JPH06155864A - Scale printing device - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE:To provide a tape printing device capable of printing the graduation lines of a scale and the graduation figures accompanying the graduation lines before and behind the intermediate value set to a printing tape. CONSTITUTION:A power supply is closed by a power supply key and initial setting (S10) is executed and, when the key related to the formation of a document and a document printing key are operated, the formed document data is stored in a text memory. Printing processing is executed on the basis of the stored document data (S12-S16). When a scale printing key is operated (S17; Yes), graduation data setting processing inputting and setting a plurality of the set data related to a scale such as the start value, intermediate value and completion value of the scale is executed (S18). Thereafter, scale printing processing is executed on the basis of the set data (S19) and the scale decreasing or increasing up to the intermediate value from the start value wherein graduation figures are set and increasing or decreasing from the intermediate value to the completion value is printed on a printing tape.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a scale printing apparatus which is capable of printing scale lines on a tape, and more particularly to a scale printing apparatus capable of printing a scale in front of and behind a set intermediate value.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Scales such as a tape measure and a ruler are used for measuring lengths and dimensions of articles, showing reduction ratios on maps, showing enlargement magnifications on micrographs, and for pillars and walls. It is used for various purposes such as recording height on a marked scale, etc., but conventionally, a device that allows individuals to easily create scales has not been put to practical use, and individuals can create or record scales. To use an existing scale,
It was necessary to copy the scale on paper with a copying machine or record each scale line on the paper one by one.

On the other hand, as described in Japanese Utility Model Laid-Open No. 1-85050, a tape printer is used in which a tape is used as a printing medium and characters or symbols which have been input and stored in advance can be printed on the tape in a dot pattern. Have been used for.

[0004]

As described above, since an apparatus by which an individual can easily create a scale has not been put into practical use, the scale could not be easily, efficiently and inexpensively created.

It is possible to cut and use an existing scale, but in this case, it takes time and cost. When a scale is created by copying, the length is limited and it can be copied only on paper. In addition, if each scale line is recorded one by one from the scale line of the scale, it takes a lot of time and labor and the quality and accuracy are poor.

Since the conventional tape printer can print only characters and symbols on the tape, it has been impossible to create a scale.

An object of the present invention is to provide a scale printing apparatus capable of printing scale lines of a scale and scale numbers attached to the scale lines on both sides of an intermediate value set on a tape as a print medium. is there.

[0008]

In order to achieve this object, a scale printing apparatus according to claim 1 of the present invention comprises an input means for inputting characters and symbols and various commands, and a print medium. Printing means including a print head for printing in a dot pattern on tape, input data storage means for storing data of characters and symbols input from the input means, display means including a display capable of displaying characters and symbols, and printing A printing apparatus comprising a print buffer for storing output dot pattern data, and a print control means for receiving data in the print buffer and printing the print means, wherein a scale number associated with a scale line A data setting means for inputting the setting data related to the scale including at least the start value data indicating the starting value, and receiving the setting data from the data setting means. , The scale line of the scale and the start data that accompanies the scale line decreases from the start value to a predetermined intermediate value, and the dot pattern data for printing the increasing scale numbers from the intermediate value is created in the print buffer. And a scale data creating means to be supplied.

In the scale printing apparatus, the intermediate value is set to 0, and the scale data creating means receives the setting data from the data setting means, and the scale line of the scale and 0 from the start value associated with the scale line. Decreased to 0 and
It is also possible to create dot pattern data for printing a scale number that increases from to the start value and supply it to the print buffer.

Further, in the scale printing apparatus, the intermediate value is set to 0, and the data setting means includes at least start value data representing a start value and end value data representing an end value of a scale number attached to the scale line. The scale data creating means is configured to be able to set the setting data relating to the scale, and the scale data creating means receives the setting data from the data setting means, decreases the scale from the start value to 0 along with the scale lines and the scale lines, and It is also possible to create dot pattern data for printing scale numbers that increase from the end value to the end value and supply the dot pattern data to the print buffer.

Further, in the scale printing apparatus, the data setting means is configured to be able to set the intermediate value data representing the intermediate value, and the scale data creating means receives the setting data from the data setting means and scale scale. It is also possible to create dot pattern data for printing a line and its scale line, which decreases from the start value to the intermediate value and increases from the intermediate value to the start value, and supplies it to the print buffer. is there.

Further, in the scale printing apparatus, the data setting means includes at least start value data representing a start value, intermediate value data representing an intermediate value, and end value data representing an end value of a scale number attached to the scale line. It is configured to be able to set the scale-related setting data, and the scale data creating means receives the setting data from the data setting means,
Create dot pattern data for printing scale lines and scale numbers accompanying the scale lines that decrease from the start value to the intermediate value and increase from the intermediate value to the end value and supply them to the print buffer. Is also possible.

Further, a scale printing apparatus according to a sixth aspect of the present invention is a printing apparatus including input means for inputting characters and symbols and various commands, and a print head for printing a dot pattern on a tape as a print medium. Means, input data storage means for storing data of characters and symbols input from the input means, display means including a display capable of displaying characters and symbols, and printing for storing dot pattern data for print output. A printing apparatus comprising a buffer and a printing control means for receiving data in a printing buffer and printing the printing means, the scale including at least intermediate value data representing an intermediate value of a scale number attached to a scale line of the scale. Receives the setting data from the data setting means for inputting the setting data and the data setting means, and Incidental to increase from a predetermined starting value to the intermediate value, and a scale data creating means to create a and supplies the print buffer dot pattern data for printing graduations numbers decreasing from an intermediate value.

In the scale printing apparatus, the predetermined start value is 0, and the scale data creating means increases the scale line of the scale and 0 from the intermediate value along with the scale line, and from the intermediate value to 0. It is also possible to create dot pattern data for printing scale numbers that decrease to and supply it to the print buffer.

Further, in the scale printing apparatus, the data setting means sets start data indicating a start value of a scale number attached to the scale line of the scale, intermediate value data indicating an intermediate value, and end value data indicating an end value. Configured to be possible,
The scale data creating means receives the setting data from the data setting means, increases the scale from the start value to the intermediate value and decreases from the intermediate value to the end value in association with the scale line and the scale line. It is also possible to create dot pattern data for printing a graduation number and supply it to the print buffer.

[0016]

In the scale printing apparatus of the present invention having the above-mentioned configuration, when the setting data regarding the scale including at least the start value data representing the start value of the scale number attached to the scale line of the scale is input by the data setting means, Scale data creation means creates dot pattern data for printing scale lines and scale numbers associated with the scale lines that decrease from the start value represented by the start data to a predetermined intermediate value and increase from the intermediate value. And supply it to the print buffer. The print control means receives the dot pattern data in the print buffer and causes the print means to print the data, and the scale is created on the tape with the intermediate value interposed therebetween.

[0017]

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

In this embodiment, the present invention is applied to a Japanese tape printing apparatus capable of printing a large number of characters such as kanji, hiragana, alphabetic characters and symbols on a printing tape.

As shown in FIG. 2, a keyboard 3 is arranged in the front part of the main body frame 2 of the tape printer 1, a printing mechanism PM is arranged in the main body frame 2 behind the keyboard 3, and A liquid crystal display 22 capable of displaying characters and symbols is provided behind the keyboard 3. The liquid crystal display 22 constitutes the display means of the present invention.

The keyboard 3 includes character keys for inputting alphabetic characters, hiragana, numbers, symbols, etc., a space key, a return key, and a cursor movement key for moving the cursor K on the liquid crystal display 22 to the right or left. , A format setting key for setting the print format, a size setting key for setting the size of the print character,
A typeface setting key for setting the typeface of print characters, a document printing key for instructing document printing, a scale printing key for instructing scale printing, and a tape 5 for printing which constitutes a tape as a printing medium of the present invention. Tape feed key,
A power key for turning the power on and off is provided. The keyboard 3 constitutes the input means and the data setting means of the present invention.

The printing mechanism PM constituting the printing means of the present invention will be briefly described with reference to FIG. 3. A rectangular tape storage cassette CS is detachably attached to the printing mechanism PM. On the storage cassette CS, a tape spool 6 around which a printing tape 5 having a width of about 18 mm made of a transparent film is wound, a ribbon supply spool 8 around which an ink ribbon 7 is wound, and the ink ribbon 7 are wound up. A take-up spool 9, a supply spool 11 in which a double-sided tape 10 having the same width as the printing tape 5 is wound with a release paper outside, and a joining roller 12 for joining the printing tape 5 and the double-sided tape 10 together. And are rotatably provided.

A thermal head 13 is erected at a position where the printing tape 5 and the ink ribbon 7 overlap each other.
A platen roller 14 that presses the printing tape 5 and the double-sided tape 10 against the joining roller 12 are rotatably supported by a support 16. In the thermal head 13, a heating element group composed of 128 heating elements is vertically arranged.

Therefore, the tape feed motor 24 (see FIG. 1) is driven in the predetermined rotation direction so that the joining roller 12 and the take-up spool 9 are driven in synchronization with each other in the predetermined rotation direction, and the heating elements are energized. When printing tape 5
Characters and symbols are printed on the upper side by a plurality of dot rows, and the printing tape 5 is fed in the tape feeding direction A with the double-sided tape 10 joined. The printing mechanism P
For details of M, refer to JP-A-2-106555.

Next, the control system of the tape printer 1 is shown in FIG.
The block diagram of FIG.

The keyboard 3 and the liquid crystal display (LC
D) a display controller (LCDC) 23 for outputting display data, a drive circuit 25 for driving the thermal head 13, a drive circuit 26 for driving the tape feed motor 24, and a warning buzzer 20. The drive circuit 21 for controlling the input / output interface 2 of the controller C
7 are connected respectively. The control unit C constitutes a print control unit and a scale data creation unit.

The control device C includes a CPU 29 and this CPU
An input / output interface 27, a CGROM 30, and a ROM 3 which are connected to 29 via a bus 28 such as a data bus.
1 and 32 and the RAM 40.

CGROM (pattern data memory) 30
For each of a large number of characters, the dot pattern data for display is stored in the column corresponding to the code data. A ROM (outline data memory) 31 has contour data (outline data) that defines the contour line of a character for printing a character, such as a Gothic typeface and a Mincho typeface. It is classified for each and stored corresponding to the code data.

In the ROM 32, a display drive control program for controlling the display controller 23 in accordance with character code data such as characters, numbers and symbols input from the keyboard 3, and an outline corresponding to each code data in the text memory 41. An image development processing control program for converting data into dot pattern data for printing and developing it in the print buffer 47, a print drive control program for sequentially reading the data in the print buffer 47 and driving the thermal head 13 and the tape feed motor 24, A control program for tape printing control, which will be described later, peculiar to the present application is stored. It should be noted that this image development processing control program includes various subroutines for controlling character modification processing for performing character modification such as bold or blank characters on a character.

The RAM 40 is a memory area such as a text memory 41, a print format memory 42, a scale range memory 43, a scale line pitch memory 44, a numeral unit memory 45, a scale counter 46, a print buffer 47, a flag memory 48 and a work memory. Is provided.

The text memory (corresponding to the input data storage means) 41 constitutes the input data storage means of the present invention and stores the code data of characters and symbols input from the keyboard 3 as document data. The print format memory 42 stores a plurality of print format information such as set character size data, typeface data, and selected character decoration data.

In the scale range memory 43, the numerical value of the starting scale of the set scale (hereinafter referred to as the starting value)
SS, numerical value of intermediate scale (hereinafter referred to as intermediate value) M
The value S and the numerical value of the end scale (hereinafter referred to as the end value) ES are stored in units of mm. The scale line pitch memory 44 stores the unit pitch (m, c) of the scale lines of the set scale.
m, mm) and a small scale line S that is a scale line for each unit pitch
The pitch of L, the pitch of the middle scale line ML which is a scale line for 5 unit pitches, and the pitch of the large scale line LL which is a scale line for 10 unit pitches are stored.

The numeral unit memory 45 stores "m" for the unit of length represented by the set scale numeral, that is, the numeral unit.
In contrast, the numerical unit data “11”, the numerical unit data “10” for “cm”, and the numerical unit data “01” for “mm” are stored. The scale counter 46 has
The total number of scales from the first scale is stored as the first count value SC1, and the scale number is stored as the second count value SC2.

The print buffer 47 stores the dot pattern data for printing and the dot pattern data for scale printing of a plurality of characters and symbols whose images have been developed. Therefore, the print buffer 47 has a memory capacity of 128 bits (16 bytes) corresponding to 128 dots in the vertical direction (dot row direction) and a predetermined bit for a plurality of characters in the horizontal direction (dot row direction). Is provided.

In the flag memory 48, the flag data of the large scale number flag LF, which is set (the data is "1") when the scale number is printed on the large scale line LL, and the scale number is printed on the middle scale line ML. Flag data of the middle scale number flag MF set when the
Small scale number flag SF that is set when printed on
Flag data, and is set when the second count value SC2 of the scale counter 46 is between the start value SS and the intermediate value MS in the scale printing process.
The flag data of the count flag AF that is reset when 2 exceeds the intermediate value MS, the flag data of the down flag DF that is set when the count value SC is being counted down in the scale printing process, and the like are stored.

Next, the tape print control routine executed by the controller C of the tape printer 1 will be described with reference to the schematic flowchart of FIG. Incidentally, reference numeral Si in the drawing
(I = 10, 11, 12, ...) Is each step.

When the power is turned on by operating the power key, the tape printing control shown in FIG.
Initial settings such as clearing ~ 48 are executed (S1
0). Then, when a key related to document creation such as a character key or a symbol key is operated to create a document (S11 / S12: Yes), the input character code is stored in the text memory 41 (S13). , The character or symbol of that character code is displayed on the display 22 (S1
4) and returns to S11.

Next, when the document print key is operated (S11: Yes, S12: No, S15: Yes),
A document printing process for printing the document data stored in the text memory 41 is executed (S16), and the process returns to S11. That is, this document printing process is a normal printing process, and the dot pattern data corresponding to the character code read from the text memory 41 is expanded into the dot pattern data for printing based on the character size and the typeface, and is printed in the print buffer 47. The dot pattern data read from the print buffer 47 is output to the printing mechanism PM and sequentially printed on the printing tape 5.

Next, when the scale print key is operated to print the scale (S11: Yes, S12).
-S15: No, S17: Yes), the scale information setting process of inputting and setting a plurality of scale setting data is executed (S18), the scale printing process is executed (S19), and the process returns to S11.

The routine of the scale information setting process control will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. 5. First, the scale length setting screen for setting the total length of the scale is displayed on the display 22 (S24), and the keyboard 3 is displayed. By operating the numeric keys, the start value SS, the intermediate value MS, and the end value ES are set in millimeter units, respectively, and by operating the return key, the respective data of the start value SS, the intermediate value MS, and the end value ES are set in the scale setting memory 43. Stored in (S2
5).

For example, as shown in FIG. 10, the start value SS
Since the setting screen of the intermediate value MS and the end value ES is displayed on the liquid crystal display 22, for example, operate each of the number keys "0", "1", "5" in the input area indicated by underlining. Then, as the starting value SS, "100" m
m, the intermediate value MS is set to "0" mm, and the end value ES is set to "150" mm.

This set start value SS, intermediate value MS,
When the start value SS <intermediate value MS> end value ES is satisfied with respect to the end value ES (S26 / S27: Yes), or when the start value SS> intermediate value MS <end value ES is satisfied (S26: No). , S28 / S29: Yes) only, S3
0 is executed. On the other hand, the start value SS <intermediate value MS>
End value ES or start value SS> Intermediate value MS <End value ES
Does not hold (S26 / S28: No, or S
26: Yes, S27: No, or S26: No,
In S28: Yes, S29: No), the buzzer sounds (S32), and the process returns to S25.

In S30, the absolute value of the difference between the start value SS and the intermediate value MS plus the absolute value of the difference between the intermediate value MS and the end value ES is more than the maximum scale length AL that can be created in the print buffer. When it is larger (S30: No), the buzzer 20 for warning that printing is impossible is sounded (S31), and the process returns to S25.

On the other hand, a value obtained by adding the absolute value of the difference between the intermediate value MS and the end value ES to the absolute value of the difference between the start value SS and the intermediate value MS is the maximum scale length AL () which can be created in the print buffer 47. When it is less than or equal to (previously stored in the ROM 32) (S30: Yes), a screen for setting the pitch of the scale graduation lines is displayed on the liquid crystal display 22 (S3).
2) The unit pitch (m, cm, m), which is the pitch of the scale line, is operated by operating the numeric keys on the keyboard 3.
m), the scale line pitch is set for each of the pitch of the large scale line LL, the pitch of the medium scale line ML, and the pitch of the small scale line SL based on this unit pitch, and the data of these unit pitches is set by the return key operation. And scale lines LL, M
Scale line pitch data for L and SL is the scale line pitch memory 4
4 (scale line pitch setting process: S33).

Here, the small graduation line SL is usually a graduation line for each unit pitch, the middle graduation line ML is usually a graduation line for 5 unit pitches, and the large graduation line LL is usually It is a scale line for 10 unit pitches.

For example, as shown in FIG. 11, since the scale line pitch setting screen is displayed on the liquid crystal display 22,
Regarding the item "pitch", "m", "cm", "mm" to "mm" are set as the scale line pitch by operating the symbol keys, and the items "large", middle which indicate the pitch of the large scale line LL. For the item "medium" indicating the pitch of the scale line ML and the item "small" indicating the pitch of the small scale line SL, the pitch of the scale line is "10", "5", "1" by operating the numeric keys.
Are set respectively.

Next, for the large graduation line pitch LP, the medium graduation line pitch MP and the small graduation line pitch SP, when the conditions necessary for creating the scale, SP <MP <LP, are satisfied (S34). : Yes), whether or not to print a scale number in association with the large scale line LL, the medium scale line ML, and the small scale line SL, and the scale number setting for setting the unit of the length indicated by the scale number. The screen is displayed on the liquid crystal display 22 (S35), and the scale line for printing the scale numbers is collectively selected and set by the unit of the length by the operation of the next key or the previous key. The scale line flags LF, MF, SF corresponding to the scale lines with the set scale numbers are set, and the set number unit data is stored in the number unit memory 45 (scale number setting process: 36). Then, after ending this control, the process proceeds to S19 of the tape print control shown in FIG. 4, and the scale print processing control is executed.

For example, as shown in FIG. 12, since a scale number setting screen is displayed on the display 22, scale numbers among three types of large scale line LL, medium scale line ML and small scale line SL are attached. The large scale line LL to be printed is designated by the unit of scale number "cm". In addition, the middle scale line ML and the small scale line SL not accompanied by scale numbers are instructed by "OFF". Therefore, only the large scale numeral flag LF is set and the unit data "10" is set in the numeral unit memory 4
Stored in 5.

In S35, SP <MP <L
When P is not satisfied (S34: No), the buzzer 20 is sounded to warn that the scale cannot be created (S37), and the process returns to S32.

Next, the routine of the scale print processing control will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. 6. First, the print buffer 47 is cleared (S40), and "0" is stored in the first count value SC1 of the scale counter 46. Is
The start value SS, for example, “100” is stored in the second count value SC2 according to the above-described setting shown in FIG. 11 (S4
1). Then, the flag data of the count flag AF is set to "1" (S42).

Next, the scale information setting process (see FIG. 5)
The start value SS set in 1 is compared with the intermediate value MS, and when the start value SS is larger, the down flag DF
Flag data is set to "1" (S44). On the other hand, when the intermediate value MS is larger, the down flag DF
The flag data of is reset to "0" (S45).
For example, as shown in FIG. 11, the start value SS is “100”.
Since the intermediate value MS is set to "0", the flag data of the down flag DF is set to "1" through S43 and S44.

When the setting of the down flag DF is completed, the scale line expansion processing is performed thereafter. However, since the scale is normally started at the large scale line LL, the large scale line expansion processing control (see FIG. 7) is executed. (S46).

When this control is started, first, the developed position nD of the large scale line LL in the print buffer 47 corresponding to the first count value SC1 is obtained (S80). That is,
Since the size of one dot is about 0.141 mm, nD = S
It is calculated by C1 / 0.141. However, the numbers after the decimal point are rounded off. Further, when the first count value SC1 is "0", it is the head position (left end position) of the print buffer 47.

Next, a scale line width of 2 is added to the developed position nD.
The dot pattern data for the large scale line LL which is a dot row and has a scale line length of about 80 dots is developed (S8).
1). For example, as shown in FIG. 13, when the count value SC is “0”, nD

The dot pattern data for the large scale line LL is developed at the [0] position, that is, the left end position of the print buffer 47.

When the large scale number flag LF is set (S82: Yes), the large scale line LL is set.
When there is enough space to expand the dot pattern data of the scale number of the predetermined character size in the extension part of (S83: Yes), the second count value SC2 stored in the scale counter 46 and the number unit memory 45 are stored. Based on the unit data, the dot pattern data of the scale numbers is developed so as to have a predetermined character size (S84), this control is ended, and the process returns to S47 of the scale print processing control.

However, when the large scale number flag LF is not set (S82: No) and when the scale number dot pattern data cannot be expanded (S83:
No), the control is immediately terminated, and the process returns to S47 of the scale print processing control. For example, as shown in FIG. 13, when the count value SC is “0”, nD

When it is [0], there is not enough space to expand the dot pattern data of the scale number, but the count value SC is "10".
In the case of nD [71], there is a space for expanding the dot pattern data of the scale number, and the dot pattern data of the scale number “9” is expanded.

Next, the first count value SC1 is incremented by 1 (S47). After that, down flag DF
If the flag data of 1 is “1” (S48: Yes), the second count value SC2 is decremented by 1 (S4).
9) On the other hand, the flag data of the down flag DF is "0".
If so (S48: No), the second count value SC2 is incremented by 1 (S50).

When the processing of S49 or S50 ends,
It is determined whether the flag data of the count flag AF is "1" (S51), and if the flag data of the count flag AF is "1" (S51: Yes), the second count value S
It is determined whether C2 has become equal to the intermediate value MS (S52).

If the second count value SC2 and the intermediate value MS are not equal (S52: No), the first count value SC1
Is compared with the scale line pitches set in the scale line pitch processing of S34, and when the first count value SC1 is an integer N times the large scale line pitch LP (S63: Y
es), the large scale line expansion processing control described above is executed (S
64), and proceeds to S47. However, the count value S
When C is an integer N times the middle scale line pitch MP (S6
3: No, S65: Yes), the middle scale line expansion processing control (see FIG. 8) is executed (S66), and after this control ends, the procedure moves to S47.

Since this middle graduation line expansion processing control is substantially the same as the large graduation line expansion processing control, in brief description, the expansion position nD of the middle graduation line ML in the print buffer 47 corresponding to the first count value SC1 will be described. Asked (S90),
At this development position nD, dot pattern data for the middle scale line ML having a scale line width of 2 dot rows and a scale line length of about 68 dots is developed (S91).

Then, when the middle scale number flag MF is set (S92: Yes), and there is a space where the dot pattern data of the number of the predetermined character size can be developed (S93: Yes), the scale counter 46.
Based on the second count value SC2 stored in the number unit memory and the unit data stored in the number unit memory 45, the dot pattern data of the scale number is developed so as to have a predetermined character size (S94), and this control ends. Then, the process returns to S47 of the scale print processing control. However, when the middle scale number flag MF is not set (S92:
No) and when it is impossible to print the scale numbers (S9
3: No), and immediately terminates this control.

On the other hand, when the first count value SC1 is an integer N times the small scale line pitch SP (S63.S65: N).
o, S67: Yes), the small scale line expansion processing control (see FIG. 9) is executed (S68), and after this control is completed, the routine proceeds to S47.

Since this small scale line expansion processing control is substantially the same as the large scale line expansion processing control, in brief description, the expansion position nD of the small scale line SL in the print buffer 47 corresponding to the first count value SC1 will be described. Required (S10
0), the dot pattern data for the small scale line SL having the scale line width of 2 dot rows and the scale line length of about 48 dots is developed at this development position nD (S101).

Then, when the small scale number flag SF is set (S102: Yes), and when there is a space where the dot data of the number of the predetermined character size can be expanded (S103: Yes), it is stored in the scale counter 46. Based on the stored second counter value SC2 and the unit data stored in the number unit memory 45, the dot pattern data of the scale number is expanded to have a predetermined character size (S104), and this control is ended. , And returns to S47 of the scale print processing control. However, when the small scale number flag SF is not set (S102:
No) and when it is impossible to print the scale numbers (S10)
3: No), and immediately terminates this control.

Until the second count value SC2 becomes equal to the intermediate value MS, the processes of S47 to S52 and S63 to S68 are repeatedly executed, and dot pattern data on a scale from the start value SS to the intermediate value MS is created. , Are stored in the print buffer 47. For example, according to the above setting, since the start value SS is "100" and the intermediate value MS is "0", S47 to S49, S51, S52, and S63 to S.
Each processing of 68 is executed, dot pattern data of 99 mm scale in which the scale number decreases toward “0” is created and stored in the print buffer 47.

When the second count value SC2 becomes equal to the intermediate value MS (S52: Yes), the intermediate value MS is indicated by the large scale line LL. Therefore, as in S80, S81 and S84 in the large scale line development processing control. The first count value S
Large scale line LL in print buffer 47 corresponding to C1
The development position nD of the is calculated (S53), and the development position n
The dot pattern data for the large scale line LL is developed in D (S54). Further, based on the intermediate value MS stored in the scale range memory 43, the dot pattern data of the numeral representing the intermediate value MS is developed so as to have a predetermined character size (S55). By this process, the intermediate value MS
At, the dot pattern data of numbers representing the large scale line LL and the intermediate value MS is stored in the print buffer 47.

For example, according to the above setting, since the intermediate value MS is "0", each processing of S52 to S55 is executed, and the dot pattern of the scale number "0" is created together with the large scale line LL. It is stored in the print buffer 47. Therefore, at this point, the scale number decreases toward "0" 1
Dot pattern data of 0 cm scale is created,
It is stored in the print buffer 47 (see FIG. 13).

Then, the flag data of the count flag AF is reset to "0" (S56), and the down flag D
If the flag data of F is "1" (S57: Yes),
The flag data is reset to "0" (S58),
On the other hand, if the flag data of the down flag DF is "0" (S57: No), the flag data is set to "1" (S59). When the process of S58 or S59 ends, the process returns to S47. According to the above setting, the flag data of the down flag DF is set to "1", so that the flag data is set to "0" through S57 and S58.

Then, the processes of S47 to S51 are performed again, but the count flag A is processed in the process of S56.
Since F has been reset (S51: No), it is determined whether or not the flag data of the down flag DF is "1" (S60), and at the same time, the first count value SC1 and the end value ES.
It is determined whether there is a magnitude relationship with (S61, S62).

The flag data of the down flag DF is "1".
If (S60: Yes) and the second count value SC2 is equal to or greater than the end value ES stored in the scale range memory 43 (S61: No), the processes of S63 to S68 are executed, and the process returns to S47. Further, the flag data of the down flag DF is "0" (S60: No),
If the second count value SC2 is less than or equal to the end value ES stored in the scale range memory 43 (S61: No), the processes of S63 to S68 are similarly executed, and the process returns to S47. By the processes of S47 to S51 and S60 to S68, dot pattern data of a scale from the intermediate value MS to the end value ES is created and stored in the print buffer 47.

For example, according to the above setting, since the end value ES is set to "150", S47, S48, S
Each processing of 50, S51, S60, S62 to S68 is executed, and the scale number is increased from "0" to "15" 1
5cm scale dot pattern data is created,
It is stored in the print buffer 47. At this point, dot pattern data of a total length of 25 cm in which a scale of 10 cm in which the scale number decreases to “0” and a scale of 15 cm in which the scale number increases from “0” to “15” are connected is created, and is stored in the print buffer 47. Will be stored (Fig. 1
3).

On the other hand, when the flag data of the down flag DF is "1" (S60: Yes), the second count value SC2 becomes larger than the end value ES stored in the scale range memory 43 (S61: No), again
When the flag data of the down flag DF is "0" (S60: Yes) and the second count value SC2 becomes smaller than the end value ES stored in the scale range memory 43 (S62: No), the print buffer The dot pattern data in the unit represented by the scale number is developed at a predetermined position of 47 (S69), and the dot pattern data for scale printing in the print buffer 47 is sequentially read and output to the printing mechanism PM for scale printing (S70). The control is terminated and the process returns to S11 of tape printing control.

For example, in the print buffer 47, as shown in FIG. 14, a plurality of large scale lines LL, medium scale lines ML, small scale lines SL and scale numbers "9", "8", ... ",
The dot pattern data for scale printing consisting of "0", "1" ... "14", "15", etc. is stored, and printing is performed based on this dot pattern data through the processing of S62, S69, S70. FIG. 14 shows the mechanism PM.
As shown in, starting from the large scale line LL without scale numbers, the scale numbers decrease to “9”, “8”, ... “0” 1
"0", "1" ... "1" continuously on a 0 cm scale
15 cm scale increasing to 5 ". That is, total length 25
A cm scale is printed on the printing tape 5.

Further, in the start / intermediate / end scale setting process of S25 (see FIG. 5), the start value SS is set to "1".
0 ", intermediate value MS is" 100 ", end value ES is" 20 "
If set to, first, the scale printing process (S
Through S43 and S45 in 19), the down flag DF
Flag data is set to "0" and dot pattern data of the large scale line LL is created in the process of S46, and then S47, S48, S50 to S52, S63 to S6.
Each process of No. 8 is executed, and the dot pattern data of 89 mm scale in which the scale number is increased from “2” is stored in the print buffer 47.

Next, through the processing of S53 to S57 and S59, the dot pattern of the scale number "10" is created together with the large scale line LL and stored in the print buffer 47. Therefore, at this time, dot pattern data of a scale of 9 cm in which the scale number increases toward “10” is created and stored in the print buffer 47. Also,
The flag data of the down flag DF is set to "1".

Again, S47 to S51, S60, S61,
Each processing of S63 to S68 is executed, and the scale number is "1.
Dot pattern data of a scale of 8 cm that decreases from “0” to “2” is created and stored in the print buffer 47. At this point, the scale number increases to "10" 9
cm scale and 8c decreasing from "10" to "2"
The dot pattern data of a scale having a total length of 17 cm, which is connected to the m scale, is created and stored in the print buffer 47.

Then, through the processing of S61, S69, and S70, based on the dot pattern data stored in the print buffer 47, the printing mechanism PM starts from the large scale line LL without scale numbers as shown in FIG. The starting scale number increases to "2", "3" ... "10" 9c
"10", "9" ... "2" continuously on the m scale
7 cm scale that decreases to. That is, a scale having a total length of 17 cm is printed on the printing tape 5.

When the scale print key is operated to display the scale range setting screen on the LCD 22, if the start value SS, the intermediate value MS, and the end value ES are stored in the scale range memory, Display the value stored in the input position.

As described above in detail, in the tape printer according to the present embodiment, the scale print key is operated, and then the start, intermediate, and end values are input to move from the start value SS to the intermediate value MS. The scale in which the scale number increases and the scale in which the scale number decreases from the intermediate value MS toward the end value ES continues, and the scale and the intermediate value in which the scale number decreases from the start value SS toward the intermediate value MS M
A tape on which a scale in which the scale number increases from S to the end value ES is continuous can be easily produced. The tape thus produced can be attached to any place and used as a scale.

The present invention is not limited to the above-mentioned embodiment, and various kinds of restrictions can be added without departing from the spirit of the present invention.

For example, in the scale information setting process shown in FIG. 5, the process of S25 can be changed to the process shown in FIG. In this process, when the scale information setting process control is started, first, the start value SS, the intermediate value MS,
Each of the end values ES is set to "0" and stored in the scale range memory 43 (S110).

Next, as shown in FIG. 17, an end value setting screen for setting whether to set the start value SS and the end value ES to the same value is displayed on the LCD 22 (S111). If the “Y” key is operated while the end value setting screen is displayed (S112: Yes), the second scale range setting screen shown in FIG. 18 is displayed on the LCD 22 (S11).
3) After that, the start / intermediate / end scale setting process shown in FIG. 5 is executed (S25). In the second scale range setting screen, based on the data stored in the scale range memory 43, "0" is displayed at each input position of the start value SS, the intermediate value MS, and the end value ES, and the start is started. A cursor indicating that only the input positions of the value SS and the intermediate value MS can be changed is displayed.

In the start / intermediate / end scale setting process, when the numeric key is operated to input the start value SS, the input value is displayed at the input position of the start value SS and the same numerical value ends. The value ES is displayed at the input position.
Accordingly, when it is desired to set the start value SS and the end value ES to the same value, the input of the end value can be omitted. Then, a scale in which the scale number decreases or increases from the starting value SS to the intermediate value MS and increases or decreases from the intermediate value MS to the starting value SS is printed on the printing tape 5.

On the other hand, when the "N" key is operated (S11
2: No, S114: Yes), and the scale range setting screen shown in FIG. 10 is displayed (S115). However, the start value SS, the intermediate value MS, and the end value E are stored in the scale range memory 43.
Since the data in which S is "0" is stored, "0" is displayed together with the cursor at each input position of the start value SS, the intermediate value MS, and the end value ES.

When the end value setting screen is displayed,
When a key other than the "Y" key or the "N" key is operated, a buzzer sounds to notify that an invalid key has been operated (S116), and the process returns to S112.

It is to be noted that, in S110, the start value SS, the intermediate value MS, and the end value ES are set to "0", and then S2 is set.
Since it is newly set by changing each value in 5,
When the start value SS and the end value ES are changed and set and the intermediate value MS is not changed, a scale in which the scale number decreases from the start value SS to 0 and increases from 0 to the end value ES is the tape 5 for printing. Can be printed on.

Further, if the start value SS and the end value ES are set to the same value in S111 and S112, and only the start value SS is changed and set in S25, the scale number is changed to the start value S.
A scale that decreases from S to 0 and increases from 0 to the start value SS can be printed on the printing tape 5.

Further, when the start value SS and the intermediate value MS are changed and set and the end value ES is not changed, the scale number increases from the start value SS to the intermediate value MS, and the intermediate value MS
It is possible to print a scale that decreases from 0 to 0 on the printing tape 5. If the intermediate value MS and the end value ES are changed and the start value SS is not changed, a scale in which the scale number increases from 0 to the intermediate value MS and decreases from the intermediate value MS to the end value ES is set. Printing can be performed on the printing tape 5.

When only the intermediate value MS is changed and set, and the start value SS and the end value ES are not changed, the scale number increases from 0 to the intermediate value MS, and the intermediate value MS changes to 0.
It is possible to print on the printing tape 5 a scale that decreases up to.

In the scale information setting process control, the print position of the scale numbers or the print position of the unit of the length represented by the scale numbers may be set. Incidentally, as the unit of the scale length, in addition to cm, it is also possible to print various scale units such as inches, feet, and scales. It should be noted that various setting technologies can be used, such as displaying multiple setting items such as scale length in a menu format with respect to the scale, and displaying the setting contents of the selected setting items sequentially by operating the cursor movement keys. It is possible.

It is also possible to print the graduation lines so that the line widths of the small graduation lines, the middle graduation lines, and the large graduation lines are different, and the small graduation lines are thin, the large graduation lines are thick, and the middle graduation lines are in between. If you print with the thickness of, the appearance of the printed scale will be good. The line width of each scale line may be stored in advance in the ROM as a fixed value, or may be set to an arbitrary value for each scale line. Further, when the line width of one scale line is set, the widths of other scale lines may be automatically set.

[0091]

As is apparent from the above description, according to the scale printing apparatus of the present invention, the scale graduation line of the scale and its graduation line are arranged in front of and behind the intermediate value set on the tape as the print medium. The scale numbers associated with can be printed.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a control system of a tape printer.

FIG. 2 is a plan view of the tape printer.

FIG. 3 is a schematic plan view of a printing mechanism.

FIG. 4 is a schematic flowchart of a tape print control routine.

FIG. 5 is a schematic flowchart of a routine for graduation information setting processing control.

FIG. 6 is a schematic flowchart of a routine for scale print processing control.

FIG. 7 is a schematic flowchart of a routine for large scale line expansion processing control.

FIG. 8 is a schematic flowchart of a routine of middle scale line expansion processing control.

FIG. 9 is a schematic flowchart of a routine of a small scale line expansion processing control.

FIG. 10 is a view showing an example of a scale length setting screen.

FIG. 11 is a view showing an example of a scale line pitch setting screen.

FIG. 12 is a view showing an example of a scale number setting screen.

FIG. 13 is an explanatory diagram showing dot pattern data in a print buffer.

FIG. 14 is a plan view of the scale-printed printing tape.

FIG. 15 is a plan view of the scale-printed printing tape.

FIG. 16 is a schematic flowchart of a part of a routine of scale information setting processing control according to a modification.

FIG. 17 is an exemplary diagram of an end value setting screen according to a modification.

FIG. 18 is a view showing an example of a second scale range setting screen relating to a modified row.

[Explanation of symbols]

 1 tape printer 3 keyboard 5 printing tape 22 liquid crystal display 41 text memory 47 print buffer C controller PM printing mechanism

Claims (8)

[Claims] 1. An input unit for inputting characters and symbols and various commands, a printing unit including a print head for printing a dot pattern on a tape as a print medium, and a character and symbol input from the input unit. Input data storage means for storing data, display means including a display capable of displaying characters and symbols, print buffer for storing dot pattern data for print output, and print means for receiving data in the print buffer In a printer provided with a printing control means for printing, a data setting means for inputting setting data relating to a scale including at least start value data representing a starting value of a scale number attached to a scale line of the scale, and the data setting. Upon receiving the setting data from the means, a scale line of the scale and a predetermined value from the start value associated with the scale line and representing the start data Scale printing apparatus decreases to a value, characterized by comprising a create dot pattern data scale data generating means for supplying the print buffer for printing graduations numbers increasing from the middle value. 2. The intermediate value is set to 0, and the scale data creating means receives the setting data from the data setting means, and scale lines of the scale and from the start value to 0 in association with the scale lines. The scale printing device according to claim 1, wherein dot pattern data for printing a scale number that decreases and increases from 0 to the start value is created and supplied to a print buffer. 3. The intermediate value is set to 0, and the data setting means includes at least a scale setting including start value data representing the start value and end value data representing an end value of a scale number attached to a scale line. The scale data creating means receives the setting data from the data setting means, decreases the scale value from the start value to 0 along with the scale line of the scale, and from 0 to 0. The scale printing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein dot pattern data for printing a scale number that increases to the end value is created and supplied to a print buffer. 4. The data setting means is configured to be able to set intermediate value data representing the intermediate value, and the scale data creating means receives the setting data from the data setting means, and the scale graduation line and its scale line. Characterized in that dot pattern data for printing a scale number that decreases from the start value to the intermediate value and increases from the intermediate value to the start value in association with a scale line is created and supplied to a print buffer. The scale printing device according to claim 1. 5. The setting for at least scale including start value data representing the start value, intermediate value data representing the intermediate value, and end value data representing the end value of a scale number attached to a scale line. It is configured to be able to set data, the scale data creating means receives the setting data from the data setting means, decreases the scale value from the start value to the intermediate value in association with the scale line and the scale line, The scale printing device according to claim 1, wherein dot pattern data for printing a scale number that increases from an intermediate value to the end value is created and supplied to a print buffer. 6. An input means for inputting characters or symbols and various commands, a printing means including a print head for printing a dot pattern on a tape as a print medium, and a character or symbol input from the input means. Input data storage means for storing data, display means including a display capable of displaying characters and symbols, print buffer for storing dot pattern data for print output, and print means for receiving data in the print buffer In a printing device including a print control unit for printing, a data setting unit for inputting setting data regarding a scale including at least intermediate value data representing an intermediate value of a scale number attached to a scale line of the scale, and the data setting The setting data is received from the means, and the scale line and the scale line are increased from the predetermined start value to the intermediate value. Scale printing apparatus characterized by comprising: a creating dot pattern data scale data generating means for supplying the print buffer for printing graduations numbers decreasing from an intermediate value. 7. The predetermined start value is 0, and the scale data creating means increases the scale from 0 to the intermediate value along with the scale line of the scale and decreases from the intermediate value to 0. 7. The scale printing apparatus according to claim 6, wherein dot pattern data for printing the scale numbers to be generated is created and supplied to the print buffer. 8. The data setting means is configured to be able to set start data representing a start value of a scale number associated with a scale line of the scale, intermediate data representing an intermediate value, and end value data representing an end value. The scale data creating means receives the setting data from the data setting means, increases the scale from the start value to the intermediate value and decreases from the intermediate value to the end value in association with the scale line and the scale line. 7. The dot pattern data for printing the graduation numbers to be generated is created and supplied to the print buffer.
The scale printing device described in 1.