JPH07276714A - Tape printer - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE:To print an input character string by a specific printed length by a method wherein a character is printed on a tape of a length corresponding to a length of the inputted character string when the printed length is not set, and the character is printed by the printed length set by inputting when the printed length is set. CONSTITUTION:A code data of a character stored in an input data buffer 31 is rearranged in first and second rearrangement memories 32, 33 when printing is started. Then, a full width value of the character in the first rearrangement memory 32 is operated. A set length is compared with the full width value of the character, and a character space is operated on the basis of the compared result to print the character. Further, when a printed length is not set, the character is printed on a tape of a length corresponding to a length of an inputted character string to be displayed on a display 19. The inputted character string can be printed by a required printed length.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a tape printer, and more particularly, it prints a plurality of input characters within a set print length of a tape, or prints on a tape according to a length of a character string. Regarding what you made possible.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Heretofore, various proposals have been made for a small-sized tape printer for printing a desired character string on a printing tape having a width of about 10 mm. Therefore, the applicant of the present application filed Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No.
In Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 152070/1989, regarding a double-byte character that can be printed and a double-byte character, a center printing mode in which the printing position of the printing character is aligned with the center position in the width direction of the printing tape and the width direction We have proposed a printing device that can change the printing position, which is configured so that the bottom-aligned printing mode for printing on the lower side can be selected.

By the way, generally, a character to be printed by a tape printing device can be arbitrarily selected from a plurality of sizes, and the length of the printing tape is determined according to the selected size. It is configured.

[0004]

By using this tape printer, for example, the "title" and "contents" of a file are printed on a printing tape, and the printed printing tape is placed at a predetermined attachment position on the file. Often attached. Therefore, there is a case where it is desired to obtain a tape having a length suitable for the length of the attaching range at the attaching position.

However, as described above, since the tape length is determined by the selected character size, there is a problem that it is difficult to know in advance the length of the tape to be completed.

In a word processor or the like, a character exceeding the specified paper width can be printed on the next line. In this type of tape printer, a character string is printed along the longitudinal direction of the tape. In addition, for the purpose of using it as the above-mentioned "title", it is not possible to control to print a normal sentence with a word processor.

There is also a case where it is desired to obtain a tape having a long character string without being limited to the paper width as in a word processor.

The present invention has been made to solve the above-mentioned problems, and prints an input character string in a desired print length or prints on a tape corresponding to the length of the character string. It is to provide a tape printer that can be used.

[0009]

To achieve this object, a tape printer according to the present invention inputs a character head for printing a character string along a longitudinal direction of a print medium tape and a character for printing on the tape. Input means, print drive means for driving the print head while moving the tape and the tape in the longitudinal direction of the tape based on the character input by the input means, and the print length in the longitudinal direction of the tape. An instruction means for instructing whether to set or not, and a print length setting means for inputting and setting the print length in the longitudinal direction of the tape are provided, and when the instruction means gives an instruction not to set the print length, The print drive means prints the character on a tape having a length corresponding to the length of the input character string, and the print length is output by the instruction means. When an instruction to be set, said print drive means has a configuration for printing the character in the input set print length by the printing length setting means.

The tape printer according to the present invention further comprises a calculating means for obtaining the length of the input character string, a comparing means for comparing the set print length with the length of the character string, and the instructing means. When the instruction to set the print length is given by and the print length is input and set by the print length setting means, is it possible to print the character string at the print length based on the result of the comparison by the comparison means? And a control means for judging whether or not it is provided.

The tape printer according to the present invention further comprises a print start means for starting the print operation of the print head by the print drive means, and the print length setting is instructed by the instructing means. When the print length is input and set by the means, the character string cannot be printed to the set print length as a result of the comparison by the comparison means before the printing operation is started by the output of the print start means. In this case, the control means outputs an error and the print driving means stops the start of the printing operation, and when printing is possible, the print driving means operates to print the character string to the set print length. It is configured to do.

The tape printer of the present invention further comprises an input means for inputting code data of characters to be printed on the print medium tape, an input data buffer for storing the code data input by the input means, and a large number of characters. Pattern data storage means for storing pattern data, a print head capable of moving in the longitudinal direction relative to the tape so as to print the inputted character string along the longitudinal direction of the tape, and the input data buffer. Pattern data corresponding to the stored code data is read from the pattern data storage means, and based on the pattern data, the print head and the print drive means for driving the print head while relatively moving in the longitudinal direction of the tape; Indicate whether to set the print length in the longitudinal direction of the tape And shows means sums the width of the corresponding character code stored data to the input data buffer, an arithmetic means for calculating the length of the character string,
A print length setting means for inputting and setting the print length in the longitudinal direction of the tape, a comparing means for comparing the set print length with the length of the character string, and the print length by the instructing means. When the print length setting means inputs and sets the print length, it is judged whether or not the character string can be printed at the set print length based on the result of the comparison by the comparing means, And a control means for stopping the printing operation of the print head by the print driving means before the printing operation is started.

In the tape printer of the present invention, when the print length is set by the print length setting means, the print driving means prints by assigning characters to the print length at equal intervals. It is configured to drive the head.

[0014]

In the tape printer of the present invention having the above construction, the instruction means gives an instruction as to whether or not the print length in the longitudinal direction of the tape is set. When the instruction means does not instruct to set the print length, the print drive means moves the print head relatively in the longitudinal direction of the tape to move the characters input to the tape having a length corresponding to the length of the character string. Print. When the instruction means gives an instruction to set the print length, the print drive means prints the character to the print length input and set by the print length setting means. This makes it possible to obtain a tape having a desired length or a tape having a free length corresponding to the length of the character string.

Further, when the instructing means gives an instruction to set the print length and the print length setting means inputs and sets the print length, the length of the character string input by the calculating means is obtained,
The print length input and set by the comparison means is compared with the length of the character string. Based on the result of the comparison, the control means determines whether or not the character string can be printed in the print length.

The above judgment is made before the start of the printing operation, and when the character string cannot be printed within the set printing length, the control means outputs an error and the print driving means stops the start of the printing operation. . When the character string can be printed in the set print length, the print driving means can print the character string in the print length.

Further, in the tape printer of the present invention, the character code data inputted by the input means is stored in the input data buffer. Pattern data corresponding to the code data stored in the input data buffer is read from the pattern data storage means, the print head is driven based on the pattern data, and the print head is moved in the longitudinal direction relative to the tape. , Is printed on the tape. When the setting of the print length is instructed by the instructing means and the print length is input by the print length setting means, the print length in the longitudinal direction of the input tape and the input are set before the printing operation is started. The length of the character string stored in the data buffer is compared, and as a result of the comparison, if the character string cannot be printed within the set print length, the printing is stopped.

Further, when the print length is set by the print length setting means, the print drive means can print characters by allocating characters to the print length at equal intervals.

[0019]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS An embodiment 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 printer for printing a large number of characters such as kanji, hiragana, katakana and alphabetic characters on a printing tape (print medium tape).

As shown in FIG. 2, at the front portion of the main body frame 2 of the tape printer 1, an annular character selection dial 3 for selecting characters or symbols (hereinafter referred to as characters) for printing is rotated. In addition to being freely arranged, a keyboard portion 4 is arranged, and a liquid crystal display 19 capable of displaying 6 characters is provided behind the character selection dial 3.
The character selection dial 3 is provided at the center of the character selection dial 3.
There is provided a setting key 5 for confirming the character selected by the rotating operation or for confirming the setting contents concerning printing. Further, a printing mechanism PM is built in the main body frame 2 behind the character selection dial 3.

The character selection dial 3 is provided with 50 stop positions per rotation, and the upper surface of the character selection dial 3 has a character image corresponding to each of these 50 stop positions. It is drawn in two columns. Incidentally, reference numeral 6
Is a character selection position mark.

The keyboard unit 4 has a character type switching key for selectively switching the input of "Hiragana", "Katakana" and "Alphabet", a conversion key and a non-conversion key,
2-line print key for instructing 2-line print, 1-line print key for instructing 1-line print, fixed-length key for setting print by input characters evenly distributed according to the length of the print range set, print There are provided a print key for executing, a font selection key for selecting a character font, a tape feed key for feeding the printing tape 9 to the tape, a power switch for turning the power on and off, and the like.

Next, the printing mechanism PM will be briefly described with reference to FIG. 3. In the rectangular tape storage cassette CS, the tape spool 8 on which the printing tape 9 made of a transparent film is wound, and the ink. A ribbon supply spool 13 around which the ribbon 12 is wound, a take-up spool 14 around which the ink ribbon 12 is wound, and a double-sided tape 15 having the same width as the printing tape 9 are wound with the release paper outside. A spool 16 and a joining roller for joining the printing tape 9 and the double-sided tape 15 are rotatably provided.

A thermal head 7 is erected at a position where the printing tape 9 and the ink ribbon 12 overlap each other.
The platen roller 17 which presses the tape 9 and the feed roller 45 which presses both the tapes 9 and 15 against the joining roller 10 are a support member 46.
It is rotatably pivoted to. In this thermal head 7, as shown in FIG. 5, a heating element group 11 including 48 heating elements is vertically arranged.

Accordingly, when the joining roller 10 and the take-up spool 14 are driven by the tape feed motor (see FIG. 4) 18 in synchronism with each other in a predetermined rotation direction to energize the heating element group 11, the printing tape is printed. Characters are printed by a plurality of dot rows on the printer 9 as shown in FIG. 5, and the printing tape 9 is fed in the tape feeding direction A in a state where the double-sided tape 15 is joined and sent out of the main body frame 2. It Details of the printing mechanism PM are described in JP-A-2-106.
See Japanese Patent No. 555.

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

The display mechanism DM includes a liquid crystal display 19,
A display controller (LCD having a display RAM for outputting display data to the display 19)
Controller) 20 and a general controller. The absolute encoder 21 connected to the character selection dial 3
50 corresponding to the 50 stop positions of the character selection dial 3
It is for outputting each type of absolute value encoder signal ENS, and is the code data of the character selected in correspondence with the character selection position mark 6 based on the absolute value encoder signal ENS and the signal from the character type switching key. And the absolute value encoder signal EN before the selection operation
By comparing S with the current absolute value encoder signal ENS, the rotation direction and the rotation amount of the character selection dial 3 can be obtained. Reference numeral 22 is a drive circuit for driving the thermal head 7, and reference numeral 23 is a drive circuit for driving the tape feed motor 18.

The controller C has a CPU 27 and a CPU 27.
An input / output interface 25, ROMs 28 and 29, and a RAM 3 connected to a bus 26 such as a data bus.
It is composed of 0 and 0.

A ROM (program memory) 28 has a display control program for controlling the display mechanism DM corresponding to the code data selected by the character selection dial 3, and character code data when the setting key 5 is operated. Control program for storing various setting data relating to print and print setting contents in the input data buffer 31, print buffer 39
A drive control program for sequentially reading the data of 1 to control the thermal head 7 and the tape feed motor 18 and a control program for tape printing control, which will be described later, are stored.

In a ROM (pattern data memory) 29, dot pattern data relating to each of a large number of characters drawn on the upper surface of the character selection dial 3 is an SS character pattern consisting of 16 dots (vertical) × 15 dots (horizontal). L consisting of data and 48 dots (vertical) x 48 dots (horizontal)
The character pattern data and the character pattern data are stored in association with each other. The SS character pattern data is used for printing and displaying two lines. The L character pattern data is used for printing one line. Incidentally, reference numeral 24
Is a connector for connecting an optional ROM card which stores dot pattern data of various typefaces.

The input data buffer 31 of the RAM 30 stores the code data of the character to be printed and various setting data relating to the print setting contents (see FIG. 19, the leading address is A0000). The first rearrangement memory 32 stores the code data for one-line printing and the code data for the upper row of two-line printing (see FIG. 20, the leading address is a0000), and the second rearrangement memory 3
In 3, the code data of the lower line of the two-line print is stored (see FIG. 20, the start address is b0000). The first pointer 34 stores one address of the first rearrangement memory 32, and the second pointer 35 stores one address of the second rearrangement memory 33.

The character number counter 36 stores the number of characters to be printed including spaces. The set inter-character space memory 37 stores an equal space value provided between characters during fixed length printing. Extra space memory 3
In 8, the number of remaining dot rows obtained by dividing the blank space YS by the number of characters is stored. As shown in FIG. 24, the print buffer 39 has a size of 48 bits (6 bytes) corresponding to 48 dots in the vertical direction (dot row direction) and 48 bits (6 bytes) corresponding to 48 dots in the horizontal direction. Is provided, and the dot pattern data of the character to be printed is read from the pattern data memory 29 and stored. The print length memory 40 stores data of the set print length. In the flag memory 41,
2-line print flag F1 that is set (data is "1") when 2-line print, upper line flag F2 that is set when 2-line print upper line print (first line print), print base line position change A display flag F3 that is set during the display of the selection content related to the print base line, a base line position change flag F4 that is set when the print base line position is changed, a display flag F5 that is set during the display of the selection content related to the change amount of the print base line position, Fixed-length print flag F6 that is set during constant-length printing, remainder flag AF that is set when a remainder occurs during character space calculation, error flag EF, and other flags such as flags related to typeface The data is stored respectively.

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. In the figure, S
i (i = 1, 2, 3, ...) Is each step. Here, in this control, as shown in FIG. 5, the printing tape 9 corresponding to the heating element group 11 of the thermal head 7 is based on the L character pattern data, as indicated by the character "A" when printing one line. The entire upper printing area PE is printed on the printing tape 9, and when printing two lines, the upper row is printed on the upper printing row UL in this printing area PE based on the SS character pattern data. The lower row is printed on the lower print row LL of the print area PE. Furthermore, L
The normal print base line position PS1 of the character corresponds to the lowest position of the heating element group 11, and the print base line position PS2 of the upper row for the SS character is more than the center line CL corresponding to the center position of the heating element group 11 in the width direction. The normal printing base line position PS of the lower line for the SS character is provided at a position above "4" dots.
3 is provided at a position above the print base line position PS1 by "4" dots. Also, in this control,
It is called a character including characters, symbols and spaces.

When the tape printer 1 is powered on, this control is started. First, the display mechanism DM and each memory 3 are started.
Clear 1-40 and display 1 on 1
The line print mark ">" is displayed and the initial setting such as storing the one line print command data corresponding to the one line print mark ">" at the head address of the input data buffer 31 is executed (S1). Next, when the character selection dial 3 is rotated (S2: No, S16: Yes), and when none of the flags F1, F3, F5, F6 ... Is set (S17, S22, S27).・ S29 ・ S3
1: No), the character selected based on the encoder signal ENS from the absolute value encoder 21 is displayed on the display 19 (S33), and the process returns to S2.

When the setting key is operated (S
2 · S3: Yes), when none of the flags F1 to F6 is set (S34 · S41 · S46 · S4).
9. S51: No), the character being displayed on the display 19 is confirmed, and the code data thereof is stored in the input data buffer 31 (S53). For example, when the setting key is operated each time the characters “A”, “B”, and “C” are displayed on the display 19, as shown in FIGS. 2 and 19, the characters “A”, “B”, and “C” are displayed. Code data “C” is sequentially stored in the input data buffer 31.

Next, when the 2-line print key is operated to execute the 2-line print (S2: Yes, S3: No, S
4: Yes) The selection contents at the beginning regarding two-line printing, for example, “upper print line” is displayed on the display 19 (S
5), the flag F1 is set (S6). Next, when the character selection dial 3 is rotated (S2: No, S1
6: Yes), since the flag F1 is set (S
17: Yes), the next selection content regarding 2-line printing, for example, "lower print line" is displayed on the display 19 (S1).
8) When the "upper print line" is displayed (S1
9: Yes), but the flag F2 is set (S2
0), when the "lower print line" is displayed (S1
9: No), the flag F2 is reset (S21).

When the setting key is operated (S2
If both flags F1 and F2 are set (S34: S35: Yes), the upper print line mark "△" is displayed on the display 19 and the upper row corresponding to this mark "△" is displayed. The line print command data is stored in the input data buffer 31 (S36). When the flag F2 is reset (S3
4: Yes, S35: No), the lower row print line mark “▽” is displayed on the display 19, and the lower row print command data corresponding to the mark “▽” is stored in the input data buffer 31 (S37). ). For example, when the setting key is operated while the “upper print line” is displayed on the display 19, the upper print line mark “Δ” is displayed and the address A0004 of the input data buffer 31 is displayed as shown in FIG. Stores upper row print command data.

Then, the flag F1 is reset (S3
8) The first selection content regarding the change of the print base line position, for example, "normal base line position" which does not change the print base line position with respect to the normal print base line positions PS2 and PS3 is displayed on the display 19 (S39), and the flag F3 is set. (S4
0).

Next, when the character selection dial 3 is rotated (S2: No, S16: Yes), the flag F3 is set (S17: No, S22: Ye).
s), the next selection content regarding the print base line position change, for example, "base line position change" for changing the print base line position is displayed on the display 19 (S23), and when "base line position change" is displayed (S24: Yes). ), The flag F4 is set (S25), but when the "normal base line position" is displayed (S24: No), the flag F4 is reset (S26).

When the setting key is operated (S2
-S3: Yes), when the flag F3 is set (S34: No, S41: Yes), this flag F
3 is reset (S42), and when the flag F4 is set (S43: Yes), the first selection content regarding the print base line position, for example, the print base line position is set to the normal print base line positions PS2 and PS3 as the printing tape. “Baseline position + 4” for changing by 4 dots on the upper end side of 9 is displayed on the display 19 (S44), and the flag F5 is set (S45).

Next, when the character selection dial 3 is rotated (S2: No, S16: Yes), the flag F5 is set (S17 / S22: No, S27:
Yes), the next selection content regarding the print base line position, for example, "base line position +3" is displayed on the display 19 (S).
28). After that, when the character selection dial 3 is continuously rotated, the selection content “baseline position + 2” → “baseline position +
1 ”→“ baseline position-1 ”→“ baseline position-2 ”→“ baseline position-3 ”→“ baseline position-4 ”→“ baseline position + 4 ”... In addition, "baseline position-
1 "to" baseline position-4 "is a change of the print baseline position to the lower end side of the printing tape 9 with respect to the normal print baseline positions PS2 and PS3.

When the setting key is operated (S2
・ S3: Yes) and the flag F5 is set (S34 ・ S41: No, S46: Yes), so the print baseline position change amount data corresponding to the selection contents displayed on the display 19 is the upper row print command data. Alternatively, it is stored in the lower row print command data (S47), and the flag F5 is reset (S48).

For example, when the selection key is operated while the selection content "baseline position +4" is displayed on the display 19, as shown in FIG. 19, "+4 dots" in the upper row print command data of the address A0004 is displayed. Change amount data is stored. Furthermore, in the input data buffer 31,
After that, the lower row print command data in which the respective code data of the selected characters "D", "E", "F" and the change amount data of "-4 dots" are stored, the selected characters "G", "H"",
Each code data of "I" and "J" is sequentially stored.

Next, when the one-line print key is operated to print one line (S2: Yes, S3.S4: No,
(S7: Yes), the one-line print mark ">" is displayed on the display 19, the one-line print command data is stored in the input data buffer 31 (S8), and the flag F1 is reset (S9). For example, as shown in FIG. 19, the input data buffer 31 stores the print command data for one line at the address A000D and the code data for the characters “K”, “L”, and “M” selected thereafter. Address A0
Stored from 00E to address A0010. When the character selection dial 3 is rotated (S2: No, S1
6: Yes), and flags other than the flags F1, F3, F5, and F6 are set (S17, S22, S).
27, S29: No, S31: Yes), and the selection content corresponding to the set flag is sequentially displayed (S32).

By the way, when the fixed length key is operated for fixed length printing (S2: Yes, S3, S4, S7:
No, S10: Yes), and the setting screen "print length 10" for setting the length of the print range to 10 cm is displayed (S1
1), the flag F6 is set (S12). Next, when the character selection dial 3 is rotated (S2: No, S
16: Yes) and the flag F6 is set (S17, S22, S27: No, S29: Yes),
Along with the clockwise rotation of the character selection dial 3, the print length setting screen "print length 11" is displayed (S
30). After that, when the character selection dial 3 is continuously rotated, the setting contents "printing length 12" → "printing length 13" → "printing length 14" → "printing length 15" →
->"Print length 54" is sequentially displayed on the display 19. When the character selection dial 3 is rotated counterclockwise, the setting contents are displayed up to "print length 5" in the display order opposite to the above. here,
When the character selection dial 3 is rotated clockwise while "printing length 54" is displayed, "printing length 5" is displayed. Further, when the character selection dial 3 is rotated counterclockwise while "printing length 5" is displayed, "printing length 54" is displayed.

When the setting key is operated (S2
-S3: Yes) and the flag F6 is set (S34, S41, S46: No, S49: Yes),
A value obtained by multiplying the print length displayed on the setting screen by 10 is stored in the print length memory 40 as data (S5).
0). Also, when operating the setting keys (S2, S3: Ye
s), when other flags are set (S
34, S41, S46, S49: No, S51: Ye
s), the selection content corresponding to the flag is set (S)
52).

Next, when the print key is operated (S
2: Yes, S3, S4, S7, S10: No, S1
3: Yes), and the print processing control (see FIGS. 12 and 13) is executed (S14). When this control is started, various flags relating to printing and initialization of the memory are first executed (S60), and rearrangement processing control (see FIG. 14) is executed (S61). The control will be described with reference to FIGS. 19 to 23. When this control is started, as shown in FIG. 20, first, the input data buffer 31
All the code data stored in is stored in the first rearrangement memory 32 (S90). However, “FF” is additionally stored as the end data at the end of the code data.

Next, the first address a0000 of the first rearrangement memory 32 (hereinafter, the content is referred to as P1 and the first pointer P1) is set in the first pointer 34 (S9).
1) The data in the first rearrangement memory 32 designated by the first pointer P1 is read (S92), and when the read data is the one-line print command data (S93 / S105).
-S103: No), the next address is set to the first pointer P1 (S104), and the process returns to S92. When the read data is character code data, the same control as above is repeated.

Next, the first pointer P1 moves to "address a000.
If it is "4", it means the upper row print command data (S93:
Yes), the first rearrangement memory 3 by the first pointer P1
2 is retrieved (S94), and when the lower row print command data is stored as the instruction data next to the upper row print instruction data (S95: Yes), as shown in FIG.
The "address b0004" of the second rearrangement memory 33 corresponding to the pointer P1 is set in the second pointer 35 (hereinafter, also referred to as the second pointer P2), and the lower row print command data and the subsequent lower row print line LL are set. The code data of the character to be printed is stored in each address after the second pointer P2 (S96).

Next, when the code data number UDN of the character to be printed on the upper print line UL is smaller than the code data number LDN of the lower print line LL (S98 / S100:
No), the space code "SP" is stored in "address a0008" of the first rearrangement memory 32 as shown in FIG. 22 (S101). However, when the code data number UDN is larger than the code data number LDN (S98: Ye
s), the space code "SP" is stored at a predetermined address of the second rearrangement memory 33 (S99). When both code data numbers UDN and LDN are equal (S98: N
o, S100: Yes) and S102. next,
As shown in FIG. 23, in the first rearrangement memory 32, the data stored in the second rearrangement memory 33 is deleted and each data “>, K, L, M, FF” after the deleted data is moved. Arrangement processing such as is executed (S102),
When data to be searched exists in the first rearrangement memory 32 (S103: No), "address b0009" is set in the first pointer P1 as an address to be searched next (S104).

Then, each of the following data ">, K, L,
For “M”, S90 to S92, S93 and S105:
No, S103 to S104 are repeatedly executed, and with the end data "FF" (S103: Yes), this control is ended and the process returns.

By the way, when there is no lower row print command data (S95: No), the second rearrangement memory 33 is used.
The space code "SP" corresponding to the code data number UDN of the upper print line UL is stored therein (S9).
7). When the data read based on the first pointer P1 is the lower row print command data (S93: No, S
105: Yes), the address of the second rearrangement memory 33 corresponding to the first pointer P1 is set to the second pointer P2, and the lower row print command data and the code data of the character to be printed on the subsequent lower print row LL are displayed. It is stored in each address after the second pointer P2 (S106).
In the rearrangement memory 32, all the code data of the lower row print command data and the character data to be printed on the lower row print line LL are converted into space codes (S107).

Next, returning to the print processing control, when the flag F6 is set, that is, when the fixed length printing is performed (S62: Yes), the inter-character space calculation processing control (see FIGS. 15 and 16) is executed. (S63). When this control is started, first, the character number count value MN of the character number counter 36, the set space value SA of the set inter-character space memory 37, and the total character width value MW are cleared (S1).
10), the start address of the first rearrangement memory 32 is set in the first pointer P1 (S111), and the first pointer P
When the data designated by 1 is read (S112), and the read data is neither end data nor code data (S113 / S114: No), the character width of L size or SS size is read based on the read print command data. P
W (the number of dot rows) is set (S115), and the first pointer P1 is incremented (S118). On the other hand, when the read data is code data (S113:
No, S114: Yes), the character number count value MN is 1
Is incremented by one (S116), and the total character width value MW
(Number of dot rows) is increased by the character width PW (S11
7), through S118, the process returns to S112.

When the read data is the end data (S113: Yes), the print length that cannot be printed at the print start portion and the print end portion from the set print length SL stored in the print length memory 40. 34 mm (17 mm x
It is set to the actual print length JL after subtracting 2) (S11
9) About 71 dot rows can be printed on 10 mm, so the number of dot rows ND that can be printed on this actual print length JL is ND =
It is calculated by 71 × JL (S120). Next, when the number of printable dot rows ND is greater than or equal to the total character width value MW, that is, all the input characters have the actual print length JL.
When it is possible to print inside (121: Yes), the total character width value MW is subtracted from the printable dot row number ND to calculate the remaining blank space YS (dot row number) (S1).
22). Further, this blank space YS is the number of characters (M
When it is N-1) or more (S123: Yes), a space of one dot row can be provided between each of these characters, so that a new blank space YS is calculated (S).
124), the set space value SA is added for one dot row (S125), and the process returns to S123.

Then, when S123 to S125 are executed and the new blank space YS becomes smaller than the number of characters (S123: No), this blank space YS.
When is not "0" (S126: No), the blank space YS is stored as the remaining space Sd in the existing space memory 38 (S127), the flag AF is set (S129), and this control is ended and the process returns. However, when the blank space YS is "0" (S126:
Yes), the flag AF is reset (S128).
Further, when all the input characters cannot be printed within the actual print length JL (121: No), error processing such as displaying an error message "fixed length print impossible" on the display 19 is executed ( In step S130, the flag EF is set (step S131). And flag E
When F is reset (S64: No), S
When the flag EF is set (S64: Yes), both flags F6 and EF are reset (S65) and the process returns.

On the other hand, after the inter-character space calculation processing and when the fixed length printing is not performed (S62: No), the first pointer P
The first address of the first re-arrangement memory 32 is set to 1 (S66), the data of the first re-arrangement memory 32 is read based on the first pointer P1 (S67), and the read data is a one-line printing command. When it is data (S68 ・ S
69: No, S70: Yes), the flag F1 is reset (S71), and the character width value PW (48 dots) of the L character size used for printing one line is RAM3 based on the flag F1.
It is stored in 0 (S73), the first pointer P1 is incremented (S74), and the process returns to S67. Next, when the read data is the code data of the character "A" (S68:
No, S69: Yes), if the fixed length printing is not performed (S
75: No), the process proceeds to S77, but when the fixed length printing is performed (S75: Yes), the process proceeds to S77 via the character space value setting process control (see FIG. 17).

This inter-character space value setting process control will be described. When the flag AF is set (S140: Yes), the value obtained by incrementing the set space value SA by one dot row is used as the new set space value S.
It is stored as B (S141), and the remaining space value Sd is 1
It is decremented by the dot row (S142), and when the remaining space value Sd is larger than "0" (S143: N
o), this control is terminated and the process returns. However, when the remaining space value Sd becomes "0" (S143:
Yes), the flag AF is reset (S144).
Further, when the flag AF is reset (S1
40: No), the set space value SA is stored as a new set space value SB (S145). Then, since the flag F1 is reset (S78: No), the dot pattern data corresponding to the code data is read from the pattern data memory 29 and stored in the print buffer 39 as shown in FIG. 24 (S79), and the character The printing of "A" is executed (S81), and the process proceeds to S74. In the case of constant-length printing, the set space value SB obtained in S141 is provided after printing each character other than the last character in this printed character. By the way, when the fixed length printing is not performed (S75: No), the inter-character space value corresponding to the L character size, for example, "3 dots" is set (S7).
7), S78 and subsequent steps are executed in the same manner as above.

Next, when the read data is the upper row print command data (S68, S69, S70: No), the flag F1 is set (S72), and the SS character size used for two-line printing is set based on the flag F1. Character width value PW (16
The dot) is stored in the RAM 30 (S73), and returns to S67 via S74. Then, when the code data of the character "D" is read next (S68: No, S69: Y
es), S75 to S77 are executed. Here, when the fixed-length printing is not performed (S75: No), the inter-character space value corresponding to the SS character size used for two-line printing, for example, "1 dot" is set (S77).

Next, since two lines are printed and the flag F1 is set (S78: Yes), the data synthesizing process control (see FIG. 18) is executed (S80). When this control is started, first, the address "b0005" of the second rearrangement memory 33 corresponding to the first pointer P1 is set to the second pointer P.
2 is set (S150), and the code data of the character "D" designated by the first pointer P1 is read (S15).
1) As shown in FIG. 25, the dot pattern data of this code data is stored in the print buffer 39 at the position corresponding to the center line CL (S152), and the print base line position change amount d is added to the upper row print command data. Is stored (S153: Yes), the baseline position change amount d (+
(4 dots) is read (S154), and the number of dots obtained by adding this baseline position change amount d to "4 dots" for shifting this dot pattern data to the normal print baseline position PS2 of the upper row as shown in FIG. It is shifted by the amount in the dot row direction (S156).

Further, the code data of the character "G" designated by the second pointer P2 is read (S157), and FIG.
As shown in, the dot pattern data of this code data is combined and stored on the lower end position in the print buffer 39 (S158). Similarly, when the print base line position change amount d is stored in the lower row print command data, (S159: Y
es), the base line position change amount d (-4 dots) is read (S160), and the base line position change amount d is set to "4 dots" for shifting the dot pattern data to the normal print base line position PS3 in the lower row. The number of added dots is shifted in the dot row direction (S162), the control is terminated, and the process returns. When it is determined No in S153 and No in S159, "0" is stored as the print baseline position change amount d.

Thereafter, as shown in FIG. 27, the character print processing is executed based on the dot pattern data for two characters which are combined and stored in the print buffer 39 (S81). Hereinafter, similarly, the data stored in the first and second rearrangement memories 32 and 33 as shown in FIG.
Printing is performed by the print processing control 81.

Therefore, when the fixed length printing is not performed as shown in FIG. 28, the printing tape 9 has the character strings "ABC, KL".
One line of "M" is printed corresponding to the print area PE, the character string "DEF" is printed on the upper print line UL, and the character string "GHIJ" is printed on the lower print line LL. Moreover, the character strings "DEF" and "GHIJ" are printed with their print positions changed based on the designated print base line position change amount d. Further, as shown in FIG. 29, in the case of constant-length printing, between the printing of these print characters,
The calculated set space value SA is provided, and the input character string is automatically expanded and printed within the print range of the actual print length JL of the set print length SL.

[0064]

[Second Embodiment] Here, similarly to a typewriter dedicated to English, the tape printer 1 can print an input character at a pica print pitch or an elite print pitch and can also print it at a fixed length. For that purpose, a print pitch key for designating a print pitch such as a pica print pitch or an elite print pitch is provided in the keyboard portion 4, and the print pitch corresponding to the L character size and the SS character size is set in the pattern data memory 29. The print pitch tables stored for each minute are stored respectively, and the routine for controlling the inter-character space calculation processing is executed as shown in FIG.
You may change by providing S170 between 14 and S116.

That is, when the read data is not the code data (S113 / S114: No), the pitch table is selected based on the read print command data and the signal from the print pitch key (S115), and then read. About code data (S113: No, S114: Y
es), the character width value PW is set by the print pitch data read from the selected pitch table (S170).
Then, the same control is performed thereafter.

Further, it is possible to provide a proportional space function. At this time, the pattern data memory 29 is provided with pitch tables for storing the character width data of each character corresponding to the print character data corresponding to the L character size and the SS character size, and the print command data read in S115. While selecting the pitch table corresponding to, the character width data corresponding to the code data read from the pitch table in S170 may be set to the character width value PW.

The pattern data memory 29 may store dot pattern data of 3 to 4 different character sizes so that a desired character size can be selected for one-line printing and two-line printing.

A print buffer may be added to store dot string data for the next printing in a print buffer other than the print buffer in which the dot string data is read for printing.

As described above, at the start of printing, the character code data stored in the input data buffer 31 is rearranged in the first and second rearrangement memories 32 and 33 (S90 to S104). When the constant length print is set, the total character width value of the characters stored in the first rearrangement memory 32 is calculated, and the set print length and the total character width value are compared. When printing cannot be performed within the set print length, an error message is displayed on the display 19. When printing is possible, the first rearrangement memory 3
Based on the number of the code data of 2 and the data of the set print length, the equal inter-character spaces provided between the characters are calculated (S110 to S129), and when the characters are printed, the inter-character spaces are set between the characters. Since it is automatically provided, the input character string can be automatically expanded and printed in a desired printing range. When the fixed length printing is not set, a space value corresponding to the character size is set (S77) and printing is performed (S81). The tape length is determined based on the sum of character sizes including this space value.

The present invention is applied to various tape printers such as a printer configured to print characters on the print tape 9 while manually pulling out the print tape 9 and a wire dot tape printer. Of course you can get it.

[0071]

As is apparent from the above description, the tape printer according to the present invention does not create a tape having a print length set for the "title" of a file or the like, and is not limited to the print length. It is possible to print a long character string with and is extremely excellent in practical use.

[Brief description of drawings]

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

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 block diagram of a control system of the tape printer.

FIG. 5 is a partial front view of a printing mechanism showing a printing tape and a thermal head.

FIG. 6 is a part of a schematic flowchart of a tape print control routine.

FIG. 7 is a part of a schematic flowchart of a tape print control routine.

FIG. 8 is a part of a schematic flowchart of a tape print control routine.

FIG. 9 is a part of a schematic flowchart of a tape print control routine.

FIG. 10 is a part of a schematic flowchart of a tape print control routine.

FIG. 11 is a part of a schematic flowchart of a tape print control routine.

FIG. 12 is a part of a schematic flowchart of a print processing control routine included in the tape print control.

FIG. 13 is a part of a schematic flowchart of a print processing control routine included in the tape print control.

FIG. 14 is a schematic flowchart of a rearrangement process control routine included in the print process control.

FIG. 15 is a part of a schematic flowchart of a routine for inter-character space calculation processing control included in print processing control.

FIG. 16 is a part of a schematic flowchart of a routine for character space calculation processing control included in the print processing control.

FIG. 17 is a schematic flowchart of a routine for character space value setting processing control included in print processing control.

FIG. 18 is a schematic flowchart of a data composition process control routine included in the print process control.

FIG. 19 is an explanatory diagram schematically showing data in an input data buffer.

FIG. 20 is an explanatory diagram schematically showing data in first and second rearrangement memories.

FIG. 21 is an explanatory diagram schematically showing data in first and second rearrangement memories.

FIG. 22 is an explanatory diagram schematically showing data in first and second rearrangement memories.

FIG. 23 is an explanatory diagram schematically showing data in first and second rearrangement memories.

FIG. 24 is an explanatory diagram schematically showing dot pattern data in a print buffer.

FIG. 25 is an explanatory diagram schematically showing dot pattern data in a print buffer.

FIG. 26 is an explanatory diagram schematically showing dot pattern data in a print buffer.

FIG. 27 is an explanatory diagram schematically showing dot pattern data in a print buffer.

FIG. 28 is an exemplary diagram showing a printing example in which character strings of one line and two lines are printed on a printing tape without being printed in a fixed length.

FIG. 29 is an exemplary diagram showing a printing example in which character strings of one line and two lines are printed on a printing tape in a fixed length with a set printing length.

FIG. 30 is a part of a schematic flowchart of a routine for inter-character space arithmetic processing control of inter-character space arithmetic processing control according to the second embodiment.

[Explanation of symbols]

 1 Tape printing device 3 Character selection dial 4 Keyboard section 5 Selection key 7 Thermal head 9 Printing tape 27 CPU 28 ROM (program memory) 29 ROM (pattern data memory) 30 RAM 31 Input data buffer 37 Set character space memory 39 Print buffer 40 Print length memory C Controller

─────────────────────────────────────────────────── ─── Continuation of the front page (51) Int.Cl. ⁶ Identification code Internal reference number FI technical display location B41J 21/00 Z

Claims (5)

[Claims] 1. A print head for printing a character string along a longitudinal direction of a print medium tape, input means for inputting a character to be printed on the tape, and the print head based on the character input by the input means. Print driving means for driving the tape and the tape while relatively moving in the longitudinal direction of the tape, instructing means for instructing whether to set the print length in the longitudinal direction of the tape, and printing in the longitudinal direction of the tape. A print length setting means for inputting and setting a length, and when the instruction means gives an instruction not to set the print length, the print driving means causes the print length to correspond to the length of the input character string. When the character is printed on the tape and the setting means sets the print length, the print drive means sets the print length setting. Tape printer, characterized by printing the character in the input set print length by means. 2. The operation means according to claim 1, further comprising: a computing means for determining the length of the input character string, a comparing means for comparing the set print length and the character string length, and the instructing means. When an instruction to set the print length is made and the print length is input and set by the print length setting means, it is determined whether the character string can be printed at the print length based on the result of the comparison made by the comparing means. A tape printing apparatus comprising: a control unit for making a judgment. 3. The print length setting means according to claim 2, further comprising a print start means for starting the print operation of the print head by the print drive means, wherein the instruction means is instructed to set the print length. When the print length is input and set by, the character string cannot be printed at the set print length as a result of the comparison by the comparison means before the printing operation by the output of the print start means is started. In this case, the control means outputs an error and the print driving means stops the start of the printing operation, and if printing is possible, the print driving means operates to print the character string to the set print length. A tape printer characterized in that 4. An input means for inputting code data of a character to be printed on a print medium tape, an input data buffer for storing code data input by the input means, and pattern data for storing pattern data of a large number of characters. Storage means, a print head capable of relatively moving in the longitudinal direction with respect to the tape so as to print the inputted character string along the longitudinal direction of the tape, and corresponding to the code data stored in the input data buffer. Pattern data to be read from the pattern data storage means, and based on the pattern data, the print head that drives the print head while moving the tape and the tape in the longitudinal direction of the tape, and the print length in the longitudinal direction of the tape. Means for instructing whether to set the input data, and the input data Calculating means for summing the widths of the characters corresponding to the code data stored in the buffer to obtain the length of the character string; print length setting means for inputting and setting the print length in the longitudinal direction of the tape; Comparing means for comparing the set print length with the length of the character string; and an instruction to set the print length by the instructing means, and when the print length is input and set by the print length setting means, Based on the result of the comparison by the comparison means, it is judged whether or not the character string can be printed in the set print length, and when printing is impossible, the printing is stopped before the printing operation of the print head by the print driving means is started. And a control unit for controlling the tape printing device. 5. The print drive unit according to claim 1, wherein when the print length is set by the print length setting unit, characters are assigned to the print length at equal intervals. A tape printer, wherein the print head is driven so as to print.