JPH11277836A - Printing apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To obtain a tape-printing apparatus which can convert values of one currency to values of another currency on the basis of a preliminarily input currency conversion rate, and print immediately to a tape in a state in which an easy-to-see separation mark is added between values of a plurality of currencies and a value of a reference currency. SOLUTION: An input separation mark is stored in a separation mark registration process (S45). Also, an input currency and a conversion rate for the currency to a reference currency are made to correspond to each other and stored in a currency conversion table memory. When a value of the reference currency is input, data of the conversion rate stored in the currency conversion table memory are read out, based on which a value of a currency of the conversion rate is operated. The stored separation mark is read out, added to between the calculation result and the value of the reference currency, and printed to a tape by a thermal head.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a printing apparatus for printing characters, figures, and the like on a printing medium such as a tape to be attached to a product or the like as a price tag or the like.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Heretofore, the applicant of the present application has provided a keyboard, a display, a printing mechanism and the like, and used a film-shaped tape (for example, a tape width of 12 mm or 24 mm) as a printing medium.
In addition to the practical use of a tape printer that can print input characters and symbols, this tape printer also has a line modification setting function that determines line modification such as left alignment and right alignment when printing on tape. We proposed the one which added various editing functions. This tape printer is suitable for producing various labels such as a file name label.

[0003] These tape printers are capable of printing characters and the like between a double-sided tape and a transparent tape that are pasted together for bonding. Since it is not rubbed and thinned or disappears, it is extremely suitable as a label to be carried around or attached to an object that is always in contact with another object.

[0004]

At present, various currencies are used all over the world. Particularly in Europe, a large number of countries exist in a small area, and different currencies are used depending on the countries. Therefore, one product is often sold in different countries. In such a case, it is necessary to convert the price into the price of each country based on the currency rate and attach a price tag or the like. Further, in Europe, currency integration will be performed in the future, but thereafter, it is necessary to convert the product price in the currency used so far into the price of the currency to be integrated and display it on the product.

[0005] Furthermore, recently, since international exchange of people is also active, even in one country, people having different currencies often purchase goods using different currencies. Even in such a case, it is easier for the purchaser to understand that a plurality of prices in different currencies are attached to the product and sold based on the currency rate.

In such a case, there are various calculators for calculating the price in each currency based on the currency rate. Based on the calculation result, the price of the converted product is immediately printed to create a price tag, and the price tag is created. There was no printing device that could be attached to a product. Further, as shown in FIG. 14, since the display method of the currency symbol and the amount differs for each currency of each country, it is very complicated to display the price in such a currency of another country. Was.

In view of the above problems, the present invention converts a value in one currency into a value in another currency based on a conversion rate of a currency input in advance, and displays values in a plurality of currencies in an easily understandable manner. It is an object of the present invention to provide a printing apparatus that can immediately produce a price tag or the like.

[0008]

According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a printing apparatus, comprising: an input unit for inputting data such as characters, symbols, and figures; and a data storage for storing the input data. Means for displaying input data, and printing means for printing characters, symbols, figures, and the like on a printing medium such as a tape, the printing apparatus comprising at least one currency and at least one currency. A conversion rate storage means for storing the conversion rate for the reference currency in association with the conversion rate, and when the value of the reference currency is input, the value of the conversion rate in the currency based on the conversion rate data stored in the conversion rate storage means Calculation means for calculating
A delimiter adding means for adding a delimiter for separating each currency value, and a delimiter added to the delimiter adding means between the currency value calculated by the calculating means and the reference currency value. And control means for causing the printing means to continuously print on the printing medium.

According to the printing apparatus of the first aspect, based on the conversion rate of the input currency to the base currency,
Convert values in one currency to values in another currency,
A value tag or the like can be produced by immediately printing on a printing medium in a form in which an easy-to-understand delimiter is added between the value of the currency and the value of the reference currency.

[0010] Further, the printing apparatus according to the second aspect is characterized in that:
Input means for inputting data such as symbols, figures, etc., data storage means for storing input data, display means for displaying input data, and characters, symbols, figures, etc. on a printing medium such as tape. A printing device comprising a printing means for printing, wherein a conversion rate storage means for storing two or more currencies and a conversion rate of the currency with respect to a reference currency, respectively, and a value of the reference currency is inputted. At this time, based on at least two or more conversion rate data stored in the conversion rate storage means, calculation means for calculating the value in the currency of the conversion rate, and when printing, the currency calculated by the calculation means A delimiter adding unit for adding a delimiter for separating each value of the currency, each value of the currency calculated by the calculating unit, and a delimiter added to the delimiter adding unit are marked. And a control means for continuously printing the same print medium by means.

According to the printing apparatus of the second aspect, based on the conversion rate of the input currency to the reference currency,
Convert a value in one currency into a value in other currencies, and immediately print the values in those currencies on a medium to be printed in a form with easy-to-understand delimiters added to create price tags, etc. be able to.

Further, the printing apparatus according to a third aspect of the present invention is the printing apparatus according to the first or second aspect, further comprising setting means for setting arbitrary delimiter data, wherein the delimiter adding means is a setting means. Is added to the delimiter set by.

According to the printing apparatus of the third aspect, since any symbol can be selected and input as a delimiter, a plurality of delimiters including a more easily understandable delimiter or a delimiter having an interesting shape are provided. A price tag or the like on which the value of is printed can be produced.

[0014]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS An embodiment of a tape printing apparatus as a printing apparatus according to the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings, but the present invention is not limited thereto.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing an embodiment of the tape printer of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 1, a main body frame 2 of the tape printer 1 is formed in a substantially box-like body, and a keyboard 3 is provided at a front portion of an upper surface thereof. The keyboard 3 as an input means includes a character key, a space key, and the like for inputting alphabetical characters, numbers, symbols, and the like.
A return key, a cursor movement key for moving the cursor to the right or left, a tape length setting key for setting a tape length in a print area to be printed on the print tape 9, a currency rate setting key for setting a currency rate setting mode, Execute the currency calculation processing key to set the currency calculation processing mode, the currency invalid setting key to set the currency invalid setting mode, the invalid key to invalidate the currency symbol, the size setting key to set the size of the characters to be printed, and execute various processes Execute key, end key to instruct the end of various setting processes, print key to instruct printing, delete key to delete data from memory, power on
-A power key and the like for turning off are provided. Note that a scanner, another communication device, or the like can be used as the input unit. A liquid crystal display 7 as display means is provided at the rear of the keyboard 3, and the liquid crystal display (LCD) 7 displays input characters, setting modes, and the like as necessary.

A printing mechanism PM is provided inside the tape printer 1.
The cover frame 8 extends from the side to the back of the main body frame 2 so that the tape cassette CS (see FIG. 2) mounted on the printing mechanism PM can be attached and detached.
Is provided. Also, on the side of the body frame 2,
A tape take-out port 4 and a cutter lever 5 for manually cutting the taken-out print tape 9 are provided.
Reference numeral 6 denotes a printing lamp indicating that printing is being performed.

Next, a brief description will be given of the printing mechanism PM with reference to FIG. 2. A rectangular tape cassette CS is detachably mounted on the printing mechanism PM. A tape spool 13 around which a transparent laminated film tape 12 is wound, a ribbon supply spool 15 around which a print ribbon 14 is wound, a take-up spool 16 around which the print ribbon 14 is wound, and a laminate. Film tape 12
A supply spool 18 on which a double-sided tape 17 having the same width as that of the double-sided tape 17 is adhered and wound on the outside, and a joining roller 19 for joining the laminated film tape 12 and the double-sided tape 17 are provided rotatably. ing. The double-sided tape 17 has a pressure-sensitive adhesive layer formed on both sides of the base tape, and a release paper is adhered to the pressure-sensitive adhesive layer on one side.

A thermal head 20 is erected at a position where the laminated film tape 12 and the print ribbon 14 overlap, and a platen roller 21 for pressing the laminated film tape 12 and the print ribbon 14 against the thermal head 20, A feed roller 22 that presses the tape 12 and the double-sided tape 17 against the joining roller 19 to produce the printing tape 9 is rotatably supported by a support 23 that is rotatably mounted on the main body frame 2. I have. In the thermal head 20, a heating element group including a large number of heating elements is vertically arranged in rows.

Accordingly, by driving the tape feed motor 47 (see FIG. 3) in a predetermined rotation direction, the joining roller 19 and the take-up spool 16 are energized to the heating element group while being driven synchronously in the predetermined rotation direction. Then, characters and symbols are printed by a plurality of dot rows on the laminated film tape 12, and the laminated film tape 12 is fed as a printing tape 9 in the tape feeding direction A in a state where the double-sided tape 17 is joined. 1 and FIG.
As shown in FIG. The details of the printing mechanism PM are described in JP-A-2-106.
See U.S. Pat.

When cutting the print tape 9 sent out, a portion of the front side of the cutter lever 5 provided on the side surface of the main body frame 2 is moved toward the outside of the main body frame 2 so that the cutter (shown in FIG. Is moved in the direction of the printing tape 9, and the printing tape 9 is cut.

The printing tape 9 fed from the tape cassette CS has a tape width of 6 mm, 9 mm,
Five types of 12 mm, 18 mm, and 24 mm are prepared. Further, for each tape width, the color of the base tape constituting the double-sided tape 17 (hereinafter simply referred to as the color of the double-sided tape 17 and the color of the base tape is the ground color of the tape) and the ink color of the print ribbon 14 are "Black", "red", "blue",
A plurality of types of tape cassettes CS arbitrarily combined from “yellow” to “white” are prepared.

The bottom wall of the tape cassette CS is provided with a plurality of projecting pieces combining a plurality of projecting claws to detect any of these five types of tape width. 2, a tape width sensor 43 for detecting the tape width based on the state of the protruding claws of the protruding pieces, and a tape color sensor 44 for detecting a combination color of the double-sided tape 17 and the print ribbon 14 are attached. (See FIG. 3).

Further, a cassette switch 42 is attached to the main body frame 2 in order to detect that these plural kinds of tape cassettes CS are selectively mounted (see FIG. 3).

Next, the control system of the tape printer 1 is shown in FIG.
Is configured as shown in the block diagram of FIG. Control device C
The input / output interface 50 has a keyboard 3 and
A cassette switch 42, a tape width sensor 43, a tape color sensor 44, a display controller (LCDC) 23 having a video RAM 24 for outputting display data to a liquid crystal display (LCD) 7, and a warning buzzer 45. The drive circuit 46 and the thermal head 20
Circuit 48 for driving the tape feed motor 4
And a drive circuit 49 for driving the drive circuit 7.

The control device C comprises a CPU 52 and this CPU
52, an input / output interface 50 connected via a bus 51 such as a data bus, CGROMs 53 and 54, RO
M55, 56 and RAM 60.

The display CGROM 53 stores dot pattern data for display in association with code data for each of numerals, alphabetic characters and symbols.

The printing CGROM (dot pattern data memory) 54 stores printing dot pattern data for each of a large number of characters for printing characters such as alphabetic characters and symbols. 7 font types (16, 24, 32, 48, 64, 96, 128 dot character sizes) are stored in correspondence with the code data for each font type. .

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 data buffer 67 are sequentially read out from the ROM 55 and read out from the ROM 55. A print drive control program for driving the head 20 and the tape feed motor 47, a control program for tape print control described later, and the like are stored.

Further, in the ROM 55, 5 of the printing tape 9 is stored.
Printable width data TW corresponding to each type of tape width
Is stored in advance as the number of dots. The ROM (currency symbol data memory) 56 stores currency symbols corresponding to the currency of each country. Note that the ROM 55 and the ROM 56
May be composed of one ROM.

As shown in FIG. 4, the RAM 60
It comprises a work buffer 61, a text memory 62, a currency symbol memory 63, an amount memory 64, a separator memory 65, a tape length memory 66, a print data buffer 67, a printable width memory 68, a currency conversion table memory 69, and the like. .

The work buffer 61 of the RAM 60 temporarily stores data input from the keyboard 3, calculation results, and the like. In the text memory 62, data on which various processes have been performed in the work buffer 61 are stored as data to be finally printed. Currency symbol memory 63
Is stored with currency symbol data retrieved from the ROM 56 appended with the result of the determination as to whether the currency symbol is valid. The amount memory 64 stores the input amount in the reference currency. In the delimiter memory 65,
Stores the input delimiter. Tape length memory 6
6 stores the set tape length data SL in the number of dots. The print data buffer 67 stores 12
A memory capacity of 8 bits (16 bytes) and a predetermined bit size of about 50 characters in the horizontal direction is provided, and dot image data for printing a document including characters and symbols is stored as print data. In the printable width memory 68,
The printable width data TW corresponding to the tape width of the tape cassette CS mounted on the tape printer 1 is stored.
As shown in FIG. 12, the currency conversion table memory 69 is provided with a currency conversion table in which input currency symbols and currency conversion rates are numbered and stored in the order of input.

Next, the routine of the tape printing control performed by the tape printing apparatus 1 configured as described above will be described.
A description will be given based on the flowcharts of FIGS. In addition, the code | symbol Si (i = 10,11,12 ...
・) Indicates each step.

When the power is turned on by the power key, the tape print control (see FIG. 5) is executed.
In addition to clearing the memories 61, 62, 64 to 68 of 0, initial setting processing such as setting a document input mode is executed (S10), and a document input screen is displayed on the LCD 7 (S11). However, the data about the currency and the conversion rate input in the previous processing is stored in the currency conversion table memory 69, and the currency calculation processing can be performed by using this currency conversion table. Also,
The currency symbol memory 63 stores data such as the currency symbol and whether or not it is valid.

Next, the currency calculation processing key and the like are not operated,
When the currency rate setting key is operated (S12: Y
ES, S13 to S16: No, S17: Yes), currency rate setting process control (S80, see FIG. 6). In this case, the currency rate setting mode can also be set by inputting an arbitrary character string such as a currency rate without providing a currency rate setting key and then inputting an execution key. In the following, each process can be performed by the same operation.

First, when the currency rate setting key is operated (S17, Yes), processing such as clearing the currency conversion table memory 69 is executed as shown in FIG. 6 (S8).
1) "Currency symbol?" Is displayed on the LCD 7.

Next, when there is a key input (S82: Ye
s), key input characters, symbols, etc. are stored in the work buffer 6.
1 and temporarily compares the currency symbol in the currency symbol memory 63 with the input characters, symbols, and the like (S83).
If they match (S83: Yes), it is determined whether or not the currency symbol that was subsequently input is valid (S8).
4). The currency symbol in the currency symbol memory 63 and the sign such as valid or invalid will be described later.

In the above processing, if the input data is not a currency symbol (S83: No), a buzzer sounds (S90) and the mode returns to the key input mode again (S8).
2) If the input data is a currency symbol but is not valid (S83: Yes, S84: No), a buzzer sounds (S91) and the mode returns to the key input mode (S8).
2).

If the currency symbol is valid in S84 (S84: Yes), it is stored in the work buffer 61 together with the conversion rate for the input reference currency (S85 to S87). Next, a message "What is the next currency?" Is displayed on the LCD 7, and if the execution key is operated (S88: Yes), the process returns to S82 and the same processing is repeated. A plurality of conversion rates for the reference currency can be input to the currency conversion table memory 69 as a currency conversion table.

On the other hand, when the end key is operated (S
88: No), as shown in FIG. 12, the input currency symbols and conversion rates are transferred to the currency conversion table memory 69 in the order of input on the work buffer 61, and the numbers are assigned in the input order. The currency rate setting process is completed (S89), and the process proceeds to S11 in FIG.

Each time a currency symbol and its currency rate are input, the currency symbol may be sequentially transferred from the work buffer 61 to the currency conversion table 69. Alternatively, the currency symbol serving as the reference currency and the conversion rate “1” may be input first.

In the above processing, one kind of combination of the currency symbol and the conversion rate may be input, or two or more kinds may be input. When the printing process described later is performed for the input conversion rate, the amounts in these currencies are printed on the tape.

Therefore, by inputting the value of the reference currency, the amount in the desired currency is calculated based on the desired currency and the conversion rate in the currency conversion table stored in the currency conversion table memory 69, and the calculation is performed. The result can be printed on a tape as a printing medium. By creating a currency conversion table by inputting a desired number of currencies and conversion rates, it is possible to print a plurality of amounts in a plurality of currencies on one tape. The medium to be printed may be any medium as long as it is easy to create a price tag and the like, and may be, for example, paper such as a sheet.

In S82, the currency symbol is input by key input. However, some currency symbols are difficult to input by ordinary key input.
6 may be read out and displayed in, for example, a table format, and a currency symbol may be input by operating a selection key or the like.

In the above currency rate setting processing control,
The processing to determine whether the currency symbol is valid or invalid is included, but this is used to check if an invalid currency has occurred due to European currency integration etc., and the currency invalid setting key is operated Then (S18: Ye
s), by executing the currency invalidation setting control (S99, see FIG. 7), the currency symbol memory 63 stores the currency symbol and data indicating whether the currency symbol is valid or invalid.

In the currency invalid setting processing control (S99), the currency invalid setting key is operated to shift to the currency invalid setting mode, and the first currency read into the work buffer 61 from the currency symbol data in the ROM 56 is read. The symbol is displayed on LCD 7 (S100). As shown in FIG. 13, the currency symbol data stores a currency symbol, a scale symbol, a decimal point symbol, and a number (for example, E) that makes the currency symbol valid.

When the cursor right key is operated (S101, S102: Yes), the second currency symbol is displayed, and the process returns to S101. That is, each time the cursor right movement key is operated, the number is increased, and the currency symbol with that number is displayed (S108). on the other hand,
When the cursor left movement key is operated (S101: Ye
s, S102: No, S103 :: Yes) Conversely, the number is reduced and the currency of that number is displayed (S10).
9). After the number becomes maximum or minimum, the displayed currency does not change and the same currency is displayed.

When an invalid key is operated for the displayed currency symbol (S104: Yes), invalidation processing is performed, and a symbol for invalidating the currency symbol is attached instead of a symbol for validating the currency symbol (S110). This currency invalid setting process control ends when the end key is operated (S107).

By the above processing, the stored currency symbol data is transferred to the currency symbol memory 63. The currency symbol memory 63 is not cleared unless the currency invalidation key is operated. If the user does not want to print the amount in the reference currency, the reference currency may be invalidated. Also,
Although not shown, the operation of the cursor right movement key causes L
When a space is displayed on the CD 7 and a character key is operated to input a character or symbol, the character or the like may be supplemented as a new currency symbol or scale symbol.

Next, the currency calculation processing control (S20) will be described. This currency calculation process control is a process performed by the calculation means of the present invention. When the document input screen is displayed (S11), when the currency calculation processing key is operated (S1).
2: Yes, S13: Yes), currency calculation processing control (S
20, see FIG. 8).

First, an initial value setting process such as clearing the work buffer 61 is performed (S 21), and “What is the amount?” Is displayed on the LCD 7. Then, when the amount in the base currency is input and the execution key is operated (S22: Yes)
s), the amount input processing ends, and the input numerical value is stored in the amount memory 64 (S23).

Subsequently, the currency symbol and the conversion rate are sequentially read from the currency conversion table memory 69 (S2).
4), multiplication by the numerical value of the amount memory 64 is performed, and the currency symbol and the numerical value of the calculation result are first stored in the work buffer 61 (S25). Normally, two decimal places are stored as calculated values by rounding off the third digit. When a conversion rate set so that a numerical value is calculated by division is input, for example, a process of taking the reciprocal of the input numerical value is performed, and the value is stored in the currency conversion table memory 69 as a conversion rate. You may make it.

Next, a process of adding a currency symbol, a decimal point symbol, a scale symbol, and a separator is automatically performed on the calculation result (S26). This processing is performed by using the currency symbol data (FIG. 13) stored in the ROM 56. The currency symbol stored in the ROM 56, a decimal point symbol and a scale symbol for the currency symbol are added, and the text memory 62 is added. Is stored. The scale symbol does not necessarily have to be added together with the decimal point symbol, and may be switched.

This processing is sequentially performed for all of the reference currency and the calculated amount, and is sequentially performed in the text memory 62.
Is stored in When it is desired to easily display the currency symbol and the amount, a predetermined key may be operated to set the currency symbol addition mode, and a process of adding only the currency symbol may be performed.

Depending on the currency, for example, like in Japan,
In some cases, there is no numerical value below the decimal point. In this case, the text memory 62 has no decimal point and the decimal point is deleted.

Then, based on the data of the currency conversion table in the currency conversion table memory 69, it is determined whether or not there is a next currency calculation (S27). If there is a currency for which the currency calculation is to be performed (S27: Yes) ), If a delimiter is stored in the delimiter memory 65 of the RAM 60, the delimiter, for example, “” (space),
"/", ";", Etc. are added (S28), or if the delimiter is not stored in the delimiter memory 65, the process proceeds to the next S29 without adding a delimiter. If it is determined that there is no currency for performing the currency calculation (S27: No), the process proceeds to the next step (S29) without executing S28.

When the data is stored in the text memory 62, it is determined whether the data can be stored in the text memory 62 (S:
29). The data stored in the text memory 62 has a fixed number of digits, for example, within 50 digits. Therefore, if all digits of the display on which the above processing has been performed exceed the limited range of digits and overflow, Is returned (S29: No), the text memory 62 is returned to the state before the start of this process (S30), for example, "display amount of digits is exceeded" is displayed on the LCD 7 (S31), and this process ends.

On the other hand, when the processed amount display is smaller than the number of digits that can be stored (S29: Yes), these data are stored in the text memory 62 (S3).
2) Based on the data of the currency conversion table in the currency conversion table memory 69, it is determined whether or not there is a currency for performing the next currency calculation (S33). If there is a currency for performing the currency calculation (S33: Yes), returning to S24 again, performing the same processing, temporarily storing the calculation result in the work buffer 61, and thereafter repeatedly executing the processing stored in the text memory 62. When it is determined that there is no need to perform the next currency calculation (S33: No), the currency calculation process ends, and the process proceeds to S11 in FIG.

In the above-described currency calculation processing control, a numerical value (amount) is input for one reference currency with a conversion rate. By specifying a certain currency, a numerical value is input using the specified currency as the reference currency. You can also.
In this case, by specifying the currency, the currency conversion table stored in the currency conversion table memory 69 is recalculated using the currency as the conversion rate 1.00, and the recalculated currency conversion table is used. Based on S21-
33 is controlled.

Next, the process of registering the delimiter in the delimiter memory 65 of the RAM 60 (S40) will be described with reference to FIG.
This will be described with reference to FIG. First, when a delimiter registration key is operated (S14: Yes), a delimiter registration mode is entered and a key input is awaited (S41). The character key you want to register as a delimiter, for example, "/",
“•”, “:”, “*”, “X”, “” (space)
(S41: Yes, S42:
(Yes), the data is stored in the work buffer 61 (S43), and the process returns to S41. When the end key is operated (S41: Yes, S42: No, S44: Ye)
s) The data stored in the work buffer 61 is transferred to and stored in the delimiter memory 65 (S45), and the delimiter registration processing is terminated. And S11 of FIG.
Move to

When the delete key is operated (S
41: Yes, S42: No, S44: No, S46:
Yes), the data stored in the delimiter memory 65 is erased (cleared) (S47), the delimiter registration process is terminated, and the routine goes to S11 in FIG.

As the delimiter, not only one character but also a plurality of characters can be stored. Further, the data that can be stored in the delimiter memory 65 may be configured to store not only one delimiter group but also a plurality of delimiter groups, and to select and print a symbol group to be used before printing. Good.

Next, the case where the fixed length setting process control (S50) is performed will be described. Even when normal characters and the like are input, processing similar to the processing described below is performed. When the tape length setting key is operated (S15:
Yes), the process proceeds to the fixed length processing mode, and a fixed length setting process control (S50, see FIG. 10) for setting a tape length in a print area to be printed on the print tape 9 is executed.

When this control is started, as shown in FIG. 10, the set tape length is, for example, the minimum "2 cm".
Is displayed on the display 7 (S51). Then, when the cursor right key is operated (S52: Yes, S53: Yes), the next set tape length is displayed (S54), and the process returns to S52. That is,
For example, every time the cursor right movement key is operated, "2 cm"
→ "3cm" → "4cm" → "5cm" ... "20c
The set tape length is increased by one centimeter in the order of “m” and is sequentially displayed. At this time, for example, after “20 cm”,
"Auto" or "None" is displayed, and when this is selected, the fixed length processing mode is canceled.

On the other hand, when the cursor left movement key is operated (S52: Yes, S53: No, S55: Yes),
The set tape length is displayed, for example, in the reverse order of decreasing the length by 1 cm (S56), and returns to S52.

Next, when the end key is operated in accordance with the completion of the setting of the tape length (S52: Yes, S
53: No, S55: No, S57: Yes), the number of dots corresponding to the set tape length is stored in the tape length memory 66 as set tape length data SL (S58).
After ending this control, the flow shifts to S11 in FIG. When performing the above-described fixed-length processing, it is also possible to use the processing method described in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 4-150808 to perform equal character interval processing control for setting printing at equal character intervals.

Further, when the currency calculation mode, the delimiter registration mode, the fixed length setting mode, the currency rate mode, the currency invalid setting mode and the like are not set, that is, the character input is set in the default state. In this character input mode, when a character key such as an alphabetic character, a number, a symbol, or a printable key such as a space key is operated, (S12: Yes, S13 to 18: N
o) Although not specifically shown, the code data corresponding to the printable key is input-processed and stored in the text memory 62 by the character input process control, and the characters and the like are written in L.
It is displayed on the CD 7 (S19).

Next, when the print key is input (S1
6: Yes) will be described. If the fixed length setting has been made, it is determined in this print processing control whether data stored in the text memory 62, such as the amount to be printed, falls within the set tape length range. That is, in the tape print control, when the print key is operated (S12: Yes, S13-
S15: No, S16: Yes), print processing control (S6)
0, see FIG. 11) (S70).

First, a tape width signal from the tape width sensor 43 is read (S 70), and printable width data TW (number of dots) corresponding to the tape width signal is read from the ROM 55 and stored in the printable width memory 68. (S7
1).

Next, printing dot image data such as a display of the amount stored in the text memory 62 or a display in which ordinary characters or the like are added to the amount display (hereinafter referred to as text data) is created. 67 (S72). Next, the print data buffer 67
Based on the printing dot image data stored in
The dot number data LL having the length of the text data is obtained, and the dot number MH having the maximum character height of the text data is obtained (S73). Then, it is determined whether or not the text data fits in the print area determined by the set tape length data (horizontal length data) SL and the printable width data (vertical length data) TW. That is, the length data LL of the text data is equal to or smaller than the set tape length data SL (S74: Yes), and the maximum character height data MH of the text data is the printable width data T.
If the value is equal to or smaller than W (S75: Yes), the print data buffer 67
Is output to the printing mechanism PM, and the text data (for example, “1.234,0
0DM / {2,115.00 ") is printed on the print tape 9 (S76).

On the other hand, when the length LL of the text data obtained based on the dot image data for printing stored in the print data buffer 67 is larger than the set tape length SL, that is, the money amount display column falls within the printing range. If not (S74: No, S75: No), the printing process is stopped (S77), a message "exceeds the designated length" is displayed on the LCD 7 (S78), and this control is terminated, and the tape print control is terminated. The process moves to S11. In this case, printing can be performed by resetting the tape length.

[0071]

As described above in detail, according to the printing apparatus of the first aspect, the value in one currency is converted into the value in another currency based on the conversion rate of the input currency to the reference currency. Then, a value tag or the like can be produced by immediately printing on a printing medium in a form in which an easy-to-understand delimiter is added between the value in the currency and the reference currency.

According to the printing apparatus of the second aspect, the value in one currency is converted into the value in another plurality of currencies on the basis of the conversion rate of the inputted plurality of currencies with respect to the base currency. Can be immediately printed on a printing medium such as a tape in a form in which an easy-to-understand delimiter is added between them, thereby producing a price tag or the like.

According to the printing apparatus of the third aspect, since any symbol can be selected and input as a delimiter, a plurality of delimiters including a more easily understandable delimiter or a detrimentally shaped delimiter are provided. A price tag or the like on which the value of is printed can be produced.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing an embodiment of a tape printing apparatus as a printing apparatus according to the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a plan view showing a printing mechanism of the tape printer of the present invention in which a tape cassette is mounted.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram schematically showing a control system of the tape printing apparatus according to the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing the contents of a RAM of the tape printer of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart illustrating an outline of a tape printing control routine in the tape printing apparatus according to the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a schematic flowchart of a routine for controlling a currency rate setting process in the tape printer of the present invention.

FIG. 7 is a schematic flowchart of a routine of currency invalidity setting processing control in the tape printing apparatus of the present invention.

FIG. 8 is a schematic flowchart of a routine for controlling currency calculation processing in the tape printing apparatus of the present invention.

FIG. 9 is a schematic flowchart of a routine of a separator registration processing control in the tape printing apparatus of the present invention.

FIG. 10 is a schematic flowchart of a routine of constant length processing control in the tape printing apparatus of the present invention.

FIG. 11 is a schematic flowchart of a print processing control routine in the tape printing apparatus of the present invention.

FIG. 12 is an explanatory diagram showing a currency conversion table stored in a currency conversion table memory in the tape printer of the present invention.

FIG. 13 is an explanatory diagram showing currency symbol data stored in a currency symbol data memory in the tape printer of the present invention.

FIG. 14 is an explanatory diagram showing a method of displaying an amount in a currency of each country.

[Explanation of symbols]

 DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Tape printer 3 Keyboard 7 LCD 9 Printing tape 20 Thermal head 52 CPU 53, 54 CGROM 55, 56 ROM 60-69 RAM CS Tape cassette PM Printing mechanism

────────────────────────────────────────────────── ───

[Procedure amendment]

[Submission date] October 6, 1998

[Procedure amendment 1]

[Document name to be amended] Statement

[Correction target item name] Full text

[Correction method] Change

[Correction contents]

[Document Name] Statement

[Title of the Invention] Printing device

[Claims]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a printing apparatus for printing characters, figures, and the like on a printing medium such as a tape to be attached to a product or the like as a price tag or the like.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Heretofore, the applicant of the present application has a keyboard, a display, a printing mechanism and the like, and can print inputted characters and symbols on a film-shaped tape (for example, a tape width of 12 mm or 24 mm) as a printing medium. In addition to the practical use of a tape printer, this tape printer has been added with various editing functions such as a line modification setting function that determines line modification such as left alignment and right alignment when printing on tape. Proposed. This tape printer is suitable for producing various labels such as a file name label.

[0003] These tape printers are capable of printing characters and the like between a double-sided tape and a transparent tape that are pasted together for bonding. Since it is not rubbed and thinned or disappears, it is extremely suitable as a label to be carried around or attached to an object that is always in contact with another object.

[0004]

At present, various currencies are used all over the world. Particularly in Europe, a large number of countries exist in a small area, and different currencies are used depending on the countries. Therefore, one product is often sold in different countries. In such a case, it is necessary to convert the price into the price of each country based on the currency rate and attach a price tag or the like. Further, in Europe, currency integration will be performed in the future, but thereafter, it is necessary to convert the product price in the currency used so far into the price of the currency to be integrated and display it on the product.

[0005] Furthermore, recently, since international exchange of people is also active, even in one country, people having different currencies often purchase goods using different currencies. Even in such a case, it is easier for the purchaser to understand that a plurality of prices in different currencies are attached to the product and sold based on the currency rate.

In such a case, there are various calculators for calculating the price in each currency based on the currency rate. Based on the calculation result, the price of the converted product is immediately printed to create a price tag, and the price tag is created. There was no printing device that could be attached to a product. Further, as shown in FIG. 14, since the display method of the currency symbol and the amount differs for each currency of each country, it is very complicated to display the price in such a currency of another country. Was.

In view of the above problems, the present invention converts a value in one currency into a value in another currency based on a conversion rate of a currency input in advance, and displays values in a plurality of currencies in an easily understandable manner. It is an object of the present invention to provide a printing apparatus that can immediately produce a price tag or the like.

[0008]

According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a printing apparatus, comprising: an input unit for inputting data such as characters, symbols, and figures; and a data storage for storing the input data. Means for displaying input data, and printing means for printing characters, symbols, figures, and the like on a printing medium such as a tape, the printing apparatus comprising at least one currency and at least one currency. A conversion rate storage means for storing the conversion rate for the reference currency in association with the conversion rate, and when the value of the reference currency is input, the value of the conversion rate in the currency based on the conversion rate data stored in the conversion rate storage means Calculation means for calculating
A delimiter adding means for adding a delimiter for separating each currency value, and a delimiter added to the delimiter adding means between the currency value calculated by the calculating means and the reference currency value. And control means for causing the printing means to continuously print on the printing medium.

According to the printing apparatus of the first aspect, based on the conversion rate of the input currency to the base currency,
Convert values in one currency to values in another currency,
A value tag or the like can be produced by immediately printing on a printing medium in a form in which an easy-to-understand delimiter is added between the value of the currency and the value of the reference currency.

[0010] Further, the printing apparatus according to the second aspect is characterized in that:
Input means for inputting data such as symbols, figures, etc., data storage means for storing input data, display means for displaying input data, and characters, symbols, figures, etc. on a printing medium such as tape. A printing device comprising a printing means for printing, wherein a conversion rate storage means for storing two or more currencies and a conversion rate of the currency with respect to a reference currency, respectively, and a value of the reference currency is inputted. At this time, based on at least two or more conversion rate data stored in the conversion rate storage means, calculation means for calculating the value in the currency of the conversion rate, and when printing, the currency calculated by the calculation means A delimiter adding unit for adding a delimiter for separating each value of the currency, each value of the currency calculated by the calculating unit, and a delimiter added to the delimiter adding unit are marked. And a control means for continuously printing the same print medium by means.

According to the printing apparatus of the second aspect, based on the conversion rate of the input currency to the reference currency,
Convert a value in one currency into a value in other currencies, and immediately print the values in those currencies on a medium to be printed in a form with easy-to-understand delimiters added to create price tags, etc. be able to.

Further, the printing apparatus according to a third aspect of the present invention is the printing apparatus according to the first or second aspect, further comprising setting means for setting arbitrary delimiter data, wherein the delimiter adding means is a setting means. Is added to the delimiter set by.

According to the printing apparatus of the third aspect, since any symbol can be selected and input as a delimiter, a plurality of delimiters including a more easily understandable delimiter or a delimiter having an interesting shape are provided. A price tag or the like on which the value of is printed can be produced.

[0014]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS An embodiment of a tape printing apparatus as a printing apparatus according to the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings, but the present invention is not limited thereto.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing an embodiment of the tape printer of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 1, a main body frame 2 of the tape printer 1 is formed in a substantially box-like body, and a keyboard 3 is provided at a front portion of an upper surface thereof. The keyboard 3 as an input means includes a character key, a space key, and the like for inputting alphabetical characters, numbers, symbols, and the like.
A return key, a cursor movement key for moving the cursor to the right or left, a tape length setting key for setting a tape length in a print area to be printed on the print tape 9, a currency rate setting key for setting a currency rate setting mode, Execute the currency calculation processing key to set the currency calculation processing mode, the currency invalid setting key to set the currency invalid setting mode, the invalid key to invalidate the currency symbol, the size setting key to set the size of the characters to be printed, and execute various processes Execute key, end key to instruct the end of various setting processes, print key to instruct printing, delete key to delete data from memory, power on
-A power key and the like for turning off are provided. Note that a scanner, another communication device, or the like can be used as the input unit. A liquid crystal display 7 as display means is provided at the rear of the keyboard 3, and the liquid crystal display (LCD) 7 displays input characters, setting modes, and the like as necessary.

A printing mechanism PM is provided inside the tape printer 1.
The cover frame 8 extends from the side to the back of the main body frame 2 so that the tape cassette CS (see FIG. 2) mounted on the printing mechanism PM can be attached and detached.
Is provided. Also, on the side of the body frame 2,
A tape take-out port 4 and a cutter lever 5 for manually cutting the taken-out print tape 9 are provided.
Reference numeral 6 denotes a printing lamp indicating that printing is being performed.

Next, a brief description will be given of the printing mechanism PM with reference to FIG. 2. A rectangular tape cassette CS is detachably mounted on the printing mechanism PM. A tape spool 13 around which a transparent laminated film tape 12 is wound, a ribbon supply spool 15 around which a print ribbon 14 is wound, a take-up spool 16 around which the print ribbon 14 is wound, and a laminate. Film tape 12
A supply spool 18 on which a double-sided tape 17 having the same width as that of the double-sided tape 17 is adhered and wound on the outside, and a joining roller 19 for joining the laminated film tape 12 and the double-sided tape 17 are provided rotatably. ing. The double-sided tape 17 has a pressure-sensitive adhesive layer formed on both sides of the base tape, and a release paper is adhered to the pressure-sensitive adhesive layer on one side.

A thermal head 20 is erected at a position where the laminated film tape 12 and the print ribbon 14 overlap, and a platen roller 21 for pressing the laminated film tape 12 and the print ribbon 14 against the thermal head 20, A feed roller 22 that presses the tape 12 and the double-sided tape 17 against the joining roller 19 to produce the printing tape 9 is rotatably supported by a support 23 that is rotatably mounted on the main body frame 2. I have. In the thermal head 20, a heating element group including a large number of heating elements is vertically arranged in rows.

Accordingly, by driving the tape feed motor 47 (see FIG. 3) in a predetermined rotation direction, the joining roller 19 and the take-up spool 16 are energized to the heating element group while being driven synchronously in the predetermined rotation direction. Then, characters and symbols are printed by a plurality of dot rows on the laminated film tape 12, and the laminated film tape 12 is fed as a printing tape 9 in the tape feeding direction A in a state where the double-sided tape 17 is joined. 1 and FIG.
As shown in FIG. The details of the printing mechanism PM are described in JP-A-2-106.
See U.S. Pat.

When cutting the print tape 9 sent out, a portion of the front side of the cutter lever 5 provided on the side surface of the main body frame 2 is moved toward the outside of the main body frame 2 so that the cutter (shown in FIG. Is moved in the direction of the printing tape 9, and the printing tape 9 is cut.

The printing tape 9 fed from the tape cassette CS has a tape width of 6 mm, 9 mm,
Five types of 12 mm, 18 mm, and 24 mm are prepared. Further, for each tape width, the color of the base tape constituting the double-sided tape 17 (hereinafter simply referred to as the color of the double-sided tape 17 and the color of the base tape is the ground color of the tape) and the ink color of the print ribbon 14 are "Black", "red", "blue",
A plurality of types of tape cassettes CS arbitrarily combined from “yellow” to “white” are prepared.

The bottom wall of the tape cassette CS is provided with a plurality of projecting pieces combining a plurality of projecting claws to detect any of these five types of tape width. 2, a tape width sensor 43 for detecting the tape width based on the state of the protruding claws of the protruding pieces, and a tape color sensor 44 for detecting a combination color of the double-sided tape 17 and the print ribbon 14 are attached. (See FIG. 3).

Further, a cassette switch 42 is attached to the main body frame 2 in order to detect that these plural kinds of tape cassettes CS are selectively mounted (see FIG. 3).

Next, the control system of the tape printer 1 is shown in FIG.
Is configured as shown in the block diagram of FIG. Control device C
The input / output interface 50 has a keyboard 3 and
A cassette switch 42, a tape width sensor 43, a tape color sensor 44, a display controller (LCDC) 23 having a video RAM 24 for outputting display data to a liquid crystal display (LCD) 7, and a warning buzzer 45. The drive circuit 46 and the thermal head 20
Circuit 48 for driving the tape feed motor 4
And a drive circuit 49 for driving the drive circuit 7.

The control device C comprises a CPU 52 and this CPU
52, an input / output interface 50 connected via a bus 51 such as a data bus, CGROMs 53 and 54, RO
M55, 56 and RAM 60.

The display CGROM 53 stores dot pattern data for display in association with code data for each of numerals, alphabetic characters and symbols.

The printing CGROM (dot pattern data memory) 54 stores printing dot pattern data for each of a large number of characters for printing characters such as alphabetic characters and symbols. 7 font types (16, 24, 32, 48, 64, 96, 128 dot character sizes) are stored in correspondence with the code data for each font type. .

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 data buffer 67 are sequentially read out from the ROM 55 and read out from the ROM 55. A print drive control program for driving the head 20 and the tape feed motor 47, a control program for tape print control described later, and the like are stored.

Further, in the ROM 55, 5 of the printing tape 9 is stored.
Printable width data TW corresponding to each type of tape width
Is stored in advance as the number of dots. The ROM (currency symbol data memory) 56 stores currency symbols corresponding to the currency of each country. Note that the ROM 55 and the ROM 56
May be composed of one ROM.

As shown in FIG. 4, the RAM 60
It comprises a work buffer 61, a text memory 62, a currency symbol memory 63, an amount memory 64, a separator memory 65, a tape length memory 66, a print data buffer 67, a printable width memory 68, a currency conversion table memory 69, and the like. .

The work buffer 61 of the RAM 60 temporarily stores data input from the keyboard 3, calculation results, and the like. In the text memory 62, data on which various processes have been performed in the work buffer 61 are stored as data to be finally printed. Currency symbol memory 63
Is stored with currency symbol data retrieved from the ROM 56 appended with the result of the determination as to whether the currency symbol is valid. The amount memory 64 stores the input amount in the reference currency. In the delimiter memory 65,
Stores the input delimiter. Tape length memory 6
6 stores the set tape length data SL in the number of dots. The print data buffer 67 stores 12
A memory capacity of 8 bits (16 bytes) and a predetermined bit size of about 50 characters in the horizontal direction is provided, and dot image data for printing a document including characters and symbols is stored as print data. In the printable width memory 68,
The printable width data TW corresponding to the tape width of the tape cassette CS mounted on the tape printer 1 is stored.
As shown in FIG. 12, the currency conversion table memory 69 is provided with a currency conversion table in which input currency symbols and currency conversion rates are numbered and stored in the order of input.

Next, the routine of the tape printing control performed by the tape printing apparatus 1 configured as described above will be described.
A description will be given based on the flowcharts of FIGS. In addition, the code | symbol Si (i = 10,11,12 ...
・) Indicates each step.

When the power is turned on by the power key, the tape print control (see FIG. 5) is executed.
In addition to clearing the memories 61, 62, 64 to 68 of 0, initial setting processing such as setting a document input mode is executed (S10), and a document input screen is displayed on the LCD 7 (S11). However, the data about the currency and the conversion rate input in the previous processing is stored in the currency conversion table memory 69, and the currency calculation processing can be performed by using this currency conversion table. Also,
The currency symbol memory 63 stores data such as the currency symbol and whether or not it is valid.

Next, the currency calculation processing key and the like are not operated,
When the currency rate setting key is operated (S12: Y
ES, S13 to S16: No, S17: Yes), currency rate setting process control (S80, see FIG. 6). In this case, the currency rate setting mode can also be set by inputting an arbitrary character string such as a currency rate without providing a currency rate setting key and then inputting an execution key. In the following, each process can be performed by the same operation.

First, when the currency rate setting key is operated (S17, Yes), processing such as clearing the currency conversion table memory 69 is executed as shown in FIG. 6 (S8).
1) "Currency symbol?" Is displayed on the LCD 7.

Next, when there is a key input (S82: Ye
s), key input characters, symbols, etc. are stored in the work buffer 6.
1 and temporarily compares the currency symbol in the currency symbol memory 63 with the input characters, symbols, and the like (S83).
If they match (S83: Yes), it is determined whether or not the currency symbol that was subsequently input is valid (S8).
4). The currency symbol in the currency symbol memory 63 and the sign such as valid or invalid will be described later.

In the above processing, if the input data is not a currency symbol (S83: No), a buzzer sounds (S90) and the mode returns to the key input mode again (S8).
2) If the input data is a currency symbol but is not valid (S83: Yes, S84: No), a buzzer sounds (S91) and the mode returns to the key input mode (S8).
2).

If the currency symbol is valid in S84 (S84: Yes), it is stored in the work buffer 61 together with the conversion rate for the input reference currency (S85 to S87). Next, a message "What is the next currency?" Is displayed on the LCD 7, and if the execution key is operated (S88: Yes), the process returns to S82 and the same processing is repeated. A plurality of conversion rates for the reference currency can be input to the currency conversion table memory 69 as a currency conversion table.

On the other hand, when the end key is operated (S
88: No), as shown in FIG. 12, the input currency symbols and conversion rates are transferred to the currency conversion table memory 69 in the order of input on the work buffer 61, and the numbers are assigned in the input order. The currency rate setting process is completed (S89), and the process proceeds to S11 in FIG.

Each time a currency symbol and its currency rate are input, the currency symbol may be sequentially transferred from the work buffer 61 to the currency conversion table 69. Alternatively, the currency symbol serving as the reference currency and the conversion rate “1” may be input first.

In the above processing, one kind of combination of the currency symbol and the conversion rate may be input, or two or more kinds may be input. When the printing process described later is performed for the input conversion rate, the amounts in these currencies are printed on the tape.

Therefore, by inputting the value of the reference currency, the amount in the desired currency is calculated based on the desired currency and the conversion rate in the currency conversion table stored in the currency conversion table memory 69, and the calculation is performed. The result can be printed on a tape as a printing medium. By creating a currency conversion table by inputting a desired number of currencies and conversion rates, it is possible to print a plurality of amounts in a plurality of currencies on one tape. The medium to be printed may be any medium as long as it is easy to create a price tag and the like, and may be, for example, paper such as a sheet.

In S82, the currency symbol is input by key input. However, some currency symbols are difficult to input by ordinary key input.
6 may be read out and displayed in, for example, a table format, and a currency symbol may be input by operating a selection key or the like.

In the above currency rate setting processing control,
The processing to determine whether the currency symbol is valid or invalid is included, but this is used to check if an invalid currency has occurred due to European currency integration etc., and the currency invalid setting key is operated Then (S18: Ye
s), by executing the currency invalidation setting control (S99, see FIG. 7), the currency symbol memory 63 stores the currency symbol and data indicating whether the currency symbol is valid or invalid.

In the currency invalid setting processing control (S99), the currency invalid setting key is operated to shift to the currency invalid setting mode, and the first currency read into the work buffer 61 from the currency symbol data in the ROM 56 is read. The symbol is displayed on LCD 7 (S100). As shown in FIG. 13, the currency symbol data stores a currency symbol, a scale symbol, a decimal point symbol, and a number (for example, E) that makes the currency symbol valid.

When the cursor right key is operated (S101, S102: Yes), the second currency symbol is displayed, and the process returns to S101. That is, each time the cursor right movement key is operated, the number is increased, and the currency symbol with that number is displayed (S108). on the other hand,
When the cursor left movement key is operated (S101: Ye
s, S102: No, S103 :: Yes) Conversely, the number is reduced and the currency of that number is displayed (S10).
9). After the number becomes maximum or minimum, the displayed currency does not change and the same currency is displayed.

When an invalid key is operated for the displayed currency symbol (S104: Yes), invalidation processing is performed, and a symbol for invalidating the currency symbol is attached instead of a symbol for validating the currency symbol (S110). This currency invalid setting process control ends when the end key is operated (S107).

By the above processing, the stored currency symbol data is transferred to the currency symbol memory 63. The currency symbol memory 63 is not cleared unless the currency invalidation key is operated. If the user does not want to print the amount in the reference currency, the reference currency may be invalidated. Also,
Although not shown, the operation of the cursor right movement key causes L
When a space is displayed on the CD 7 and a character key is operated to input a character or symbol, the character or the like may be supplemented as a new currency symbol or scale symbol.

Next, the currency calculation processing control (S20) will be described. This currency calculation process control is a process performed by the calculation means of the present invention. When the document input screen is displayed (S11), when the currency calculation processing key is operated (S1).
2: Yes, S13: Yes), currency calculation processing control (S
20, see FIG. 8).

First, an initial value setting process such as clearing the work buffer 61 is performed (S 21), and “What is the amount?” Is displayed on the LCD 7. Then, when the amount in the base currency is input and the execution key is operated (S22: Yes)
s), the amount input processing ends, and the input numerical value is stored in the amount memory 64 (S23).

Subsequently, the currency symbol and the conversion rate are sequentially read from the currency conversion table memory 69 (S2).
4), multiplication by the numerical value of the amount memory 64 is performed, and the currency symbol and the numerical value of the calculation result are first stored in the work buffer 61 (S25). Normally, two decimal places are stored as calculated values by rounding off the third digit. When a conversion rate set so that a numerical value is calculated by division is input, for example, a process of taking the reciprocal of the input numerical value is performed, and the value is stored in the currency conversion table memory 69 as a conversion rate. You may make it.

Next, a process of adding a currency symbol, a decimal point symbol, a scale symbol, and a separator is automatically performed on the calculation result (S26). This processing is performed by using the currency symbol data (FIG. 13) stored in the ROM 56. The currency symbol stored in the ROM 56, a decimal point symbol and a scale symbol for the currency symbol are added, and the text memory 62 is added. Is stored. The scale symbol does not necessarily have to be added together with the decimal point symbol, and may be switched.

This processing is sequentially performed for all of the reference currency and the calculated amount, and is sequentially performed in the text memory 62.
Is stored in When it is desired to easily display the currency symbol and the amount, a predetermined key may be operated to set the currency symbol addition mode, and a process of adding only the currency symbol may be performed.

Depending on the currency, for example, like in Japan,
In some cases, there is no numerical value below the decimal point. In this case, the text memory 62 has no decimal point and the decimal point is deleted.

Then, based on the data of the currency conversion table in the currency conversion table memory 69, it is determined whether or not there is a next currency calculation (S27). If there is a currency for which the currency calculation is to be performed (S27: Yes) ), If a delimiter is stored in the delimiter memory 65 of the RAM 60, the delimiter, for example, “” (space),
"/", ";", Etc. are added (S28), or if the delimiter is not stored in the delimiter memory 65, the process proceeds to the next S29 without adding a delimiter. If it is determined that there is no currency for performing the currency calculation (S27: No), the process proceeds to the next step (S29) without executing S28.

When the data is stored in the text memory 62, it is determined whether the data can be stored in the text memory 62 (S:
29). The data stored in the text memory 62 has a fixed number of digits, for example, within 50 digits. Therefore, if all digits of the display on which the above processing has been performed exceed the limited range of digits and overflow, Is (S29: Yes ),
The text memory 62 is returned to the state before the start of this process (S30), for example, a message "display number of digits is exceeded" is displayed on the LCD 7 (S31), and the process ends.

On the other hand, if the displayed money amount is smaller than the number of digits that can be stored (S29: No ), these data are stored in the text memory 62 (S32).
Based on the data of the currency conversion table in the currency conversion table memory 69, it is determined whether there is a currency for performing the next currency calculation (S33), and if there is a currency for performing the currency calculation (S33: Yes), Returning to S24 again, the same processing is performed, the calculation result is temporarily stored in the work buffer 61, and then the processing stored in the text memory 62 is repeatedly executed. When it is determined that there is no need to perform the next currency calculation (S33: No), the currency calculation process ends, and the process proceeds to S11 in FIG.

In the above-described currency calculation processing control, a numerical value (amount) is input for one reference currency with a conversion rate. By specifying a certain currency, a numerical value is input using the specified currency as the reference currency. You can also.
In this case, by specifying the currency, the currency conversion table stored in the currency conversion table memory 69 is recalculated using the currency as the conversion rate 1.00, and the recalculated currency conversion table is used. Based on S21-
33 is controlled.

Next, the process of registering the delimiter in the delimiter memory 65 of the RAM 60 (S40) will be described with reference to FIG.
This will be described with reference to FIG. First, when a delimiter registration key is operated (S14: Yes), a delimiter registration mode is entered and a key input is awaited (S41). The character key you want to register as a delimiter, for example, "/",
“•”, “:”, “*”, “X”, “” (space)
(S41: Yes, S42:
(Yes), the data is stored in the work buffer 61 (S43), and the process returns to S41. When the end key is operated (S41: Yes, S42: No, S44: Ye)
s) The data stored in the work buffer 61 is transferred to and stored in the delimiter memory 65 (S45), and the delimiter registration processing is terminated. And S11 of FIG.
Move to

When the delete key is operated (S
41: Yes, S42: No, S44: No, S46:
Yes), the data stored in the delimiter memory 65 is erased (cleared) (S47), the delimiter registration process is terminated, and the routine goes to S11 in FIG.

As the delimiter, not only one character but also a plurality of characters can be stored. Further, the data that can be stored in the delimiter memory 65 may be configured to store not only one delimiter group but also a plurality of delimiter groups, and to select and print a symbol group to be used before printing. Good.

Next, the case where the fixed length setting process control (S50) is performed will be described. Even when normal characters and the like are input, processing similar to the processing described below is performed. When the tape length setting key is operated (S15:
Yes), the process proceeds to the fixed length processing mode, and a fixed length setting process control (S50, see FIG. 10) for setting a tape length in a print area to be printed on the print tape 9 is executed.

When this control is started, as shown in FIG. 10, the set tape length is, for example, the minimum "2 cm".
Is displayed on the display 7 (S51). Then, when the cursor right key is operated (S52: Yes, S53: Yes), the next set tape length is displayed (S54), and the process returns to S52. That is,
For example, every time the cursor right movement key is operated, "2 cm"
→ "3cm" → "4cm" → "5cm" ... "20c
The set tape length is increased by one centimeter in the order of “m” and is sequentially displayed. At this time, for example, after “20 cm”,
"Auto" or "None" is displayed, and when this is selected, the fixed length processing mode is canceled.

On the other hand, when the cursor left movement key is operated (S52: Yes, S53: No, S55: Yes),
The set tape length is displayed, for example, in the reverse order of decreasing the length by 1 cm (S56), and returns to S52.

Next, when the end key is operated in accordance with the completion of the setting of the tape length (S52: Yes, S
53: No, S55: No, S57: Yes), the number of dots corresponding to the set tape length is stored in the tape length memory 66 as set tape length data SL (S58).
After ending this control, the flow shifts to S11 in FIG. When performing the above-described fixed-length processing, it is also possible to use the processing method described in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 4-150808 to perform equal character interval processing control for setting printing at equal character intervals.

Further, when the currency calculation mode, the delimiter registration mode, the fixed length setting mode, the currency rate mode, the currency invalid setting mode and the like are not set, that is, the character input is set in the default state. In this character input mode, when a character key such as an alphabetic character, a number, a symbol, or a printable key such as a space key is operated, (S12: Yes, S13 to 18: N
o) Although not specifically shown, the code data corresponding to the printable key is input-processed and stored in the text memory 62 by the character input process control, and the characters and the like are written in L.
It is displayed on the CD 7 (S19).

Next, when the print key is input (S1
6: Yes) will be described. If the fixed length setting has been made, it is determined in this print processing control whether data stored in the text memory 62, such as the amount to be printed, falls within the set tape length range. That is, in the tape print control, when the print key is operated (S12: Yes, S13-
S15: No, S16: Yes), print processing control (S6)
0, see FIG. 11) (S70).

First, a tape width signal from the tape width sensor 43 is read (S 70), and printable width data TW (number of dots) corresponding to the tape width signal is read from the ROM 55 and stored in the printable width memory 68. (S7
1).

Next, printing dot image data such as a display of the amount stored in the text memory 62 or a display in which ordinary characters or the like are added to the amount display (hereinafter referred to as text data) is created. 67 (S72). Next, the print data buffer 67
Based on the printing dot image data stored in
The dot number data LL having the length of the text data is obtained, and the dot number MH having the maximum character height of the text data is obtained (S73). Then, it is determined whether or not the text data fits in the print area determined by the set tape length data (horizontal length data) SL and the printable width data (vertical length data) TW. That is, the length data LL of the text data is equal to or smaller than the set tape length data SL (S74: Yes), and the maximum character height data MH of the text data is the printable width data T.
If the value is equal to or smaller than W (S75: Yes), the print data buffer 67
Is output to the printing mechanism PM, and the text data (for example, “1.234,0
0DM / {2,115.00 ") is printed on the print tape 9 (S76).

On the other hand, when the length LL of the text data obtained based on the dot image data for printing stored in the print data buffer 67 is larger than the set tape length SL, that is, the money amount display column falls within the printing range. If not (S74: No, S75: No), the printing process is stopped (S77), a message "exceeds the designated length" is displayed on the LCD 7 (S78), and this control is terminated, and the tape print control is terminated. The process moves to S11. In this case, printing can be performed by resetting the tape length.

[0071]

As described above in detail, according to the printing apparatus of the first aspect, the value in one currency is converted into the value in another currency based on the conversion rate of the input currency to the reference currency. Then, a value tag or the like can be produced by immediately printing on a printing medium in a form in which an easy-to-understand delimiter is added between the value in the currency and the reference currency.

According to the printing apparatus of the second aspect, the value in one currency is converted into the value in another plurality of currencies on the basis of the conversion rate of the inputted plurality of currencies with respect to the base currency. Can be immediately printed on a printing medium such as a tape in a form in which an easy-to-understand delimiter is added between them, thereby producing a price tag or the like.

According to the printing apparatus of the third aspect, since any symbol can be selected and input as a delimiter, a plurality of delimiters including a more easily understandable delimiter or a detrimentally shaped delimiter are provided. A price tag or the like on which the value of is printed can be produced.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing an embodiment of a tape printing apparatus as a printing apparatus according to the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a plan view showing a printing mechanism of the tape printer of the present invention in which a tape cassette is mounted.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram schematically showing a control system of the tape printing apparatus according to the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing the contents of a RAM of the tape printer of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart illustrating an outline of a tape printing control routine in the tape printing apparatus according to the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a schematic flowchart of a routine for controlling a currency rate setting process in the tape printer of the present invention.

FIG. 7 is a schematic flowchart of a routine of currency invalidity setting processing control in the tape printing apparatus of the present invention.

FIG. 8 is a schematic flowchart of a routine for controlling currency calculation processing in the tape printing apparatus of the present invention.

FIG. 9 is a schematic flowchart of a routine of a separator registration processing control in the tape printing apparatus of the present invention.

FIG. 10 is a schematic flowchart of a routine of constant length processing control in the tape printing apparatus of the present invention.

FIG. 11 is a schematic flowchart of a print processing control routine in the tape printing apparatus of the present invention.

FIG. 12 is an explanatory diagram showing a currency conversion table stored in a currency conversion table memory in the tape printer of the present invention.

FIG. 13 is an explanatory diagram showing currency symbol data stored in a currency symbol data memory in the tape printer of the present invention.

FIG. 14 is an explanatory diagram showing a method of displaying an amount in a currency of each country.

[Description of Signs] 1 Tape printer 3 Keyboard 7 LCD 9 Printing tape 20 Thermal head 52 CPU 53, 54 CGROM 55, 56 ROM 60-69 RAM CS Tape cassette PM Printing mechanism

[Procedure amendment 2]

[Document name to be amended] Drawing

[Correction target item name] All figures

[Correction method] Change

[Correction contents]

FIG.

FIG.

FIG. 2

FIG. 3

FIG. 13

FIG. 4

FIG. 6

FIG. 5

FIG. 7

FIG. 8

FIG. 9

FIG. 10

FIG. 11

FIG. 14

 ──────────────────────────────────────────────────続 き Continued on the front page (72) Inventor Kengo Omura 3-46-15 Osu, Naka-ku, Nagoya

Claims (3)

[Claims] 1. An input means for inputting data such as characters, symbols, and figures, a data storage means for storing input data, a display means for displaying input data, and a recording medium such as a tape. A printing apparatus having printing means for printing characters, symbols, figures, and the like, comprising: a conversion rate storage means for storing at least one currency and a conversion rate of the currency with respect to a reference currency; Calculating means for calculating a value in a currency of the conversion rate based on the conversion rate data stored in the conversion rate storage means when input; a delimiter for separating the value of each currency when printing; And a separator added to the separator added between the value of the currency calculated by the calculator and the value of the reference currency. Printing apparatus characterized by comprising a control means for continuously printed on the printing medium by the printing unit. 2. An input unit for inputting data such as characters, symbols, and figures, a data storage unit for storing input data, a display unit for displaying input data, and a recording medium such as a tape. A printing apparatus comprising printing means for printing characters, symbols, figures, etc., comprising: a conversion rate storage means for storing two or more currencies and a conversion rate of the currency with respect to a reference currency, respectively; Calculating means for calculating a value in the currency of the conversion rate based on at least two or more conversion rate data stored in the conversion rate storage means when the value is input; Delimiter adding means for adding a delimiter for separating each value of currency calculated by the means; each value of currency calculated by the calculating means; and the delimiter And a separator that is added to the pressurized means, the printing apparatus being characterized in that a control means for continuously printing the same print medium by the printing unit. 3. The apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising setting means for setting arbitrary delimiter data, wherein the delimiter adding means adds the delimiter set by the setting means. Printing equipment.