JP6455345B2 - Printing device - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a printing apparatus that performs printing on a print-receiving tape.

  2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, a printing apparatus that prints on a print-receiving tape is known (see, for example, Patent Document 1). This printing apparatus (tape printing apparatus) has a real-time preview mode (print image display mode) as an operation mode. In this real-time preview mode, an appearance image (print image) of the generated print tape (print tape) is displayed on the display means (liquid crystal display). Then, the operator can perform an editing operation on the character string to be printed on the print tape via the operation means (keyboard) while the appearance image is displayed.

Japanese Patent No. 311442

  By the way, in a printing apparatus having a real-time preview mode, an unconfirmed character string based on a character input operation via an operator's operation means is included in the appearance image of the generated print tape when a character is input in the real-time preview mode. There is something to display. In such a printing apparatus, since the display position and display character size of the undetermined character string are not fixed, the visibility of the character input screen in the real-time preview mode by the operator is not so good.

  An object of the present invention is to provide a printing apparatus that can improve the visibility of a character input screen by an operator in a real-time preview mode.

In order to achieve the above object, the present invention comprises a conveying means for conveying a print-receiving tape, a printing means for generating a print tape by printing on the print-receiving tape conveyed by the conveying means, and a desired And a display means for performing a predetermined display in a display area having a first direction and a second direction orthogonal to the first direction. A printing apparatus having a real-time preview mode that accepts an editing operation via the operation unit for a character string to be printed on the print tape while displaying an appearance image in the display area along the first direction. When the operation mode is the real-time preview mode and the appearance image is displayed, a character input operation through the operation means is accepted. An operation receiving unit and the display unit are controlled, and each character of the unconfirmed character string based on the character input operation received by the first operation receiving unit is displayed in the predetermined portion of the display area. A first display control means for displaying a predetermined size along the direction; a second operation accepting means for accepting a confirmation operation via the operation means for the unconfirmed character string; and controlling the display means, A second display control means for displaying the appearance image including one character string corresponding to the confirmation operation accepted by the operation acceptance means as a confirmed character string in the display area; and the second operation control means accepted by the first operation acceptance means have a, a conversion candidate generation means for generating at least one conversion candidate for the character input operation, the first display control means controls said display means, said The conversion candidates generated by the conversion candidate generation means are displayed on the outer appearance image while displaying each character of the fixed character string on one end portion in the second direction of the display area. A conversion candidate screen area displayed along one direction is displayed on the appearance image on the other side in the second direction with respect to the unconfirmed character string in the display area, and the second operation receiving means Accepts a selection confirmation operation via the operation means for the conversion candidate displayed in the conversion candidate screen area as the confirmation operation for the unconfirmed character string, and the second display control means includes the display means The appearance image including one conversion candidate corresponding to the selection confirming operation received by the second operation accepting unit as the confirmed character string. It is characterized by being displayed in the area .
In order to achieve the above object, the present invention includes a conveying means for conveying a print-receiving tape, and a printing means for generating a print tape by printing on the print-receiving tape conveyed by the conveying means. The printing means generated by an operation means capable of inputting a desired operation and a display means for performing a predetermined display in a display area having a first direction and a second direction orthogonal to the first direction. A printing apparatus having a real-time preview mode that accepts an editing operation via the operation means for a character string to be printed on the print tape while displaying an appearance image of the tape in the display area along the first direction. When the operation mode is the real-time preview mode and the appearance image is displayed, a character input operation via the operation means is accepted. First operation accepting means, and the display means for controlling each character of the unconfirmed character string based on the character input operation accepted by the first operation accepting means in a predetermined portion of the display area. Controlling a first display control means for displaying a predetermined size along the first direction, a second operation accepting means for accepting a confirmation operation via the operation means for the unconfirmed character string, and the display means, A second display control means for displaying the appearance image including one character string corresponding to the confirmation operation accepted by the second operation acceptance means as a confirmed character string in the display area; and the first operation acceptance means. Conversion candidate generation means for generating at least one conversion candidate for the accepted character input operation, and the first display control means controls the display means. The appearance image including the undetermined character string is displayed at the predetermined size along the first direction at each end of the second direction in the display area with each character of the undetermined character string. The conversion candidate screen area for displaying the conversion candidate generated by the conversion candidate generation unit along the first direction while displaying the image with the size adjusted, and the unconfirmed of the display areas. Displayed on the other side of the second direction from the character string, and the second operation accepting unit performs the operation on the conversion candidate displayed in the conversion candidate screen area as the confirmation operation on the unconfirmed character string. The selection confirmation operation via the means is received, and the second display control means controls the display means, and performs one previous operation corresponding to the selection confirmation operation received by the second operation reception means. The appearance image including the conversion candidate as the fixed character string is displayed in the display area.

  In the printing apparatus of the present invention, a real-time preview mode is provided as an operation mode. In this real-time preview mode, the appearance image of the generated print tape is displayed in the display area of the display means along the first direction (for example, the left-right direction). The operator can perform an editing operation on the character string to be printed on the print tape via the operation unit while the appearance image is displayed.

  In the printing apparatus of the present invention, when the operation mode is the real-time preview mode and the appearance image is displayed, when the operator inputs characters through the operation means, the character input operation is the first. It is received by the operation receiving means. Then, the first display control means displays each character of the undetermined character string based on the accepted character input operation in a predetermined size along the first direction in a predetermined part of the display area. When the operator confirms the unconfirmed character string via the operation means, the confirmation operation is accepted by the second operation accepting means. Then, the second display control means displays an appearance image including one character string corresponding to the accepted confirmation operation as a confirmed character string (switches the appearance image display).

  As described above, according to the present invention, when a character is input in the real-time preview mode, it is possible to efficiently display an undetermined character string with characters of a size that can be easily viewed by the operator at a position where the operator can easily view the character string. Become. As a result, the visibility of the character input screen by the operator in the real-time preview mode can be improved.

  ADVANTAGE OF THE INVENTION According to this invention, the visibility by the operator of the character input screen in real-time preview mode can be improved.

1 is a perspective view illustrating an appearance of a printing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention as viewed from obliquely above. It is a perspective view showing the appearance which looked at the printer of the state where the lower cover was opened from the slanting lower part. 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 display process of the undetermined character string and conversion candidate in a comparative example. It is explanatory drawing for demonstrating the display process of an undetermined character string and a conversion candidate in the embodiment. It is a flowchart showing the control procedure performed by CPU. It is explanatory drawing for demonstrating the display processing of the undetermined character string and conversion candidate in the modification which adjusts a magnification so that an undetermined character string may become predetermined size. It is explanatory drawing for demonstrating the display process of an undetermined character string and a conversion candidate in the modification.

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

<Overall schematic configuration>
First, a schematic configuration of a printing apparatus according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS.

  1 to 3, the printing apparatus 1 creates a print label (not shown) as a print tape by cutting a printed label tape 109 on which a desired print has been performed, to a predetermined length. In the present embodiment, the front / rear / left / right / up / down directions of the printing apparatus 1 indicate directions shown in FIGS.

  As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the casing 2 of the printing 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 configured. The upper cover 17 has a keyboard 3 (corresponding to an operation means) for performing various operations such as character input from the front to the rear, and a function key group 4 (operation means) for executing various functions of the printing apparatus 1. And a liquid crystal display 5 (corresponding to display means) provided with a display area 5A for displaying input characters, symbols, and the like. The keyboard 3 is provided with, for example, four alphabetic keys such as “↑”, “←”, “→”, and “↓”, as well as normal alphabetic and numeric keys. In this example, the function key group 4 includes a power switch 4B, a print (Print) key 4C, and the like. In this example, the display area 5A is formed in a substantially rectangular shape with the left-right direction (corresponding to the first direction) as the length direction and the front-rear direction (corresponding to the second direction) orthogonal to the left-right direction as the width direction. ing. Further, a cutter lever 7 for cutting the 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 printing apparatus 1. The cartridge holder 9 is covered when the lower cover 15 configured to be openable and closable with the front end portion of the printing apparatus 1 as a rotation axis 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 to be described later) is provided adjacent to the cartridge holder 9 on the upper rear side of the printing apparatus 1. . 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 a spiral shape) on which a transparent cover film 103 (corresponding to a print-receiving tape) 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 (not necessary when the print-receiving tape is a thermal tape), and a printed ink ribbon 105. A ribbon take-up roller 106 and a tape feed roller 27 rotatably supported in the vicinity of the tape discharge portion of the cartridge 8 are provided. In addition, for example, the housing 8A of the cartridge 8 is detected by a cartridge sensor 6 (see FIG. 4 described later) that is detected by the cartridge sensor 2 installed in the casing 2 of the printing apparatus 1 when the cartridge 8 is mounted in the cartridge holder 9. 6A (see FIG. 2) is 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 from the side wound inside to the opposite side, an adhesive layer for bonding composed of an appropriate adhesive, A colored base film made of PET (polyethylene terephthalate) or the like, a sticking adhesive layer made of an appropriate pressure-sensitive adhesive, and a 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, see also FIG. 2).

  At this time, a ribbon take-up roller driving shaft 107 (see also FIG. 2) for taking up the used ink ribbon 105 and a printed label are accommodated in the cartridge holder 9 corresponding to the configuration of the cartridge 8. And a tape feed roller drive shaft 108 (corresponding to the transport means; see also FIG. 2) for driving the tape feed roller 27 for transporting the tape 109 for use. 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. And a platen roller 26 provided opposite to the thermal head 23. At the same time, the base tape 101 and the cover film 103 are sandwiched between a tape feed roller 27 and a 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 108 is driven as the tape feed roller drive shaft 108 is driven. 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 unwound from the second roll 104, and a plurality of heating elements provided in the thermal head 23 are energized and generate heat by the thermal head control circuit 217 (see FIG. 4 described later). 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 surface side of the cover film 103 (that is, the side to be bonded to the base tape 101). It is done. As a result, a print (details will be described later) corresponding to print data such as desired characters and symbols 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 including 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 is operated, and the printed label tape 109 is cut to generate a cut printed label tape 109 (hereinafter simply referred to as “print label” as appropriate). Is done.

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

  As illustrated in FIG. 4, the printing apparatus 1 includes a CPU 212 that performs predetermined calculations.

  The CPU 212 is connected to the keyboard 3, the function key group 4, the liquid crystal display 5, the EEPROM 214, the RAM 213, and the cartridge sensor 6. The CPU 212 is connected to the AC adapter 220 and performs a power on / off process of the printing apparatus 1, and a drive motor 211 that drives the ribbon take-up roller drive shaft 107 and the tape feed roller drive shaft 108. Are connected to a motor drive circuit 216 that controls the driving of the thermal head and a thermal head control circuit 217 that controls the energization of the heating elements of the thermal head 23.

  The EEPROM 214 stores various control programs (including a print processing program for executing processing shown in a flowchart of FIG. 7 described later). The CPU 212 performs signal processing according to the program stored in the EEPROM 214 while using the temporary storage function of the RAM 213, thereby controlling the entire printing apparatus 1.

  The cartridge sensor 6 uses a known method (for example, a mechanical contact method or a non-magnetic method using a magnetic or optical method) to appropriately detect the detected portion 6A formed on the cartridge 8 or the like attached to the cartridge holder 9. It is detected by a contact method. The CPU 212 acquires the type information of the cartridge 8 based on the detection result of the cartridge sensor 6. This type information includes at least the tape width information of the cover film 103 and the base tape 101 provided in each cartridge 8.

<Features of this embodiment>
In the above basic configuration, the feature of the present embodiment is that it is not based on the character input operation via the operator's keyboard 3 or the like on the screen displayed in the display area 5A of the liquid crystal display 5 when inputting characters in the real-time preview mode. This is a method for displaying a confirmed character string and conversion candidates. The details will be described below using a comparative example.

<Text input mode and real-time preview mode>
The printing apparatus 1 is provided with a text input mode and a real-time preview mode as operation modes that allow an editing operation on a character string (including one character) printed on a print label.

  In the text input mode, a predetermined text input screen is displayed in the display area 5A of the liquid crystal display 5 (not shown). In the display state of the text input screen, the operator can perform an editing operation on the character string to be printed on the print label via the keyboard 3, the function key group 4, and the like.

  On the other hand, in the real-time preview mode, a label image (in other words, the operator's keyboard 3 or function key group 4 up to that point) is displayed on the display area 5A of the liquid crystal display 5 as an appearance image of the generated print label. A label image of the print label corresponding to the editing operation) A preview screen for displaying the IM along the left-right direction is displayed (see FIGS. 5A to 5C and FIGS. 6A to 6D described later). . In the display state of the preview screen, the operator can edit the character string to be printed on the print label via the keyboard 3 and the function key group 4 as in the text input mode while viewing the label image IM ( Including a character input operation described later and a selection confirmation operation described later).

<Indeterminate character string and conversion candidate display process in comparative example>
Here, the display processing of the undetermined character string and the conversion candidate in the comparative example will be described with reference to FIGS.

  FIG. 5A shows a preview screen 5B ′ displayed in the display area 5A of the liquid crystal display 5 in the real-time preview mode. In the preview screen 5B ′ of the example shown in FIG. 5A, a label image IM including the character string “abcdefabcdef” as a confirmed character string in which character conversion is confirmed is displayed. Note that the first “a” and a part of the next “b” in the confirmed character string “abcdefabcdef” do not fit in the preview screen 5B ′ and are displayed by scrolling. In the preview screen 5B ', the cursor 51 is displayed immediately after the last "f" in the confirmed character string "abcdefabcdef" in the label image IM.

  In the display state of the preview screen 5B ′ shown in FIG. 5A, the operator operates the keyboard 3 with the intention of adding the character string “will be made up”, and the characters “U” and “ME”. Is entered.

  In this case, as shown in FIG. 5B, on the preview screen 5B ′, each character of the input character string “Ume” is labeled as each character of the unconfirmed character string for which character conversion is not confirmed. Continuing from the position of the cursor 51 in the image IM, the color is displayed in an inverted state. At this time, the character string “abcdefabcdef Ume” in the label image IM is scrolled so as not to overlap a pop-up 53 ′ described later. At the same time, a pop-up 53 ′ for displaying conversion candidates for the input character string “Ume” is displayed on the right side of the preview screen 5B ′. Note that conversion candidates other than “ume”, “Ume”, and “ume” are not displayed within the pop-up 53 area and are displayed by scrolling.

  In the display state of the preview screen 5B ′ shown in FIG. 5B, the operator operates the keyboard 3 or the like to enter the characters “A”, “W”, “SE”, “RA”, “RE”, “RU”, “DE”. Suppose you enter "shi", "yo", and "u".

  In this case, as shown in FIG. 5C, on the preview screen 5B ′, each character of the input character string “will be matched” is included in the label image IM as each character of the undetermined character string. Following the unconfirmed character string “Ume”, it is displayed with its color reversed. At this time, the character string “abcdefabcdef will be matched” in the label image IM is scrolled so as not to overlap a pop-up 53 ′ described later. At the same time, a pop-up 53 ′ that displays conversion candidates for the input character string “May be met” is displayed on the right side of the preview screen 5 B ′. “It will be made up (but“ Sho ”is not displayed)” “It will be made up (However,“ Sho ”is not displayed”) Conversion candidates other than “not”) are displayed within the pop-up 53 area by scrolling.

  In this way, in the comparative example, since the undetermined character string is displayed in the label image IM, when the set character size is large (when the tape width is wide), the display character size of the undetermined character string is also increased. If the number of characters displayed for the unconfirmed character string is reduced and the set character size is small (when the tape width is narrow), the display character size for the unconfirmed character string is also small. It becomes difficult. In the comparative example, in order to secure the display area of the pop-up 53 ′ for displaying the conversion candidate, the character string including the unconfirmed character string in the label image IM is scrolled (in other words, the display of the unconfirmed character string is displayed). Since the pop-up 53 'is displayed on the right side of the preview screen 5B', the number of characters to be displayed in the unconfirmed character string is excessively reduced, and the scroll specification is complicated. End up. As described above, in the comparative example, the visibility of the character input screen in the real-time preview mode by the operator is not very good, and the scroll specifications are complicated.

<Display processing of unconfirmed character string and conversion candidate in this embodiment>
Next, display processing of an undetermined character string and conversion candidates in the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS.

  FIG. 6A shows a confirmed character string “similar to the preview screen 5B ′ shown in FIG. 5A displayed over substantially the entire display area 5A of the liquid crystal display 5 in the real-time preview mode. A preview screen 5B that displays a label image IM including “abcdefabcdef” along the left-right direction is shown.

  In the display state of the preview screen 5B shown in FIG. 6A, the operator operates the keyboard 3 to input the characters “U” and “ME” (= corresponds to the character input operation) as in the comparative example. And

  In this case, as shown in FIG. 6B, on the preview screen 5B, each character of the input character string “Ume” is displayed on the preview screen 5B (display area 5A) as each character of the undetermined character string. From the front end (the lower end in FIGS. 6A to 6D when the preview screen 5B is viewed from above, corresponding to one end and a predetermined portion in the second direction) from the left end To the right, the image is displayed on the label image IM with a predetermined size and a color reversed. At the same time, a pop-up 53 (corresponding to a conversion candidate screen area) that displays a conversion candidate for the input character string “Ume” in left horizontal writing is an unconfirmed character in the preview screen 5B (display area 5A). Displayed over the label image IM on the rear side of the column “Ume” (upper side in FIGS. 6A to 6D when the preview screen 5B is viewed from above, corresponding to the other side in the second direction). . Note that conversion candidates other than “ume”, “Ume”, and “ume” are not displayed within the pop-up 53 area and are displayed by scrolling.

  In this embodiment, conversion candidates displayed in the pop-up 53 are generated by a known “kana-kanji conversion” method. That is, when a character string is input, conversion candidates for the character string are generated using the vocabulary database (dictionary) for kana-kanji conversion stored in the EEPROM 214 and displayed in the pop-up 53. The conversion candidates displayed in the pop-up 53 may be generated by a known “input prediction conversion” method or the like. In the present embodiment, as described above, the number of conversion candidates that are simultaneously displayed on the pop-up 53 is three (in the scene shown in FIG. 5B, three are “Plum”, “Ume”, and “Ume”). It is said. Note that the number of conversion candidates displayed simultaneously on the pop-up 53 may be other than three. Alternatively, the number of conversion candidates displayed simultaneously on the pop-up 53 may be increased or decreased according to the size of the display area 5 </ b> A of the liquid crystal display 5. In the present embodiment, as described above, the unconfirmed character string to be displayed is an unconverted character string corresponding to the input character string (“Ume” in the scene shown in FIG. 5B). The displayed undetermined character string may be one conversion candidate selected in the pop-up 53 (“ume” in the case shown in FIG. 5B).

  In the display state of the preview screen 5B shown in FIG. 6B, the operator operates the keyboard 3 or the like, as in the comparative example, and the characters “A”, “WA”, “SE”, “RA”, “RE”, “RE” It is assumed that “R”, “D”, “S”, “C” and “U” are input (= corresponding to character input operation).

  In this case, as shown in FIG. 6C, on the preview screen 5B, each character of the input character string “May be matched” is displayed as an undetermined character string after the undetermined character string “Ume”. Are displayed on the label image IM in a predetermined size and in a color-inverted state over substantially the entire left and right direction of the front end portion of the preview screen 5B. Note that the “Ume” on the top side of the unconfirmed character string “Ume will be met” does not fit in the preview screen 5B and is displayed by scrolling. At the same time, a pop-up 53 that displays the conversion candidate for the input character string “I will be able to be met” is written in the left-right writing. On the rear side, it is displayed over the label image IM. In addition, “It will be made up (however,“ Sho ”on the tail side will not be displayed)” “It will be made up (However,“ Sho ”on the tail side will not be displayed)” “Umeawa Serarel Desho (however, Conversion candidates other than “the tail side“ show ”are not displayed” ”are not displayed within the pop-up 53 area and are displayed by scrolling.

  In the present embodiment, when the unconfirmed character string does not fit in the preview screen 5B, the unconfirmed character string is scrolled so as to follow the character input operation. As a result, as shown above, the head of the unconfirmed character string ("Ume" of "You will be able to meet" in the scene of Fig. 5 (c)) is hidden and displayed by scrolling. It is supposed to be. Note that when the unconfirmed character string does not fit in the preview screen 5B, the display size of the unconfirmed character string may be reduced so as to fit in the preview screen 5B. Alternatively, when the undetermined character string does not fit in the preview screen 5B, the tail side of the undetermined character string may be scrolled so as not to be displayed. In the present embodiment, as described above, if the conversion candidate does not fit within the area of the pop-up 53, the rear end of the conversion candidate (in the scene of FIG. "Sho", "Sho" of "You will be able to meet", "Show" of "Umeawaserareldesho") is hidden. Note that when the conversion candidate does not fit in the area of the pop-up 53, the conversion candidate may be scrolled so as to follow the character input operation. Alternatively, when the conversion candidate does not fit in the pop-up 53 area, the display size of the conversion candidate may be reduced so that the conversion candidate fits in the pop-up 53 area.

  In the display state of the preview screen 5 </ b> B shown in FIG. 6C, the operator operates the keyboard 3 or the like to change the unconfirmed character string “You will be able to meet” to the conversion candidate “ It is assumed that the selection is confirmed (= corresponding to the confirmation operation and the selection confirmation operation).

  In this case, as shown in FIG. 6D, the preview screen 5B includes the confirmed character string “abcdefabcdef” followed by one selected and confirmed conversion candidate “will be filled” as a confirmed character string. The display is switched to the display of the label image IM. Note that part of “abcdefabcdef padding” and “wa” in the fixed character string “abcdefabcdef will be padded” is not displayed within the screen and is displayed by scrolling.

<Control procedure>
Hereinafter, the processing procedure executed by the CPU 212 to realize the above-described method will be described with reference to FIG.

  In FIG. 7, for example, when the operator appropriately operates the keyboard 3, the function key group 4, and the like to set the operation mode of the printing apparatus 1 to the real-time preview mode, the processing of this flowchart is started (“START” position). ).

  First, in step S <b> 10, the CPU 212 acquires the tape width of the cover film 103 of the cartridge 8 attached to the cartridge holder 9 based on the detection result of the cartridge sensor 6. That is, the cartridge sensor 6 uses a known method (for example, a mechanical contact type method or a magnetic / optical method) to detect the detected portion 6A appropriately formed on the cartridge 8 or the like mounted on the cartridge holder 9. Detected by a non-contact method). The CPU 212 acquires the type information of the cartridge 8 attached to the cartridge holder 9 based on the detection result of the cartridge sensor 6 and acquires the corresponding tape width.

  Thereafter, in step S20, the CPU 212 outputs a display signal to the liquid crystal display 5, and the label image IM corresponding to the tape width acquired in step S10 is extended along the left-right direction over substantially the entire display area 5A. A preview screen 5B to be displayed is displayed.

  In step S30, the CPU 212 accepts a character input operation via the operator's keyboard 3 or the like. In addition, CPU212 which performs this step S30 functions as the 1st operation reception means as described in each claim.

  Thereafter, in step S40, the CPU 212 uses the vocabulary database for kana-kanji conversion stored in the EEPROM 214 based on the character string corresponding to the character input operation in step S30, and at least one conversion candidate for the character string. Is generated. In addition, CPU212 which performs this step S40 functions as a conversion candidate production | generation means as described in each claim.

  In step S50, the CPU 212 outputs a display signal to the liquid crystal display 5, and each character of the character string corresponding to the character input operation in step S30 is set as each character of the unconfirmed character string on the preview screen 5B. The conversion candidate generated in step S40 is displayed on the label image IM while being displayed on the label image IM in a state where the color is inverted from the left end to the right at the front end. A pop-up 53 to be displayed in horizontal writing is displayed on the label image IM on the rear side of the unconfirmed character string in the preview screen 5B. In addition, CPU212 which performs this step S50 functions as a 1st display control means as described in each claim.

  Thereafter, in step S <b> 60, the CPU 212 determines whether a selection confirmation operation for the conversion candidate displayed in the pop-up 53 is accepted via the operator's keyboard 3 or the like. If the selection confirmation operation has not been accepted, the determination in step S60 is not satisfied (S60: No), and the same procedure is repeated by returning to step S30. Thus, the character input operation until the operator performs the selection confirmation operation can be performed. When the selection confirmation operation is accepted, the determination in step S60 is satisfied (S60: Yes), and the process proceeds to step S70. In addition, CPU212 which performs this step S60 functions as a 2nd operation reception means as described in each claim.

  In step S70, the CPU 212 outputs a display signal to the liquid crystal display 5, confirms the display of the label image IM on the preview screen 5B, and confirms one conversion candidate (character string) corresponding to the selection confirming operation in step S60. Switch to the display of the label image IM, which is included as a character string. The CPU 212 that executes step S70 functions as the second display control means described in each claim.

  In step S80, the CPU 212 determines whether the print key 4C has been pressed. If the print key 4C has not been pressed, the determination in step S80 is not satisfied (S80: No), and the same procedure is repeated by returning to step S30. Thus, the character input operation until the operator presses the print key 4C can be performed. If the print key 4C is pressed, the determination at step S80 is satisfied (S80: Yes), and the routine goes to step S90.

  In step S90, the CPU 212 prints energizing the heating elements of the thermal head 23 to execute print formation corresponding to the label image IM of the preview screen 5B currently displayed in the display area 5A of the liquid crystal display 5 at step S90. Generate data.

  Thereafter, in step S100, 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 etc.”) is started.

  In step S110, based on the print data generated in step S90, the CPU 212 determines whether the cover film 103 and the like conveyed as described above have been conveyed to the start position of a predetermined print area (in other words, It is determined whether or not the cover film 103 or the like has been conveyed until the thermal head 23 comes to a conveyance direction position facing the front end of the printing area. 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. If the cover film 103 or the like is not transported to the start position of the print area, the determination in step S110 is not satisfied (S110: NO), and a loop standby is performed. If cover film 103 etc. are conveyed to the starting position of a printing field, the judgment of Step S110 will be satisfied (S110: YES) and it will move to Step S120.

  In step S120, 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 S90. 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 S130, the CPU 212 determines whether or not the cover film 103 or the like conveyed as described above has been conveyed to the end position of the printing area (in other words, the conveying direction in which the thermal head 23 faces the rear end of the printing area). It is determined whether or not the cover film 103 or the like has been conveyed until the position is reached. This determination may be performed by the same known method as described above. If the cover film 103 or the like is not transported to the end position of the printing area, the determination in step S130 is not satisfied (S130: NO), and the same procedure is repeated by returning to step S120. If the cover film 103 or the like has been conveyed to the end position of the printing area, the determination in step S130 is satisfied (S130: YES), and the process proceeds to step S140.

  In step S140, the CPU 212 conveys the transported cover film 103 and the like based on the print data generated in step S90 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 reaches the cutting position in the conveying direction. This determination may be performed by a known method similar to that described above. If the cover film 103 or the like is not transported to the cutting position, the determination in step S140 is not satisfied (S140: NO), and a loop standby is performed. If cover film 103 grade | etc., Is conveyed to a cutting position, determination of step S140 will be satisfy | filled (S140: YES), and it will move to step S150.

  In step S150, the CPU 212 outputs a control signal to the motor drive circuit 216, and stops 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 etc. stops.

  In step S160, the CPU 212 outputs a display signal to the liquid crystal display 5. As a result, an appropriate display prompting the operator to operate the cutter lever 7 to operate the movable blade 41 and cut the label tape 109 with print is performed in the display area 5A. When the operator operates the cutter lever 7 in response to this display, the printed label tape 109 is cut and a printed label is generated. Thus, the process of this flowchart ends.

<Effect of this embodiment>
As described above, in this embodiment, when the operation mode is the real-time preview mode and the label image IM is displayed, when the operator inputs characters through the keyboard 3 or the like, the characters are input. Each character of the undetermined character string based on the operation is displayed in a predetermined size along the left-right direction in a predetermined portion (front end portion in the above example) of the display area 5A. When the operator confirms the unconfirmed character string via the keyboard 3 or the like, a label image IM including one character string corresponding to the confirmation operation as a confirmed character string is displayed (switching the display of the label image IM). ).

  As described above, according to the present embodiment, when inputting characters in the real-time preview mode, it is possible to efficiently display an undetermined character string in characters that are easy for the operator to see at a position where the operator can easily see the character string. It becomes. As a result, the visibility of the character input screen by the operator in the real-time preview mode can be improved.

  Further, in the present embodiment, in particular, the pop-up 53 that displays the conversion candidates along the left-right direction while displaying each character of the undetermined character string at the front end of the display area 5A is displayed in the display area 5A. Is displayed behind the unconfirmed character string. As a result, it is possible to ensure that the display areas of the unconfirmed character string and the conversion candidate are widened in the left-right direction. Can be displayed. In addition, it is possible to eliminate scrolling of unconfirmed characters in the left-right direction. Therefore, the visibility of the character input screen by the operator in the real-time preview mode can be further enhanced.

  In the present embodiment, in particular, each character of the unconfirmed character string is displayed on the label image IM at the front end of the display area 5A, and the pop-up 53 is unconfirmed in the display area 5A. It is displayed on the label image IM behind the character string. Thereby, it is possible to realize the printing apparatus 1 with improved visibility by the operator of the character input screen in the real-time preview mode.

  In the present embodiment, in particular, each character of the undetermined character string is displayed from the left end to the right at the front end in the display area 5A. As a result, the display area for the undetermined character string can be ensured so as to be widened in the left-right direction, and a large number of characters can be reliably displayed for the undetermined character string with characters that are easy for the operator to visually recognize. Can do. Therefore, the visibility by the operator of the character input screen in the real-time preview mode can be reliably increased.

<Modifications>
The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and various modifications can be made without departing from the spirit and technical idea of the present invention. Hereinafter, such modifications will be described.

(1) When the unconfirmed character string is displayed with the magnification adjusted so as to have a predetermined size In the above embodiment, each character of the unconfirmed character string is predetermined along the left-right direction at the front end of the preview screen 5B. However, the present invention is not limited to this example. For example, the label image IM including the undetermined character string is displayed with the size adjusted so that the undetermined character string is displayed at a predetermined size along the left-right direction at the front end portion of the preview screen 5B. May be.

  Hereinafter, with reference to FIGS. 8A and 8B and FIGS. 9A and 9B, display processing of an undetermined character string and conversion candidates in this modification will be described.

  FIG. 8A shows a label image IM corresponding to a relatively large tape width including the confirmed character string “ABCDEFGHIJKLMNOQRSTUVWXYZ” displayed over substantially the entire display area 5A of the liquid crystal display 5 in the real-time preview mode. Is shown in the preview screen 5B. Note that “ABCDEFGHIJKLMNOQRST” on the head side of the confirmed character string “ABCDEFGHIJKLMNOQRSTUVWXYZ” does not fit in the preview screen 5B and is displayed by scrolling. Even when the tape width is not relatively large, the display mode is the same as described above even when the designated magnification is relatively large.

  Assume that the operator inputs the characters “U” and “ME” by operating the keyboard 3 in the display state of the preview screen 5B shown in FIG.

  In this case, as shown in FIG. 8B, on the preview screen 5B, each character of the input character string “Ume” is set as the position of the cursor 51 in the label image IM as each character of the unconfirmed character string. Is displayed with the color reversed. At this time, in the label image IM including the confirmed character string and the unconfirmed character string “ume”, each character of the unconfirmed character string “ume” is displayed at a predetermined size at the front end portion of the preview screen 5B. As shown, the image is automatically adjusted in size (reduced in this example). At the same time, a pop-up 53 displaying a conversion candidate for the input character string “Ume” in left horizontal writing is displayed behind the unconfirmed character string “Ume” in the preview screen 5B (in this example, (Without covering the reduced label image IM).

  On the other hand, FIG. 9A includes a fixed character string “ABCDEFGHIJKLMNOQRSTUVWXYZ” displayed on almost the entire display area 5A of the liquid crystal display 5 and having the same contents in the first to third lines in the real-time preview mode. A preview screen 5B that displays a label image IM corresponding to a relatively small tape width along the left-right direction is shown. It should be noted that a part of “ABC” on the head side of the fixed character string “ABCDEFGHIJKLMNOQRSTUVWXYZ” of each line does not fit in the preview screen 5B and is displayed by scrolling. Even if the tape width is not relatively small, the display mode is the same as above when the designated magnification is relatively small or the designated number of lines is relatively large.

  In the display state of the preview screen 5B shown in FIG. 9A, it is assumed that the operator operates the keyboard 3 and inputs the characters “U” and “Me” as in the tooth scene of FIG.

  In this case, as shown in FIG. 9B, on the preview screen 5B, each character of the input character string “Ume” is set as the position of the cursor 51 in the label image IM as each character of the undetermined character string. Is displayed with the color reversed. At this time, in the label image IM including the confirmed character string and the unconfirmed character string “ume”, each character of the unconfirmed character string “ume” is displayed at a predetermined size at the front end portion of the preview screen 5B. As shown, the size is automatically adjusted (enlarged in this example) and displayed. At the same time, the pop-up 53 that displays the conversion candidate for the input character string “Ume” in left horizontal writing is enlarged on the rear side of the unconfirmed character string “Ume” in the preview screen 5B. It is displayed over the label image IM.

  In the present modification described above, the label image IM including an undetermined character string is displayed in a predetermined size along the left-right direction at the front end of the display area 5A. In this way, the pop-up 53 is displayed on the rear side of the unconfirmed character string in the display area 5A while the size is adjusted and displayed. Thereby, the effect similar to the said embodiment can be acquired.

(2) When an unconfirmed character string is displayed at the rear end and a popup is displayed at the front side In the above, the pop-up 53 is displayed while displaying each character of the unconfirmed character string at the front end of the preview screen 5B. Is described by way of example in the preview screen 5B on the back side of the undetermined character string, but is not limited thereto. For example, each character of the undetermined character string is displayed on the rear end of the preview screen 5B (the upper end in FIGS. 6 (a) to 6 (d) when the preview screen 5B is viewed from above. The pop-up 53 is displayed on the front side of the unconfirmed character string in the preview screen 5B (shown in FIG. 6A when the preview screen 5B is viewed from above) while being displayed at one end in two directions and a predetermined portion. ~ (D) middle lower side (corresponding to the other side in the second direction in this modification). In this case, the same effect is obtained.

(3) Others In the above, the type of the mounted cartridge 8 is detected by the cartridge sensor 6, and the CPU 212 acquires the tape width of the cover film 103 in the cartridge 8 correspondingly, but this is not limitative. Absent. That is, the operator may manually input the tape width through the keyboard 3 or the function key group 4 and the CPU 212 may obtain and use the input result. 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”, “plane”, etc., allow tolerances and errors in design, meaning “substantially vertical”, “substantially parallel”, “substantially plane”, etc. It is.

  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 “same”, “equal”, “different”, etc. mean that “tolerance and error in design and manufacturing are allowed”, “substantially identical”, “substantially equal”, “substantially different”, It is. 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.

  Further, in the above, the arrows shown in FIG. 4 show an example of the signal flow, and do not limit the signal flow direction.

  Further, the flowchart shown in FIG. 7 does not limit the present invention to the illustrated procedure, and the procedure may be added / deleted or the order may be changed without departing from the spirit and technical idea of the invention. .

  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 Printing device 3 Keyboard (operating means)
4 Function keys (operating means)
5 Liquid crystal display (display means)
5A Display area 23 Thermal head (printing means)
53 Popup (Conversion candidate screen area)
103 Cover film (printed tape)
108 Tape feed roller drive shaft (conveyance means)
112 CPU
IM label image (appearance image)

Claims (3)

Conveying means for conveying the print-receiving tape;
Printing means for printing on the print-receiving tape conveyed by the conveying means to generate a printing tape;
An operation means capable of inputting a desired operation;
Display means for performing predetermined display in a display area having a first direction and a second direction orthogonal to the first direction;
Have
A real-time preview mode for accepting an editing operation via the operation means for a character string to be printed on the printing tape while displaying an appearance image of the generated printing tape in the display area along the first direction; A printing device comprising:
First operation accepting means for accepting a character input operation via the operation means when the operation mode is the real-time preview mode and the appearance image is displayed;
The display unit is controlled, and each character of the undetermined character string based on the character input operation received by the first operation receiving unit is predetermined along the first direction in a predetermined part of the display area. First display control means for displaying in a size of
Second operation accepting means for accepting a confirmation operation via the operation means for the unconfirmed character string;
Second display control means for controlling the display means and displaying the appearance image including one character string corresponding to the confirmation operation accepted by the second operation acceptance means as a confirmed character string in the display area;
Conversion candidate generation means for generating at least one conversion candidate for the character input operation received by the first operation reception means;
I have a,
The first display control means includes
The conversion candidate generation unit controls the display unit and displays each character of the unconfirmed character string on the appearance image at one end portion in the second direction of the display area. A conversion candidate screen area for displaying the generated conversion candidate along the first direction is placed on the appearance image on the other side of the second direction with respect to the undetermined character string in the display area. Display
The second operation receiving means is
As the confirmation operation for the unconfirmed character string, a selection confirmation operation via the operation means for the conversion candidate displayed in the conversion candidate screen area is accepted,
The second display control means includes
The display unit is controlled to display the appearance image including the one conversion candidate corresponding to the selection confirmation operation received by the second operation reception unit as the confirmed character string in the display area. Printing device to do. The printing apparatus according to claim 1 .
The first display control means includes
A printing apparatus that controls the display means to display each character of the undetermined character string from the left end to the right at the one end in the display area. Conveying means for conveying the print-receiving tape;
Printing means for printing on the print-receiving tape conveyed by the conveying means to generate a printing tape;
An operation means capable of inputting a desired operation;
Display means for performing predetermined display in a display area having a first direction and a second direction orthogonal to the first direction;
Have
A real-time preview mode for accepting an editing operation via the operation means for a character string to be printed on the printing tape while displaying an appearance image of the generated printing tape in the display area along the first direction; A printing device comprising:
First operation accepting means for accepting a character input operation via the operation means when the operation mode is the real-time preview mode and the appearance image is displayed;
The display unit is controlled, and each character of the undetermined character string based on the character input operation received by the first operation receiving unit is predetermined along the first direction in a predetermined part of the display area. First display control means for displaying in a size of
Second operation accepting means for accepting a confirmation operation via the operation means for the unconfirmed character string;
Second display control means for controlling the display means and displaying the appearance image including one character string corresponding to the confirmation operation accepted by the second operation acceptance means as a confirmed character string in the display area;
Conversion candidate generation means for generating at least one conversion candidate for the character input operation received by the first operation reception means;
Have
The first display control means includes
The display means controls the appearance image including the undetermined character string, and each character of the undetermined character string follows the first direction at one end in the second direction of the display area. The conversion candidate screen area for displaying the conversion candidates generated by the conversion candidate generation unit along the first direction while displaying the image with the size adjusted so as to be displayed at the predetermined size. Displaying on the other side of the second direction from the unconfirmed character string in the region ,
The second operation receiving means is
As the confirmation operation for the unconfirmed character string, a selection confirmation operation via the operation means for the conversion candidate displayed in the conversion candidate screen area is accepted,
The second display control means includes
The display unit is controlled to display the appearance image including the one conversion candidate corresponding to the selection confirmation operation received by the second operation reception unit as the confirmed character string in the display area. Printing device to do.

Images