JP6379987B2 - Printing device - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a printing apparatus that performs printing on a printing medium.

  2. Description of the Related Art A printing device that forms a print on a print medium is known (for example, see Patent Document 1). In this printing apparatus (printed label producing apparatus), in addition to a plurality of text characters desired by the operator, a mark portion composed of an image, a symbol, and the like can be printed and formed.

JP2013-193325A

  In the prior art, the mark portion is only printed on the side of the plurality of text characters along the conveyance direction (that is, the position where they do not overlap). If the mark portion can be printed so as to overlap the text characters, it should be possible to form a variety of prints with rich expressiveness. In the prior art described above, no particular consideration has been given to such a point.

  An object of the present invention is to provide a printing apparatus capable of forming a variety of prints with rich expressiveness by forming a print in a form in which appropriate mark portions are superimposed for each text character.

In order to achieve the above object, the present invention is a printing apparatus comprising: a conveying unit that conveys a printing medium; and a printing unit that forms a print on the printing medium conveyed by the conveying unit. Operating means for operating and inputting a plurality of text characters printed on the print medium, and prepared in advance for individually applying to the plurality of text characters formed on the print medium. And a mark storage means for storing a plurality of types of mark portions, each having a predetermined first outer frame and a first printing mode in the first outer frame, and a plurality of the mark portions for each mark portion. with inclusion in or as a whole the plurality of mark parts, each comprising a second print mode of the second outer frame with a predetermined second outer frame, and the background storage means for storing a plurality of background portion, The plurality of types of mark parts stored in the serial mark storing means is displayed with a list can confirm message by scrolling, one selected by the operation of the operation means from among the is the display a plurality of types of mark parts The first setting means for setting the above mark part and the plurality of types of background parts stored in the background storage means are displayed together with a confirmation message so that they can be listed by scrolling, and the plurality of types of background parts displayed are displayed. Second setting means for setting one or more types of background portions selected by operating the operating means from among them, and the one or more types of mark portions set by the first setting means are input by the operating means. the text characters are superposed with the visible each text characters, wherein the one or more back, which is set by the second setting means Part is, in a manner encompassing the mark portion superimposed on the text, creates a print data generation means for generating print data, the print label to form a printed corresponding to the printing medium to said print data As described above, the apparatus includes a cooperation control unit that controls the conveyance unit and the printing unit in a coordinated manner.

  In the printing apparatus of the present invention, it is possible to form on the print medium a print that represents a plurality of desired text characters intended by the operator. Then, at the time of creation, it is possible to form a print so that a mark portion composed of an image, a symbol, or the like is overlaid for each text character.

  That is, a plurality of types of the mark portions are stored in the storage means. Each mark portion includes a predetermined first outer frame, and the inside of the first outer frame is printed and formed in a corresponding first print mode. Then, for the plurality of text characters input by the operator via the operation unit, the setting unit selects one or more types of mark portions from the plurality of types of mark portions stored in the storage unit, and the text characters Set as the mark part to use. The print data generation unit generates print data in which the set mark portion is superposed on each text character (so that the text character can be visually recognized). Based on the generated print data, the corresponding print is formed by the control of the cooperation control means.

  As a result, when the operator performs an input operation for a plurality of text characters, it is possible to form a print in a mode in which appropriate mark portions are superimposed for each text character. Therefore, a variety of expression modes can be realized in text characters as compared with the conventional method in which the mark portion is arranged beside the text characters. As a result, various prints can be formed with rich expressiveness according to the use and preference of the operator, so that convenience can be improved.

  According to the present invention, a variety of prints can be formed with rich expressiveness, and the convenience for the operator can be improved.

It is a perspective view showing the appearance which looked at the printing apparatus in a 1st embodiment of the present invention from the slanting upper direction. It is a perspective view showing the appearance which looked at the printing device of the state where the lower cover was opened from diagonally below. FIG. 4 is an enlarged plan view schematically showing the internal structure of the cartridge. It is a functional block diagram showing a control system of the printing apparatus. It is explanatory drawing for demonstrating the flow from which a text character is arrange | positioned in a mark part and a printed label is produced. It is a flowchart showing the control procedure performed by CPU. In 2nd Embodiment of this invention, it is explanatory drawing for demonstrating the flow by which a text character is arrange | positioned in the mark part in a background part, and a printed label is produced. It is a flowchart showing the control procedure performed by CPU. FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram for explaining a flow of creating a print label by arranging text characters in a mark portion in a background portion in a modification in which a plurality of mark portions are arranged in a common background portion. FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram for explaining a flow in which a text label is arranged in a mark portion in a background portion and a print label is created in a modified example in which the mark portion is painted with a background color.

  Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.

  A first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS.

  A schematic configuration of the printing apparatus according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. In FIG. 1, this printed label producing apparatus 1 (corresponding to a printing apparatus) cuts a printed label tape on which a desired printing has been performed to a predetermined length, thereby producing a printed label L (see FIGS. 5 and 5 to be described later). 7). In this embodiment, the front / rear / left / right / up / down directions of the print label producing apparatus 1 indicate directions shown in FIGS.

<Overall schematic configuration>
As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the casing 2 of the print label producing apparatus 1 includes a lower cover 15 that forms the lower surface of the apparatus, a lateral cover 16 that forms the side surface of the apparatus, and an upper cover 17 that forms the upper surface of the apparatus. It is comprised by. The upper cover 17 has a keyboard 3 (corresponding to operation means) for performing various operations such as character input from the front direction to the rear direction, and a function key group for executing various functions of the print label producing apparatus 1. 4 and a liquid crystal display 5 for displaying input characters, symbols, and the like. In this example, the function key group 4 includes a power switch 4B, a print key 4C, and the like. Further, a cutter lever 7 for cutting a printed label tape 109 (see FIG. 3 described later) is provided on the right rear side of the horizontal cover 16.

  A cartridge holder 9 to which the cartridge 8 can be attached and detached is provided on the upper rear side of the print label producing apparatus 1. The cartridge holder 9 is covered when the lower cover 15 configured to be openable / closable with the front end portion of the print label producing apparatus 1 as a rotation shaft is closed, and is exposed when the lower cover 15 is opened.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 2, a battery storage unit 70 that can store a plurality of batteries BT (see FIG. 4 described later) is provided adjacent to the cartridge holder 9 on the upper rear side of the print label producing apparatus 1. ing. In FIG. 2, reference numeral 60 denotes a DC jack to which an output plug of an AC adapter 220 (see FIG. 4 described later) as an external power source is connected.

<Cartridge>
As shown in FIG. 3, the cartridge 8 includes a casing 8A and a first roll 102 (in fact, a spiral shape, which is disposed in the casing 8A and wound with a band-shaped base tape 101). And a second roll 104 (actually spiral) on which a transparent cover film 103 (corresponding to a print medium) having a width substantially the same as the base tape 101 is wound. In the drawing, it is simply shown as a concentric circle), a ribbon supply side roll 111 for feeding out an ink ribbon 105 (thermal transfer ribbon, but not required when the print-receiving tape is a thermal tape), and a ribbon for winding up the ink ribbon 105 after printing. A winding roller 106 and a tape feed roller 27 rotatably supported in the vicinity of the tape discharge portion of the cartridge 8 are provided.

  The tape feeding roller 27 feeds the tape in the direction indicated by arrow A in FIG. 3 while pressing and bonding the base tape 101 and the cover film 103 to form a label tape 109 with print.

  The first roll 102 has the base tape 101 wound around a reel member 102a. The base tape 101 has a four-layer structure in this example, and detailed illustration is omitted, but the adhesive layer for bonding made of an appropriate adhesive from the side wound inside to the opposite side, PET A colored base film made of (polyethylene terephthalate) or the like, a sticking adhesive layer made of an appropriate pressure-sensitive adhesive, and release paper are laminated in this order.

  The second roll 104 has the cover film 103 wound around a reel member 104a. The ink ribbon 105 is pressed against and brought into contact with the back surface of the cover film 103 fed out from the second roll 104 by the thermal head 23 (corresponding to printing means).

  At this time, corresponding to the configuration of the cartridge 8, the cartridge holder 9 has a ribbon take-up shaft 107 for taking up the used ink ribbon 105 and a label tape 109 for printing. A tape feed roller drive shaft 108 (corresponding to a conveying means) for driving the tape feed roller 27 is provided. The cartridge head 9 is provided with the thermal head 23 for performing desired printing on the cover film 103 so as to be positioned at the opening 14 (see FIG. 2) of the cartridge 8 when the cartridge 8 is mounted.

  The ribbon take-up roller 106 and the tape feed roller 27 are driven by the ribbon take-up roller driven by a driving force of a drive motor 211 (see FIG. 4 to be described later) provided outside the cartridge 8 via, for example, a gear mechanism. By being transmitted to the shaft 107 and the tape feed roller drive shaft 108, they are driven to rotate in conjunction with each other.

  In the above configuration, when the cartridge 8 is mounted on the cartridge holder 9 and the roll holder is moved from the release position (not shown) to the print position shown in FIG. 3, the cover film 103 and the ink ribbon 105 are connected to the thermal head 23. The platen roller 26 provided opposite to the thermal head 23 is sandwiched. At the same time, the base tape 101 and the cover film 103 are sandwiched between the tape feed roller 27 and the pressure roller 28 provided to face the tape feed roller 27. The ribbon take-up roller 106 and the tape feed roller 27 are rotationally driven in synchronization with directions indicated by arrows B and C in FIG. At this time, the tape feed roller drive shaft 108, the pressure roller 28 and the platen roller 26 are connected by a gear mechanism (not shown), and the tape feed roller 27, The pressure roller 28 and the platen roller 26 rotate, the base tape 101 is fed out from the first roll 102, and is supplied to the tape feed roller 27 as described above.

  On the other hand, the cover film 103 is fed out from the second roll 104, and a plurality of heating elements provided in the thermal head 23 are energized by the thermal head control circuit 217 (see FIG. 4 described later) to generate heat. At this time, the ink ribbon 105 driven by the ribbon take-up roller 106 is pressed against and brought into contact with the back side of the cover film 103 (that is, the side to be bonded to the base tape). . As a result, a print (details will be described later) corresponding to the print data of the desired print content is printed on the back surface of the cover film 103.

  Then, the base tape 101 and the cover film 103 on which the printing has been completed are bonded and integrated by the adhesive layer for bonding by the pressing of the tape feeding roller 27 and the pressure roller 28, and the label tape with print is formed. 109 is formed and discharged out of the cartridge 8. The ink ribbon 105 that has finished printing on the cover film 103 is taken up by the ribbon take-up roller 106 by driving the ribbon take-up roller drive shaft 107.

  A cutting mechanism 42 having a fixed blade 40 and a movable blade 41 is provided on the downstream side of the transport path of the printed label tape 109 discharged out of the cartridge 8. When the cutter lever 7 is operated, the movable blade 41 operates, the printed label tape 109 is cut, and a printed label L (see FIG. 5 and the like described later) is generated.

<Control system>
Next, the control system of the print label producing apparatus 1 will be described with reference to FIG.

  In FIG. 4, the print label producing apparatus 1 has a CPU 212 that performs a predetermined calculation.

  The CPU 212 is connected to the liquid crystal display 5, the EEPROM 214, and the RAM 213. The CPU 212 is connected to the AC adapter 220 and performs a power on / off process for the print label producing apparatus 1, and a drive motor for driving the ribbon take-up roller drive shaft 107 and the tape feed roller drive shaft 108. A motor driving circuit 216 that controls the driving of the motor 211 and a thermal head control circuit 217 that controls the energization of the heating elements of the thermal head 23 are connected.

  The EEPROM 214 stores various control programs (including a control program for executing a flow shown in FIGS. 6 and 8 described later). The CPU 212 performs signal processing according to a program stored in advance in the EEPROM 214 while using the temporary storage function of the RAM 213, thereby controlling the entire print label producing apparatus 1.

  Further, in the EEPROM 214, a mark storage unit 214a (corresponding to a storage unit) that stores a plurality of types of mark portions such as images and symbols (see mark portions M11, T12, T13, T14, T15, T16... Described later). ) And a background storage unit 214b that stores a plurality of types of background parts (see background parts K11, K12, K13, K14, K15, K16, K17, K18,... Described later). The mark storage unit 214a and the background storage unit 214b will be described later.

<Features of the embodiment>
The print label L generated as described above is printed so that a plurality of text characters T and a plurality of mark portions overlap (see FIG. 5 described later). The greatest feature of the present embodiment is the method of arranging the mark portion in a manner desired by the operator for each text character T. Hereinafter, the details will be described in order.

<Enter text characters>
In the present embodiment, for example, as shown in FIG. 5A, the text character T or the like is input to the liquid crystal display 5 by an appropriate operation of the keyboard 3 or the function key group 4 by the operator. A text editing screen 5A is displayed. In this state, as shown in FIG. 5B, the operator inputs the text character T (or may be a symbol) using the keyboard 3 or the like. In this example, the text character T consisting of “ABCDE” is input, for example, in a Gothic style.

<Selection of mark part>
Thereafter, on the text input screen 5A, for example, using the function key group 4, a plurality of mark portions M11, M12, M13, M14, M15, M16... Prepared in advance and stored in the mark storage portion 214a. Are displayed as a list by scrolling, for example.

  In this example, as the mark portion, a “heart-shaped” outer frame F11 (corresponding to the first outer frame) and a one-color painted portion therein (in this example, a black solid painted portion. ”) G11 (corresponding to the first print mode), a“ star-shaped ”outer frame F12 (corresponding to the first outer frame), and a solid black portion G12 (first print) A diamond portion outer frame F13 (corresponding to the first outer frame) and a black solid-filled portion G13 (corresponding to the first printing mode). A mark portion M13 having a mark portion M13, an “elliptical” outer frame F14 (corresponding to the first outer frame), and a black solid-filled portion G14 (corresponding to the first print mode) therein, “sun type” "Outer frame F15 (corresponding to the first outer frame) and A mark portion M15 having a solid-filled portion G15 (corresponding to the first print mode), a “saddle-shaped” outer frame F16 (corresponding to the first outer frame), and a black solid-filled portion G16 (first print) Mark portion M16, etc., which are provided in the above-mentioned EEPROM 214, are stored in the mark storage portion 214a of the EEPROM 214, and the mark portions M11 to M16 can be displayed as a list on the text input screen 5A (or another screen or another window). Is displayed.

  The operator performs a selection operation of selecting one (or a plurality of selectable) mark portions intended to be individually applied to the text character T from among the mark portions M11 to M16. .

  In this example, as shown in FIG. 5C, the text editing screen 5A is provided with the “heart-shaped” outer frame F11 by an appropriate operation of the keyboard 3 or the function key group 4 by the operator. The mark part M11 is selected. At this time, a confirmation message “Do you want to mark this?” Is also displayed.

  When the operator performs an appropriate confirmation operation using the keyboard 3 or the function key group 4 in response to the confirmation message, a print label L is generated corresponding to the above input result / selection result. In this example, the inside of the outer frame F11 of the plurality of mark portions M11, each of which is filled with black solids, corresponds to the corresponding text character T (in this example, the character T1 of “A”, the character T2 of “B”, The print label L is generated in a form cut out by the letter “C” of “C”, the letter “T4” of “D”, and the letter “T5” of “E”, in other words, a form in which the mark portion M11 is attached to each character. (See FIG. 5 (d)).

  In the above description, the case where the text character T inside the mark portion M11 is arranged in a form that fits (without intermingling) the outer frame F1 of the mark portion M11 is described as an example. However, by changing the font size of the text character T to a large size or shifting the positions of the mark portion M11 and the text character T from each other, a part of the text character T may protrude from the mark portion M11. good.

<Control procedure>
FIG. 6 shows a flow representing a processing procedure executed by the CPU 212 in order to realize the method described above.

  In FIG. 6, for example, when the operator operates the power switch 4 </ b> B of the function key group 4, this flow is started.

  First, in step S10, the CPU 212 outputs a display signal to the liquid crystal display 5 to display the above-described text editing screen 5A (see FIG. 5A).

  Thereafter, in step S20, the CPU 212 accepts the input operation of the text character T described above performed by the operator via the keyboard 3 (see FIG. 5B).

  In step S30, the CPU 212 selects an appropriate one of the mark parts M11 to M16 stored in the mark storage unit 214a for the text character T received in step S20. It is determined whether the key group 4 or the keyboard 3 is used. When the selection operation is not performed, the determination in step S30 is not satisfied (S30: NO), and the loop waits until the determination in step S30 is satisfied. When the selection operation is performed, the determination at Step S30 is satisfied (S30: YES), and the routine goes to Step S40.

  In step S40, the CPU 212 sets the mark portion selected in step S30 (in the above example, the “heart-shaped” mark portion M11) as a mark to be used. The CPU 212 that executes step S40 functions as setting means described in each claim.

  Thereafter, in step S52, the CPU 212 determines whether or not the print key 4C has been pressed. If the print key 4C has not been pressed, the determination at step S52 is not satisfied (S52: NO), and the loop waits until the determination at step S52 is satisfied. If the print key 4C has been pressed, the determination at step S52 is satisfied (S52: YES), and the routine proceeds to step S60.

  In step S60, the CPU 212 generates print data in a form in which the text character T operated and input in step S20 is placed so as to be visible in the mark portion M11 set in step S40. Note that the CPU 212 that executes step S60 functions as print data generation means in the present embodiment.

  In this step S60, the mode of the text character T may be changed according to the printing mode in the outer frame of the mark portion selected in step S30. For example, when the printing mode in the outer frame of the mark part is transparent, it is set as a normal text character T, and when the printing mode in the outer frame in the mark unit is a light-colored mesh, it is set as a text character T with a border, When the printing mode in the outer frame in the section is a dark mesh or solid black (in the case of the above example), the text character T without a border may be used. In this case, it is possible to realize a design that is easy to see flexibly.

  Thereafter, in step S70, the CPU 212 outputs a control signal to the motor drive circuit 216, and starts driving the tape feed roller drive shaft 108 and the ribbon take-up roller drive shaft 107 by the drive motor 211. Thereby, conveyance of the cover film 103, the base tape 101, and the printed label tape 109 (hereinafter simply referred to as the cover film 103 or the like as appropriate) is started.

  In step S80, based on the print data generated in step S60, the CPU 212 determines whether the cover film 103 and the like transported as described above have been transported to the start position of the predetermined print area (print area of the print area). Whether or not the cover film 103 or the like has been transported until the print head 23 is in the transport direction position facing the front end. This determination may be made by a known appropriate method such as counting the number of pulses of the drive motor 211 formed of a stepping motor, for example. If the cover film 103 or the like is not conveyed to the start position of the printing area, the determination in step S80 is not satisfied (S80: NO), and the loop waits until the determination in step S80 is satisfied. If cover film 103 etc. are conveyed to the starting position of a printing field, the judgment of Step S80 will be satisfied (S80: YES), and it will move to Step S90.

  In step S90, the CPU 212 performs a printing process for energizing the heating elements of the thermal head 23 based on the printing data generated in step S60. As a result, the ink on the ink ribbon 105 is transferred to the cover film 103 by the energized heating element, and a print corresponding to the print data is formed.

  Thereafter, in step S100, the CPU 212 determines whether or not the transported cover film 103 or the like has been transported to the end position of the print area (the cover film 103 or the like until the print head 23 is in a transport direction position facing the rear end of the print area. Whether or not is conveyed). This determination may be performed by the same known method as described above. If the cover film 103 or the like is not conveyed to the end position of the printing area, the determination in step S100 is not satisfied (S100: NO), and the process returns to step S90 and the same procedure is repeated. If the cover film 103 or the like has been conveyed to the end position of the printing area, the determination in step S100 is satisfied (S100: YES), and the process proceeds to step S110.

  In step S110, the CPU 212 conveys the transported cover film 103 or the like based on the print data generated in step S60 to a predetermined cutting position set on the label rear end side from the print area based on the print data. It is determined whether or not the label tape 109 with print has been conveyed until the movable blade 41 is in a conveyance direction position facing the cutting position. This determination may be performed by a known method similar to that described above. If the cover film 103 or the like is not conveyed to the cutting position, the determination in step S110 is not satisfied (S110: NO), and the loop waits until the determination in step S110 is satisfied. If cover film 103 grade | etc., Is conveyed to a cutting position, determination of step S110 will be satisfy | filled (S110: YES), and it will move to step S120.

  In step S120, the CPU 212 outputs a control signal to the motor drive circuit 216, and stops the drive of the tape feed roller drive shaft 108 and the ribbon take-up roller drive shaft 107 by the drive motor 211. Thereby, conveyance of the cover film 103, the base tape 101, and the printed label tape 109 is stopped. In addition, CPU212 which performs the said step S70-step S120 functions as a cooperation control means as described in each claim.

  Thereafter, in step S <b> 130, the CPU 212 outputs a display signal to the liquid crystal display 5. As a result, an appropriate display that prompts the operator to operate the cutter lever 7 to operate the cutting mechanism 15 to cut the printed label tape 109 is performed on the liquid crystal display 5. When the operator operates the cutter lever 7, the printed label tape 109 is cut, and the text character T operated and input in step S20 is placed in the mark portion M11 set in step S40. The print label L on which the printing of the form is formed is generated (see FIG. 5D). Thereafter, this flow is terminated.

<Effects of First Embodiment>
As described above, in the present embodiment, the operator performs an input operation on a plurality of text characters T and selects a mark portion to be applied to each text character T, so that an appropriate value is set for each text character T. It is possible to create a print label L in a form in which the mark portions (mark portion M11 in the above example) are overlaid (see FIG. 5D). Therefore, it is possible to realize various expression modes in the text character T as compared with the conventional method in which the mark part is arranged beside the text character. As a result, various print labels L can be created with rich expressiveness according to the use and preference of the operator, and convenience can be improved.

  In the present embodiment, in particular, in the print label L, the text characters T1 to T5 can be visually recognized in the outer frame (the outer frame F11 in the above example) of the corresponding mark portion (the mark portion M11 in the above example). (See FIG. 5D). As a result, it is possible to surely create a print label L in a clear and easy-to-see manner in which the outer frame F1 and the text character T do not intersect in the mark portion M11.

  Further, in the present embodiment, in particular, it is possible to create a print label L in a form in which each mark portion M11 and the like painted in a desired print form is cut out with text characters T1 to T5 of appropriate colors. Since such a variety of print labels L can be easily and reliably produced, the convenience for the operator can be improved with certainty.

  Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. In this embodiment, a printed label having a background portion (described later) including each mark portion is created. The same parts as those in the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and description thereof will be omitted or simplified as appropriate.

<Enter text characters>
Also in the present embodiment, as in the first embodiment, for example, as shown in FIG. 7A, the liquid crystal display 5 is set to the liquid crystal display 5 by an appropriate operation of the keyboard 3 or the function key group 4 by an operator. A text editing screen 5A for inputting a text character T or the like is displayed. In this state, as shown in FIG. 7B, the operator inputs a text character T (or a symbol) using the keyboard 3 or the like. In this example, the text character T consisting of “ABCDE” is input in a Gothic style, for example, as described above.

<Background selection>
Thereafter, on the text input screen 5A, for example, using the function key group 4, a plurality of background portions K11, K12, K13, K14, K15, K16, K17, which are prepared in advance and stored in the background storage portion 214b. K18... (In the illustrated example, the outline of the background portion that accurately represents the contents of the printing mode of the background portion, hereinafter simply referred to as “background portion”) is displayed in a listable manner, for example, by scrolling.

  In this example, as the background portion, a background portion K11 having a checkered pattern J11 (corresponding to the second print mode), a background portion K12 having a diamond chain pattern J12 (corresponding to the second print mode), and a grid pattern A background portion K13 having a pattern J13 (corresponding to the second print mode), a background portion K14 having a brick wall pattern J14 (corresponding to the second print mode), and a shaded pattern J15 (corresponding to the second print mode) , A background portion K16 having a hatched hatching J16 (corresponding to the second print mode), a background portion K17 having a waveform hatching J17 (corresponding to the second print mode), and a mesh pattern J18 ( A background portion K18 having a second print mode) and the like are stored in the background storage portion 214b of the EEPROM 214, and the background portions K11 to K18 can be listed, and the text input screen 5A (or a separate screen) is stored. Or is displayed in the may also be) in a separate window or the like.

  The operator performs a selection operation of selecting one (or a plurality of selectable) background portions intended to be individually applied to the text character T among the background portions K11 to K18. .

  In this example, as shown in FIG. 7C, the background portion K11 having the checkered pattern J11 is selected on the text editing screen 5A by an appropriate operation of the keyboard 3 or the function key group 4 by the operator. ing. At this time, a confirmation message “Do you want to use the background?” Is also displayed.

<Selection of mark part>
In response to the confirmation message, when the operator performs an appropriate confirmation operation using the keyboard 3 or the function key group 4 or the like, the same mark portion as in the first embodiment is selected on the text input screen 5A. Is called.

  In other words, the aforementioned mark portions M11, M12, M13, M14, M15, M16,... Stored in the mark storage portion 214a are displayed in a listable manner by scrolling. The operator performs a selection operation of selecting one (or a plurality of selectable) mark portions intended to be individually applied to the text character T from among the mark portions M11 to M16. .

  In this example, as in the first embodiment, as shown in FIG. 7D, the “heart-shaped” is displayed on the text editing screen 5A by an appropriate operation of the keyboard 3 or the function key group 4 by the operator. The mark portion M11 having the outer frame F11 is selected, and a confirmation message “Do you want to mark this?” Is also displayed.

  When the operator performs an appropriate confirmation operation using the keyboard 3 or the function key group 4 in response to the confirmation message, a print label L is generated corresponding to the above input result / selection result. In this example, a plurality of the mark portions M11 (including the outer frame F11 and the one-color painted portion G11) superimposed on the corresponding text characters T1, T2, T3, T4, and T5 are provided for each mark portion. The print label L is generated in a manner encompassed by the part K11 (see FIG. 7E).

  At this time, each background portion K11 includes a rectangular outer frame H11 (corresponding to the second outer frame) and the checkered pattern J11 for painting the inside of the outer frame H11. Therefore, in other words, the print label L is divided into five (5 in this example) rectangular outer frames H11 each painted with a checkered pattern J11, and each of the five outer frames F11 having a one-color painted portion G11. A mode in which the mark parts M11 are arranged and the corresponding text characters T1, T2, T3, T4, T5 are arranged in the outer frame F11 of each mark part M11 (the background part K11 is outside the mark part M11). The frame F1 is cut out, and the text characters T1 to T5 are put in the frame).

  At this time, the color of the one-color painted portion G11 of each mark portion M11 is white-painted corresponding to the inside of the outer frame H11 of the background portion K11 being a checkered pattern J11.

  In the creation method as described above, the format setting (font type in this example) may be changed for each text character T of each mark portion M11 as shown in FIG. In this example, among the five text characters T (“A”, “B”, “C”, “D”, and “E”) respectively arranged in each mark portion M11, the text character T1 of “A” is usually thick. “B” text character T2 is bold, “C” text character T3 is italic, “D” text character T4 is TimesNewRoman, and “E” text character T5 is Mincho. ing.

<Control procedure>
FIG. 8 shows a flow representing a processing procedure executed by the CPU 212 of the present embodiment in order to realize the method described above. In addition, the same code | symbol is attached | subjected to the part equivalent to the said FIG. 6 of the said 1st Embodiment, and description is abbreviate | omitted or simplified suitably.

  In the flow of this modification shown in FIG. 8, steps S21 and S22 are newly provided between step S20 and step S30 in FIG. 6, and step S60 ′ is substituted for step S60 in FIG. Is provided.

  That is, after passing through step S10 and step S20 similar to FIG. 6, the process proceeds to newly provided step S21. In step S21, the CPU 212 selects an appropriate one of the mark characters M11 to M16 stored in the background storage unit 214b for the text character T received in step S20. It is determined whether the key group 4 or the keyboard 3 is used. If the selection operation is not performed, the determination in step S21 is not satisfied (S21: NO), and the loop waits until the determination in step S21 is satisfied. When the selection operation is performed, the determination at step S21 is satisfied (S21: YES), and the process proceeds to step S22.

  In step S22, the CPU 212 sets the background portion selected in step S21 (in the above example, the background portion K11 having the checkered pattern J11) as the background portion to be used.

  Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S60 ′ through steps S30, S40, and S52 similar to those in FIG.

  In step S60 ′, the CPU 212 superimposes and arranges the text character T input by the operation in step S20 in the mark portion M11 set in step S40, and further sets in step S22. The print data in the form in which the background portion K11 is arranged is generated. That is, a plurality of mark portions M11 superimposed on the corresponding text character T are included for each mark portion, and each includes a predetermined outer frame J11 and a checkered pattern J11 in the outer frame J11. Print data (in other words, the background portion K11 having the checkered pattern J11 is cut out by the “heart-shaped” outer frame F1 of the mark portion M11, and each text character of “ABCDE” is included therein. (Print data in a form including T) is generated. At this time, the color of the one-color filled portion G11 in the outer frame F11 of the mark portion M11 is white according to the printing mode (checkered pattern J11 in the above example) in the outer frame of the background portion selected in step S21. It is filled with. As a result, a design that is easy to see in the contrast between the color in the mark and the background color can be realized flexibly. Note that the CPU 212 that executes step S60 ′ functions as print data generation means in the present embodiment.

  Also in this step S60 ′, the mode of the text character T may be changed according to the printing mode in the outer frame of the mark portion selected in the step S30, as in the first embodiment. For example, when the printing mode in the outer frame of the mark part is transparent, it is set as a normal text character T, and when the printing mode in the outer frame in the mark unit is a light-colored mesh, it is set as a text character T with a border, When the printing mode in the outer frame in the section is a dark mesh or solid black (in the case of the above example), the text character T without a border may be used. In this case, it is possible to realize a design that is easy to see flexibly.

  Then, each procedure of step S70 to step S130 is the same as that in FIG.

  In the present embodiment, in addition to the effects of the first embodiment, the outer frame F11 is filled with a predetermined print mode (in the above example, a checkered pattern J11) on the outer side of the mark portion M11 having a one-color painted portion G11. A background portion K11 can be provided (see FIGS. 7E and 7F). Specifically, the inside of the outer frame F11 is within a desired print mode (in the above example, a one-color-filled portion G11), within each of the plurality of background portions K11 painted in a desired print mode (checkered pattern J11 in the above example). ) And the printed label L in a form in which each text character T of an appropriate color is arranged in each mark portion M11.

  As a result, it is possible to further improve the expressiveness and convenience of the print label L, and to easily and surely create a variety of print labels L of various aspects, which is convenient for the operator. Can be reliably improved.

  The present invention is not limited to the above-described two embodiments, and various modifications can be made without departing from the spirit and technical idea thereof. Hereinafter, such modifications will be described in order. In addition, the same code | symbol is attached | subjected to the part equivalent to the said 1st and 2nd embodiment, and description is abbreviate | omitted or simplified suitably.

(1) Case where a plurality of mark portions are arranged in one common background portion This modification will be described with reference to FIG.

<Enter text characters>
Also in the present modified example, as in the second embodiment, for example, as shown in FIG. 9A, the text editing screen 5A is first displayed, and as shown in FIG. 9B, for example, “ABCDE” is included. A text character T is input.

<Background selection>
Thereafter, on the text input screen 5A, the background portions K11 to K18 are displayed in a listable manner as described above. In this example, the operator selects a background portion K11 having a checkered pattern J11 as shown in FIG.

<Selection of mark part>
After the operator confirms the confirmation message, the mark portion is selected in the same manner as in the second embodiment, and the mark having the “heart-shaped” outer frame F11 as shown in FIG. 9D. The part M11 is selected.

  When the operator performs the confirmation operation of the confirmation message described above, the print label L is generated corresponding to the input result / selection result so far. In this example, a plurality of the mark portions M11 (including the outer frame F11 and the one-color painted portion G11) superimposed on the corresponding text characters T1, T2, T3, T4, and T5, respectively, are combined into one common background portion. A print label L is generated in a manner encompassed by K11 (see FIG. 9E).

  At this time, the background portion K11 includes one rectangular outer frame H11 (corresponding to the second outer frame) and the checkered pattern J11 for filling the outer frame H11. Therefore, in other words, the print label L includes five mark portions M11 in which the inside of the outer frame F11 is a one-color painted portion G11 in one rectangular outer frame H11 painted with a checkered pattern J11, and A mode in which the corresponding text characters T1, T2, T3, T4, and T5 are arranged in the outer frame F11 of each mark portion M11 (the background portion K11 is cut out by the outer frame F1 of the mark portion M11, A mode in which text characters T1 to T5 are entered).

  At this time, as described above, the color of the one-color filled portion G11 of each mark portion M11 is filled with white corresponding to the inside of the outer frame H11 of the background portion K11 being a checkered pattern J11. Yes.

  In this modified example as well, as shown in FIG. 7 (f), the formatting (font type in this example) is changed for each text character T of each mark portion M11 as shown in FIG. 9 (f). Also good. In this example, as described above, out of the five text characters T (“A”, “B”, “C”, “D”, and “E”) respectively arranged in each mark portion M11 in one background portion K11, The text character T1 of “A” is a Gothic font of normal thickness, the text character T2 of “B” is bold, the text character T3 of “C” is italic, the text character T4 of “D” is TimesNewRoman, “E "Is a Mincho type.

  As described above, in this modification, the inside of the outer frame F11 has a desired print mode (the above-described one) in the common background portion K11 painted with a desired print mode (checkered pattern J11 in the above example). In the example, a plurality of (5 in the above example) mark portions M11 each painted with one color painted portion G11) are arranged, and each text character T1 to T5 of an appropriate color is arranged in each mark portion M11. The print label L can be created. In this way, it is possible to easily and reliably form a variety of print labels, so that the convenience for the operator can be reliably improved.

(2) In the case where the mark portion is filled with the color of the background portion This modification will be described with reference to FIG.

<Enter text characters>
Also in the present modification, as in the second embodiment, for example, first, as shown in FIG. 10A, the text editing screen 5A is displayed, and as shown in FIG. 10B, for example, “ABCDE” is included. A text character T is input.

<Background selection>
Thereafter, on the text input screen 5A, the background portions K11 to K18 are displayed in a listable manner as described above. In this example, as shown in FIG. 10C, the operator selects a background portion K15 having a shading pattern J15.

<Selection of mark part>
After the operator confirms the confirmation message, the mark portion is selected in the same manner as in the second embodiment, and the mark having the “heart-shaped” outer frame F11 as shown in FIG. The part M11 is selected.

When the operator performs the confirmation operation of the confirmation message described above, the print label L is generated corresponding to the input result / selection result so far. In this example,
As shown in FIG. 10 (e), the inside of the outer frame F11 of each mark portion M11 filled with the printing mode (in this example, the shaded pattern J15) corresponding to the selected background portion is displayed in an appropriate color. A print label L in a form cut out by each text character T is created.

  At this time, the mode of the text character T changes in accordance with the printing mode in the outer frame of the selected background portion (in the above example, the shaded pattern J15 of the background portion K15). That is, in this example, since the printing mode in the outer frame in the background portion K15 is a dark mesh (shaded pattern J15), the text character T is not bordered (see FIG. 10E). (The same applies to the case of solid black). In addition to the above, for example, when the printing mode in the outer frame of the selected background portion is transparent, the normal text character T is used, and the printing mode in the outer frame in the selected background portion is a light color mesh. In this case, the text character T with a border may be used. By doing so, it is possible to realize a design that is easy to see flexibly.

  As described above, in the present modification, each of the print labels L in a desired print mode (in the above-described example, each mark portion M11 painted with a halftone pattern J15 is cut out with each text character of an appropriate color). Can be formed. In this way, it is possible to easily and reliably form a variety of print labels, so that the convenience for the operator can be reliably improved.

(3) Others The above has been described by taking as an example the case where the present invention is applied to a print label producing apparatus that produces a print label by performing desired printing on a print-receiving tape as a printing apparatus. I can't. That is, for example, the present invention is applied to a printer that forms an image or prints characters on a normal printing paper such as A4, A3, B4, or B5 size, or a portable printer that is driven by a battery power source. Good. In this case, the same effect is obtained.

  In addition, in the above description, when there are descriptions such as “vertical”, “parallel”, and “plane”, the descriptions are not strict. That is, the terms “vertical”, “parallel”, and “plane” are acceptable in design and manufacturing tolerances and errors, and mean “substantially vertical”, “substantially parallel”, and “substantially plane”. .

In addition, in the above description, when there are descriptions such as “same”, “equal”, “different”, etc., in terms of external dimensions and sizes, the descriptions are not strict. That is, the terms “identical”, “equal”, and “different” mean that “tolerance and error in manufacturing are allowed in design and that they are“ substantially identical ”,“ substantially equal ”, and“ substantially different ”. .
However, if there is a description of a value that becomes a predetermined judgment criterion or a value that becomes a delimiter, such as a threshold value or a reference value, for example, “same”, “equal”, “different”, etc. It is different and has a strict meaning.

  In addition, in the above, the arrow shown in each figure of FIG. 4 etc. shows an example of the flow of a signal, and does not limit the flow direction of a signal.

  The flowcharts shown in FIGS. 6 and 8 are not intended to limit the present invention to the procedures shown in the above-described flow, but to add or delete procedures or change the order within the scope of the invention and the technical idea. May be.

  In addition to those already described above, the methods according to the above-described embodiments and modifications may be used in appropriate combination.

  In addition, although not illustrated one by one, the present invention is implemented with various modifications within a range not departing from the gist thereof.

1 Print label production device (printing device)
3 Keyboard (operating means)
23 Thermal head (printing means)
103 Cover film (medium to be printed)
108 Tape feed roller drive shaft (conveyance means)
212 CPU
214 EEPROM
214a Mark storage unit (storage means)
214b Background storage unit F11-16 Outer frame (first outer frame)
G11-16 One color filled part (first printing mode)
H11 outer frame (second outer frame)
J11 checkered pattern (second printing mode)
J12 Diamond chain pattern (second printing mode)
J13 Cross-cut pattern (second printing mode)
J14 Brick wall pattern (second printing mode)
J15 Shaded pattern (second printing mode)
J16 Diagonal hatching (second printing mode)
J17 Waveform hatching (second print mode)
J18 Net pattern (second print mode)
K11-18 Background part L Print label M11-16 Mark part T Text character

Claims (9)

A conveying means for conveying the print medium;
Printing means for forming a print on the print medium transported by the transport means;
A printing device comprising:
An operation means for operating and inputting a plurality of text characters printed on the print medium;
Each of the plurality of text characters formed on the print medium is prepared in advance to be individually applied, and each has a predetermined first outer frame and a first printing mode in the first outer frame. Mark storage means storing a plurality of types of mark portions;
A plurality of backgrounds including a plurality of the mark portions for each mark portion or as a whole of the plurality of mark portions, each having a predetermined second outer frame and a second print mode in the second outer frame Background storage means for storing the part,
The plurality of types of mark portions stored in the mark storage means are displayed together with a confirmation message so that they can be listed by scrolling , and one type selected by operating the operation means from among the displayed types of mark portions First setting means for setting the above-mentioned mark portion;
The plurality of types of background portions stored in the background storage means are displayed together with a confirmation message so that they can be listed by scrolling, and one type selected by operating the operation means from the displayed types of background portions A second setting means for setting the above background portion;
The one or more types of mark portions set by the first setting means are overlapped for each text character input by the operation means while being visible and set by the second setting means. A print data generating means for generating print data in a mode in which the one or more types of background portions include the mark portion superimposed on the text character ;
Cooperative control means for controlling the conveying means and the printing means in a coordinated manner so as to form a print label corresponding to the print data on the medium to be printed to create a print label ;
A printing apparatus comprising: The printing apparatus according to claim 1 ,
The print data generating means includes
The printing apparatus, wherein the print data is generated by changing the text character mode in accordance with the first print mode. The printing apparatus according to claim 1 ,
The print data generating means includes
A printing apparatus that generates the print data in which the text character form is changed in accordance with the second print form. The printing apparatus according to claim 1 ,
The print data generating means includes
A printing apparatus that generates the print data in which the first print mode is changed in accordance with the second print mode. In the printing apparatus according to claim 2 or 4 ,
The print data generating means includes
The printing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the print data is generated in a form in which a plurality of the first outer frames each painted in the first print form are cut out by the corresponding text characters. The printing apparatus according to any one of claims 2 to 4 ,
The print data generating means includes
In the plurality of second outer frames each painted in the second print mode, the corresponding mark portions painted in the first print mode in the first outer frame are arranged, respectively, A printing apparatus that generates the print data in a form in which the corresponding text characters are arranged in a first outer frame. The printing apparatus according to any one of claims 2 to 4 ,
The print data generating means includes
A plurality of the mark portions each painted in the first print mode in the first outer frame are arranged in one common second outer frame painted in the second print mode. A printing apparatus that generates the print data in a form in which the corresponding text characters are arranged in the first outer frame. In the printing apparatus according to claim 3 or 4 ,
The print data generating means includes
A printing apparatus that generates the print data in a form in which a plurality of the first outer frames each painted in the second print form are cut out by the corresponding text characters. The printing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 8 ,
The print data generating means includes
A printing apparatus that generates the print data including the text characters that are individually formatted for each character.

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