JP5458564B2 - CHARACTER OUTPUT DEVICE, TAPE PRINTING DEVICE, CHARACTER OUTPUT DEVICE CONTROL METHOD AND ITS PROGRAM - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a character output device that sequentially outputs consecutive characters, a tape printer, a control method for the character output device, and a program thereof.

Conventionally, a “serial number function” installed in a tape printer is known as a function for sequentially outputting consecutive characters (see, for example, Non-Patent Document 1). The “serial number function” is a function for automatically adding continuous alphanumeric characters every time one sheet is printed, and “initial value” and “repetition count” can be designated.
King Jim Co., Ltd., “Tepura” PRO SR930 Instruction Manual, December 2006 2nd Edition, p. 140-143

  By the way, when the monthly display label for one year (“April” to “March”) is created using this “serial number function”, there are the following problems. In this case, the user inputs “* month (“ * ”indicates a serial number insertion position)” as an arbitrary character, then specifies “initial value: 4” and “number of repetitions: 1”, Start printing. However, with this setting, “December” is printed next to “December”. In other words, since “December” occurs, it is impossible to create a monthly display label for one year with one setting. Therefore, after printing “December”, it is necessary to specify “initial value: 1” and “number of repetitions: 1” and start printing again.

  In view of such problems, the present invention provides a character output device, a tape printer, a method for controlling a character output device, and a method for controlling the character output device that can create monthly display labels for one year that spans a year with one setting. The purpose is to provide a program.

Character output device of the present invention, the subject as a target a plurality of first character with continuity, in order a continuous character output means for outputting the first character, a plurality of second character having continuous sex And an interlocking character output means for sequentially outputting one character, an initial value S1 and a period N1 of the continuous character output means , and a setting means for setting the initial value S2 and the period N2 of the interlocking character output means, The continuous character output means sequentially outputs 1 of the N1 consecutive characters determined by the set initial value S1 and the cycle N1 from the initial value S1 among the plurality of first characters, and outputs the interlocking character. communication means, from the plurality of second character, determined by the initial value S2 and the period N2 is set 1 of the N2 pieces of characters, and the output from the initial value S2 sequentially interlocking character output means, for each reset due to circumferential continuous character output means, instead character selected, selects the next character It is characterized by that.
In the character output device according to the above SL, L pieces having continuity (where, L is an integer to be L ≧ 1) further comprises a continuous character storage means for storing a first character of a continuous character output means, among the L first character, successive number N1 determined by the initial value S1 and a period N1 set by the setting means (However, N1 is an integer which is a 1 ≦ N1 ≦ L) to extract the character, the N1 One character is output in order from the number of characters.
In the character output device according to the above SL, continuous character storage means, a character group consisting of L-number of the first character has multiple storage from a plurality of characters group stored in contiguous character storage means , further comprising a character group designating means for designating a character group, a continuous character output means, from among the L number of the first character included in the character set of the designated 1, to extract the N1 characters It is characterized by that.
A tape printer of the present invention is characterized by comprising each means in the character output device described above and a printing means for printing the character output by the character output device on a tape.
The method of the character output device of the present invention, a continuous character, a method of controlling a character output device for sequentially outputting the character output device, as a target a plurality of first character with continuity, in order a continuous character output step of outputting the first character as an object a plurality of second character having continuous sex, turn the interlocking character output step of outputting the first character, the initial value S1 and the continuous character output step A cycle N1, and an initial value S2 of the interlocking character output step and a setting step of setting the cycle N2 are executed, and the continuous character output step includes an initial value S1 set from the plurality of first characters. And 1 of the consecutive N1 characters determined by the cycle N1, the initial value Output from 1 in order, interlocking character outputting step, from among the plurality of second character, one of the continuous N2 pieces of characters determined by the initial value S2 and the period N2 is set, from the initial value S2 sequentially The linked character output step is characterized in that the next character is selected in place of the selected character at every reset accompanying the circulation of the continuous character output step .
A program according to the present invention causes a computer to execute each step in the method for controlling a character output device described above.
The following configuration may be used.
The character output device of the present invention includes continuous character storage means for storing L characters having continuity (where L is an integer satisfying L ≧ 1), and an arbitrary N value (where N is 1 ≦ N). ≦ integer of L), continuous character extracting means for extracting consecutive N characters determined by the set value of N among the L characters, and the extracted N And a continuous character output means for sequentially outputting one character in accordance with continuity.

  The control method of the character output device of the present invention is a control method of the character output device that sequentially outputs consecutive characters, and the character output device has L continuity characters (where L is L ≧ 1). An integer) character, a step of acquiring an arbitrary N value (where N is an integer satisfying 1 ≦ N ≦ L), and an acquired value of N among the L characters A step of extracting consecutive N characters determined by the above and a step of sequentially outputting one character from the extracted N characters according to the continuity are executed.

  In the character output device described above, the setting means can set any one of the L characters as an initial value, and the continuous character extracting means selects N characters from the initial value. It is preferable to extract.

  In the character output device described above, the L characters have continuity with a periodicity in which the next character of the Lth character becomes the first character, and the continuous character extracting means is set. When the number R from the initial value to the Lth character is R <N, it is preferable to extract N characters including (N−R) characters from the first character.

According to these configurations, for example, when numbers “1” to “12” are stored as L characters and N = “12” and initial value = “4” are set, “4” · ... “12”, “1”... “3” can be extracted as N characters and sequentially output. That is, a monthly display label for one year that spans the year can be created with one setting.
Further, even when the same numbers “1” to “12” are stored as L characters, when N = “6” and initial value = “1” are set, “1”. -“6” can be extracted as N characters and output sequentially. That is, various serial number functions can be realized by setting the value of N and the initial value, and the versatility of the character output device can be enhanced.

  In the character output device described above, an interlocking character output that sequentially outputs one predetermined character according to the continuity from a plurality of predetermined characters having continuity in conjunction with the output by the continuous character output means. The interlocking character output means preferably outputs one predetermined character sequentially with the reset accompanying the lap of the continuous character output means as a trigger.

According to this configuration, a complicated serial number function can be realized by the interlocking character output means. However, it is premised that the continuous character output means can output N characters with periodicity (it can circulate after the output of the Lth character). In this case, the value of N can be set as a value for realizing the period N.
In the character output device described above, the setting means may be capable of setting a value of N and an initial value for realizing the period N for continuous character output and for interlocking character output, respectively. In this case, the interlocking character output means sequentially outputs one predetermined character using the N characters extracted for interlocking character output as a plurality of predetermined characters. According to this configuration, more various serial number functions can be realized.

  In the character output device described above, the continuous character storage means stores a plurality of character groups composed of L characters, and one character is selected from the plurality of character groups stored in the continuous character storage means. It is preferable that a character group designating unit for designating a group is further provided, and the continuous character extracting unit preferably extracts N characters from L characters included in one designated character group.

  According to this configuration, since a plurality of character groups can be stored and one character group can be designated from among them, the versatility of the character output device can be further enhanced. That is, it is possible to realize a serial number function that better meets the needs of the user.

  A tape printer of the present invention is characterized by comprising each means in the character output device described above and a printing means for printing the character output by the character output device on a tape.

  According to this configuration, it is possible to realize a tape printer capable of creating monthly display labels for one year that straddles the year with one setting.

  The program of the present invention is a program for causing a computer to execute each step in the control method of the character output device described above.

  By using this program, it is possible to realize a control method for a character output device that can create monthly display labels for one year that spans the year with one setting.

  Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the present embodiment, a case where the character output device and the control method of the character output device are applied to a tape printer that performs a series of processing from information input to printing on a tape-like medium (label creation) is illustrated.

  FIG. 1 is an external perspective view of the tape printer 1 according to the present embodiment with the open / close lid 21 opened. As shown in FIG. 1, the tape printer 1 has an outer case formed by a device case 2, and a keyboard 3 having various input keys is arranged on the front upper surface of the device case 2. An opening / closing lid 21 is attached to the left part, and a display screen 41 is arranged on the right part thereof. A cartridge mounting portion 6 for mounting the tape cartridge C is recessed inside the opening / closing lid 21, and the tape cartridge C is detachably mounted on the cartridge mounting portion 6 with the opening / closing lid 21 opened. The The open / close lid 21 is formed with a viewing window 21a for visually confirming whether the tape cartridge C is mounted or not mounted in a state in which the lid 21 is closed.

  On the keyboard 3, a character key group 3a and a function key group 3b for designating various operation modes are arranged. The character key group 3a has a full key configuration based on the JIS layout, and is similar to a general word processor or the like, including a shift key for suppressing an increase in the number of keys to be operated. The function key group 3b includes “print key”, “cursor key”, “confirmation key”, and “serial number setting key”.

  The “print key” is a key for instructing execution of printing. The “cursor key” is composed of up / down / left / right keys ([↑], [↓], [←], [→]), and is a key for performing cursor movement and scroll operation. The “confirmation key” is a key for selecting a selection candidate (option) and performing a confirmation operation. On the other hand, the “serial number setting key” is a key for executing the “serial number function”. The “serial number function” is a function for automatically adding and printing a character having continuity (hereinafter referred to as “continuous character”) every time a single label L (see FIG. 5 or the like) is printed. .

  The display screen 41 is a liquid crystal display and is used when confirming an editing result based on input information input by the user using the keyboard 3 and print data generated based on the editing result.

  A tape discharge port 22 is formed on the left side of the apparatus case 2 so as to communicate the cartridge mounting portion 6 with the outside. The tape discharge port 22 is exposed to a tape cutter 23 for cutting the printing tape T that has been sent out. It is out. Then, the printed printing tape T is sent out from the tape discharge port 22 by a predetermined length, and after the feeding is temporarily stopped, the printed printing tape T is cut by the tape cutter 23 to form a strip-shaped label. Create L. As for the cutting process, it is possible to switch between auto cut and manual cut.In the case of fixed length printing, it is automatic, and in the case of arbitrary length printing, the user operates the cut key manually. The cutter motor 25 (see FIG. 2) is driven.

  On the other hand, the cartridge mounting portion 6 has a head unit 61 in which a thermal type print head 7 is built in a head cover 61a, a platen drive shaft 62 facing the print head 7, and a winding for winding an ink ribbon R described later. A drive shaft 63 and a positioning projection 64 of the tape reel 17 described later are provided. A tape feed motor 26 (see FIG. 2) for rotating the platen drive shaft 62 and the take-up drive shaft 63 is built in the lower side of the cartridge mounting portion 6.

  The tape cartridge C includes a tape reel 17 in which a printing tape T having a certain width (about 4 mm to 48 mm) is wound at an upper central portion inside the cartridge case 51, and a ribbon reel 19 in which an ink ribbon R is wound at a lower right portion. The printing tape T and the ink ribbon R are configured with the same width. A through hole 55 for inserting a head cover 61 a covering the head unit 61 is formed in the lower left portion of the tape reel 17. Further, the head unit 61 inserted into the through-hole 55 is provided with a platen roller 53 that is fitted to the platen drive shaft 62 and rotated to correspond to the portion where the printing tape T and the ink ribbon R overlap. Yes. On the other hand, a ribbon take-up reel 54 is arranged in the vicinity of the ribbon reel 19, and the ink ribbon R fed out from the ribbon reel 19 is arranged so as to go around the head cover 61 a and is taken up by the ribbon take-up reel 54. It is like that.

  When the tape cartridge C is mounted on the cartridge mounting portion 6, the through hole 55 is formed in the head cover 61 a, the center hole of the tape reel 17 is positioned in the positioning protrusion 64, and the center hole of the ribbon take-up reel 54 is positioned in the winding drive shaft 63. The print head 7 is inserted and the print tape 7 and the ink ribbon R are sandwiched between the print head 7 and the platen roller 53 so that printing can be performed. Thereafter, when the user inputs desired text (characters such as letters, numbers, symbols, and simple figures) and an image with the keyboard 3 while checking the editing result of the display screen 41, and presses the “print key” to instruct printing. The tape printer 1 feeds the print tape T from the tape cartridge C by the tape feed motor 26 and selectively heats the heating elements of the print head 7 to perform desired printing on the print tape T. The printed portion of the printing tape T is sent to the outside from the tape discharge port 22 at any time. When printing is completed, the tape feeding motor 26 feeds the printing tape T to the position of the tape length including the margin, The feeding is stopped (then, the process proceeds to cutting process).

  On the other hand, the printing tape T is composed of a recording tape Ta having an adhesive layer formed on the back surface, and a release tape Tb attached to the recording tape Ta by the adhesive layer. The printing tape T is wound in a roll shape with the recording tape Ta on the outside and the release tape Tb on the inside, and is accommodated in the cartridge case 51. In addition, a plurality of types of printing tapes T different in tape type (tape width, tape ground color, ground pattern, material (texture), etc.) are prepared, and each cartridge case 51 has one type. Printing tape T (and ink ribbon R) are accommodated. A plurality of holes (not shown) for specifying the type of the tape cartridge C are provided on the back surface of the cartridge case 51. A plurality of tape identification sensors (microswitches, etc.) 27 (see FIG. 2) for detecting these are provided in the cartridge mounting portion 6 corresponding to the plurality of holes. By detecting the state of the hole, the tape type can be determined.

  Next, the control configuration of the tape printer 1 will be described with reference to the control block diagram of FIG. The tape printer 1 includes a central processing unit (CPU) 110, a random access memory (RAM) 120, a read only memory (ROM) 130, a display screen 41, a keyboard 3, a cutter motor 25, a tape cutter 23, A tape feed motor 26, a print head 7, and a tape identification sensor 27 are provided, and each component is connected via a bus 150.

  The RAM 120 is directly connected to the CPU 110 and is used as a work area when the CPU 110 performs various controls. The RAM 120 also has a set value storage area 121 for storing various set values related to the “serial number function”. The various setting values related to the “serial number function” indicate values set by the user after the “serial number setting key” is pressed. Details will be described later.

  The ROM 130 stores a control program and various information for the CPU 110 to perform various controls. Specifically, the control program includes a display control program for performing display control of the display screen 41, a serial number execution program for realizing the “serial number function”, a print processing program for performing print processing, and the like. Included (not shown).

  The ROM 130 also has a character storage area 131 for storing a list of characters used for display on the display screen 41 and printing on the print tape T. The character list includes a plurality of character groups composed of L consecutive characters (where L is an arbitrary integer satisfying L ≧ 1). Each character group is classified according to the character type such as letters, numbers, symbols, simple figures, and the like, and is further classified into a plurality of categories within each character type. For example, “letters” are classified into categories of “alphabet”, “hiragana”, and “takataka”, and “alphabets” are classified into small categories such as “uppercase” and “lowercase”. Yes. In the case of “number”, “monthly number (“ 1 ”to“ 12 ”)”, “one-digit number (“ 0 ”to“ 9 ”)”, “one-digit number (“ 1 ”to“ 9 ”) ) ”,“ Two-digit numbers (“00” to “09”) ”,“ two-digit numbers (“01” to “99”) ”, and the like. In addition, “symbols” and “simple figures” are classified into categories according to the type of business and usage. Each category may be further classified according to decorations (circled characters, underlined characters, etc.) added to the character.

  The display screen 41 functions as a display unit for displaying the editing result and the print layout. The keyboard 3 functions as input means for a user to input an arbitrary character, character group designation means for designating a character group, and setting means for performing various settings.

  The cutter motor 25 is connected to the tape cutter 23 and functions as a cutting means. The tape feed motor 26 and the print head 7 function as printing means for performing printing on the printing tape T. As described above, the print head 7 and the tape identification sensor 27 are provided in the cartridge mounting unit 6, and the tape identification sensor 27 detects the type of the print tape T accommodated in the tape cartridge C. Based on the detection result of the tape identification sensor 27, the CPU 110 limits the number of lines and characters that can be input as text, or sets the tape cartridge C (the tape width of the printing tape T accommodated in the tape cartridge C, It is determined whether or not the material etc. are suitable for printing using the “serial number function” (hereinafter referred to as “serial number printing”). If the “serial number setting key” is pressed in a state where the tape cartridge C inappropriate for serial number printing is loaded, a message indicating that printing cannot be performed is displayed on the display screen 41. Further, the CPU 110 controls display processing and printing processing of the display screen 41.

  Next, a flow of a printing process using the “serial number function” will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. First, when the “serial number setting key” is pressed by the user (S01), the tape printer 1 (CPU 110) displays a serial number function selection screen (not shown) on the display screen 41, and the serial number function is displayed. A selection is prompted (S02). On the serial number function selection screen, either “normal serial number” or “monthly serial number” can be selected. The latter “monthly serial number” uses a character group “monthly number (“ 1 ”to“ 12 ”)”, and is a function specialized for printing the monthly display label L. In contrast, the former “normal serial number” is a serial number function with a high degree of freedom of setting (high versatility).

  When the “normal serial number” is selected by the user, one character group is designated from among a plurality of character groups stored in the character storage area 131 (S03). Subsequently, “cycle”, “initial value”, and “number of printed sheets” are set (S04, S05, S06: random order). “Period” refers to the number of characters to be subjected to the serial number function. The “initial value” indicates a start value of the serial number function, and corresponds to any one of the L characters included in the designated character group. That is, among the L characters, N consecutive characters determined by the “value of N” are extracted from the set initial value as continuous characters that are targets of the “serial number function” (continuous Character extraction means). For example, as shown in FIG. 4A, the L characters included in the designated character group are 12 numbers “1” to “12”, and the “initial value” is “4”. When “cycle (value of N)” is set to “12”, 12 characters “4”... “12”, “1”. It is extracted as a target. Thus, the number R (here, “9”) from the set “initial value (here, the number“ 4 ”)” to the Lth character (here, the number “12”) is an N value (here. Is less than “12”), the character (here “3”) from the first character (here “1”) to (N−R) characters (here “number” 1 ”...“ 3 ”) N characters including “)” are extracted. Further, as shown in FIG. 4B, when “cycle” is set to “6”, six characters “4” to “9” are extracted as targets of “serial number function”. As shown in FIG. 4C, when “cycle” is set to “3”, three characters “4”... “6” are extracted as targets of “serial number function”. Is done. On the other hand, the “number of printed sheets” indicates the total number of labels L to be printed continuously (number of sequential printing). The setting values set (designated) in S03 to S06 are stored in the setting value storage area 121 in the RAM 120.

  After the setting value is set, when printing is instructed by the user pressing the “print key” (S07), normal serial number printing is performed (S08). In this step (and monthly serial number printing described later: see S12), the serial number execution program and the print processing program stored in the ROM 130, the serial number execution program stored in the ROM 130, and the print processing program are used. Number printing is realized. Note that sequential printing may be performed by printing the label L one by one each time the “print key” is pressed, or by the number of “print number” that has been set by pressing the “print key” once. L may be printed continuously.

  On the other hand, when “monthly serial number” is selected as the serial number function by the user, only “initial value” and “number of printed sheets” are set (S09, S10). In the case of “monthly serial number”, “initial value” is “start month” and “number of printed sheets” is “total number of months” (details will be described later). Thus, when “monthly serial number” is selected, it is not necessary to specify a character group (corresponding to S03 of “normal serial number”) and set “cycle” (corresponding to S04 of “normal serial number”). The character group “monthly number (“ 1 ”to“ 12 ”)” and “cycle (value of N)” = “12” are automatically set. Thereafter, when printing is instructed by the user pressing the “print key” (S11), monthly serial number printing is performed (S12).

  Here, a specific example of monthly serial number printing will be described with reference to FIGS. 5 and 6. FIG. 5 shows a print result when the initial value (start month) = “4”, the number of printed sheets (total number of months) = “12”, and “_month” is input as an arbitrary character. It is. That is, according to the above setting, the 12 characters (“4”... “12”, “4”, “12”, “12”, etc.) are extracted in the serial number column C1 corresponding to “*” of “* monthly”. One character is sequentially selected / inserted from “1”... “3” (see FIG. 4A). Thereby, twelve monthly display labels L (partially omitted) shown in FIG. 5 can be created.

  FIG. 6 is a flowchart of monthly serial number printing. As shown in the figure, the tape printer 1 (CPU 110) first resets the value of each counter (S21). That is, month counter: M = 0, start month counter: MS = 0, total month counter: MA = 0, and print counter: P = 0. Subsequently, in accordance with the set initial value (start month) value “m (“ 4 ”in the example of FIG. 5)”, the start month counter: MS = m and the month counter: M = MS are set (S22). . Further, the total number of months counter: MA = n is set in accordance with the set number of printed sheets (total number of months) “n” (“12” in the example of FIG. 5) ”(S23).

  Further, print data “M;“ month ”” is generated according to the input arbitrary character (“_month” in the example of FIG. 5) (S24), and every time the “print key” is pressed (S25). The printing number counter: P is added (S26), and it is determined whether the printing number counter: P has reached the total number of months counter: MA (S27). If it has reached (S27: Yes), the processing is performed. Exit. If it has not reached (S27: No), it is determined whether or not the month counter: M has reached “12” (S28). If it has not reached “12” (S28: No), Counter: M is added (S29), and S24 and subsequent steps are repeated. When the month counter: M reaches “12” (S28: Yes), the month counter: M is reset to “1” (S30), and S24 and subsequent steps are repeated. Thus, the month counter: M is selected from the 12 characters (“4”... “12”, “1”... “3”) extracted as the targets of the “serial number function”. One character is selected sequentially.

  Next, an application example of monthly serial number printing will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 7 shows initial values (start month) = “4”, start year = “2000”, total years = “2” (number of printed sheets = “24”), and “_year_month” as an arbitrary character. FIG. 6 shows a printing result when “” is input. That is, with the above setting, the 12 characters (““ * 2 ”year (* 1) month) extracted as targets of the“ serial number function ”in the serial number column C1 corresponding to“ * 1 ”. 4 ”...“ 12 ”,“ 1 ”...“ 3 ”, see FIG. 4A), one character is sequentially selected and inserted, and a serial number corresponding to“ * 2 ”. The column C2 is added / inserted from the initial value (reset character output means), triggered by resetting the serial number column C1 to “1” (reset associated with lap). Thereby, 24 monthly display labels L (partially omitted) shown in FIG. 7 can be created. In this application example, in the flowchart shown in FIG. 3 (S09 to S12 when “monthly serial number” is selected), “starting year” can be further set. In S10, “total number of months” Instead, it is assumed that the “total number of years” can be set.

  FIG. 8 is a flowchart of monthly serial number printing in this application example. The tape printer 1 (CPU 110) first resets the value of each counter (S41). That is, month counter: M = 0, start month counter: MS = 0, total month counter: MA = 0, year counter: Y = 0, start year counter: YS = 0, total year counter: YA = 0, print Number counter: P = 0. Subsequently, the start year counter: YS = y and the year counter: Y = YS are set in accordance with the set start year value “y (“ 2000 ”in the example of FIG. 7)” (S42). Further, the start month counter: MS = m and the month counter: M = MS are set according to the initial value (start month) value “m (“ 4 ”in the example of FIG. 7)” (S43). Further, according to the set total year value “n (“ 2 ”in the example of FIG. 7)”, the total year counter: YA = n (S44) and the total month counter: MA = YA × 12 (S45).

  In addition, print data “Y;“ year ”M;“ month ”” is generated in accordance with an input arbitrary character (“_year_month” in the example of FIG. 7) (S46), and “print key” Is pressed (S47), the printing number counter: P is added (S48), and it is determined whether the printing number counter: P has reached the total number of months counter: MA (S49). (S49: Yes), the process ends. If it has not reached (S49: No), it is determined whether or not the month counter: M has reached “12” (S50), and if it has not reached “12” (S50: No), the month Counter: M is added (S51), and S46 and subsequent steps are repeated. When the month counter M reaches “12” (S50: Yes), the month counter M is reset to “1” (S52), and the year counter Y is added (S53), and after S46. repeat. Thus, the year counter: Y is sequentially added from the initial value “2000” with the reset of the month counter: M (output of the number “12”) as a trigger. In the present example, “linked character output means” in the claims refers to a year counter: Y. In the present example, “a plurality of predetermined characters having continuity” refers to a plurality of characters indicating the year (for example, “1001” to “2999”).

  Next, a case where the monthly display label L shown in FIG. 7 is created by “normal serial number” will be described with reference to FIG. Here, a case of creating 120 monthly (for 10 years) monthly display labels L is illustrated. As shown in FIG. 9, the month display label L shown in FIG. 7 inputs “200_year_month” as an arbitrary character, and “* 1” of “20 (* 2) year (* 1) month”. The first serial number (serial number column C1) corresponding to the character group = “monthly number (“ 1 ”to“ 12 ”)”, cycle = “12”, initial value = “4”, number of prints = “ 120 ”, the second serial number (serial number column C2) corresponding to“ * 2 ”is set to character group =“ one-digit number (“0” to “9”) ”, cycle =“ 10 ”, This can be realized by setting the initial value = “0”, the number of printed sheets = “unspecified”, and further linking the second serial number to the first serial number (linked character output means).

  In this case, for the first serial number, 12 characters “4”... “12”, “1”. As for the serial number, ten characters “0”... “9” are extracted as targets of the “serial number function”. Further, the second serial number is added from the initial value “0”, triggered by the reset of the first serial number to “1” (reset associated with the lap). Thereby, 120 monthly display labels L from “April 2000” to “December 2009” can be created.

  In the example shown in FIG. 9, the flowchart shown in FIG. 3 (S03 to S08 when “normal serial number” is selected) is repeated twice (number of serial numbers), and further “existence of interlock” and It is a premise that it is possible to set “interlocking target (targeting“ first serial number ”in the setting of“ second serial number ”)”.

  Next, with reference to FIG. 10, a case where a label other than the monthly display label L is created based on the “normal serial number” will be described. Here, the case where the room number label L (50 sheets in total) of ten rooms ("_01 room" to "_10 room") of a five-storey apartment is illustrated. Further, the case where the number of printed sheets is set not by the first serial number but by the second serial number will be exemplified. As shown in FIG. 10, the 50 room number labels L are input as “__Room” as an arbitrary character, and the first corresponding to “* 1” in “(* 2) (* 1) Room”. The serial number (serial number column C1) is set to character group = “2-digit number (“ 01 ”to“ 99 ”)”, cycle = “10”, initial value = “01”, number of prints = “unspecified” Set the second serial number (serial number column C2) corresponding to “* 2”, character group = “1-digit number (“ 1 ”to“ 9 ”)”, cycle = “5”, initial value = This can be realized by setting “1”, number of printings: total floor number = “5” (number of printed sheets = “50”), and further linking the second serial number to the first serial number.

  In this case, for the first serial number, ten characters “01”... “10” are extracted as the targets of the “serial number function”. ”Are extracted as five characters“ 1 ”...“ 5 ”. The second serial number is added from the initial value “1” with the reset of the first serial number to “01” (reset associated with the lap) as a trigger. Thereby, 50 room number labels L from “Room 101” to “Room 510” can be created.

  In the example shown in FIG. 10 as well, the flowchart shown in FIG. 3 (S03 to S08 when “normal serial number” is selected) is repeated twice, and “existence of interlock” and “target of interlock” are further determined. It is assumed that it can be set. In addition, the “serial number printing” of this embodiment can be applied to a case where a large number of labels L having continuity are created, such as when creating a label L indicating a class or attendance number at a school or a cram school.

  As described above, according to the tape printer 1 of the present embodiment, “character group”, “cycle”, “initial value”, and “number of printed sheets” are set (designated) as setting items related to the serial number function. Thus, it is possible to extract the N characters that are the targets of the serial number function and sequentially output one character from them to realize serial number printing. Thereby, various serial number functions can be realized. In addition, by selecting “Monthly serial number” as the serial number function, it is not necessary to set the “character group” and “cycle”. Therefore, the “initial value” and the “number of prints” need only be set once. With a simple setting, it is possible to create a monthly display label L for one year that straddles the year.

  In the above-described embodiment, “cycle”, “initial value”, and “number of printed sheets” are listed as setting items related to the serial number function, but “repetition number” may be set. For example, when “number of repetitions” is set to “2”, in the example shown in FIG. 5, “April degree”, “April degree”, “May degree”, “May degree”, etc. The same label L is printed two by two. However, in this case, in order to create the monthly display label L for one year, it is necessary to set the number of printed sheets = “24”.

  In the above embodiment, a plurality of character groups are stored in advance in the character storage area 131 in the ROM 130. However, the user can set and register the character groups (L characters). May be. According to this configuration, a serial number function that meets the needs of the user can be realized, and convenience is good.

  In the above embodiment, the initial value needs to be set, but this is not always necessary. For example, when the initial value is not set, N characters may be extracted from the first (first) or last (Lth) character among the L characters, and among the L characters, N pieces including an intermediate character may be extracted. Further, the L characters do not necessarily have periodicity, and the “initial value” or “N value” is such that the number R from the set initial value to the Lth character satisfies R <N. May not be settable.

  In the above-described embodiment, the tape printer 1 is illustrated, but the present invention can also be applied to a printing apparatus that performs printing on a printing medium other than the printing tape T. In addition to the printing apparatus, the present invention can be applied to a character output apparatus that can output a serial number according to the serial number execution program in the present embodiment.

  Moreover, it is possible to provide each component of the tape printer 1 shown in said embodiment as a program. Further, the program can be provided by being stored in various recording media (CD-ROM, flash memory, etc.). That is, a program for causing a computer to function as each unit of the tape printer 1 and a recording medium on which the program is recorded are also included in the scope of rights of the present invention. Other modifications can be made as appropriate without departing from the scope of the present invention.

It is an external appearance perspective view of the tape printer of an open state. It is a control block diagram of a tape printer. 6 is a flowchart illustrating a printing process using a “serial number function”. It is explanatory drawing which shows the character extracted as a target of a "serial number function". It is a figure which shows the creation example of a monthly display label. It is a flowchart which shows the procedure of monthly serial number printing. It is a figure which shows the creation example (application example) of a monthly display label. It is a flowchart which shows the procedure of monthly serial number printing (application example). It is a figure which shows the example of a setting in the case of producing a monthly display label by "normal serial number." It is a figure which shows the example of a setting in the case of creating a room number label by "normal serial number".

Explanation of symbols

  DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Tape printer 3 ... Keyboard 41 ... Display screen 110 ... CPU 120 ... RAM 121 ... Setting value storage area 130 ... ROM 131 ... Character storage area T ... Printing tape C1, C2 ... Serial number column L ... Label

Claims (6)

Continuous character output means for sequentially outputting one character for a plurality of first characters having continuity;
Targeting a plurality of second character having continuous sex, and interlocking character output means sequentially outputs one character,
Setting means for setting the initial value S1 and period N1 of the continuous character output means , and the initial value S2 and period N2 of the interlocking character output means , respectively.
The continuous character output means sequentially outputs one of N1 consecutive characters determined by a set initial value S1 and a cycle N1 from the plurality of first characters in order from the initial value S1.
The interlocking character output means sequentially outputs one of N2 consecutive characters determined by the set initial value S2 and the cycle N2 from the plurality of second characters in order from the initial value S2.
The character output device characterized in that the interlocking character output means selects the next character instead of the selected character every time the continuation of the continuous character output means is reset . And further comprising continuous character storage means for storing the first characters having L continuity (where L is an integer satisfying L ≧ 1),
The continuous character output means of the L of the first character, successive number N1 determined by the initial value S1 and a period N1 set by the setting means (However, N1 is an integer which is a 1 ≦ N1 ≦ L The character output device according to claim 1, wherein one character is output in order from the N1 characters. The continuous character storage means stores a plurality of character groups composed of the L first characters,
Character group designating means for designating one character group from among a plurality of character groups stored in the continuous character storage means,
3. The character according to claim 2 , wherein the continuous character output means extracts the N1 characters from the L first characters included in one designated character group. Output device. Each means in the character output device according to any one of claims 1 to 3 ,
A tape printing apparatus, comprising: a printing unit that prints the character output by the character output device on a tape. A method for controlling a character output device that sequentially outputs consecutive characters,
The character output device is
A continuous character output step for outputting one character in order for a plurality of first characters having continuity;
Targeting a plurality of second character having continuous sex, and interlocking character output step of sequentially outputting a first character,
Executing an initial value S1 and a cycle N1 of the continuous character output step , and a setting step of setting the initial value S2 and the cycle N2 of the interlocking character output step , respectively.
The continuous character output step sequentially outputs one of N1 consecutive characters determined by the set initial value S1 and the period N1 from the plurality of first characters in order from the initial value S1.
The interlocking character output step sequentially outputs one of N2 consecutive characters determined by a set initial value S2 and a cycle N2 from the plurality of second characters in order from the initial value S2.
In the character output device control method , the interlocking character output step selects the next character instead of the selected character at every reset associated with the lap of the continuous character output step . The program for making a computer perform each step in the control method of the character output device of Claim 5 .

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