background image.

  Hereinafter, an embodiment in which a personal computer 2 (hereinafter referred to as “PC2”) as a “print data editing apparatus” according to the present invention and a tape printer 1 connected thereto will be described with reference to the drawings.

  First, with reference to FIG. 1, an outline of physical configurations of the PC 2 and the tape printer 1 will be described. As shown in FIG. 1, the PC 2 is connected to the tape printer 1 by a USB cable 10 based on, for example, the USB (registered trademark) standard.

  A PC 2 shown in FIG. 1 is a known personal computer, and includes a main body 6, a monitor 21, a keyboard 22, a mouse 23, and a scanner 24. The monitor 21, the keyboard 22, the mouse 23, and the scanner 24 are each connected to the main body 6 by connection cables. A CD-ROM drive 64 into which the CD-ROM 26 (see FIG. 2) can be inserted is provided on the front surface of the main body 6.

  On the other hand, the tape printer 1 shown in FIG. 1 includes a substantially rectangular parallelepiped housing 4 for discharging a label tape 8 as a printing medium to the front surface of the housing 4 (the surface on the right front side in the figure). The tape discharge port 3 is provided. Further, when the cover 5 provided on the left side surface of the housing 4 is opened, a tape cassette 30 (see FIG. 4) to be described later can be mounted therein.

  Next, an electrical configuration of the PC 2 will be described with reference to FIGS. First, as shown in FIG. 2, the PC 2 includes a CPU 61 that controls the PC 2. A ROM 62, a RAM 63, a CD-ROM drive 64, a hard disk drive (hereinafter referred to as HDD) 65, a USB interface 66, a display control unit 67, and an input detection unit 68 are connected to the CPU 61 via the bus 29.

  The ROM 62 is a read-only storage device that stores programs such as BIOS executed by the CPU 61. The RAM 63 is a readable / writable storage device that temporarily stores data.

  The CD-ROM drive 64 reads data and a print data editing program from the CD-ROM 26 when the CD-ROM 26 storing data is inserted. Further, as shown in FIG. 3, the HDD 65 as a storage device is provided with a program storage area 651, an initial value storage area 652, and the like. The program storage area 651 stores various programs such as a program for editing document data on the PC 2 and a program for controlling the printing operation of the tape printer 1. The initial value storage area 652 stores initial values of various setting items, data referred to when executing the print data editing program such as character frame shape (described later) pattern data, and the like. It should be noted that a print data editing program, which will be described later, and settings and data used at the time of execution can be read from the CD-ROM 26 and stored in the HDD 65. In addition, for example, it may be acquired via another storage medium such as a flexible disk or MO. Alternatively, the PC 2 may be connected to a network and acquired from another terminal on the network.

  The USB interface 66 is an interface for communicating with external devices including the tape printer 1. The display control unit 67 is connected to the monitor 21 that displays an operation screen viewed by the user, and performs screen display processing of the monitor 21. In addition, the keyboard 22, mouse 23, and scanner 24 are connected to the input detection unit 68, and the input detection unit 68 detects input from these.

  Next, the internal structure of the tape cassette 30 will be described with reference to FIG. 4 is defined as the rear side of the tape cassette 30, the lower side of the paper surface is defined as the front side of the tape cassette 30, the right side of the paper surface is defined as the right side of the tape cassette 30, and the left side of the paper surface is defined as the left side of the tape cassette 30.

  As shown in FIG. 4, a tape spool 39 that winds and supports the label tape 8 is rotatably disposed on the left rear side in the case 34. A ribbon spool 36 around which an ink ribbon 37 is wound is rotatably arranged on the right front side in the case 34. Further, at a position between the tape spool 39 and the ribbon spool 36, a ribbon winding for drawing out the ink ribbon 37 from the ribbon spool 36 and winding the used ink ribbon 13 used for printing characters or the like. The take-up spool 31 is rotatably arranged. Also, on the front side in the tape cassette 30, the label tape 8 drawn out from the tape spool 39 and the ink ribbon 37 drawn out from the ribbon spool 36 are discharged from the opening 18 provided therein. An arm portion 17 is provided for guiding in the direction of the tape discharge portion 43 to be performed.

  Further, a tape feed roller 42 is rotatably provided on the downstream side of the head mounting portion 32 into which the thermal head 44 (see FIG. 5) is inserted in the running direction of the label tape 8 and the ink ribbon 37. The tape feed roller 42 pulls out the label tape 8 from the tape spool 39 in cooperation with a pressure roller (not shown) opposed to the tape feed roller 42. Further, a regulating member 19 is provided in the vicinity of the tape feed roller 42, and the regulating member 19 moves the label tape 8 on which characters are printed in the width direction on the downstream side of the thermal head 44. It is something to regulate.

  Between the used ink ribbon 13 conveyed toward the ribbon take-up spool 31 and the label tape 8 wound around and supported by the tape spool 39, the used ink ribbon 13 and the label tape 8 are disposed. A separation wall 14 is provided upright to prevent contact with each other.

  As shown in FIG. 4, a cassette detection unit 11 is formed on the right rear side of the tape cassette 30. The cassette detector 11 detects the type of the tape cassette 30 (for example, the type of the tape cassette 30 is specified by the width of the label tape 8, the color of ink applied to the ink ribbon 37, etc.). A plurality of switch holes 12 are formed with a predetermined pattern. The formation pattern of the switch holes 12 is different depending on the type of the tape cassette 30. These switch holes 12 are detected based on an on / off combination of a plurality of detection switches (not shown) disposed in the tape printer 1 (see FIG. 1).

  In the present embodiment, a non-laminate type label tape 8 is used. The non-laminate laminate label tape 8 is a label tape in which characters and the like are printed on the non-adhesive surface of a single-sided adhesive tape with release paper, and a laminate film for protecting the printed surface is not attached. In the non-laminate type label tape 8, the rear side of the label tape 8 in the tape discharge portion 43 is a printing surface, the front side of the label tape 8 in the tape discharge portion 43 is an adhesive surface, and the release paper is adhered. Yes.

  Next, the conveyance path | route of the label tape 8 in the tape cassette 30 is demonstrated. The label tape 8 is separated from the tape spool 39 by cooperation of a tape feed roller 42 provided on the downstream side of the head mounting portion 32 and a pressure contact roller (not shown) provided in the tape printer 1 (see FIG. 1). After being pulled out and passed through the front side of the head mounting portion 32 from the opening 18 of the arm portion 17, it is discharged from the tape discharge portion 43 to the outside of the tape cassette 30. The ink ribbon 37 is pulled out from the ribbon spool 36 by the ribbon take-up spool 31 when the ribbon feed motor 49 (see FIG. 5) rotates, and the front side of the head mounting portion 32 is moved from the opening 18 of the arm portion 17. After passing, the guide member 16 is guided inside the regulating member 19 and is wound around the ribbon take-up spool 31. Further, the label tape 8 is rewound by the reverse rotation of the tape spool 39 with the rotation of the tape rewinding motor 41 (see FIG. 5). Here, the tape rewinding motor 41 rotates only when the label tape 8 is wound, and does not rotate when the tape spool 39 rotates forward, that is, during printing. A clutch spring 15 is attached to the lower part of the ribbon take-up spool 31 to prevent the used ink ribbon 13 that has been taken up by reversing the ribbon take-up spool 31 from being loosened.

  Further, the tape cassette 30 used in the present embodiment can perform color printing on the label tape 8. In order to perform color printing, cyan (C), magenta (M), and yellow (Y) color inks are alternately arranged on the ink ribbon 37 (not shown). Then, after the label tape 8 is printed with one color ink of the ink ribbon 37, the tape rewind motor 41 (see FIG. 5) rotates to reversely rotate the ribbon spool 36, thereby rewinding the label tape 8. . At the same time, the ink ribbon 37 is conveyed to the beginning of the next color ink. Color printing can be performed by repeatedly performing this operation on one print data with each color ink of CMY. Note that the color ink of the ink ribbon 37 may be black (K) or an intermediate color between the colors.

  Next, the electrical configuration of the tape printer 1 will be described with reference to FIG. As shown in FIG. 5, the control unit 50 of the tape printer 1 includes a CPU 52 that controls the tape printer 1. A ROM 53, a RAM 54, and an input / output interface 51 are connected to the CPU 52.

  The ROM 53 controls the tape printer 1 such as a program for controlling driving of each of the motors and the thermal head 44 that are driven when a label is created based on print data that is created on the PC 2 and transmitted via the USB cable 10. Various necessary programs are stored. The RAM 54 is provided with a plurality of storage areas for temporarily storing data used in various processes such as print data transmitted from the PC 2 when printing is performed.

  The input / output interface 51 is connected to a drive circuit 55 for driving the tape feed motor 46 and a drive circuit 56 for driving a tape cutter drive motor 47 for operating the tape cutter 60. Also connected to the input / output interface 51 are a drive circuit 57 for driving the thermal head 44, a drive circuit 58 for driving the ribbon feed motor 49, and a drive circuit 40 for driving the tape rewind motor 41. Has been. Further, the input / output interface 51 is connected to a USB port 25 for connecting to the PC 2 via the USB cable 10.

  Next, the edit screen 7 displayed on the monitor 21 will be described with reference to FIG. The edit screen 7 is a screen that is displayed when a print data editing program is started and main processing described later is started. The user can input data and instructions for editing and setting using the keyboard 22 and mouse 23 while viewing the editing screen 7.

  As shown in FIG. 6, on the editing screen 7, a background image setting area 71 is provided at the upper left portion, and a first character background processing area 78 is provided below the background image setting area 71. A label setting area 72 is provided on the right side of the background image setting area 71, a second character background setting area 73 is provided on the right side of the label setting area 72, and further on the right side of the second character background setting area 73. A character setting area 74 is provided. A rectangular sample display section 75 is provided below the label setting area 72, the second character background setting area 73, and the character setting area 74. In addition, a print button 76 is provided at the lower left of the editing screen 7, and an end button 77 is provided at the upper right.

  In the background image setting area 71, a camera input button 711, a scanner input button 712, and a file input button 713 are provided. The camera input button 711 is a button for designating input of an image (background image) of a pasting target surface to which the label tape 8 is pasted from a camera (not shown). The scanner input button 712 is a button for inputting a background image to the scanner. 24 is a button for designating input from 24. The file input button 713 is a button for designating input of a background image from a file stored in the HDD 65.

  Although details will be described later, in the present embodiment, the first background image can be printed on the entire label as the background of the image (character image) of the character (character string) to be printed on the label. Further, a second background (second character background image) different from the first background image may be printed so as to be overwritten on the periphery of the character image so as to overwrite the first background image. That is, an image (composite image) obtained by synthesizing the character image, the first background image, and the second background image (when the second character background image is created) becomes an image of a label that is being created or completed. The background image is used to express a state in which a label that is being created or completed is pasted on the pasting target surface. Specifically, an image (preview image) in which the composite image is superimposed on the background image is displayed on the sample display unit 75.

  The first character background image is an image created based on the background image, and an image in an area surrounded by a “frame indicating label size” to be described later is extracted from the background image to perform image processing. And is used as the first character background image. In the first character background processing area 78, a first character background processing list box 781 and a shadow processing list box 782 for specifying the processing method of the first character background image (that is, the type of image processing to be performed on the first character background image). Is provided. Each list box displays a selection candidate (process name) when the user clicks and presses the inverted triangle mark at the right corner of each list box with the mouse cursor. The processed name is displayed in the list box, and processing corresponding to the processing name is performed. In the present embodiment, as the type of image processing to be performed on the first character background image, “pick open”, “blur”, “grain”, “noise”, “crystal” or “none” from the first character background processing list box 781. Can be selected. In the shadow processing list box 782, whether or not to add a shadow to the first character background image (whether or not to perform image processing for adding an image imitating a shadow (hereinafter referred to as “shadow image”)) is determined. You can choose. Note that the shadow image is an outline of an area constituting the first character background image (that is, a “frame indicating a label size” described later, and more specifically, an edge of a label after completion). The image is arranged inside the contour line and plays a role of giving a stereoscopic effect to the image drawn further inside than the image imitating the shadow. Furthermore, the visual effect by the three-dimensional effect can give a high-class feeling to the created label and can make the printed character image stand out.

  Next, in the label setting area 72, a label size list box 721 that specifies the vertical and horizontal sizes (sizes) of the label to be created, and a label color list that specifies the color (including transparency) of the label tape 8 as the label color. A box 722 is provided.

  The second character background setting area 73 is provided with a character frame shape list box 731, a character frame color list box 732, and a character frame surrounding blur list box 733. In the character frame shape list box 731, an area occupied by the second character background image, that is, an area surrounding the character image (hereinafter referred to as “character frame area”) (for example, an oval or a rectangle) is selected. be able to. In addition, in the character frame color list box 732, a color for filling the inside of the character frame region can be selected, and in the character frame surrounding blur list box 733, the boundary between the inner side and the outer side of the character frame region is blurred. It is possible to set the presence / absence and intensity of the process of blurring the periphery of the two-character background image. In the character frame shape list box 731, “None” can be selected as the shape of the character frame region. In this case, the processing cannot be selected in the character frame color list box 732 and the character frame surrounding blur list box 733, and the second character background image is not created.

  The character setting area 74 includes a typeface list box 741 for setting a character typeface, a character size list box 742 for setting a character size, a character color list box 743 for setting a character color, and a character decoration (for example, A character decoration list box 744 for setting (bold, italic, underline, etc.) is provided.

  Further, the edit screen 7 is provided with a print button 76 for creating print data from the edited image and causing the tape printer 1 to print it, and an end button 77 for ending the edit of the print data.

  In the preview image displayed on the sample display unit 75, the position of the label image being created or completed in the background image (the position where the label is pasted on the pasting target surface) is set to “label size. "Frame to show" (frame 811 in FIG. 9) is displayed. When the frame 811 is displayed, when the user clicks inside the frame 811, a cursor is displayed, and the character to be written on the label can be input. Characters can be input by a known method such as input from the keyboard 22 or mouse 23 (using a software keyboard or the like), paste from the clipboard, or the like. The input character (character string) is stored in the RAM 63 as character data. Note that the processing related to character input is performed independently of the print data editing program, for example, using a function of the OS.

  Next, with reference to FIG. 7 to FIG. 20, processing performed by the PC 2 in order to cause the tape printer 1 to perform printing will be described. Hereinafter, each step of the flowchart is abbreviated as “S”.

  The PC 2 according to the present embodiment displays an image (character image) such as a character (character string) separately input by the user, a first character background image (when the second character background image is created, the second character background image is also displayed). 4) and a print image for printing on the label tape 8 shown in FIG. 4 is created from the composite image. The character image, the first character background image, and the second character background image are edited according to the settings of the list box and buttons, and after editing, the composite image is displayed again as a preview image as a sample image. The editing result is displayed by being displayed on the part 75. The preview image is created in an image display process (see FIG. 10) described later.

  As described above, the print data editing program shown in FIG. 7 is stored in the program storage area 651 of the HDD 65. When the user activates the execution file, the CPU 61 executes each process according to the print data editing program. . In the print data editing program, first, initialization is performed (S1). In this process, variables, flags, counters, etc. used in the program are initialized. In addition, initial values and standard settings are set for each setting value and setting item. For example, as a standard setting, a Mincho font is set for the character font, and an oval shape is set for the character frame shape. Then, the editing screen 7 (see FIG. 6) is displayed on the monitor 21 of the PC 2, and waiting for pressing (operation) of various buttons, list boxes, etc. is started (S3: NO, S9: NO, S15: NO, S21: NO, S25: NO, S33: NO, S3). When various buttons or list boxes on the editing screen 7 are pressed, each process corresponding to the pressed button or list box is executed.

  If any one of the camera input button 711, the scanner input button 712, and the file input button 713, which is classified as a background image input button, is pressed on the editing screen 7 while waiting for pressing (S3: YES), for example, the data (background image data) of the background image 100 shown in FIG. 8 is read (S5). Depending on the pressed button, any one of the data of the photographed image by the camera (not shown), the data of the captured image by the scanner 24, and the file (image data) stored in advance in the HDD 65 is the background image data. Is read as Next, an image display process (S35) is performed. Although details of the image display process will be described later, a preview image is displayed on the sample display unit 75, and the background image 100 is displayed as an image of the pasting target surface to which the label is pasted. After the image display process, the process returns to S3, and similarly to the above, waiting for pressing of various buttons and list boxes shown in FIG. 6 (operation waiting) is performed.

  The label size list box 721, the character frame shape list box 731, the character frame surrounding blur list box 733, the typeface list box 741, the character size list box 742, and the character decoration list are classified as an object selection list box while waiting for pressing. When any one of the box 744, the first character background processing list box 781, and the shadow processing list box 782 is pressed (S9: YES), selection candidates corresponding to each list box are displayed (S9: YES). S11). For example, in the label size list box 721, selection candidates for setting the vertical and horizontal sizes (sizes) of the labels cut out from the label tape 8, such as “12 mm × 48 mm” and “12 mm × auto”, are displayed. Here, when “12 mm × auto” is selected, the vertical length of the label is set to 12 mm, and the horizontal length is appropriately set according to the size of the character.

  Each selection candidate selected in each of the above object selection list boxes includes corresponding items (the vertical and horizontal sizes of the label to be created, the shape of the character frame area, and the presence / absence of the process of blurring the periphery of the second character background image) Are stored (registered) in the RAM 63 as setting values for strength setting, character typeface, character decoration, and type of image processing applied to the first character background (S13). Thereafter, an image display process to be described later is performed (S35), and the process returns to S3, and similarly to the above, waiting for pressing of various buttons and list boxes shown in FIG. 6 (waiting for operation) is performed.

  When any one of the label color list box 722, the character color list box 732, and the character color list box 743, which is classified as a “color selection” related list box, is pressed while waiting for pressing. (S15: YES), selection candidates corresponding to each list box are displayed (S17). The color selected as the label color, the character frame color, and the character color is stored (registered) in the RAM 63 as a set value (S19). Thereafter, an image display process to be described later is performed (S35), and the process returns to S3, and similarly to the above, waiting for pressing (operation waiting) of various buttons and list boxes shown in FIG.

  If the “frame indicating the label size” is being pressed while waiting for pressing (S21: YES), the position of the “frame indicating the label size” is set to the background by the amount of movement of the mouse pointer. It is moved with respect to the image 100 (see FIG. 9) (S23). In the image display process described later, when a background image and a label size are set, a “frame indicating the label size” indicating the size of the label cut out from the label tape 8 is displayed on the sample display unit 75 (see FIG. 6). (Hereinafter also referred to as “frame” 811) is displayed. For example, as illustrated in FIG. 9, the background image 100 is displayed on the sample display unit 75, and a frame 811 is displayed so as to overlap the background image 100. If the user clicks and holds the frame 811 with the pointer of the mouse 23, the user can drag and move the frame 811. The frame 811 is displayed at the lower right within the range of the background image 100 displayed on the sample display unit 75 in the initial state, but if the frame 811 is dragged by operating the mouse 23, the frame 811 is displayed on the background image 100. It can also be moved to any position. In this manner, the user can easily move the “frame indicating the label size” (frame 811) by operating the mouse in the background image 100, and can set an arbitrary pasting position. . Thereafter, an image display process to be described later is performed (S35), and the process returns to S3, and similarly to the above, waiting for pressing of various buttons and list boxes shown in FIG. 6 (waiting for operation) is performed.

  If the print button 76 is pressed while waiting for pressing (S25: YES), a process of printing the composite image displayed in the “frame indicating label size” on the label tape 8 is performed. Here, a process of creating print data is performed based on the composite data created in the image display process (S35) described later and stored in the RAM 63. As described above, the composite data is composite image data obtained by combining the character image and the first character background image (including the second character background image when the second character background image is created). More specifically, in the virtual second character background area (described later) on the first character background image representing the first character background data virtually formed in the virtual first character background area (described later) of the RAM 63. A virtually formed second character background image representing the second character background data is arranged in an overlapping manner (when the second character background image is created). Furthermore, a character image representing character data, which is virtually formed in a virtual character area (described later), is placed on the first character background image (or second character background image), and a composite image is created. (S27). A driver (known program) for the tape printer 1 is installed in the PC 2 separately from the print data editing program, and composite image data (composite data) is transferred to the driver. In the driver, a known color profile is referred to. For each pixel of the composite data expressed in, for example, RGB format, for each pixel, the type of CMY color ink for printing and a plurality of fine colors constituting the pixel It is converted into data in which each printing position of dots is associated. Further, a control command for the tape printer 1 is added and created as print data (S29). The created print data is transmitted to the tape printer 1 via the USB cable 10 (S31). In the tape printer 1, a composite image is printed on the label tape 8, and further cut into a label size to create a label. The In the print data editing program, after the print data is transmitted to the tape printer 1, the process returns to S3, and similarly to the above, the various buttons and the list box shown in FIG.

  If the end button 77 is pressed while waiting for pressing (S33: YES), the execution of the print data editing program is ended. The display of the edit screen 7 (see FIG. 6) on the monitor 21 (see FIG. 1) of the PC 2 is also terminated.

  Next, details of the image display process called in S35 of the main process will be described. In the main process of the print data editing program shown in FIG. 7, the image display process of S35 is called after the above-described processes of S5, S13, S19, and S23, and the subroutine shown in FIG. 10 is executed. As shown in FIG. 10, in the image display process, first, it is checked whether a background image has already been read from a camera, a scanner, or a file (S41). If the RAM 63 is referenced and no background image data is stored (S41: NO), the image display process is terminated, the process returns to the main process, and the process proceeds to S3. Therefore, the preview image is not displayed on the sample display unit 75. When background image data is stored in the RAM 63 (S41: YES), an area (hereinafter referred to as “virtual display area”) in which the display screen of the sample display unit 75 is virtually formed on the RAM 63 is displayed. Background image data (for example, the background image 100 shown in FIG. 8) is developed, and a preview image displaying only the background image is created.

  Next, it is confirmed whether the label size (vertical size (size) of the label specified in the label size list box 721 (see FIG. 6)) has been registered (S43). Similarly to the above, if the RAM 63 is referred to and the label size is not stored (S43: NO), the image display process is terminated, and the process returns to the main process and proceeds to S3. As described above, in the image display process, if the background image data and the label size are not stored in the RAM 63, the preview image is not created and the process returns to the main process.

  When the label size is stored in the RAM 63 (S43: YES), the area occupied by the character is obtained based on the character data stored in the RAM 63, the character font (font), the character size, and the character decoration. It is stored in the RAM 63 (S45). Specifically, a character image expressed in a state where a typeface, a character size, and character decoration are applied to a character (character string) specified by character data is created in the buffer of the CPU 61. Next, the width between characters is adjusted according to the font type (proportional font, monospaced font, etc.), and the width of the entire character string (book) is adjusted from the adjusted character image range (that is, the region occupied by the character). In the embodiment, the length in the extending direction of the label tape 8) is calculated. Similarly, the height of the entire character string (the length in the width direction of the label tape 8 in this embodiment) is also calculated from the adjusted character image range. The obtained width and height of the character string are stored in the RAM 63, the character frame shape adjustment described later, the label size determination (when the horizontal length of the label is set to auto), and the second character background image are created. If it is used, it is used for adjusting the application range of the blurring process, centering the character image in the label (margin adjustment), and the like. Further, in the virtual display area, a preview image in which a frame (“frame indicating label size”, frame 811 in FIG. 9) according to the specified label size (calculated above in the case of auto) is placed on the background image. Is created.

  Next, it is confirmed whether or not the label color (the color of the label tape 8 designated in the label color list box 722 (see FIG. 6)) stored in the RAM 63 is transparent. If not (S51: NO), the designation is made. The inside of the “frame indicating the label size” in the virtual display area is filled with the label color thus obtained, and the process proceeds to S61. In this way, a preview image is created in a state where the label image with the label color is arranged on the background image.

  When the designated label color is transparent (S51: YES), the image in the “frame indicating label size” in the virtual display area is read (extracted). The read image is developed on the RAM 63 in a region that is virtually formed separately from the virtual display region (hereinafter referred to as “virtual first character background region”), and is created as a first character background image. (S53).

  Next, it is confirmed whether or not to perform image processing on the first character background image. As described above, the image processing performed on the first character background image is selected in the first character background processing list box 781 and the shadow processing list box 782 and stored in the RAM 63 as a setting value. If image processing is not set (S57: NO), the process proceeds to S61 as it is. When the print button is pressed without setting image processing for the first character background image and a label is created from the transparent label tape 8, the image on the pasting target surface itself is used as the first character background image together with the character image. It is printed on the label tape 8.

  If image processing to be performed on the first character background image is set (registered) (S57: YES), in order to apply the image processing to the first character background image (S59), the image processing shown in FIG. A subroutine is called.

  As shown in FIG. 11, in the image processing, “pick open”, “blur”, “grain”, “grain”, or alternatively in S71 to S91 according to the processing content selected in the first character background processing list box 781. The processing is branched and executed for each process of “noise” and “crystal”. Further, image processing for adding a shadow image can be selected in the shadow processing list box 782 independently of these image processing, and is processed in S95 to S96. Here, the image display process is performed every time a button or list box related to display is operated, and a new preview image is created. In the process of creating the preview image, the image process is performed first. Unless one of the processes is selected in the two list boxes in the character background processing area 78, the process is not performed. Therefore, when “none” is set in the first character background processing list box 781, “present” is selected in the shadow processing list box 782 (S71: NO, S81: NO, S84: NO, S87: NO, S90: NO, S96). In this case, a first character background image imitating transparent glass with a three-dimensional effect is created by shadows. Specifically, FIG. 12 shows an example in which image processing for adding a shadow image to the first character background image is applied. In FIG. 12, a composite image 200 obtained by combining the first character background image 201 to which the shadow image 202 is added and the character image 205 composed of characters “yamamoto” is arranged in a frame 811, and the background image 100 is further displayed. An example is shown in which a preview image is superimposed and displayed on the sample display unit 75. In the present embodiment, the following description is also given by taking as an example a case where a label printed with the characters “yamamoto” is created. After the process of adding the shadow image is performed, the image process is terminated, the process returns to the image display process of FIG. 10, and the process proceeds to S61.

  As shown in FIG. 11, when “pick open” is selected as the image processing (S 71: YES), the first character background image developed in the virtual first character background area of the RAM 63 is moved up and down from the center of the image. A pry-off process is performed that can express the impression of prying open. First, as shown in FIG. 13, the first character background image 211 developed in the virtual first character background region 300 is divided into three regions in the vertical direction (S72). Of the three divided regions, the uppermost region in the virtual first character background region 300 is the upper region 301, the lowermost region is the lower region 303, and the portion between them Let the region be a middle region 302. In the present embodiment, the vertical direction is determined in advance with reference to the orientation when the user reads the character image to be printed on the label to be created. Specifically, the label tape 8 The width direction is set to the vertical direction.

  Next, as shown in FIG. 14, the image of the upper region 301 of the first character background image 211 is compressed upward toward the upper end of the virtual first character background region 300 (S73). Similarly, the image of the lower area 303 is compressed downward toward the lower end of the virtual first character background area 300 (S75). On the other hand, the image in the middle region 302 is expanded in the vertical direction (S76). Then, the compressed image of the upper area 301, the expanded image of the middle area 302, and the compressed image of the lower area 303 are combined and reconstructed as the first character background image 211 (S77). . Specifically, FIG. 15 shows an example in which the image processing of “koji opening” is applied to the first character background image 211. Here, a composite image 210 obtained by synthesizing the first character background image 211 subjected to the image processing of “pick open” and the character image 205 is arranged in a frame 811 and further superimposed on the background image 100, thereby previewing An image is formed. FIG. 15 shows an example in which this preview image is displayed on the sample display unit 75.

  In the image processing of FIG. 11, the process proceeds to S95 after S77, and whether or not to perform shadowing is confirmed by referring to the set value in the RAM 63. If “None” is selected in the shadow processing list box 782 (S95: NO), the image processing is terminated and the process returns to the image display process, and the process proceeds to S61. On the other hand, if “Yes” is selected in the shadow processing list box 782 (S95: YES), the above-described shadow image is further added to the first character background image that has been subjected to the “koji-open” image processing. Is applied (S96). Thereafter, the image processing is terminated, the processing returns to the image display processing of FIG.

  Next, as shown in FIG. 11, when “blur” is selected as the image processing (S71: NO, S81: YES), the first character background image developed in the virtual first character background region of the RAM 63 is displayed. On the other hand, a blurring process using a known blurring filter is performed (S82). There are many types of blur processing algorithms. An example is shown below. All the pixels constituting the first character background image are divided into a pixel group having a predetermined number of pixels, for example, a pixel group having 9 pixels of 3 × 3 dots. Next, attention is paid to each pixel group in turn, and an average value of RGB values of nine pixels constituting the focused pixel group is calculated. Then, all the RGB values of the nine pixels are replaced with average values. By applying this processing to all the pixel groups, the entire first character background image is blurred. Note that the blur intensity can be adjusted by increasing or decreasing the number of pixels constituting the pixel group.

  Specifically, an example in which the blurring process is applied to the first character background image is shown in FIG. Here, a synthesized image 220 obtained by synthesizing the first character background image 221 subjected to the blurring process and the character image 205 is arranged in a frame 811 and further the background image 100 is overlapped to form a preview image. Yes. FIG. 16 shows an example in which this preview image is displayed on the sample display unit 75.

  In the image processing of FIG. 11, after the blurring process is performed in S82, the process proceeds to S95 as described above, and after performing the process of adding a shadow image (S95: YES, S96) or as it is (S95: NO), the image is processed. The process ends, the process returns to the image display process of FIG. 10, and the process proceeds to S61.

  Next, when “granular” is selected as the image processing (S71: NO, S81: NO, S84: YES), the first character background image developed in the virtual first character background area of the RAM 63 is publicly known. A granular process using the granular filter is performed (S85). By changing the color of the pixels randomly extracted from all the pixels constituting the first character background image to white, it expresses the grainy texture as if white powder was sprinkled on the surface of the image. be able to. When extracting a pixel, it may be extracted together with a plurality of surrounding pixels as a pixel group, and the color of the pixel group may be whitened. If the number of pixels to be collected as a pixel group and the shape of the pixel group are arbitrarily set, the size and shape of the grains can be adjusted as desired.

  Specifically, FIG. 17 shows an example in which granular processing is applied to the first character background image. Here, the first character background image 231 obtained by applying granular processing to the first character background image extracted from the background image 100 and further adding the shadow image 232 in the processing of S95 to S96 (see FIG. 11) that follows S82. Creating. A composite image 230 obtained by combining the first character background image 231 and the character image 205 is placed in a frame 811, and the background image 100 is further overlapped to form a preview image. FIG. 17 shows an example in which this preview image is displayed on the sample display unit 75. In the image processing of FIG. 11, after the above-described granular processing (S85), the process proceeds to S95 to S96 and S61 as described above.

  Next, when “noise” is selected as the image processing (S71: NO, S81: NO, S84: NO, S87: YES), the first character background image developed in the virtual first character background region of the RAM 63 is displayed. On the other hand, noise processing using a known noise filter is performed (S88). Similar to the granular processing, by randomly changing the color of the pixel randomly extracted from all the pixels constituting the first character background image to one of red, green, and blue, the original The first character background image can be expressed as an image having an impression that the composition information is disturbed by the disturbance and the R, G, B primary color granular spots are scattered on the surface of the image. The pixels to be extracted may be combined with a plurality of pixels to form a pixel group, and the size and shape of the pixel group may be arbitrarily adjusted as described above.

  Specifically, an example in which noise processing is applied to the first character background image is shown in FIG. Here, noise processing is performed on the first character background image extracted from the background image 100, and a first character background image 241 to which a shadow image 242 is added is created. A composite image 240 obtained by combining the first character background image 241 and the character image 205 is placed in a frame 811 and further the background image 100 is overlaid to form a preview image. FIG. 18 shows an example in which this preview image is displayed on the sample display unit 75. In the image processing of FIG. 11, after the noise processing (S88), the process proceeds from S95 to S96 and S61 as described above.

  Next, when “Crystal” is selected as the image processing (S71: NO, S81: NO, S84: NO, S87: NO, S90: YES), the first developed in the virtual first character background area of the RAM 63 is displayed. Crystal processing using a known crystal filter is performed on the one-character background image (S91). The first character background image is divided randomly (for example, Voronoi division) with respect to the shape and size, and the inside of each area is filled with the color of the center pixel of each area. It can be expressed as an image as if it was seen through a quartz glass. If the dividing method and the dividing shape of the first character background image are appropriately changed, an image viewed through a hexagonal mosaic or a crystal glass with a geometric pattern can be expressed.

  Specifically, an example in which crystal processing is applied to the first character background image is shown in FIG. Here, the first character background image extracted from the background image 100 is subjected to crystal processing, and the first character background image 251 to which the shadow image 252 is added is created as described above. A composite image 250 obtained by combining the first character background image 251 and the character image 205 is placed in a frame 811, and the background image 100 is further overlapped to form a preview image. FIG. 19 shows an example in which this preview image is displayed on the sample display unit 75. In the image processing of FIG. 11, after the crystal processing (S91), the process proceeds to S95 to S96 and S61 as described above.

  In the image display process of FIG. 10, after the process for the first character background image is performed in S51 to S59 as described above, the process proceeds to S61, and the first character background image is used as the background of the character image separately from the first character background image. A confirmation is made as to whether to add a two-character background image. The addition of the second character background image is performed when a predetermined shape such as a rectangle or an oval is selected as the shape of the character frame area in the character frame shape list box 731 and stored as a set value in the RAM 63 ( S61: YES). In this case, a virtual area (hereinafter referred to as “virtual second character background area”) different from the virtual display area and the virtual first character background area is secured on the RAM 63, and a second character background image is created. (S63). Specifically, in the virtual second character background area, the outline of the shape designated as the shape of the character frame area is adjusted to the size determined in S45 to match the area occupied by the character. . Next, the outline is filled with a color that fills the character frame area (the color specified in the character frame color list box 732 (see FIG. 6)). Furthermore, if the execution of the blurring process is designated in the character frame surrounding blur list box 733, the blurring process is performed on the periphery (outside) of the character frame area. The second character background image created in the virtual second character background region in this manner is arranged in the “frame indicating label size” in the virtual display region, and a preview image superimposed on the background image is created.

  Specifically, an example in which the second character background image is added is shown in FIG. Here, a composite image 260 in which a first character background image 261 that has undergone image processing for adding a shadow, a second character background image 264 that has been rectangularly blurred around and a character image 205 is combined, A preview image is formed by arranging the frame 811 and further overlapping the background image 100. FIG. 20 shows an example in which this preview image is displayed on the sample display unit 75.

  If the second character background image is not added after the second character background image is created in S63 (S61: NO), the process proceeds to S67. In order to create a character image on the RAM 63, a region that is virtually formed separately from the virtual display region, the virtual first character background region, and the virtual second character background region (hereinafter referred to as “virtual character region”). Is secured. Then, in the virtual character area, as in S45, a font image, character size, and character decoration are applied to the character (character string) specified by the character data, and a character image in which the width between characters is adjusted is created. (S67). As described above, the character image is superimposed on the first character background image (including the second character background image if the second character background image is created) in the “frame indicating the label size” in the virtual display area. And a preview image is created.

  The preview image created in the virtual display area through each process is enlarged or reduced to a display magnification corresponding to the size of the editing screen 7 and displayed on the sample display unit 75 (S69). Thereafter, the process returns to the main process of FIG.

  In this way, the label created by the tape printer 1 is edited by the print data editing program, so that it naturally fits in the object to be pasted and clearly recognizes the characters (character strings) printed on itself. Can do. In other words, by creating a first character background image that is the background of the character image based on the background image and performing image processing, a label having an impression that matches the application target surface can be obtained. The feeling of incongruity that is felt when a foreign object is affixed to the material is alleviated. In addition, when looking at the entire surface to be pasted, the image of the part where the label is affixed is somewhat uncomfortable, but since the character image is placed in that part, the character image is sufficiently conspicuous Can be made. Furthermore, it is possible to obtain a high-quality appearance as a dedicated label created according to the surface to be applied. In addition, if the second character background image is added, it is possible to give a visual effect based not only on the color but also on the shape and make the character stand out more.

  In the present embodiment, the PC 2 corresponds to a “print data editing apparatus”. Further, the CPU 61 that acquires the background image data in S5 shown in FIG. 7 corresponds to the “original image acquisition means”, and the CPU 61 that reads the image in the “frame indicating the label size” in S53 shown in FIG. This corresponds to “character background extraction means”. Further, the CPU 61 that creates composite data in S27 of FIG. 7 corresponds to “composite data creation means”, and the CPU 61 that creates print data in S29 corresponds to “print data creation means”. Further, the CPU 61 that executes the image processing subroutine of FIG. 11 in S59 of FIG. 10 corresponds to “image processing means”. Also, the CPU 61 that divides the first character background image developed in the virtual first character background region in S72 of FIG. 11 into three regions in the vertical direction corresponds to “dividing means”. In S73 and S75, the first character The CPU 61 that compresses the upper region image and the lower region image in the background image in the upward and downward directions respectively corresponds to a “first compression unit” and a “second compression unit”. Further, the CPU 61 that expands the image of the middle region of the first character background image in the vertical direction in S76 corresponds to the “expanding means”. In S77, the CPU 61 that combines the images of the upper area, the middle area, and the lower area to reconstruct the first character background image corresponds to the “combining means”.

  Further, the CPU 61 that applies the blurring process to the first character background image in S82 corresponds to “bluring means”, and the CPU 61 that adds the shadow image to the first character background image in S96 corresponds to “shadow addition means”. Further, when the HDD 65 storing the pattern data of the shape of the character frame area, which is installed together with the print data editing program, corresponds to the “character frame shape storage unit”, and the character frame shape list box 731 is pressed, in S11 The CPU 61 that stores the shape selected from the displayed character frame shape selection candidates in the RAM 63 in S13 corresponds to “character frame shape selection means”. The HDD 65 that is installed together with the print data editing program and stores the type of color to be filled in corresponds to the “character background color storage unit”, and is displayed in S17 when the character frame color list box 732 is pressed. The CPU 61 that stores in the RAM 63 the color selected from the selection candidates for the color to be filled in the character frame area thus created corresponds to “character background color selection means”. In S63, the CPU 61 that creates the second character background image based on the setting value stored in the RAM 63 corresponds to the “second character background creation means”.

  The configuration of the print data editing apparatus shown in the above embodiment is an exemplification, and it goes without saying that the present invention can be variously modified. In the present embodiment, the tape printer 1 has been described as a printing apparatus. However, instead of the tape printer 1, a laser printer or an ink jet printer that performs printing on a predetermined size of paper such as A4 size, B4 size, or A3 size is employed. May be.

  Further, the shape of the character frame region is not limited to an oval or a rectangle, and various shapes such as a triangle, a diamond, a star, a parallelogram, and a hexagon may be selected. Of course, the user may directly draw an arbitrary shape in the frame 811 of the sample display unit 75, for example. In addition, although the RGB color system is used for color representation in the print data editing program, other known color systems such as the L * a * b * color system and the HSB color system may be used. Needless to say.

  In the present embodiment, “pick open”, “blur”, “grain”, “noise”, “crystal”, and “shadow addition” are listed as image processing to be performed on the first character background data. Needless to say, this is only an example of image processing. For example, various types of image processing may be performed using a known algorithm such as monochromatic, sepia tone, mirror image inversion, color inversion, partial enlargement / reduction, or a combination of them. . In the blurring process, the blurring process is simply performed with the pixel color as the average color of the surrounding pixels. However, the blurring intensity may be set. Further, for example, the blur application range and pattern may be set as appropriate, such as performing blurring with different intensity in a radial manner, or partially blurring only around the character image. As for the granular processing, the size and color of the particles may be set arbitrarily or may be changed randomly. Similarly, for noise processing and crystal processing, the strength may be set. In addition, a shadow image imitating a shadow was added along the periphery of the label, but the image imitating the shadow is only an example. For example, a decorative image of a floral pattern, an image imitating a window frame, etc. A decorative pattern image may be added. Further, in the “pick-up” process, the division position of the area divided into three does not have to be divided into three equal parts, and may be divided at an arbitrary position. Also, in the present embodiment, the division direction is set by setting the vertical direction based on the direction of the character image. However, any direction may be set. The degree of compression and expansion need not be uniform, and the upper area may be compressed to a large extent, and the lower area may be compressed to a small extent (including a compression rate of 0%, of course).

  In the present embodiment, a label is printed by printing characters on the label tape 8. However, the characters are not limited to characters. Symbols, designs, characters / graphics registered as external characters, etc. Including those treated as characters.

1 Tape printer 2 Personal computer (PC)
7 Edit screen 8 Label tape 61 CPU
65 HDD
90 color reference frame 100 background image 2011, 211, 221, 231, 241, 251, 261 first character background image 205 character image 264 second character background image 811 frame

Claims (5)

A print data editing apparatus capable of editing in the process of creating print data for printing character data on a tape-like print medium,
Original image acquisition means for acquiring, as original image data, an image of an application target surface to which the print medium is attached;
First character background extraction means for extracting first character background data as a first background image of the character data to be printed on the printing medium from the original image data acquired by the original image acquisition means;
Synthetic data creation means for synthesizing the first character background data extracted by the first character background extraction means and the character data to create synthetic data;
Print data creation means for creating the print data from the composite data created by the composite data creation means ;
Image processing means for performing image processing on the first character background data and changing the state of the first background image;
With
The image processing means further includes:
The area constituting the first character background data is divided into three in the vertical direction when combined with the character data, and divided into an uppermost upper area, a lowermost lower area, and an intermediate area in between. Dividing means to
First compression means for compressing the upper region upward from a boundary with the middle region;
Second compression means for compressing the lower region downward from the boundary with the middle region;
In accordance with the compression of the upper region and the lower region, expansion means for extending the middle region in the vertical direction;
A print data editing apparatus comprising: a combining unit that combines the upper area after compression, the lower area after compression, and the middle area after expansion to reconstruct the first character background data . A print data editing apparatus capable of editing in the process of creating print data for printing character data on a tape-like print medium,
Original image acquisition means for acquiring, as original image data, an image of an application target surface to which the print medium is attached;
First character background extraction means for extracting first character background data as a first background image of the character data to be printed on the printing medium from the original image data acquired by the original image acquisition means;
Synthetic data creation means for synthesizing the first character background data extracted by the first character background extraction means and the character data to create synthetic data;
Print data creation means for creating the print data from the composite data created by the composite data creation means;
Image processing means for performing image processing on the first character background data and changing the state of the first background image;
With
The print data editing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the image processing means further includes a blurring unit that blurs the first character background data to blur the first background image. The image processing means includes a shadow adding means for adding a shadow image imitating the shadow of the first character background data to the contour line along the contour line of the region constituting the first character background data. The print data editing apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein the print data editing apparatus is a print data editing apparatus. Character frame shape storage means for storing a plurality of types of shapes as the shape of the character frame region set as a region surrounding the character data;
A character frame shape selecting means for selecting one shape from a plurality of shapes of the character frame regions stored by the character frame shape storing means;
A character frame color storage means for storing a plurality of types of colors as colors in the character frame region;
Character frame color selection means for selecting one color from among the plurality of colors in the character frame area stored by the character frame color storage means;
The color selected by the in-character frame color selecting unit is set to the color in the character frame region whose shape has been selected by the character frame shape selecting unit, and the second background image of the character data is set. A second character background creating means for creating second character background data;
The composite data generating means includes a first character background data, and the character data by synthesizing the second character background data, any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that to create the composite data The print data editing device described in 1. It claims 1 to print data editing program that causes a computer to function as various processing means of the print data editing apparatus according to any one of 4.