JPH07141456A - Input device - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE:To provide an input device capable of selecting and inputting symbols and control codes in capable of being directly inputted from a keyboard by effectively utilizing a small-sized display. CONSTITUTION:As a bar code standard is displayed when a bar code key is operated (S21), a desired bar code standard is selected (S22). Next, bar code data is inputted by operating a numerical key, an alphabetical key and a symbol key (S23.S24: Yes, S27). When the symbol codes and the control codes not provided as keys on the keyboard are inputted, a mode setting key is depressed (S25: Yes). As a result, as a character string 'IDM' showing an indirect input mode and the control modes are displayed, a desired control code is made to be displayed by operating a cursor key and the control code is inputted as bar code data by the operation of a selection key (S28).

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an input device, and more particularly to an input device in which a desired one is selected while sequentially displaying symbol codes and control codes which cannot be directly input from an input means.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, the applicant of the present invention has disclosed in Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 5-177
As disclosed in Japanese Patent Application No. 898 (Japanese Patent Application No. 3-360470), a film-like tape (for example, 12 mm, having a keyboard, a display and a printing mechanism, as a printing medium,
We proposed a tape printer that can print input characters and symbols on a tape width of 24 mm) and can also print by mixing bar codes in addition to these characters and symbols. This tape printer is suitable for printing a file name or the like as a label and creating a tape to be attached to the spine of a file. This barcode has CODE39, COD
E128, UPC-A, UPC-E, JAN (Japan Ar
ticle Number), EAN-13 (Europe Article Numbe
There are many bar code standards such as r-13), and the bar code of the optimum bar code standard is used for each article.

By the way, in the UPC-A bar code standard, the bar code data is from "0" to
Only the number "9" can be used. In the CODE39 bar code standard, in addition to the number "0-9", the alphabet characters "A-Z,
"az" and symbols "$, /,%, &, ..." Can be used. In the CODE128 bar code standard, in addition to the numbers "0-9" and the alphabet characters "AZ, az", the symbols "$, /,%, &, # ,! ... "and the control code" NUL "used for ASCII code (ASCII code)
, ACK, ESC ... "can be used. Then, in order to input the data to be used for printing the barcode, the barcode standard is first selected, and the data of the numbers and symbols that can be used in the barcode standard is input from the keyboard.

[0004]

As described above, in the tape printing apparatus capable of bar code printing, the CODE3
Regarding bar code standards such as 9, CODE128 and UPC-A, bar code data can be entered by combining numeric keys, alphabetic keys and some symbol keys provided on the keyboard. , ACK, ESC, etc. ", and for CODE39, special code codes such as"\,>,<..."that are not provided as keys on the keyboard cannot be easily input. In many cases, the bar code standard using these special symbol codes and control codes cannot be effectively utilized.

Therefore, a character string corresponding to a symbol or control code corresponding to a special symbol code that cannot be directly input from the keyboard is collectively displayed on the display screen, and a desired symbol code or control code is displayed on the display screen. Although it is possible to input indirectly, for example, when a small display capable of displaying several characters is provided, it is not possible to collectively display multiple symbols or character strings that are indirectly input. There is a problem.

An object of the present invention is to provide an input device capable of selectively inputting a symbol code or a control code which cannot be directly input from the input means by effectively utilizing a small display.

[0007]

As shown in the functional block diagram of FIG. 1, an input device according to claim 1 is an input device for inputting at least data regarding characters and symbols and various commands. In an input device including a data storage unit for storing the stored data and a display unit having a display capable of displaying the data stored in the data storage unit, a plurality of symbol codes and control codes that cannot be directly input from the input unit are input. Indirect code data storage means in which the indirect code data including it is stored in advance in a predetermined arrangement order, mode setting means for setting an indirect input mode for inputting the indirect code data of the indirect code data storage means, and input means in the indirect input mode. Each time a predetermined read command is input from the indirect code data storage unit, the indirect code data is sequentially incremented by one. Read control means for reading and displaying a symbol or character string corresponding to the indirect code data on the display, and a symbol or character string displayed on the display by the read control means in response to a predetermined selection command from the input means. And write control means for writing indirect code data corresponding to the above into the data storage means.

The data input by the input means and the indirect code data may be data for printing a barcode.

[0009]

In the input device according to the first aspect of the present invention, the indirect code data storage means prestores indirect code data including a plurality of symbol codes and control codes that cannot be directly input from the input means in a predetermined arrangement order. Therefore, when the mode setting means sets the indirect input mode for inputting the indirect code data of the indirect code data storage means, the read control means inputs a predetermined read command from the input means in the indirect input mode. Each time, the indirect code data is sequentially read from the indirect code data storage means one by one, and the symbol or character string corresponding to the indirect code data is displayed on the display. And the writing control means,
In response to a predetermined selection command from the input means, the read control means writes indirect code data corresponding to the symbol or character string displayed on the display in the data storage means.

When the indirect input mode is set as described above, the symbols and character strings of the indirect code data are displayed one by one based on a predetermined arrangement order every time a predetermined read command is input, and further, a predetermined read operation is performed. When inputting a selection command, indirect code data corresponding to the symbol or character string being displayed is indirectly input, so special symbol codes and control codes that cannot be directly input from the keyboard are used effectively on a small display. You can easily select and enter.

[0011]

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. The present embodiment is a case where the present invention is applied to a tape printing apparatus capable of printing a large number of characters such as numbers, alphabetic characters and symbols and bar codes 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 printing apparatus 1, a printing mechanism PM is arranged in the main body frame 2 behind the keyboard 3, and the keyboard 3 is arranged. Immediately on the rear side is provided a liquid crystal display 22 capable of displaying one line of characters and symbols. Here, reference numeral 4 is a release button for opening the cover frame 6 when the tape cassette CS attached to the printing mechanism PM is attached and detached, and reference numeral 5 is a cut for manually cutting the printing tape 19. Operation button.

On the keyboard (corresponding to input means) 3, character keys for inputting alphabetic characters, numbers and symbols, space key, return key, cursor movement for moving the cursor K to the right or left side. Key, size setting key for setting the size of characters to be printed, bar code key for inputting bar code data, mode setting key for setting indirect input mode for inputting indirect code data in the indirect code data table TB described later. An end key for instructing the end of various processing functions, a print key for instructing printing, a power key for turning the power on and off, and the like are provided.

Next, the printing mechanism PM will be briefly described with reference to FIG. 3. A rectangular tape cassette CS is detachably attached to the printing mechanism PM. The tape cassette CS has a laminated film tape. 7, a tape spool 8 on which the print ribbon 9 is wound, a ribbon supply spool 10 on which a print ribbon 9 is wound, a take-up spool 11 for winding the print ribbon 9, and a double-sided tape 12 having the same width as the laminate film tape 7. And a supply roller 13 wound with the release paper on the outside, and a joining roller 1 for joining the laminated film tape 7 and the double-sided tape 12 together.
4 and 4 are rotatably provided.

A thermal head 15 is erected at a position where the laminated film tape 7 and the print ribbon 9 overlap each other, and the platen roller 1 for pressing the laminated film tape 7 and the print ribbon 9 against the thermal head 15.
6 and a feed roller 17 that presses the laminated film tape 7 and the double-sided tape 12 against the joining roller 14 to create the printing tape 19 are rotatable on a support 18 pivotally attached to the body frame 2. Is pivoted to. In the thermal head 15, a heating element group composed of 128 heating elements is vertically arranged.

Therefore, when the tape feed motor 47 (see FIG. 4) is driven in the predetermined rotation direction, the joining roller 14 and the take-up spool 11 are driven in synchronization with each other in the predetermined rotation direction, and the heating elements are energized. At this time, characters, symbols and bar codes are printed on the laminated film tape 7 by a plurality of dot rows, and the laminated film tape 7 is fed as the printing tape 19 in the tape feeding direction A with the double-sided tape 12 joined. Fig. 2
As shown in FIG. 3, it is fed out of the main body frame 2. For details of the printing mechanism PM, refer to Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2-1
See Japanese Patent Publication No. 06555.

Next, the manual cutting device 30 for cutting the printing tape 19 will be briefly described with reference to FIG. 3. A plate-shaped auxiliary frame 31 is erected immediately inside the main body frame 2. The fixed blade 32 is attached to the auxiliary frame 31.
Is fixed upwards. An operation lever 34 extending in the front-rear direction is attached to the pivot shaft 33 fixed to the auxiliary frame 31.
Is rotatably supported near the front end of the
A movable blade 35 is attached so as to face the fixed blade 32 at a portion corresponding to the front side of the pivot shaft 33.
Further, the rear end portion of the operation lever 34 is provided with the cutting operation button 5
The operating lever 34 is always located below the movable blade 35.
Is elastically biased by a spring member (not shown) in a direction away from the fixed blade 32. Further, the operation lever 34 is provided on the front end portion of the operation lever 34 by pressing the cutting operation button 5.
Disconnect switch 41 for detecting that the blade has rotated for disconnection
Is installed.

A printing tape 19 on which a document or a bar code is printed by the thermal head 15 is a tape cassette CS.
Since it extends between the fixed blade 32 and the movable blade 35 to the outside of the main body frame 2, when the cutting operation button 5 is pressed downward, the movable blade 3 is moved through the operation lever 34.
5 approaches the fixed blade 32, and the printing tape 19 is cut by these blades 32 and 35.

By the way, as the printing tape 19 fed from the tape cassette CS, tape widths are 6 mm and 9 m.
Five types are available: m, 12 mm, 18 mm, and 24 mm. Then, in order to detect any one of these five types of tape widths on the bottom wall of these tape cassettes CS,
A first projecting piece 20 that is a combination of three projecting claws is provided. Then, on the main body frame 2, a tape width sensor 43 for detecting the tape width from the state of the protruding claw of the first protruding piece 20.
(See FIG. 4) is attached. Further, in order to detect that the plural kinds of tape cassettes CS are selectively mounted on the main body frame 2, a cassette switch 4
2 (see FIG. 4) is attached.

Next, the control system of the tape printer 1 is shown in FIG.
The block diagram of FIG. Control device C
The input / output interface 50 of the
A disconnect switch 41, a cassette switch 42, a tape width sensor 43, a display controller (LCDC) 23 having a video RAM 24 for outputting display data to a liquid crystal display (LCD) 22, and a drive for a warning buzzer 45. A circuit 46, a drive circuit 48 for driving the thermal head 15, and a drive circuit 49 for driving the tape feed motor 47 are connected to each other. The control device C includes a CPU 52, an input / output interface 50 connected to the CPU 52 via a bus 51 such as a data bus, a CGROM 53, ROMs 54 and 55, and an RA.
It is composed of M60.

In the CGROM 53, in addition to numbers, alphabetic characters and symbols, dot pattern data for display is code data for each display character corresponding to a control code such as "NUL, ACK, ESC ...". It is stored corresponding to. In a ROM (dot pattern data memory) 54, dot pattern data for printing is printed for each typeface (Gothic typeface, Mincho typeface, etc.) for each of a large number of characters for printing characters such as alphabetic characters and symbols. The print character size is stored in seven types (16, 24, 32, 48, 64, 96 and 128 dot sizes) corresponding to the code data for each typeface.

In the ROM 55, 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 data in the print buffer 64 are sequentially read out to read the thermal head. 15 and tape feed motor 4
A print drive control program for driving the printer 7, a control program for a tape print control, which will be described later, peculiar to the present application, and the like are stored. The tape printing control is performed by the text memory 61.
Based on the data of the data characters consisting of the code data of multiple numbers, alphabetic characters and symbols and the control code stored in, the subroutine of the barcode data conversion processing control that converts it to the dot pattern data for printing for barcode is It is stored.

This bar code data conversion processing control includes
Bar code standard "CODE 128", "CODE 39", "UPC-A
A control program for converting into barcode printing dot pattern data corresponding to each of the above is stored. As shown in FIG. 5, the ROM 55 is not particularly provided as a key on the keyboard 3, so that the keyboard 3
Code data for symbols that cannot be entered directly from (<,>, \
..) and control code data (NUL, ACK, ESC ..
., Etc.) and a large number of indirect code data, and a first display code data displayed in the bar code input mode and a second display in the indirect input mode in order to display a symbol or a character string corresponding to the indirect code data. An indirect code data table TB stored in a predetermined arrangement order in association with display code data is stored.

A text memory (corresponding to data storage means) 61 of the RAM 60 stores document data and bar code data input from the keyboard 3. The table pointer 62 includes an indirect code data table T.
A pointer value TP of a table pointer for sequentially pointing each indirect code data stored in B is stored. The character size memory 63 stores print character size data used for the set printing. The print buffer 64 stores print dot pattern data for characters and symbols and print dot pattern data for barcodes as print data. In the flag memory 65, the flag data of the input type flag IF that is set (data is “1”) in the document input mode and reset (data is “0”) in the barcode input mode, the indirect input mode The flag data of the indirect input mode flag IDMF that is set when is set is stored.

Next, the tape print control routine executed by the controller C of the tape printer 1 will be described with reference to the flow charts of FIGS. Incidentally, reference numeral S in the figure
i (i = 10, 11, 12, ...) Is each step. When the power is turned on by the power key, this control is started, first the input type flag IF is set and the document input mode is set, and further the input screen for inputting the document data and the barcode data is displayed on the display 22. ,
When printable keys such as alphanumeric keys, numeric keys, and symbol keys are operated (S10, S11: Yes
), RA using the input code data as document data
The document data input process of storing the text data in the text memory 61 of M60 is executed, and the display process of displaying the character corresponding to the code data on the display 22 is executed (S12), and the process returns to S10.

Next, when the bar code key is operated to input the bar code data (S10: Yes, S
11: No, S13: Yes), and barcode data input processing control (see FIG. 7) is executed (S14). When this control is started, the input type flag IF is first reset and the bar code input mode is set (S20), and the above-mentioned three bar code standards "CODE 128", "CODE 39" and "UPC-A" are set.
Is displayed on the display 22 (S21), a selection process of selecting a desired bar code standard is performed via an operation of a cursor movement key or the like (S22).

Then, for example, as shown in FIG. 9, a right triangular input start mark SM indicating the beginning of the input data,
An input screen having a cursor K indicating the input position is displayed on the display 22. Next, when an effective key that can be used as bar code data such as a numeric key, an alphabetic character key, or a symbol key is operated (S23.S.
24: Yes), the display 22 in which the code data is stored in the text memory 61 and the characters, numbers and symbols corresponding to the code data are indicated by the cursor K.
Is displayed at the display position of (S27), and the process returns to S23. For example,
When the number keys "3" and "4" for the barcode are respectively operated, as shown in FIG. 10, the numbers "3" and "4" are displayed on the display 2 following the input start mark SM.
2 are displayed in sequence.

By the way, when the mode setting key is operated to input a symbol code or a control code not provided as a key on the keyboard 3 (S23: Yes).
, S24: No, S25: Yes) and indirect code data selection processing control (see FIG. 8) are executed (S28). When this control is started, first, the indirect input mode flag IDMF is set to set the indirect input mode (S35), and the head address of the indirect code data table TB is set to the table pointer value TP (S36). A symbol or character string corresponding to the first indirect code data is displayed on the display 22 based on the pointer value TP (S37). For example, as shown in FIGS. 5 and 11, the display 22 corresponds to the character string “IDM” indicating the indirect input mode and the second display code data of the first indirect code data designated by the table pointer value TP. The symbol "<" is displayed.

Next, when the cursor right movement key is operated, a read command is input (S38 / S39: Yes),
The table pointer value TP is incremented by 1 (S
43), the next indirect code data designated by the table pointer value TP is read, and the symbol or character string corresponding to the indirect code data is displayed on the display 22 (S4
4) Return to S38. On the other hand, when the cursor right movement key is operated, a read command is similarly input (S38: Yes).
, S39: No, S40: Yes), table pointer value TP
Is decremented by 1 (S45), and the indirect code data before being instructed by the table pointer value TP is read,
The symbol or character string corresponding to the indirect code data is displayed on the display 22 (S46), and the process returns to S38. For example,
When the cursor right movement key is operated five times,
6, the sixth indirect code data (control code “NUL”) designated by the table pointer value TP is read out, and the character string “NUL” corresponding to the second display code data of the indirect code data is displayed on the display 22. Is displayed in.

Next, when the selection key is operated while the desired symbol or character string is displayed on the display 22, a selection command is input (S38: Yes, S39.S4).
0: No, S41: Yes), based on the table pointer value TP and the data of the indirect code data table TB, the indirect code data corresponding to the symbol or character string displayed on the display 22 is stored in the text memory 61 ( S4
7) and returns to S38.

By the way, when the end key is operated (S38: Yes, S39 to S41: No, S42: Yes), end processing such as resetting the indirect input mode flag IDMF to cancel the indirect input mode is executed. (S48), this control is terminated, and the process returns to S29 of the bar code data input process control, and the symbol or character corresponding to the first display code data of the indirect code data input in the indirect code data selection process is displayed on the bar. Displayed on the code input screen (S29), S23
Return to.

For example, as shown in FIG. 12, the sixth indirect code data (control code "NUL
]) Character string corresponding to the second display code data "NU
When the selection key is operated while "L" is displayed, the character "" corresponding to the first display code data of the sixth indirect code data (control code "NUL") is displayed as shown in FIG. "NUL" is displayed on the original barcode input screen.

On the other hand, in the bar code data input processing control, when the end key is operated (S23: Yes, S
24. S25: No, S26: Yes), an end process such as setting the input type flag IF and setting the document input mode is executed (S30), and this control is ended and the process returns to S10 of tape print control. To do. Here, when the print key is operated (S10: Yes, S11 / S13: No, S15: Yes
), The printing process of the data stored in the text memory 61 is executed (S16), and the process returns to S10.

That is, in this print processing control, with respect to the data stored in the text memory 61, dot image data of characters and symbols is created in the case of document data, or black bar and white in the case of bar code data. Bar code printing dot image data is created and stored in the print buffer 64, and the dot image data is output to the printing mechanism PM, and the input character or symbol document data or the input bar code is input. The bar code based on the data is printed on the printing tape 19. Here, when a key other than the printable key, the bar code key, and the print key is operated (S10: Yes, S11.
(S13 / S15: No), various processes corresponding to the operated key are executed (S17), and the process returns to S10.

As described above, since the indirect code data table TB stores indirect code data including a plurality of symbol codes and control codes which cannot be directly input from the keyboard 3 in a predetermined arrangement order, the indirect input is possible. When the mode is set, one indirect code data is read out each time a read command is input by operating the cursor right movement key or the cursor left movement key, and the symbol or character string is displayed on the display 22. At the time of inputting a selection command by operating the selection keys, indirect code data corresponding to the symbol or character string being displayed is indirectly written in the text memory 61 and input, so that a special symbol code that cannot be directly input from the keyboard 3 or The control code can be easily selected and input by effectively utilizing the small display 22. Since special symbol codes and control codes that cannot be directly input from the keyboard 3 can also be input, it is possible to easily input bar code data based on various bar code standards without any restrictions.

Here, the correspondence relationship between each means described in the claims and the configuration in the above embodiment will be explained. An indirect code data table TB corresponds to the indirect code data storage means, The one corresponding to the mode setting means is the indirect input mode flag IDMF for setting the indirect input mode, and the one corresponding to the read control means is the indirect code data selection processing control especially S38 to S40,
The steps S43 to S46 and the write control means correspond to the indirect code data selection processing control S47 in particular.

The indirect code data stored in advance in the indirect code data table TB is merely an example, and various symbol codes and control codes which are not provided as keys on the keyboard provided in the input device can be used. You may make it store many as indirect code data. Further, it is also possible to display the symbols and character strings corresponding to the symbol codes and control codes read by operating the cursor movement key on the display 22 while scrolling them sequentially each time the key is operated. It should be noted that, within the scope of the technical idea of the present invention, various modifications may be made to the control of the above-described embodiment based on existing technology or technology obvious to those skilled in the art. It is needless to say that the present invention can be applied to various input devices that include a keyboard and a small display and can input barcode data used for printing barcodes.

[0037]

According to the input device of the first aspect, the indirect code data storage means, the mode setting means, the read control means and the write control means are provided, and when the indirect input mode is set, a predetermined value is set. Each time a read command is input, the symbols or character strings of the indirect code data are displayed one by one based on the predetermined arrangement order, and when the predetermined selection command is input, the indirect code corresponding to the symbol or character string being displayed is displayed. Since the code data is indirectly input, it is possible to easily select and input the special symbol code or control code that cannot be directly input from the keyboard by effectively utilizing the small display.

According to the input device of the second aspect, since the data and the indirect code data input by the input means are data for printing the barcode, they are input by the keys provided on the keyboard. In addition to numeric codes and alphabetic character codes that can be entered, special symbol codes and control codes that cannot be entered directly from the keyboard can also be entered, so bar code data based on various bar code standards is not restricted at all and is easy. Can be entered.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a functional block diagram showing the configuration of claim 1.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a tape printer.

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

FIG. 4 is a block diagram of a control system of the tape printer.

FIG. 5 is a chart showing setting contents of an indirect code data table.

FIG. 6 is a schematic flowchart of a tape printing control routine.

FIG. 7 is a schematic flowchart of a barcode data input processing control routine.

FIG. 8 is a schematic flowchart of a routine of indirect code data selection processing control.

FIG. 9 is a diagram showing a display example of an input screen for inputting document and barcode data.

FIG. 10 is a view corresponding to FIG. 9 in which barcode data is input.

FIG. 11 is a diagram showing a display example of symbols in the indirect code data mode.

FIG. 12 is a diagram showing a display example of a character string in the indirect code data mode.

FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a display example of input numeric code data and control code data.

[Explanation of symbols]

 1 Tape Printing Device 3 Keyboard 22 Liquid Crystal Display 52 CPU 55 ROM 60 RAM 61 Text Memory C Controller

─────────────────────────────────────────────────── ─── Continuation of front page (51) Int.Cl. ⁶ Identification number Internal reference number FI Technical indication location H03M 11/14 (72) Inventor Mika Oshige 15-1 Naeshiro-cho, Mizuho-ku, Nagoya-shi Brother Industrial Co., Ltd. In the company

Claims (2)

[Claims] 1. An input unit for inputting at least data relating to characters and symbols and various commands, a data storage unit for storing the input data, and a display capable of displaying the data stored in the data storage unit. And an indirect code data storage means in which indirect code data including a plurality of symbol codes and control codes that cannot be directly input from the input means are stored in advance in a predetermined arrangement order, and the indirect code. Mode setting means for setting an indirect input mode for inputting indirect code data of the data storage means; and in the indirect input mode, every time a predetermined read command is input from the input means, the indirect code data is stored in the indirect code data storage means. Are read one by one, and the symbols and character strings corresponding to the indirect code data are displayed. In response to a read control means to be displayed on the play and a predetermined selection command from the input means, writing to write indirect code data corresponding to the symbol or character string displayed on the display by the read control means to the data storage means. An input device comprising: a control unit. 2. The input device according to claim 1, wherein the data input by the input unit and the indirect code data are data for printing a barcode.