JP6425022B2 - Tape printer - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a tape printing apparatus for producing a printing tape.

  There is known a tape printing apparatus for producing a printing tape by printing a character string on a print-receiving tape (see, for example, Patent Document 1). In this tape printing apparatus, a print tape is created by forming a print on the print-receiving tape (print tape) transported by the transport means (tape feed roller) by the printing means (thermal head). At that time, on the print tape, it is possible to print and form text characters inputted by the operator and a frame for surrounding and modifying the text characters.

JP 2008-233977

  However, in the above-mentioned prior art, although it is possible to surround and modify a character string, when there is a space between characters in the character string, no modification is made to the space. . Therefore, the modification effect was not sufficient.

  SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION An object of the present invention is to provide a tape printer capable of giving design to blank portions in a character string and enhancing the modification effect.

In order to achieve the above object, the first invention of the present application comprises: conveying means for conveying a print-receiving tape; and printing means for forming a print on the print-receiving tape conveyed by the conveying means. A tape printing apparatus for producing a printing tape from the print-receiving tape after print formation, and character string input means for operation input of a character string composed of a plurality of characters to be print-formed on the printing tape And first storage means for storing a plurality of first images prepared in advance for forming together with the character string on the printing tape, and characters and letters in the character string operated and input by the character string input means A first determination unit that determines whether there is a first blank portion without characters between the first and second blanks; and when the first determination unit determines that the first blank portion is present; A first image selecting means for selecting a first image to be inserted into the first blank portion of the character string from the plurality of first images stored in the means; and selected by the first image selecting means Print data generation means for generating print data in which the first image is inserted into the first blank portion of the character string, and the conveyance means and the printing means are controlled in cooperation with each other to correspond to the print data Cooperative control means for producing the printing tape on which printing is formed, and the first image selecting means randomly selects one of the plurality of first images stored in the first storage means. The first images are selected , and a plurality of second images prepared to be formed together with the character string are stored at the front and back of the character string operated by the character string input means. Second storage means, and the sentence A second determination unit that determines whether there is a second blank portion without characters in the front and back of the character string that is operated and input by the column input unit; and the second determination unit When it is determined that a second blank portion exists, a second image to be inserted into the second blank portion of the character string is selected from the plurality of second images stored in the second storage unit. A second image selection unit, and the print data generation unit inserts the first image selected by the first image selection unit into the first blank portion of the character string; The print data may be generated by inserting the second image selected by the two-image selection unit into the second blank portion of the character string .
In order to achieve the above object, according to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a conveying means for conveying a print-receiving tape, and a printing means for forming a print on the print-receiving tape conveyed by the conveying means. A tape printing apparatus for producing a printing tape with the print-receiving tape after printing formation, and a character string for operation input of a character string composed of a plurality of characters, which is print-formed on the printing tape Input means, first storage means for storing a plurality of first images prepared in advance for forming together with the character string on the print tape, and characters in the character string input by the character string input means A first determination unit that determines whether there is a first blank portion without characters between the character and the character, and when it is determined that the first blank portion is present by the first determination unit, A first image selection unit that selects a first image to be inserted into the first blank portion of the character string from the plurality of first images stored in the first storage unit; and the first image selection unit Print data generation means for generating print data in which the selected first image is inserted into the first blank portion of the character string, and the conveyance means and the printing means are controlled in cooperation with each other to generate the print data Cooperative control means for producing the printing tape on which corresponding printing is formed, and prepared in advance for forming together with the character string at the front and back of the character string operated by the character string input means A second storage unit storing a plurality of second images, and whether or not a second blank portion without characters exists at the front and back of the character string in the character string operated and input by the character string input unit To determine The second of the plurality of second images stored in the second storage unit when the second determination unit determines that the second blank portion is present by the determination unit and the second determination unit; 2) A second image selection means for selecting a second image to be inserted into the blank portion, and the print data generation means is configured to select the first image selected by the first image selection means as the character string The print data may be generated by inserting the first image into the first blank area and inserting the second image selected by the second image selection unit into the second blank area of the character string .

  In the present invention, when there is a space (a first space) between the characters in the plurality of characters constituting the character string operated by the operator, the determination of the first determination means is satisfied, and The first image to be inserted into the first blank portion is selected by the one-image selection means. Then, the print data generation unit generates print data in which the selected first image is inserted in the first blank portion in the character string. As a result, under the control of the cooperation control means, a print tape is formed in which a plurality of characters of the character string are formed and the first image is formed in the first blank portion. As a result, it is possible to design the space part in the character string and enhance the modification effect. Therefore, the expressiveness of the print tape can be increased, and the convenience of the operator can be improved.

  According to the present invention, it is possible to design the space part in the character string and to enhance the modification effect.

It is a front view showing the appearance of the tape printer of one embodiment of the present invention. It is a functional block diagram which shows the detailed function of a tape printer. It is explanatory drawing for demonstrating the content of the printing label production method. It is a figure which shows the example of the image for insertion memorize | stored in memory. It is a flowchart showing the control procedure performed by a control circuit. It is explanatory drawing for demonstrating the content of the printing label production method in the modification which has a blank part also in the front and back of a character string. It is explanatory drawing for demonstrating the content of the character printed label production method in the modification which inserts an image in the corresponding location, without providing a blank part in the front and back of a character string. It is a flowchart showing the control procedure performed by a control circuit. It is explanatory drawing for demonstrating the content of the printing label production method in the modification which inserts an image in a character string blank part corresponding to selection of a frame image. It is a flowchart showing the control procedure performed by a control circuit.

  Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

<Schematic Configuration of Tape Printing Device>
The tape printer 20 of this embodiment is shown in FIG. In FIG. 1, the tape printing apparatus 20 is, for example, a liquid crystal display, a display unit 22 for displaying various information and various messages, an operation unit 23 which allows the operator to perform various operations, and a cutter provided in the apparatus main body. 27 and a cut lever 24 for driving (see FIG. 2 described later).

  Operation portion 23 includes an input key for inputting characters, symbols, numbers, etc., a print key for instructing generation start of print label L, a power button for turning on / off the power of the apparatus, etc. Various keys, buttons, etc. are included.

<Functional Configuration of Tape Printer>
The functional configuration of the tape printer 20 is shown in FIG. In FIG. 2, the tape printer 20 includes a control circuit 25, a memory 26 (corresponding to a first storage unit and a second storage unit) that stores various information, the display unit 22, the operation unit 23, and the above. It has a cut lever 24, a cartridge holder 32, a platen roller 29 (corresponding to a conveying means), a thermal head 30 (corresponding to a printing means), and a cutter 27.

  The control circuit 25 includes a CPU, a RAM, and a ROM (not shown). The control circuit 25 executes various programs stored in advance in the ROM while utilizing the temporary storage function of the RAM. Thereby, the control circuit 25 controls the entire tape printing apparatus 20.

  The memory 26 is composed of, for example, a non-volatile memory such as an EEPROM capable of adding and erasing stored contents. The memory 26 stores a plurality of insertion images and the like prepared in advance (details will be described later).

  The cartridge holder 32 is configured such that the cartridge 31 capable of supplying the print-receiving tape 33 can be attached and detached. The cartridge 31 includes a tape roll 34 (which is originally spiral but simplified and illustrated as concentric circles) in which the print-receiving tape 33 is wound around a reel member (spool) (not shown).

  The platen roller 29 is provided to face the thermal head 30. The platen roller 29 is rotated by the driving force of a drive motor controlled by the control circuit 25 to feed the print-receiving tape 33 from the tape roll 34 of the cartridge 31 mounted on the cartridge holder 32 and convey the fed print-receiving tape 33. Do.

  The thermal head 30 forms a desired print on the print-receiving tape 33 which is fed from the tape roll 34 and conveyed by the platen roller 29 under the control of the control circuit 25.

  The cutter 27 cuts the print-receiving tape 33 on which the printing by the thermal head 30 is finished by the operation of the cut lever 24 by the operator, and the print label L (corresponding to the print tape; see FIG. 3 etc. described later) Do.

  In the above configuration, when the cartridge 31 is mounted on the cartridge holder 32, the platen roller 29 is pressed by the thermal head 30, and the print-receiving tape 33 drawn out from the tape roll 34 is between the platen roller 29 and the thermal head 30. Be held up. Then, the platen roller 29 is rotated by the driving force of a driving motor (not shown), and the print-receiving tape 33 is conveyed between the platen roller 29 and the thermal head 30. At this time, a plurality of heating elements (not shown) provided in the thermal head 30 are energized by the control circuit 25 to generate heat. As a result, the print corresponding to the print data (details will be described later) of the desired print content is printed on the print-receiving tape 33 by the thermal head 30.

  Thereafter, when the cut lever 24 is operated, the print-receiving tape 33 on which the cutter 27 has finished printing is cut, and the print label L is generated.

<Features of the embodiment>
In the tape printer 20 having the above configuration, the feature of this embodiment is to create a print label in which an appropriate insertion image (details will be described later) is formed in a blank portion in a character string.

<Specific example of print label creation>
That is, for example, when the user (corresponding to the operator) turns on the power button of the operation unit 23, as shown in FIG. 3A, a text input unit for inputting text characters and the like to the display unit 22. A text editing screen 40A having 40 is displayed. In this state, the user uses the above-described input key of the operation unit 23 to input text characters to the text input unit 40. In this example, the input text character is the character string R of "Hiroshi Nomura" that represents the boy's name in hiragana. In the character string R, a blank portion 41 (corresponding to a first blank portion) having no character is present between the character “ra” and the character “hi” (in other words, the middle part of the character string R).

  Thereafter, by the user appropriately operating the operation unit 23, as shown in FIG. 3B, the group selection screen 42A is displayed on the display unit 22. On the group selection screen 42A, a plurality of image groups G each including a plurality of insertion images are displayed in a listable manner (for example, by a scroll operation).

<Image group of images for insertion>
An example of the plurality of image groups and the insertion image belonging to each of them is shown in FIG. As shown in FIG. 4, in this example, as the image group G (corresponding to the group), “boys” group, “girl” group, “animal” group, “summer” group, “winter” group, “birthday” Six groups are prepared in advance. The “boys” group includes 11 images 101 to 111 prepared in advance to represent boys-friendly vehicles, toys, etc., and the “girl” group is intended to represent girls-friendly accessories, flowers, etc. The "Animal" group includes nine images 141-149 prepared to represent representative animals, and the "Summer" group. Includes nine images 151 to 159 prepared in advance to represent the sense of summer season, and the "winter" group includes six images 161 to 16 prepared in advance to represent the sense of winter season. 166, and the "birthday" group includes six images 171 to 176 prepared in advance to represent birthday events. The images 101 to 111, 121 to 131, 141 to 149, 151 to 159, 161 to 166, 171 to 176 (corresponding to the first image) are stored in the memory 26 in a form associated with each group in advance. ing.

  Returning to FIG. 3, on the group selection screen 42A, all image groups G of the "boys" group, the "girl" group, the "animal" group, the "summer" group, the "winter" group, and the "birthday" group are displayed. Are displayed so as to be selectable by an appropriate operation on the operation unit 23 by the user. In the example shown in FIG. 3B, each image group G is displayed in a form including images for insertion (all images belonging to each group or only representative ones of them may be included). ing. In addition, only text display of a group name etc. may be displayed in a selectable manner.

  With the plurality of image groups G displayed on the group selection screen 42A, the user designates one image group G to be applied to the print label L to be created by the user by appropriate operation of the operation unit 23 Do. In this example, the above-mentioned "boy" group is specified.

  Thereafter, the user presses the print key in the operation unit 23 to instruct the start of creation of the print label L, whereby the designated image group G (in this example, “boys” is displayed as shown in FIG. One insertion image is selected at random from “group”. In this example, the image 106 (see FIG. 4) of the baseball cap is selected. Then, print data is generated in which the selected image 106 is inserted into the blank portion 41 in the character string R. By generating such print data, a plurality of characters “Nomura Hiroki” are printed on the print label L created using the print data, and the characters “、” and the characters “ら” are generated. The above-mentioned image 106 is printed and formed in the blank portion between "."

  When there are a plurality of blank portions 41 in the middle of the character string R (not necessarily in the middle of the character string), the insertion image is selected at random for each as described above. Then, print data is generated by inserting the selected image into the plurality of blank portions 41 in the character string R, and the above-described image is printed and formed in the blank portions of the print label L at a plurality of places between characters.

<Control procedure>
A flow showing a processing procedure executed by the control circuit 25 in order to realize the method of the present embodiment described above is shown in FIG.

  In FIG. 5, this flow is started, for example, when the user turns on the tape printer 20 by operating the power button of the operation unit 23.

  First, in step S5, the control circuit 25 outputs a control signal to the display unit 22, and causes the display unit 22 to display the text editing screen 40A described above (see FIG. 3A). When step S5 is completed, the process proceeds to step S10.

  In step S10, the control circuit 25 receives an input operation of the character string R on the text editing screen 40A performed by the user using the operation unit 23. In the above-described example, the input of the character string R "Hiroki Nomura" is accepted (see FIG. 3A). The operation unit 23 at this time functions as character string input means described in each claim. When step S10 is completed, the process proceeds to step S15.

  In step S15, the control circuit 25 accepts the specification of the image group G in the group selection screen 42A, which the user has performed using the operation unit 23. In addition, the operation part 23 at this time functions as a 1st operation means as described in each claim (In addition, in the below-mentioned modification (1), it functions as a 2nd operation means). In the above-described example, designation of the “boys” group in the plurality of image groups G is accepted (see FIG. 3 (b) above). When step S15 is completed, the process proceeds to step S20.

  In step S20, the control circuit 25 determines whether the print key in the operation unit 23 has been pressed by the user. If the print key is not pressed by the user, the determination in step S20 is not satisfied (step S20: NO), and the process returns to step S10 and the same procedure is repeated. If the print key is pressed by the user, the determination in step S20 is satisfied (step S20: YES), and the process proceeds to step S25. The operation unit 23 at this time functions as a third operation unit described in each claim.

  In step S25, the control circuit 25 determines whether there is a blank portion in the middle of the character string R for which the input has been received in step S10. In the above-mentioned example, in the accepted character string R “Nomura Hiroki”, a blank portion 41 exists between the character “ra” and the character “hi” (see FIGS. 3A and 3C). . As described above, when there is a blank portion in the middle of the character string R, the determination in step S25 is satisfied (step S25: YES), and the process proceeds to step S30. On the other hand, if there is no blank portion in the middle of the character string R for which the input has been received, the determination in step S25 is not satisfied (step S25: NO), and the process proceeds to step S35 described later. The control circuit 25 that executes this step S25 functions as a first determination unit described in each claim.

  In step S30, the control circuit 25 randomly selects one of the plurality of images for insertion in the image group G received the specification in step S15. In the above example, the image 106 in the designated "boys" group is selected (see FIG. 3C). In addition, after the above-mentioned step S15 is omitted and the input of the character string R in step S10 is received, through steps S20 and S25, one insertion image is selected at random in this step S30. It is also good. In this case, for example, all the images stored in the memory 26 (images 101 to 111, 121 to 131, 141 to 149, 151 to 159, 161 to 166, 171 to 176 in the above example) are randomly One is selected. Alternatively, it may be selected from a plurality of appropriate images among all the images. When step S30 ends, the process moves to step S35. The control circuit 25 that executes this step S30 functions as a first image selection unit described in each claim.

  In step S35, the control circuit 25 generates print data in a manner reflecting the above processing. That is, when the blank area 41 exists in the middle of the character string R and the process proceeds to step S35 after the selection of the image for insertion in step S30, the control circuit 25 controls the blank area 41 in the character string R. Print data is generated in a mode in which the selected insertion image (image 106 in the above example) is inserted. On the other hand, when there is no space 41 in the middle of the character string R and the determination in step S25 is not satisfied and the process proceeds to step S35, the control circuit 25 generates print data corresponding to the character of the character string R as it is. . The control circuit 25 that executes step S35 functions as print data generation means described in each claim. When step S35 ends, the process moves to step S40.

  In step S40, the control circuit 25 outputs a control signal to the drive motor of the platen roller 29 (or may output a control signal via an appropriate motor drive circuit. The same applies to the following). The conveyance of the print-receiving tape 33 is started. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S45.

  In step S45, the control circuit 25 determines whether the print-receiving tape 33 has been transported to a predetermined print area start position based on the print data generated in step S35 (in other words, the predetermined print of the print-receiving tape 33). It is determined whether or not the print-receiving tape 33 has been transported to the transport direction position where the thermal head 30 faces the front end of the area. This determination may be performed by a known appropriate method such as counting the number of pulses of the drive motor including a stepping motor, for example. If the print-receiving tape 33 is not conveyed to the start position of the printing area, the determination in step S45 is not satisfied (step S45: NO), and the loop standby is performed until the determination in step S45 is satisfied. When the print-receiving tape 33 is conveyed to the start position of the printing area, the determination in step S45 is satisfied (step S45: YES), and the process proceeds to step S50.

  In step S50, the control circuit 25 energizes the heating element of the thermal head 30 based on the print data generated in step S35, and performs print processing. As a result, the print corresponding to the print data is formed on the print-receiving tape 33. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S55.

  In step S55, the control circuit 25 determines whether or not the print-receiving tape 33 has been transported to the end position of the printing area (in other words, the print-receiving tape 33 is printed until the thermal head 30 faces the rear end of the printing area). It is determined whether or not the tape 33 has been transported. This determination may be performed by the same known method as described above. If the print-receiving tape 33 is not conveyed to the end position of the printing area, the determination at step S55 is not satisfied (step S55: NO), and the process returns to step S50 and the same procedure is repeated. If the print-receiving tape 33 is conveyed to the end position of the print area, the determination at step S55 is satisfied (step S55: YES), and the process proceeds to step S60.

  In step S60, based on the print data generated in step S35, the control circuit 25 performs a predetermined cutting position where the printed print-receiving tape 33 for which printing has been completed is set closer to the label rear end than the print area. It is determined whether the tape has been transported (in other words, whether or not the print-receiving tape 33 having been printed has been transported until the cutter 27 reaches the cutting position in the transport direction). This determination may also be performed by the same known method as described above. If the printed print-receiving tape 33 is not conveyed to the cutting position, the determination in step S60 is not satisfied (step S60: NO), and the loop standby is performed until the determination in step S60 is satisfied. When the print-receiving printing tape 33 having been printed is conveyed to the cutting position, the determination in step S60 is satisfied (step S60: YES), and the process proceeds to step S65. The control circuit 25 that executes steps S40 to S65 functions as cooperation control control means described in each claim.

  In step S65, the control circuit 25 outputs a control signal to the drive motor of the platen roller 29, and stops the conveyance of the print-receiving tape 33 by the platen roller 29. When step S65 is completed, the process proceeds to step S70.

  In step S70, the control circuit 25 outputs a control signal to the display unit 22, and causes the display unit 22 to display a message prompting the user to cut the print-receiving tape 33 having been printed. As a result, the user operates the cut lever 24 to cut the printed print-receiving tape 33, and the print label L on which the print based on the print data generated in step S35 is formed is generated. That is, when the above-mentioned blank part is not in character string R, print label L in which only a plurality of characters which constitute character string R are printed is generated. If there is a blank portion in the character string R, a plurality of characters constituting the character string R are printed, and the insertion image selected in step S30 (in the above example, a baseball cap) is formed in the blank portion. The print label L on which the image 106) is printed is generated (see FIG. 3 (c)). After that, this flow ends.

<Effect of the embodiment>
As described above, in the tape printer 20 of the present embodiment, when creating the print label L, the character string R input by the operation unit 23 has the blank portion 41 without characters between the characters. It is determined whether or not to. When it is determined that the blank portion 41 exists, one of the plurality of images for insertion stored in the memory 26 is selected, and the selected image for insertion is inserted into the blank portion 41 of the character string R. Print data is generated, and a print label L corresponding to the print data is created. Thereby, the designability can be given to the blank portion in the character string R in the print label L, and the modification effect can be enhanced. Therefore, the expressive power of the print label L can be increased, and the convenience of the user can be improved. Note that, for example, when the size of the blank portion 41 is relatively large, a plurality of images for insertion may be inserted.

  Further, in the present embodiment, in particular, the plurality of insertion images are classified into a plurality of predetermined image groups G. Then, when the user designates one image group G by operating the operation unit 23, one insertion image corresponding to the designated image group G is selected and inserted into the blank portion 41. Thereby, the user can form the insertion image conforming to the preference or intention on the print label L by designating the image group G according to the preference or intention of the user via the operation unit 23. In the above example, one image is selected at random from a plurality of insertion images included in one image group G designated by the user, but the present invention is not limited to this. That is, from a plurality of images for insertion included in one image group G designated by the user, one image is selected based on predetermined regularity (for example, in order of identification number of each image, etc.) May be Alternatively, for the designation of one image group G, one specific image (for example, a representative image) may be selected. Similar effects are obtained in these cases.

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

(1) When there is a blank part also in the front and the back of the character string In the above embodiment, when there is a blank part 41 without characters in the middle part of the character string R input by the user, the blank part 41 Although the image for insertion was inserted in, it is not restricted to this. That is, when there are blanks at the front and rear of the character string R input by operation, the insertion image can be inserted into the blanks at the front and rear.

<Specific example of print label creation>
That is, in FIG. 6 corresponding to FIG. 3 of the embodiment, when the user turns on the power button of the operation unit 23, as shown in FIG. 3A, first, as shown in FIG. The text editing screen 40A is displayed at 22. In this state, the user uses the operation unit 23 to input text characters to the text input unit 40. In this example, the input text character is the character string R of "Sazaki Kazuhiro" in which the male's name is input in Hiragana. And in this character string R, in addition to the space 41 between the character "ra" and the character "hi", before the first character "sa" and after the last character "ro", respectively. Blanks 43 and 44 (corresponding to second blanks) are present.

  Thereafter, as described above, the user appropriately operates the operation unit 23 to display the group selection screen 42A on the display unit 22 as shown in FIG. 6B. The user designates one image group G to be applied to the print label L to be created by the user by an appropriate operation of the operation unit 23. In this example, of the plurality of image groups G described above, the “summer” group is designated.

  Thereafter, the user presses the print key in the operation unit 23 to instruct the start of creation of the print label L, whereby the designated image group G (in this example, “summer” is displayed as shown in FIG. From the “group”, one insertion image (corresponding to the first image) to be inserted into the blank portion 41 in the character string R, and two insertion images (second to the second blank portions 43 and 44) And the image is selected at random. In this example, the beer mug image 154 (see also FIG. 4 above) is selected for the blank portion 41 in the middle part of the character string R, and for the blank portion 43 before the character string R The image 156 (see also FIG. 4 described above) is selected, and the image 155 (see also FIG. 4 described above) of the yachts in the “summer” group is selected in the blank area 44 later. Then, print data is generated in which the selected images 154, 156, and 155 are inserted into the blank portions 41, 43, and 44, respectively. By generating such print data, a plurality of characters of "Sazaki Kazuhiro" are printed and formed on the print label L created using the print data, and the characters of "Sazaki Kazuhiro" are generated. The image 156 of the tent is in the blank space in front of the "sa", the image 154 of the beer mug is in the blank space between the characters "ki" and the character "ka", the yacht in the blank space after the character "ro" Images 155 are printed respectively.

  Note that, in the above description, the insertion images to be inserted into the blank portions 42 and 43 before and after the character string R are the same as the plural insertion images to be inserted into the middle blank portion 41 of the character string R shown in FIG. The image was selected from but not limited to this. That is, the images for insertion into the blank portions 42 and 43 are stored in the memory 23 in a plurality of images (previously classified into a plurality of image groups) stored separately in FIG. ) May be selected. In this case, the plurality of image groups are displayed on the group selection screen 42A shown in FIG. 6B, and the user selects a desired one of the image groups.

  Further, in the above description, the two images 156 and 155 are selected corresponding to the blank portions 42 and 43 provided before and after the character string R, and the images 156 and 155 are formed by printing, but the invention is not limited thereto. . That is, as shown in FIG. 7 (a), even if the character string R of "Gondou Hiroshi" (without the above-mentioned blank portions 43 and 44) is input on the text editing screen 40A, the selection is made. In addition to the image 154 being selected in the blank portion 41 in the character string R, two corresponding for arranging before and after the character string R, corresponding to the “summer” group (FIG. 7 (b)) An image (image 156, 155) may be further selected. In this case, as described above, the image 154 is inserted into the blank portion 41 between "u" and "hi", the image 156 is inserted in front of the "go", and the image 155 is inserted after the "su". The generated print data is generated, and the corresponding print label is generated (FIG. 7 (c)).

<Control procedure>
A flow representing a processing procedure executed by the control circuit 25 to realize the method of the present modification is shown in FIG. The flowchart of FIG. 8 differs in that step S32 and step S34 are newly added between step S30 and step S35 of FIG.

  In FIG. 8, after the same steps S5 to S25 as in FIG. 5, the control circuit 25 performs the above-described step in order to insert the middle blank portion 41 of the character string R in the above-mentioned step S30 as in One image (the image 154 in the above example) is randomly selected from the plurality of insertion images in the image group G (in the above example, the “summer” group) whose specification has been received in S15. Thereafter, the process proceeds to the newly provided step S32. In the same manner as described above, after step S15 is omitted and the input of character string R in step S10 is received, one insertion image is selected at random in step S30 through steps S20 and S25. You may do so.

  In step S32, the control circuit 25 determines whether or not there is a blank portion before and after the character string R for which the input has been received in step S10. In the above-mentioned example, in the accepted character string R “Sasazaki Kazuhiro”, the space 43 is present before the character “Sa”, and the space 44 is present after the character “ro” (FIG. 6 (a)). , FIG.6 (c)). As described above, when there is a blank portion before and after the character string R, the determination in step S32 is satisfied (step S32: YES), and the process proceeds to newly provided step S34. On the other hand, when there is no space before and after the character string R for which the input has been received, the determination in step S32 is not satisfied (step S32: NO), and the process proceeds to step S35. The control circuit 25 that executes step S32 functions as a second determination unit described in each claim.

  In step S34, the control circuit 25 randomly selects two insertion images from the plurality of insertion images in the image group G received the specification in step S15. In the above-mentioned example, the images 156 and 155 in the designated "summer" group are selected (see FIG. 6C). In the same manner as described above, after step S15 is omitted and the input of the character string R in step S10 is received, through steps S20 to S32, two images for insertion are selected at random in step S34. You may do so. In this case, for example, all the images stored in the memory 26 (images 101 to 111, 121 to 131, 141 to 149, 151 to 159, 161 to 166, 171 to 176 in the above example) are randomly Two are selected. Alternatively, it may be selected from a plurality of appropriate images among all the images. When step S34 is completed, the process proceeds to step S35. The control circuit 25 that executes this step S34 functions as a second image selection unit described in each claim.

  Step S35-step S70 are the same as FIG. 5, and abbreviate | omit description.

  According to this modification, in the character string R operated and input by the operation unit 23 at the time of creation of the print label L, in addition to the intermediate blank portion 41, the blank portions 43 and 44 having no characters at the front and rear It is determined whether the (second blank portion) exists. Then, if it is determined that the blank portions 43 and 44 exist, the image to be inserted into the blank portions 43 and 44 and the image to be inserted into the blank portion 41 out of the plurality of images for insertion stored in the memory 26 An image is selected, and the selected image is inserted into the blank portions 41, 43, 44 to generate print data, and a print label L corresponding to the print data is created. As a result, a print label L is created in which a plurality of characters of the character string R are formed, and an image is formed on a space part in the middle of the character string R and a space part before and after the character string R. As a result, the modification effect can be further enhanced, and the expressive power of the print label L can be further enhanced.

  Further, in this modification, the insertion images inserted in the blanks 43 and 44 before and after the character string R are common to the plurality of predetermined image groups G (the images for insertion inserted in the blank 41). Group (or another group). Then, when the user designates one image group G by operating the operation unit 23, an insertion image corresponding to the designated image group G is selected and inserted into the above-mentioned blank portions 41, 43, 44. Ru. Thereby, the user can form the insertion image conforming to the preference or intention on the print label L by designating the image group G according to the preference or intention of the user via the operation unit 23. In the same manner as described above, among the plurality of images for insertion included in one image group G designated by the user, the above three images are based on predetermined regularity (for example, in order of identification number of each image, etc.) It may be selected. Alternatively, specific images (for example, three predetermined representative images) may be selected for specification of one image group G. Similar effects are obtained in these cases.

(2) When an image is inserted in a character string blank portion in response to selection of a frame image That is, in this modification, a plurality of frame images for surrounding a character string are prepared in advance for decoration of the character string. It is done. Then, when the user selects one frame image, the corresponding image is automatically selected and inserted into the blank portion in the character string.

<Specific example of print label creation>
That is, in FIG. 9 corresponding to FIG. 3 and FIG. 6, when the user turns on the power button of the operation unit 23, first, as shown in FIG. The text editing screen 40A is displayed. In this state, the user uses the operation unit 23 to input text characters to the text input unit 40. In this example, the input text character is a string R of "Miura Daisuke" in which the boy's name is input in Hiragana. In the character string R, a space 41 (corresponding to a first space) is present between the character "ra" and the character "da".

  After that, as described above, the user appropriately operates the operation unit 23 to display the frame selection screen 42B on the display unit 22 as shown in FIG. 9B. The user designates one frame image F to be printed and formed on the print label L by appropriate operation of the operation unit 23. In this example, an example is shown in which a frame image representing a haircut is specified, provided with combs and hair extending from the combs and scissors for cutting the hair, which are located in the upper right of the screen. In the illustration of b), for the sake of convenience, the frame image at the upper left position on the screen is designated and represents a state of being displayed in reverse. The plurality of frame images F to be selected are stored, for example, in the memory 26 in advance.

  Thereafter, as described above, the user presses the print key in the operation unit 23 to instruct the start of creation of the print label L, as shown in FIG. 9C, the designated frame image F is a letter The above-mentioned image group G (in this example, the haircut frame image) corresponding to the specified frame image F (in this example, the haircut frame image) is inserted so as to surround the row R. One “insertion image” to be inserted into the blank portion 41 in the character string R from the corresponding “boys” group (each frame image F and each image group G are stored in a form to be associated in advance) (Corresponding to the first image) is selected at random. In this example, the grab and ball image 103 (see FIG. 4 described above) of the “boys” group is selected. Then, the selected image 103 is inserted into the blank portion 41 of the character string R, and the character string R is surrounded by the selected frame image F (in this example, before and after the character string R, and Placed at the bottom), print data is generated. By generating such print data, a plurality of characters of “Mr. Daisuke” are printed on the print label L created using the print data, and the above-mentioned frame is surrounded around the character string R. An image is printed and, further, a grab and ball image 103 is printed and formed in the space between the characters "ra" and "da".

<Control procedure>
A flow representing a processing procedure executed by the control circuit 25 to realize the method of the present modification is shown in FIG. The flowchart of FIG. 10 differs in that step S17 is provided instead of step S15 of FIG.

  In FIG. 10, after the same steps S5 and S10, the control circuit 25 accepts the specification of the frame image F in the frame selection screen 42B performed by the user using the operation unit 23 in the step S17. The operation unit 23 at this time functions as a second operation unit described in each claim. In the above-mentioned example, designation of the "haircut" frame image is accepted. When step S17 is completed, the process proceeds to step S20. Steps S20 to S70 are the same as those in FIG.

  According to this modification, when the print label L is created, the image group G corresponding to the above specification is automatically made only by the user specifying the frame image F according to his / her preference or intention via the operation unit 23. The images for insertion are selected in conjunction with each other and an image for insertion is selected from the image group. Therefore, the frame image F and the image for insertion which conform to the operator's preference and intention can be reliably formed on the print label L with a small operation load.

  The plurality of frame images F prepared in advance as described above may be used in common with the image for insertion in the above-described embodiment and modification (1). That is, the frame image F may be divided into parts (for example, a front frame image, a rear frame image, etc.), and the parts may be used as the above-described insertion image.

(3) Others In the above, in the case where the blank portion 41 or the blank portions 43 and 44 is a half-width space or a full-width space in the determination in step S25 or step S32 of the flow in FIGS. It is possible not to determine that there is a blank portion (assuming that the user intentionally created a blank), and to generate print data that does not include the image for insertion or the frame image F in the subsequent step S35. . This makes it possible to prevent an image or frame from being inserted into the character string against the user's intention.

  In addition, a mode (corresponding to a first mode) for executing insertion processing of the insertion image or frame image into the blank portions 41, 43 and 44 as described above, and a mode (second processing) for not performing such insertion processing at all By providing two modes, and the user appropriately operates the operation unit 23, for example, one of the two modes may be selected. As a result, the two modes can be switched according to the use and preference of the operator, and the convenience can be further improved.

  In the above description, when “vertical”, “parallel”, “plane”, etc. are described, the description does not have a strict meaning. That is, the terms "vertical", "parallel" and "plane" mean "substantially vertical", "substantially parallel" and "substantially planar" as their design allows for manufacturing tolerances and errors. .

  Further, in the above description, when there are descriptions such as “same”, “equal”, “different” and the like in terms of size and size in appearance, the description is not strictly meant. That is, the terms "identical" "equal" "different" mean that the manufacturing tolerance and error in the design are tolerated, and "substantially identical" "substantially equal" "substantially different" .

  In the above, the arrow shown in FIG. 2 shows an example of the flow of the signal, and does not limit the flow direction of the signal.

  Further, the flowcharts shown in FIG. 5, FIG. 8 and FIG. 10 do not limit the present invention to the procedures shown in the above flow, and the addition, deletion or order of procedures within the scope of the gist and technical idea of the invention. You may change it.

  Further, other than those described above, the methods according to the above-described embodiment and each modification may be combined as appropriate for use.

  In addition, although not illustrated one by one, the present invention is to be implemented with various modifications without departing from the scope of the invention.

20 Tape Printing Device 23 Operation Unit (Character String Input Means, First Operation Means, Second Operation Means, Third Operation Means)
Memory (first storage means, second storage means)
29 Platen roller (conveying means)
30 Thermal head (printing means)
33 to-be-printed tape 41 blank space (first blank space)
43, 44 blank space (second blank space)
G image group (group)
L print label (print tape)
R string

Claims (10)

Transport means for transporting the print-receiving tape;
Printing means for forming a print on the print-receiving tape conveyed by the conveying means;
Have
A tape printing apparatus for producing a printing tape using the print-receiving tape after printing and forming,
Character string input means for operation input of a character string consisting of a plurality of characters, which is printed on the printing tape;
First storage means for storing a plurality of first images prepared in advance for forming together with the character string on the print tape;
First determining means for determining whether or not there is a first blank portion without characters between the characters in the character string input by the character string input means;
When it is determined by the first determination unit that the first blank portion exists, the first blank portion of the character string is selected from the plurality of first images stored in the first storage unit. First image selection means for selecting a first image to be inserted;
Print data generation means for generating print data in which the first image selected by the first image selection means is inserted into the first blank portion of the character string;
A cooperative control unit that cooperatively controls the transport unit and the printing unit to create the print tape on which a print corresponding to the print data is formed;
Have
The first image selection means
Of the plurality of first images stored in the first storage means, one first image is randomly selected .
Furthermore,
Second storage means for storing a plurality of second images prepared in advance for forming together with the character string at the front and back of the character string operated by the character string input means;
A second determination unit that determines whether there is a second blank portion without characters at the front and back of the character string in the character string operated and input by the character string input unit;
When it is determined by the second determination unit that the second blank portion is present, the second blank portion of the character string is inserted from the plurality of second images stored in the second storage unit. Second image selection means for selecting a second image to be generated;
Have
The print data generation unit
The first image selected by the first image selection means is inserted into the first blank portion of the character string, and the second image selected by the second image selection means is the character string of the character string A tape printer , wherein the print data is generated and inserted into a second blank portion . In the tape printer according to claim 1,
The plurality of first images are classified into a plurality of predetermined groups,
The tape printer further comprises
It has a first operation means for specifying any one of the plurality of groups,
The first image selection means
A tape printing apparatus characterized by selecting a first image corresponding to a group designated by the first operation means from among the plurality of first images stored in the first storage means. Transport means for transporting the print-receiving tape;
Printing means for forming a print on the print-receiving tape conveyed by the conveying means;
Have
A tape printing apparatus for producing a printing tape using the print-receiving tape after printing and forming,
Character string input means for operation input of a character string consisting of a plurality of characters, which is printed on the printing tape;
First storage means for storing a plurality of first images prepared in advance for forming together with the character string on the print tape;
First determining means for determining whether or not there is a first blank portion without characters between the characters in the character string input by the character string input means;
When it is determined by the first determination unit that the first blank portion exists, the first blank portion of the character string is selected from the plurality of first images stored in the first storage unit. First image selection means for selecting a first image to be inserted;
Print data generation means for generating print data in which the first image selected by the first image selection means is inserted into the first blank portion of the character string;
A cooperative control unit that cooperatively controls the transport unit and the printing unit to create the print tape on which a print corresponding to the print data is formed;
Second storage means for storing a plurality of second images prepared in advance for forming together with the character string at the front and back of the character string operated by the character string input means;
A second determination unit that determines whether there is a second blank portion without characters at the front and back of the character string in the character string operated and input by the character string input unit;
When it is determined by the second determination unit that the second blank portion is present, the second blank portion of the character string is inserted from the plurality of second images stored in the second storage unit. Second image selection means for selecting a second image to be generated;
Have
The print data generation unit
The first image selected by the first image selection means is inserted into the first blank portion of the character string, and the second image selected by the second image selection means is the character string of the character string A tape printing apparatus characterized by generating the print data inserted into a second blank portion. In the tape printer according to claim 1 or 3 ,
The plurality of second images are classified into a plurality of predetermined groups,
The tape printer further comprises
A second operation unit for specifying any one of the plurality of groups;
The second image selection means
A tape printing apparatus characterized by selecting a second image corresponding to a group designated by the second operation means from the plurality of second images stored in the second storage means. In the tape printer according to claim 4 ,
The first image selection means
A tape printing apparatus characterized by selecting a first image corresponding to a group designated by the second operation means from the plurality of first images stored in the first storage means. The tape printer according to any one of claims 1 to 5 .
The second image selection means
A tape printer according to claim 1, wherein one second image is randomly selected from the plurality of second images stored in the second storage means. The tape printer according to any one of claims 1 to 6 .
The apparatus further comprises third operation means for instructing creation start of the print tape,
The first image selection means
The tape printer according to claim 1, wherein the selection of the first image is performed in response to an instruction to start the creation via the third operation unit. The tape printer according to any one of claims 1 to 7 .
The apparatus further comprises third operation means for instructing creation start of the print tape,
The second image selection means
The tape printer according to claim 1, wherein the selection of the second image is performed in response to an instruction to start the creation via the third operation unit. The tape printer according to any one of claims 1 to 8 .
The print data generation unit
A tape printing apparatus characterized by generating print data without inserting the first image into the first blank space if the first blank space is a half-width space or a full-width space. The tape printer according to any one of claims 1 to 9 .
A first mode enabling execution of the insertion of the first image into the first blank space by the print data generation means, and an insertion of the first image into the first blank space by the print data generation means And a second mode for selectively performing the second mode.

Images