JPH1186504A - Label printer - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To easily form a label to be stuck and used for a disk cartridge, disk case, etc., by forming plural request signals by the single operation of an external operation, transmitting the plural request signals, receiving the character data responding therewith, storing the data and printing the label with part or the whole of the stored character data as it is or after edition. SOLUTION: When a printing start button 9 among the printing operation button groups of a printer operation section 90 is operated at the time of label printing, a system controller (control section and printing control means of a disk reproducing device) 86 reads character codes (attribute information and display information) from a disk information memory section 85 according to the control program of a tape printing mechanism and stores the printing character dot pattern data corresponding to the character codes into the prescribed position in a printing buffer 94. The label is printed with the printing dot patterns by a printer section (printing means) 91, by which the desired label, such as main label or side label, is formed.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a label printing apparatus that prints using data recorded on a recordable / reproducible disk and creates a label to be attached to the disk cartridge for use.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art In recent years, on a recordable / reproducible disk, recorded main information and attribute information (main information composed of text data, corresponding to the main information, a disc name and main information input by a user) Disk systems that record and play back main information names (including main information names, etc.) have been succeeded.

As a disk system of this type, a magneto-optical (M / M) for recording and reproducing mainly music and audio signals as main information is used.
O) Disk system, rewritable CD (CD-R, etc.)
There is a DVD system for recording and reproducing moving image data as main system and main information, and a mini disk (hereinafter referred to as MD) system sold by Sony Corporation as an application of the MO disk has been attracting attention and commercialized.

[0004] Hereinafter, a disk system capable of recording and reproduction will be described using this MD system as a conventional example. A song that is music information is recorded on the MD as main information. In addition, management information including text data (text code) and other text information are recorded as attribute information regarding the main information. As the management information, the song number, the start and end addresses of the song, the recording date and time of the song are automatically recorded when the song is recorded, and the recording date and time of the disc name are recorded automatically when the disc name is recorded. The other text information includes a disc name, a song name, and the like input by the user. This type of MD system is disclosed in JP-A-6-325.
547 and JP-A-8-36868.

FIG. 18 shows the appearance of a mini disk (MD). Reference numeral 901 denotes an MD cartridge in which a magneto-optical mini-disk having a diameter of 64 mm (2.5 inches) and capable of recording and reproduction is stored, and a main label 903 can be attached to the front surface and a side label 904 can be attached to the side surface. 902 is M
This is an MD case for storing the D cartridge 901, and a case label 905 can be attached thereto. The main label 903 to be attached to the front surface has various sizes, and the largest size is about 36 mm × 52 mm, and the smallest size is about 36 mm × 18 mm. Side label 904
Is about 4 mm × 60 mm. The size of the case label 905 is about 52 mm × 72 mm. The side label 904 is also used by being attached to the side surface of the MD case.

[0006] These labels are supplied as accessories of the recording / reproducing MD. When the MD is reproduced by an MD (disc) reproducing apparatus, the attribute information (disc name) displayed on the display section of the MD reproducing apparatus is provided.・ Song number ・ Song name ・ Performance time ・
The user writes handwriting on various labels with reference to character data (display data) such as recording date and time, and affixes them to each part of the MD cartridge or MD case. Some MD playback devices transmit and receive various data to and from a remote control by remote control communication (including wired and wireless). In particular, an MD playback device (M
The D player) performs the same operation (handwriting on a label) with reference to the attribute information displayed on the display unit of the remote controller.

[0007]

As is apparent from the above-described example, in the conventional disk system, it is necessary for the user to create various labels to be attached to the disk cartridge and its case (disk case). Has to check attribute information such as a disc name displayed on a display unit of a disc reproducing apparatus or a remote controller at the time of reproduction, and manually write them on various labels. However, this work is very complicated, and it is almost impossible to write many characters by hand on a small-sized label, and it is very patient to create several kinds of labels. Met.

According to the present invention, there is provided a label printing apparatus which can easily create a label to be attached to a disk cartridge or a disk case using attribute information relating to main information in a disk mounted on a disk player capable of remote control communication. The purpose is to provide.

[0009]

According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a label printing apparatus which receives a request signal generated by a key operation of a remote controller and transmits character data to be displayed on a display unit of the remote controller as response data. A label printing device capable of remote control communication with a disk reproducing device instead of the remote control, wherein a storage means for storing character data, a disk cartridge containing a disk reproducible by the disk reproducing device, or A printing unit for printing on a label attached to a disk case accommodating a disk cartridge; an external operation unit operable from outside; and a plurality of request signals generated based on a single operation of the external operation unit. And transmitting a plurality of continuous request signals to the disc playback device, It said received character data to be responsive to a plurality of request signals for successive is stored in the storage means,
Control means for causing the printing means to print a part or all of the stored character data as it is or by editing it as it is, a label printing apparatus.

The above-described disc reproducing apparatus is configured to receive a request signal generated by a key operation from the remote controller and transmit character data to be displayed on the display unit of the remote controller to the remote controller as response data. If the same processing is provided with a (request) key for generating the same request signal as the remote controller, the same character data as that of the remote controller can be obtained even with the label printer. A plurality of request signals are generated based on a single operation, and a plurality of continuous request signals obtained by combining the plurality of request signals are transmitted to the disk reproducing device. Can be obtained in a single operation. In addition, since a part or all of the character data can be printed on a label as it is or edited, a label to be attached to a disk cartridge or a disk case and used can be easily created.

In the label printing apparatus of the first aspect, it is preferable that the plurality of continuous request signals include a request signal for requesting all character data to be printed on the label.

In this label printing apparatus, since a plurality of continuous request signals generated by a single operation include a request signal for requesting all character data to be printed on a label, it is only necessary to perform the single operation. Thus, all character data necessary for printing can be obtained, and labels can be more easily created.

[0013]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Hereinafter, a label printing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

In the following embodiment, an MD system will be described as an example of a disk system capable of recording and reproducing.

FIG. 1 shows the appearance of a stationary MD recording / reproducing apparatus which is an embodiment incorporating a label printing apparatus of the present invention. The stationary MD recording / reproducing device 1 includes an MD recording / reproducing device (disc reproducing device) and a label printing device. The printing tape 4 is illustrated in a state where printing is completed and the printing tape 4 is ejected.

The printing tape 4 has a two-layer structure including a tape base having a front surface to be printed and a back surface having an adhesive processing surface, and a release paper covering the adhesive processing surface. Further, a main label 5 to be attached to the MD cartridge and side labels 6, 7, and 8 are formed in half cut on the tape base material of the printing tape 4 (hereinafter, a label in such a state is a half-cut label). ). In this label printing apparatus, the label can be easily created by converting the attribute information into a dot pattern for the printing tape 4 in which the label is formed by half-cutting (so-called half-cutting), and printing.
Also, a label that can be easily attached can be obtained simply by peeling off the half-blanked portion.

9 is a print start button (print start means)
When the operation is performed, label creation is started as described later. Then, in the label printing apparatus, since a later-described attribute information reading request is made after the printing start is instructed, it is possible to prevent waste such as performing processing only for printing when printing on the label is unnecessary.

Reference numeral 10 denotes a slide type print selection button (print selection means) for selecting a print combination of the main label 5.
11 (the first selection instruction), the main label 5 with the “disk name and song name” printed together,
At the position 12 (second selection instruction), the main label 5 on which the "remaining song name" is printed is created. At the position 13 (third selection instruction), the "playing time and recording date and time" are added together. The user can select and designate three types of printing combinations, that is, creation of a printed main label 5. A recording / playback operation button group (disc operation button group) 14 for performing recording / playback operations of the MD is provided. 15 and 16 are speakers.

FIG. 2 shows a tape printing mechanism constituting the label printing apparatus of the present invention, which will be briefly described below. This tape printing mechanism includes a printing tape storage cassette 21 and a printer unit 91 (see FIG. 8).

Printing tape storage cassette (cassette) 21
Contains a printing tape 4 in the form of a roll, an ink ribbon 22 for thermal transfer wound between a supply roll and a used take-up roll, and a platen roller 23. The printing tape storage cassette 21 is detachably mounted on a printer unit (label storage means) 91.
In addition, several types of printing tape storage cassettes 21 are prepared according to the shape of the half-empty label formed on the stored printing tape 4 and the type of combination thereof.

The printer section (printing means) 91 has 256
Thermal head 2 in which a plurality of heating elements are arranged in a line at a pitch of 200 dots / inch in the width direction of the printing tape 4.
4, a tape feed motor 25 for rotating and driving the used winding roll of the platen roller 23 and the thermal transfer ink ribbon 22, a cassette detection switch 26 for detecting the type of the print tape storage cassette 21, and the like. The cassette detection switch 26 detects the presence or absence of a hole formed in the print tape storage cassette 21 at a position corresponding to the two detection levers, and determines the type of the print tape storage cassette 21 and
That is, the position and the type of the shape of the half blank label formed on the printing tape 4 are detected.

At the time of label production, the tape printing control mechanism presses the thermal head 24 against the platen roller 23 via the printing tape 4 and the thermal transfer ink ribbon 22. Further, the tape feed motor 25 is rotationally driven to feed the printing tape 4, and a printing reference position formed on the printing tape 4 is detected by a printing reference detection switch 28 composed of a photo interrupter. The element is set at the reference feed pitch of the printing tape 4 (200 dots /
By generating heat at the timing of each inch, the ink of the thermal transfer ink ribbon 22 is transferred to a plurality of dot rows on the printing tape 4 to print characters.

FIG. 3 is a detailed view of a printing tape, which is an embodiment of several types of semi-empty labels and combinations thereof. 4 is a printing tape, 5 is a main label, 6,
7 and 8 are side labels. The reason why three side labels are formed is that the MD cartridge (disc cartridge: for example, the MD cartridge 901 described above with reference to FIG. 18).
This is for sticking to the required side of an MD case (for example, see MD case 902 in the same figure).

Reference numeral 35 denotes a printing reference hole. The printing reference detection switch 28 detects this hole, and prints a disc name, a song name, and the like at a predetermined position based on the hole. 36 is a printing reference hole for the next combination label. The inside of the two-dot chain line 31 is the maximum print area 32 of the main label 5, and the maximum print width H is equal to the width of the heating element 256 dot row of the thermal head 24 and is about 32.5 mm. The maximum print length L is configured with a reference feed pitch of 378 after ensuring the same margin length on the left and right, and is about 48 mm. If the height of one printed character is constituted by 16 reference feed pitches and the line gap is constituted by 2 reference feed pitches, the maximum printing length L is 2
One line printing is possible. Inside the two-dot chain line 33 is the maximum printing area 34 of the side label, which is the same size as the maximum printing area 32 of the main label. The center line in the direction of the maximum printing length L of the maximum printing area 34 of the side label coincides with the center line in the length direction of the side label. When printing on the side label, use the side label 6,
Characters are arranged at positions where 7, 8 and the maximum print area 34 of the side label overlap.

As described above, in this label printing apparatus,
The printing tape 4 formed with a half-opened label can be removably mounted, and printing can be performed on the half-opened label. Therefore, labels can be easily created one after another simply by replacing the printing tape 4. Furthermore, the printing tape 4 is housed in a printing tape housing cassette (cassette) 21 and the printing tape 4 housed in the printing tape housing cassette 21 can be detachably mounted. Since a plurality of punched labels are formed continuously, not only can labels be formed continuously for the number of labels formed on the printing tape 4, but also by simply replacing the printing tape storage cassette 21. , So that a large number of labels can be easily created.

In this label printing apparatus, the half-cut labels of the printing tape 4 include a plurality of types of half-cut labels having different external sizes. That is, by converting various attribute information, which will be described later, into a dot pattern for the printing tape 4 in which a plurality of types of labels having different outer sizes are formed by half-blanking and printing, a plurality of types of labels having different outer sizes are printed. Can be easily created.

In this case, a plurality of types of semi-empty labels include:
A main label 5 (see main label 903 in FIG. 18) attached to the front surface of an MD cartridge (disk cartridge: see FIG. 18) and a side label (see FIG. 18) attached to the side of the MD cartridge (disk cartridge)
), The attribute information is converted into a dot pattern for the printing tape 4 on which a plurality of types of half-opened labels including the main label 5 and the side label 6 are formed and printed. , Main label 5
And the side label 6 etc. can be created simultaneously and easily.

In the case of the example of FIG. 3, three (a plurality of) side labels 6 to 8 are formed (included) as half-cut labels on the printing tape 4. In the printing apparatus, three side labels 6 and the like in addition to the main label 5 can be simultaneously and easily created.

In the label printing apparatus, the attribute information to be printed includes the disc name of the MD (disc), the song number (main information number), the song name (main information name) corresponding to the song number, and the reproduction time. And the recording date and time. Also,
The details of the contents of the disk are printed on the main label 5 having a relatively large area, and the names of the disks are printed on the side labels 6 and the like, so that the disks can be easily distinguished when they are stored side by side.

First, the print format (print dot pattern) of the main label 5 will be described.

FIG. 4 shows a print selection button (print selection means) 1
0 is the print result of the main label 5 when "disc name and song name" of the above-described first selection instruction (11) in FIG. 1 is selected.

Reference numeral 41 denotes a disc name, and printing is started from the first column of one line. Reference numeral 42 denotes a song number (main information number), which is an additional number from song number 1. In addition, printing is performed from the first row. Reference numeral 43 denotes a song name (main information name) of song number 1. Since all the song titles are printed starting from the same song title start column, the beginnings of the song titles are aligned. Reference numeral 44 denotes a song title of song number 2, which is automatically changed to the next line and printed because the song title is long. Numeral 45 is blank because the song number of song number 3 has not been entered. Reference numeral 46 denotes the bottom line, which is the 21st line. Since there are remaining song numbers that cannot be printed, a comment "other" indicating the predetermined remaining and the number of remaining songs are printed from the first column. I have.

As described above, when the song number (main information number) 42 and the corresponding song name (main information name) 43 are printed on the same label on the same line, the song number is always printed. Therefore, it is clear at a glance whether or not the song title is recorded.

In the example shown in FIG. 4, a delimiter mark “:” is added after the music number (before the music title),
Even if the track number is omitted, the presence or absence of the record of the track name can be determined by the delimiter mark (in the sense of the mark before the track name,
Pre-song name (main information name) mark). That is, the presence or absence of the recording of the song title can be determined based on the song number (main information number) and / or the pre-song title mark. In addition, even when a long song title is printed on the next line, it does not mean that the title of the song is unknown.

Further, when a large number of music pieces are recorded as in the above example, the number of music pieces whose title is not yet printed on the last line is printed, so that the user can know how many music pieces still exist. be able to. In addition, since the disc name is also printed, the user can understand all the contents of the MD by looking at the main label 5. The comment "Other" can be any comment that suggests that there is a song that has not been printed yet.
・ Songs ”etc. If it is a pre-song name mark, it is not a “:” but another mark (for example, “•” or “.”).
) May be used, or a space may be used as long as it simply means the separation between the song number and the song name.

FIG. 5 shows a print result of the main label 5 when the "remaining song name" of the second selection instruction (12) described above with reference to FIG. Reference numeral 51 denotes the title of the first song number 13 of the remaining titles. 52 is the last song title, which indicates that 17 songs are recorded on this MD.

The main label 5 when the “remaining song title” described above is selected and the main label 5 when the “disc name and song title” described in FIG. 4 are selected are shown in FIG. If the label is arranged and pasted on the MD case 902 instead of the label 905, the label can be used to identify all the music titles.

FIG. 6 shows a print result of the main label 5 when the "performance time and recording date and time" of the third selection instruction (13) described above with reference to FIG. 61
Indicates the playing time of song number 1 and 62 indicates the recording date and time of song number 1 and is printed on the second line. Numeral 63 indicates the playing time of the music number 2, and 64 indicates the recording date and time of the music number 2. Numeral 65 indicates the playing time of the music number 3, and 66 indicates the recording date and time of the music number 3. The upper line is blank for one line because the title 44 of song number 2 is printed over two lines. As described above, the print line of the playing time and recording date and time of each song number is shown in FIG.
This is the same as the print line of the song number display of the main label 5 when the "disk name and song name" displayed in is selected.

The main label 5 when "performance time and recording date and time" described above is selected and the main label 5 when "disk name and song name" described in FIG.
For example, in FIG. 18, instead of the case label 905 described above, M
When arranged and pasted on the D case 902, a label in which all the information of each music, that is, the music number, the music title, the playing time, and the recording date and time can be printed on the same line. Although nothing is printed on the same line as the disc name, the total playing time of the disc and the recording date and time of the disc name may be printed side by side.

As described above, in this label printing apparatus,
By converting the attribute information into a dot pattern for the printing tape 4 on which a half-empty label for the main label 5 to be attached to the front surface of the MD cartridge (disk cartridge: see FIG. 18) 901 is printed, The main label 5 can be easily created. Also, this main label 5
Since the area can be made relatively large, it is possible to print the details of the disc contents such as the disc name, song number (main information number), and song name (main information name).

A print selection button (print selection means) 1
By selecting and instructing the first selection instruction “disk name and song name” with 0, the disk name is placed on one line of the main label 5 (if the disk name is long, continue to the next line)
And the track number (main information number) and its song name (main information name) are printed on other lines (continue to the next line if long) so that the details of the disc contents can be understood at a glance The main label 5 of the layout can be created.

If all the music numbers (main information numbers) and the corresponding music names (main information names) cannot be printed by the last line of the main label 5, a dot pattern for reporting that fact is created. By printing, the user can know the presence of the unprinted song number (main information number) and song name (main information name) by looking at it. Then, since it includes the number of remaining songs (the number of main information) that are not printed, the user sees it,
Not only the printed song name (main information name) but also the number of remaining unprinted songs (main information number) and the total number of songs (main information) recorded on the MD (disc) can be known.

In this label printing apparatus, in addition to instructing to select a combination of a disc name, a song number (main information number) and a song name (main information name) (first selection instruction), a combination of a reproduction time and a recording date and time is selected. Can be selected (third selection instruction), so that more various main labels 5 can be created. In addition, by arranging and attaching labels individually created according to the first selection instruction and the third selection instruction, the label becomes a label that can generally grasp all necessary information regarding the music (main information).

Also, when the third selection instruction is instructed to be selected, each song number (each main number) when the first selection instruction (to print the disc name, main information number and main information name) is instructed to be selected. Track number (each information number)
Since the dot pattern data of the reproduction time and the recording date and time corresponding to the first and second selection instructions are created and printed, the labels individually created according to the first selection instruction and the third selection instruction are arranged and pasted, so that the track numbers (main The information number), the music title (main information name), the reproduction time, and the recording date and time are printed side by side.

Further, in this label printing apparatus, even if the combination of the disc name, the song number (main information number) and the song name (main information name) is selected and instructed in the first selection instruction, the label is not changed until the last line of the main label 5. When printing cannot be completed, the combination of the remaining music number (main information number) and music name (main information name) can be selected (second selection instruction), so that more various main labels 5 can be created and the first label can be created. By arranging and attaching labels individually created according to the selection instruction and the second selection instruction, the label becomes a label in which all of the music number (main information number) and the corresponding music title (main information name) can be grasped.

Next, the print format (print dot pattern) of the side labels 6, 7, 8 (side label 6, etc.)
Will be described.

FIG. 7 shows a printing example of the side label 6 and the like.
Reference numeral 71 denotes a disc name printed on the side label 6 or the like. In the present embodiment, the disc name is printed on the side label 6 or the like. If the disc name is not recorded in the MD, the song name with the smallest song number among the recorded song names is printed. If no song title is recorded, the recording date and time of song number 1 is printed.
The print is automatically allocated and printed at the center of the side label.

As described above, by attaching the side label 6 or the like on which the disc name is printed to the side surface of the MD cartridge 901 or the side surface of the MD case 902 shown in FIG. Even if it is placed, a desired MD can be found at once. In general, in order to record songs from the first song in the order of strong impression, if the disc name is not recorded, the song name of the song with the earliest song number is printed out of the songs recorded with the song name. If the song title is not recorded at all, MD
The recording date and time of the track number 1 recorded in the file is recorded.

As described above, in this label printing apparatus,
Copy the attribute information to the MD cartridge (disk cartridge) 901 or MD case 902 (MD cartridge, etc.)
By converting the dot pattern into a dot pattern for the printing tape 4 on which a half-opened label for the side label 6 and the like to be attached to the side surface of the printer is formed and printed, the side label 6 and the like can be easily created. The disc name is usually the MD (disc)
Is the best representation of the characteristics of
For example, discs can be easily distinguished.

When the read attribute information does not include the disc name but includes the song name (main information name), the dot number of the song number (main information number) having the smallest song number (main information number) is used instead of the disc name. If the pattern data is created and printed, and there is no song title (main information name), the song (main information) with the smallest song number (smallest main information number: for example, main information number 1)
Since the recording date and time are printed, even if there is no disc name, it is possible to create the side label 6 or the like that most represents the disc contents.

The center of the dot pattern data length of the attribute information of the print target (for example, the disc name, the song name of the song with the earliest song number or the recording date and time of song number 1) is set in the length direction of the side label 6 or the like. It is created by matching the center line of
The disc name can be printed by so-called center allocation, and a good-looking side label 6 can be created.

FIG. 8 is a block diagram of the stationary MD recording / reproducing apparatus 1 described above with reference to FIG. 1, and is a block diagram incorporating the label printing apparatus of the present invention.

The MD recording / reproducing apparatus 1 has a portion related to MD recording / reproducing (MD recording / reproducing section: disc reproducing apparatus).
And a part related to label printing (tape printing mechanism: label printing device). First, a part (disc reproducing apparatus) related to MD recording and reproduction will be described.

Reference numeral 81 denotes an MD drive unit, and M
The attribute information (management information data and text information data) composed of main information (music information data) and text data (text code data) digitally recorded on D is read. At the time of recording, music information and management information are recorded as digital data on the MD. Reference numeral 82 denotes a signal processing unit which temporarily stores management information data and text information data read out from the MD drive unit 81 during reproduction and converts compressed digital music data into analog music signals for driving the speakers 15 and 16. Or At the time of recording, an analog music signal from an external sound source 84 is converted into compressed digital music data and transferred to the MD drive unit 81 together with management information data.

Reference numeral 85 denotes a disk information storage unit (storage means) constituted by a RAM, which includes disk name (track number), track name, track playing time, track recording date and time, and total number of tracks as disk information (attribute information). The data of the recording date and time of the disc name and the total playing time of the disc are stored. The disk information is stored in the system controller (the control unit of the disk reproducing device, the print control unit) based on the management information data and the text information data temporarily stored in the signal processing unit 82 when the reproduction is started (main information read request). , Attribute information requesting means) 86.

Among these disc information (attribute information), the data of the disc name, the title of the song, the recording date and time of the song, and the recording date and time of the disc name are stored as they are, the song number, the playing time of the song, the total number of songs, Are calculated from the start and end addresses of the music in the management information and stored.

Reference numeral 87 denotes a recording / reproduction operation unit (external operation means, disk operation unit) comprising a recording / reproduction operation button group (disk operation button group) 14, which is used at the time of reproduction (main information read request, attribute information read request). It consists of a play button, a stop button, a music selection button, a display switching button, a disc name display button, a title button, a character selection button, and a character confirmation button used when inputting text information.

Reference numeral 88 denotes a display driver which receives character codes (attribute information, display information) constituting each data of the disk information storage unit 85 and develops them into a display dot pattern, and Display characters. The liquid crystal panel of the display unit 3 includes a song number display area for displaying a song number when a song number is selected and for reproduction, and a song name display area for displaying a song name. Each time the display switching button of the recording / reproducing operation unit 87 is operated (attribute information read request), the song title display unit is cyclically switched from the song title display to the playing time, the recording date and time, and again to the song title display.

During playback, when the title button is operated, a text input state is entered. The user repeatedly selects one character with the character selection button while looking at the display section 3 and determines with the character determination button, thereby repeating the disc name or You can create song titles. When the input of the text information is completed and the title button is pressed again, the text information is recorded in the MD.

Next, parts related to the label printing apparatus will be described. Reference numeral 90 denotes a printer operation unit (attribute information request means, print operation button group), which includes a print start button (print start means) 9 and a print selection button (print selection means).
Consists of ten.

Reference numeral 92 denotes a printer driver, which comprises a print buffer 94 and the like. The print buffer 94 has a capacity corresponding to the maximum print area 32 (or 34) of the main label 5 (or the side label 6 or the like), that is, 256 × 3.
It is composed of a RAM composed of 78 memory cells, and is used as a common print buffer both when the main label 5 and the side label 6 are formed, as described later.

Reference numeral 91 denotes the printer section (printing means) described with reference to FIG. 2, and includes the thermal head 24 (see FIG. 2), the cassette detection switch 26, the printing reference detection switch 28, and the like. Of the heating elements of the thermal head 24, the heating element at a position corresponding to the cell in which the print dot pattern 1 stored in the print buffer 94 is stored is energized,
Printing is performed.

Reference numeral 93 denotes a ROM, which is a control program for the MD recording / reproducing unit, a print control program for the tape printing mechanism,
The print dot pattern data corresponding to the character code, the label shape information corresponding to the type of the print tape storage cassette 21, the position information (see FIG. 3) of the maximum print area 32 (or 34) described above in FIG. ing.

FIG. 9 is a configuration diagram of various data (attribute information) of music stored serially in the disk information storage unit 85. Reference numeral 101 denotes the total number of songs representing the number of all songs recorded on the disc, 102 denotes the disc name, 103 denotes the total playing time of the disc representing the playing time of all the songs, and 104 denotes the recording date and time of the disc name. 105 is the first song number, 106 is the first song name, 107 is the first song performance time, 108
Is the recording date 1 of the music number 1. Furthermore, 109 is the song number 2, 110 is the song name 2 of the song number 2, 111 is the playing time 2 of the song number 2, and 112 is the recording date 2 of the song number 2. As described above, various data (attribute information, display information) of each song displayed on the display unit 3 are serially stored for all songs.

When printing a label, a print start button (print start means) 9 of the print operation button group of the printer operation unit (attribute information request means) 90 is operated, and a label creation process described later (see FIG. 10) is performed. Is started, and the system controller (controller of the disk reproducing device, print control means) 86 reads the character code (attribute information, display information, ) Is read out, the print dot pattern data corresponding to the character code is stored at a predetermined position in the print buffer 94, the print dot pattern is printed by the printer unit (printing means) 91, and the desired label (main label 5) is printed. , Side label 6 etc.).

As described above, in the label printing apparatus here, the part relating to the recording and reproduction of the MD (disk reproducing apparatus)
A printer operation unit (attribute information requesting unit) 90 used in combination with a recording / reproducing operation unit (disk operation unit) 87 which is an external operation unit of the present invention makes an attribute information reading request for display information, and reads in response to the request. The display information, which is the disc information (attribute information) output, is converted into dot pattern data for printing by the system controller (print control unit) 86 and printed by the printer unit (printing unit) 91.

In this case, since the part (disk reproducing device) related to the recording and reproduction of the MD originally uses the function provided as the reading function for display on the display unit 3, it is possible to add a new function without adding a new function. All disk information (attribute information) that can be displayed on the display unit 3 can be printed. That is, conventionally, a label produced by confirming the display and writing by hand on the label can be created simply and beautifully.

In this case, the printer operation unit (attribute information request unit) 90 and the printer unit (printing unit)
91, a system controller (print control means) 86
In the case where a label printing device is integrally built in the device main body of a stationary disk reproducing device, for example, as in this example, since it is housed in the device main body together with a part (disk reproducing device) related to recording and reproduction of MD. Suitable for.

In the case of the present example, the control unit of the part (disc reproducing apparatus) of the MD recording / reproducing apparatus 1 related to the recording / reproducing of the MD is a system controller 86 which can perform general data processing and the like according to the control program. ,
By incorporating a control program as a label printing device in addition to the function as the original disk reproducing device, the function for printing control can be fulfilled and the printing control means is provided. Therefore, in this case, the MD recording / reproducing apparatus (disk reproducing apparatus) 1 with a built-in label printing apparatus can be provided without increasing the overall size of the apparatus by sharing functions.

In the case of this embodiment, since the disc reproducing apparatus has the disc information storage section (storage means) 85 for storing disc information (attribute information), the recording / playback operation section (external operation means, disc operation section) The display information (attribute information) can be read immediately in response to the operation of the display switching button 87 (attribute information read request). Therefore, in this case, the response to the attribute storage read request from the printer operation unit (attribute information request unit) 90 on the label printing device side is also quick.

Incidentally, in the MD recording / reproducing apparatus 1, basically, the system controller 86 responds to a main (control) program routine in an interrupt standby state by a recording / reproducing operation unit (external operation means, disk operation unit). An interrupt (of a main information read request or an attribute information read request) is generated by the operation of 87, and a control program routine for various interrupt processes related to MD recording / reproduction is started, and the interrupt process is executed. You.

In each interrupt processing routine, various control subroutines for reading character codes (attribute information and display information) from the disk information storage unit 85 in response to the main information read request and the attribute information read request are provided. Hereinafter, an attribute information reading subroutine is started to acquire attribute information corresponding to the main information reading request and the attribute information reading request.

In this case, the attribute information reading subroutine
For example, an interrupt processing (sub) routine (eg, a program for searching and reading desired data (attribute information) in the disk information storage unit 85 using the name of the requested attribute information and its storage address as parameters (arguments)) Alternatively, it can be realized by a built-in function routine or the like.

Here, when the main control program routine is executed, the MD recording / reproducing control program routine is executed, and the attribute information reading subroutine is executed, the system controller 86 performs the functions provided as the original disk reproducing apparatus. The system controller 86 in this state is expressed as a system controller 86 as a control unit of the disk reproducing device.

On the other hand, in the interrupt standby state, an interrupt for label creation processing is generated by the operation of the printer operation unit (attribute information request means) 90, and interrupts related to label printing described later with reference to FIG. A print control program routine for interrupt processing (label creation processing) is started, and the interrupt processing is executed. That is, since the system controller 86 in this state functions as a label printing device, it is expressed as the system controller 86 as printing control means.

The system controller 86 as the print control means performs the above-described attribute information read subroutine (steps 402 and 403 in FIG. 12, step 604 in FIG. 14, and FIG. 15) in a print control program routine to be described later.
(Steps 702, 708, 711, etc.) are started, so that a function for making an attribute information read request, that is, a function as an attribute information request unit is also provided.

Therefore, in this case, in the label printing apparatus of the MD recording / reproducing apparatus 1, the print start button (print start means) of the print operation button group of the printer operation unit (attribute information request means) 90 at the time of label printing. When the user operates No. 9, the system controller 86 as a control unit of the disk reproducing apparatus starts a print control program routine for label creation processing described later (see FIG. 10), and the system controller 86 as a print control means.
Pass control to.

The system controller 86 as a print control means, in accordance with a control program (print control program routine) for label creation processing of the tape printing mechanism stored in the ROM 93, reads out an attribute information read subroutine when attribute information becomes necessary. Is started, and control is passed to the system controller 86 as a control unit of the disk reproducing apparatus.

The system controller 86 as a control section of the disc reproducing apparatus executes an attribute information reading subroutine to read out character codes (attribute information and display information) from the disc information storage section 85 and return to the original print control program routine. It returns (returns) and passes control to the system controller 86 as print control means.

The system controller 86 as a printing control means obtains necessary attribute information by repeating the same processing as described above, thereby executing a label creation process in accordance with a printing control program routine, and executing a printing dot pattern corresponding to a character code. The data is stored at a predetermined position in the print buffer 94, and a print dot pattern is printed by the printer unit (printing means) 91 to create a desired label (main label 5, side label 6, etc.).

Although the above processing is based on the interruption processing, it is needless to say that the same processing can be performed by multitask processing or the like.

Further, the system controller 86 as a control section of the above-mentioned disk reproducing apparatus and the system controller 86 as print control means may be constituted by different controllers.

In such a case, when the print start button (print start means) 9 of the printer operation section (attribute information request means) 90 is operated and the print control program routine is started, the print control program routine is started. If storage means for reading and storing necessary attribute information at a time from the disk information storage unit (storage means) 85 is provided, the control unit and the print control unit of the disk reproduction device constituted by individual controllers are provided. Since the frequency of information transmission (interface) between the devices is reduced, and each process can be executed independently and in parallel during periods other than the information transmission period, it is more preferable that the process can be speeded up.

In such a case, it is more preferable to store the control program for operating each controller in a separate storage unit, because there is no conflict in reading the control program.

In the above label printing apparatus, a printer operation unit (attribute) used in combination with a recording / reproduction operation unit (disk operation unit) 87 which is an external operation means of a part (disk reproduction device) related to recording and reproduction of MD. An attribute information read request for requesting display information is made by the information request means 90, but if there is an external operation means such as a remote controller, an attribute information read request is made instead of the remote control (external operation means). It can also be configured as follows.

In any of the above cases, in the label printing apparatus to which the present invention is applied, the control unit of the disk reproducing apparatus which reads out the attribute information in response to the attribute information read request from the external operation means, controls the external operation. Making an attribute information read request in place of the means or in combination with the external operation means,
The attribute information read in response thereto is converted into dot pattern data for printing and printed.

In this case, since the reading function originally provided in the disc reproducing apparatus is used, the attribute information can be read without adding a new function. Also,
Since the read attribute information can be converted and printed on the label, it is not necessary to write the attribute information by hand on the label. Therefore, this label printing apparatus can easily and beautifully create a label to be attached to a disk cartridge for use.

A part of the above-described various variations will be introduced in the second embodiment (FIG. 20) and the like. Next, the tape printing mechanism used in the label printing apparatus to which the present invention is applied will be described. The print control program routine (for label creation processing) will be specifically described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

First, when the print start button 9 is operated, the control program routine of the tape printing mechanism is started and started.

As shown in FIG. 10, first, a print tape storage cassette detection process is performed, and the system controller 86 sends the cassette detection switch 26 of the printer unit 91 to the cassette detection switch 26.
Read the data of. As a result, the ROM 93
The shape information of the half-empty label and the position information of the maximum printing area corresponding to the type of the printing tape storage cassette 21 stored in the printer are determined (step 201).

Next, a print format setting process shown in detail in FIG. 11 is performed. Here, the system controller 86 reads the state of the print selection button 10 (whether any one of the first to third selection instructions is selected and instructed), and thereby prints the three types of main labels 5 (FIGS. 4 and 5). , 6) is selected (step 20).
2).

Next, the main label print dot pattern data creation processing shown in detail in FIGS.
The system controller 86 includes a disk information storage unit 85
The print dot pattern data (stored in the ROM 93) corresponding to the character code stored in the print buffer 94 is stored at a predetermined position in the print buffer 94 (step 203).

Next, the print control process is started, and the system controller 86 drives the tape feed motor 25 to rotate to feed the printing tape 4 (see FIG. 2). 3) formed in the print unit 94, and the print reference holes 35, 36, etc. formed in the print buffer 94 are used as the reference positions in accordance with the main label print dot pattern data stored in the print buffer 94. ON / OFF is controlled, and the ink of the thermal transfer ink ribbon 22 is
And prints the main label 5 (step 204).

Next, in the side label print dot pattern data creation processing, the system controller 86
Print dot pattern data (ROM 9) corresponding to the character code of the disk name stored in the disk information storage unit 85
3 is stored in a predetermined position of the print buffer 94 (step 205).

Next, the printing control process described in the main label printing is started, and printing of the side labels 6, 7, and 8 is created (step 206).

As a result, a song name, a disc name, and the like are printed on a plurality of half-cut labels formed on the printing tape 4,
The control program routine of the tape printing mechanism ends.

Next, the print format setting process (step 202) will be described in detail with reference to the print format setting process flowchart of FIG.

As shown in FIG. 11, when the print format setting process is started, the system controller 86 reads the state of the print selection button 10 (whether any one of the first to third selection instructions has been selected) (step S1). 3
01).

Next, the read print selection button 10 is
It is determined whether it is in the state of instructing to select and print "Disc name and song name" of the selection instruction. If "disk name and song name" is to be printed (Yes), the flow advances to main label print dot pattern data creation processing-1 in step 303 described in detail in FIG. On the other hand, if the first selection instruction is not “disc name and song name” (No), step 304
(Step 302).

If it is determined that the state where the printing of the “remaining music title” of the first selection instruction is selected and instructed is to print the “remaining music title” (Yes), the main of step 305 described in detail with reference to FIG. Proceed to label print dot pattern data creation processing-2. If "Remaining song name" is not printed (N
If o), step 30 described in detail in FIG.
Then, the process proceeds to the main label print dot pattern data creation process-3 (step 304).

Next, the main label print dot pattern data creation processing will be described in detail with reference to the flowcharts of FIGS.

FIG. 12 is a flowchart of the main label print dot pattern data creation processing-1 at the time of the first selection instruction.

As shown in the figure, when started, the system controller 86 sets the initial storage position of the print dot pattern data in order to print the disc name from the first row and first column of the main label 5 as an initial setting. Are set to one row and one column in the print buffer 94 (step 40).
1).

Next, the system controller 86 sets the total number of songs (for example, a label (name) of “total number of songs”) as a first data (attribute information) read from the disk information storage unit 85 and a pointer (storage address) )), And by starting an attribute information reading subroutine (for example, by searching for the parameter) (attribute information read request), the total number of songs recorded on the MD from the disc information recording unit 85 (see FIG. See 9:
Attribute information, display information). That is, the system controller 86 sets the total number of songs as the requested attribute information, and reads the total number of songs (attribute information, display information) in response to the attribute information read request (step 402).

Next, the system controller 86 similarly (in response to an attribute information read request) performs one character at a time starting from the first character of the set read data (disk name and song number / song name) (hereinafter, step 403). 408 or 409) A character code (see FIGS. 4 to 5 and 9) is read (step 403).

Next, it is determined whether all the characters of the set read data (disk name and song number / song name) have been read (step 404).

If the data reading has not been completed (No), the print dot pattern data stored in the ROM 93 corresponding to the character code read in step 403 is determined (step 405).

Next, based on the determined dot length of the print dot pattern data, the cumulative dot length of the print dot pattern data developed in the same line is calculated (step 406).

Next, it is determined whether or not the accumulated dot length calculated in the previous step falls within the maximum print width H of the main label. That is, it is determined whether or not the disc name or the song number + the song name can fit within the label width in one line (step 40).
7).

If one set of the disc name or the song number + the song name is being read and the cumulative dot length up to the character read in step 403 is still within the maximum print width H (Yes), the system controller 86 , Step 4
The print dot pattern data determined in step 05 is stored successively on the same line in the print buffer 94 (step 40).
8).

If one set of the disc name or song number + song name is completed and the first character of the next song number + song name is read (the next character is not printed within the maximum print width of the previous character)
Alternatively, if one set of the disc name or the song number + the song name is being read and the cumulative dot length exceeds the maximum print width H (No), the print dot pattern data determined in step 405 is stored in the print buffer 94. (Step 409).

When the storage of the print dot pattern data of one character in the print buffer 94 is completed, the flow returns to step 403 to read the next one character code in the read data.

On the other hand, if it is determined in step 404 that all the characters of the set read data (disk name and song number / song name) have been read (Yes), the print dot pattern data stored in the print buffer 94 up to that time are read. Is calculated (step 410).

Next, by comparing with the total number of songs read in step 402, it is determined whether all necessary data (disc name and song number / song name) in the disc information storage unit 85 has been read. Proceed (step 411).

If reading of all data has been completed (Yes), the main label print dot pattern data creation processing-1 is terminated, and the flow advances to the next processing.

If there is data that has not been read yet (No), whether the print dot pattern data has been expanded and stored up to the last print line in the print buffer 94 using the cumulative number of lines calculated in step 410. (Step 412).

In step 412, if there is still room for storage (No), the program sets the song number and title of the next song number as the next read data (step 413).
Thereafter, the process returns to step 403 to read the character code of the read data set in step 413 from the beginning.

If the last one line is left, the print buffer 9
If the print dot pattern data has been stored in step 4 (Yes), the number of remaining songs for which the print dot pattern data has not been stored is calculated based on the total number of songs read in step 402 ( Step 414).

Next, the print dot pattern data stored in the ROM 93 indicating the comment "other" to be printed on the last line and the print dot pattern data corresponding to the number of remaining music pieces are stored on the last line in the print buffer 94. (Step 415).

After step 415, the main label print dot pattern data creation process-1 is terminated, and the flow advances to the next process. As a result, print dot pattern data corresponding to the song number and title of the song is expanded and stored in the print buffer 94 (see FIGS. 3 and 4).

Further, according to this flowchart, even if the main label size is small, it is possible to store the maximum print dot pattern data of the disc name, song number and song name according to the main label size.

FIG. 13 is a flowchart of the main label print dot pattern data creation process-2 at the time of the second selection instruction.

As shown in the figure, when started, the system controller 86 initializes the first storage position of the print dot pattern data in order to print the song number and title from the first row and first column of the main label. Is set to one row and one column in the print buffer (step 501).

Next, although not described in detail here, FIG.
Print dot pattern data creation processing for main label
The number of printed music pieces is calculated according to the same flowchart as in step 1 (step 502). In this case, if the main label print dot pattern data creation processing-1 of FIG. 12 has been executed in advance by the first selection instruction, the number of printed music pieces may be stored.

Next, the tune of the next tune number of the printed tune numbers calculated (or stored) in step 502 is set as read start data (tune number / tune name) (step 503).

When these settings are completed, the main label print dot pattern data creation process-1 shown in FIG.
The print dot pattern data corresponding to the tune number and tune name of the remaining tunes are developed and stored in the print buffer 94 according to the same flow chart as that of A and thereafter (see FIGS. 3 and 5).

FIG. 14 is a flowchart of the main label print dot pattern data creation process-3 at the time of the third selection instruction.

As shown in the figure, when the system controller 86 is started, as an initial setting, the performance time and the recording date and time of the tune number 1 are set as the first data (attribute information) read from the disk information storage unit 85 (see FIG. Set FIG. 9: attribute information and display information (step 60).
1).

Next, in order to print the playing time and the recording date and time on the same line as the song number / song name, the setting is performed according to a flow chart substantially the same as that of the main label print dot pattern data creation processing-1, although not described in detail here. The print line of the song number and title corresponding to the read data (performance time and recording date and time) is calculated, and the storage line of the print dot pattern data in the print buffer 94 is set (step 602).

Here, as described below, each time the loop processing (steps 602 to 607) is performed once,
The print line of the song title is calculated and the storage line of the print dot pattern data in the print buffer 94 is set. First, the main label print dot pattern data creation process described above with reference to FIG. Is executed, and the second
If the above-described main label print dot pattern data creation processing-2 in FIG. 13 is executed according to the selection instruction, the print line of the song number / title (or the storage line of the print dot pattern data) at that time is stored. In addition, the storage line of the print dot pattern data of the playing time and the recording date and time corresponding to each music number and music name may be set.

Next, it is determined whether the reading of the data (play time and recording date and time) of all the songs in the disc information storage unit 85 has been completed, or whether the print line has reached before the last print line in the print buffer 94. (Step 603).

If the reading of the data of all the songs has been completed, or if the print line is before the last print line of the print buffer 94 (Yes), the main label print dot pattern data creation processing-3 is completed. To the next process.

If not (No), the system controller 86 reads the set playing data (attribute information), that is, the playing time / recording date / time, in response to the attribute information read request as in FIG. Step 60
4).

Next, the print dot pattern data stored in the ROM 93 corresponding to the data code read in step 604 is determined (step 605).

Next, the determined print dot pattern data is stored in the storage line in the print buffer 94 set in step 602 (step 606).

Next, the performance time and recording date and time of the next music number are set as read data (step 607).

Thereafter, returning to step 602, the above-described steps are repeated, and the print dot pattern data corresponding to the performance time and the recording date and time are developed and stored in the print buffer 94 (see FIGS. 3 and 6).

Next, the side label print dot pattern data creation processing will be described in detail with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

When the side label print dot pattern data creation processing is started, as shown in the figure, the system controller 86 initializes the print dot pattern data expanded and stored for the main label in the print buffer 94 as shown in FIG. Clear (step 701).

Next, the disk name is read from the disk information storage unit 85 (by an attribute information read request in which the disk name is set as the requested attribute information) (step 70).
2).

Next, as a result of reading the disk name, it is determined whether or not there is a disk name (step 703).

If there is a disc name (Yes), a print dot pattern data string in the ROM 93 corresponding to the disc name is determined (step 704).

Next, the length of the determined print dot pattern data sequence is calculated (step 705).

Next, in order to arrange the print dot pattern data at the center of the side label 6 or the like, the side label position information determined in the print tape storage cassette detection processing 201 described above with reference to FIG. The print buffer 94 based on the length of the print dot pattern data
Is calculated, and the print dot pattern data determined in step 704 is stored in the three side labels 6.
(See FIG. 3 and FIG. 7). As a result, print dot pattern data corresponding to the disk name is expanded and stored at a predetermined position in the print buffer 94.

In step 703, if there is no disc name (No), the song titles are changed from the song with the smallest song number (by an attribute information read request in which the song numbers and song names are set in ascending order of the song numbers as the requested attribute information). Read (step 708).

Next, it is determined whether or not there is a song name read in step 708 (step 709). If there is a song title (Yes), the process returns to step 704, and the print dot pattern data corresponding to the song title is developed and stored at a predetermined position in the print buffer 94 according to the steps described above.

At step 709, if there is no song title (No), the process proceeds to the determination as to whether all song titles have been read (step 710). If all songs have not been read (No), the process returns to step 708 to read the song name of the next song number (by an attribute information read request).

If all songs have been read (Ye
s) The recording date and time of song number 1 is read (by an attribute information read request in which the recording date and time of song number 1 is set as the requested attribute information) (step 711). Thereafter, the process returns to step 704, and the print dot pattern data corresponding to the recording date and time of music number 1 is expanded and stored in a predetermined position in the print buffer 94 according to the above-described steps.

As described above, when the print dot pattern data is expanded and stored in the print buffer 94, the side label print dot pattern data creation processing ends and proceeds to the next processing.

As described above, as described in the print dot pattern data creation processing for the main label 5 and the side label 6, etc., the print buffer 94 is shared when the main label is created and when the side label is created. The capacity can be reduced.

FIG. 16 shows another example of the side label printing. Reference numeral 75 denotes a predetermined comment "disk name:", which indicates that the print following this comment is the disk name. Then, it is printed at the head position of the side label. Reference numeral 76 denotes a disc name, which is printed following the comment 75. The comment may be any name as long as it is a name reminiscent of a disc name, for example, a “title name”.

FIG. 17 is a flowchart of the side label print dot pattern data creation process for obtaining the print of FIG. 16. The flowchart and the step numbers of the side label print dot pattern creation process of the first embodiment described with reference to FIG. Only the attached parts are different.

In this case, the system controller 86
In step 801, print dot pattern data representing “disk name:” is read from the ROM 93 and stored in the print buffer 94 corresponding to the head position of the side label 6 or the like. In the next step 802, the print dot pattern data corresponding to the read data in the disk information storage unit 85 is stored following the print dot pattern data representing "disk name:" in the print buffer 94.

In the above case, the label printing device prints a fixed title comment indicating the disc name at the beginning of the side label 6 and the like, and then prints the disc name following the comment. Is a disc name, and the beginning of the disc name to be printed can be aligned, so that when a large number of MD cartridges (disc cartridges) 901 and MD cases 902 (MD cartridges, etc.) are placed one on top of another, The leading side labels 6 have a good appearance.

As described above in the first embodiment, the half-opened label having the shape formed on the print tape 4 is
By printing information of different contents, several types of labels can be created at a time with the contents suitable for the place to be pasted.

Next, a label printing apparatus according to a second embodiment of the present invention will be described. FIG. 19 shows a system appearance of a label printing apparatus connected to a conventional portable MD recording / reproducing player according to the second embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 20 is a block diagram corresponding to FIG.

The MD recording / reproducing player 911 and the label printing device 121 shown in FIGS.
These correspond to the disc reproducing device and the label printing device of the MD recording / reproducing device 1 described above, respectively, and the corresponding portions are denoted by the reference numerals shown in parentheses in FIG.

On the other hand, in the present embodiment, the system controller 8 as a control section of the disk reproducing apparatus described above with reference to FIG.
6 and a system controller 86 as print control means
Are constituted by individual controllers, that is, the system controller 937 and the printer controller 140, respectively.

A print information storage unit (storage unit) 138 (85) for reading out and storing the attribute information necessary for label creation from the disk information storage unit (storage unit) 936 (85) at a time is provided. In order to reduce the frequency of data transmission / reception (interface) between the individual controllers, a control program for operating each controller is also stored in a separate storage means (however, the label printer 1).
(Only the ROM 139 on the side of FIG. 21 is shown.) By eliminating the competition of the reading of the control program, the respective processes are executed independently and in parallel except for the interface period, thereby speeding up the overall process. ing.

In the case where there is an external operation means using a remote controller, the label printer 121 is configured as a label printer which issues an attribute information reading request instead of the remote controller (external operation means).

In the present embodiment, the label printer 1
21 is configured as described above, the portable MD recording / reproducing player 911 can be used as a disc reproducing device to request attribute information.

First, a portable MD recording / reproducing player 911 having a conventional configuration will be described.

FIGS. 30 and 31 show a portable type M
21A and 21B are an external view and a block diagram of a D recording / reproducing player 911 and a conventional remote controller 921 connectable thereto.

As shown in both figures, the MD recording / reproducing player 911 has a main body display section 912 (3) and a main body operation section 914.
(87: external operation unit, disk operation unit), MD drive unit 932 (81), signal processing unit 933 (82), sound source 935 (84), disk information storage unit 936 (85: storage unit), main body display driver 939 (88) and the like, which correspond to the respective components of the disk reproducing device of the MD recording and reproducing device 1 described above in FIG.

However, a remote control connecting portion 913 having a remote control connector terminal connected to the remote control 921 by the remote control connecting cable 925 is provided. In addition, an object driven by the analog music signal converted by the signal processing unit 933 is an earphone 924 via a remote control connection unit 913, whereas the signal processing unit 82 of FIG. .

On the other hand, the remote control 921 displays
A remote control display unit 922 for displaying song titles and the like, a remote control operation unit 923 comprising a group of reproduction buttons for MD reproduction,
Earphone 924, remote control connection cable 925, remote control display driver 926, remote control controller 92
7. At the time of MD playback, a remote control connection cable 925 is connected to the remote control connector terminal 913 to control playback.

The remote control operation unit 923 includes a main body operation unit 91
4 has the same configuration as the buttons used for reproduction. The remote control display driver 926 includes a disk information storage unit 93.
6 (85), the character code (attribute information, display information) constituting each data is received and developed into a display dot pattern, and the display characters are displayed on a remote control display unit 922 such as a liquid crystal panel.

The remote control display unit 922 includes a main body display unit 912.
In the same manner as in the above, a song number display area and a song name display area are provided.
Each time the display switching button of the remote control operation unit 923 is operated (attribute information read request), the song title display area is cyclically switched from song title display to playing time, recording date and time, and again to song title display.

The remote controller 927 operates the system controller 937 of the portable MD recording / reproducing player 911 in response to a signal from the remote controller operating unit 923 to reproduce the MD, and the disc information storage unit 93.
6 is received and stored in the remote control display driver 926. At the time of reproduction, the analog music signal converted by the signal processing unit 933 is transmitted through the remote control 921 through the remote control connection unit 913 and through the remote control 921.
24 is driven.

Next, the operation of remote controller 921 will be described in detail. In order to select the track number n, the remote controller 923
Is operated (attribute information read request), the remote controller 927 causes the disc information storage unit 936 to operate.
The character code (attribute information, display information) constituting the data of the song number m next to the previously played song and the song name m of the song number m is read and stored in the remote control display driver 926. As a result, a few meters are displayed in the song number display area of the remote control display unit 922.
Is displayed in the song title display area.

When the music selection button is further operated, the remote control controller 927 reads the character code constituting the data of the music number m + 1 and the music name m + 1 from the disk information storage section 936 and stores it in the remote control display driver 926.
As a result, the song number m + 1 and the song name m + 1 are displayed on the remote control display unit 922.

The user repeats the above operation until the desired music number n is displayed. When the play button is operated (main information reading request) while the song number n and the song name n are displayed, the remote controller 927 causes the system controller 93 to operate.
7 is operated to reproduce the music number n. If the music selection button is further operated while the last music number and music name are displayed, music number 1 and the music name are displayed. Thus, each time the music selection button of the remote control operation unit 923 is operated, the music number is sequentially selected in a cyclic manner.

When the display switching button of the remote controller 923 is operated while the song number n and the song name n are displayed,
The remote controller 927 has a disk information storage unit 93.
The information (character) code of the data of the playing time n of the music number n is read out from No. 6 and stored in the remote control display driver 926. As a result, the playing time n is displayed in the music title display area of the remote control display unit 922.

When the display switching button is further operated, the remote controller 927 reads the character code of the data of the recording date n of the music number n from the disk information storage section 936 and stores it in the remote control display driver 926. As a result, the recording date / time n is displayed in the music title display area of the remote control display unit 922.

Further, when the display switching button of the remote control operation unit 923 is operated (attribute information read request), the remote control controller 927 sends the music title n from the disk information recording unit 936.
The character code (attribute information, display information) of the data is read out and stored in the remote control display driver 926. As a result, the music title n is displayed again in the music title display area of the remote control display unit 922. As described above, each time the display switching button of the remote control operation unit 923 is operated, these operations are cyclically repeated.

Regardless of the display state of the remote control display unit 922, when the disk name display button of the remote control operation unit 923 is operated (attribute information read request), the remote control controller 927 causes the music recorded from the disk information storage unit 936 to be recorded. And the character code (see FIG. 9: attribute information and display information) constituting the disc name data is read and stored in the remote control display driver 926. As a result, the total number of songs and the disc name in the song title display area of the song number display area of the remote control display unit 922 are displayed.

When the display switching button is operated in this state,
The remote controller 927 has a disk information storage unit 93.
Then, the character code constituting the data of the total playing time of the disk is read out from 6 and stored in the remote control display driver 926. As a result, the total playing time of the disc is displayed in the music title display area of the remote control display unit 922.

When the display switch button is further operated, the remote controller 927 reads the character code constituting the data of the disk name recording date and time from the disk information storage section 936 and stores it in the remote control display driver 926.
As a result, the recording date and time of the disc name is displayed in the music title display area of the remote control display unit 922.

When the user wants to stop the performance, the user operates the stop button of the remote controller 923, and the remote controller 927 operates the system controller 937 to stop the performance of the music piece n.

As described above, FIGS. 19 and 20 are an external view and a block diagram of the system in the case where the label printer 121 is connected in place of the remote controller 921 described above.

As shown in both figures, the MD recording / reproducing player 911 is the same as that described above with reference to FIGS. 30 and 31, and a description thereof will be omitted.

The label printing device 121 has the following configuration. Reference numeral 128 denotes a light-emitting diode, which is turned on, reading data, printing,
Blinks at a frequency corresponding to the three states. Further, the blinking during printing changes continuously according to the remaining time of printing. Reference numeral 129 denotes a printer connection cable, which is a remote control connection unit 9 of the portable MD recording / playback player 911.
13 for input / output (transmission / reception) of data by being connected to a remote controller connector terminal.

Reference numeral 133 denotes a printer display unit which includes a light emitting diode 128. 134 is a light emitting diode 128
Is a display driver composed of a transistor or the like for driving the device.

Reference numeral 139 denotes a ROM, which has been described with reference to FIG.
Similarly to M93, the data read control program, the print control program of the tape printing mechanism, the print dot pattern data corresponding to the character code, the label shape information corresponding to the type of the print tape storage cassette 21 and the position information of the maximum print area are included. Is stored.

Reference numeral 138 denotes a print information storage unit composed of a RAM, which stores data of the disk information storage unit 936 converted into a predetermined format by a data read control program stored in the ROM 139. The printer controller 140 is connected to a system controller 937 via a remote control connector terminal of a remote control connection unit 913 by a printer connection cable 128, and transmits and receives data. Others are the first
It has the same configuration as the label printing apparatus described above in FIG. 8 of the embodiment.

With the above-described configuration, it is connected to the conventional portable MD recording / reproducing player 911, and the data recorded on the recordable / reproducible MD (disc) is attached to the MD cartridge for use. This has the effect that a label to be created can be easily and beautifully created.

That is, when the print start button 9 is operated, the control program routine of the tape printing mechanism described above with reference to FIG. 10 is started and started, and as described above with reference to FIGS. 6 etc. are created.

However, in the present embodiment, the printer controller 140 determines the attribute requested in the initial setting steps 401, 501, and 601 in FIGS. 12 to 14 according to the control program of the tape printing mechanism stored in the ROM 139. As information, all of the attribute information necessary for label creation (see FIG. 9) is set, and read out from the disk information storage unit (storage means) 936 (85) at a time via the remote control connection unit 913 in response to an attribute information read request. Is stored in the print information storage unit (storage means) 138 (85).

For this reason, in the above-described first embodiment, other processing (steps 402 and 403 in FIG. 12, step 604 in FIG. 14, step 702 in FIG. 15, step 702 in FIG. 15) performed by the attribute information read subroutine (attribute information read request). 708, 7
11) is simply a process of reading from the print information storage unit 138.

As described above, the disc reproducing apparatus which requests the attribute information is the portable MD recording / reproducing player 911, and outputs the attribute information in response to the attribute information read request from the remote controller 921 ( Since the remote control communication unit 913 is provided, the label printing device 121 transmits an attribute information read request via the remote control connection unit (remote control communication unit) 913 and receives attribute information in response to the request.

That is, since the remote control connection section (remote control communication means) 913 originally provided in the MD recording / reproducing player (disc reproducing apparatus) 911 is used, the attribute information is read and the label is read without adding a new reading function. The label can be easily and beautifully affixed to an MD cartridge (disk cartridge) 901 or MD case 902 (MD cartridge or the like) for use.

In this case, the remote control communication is wired, and the MD recording / reproducing player (disc reproducing device) 911 is used.
Since the remote control connector (remote communication means) 913 has a remote control connector terminal for detachably connecting to the remote control 921, the remote control function can be achieved simply by connecting to the remote control connector terminal by the printer connection cable 128. The attribute information can be read out and printed on the label by using, and the label can be easily and beautifully created.

That is, this label printing device 121
For example, it is suitable for requesting attribute information from a portable disk reproducing device.

In the above case, the remote controller 921 is configured to be able to output an attribute information read request for requesting display information to be displayed on its own remote controller display unit 922. ) 9
13 can also output display information to the remote controller 921 as attribute information in response to the attribute information read request.

In the label printing device 121, the same attribute information read request as that of the remote controller 921 can be transmitted.
2 can print all the attribute information that can be displayed. That is,
Conventionally, a label produced by checking the display and writing the label by hand can be easily and beautifully created.

Further, the label printing device 121 is provided with the printer display unit 133 for notifying the internal processing status and the like, so that the user can be urged to perform certain operations and the like, and the printing result can be obtained even during printing. Since it is possible to grasp the situation (for example, printing is almost finished) without confirming the information, there is an advantage that the user can wait with confidence.

In FIGS. 10 to 17 described above, various pieces of music data (attribute information) are stored in the disk information storage unit 85 (corresponding to the disk information storage unit 936 of the present embodiment) as described above with reference to FIG. Although the description has been made on the assumption that the music is stored, that is, the music is stored serially from the music number 1, an arbitrary music number (for example, the music number next to the previously reproduced music used in the description of the remote controller 921) may be used. m can be stored side by side. Also, a delimiter code can be added so that the delimiter of each data can be easily determined.

For example, when the track number m is made to correspond to the track number 1 in FIG. 9, that is, when m = 1, the same code is given and the delimiter code 100 is added (shown), as shown in FIG. However, in this case, the configuration is the same as the configuration in FIG. 9 and the substantial processing is the same (the music number m is simply treated as the music number 1, and similarly, the music numbers m + 1, m + 2,...). .. May be handled as song numbers 2, 3,...). Therefore, a label can be easily created by the same processing as in FIGS.

In the above description, the start of the attribute information read subroutine (attribute information read request) is performed by the corresponding processing (steps 402 and 403 in FIG. 12, step 604 in FIG. 14, and step 604 in FIG. 15) in the first embodiment. Step 702, 70
8, 711, etc.) to the aforementioned step 401 of the initial setting,
The processing is performed collectively by moving to steps 501 and 601, but if performed collectively, the print format setting processing (step 203) before and further before the main label print dot pattern data creation processing (step 203) in FIG. Step 20
You may make it perform before 2). In this case, since there is only one corresponding process, the program efficiency and the like are improved.

The label printing apparatus 121 of the present embodiment
Is separated from the disk reproducing apparatus as a device, so that the M of the disk reproducing apparatus (for example, when operating alone or together with the remote controller 921 for reproduction).
Even if the D recording / reproducing player 911 is operating, it is not necessary to turn on the power when label printing is not performed.
Therefore, the above-described print start button 9 may be used also as a power button. Similarly, when the label printing is completed, the power supply does not need to be turned on, so that the power supply may be turned off when the printing is completed.

The print control program routine for label creation processing in the case where the above contents are included will be specifically described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. 22 just in case.

When the print start button 9 is operated, the power of the label printer 121 is turned on, and the following print control program routine is started to start (start) the processing (step 211).

Next, initial settings such as the print tape storage cassette detection process described above with reference to FIG. 10, the clearing of the RAM serving as the print information storage unit 138, and the setting of the address where the first data is stored are executed (step S110). 212).

Next, data reading processing is started, and M
The display information (attribute information) of the MD stored in the display information storage unit 936 of the D recording / playback player 911 is read and stored in the print information storage unit 138 (step 213).

That is, all of the attribute information necessary for label creation (see FIG. 9 or FIG. 21) is set as the requested attribute information, and the disk information storage unit 936 is transmitted via the remote control connection unit 913 in response to the attribute information read request. The attribute information is read out at a time and stored in the print information storage unit 138.

Next, the print format setting process (step 202) to the print control process (step 2) described above with reference to FIG.
06) is executed, and the main label 5 and the side label 6
Etc. are created.

When the label printing is completed, the print control program routine is completed and the power is turned off (step 214).

When the start processing is started, the display control processing is started in parallel with the print-related processing, and the printer display driver 84 is controlled in accordance with each print-related processing state (step 210).

[0209] In the above description, in the above-described initialization (step 401) and the like and in the disk reading process (step 213), the attribute information read request causes the M
Disk information storage unit 936 of D recording / playback player 911
, The attribute information is read at one time, but the configuration (arrangement order and format) of each data (each attribute information) in the disk information storage unit 936 does not conform to the configuration shown in FIG. 9 or FIG. It may be supposed that attribute information cannot be read at once because data is divided and stored, or the data format is different for each data.

Therefore, in such a case, each data (attribute information) is individually requested (attribute information read request), and FIG.
An example of a data reading process for storing data in the print information storage unit 138 while adjusting the configuration (arrangement order and format) of FIG. 21 will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

As shown in the figure, when the data reading process starts, the printer controller 140 generates the same signal as the signal generated when the disc name display button on the remote controller is operated, and
Is transmitted to the system controller 937 (attribute information read request) via the server (step 1001).

As a result, the system controller 937
The printer controller 140 stores the total number of songs stored in the disk information storage unit 936 and the character code of the disk name (for example, see FIG. 21: attribute information and display information).
To the printer controller 140
Stores the data (attribute information, display information) at a predetermined address in the print information storage unit 138 (step 100).
2).

Further, the delimiter code 100 is added after the total number of music pieces and after the disc name and stored again (step 1003).

Next, it is determined whether the storage of the total playing time of the disc and the recording date and time of the disc name is completed (step 1).
004).

If the total playing time of the disc and the recording date and time of the disc name have not been stored (No), first, the printer controller 140 outputs the same signal as the signal generated when the display switching button of the remote controller is operated. It is generated and transmitted (attribute information read request) to the system controller 937 (step 1005).

As a result, the system controller 937 sends the character codes (attribute information, display information) of the entire playing time of the disc stored in the disc information storage unit 936 to the printer controller 140. It is stored at the next address in the print information storage unit 138 (step 1006).

Further, the data delimiter code 100 is continuously stored (step 1007).

Next, the process returns to the determination as to whether the storage of the total playing time of the disc and the recording date and time of the disc name has been completed (step 1004).

If the storage of the total playing time of the disc and the recording date and time of the disc name has not been completed (No), the same operation is repeated and the recording date and time of the disc name and its delimiter code 100 are stored in the print information storage section 138. It is stored in the following address (steps 1005, 1006, 100
7).

When the storage of the total playing time of the disk and the recording date and time of the disk name is completed (Yes), it is determined whether or not the storage of various data of all music has been completed (step 100).
8).

If the storage is not completed (No),
The printer controller 140 generates the same signal as the signal generated when the music selection button of the remote controller is operated, and transmits the same signal to the system controller 937 via the remote controller connection unit 913 (attribute information read request) (step 1).
009).

As a result, the system controller 937
Is the track number m (for example, track number 1) of the song next to the song that was stored in the disc information storage unit 936 and was reproduced immediately before.
m = 1) and character code of song name m (attribute information, display information)
Is sent to the printer controller 140,
The printer controller 140 stores this data from the next address of the print information storage unit 138 (step 1010).

Further, the delimiter code 100 is added after the music number m and after the music name m and stored again (step 10).
11).

Next, it is determined whether or not the storage of the playing time m and the recording date and time m of the music number m is completed (step 1012).

If the performance time m and the recording date m are not stored (No), the printer controller 14
0 generates the same signal as the signal generated when the display switching button of the remote controller is operated,
37 (attribute information read request) (step 101).
3).

As a result, the system controller 937
Sends the character code (attribute information, display information) of the playing time m of the music number m stored in the disk information storage unit 936 to the printer controller 140, and stores this data in the print information storage unit 138. (Step 1014).

Further, the data delimiter code 100 is stored continuously (step 1015).

Next, the process returns to the determination as to whether the storage of the playing time m and the recording date and time m of the music number m has been completed (step 101).
2).

If the storage of the playing time m and the recording date and time m of the song number m is not completed (No), the same operation is repeated to repeat the recording date and time m of the song number m and the data delimiter code 100.
Is stored in the print information storage unit 138 (step 101).
3, 1014, 1015).

If the storage of the playing time m and the recording date and time m of the music number m is completed (Yes), the process returns to the determination whether the storage of various data of all the music is completed again (step 100).
8).

If the storing of various data of all the music has not been completed (No), the same operation is repeated (steps 1009 to 1015).

If the storing of various data of all the pieces of music has been completed (Yes), the data reading process ends. As a result, serial data shown in FIG. 21 is stored in the print information storage unit 138.

As described above, the printer controller 140 controls the system controller 937 in the MD recording / reproducing player (disc reproducing device) 911 in accordance with the operation procedure of the remote controller, so that the display data in the disc reproducing device can be read out. Can be.

[0234] Note that an example of the transmission and reception between the remote controller (for example, the remote controller 921 described above) and the MD recording / reproducing player 911 at the time of operating the remote controller will be described below.

For example, as shown in FIG. 24, when the user performs an operation for requesting arbitrary attribute information (hereinafter, this operation is assumed to be an operation of pressing a “request key”), the remote controller 9 is operated.
At 21, the request processing (Q10) as an interrupt processing is started and started, and first, a request signal RQ1 is generated and transmitted (Q101).

Upon receiving the request signal RQ1, the MD recording / reproducing player 911 starts and starts a response process to the request, and executes the response process (P10, P10).
101: In the following description and illustration, the start (for example, P10 and the like is omitted) for simplicity, and response data to the request RQ1 (in some cases, there is only a control signal to respond to, ) Transmit RP1 (P102).

When the response data RP1 is received (Q1
02), the remote controller 921 checks whether the data is the requested data,
That is, it is determined whether or not the response data is the desired response data to the request signal RQ1 (Q103). In this case, identification data (for example, one byte) is provided at the head of one transmission / reception unit (for example, a packet) of the response data, and the data is identified by the identification data to determine whether or not the data is requested data. .

When the response data RP1 is different from the requested one (Q103: No), a request is made again (Q103).
101). On the other hand, when requested (Q103: Ye
s) After ending the request processing (Q106), the processing shifts to the next processing such as storing or displaying the received data in a predetermined area. Of course, processing ends (Q106)
The processing (storage processing, display processing, etc.) may be included before.

However, in the above case, if there is response data transmitted continuously, for example, if the response data RP1 is the first response data RP1, the MD recording / reproducing player 911 sets the second response data RP2 and the third response data RP1. Data RP
..., K-th (k = 1, 2,...) Response data RPk
Is transmitted (P104 to P105).

For example, in the case of the above example, when the user presses the disc name display button (disc name request key), the total number of songs and the character code (attribute information, display information) of the disc name are obtained by the above processing. First response data R
It is transmitted as P1 and second response data RP2.

On the other hand, when the first response data RP1 is different from the requested one (Q1
03: No), the first response data RP1 is ignored and a request is made again (Q101), so that the second response data RP2 is also ignored. On the other hand, when requested (Q103: Ye
s), and then the second response data RP2 and the third response data R
P3,..., The request processing ends after receiving the k-th response data RPk (Q104 to Q106).

As described above, the remote controller 921 generates and transmits a request signal corresponding to the operated request key,
The D recording / reproducing player 911 is configured to be able to transmit (reply) response data according to the request signal. Therefore, the label printing apparatus 121 can be provided with the same request key as the remote controller 921 and perform the same processing. The same function as that of the remote controller 921 can be performed.

Further, for example, specifications different from the specifications of the MD recording / reproducing player 911 in the above-described example can be applied. Further, continuous attribute information requests can be made by combining request signals from a plurality of request keys of the remote controller. The above-described entire processing in FIG. 10, the entire processing in FIG. 22, and the processing in FIG. A specific example of continuously requesting attribute information for MD players having different specifications as remote control communicable MD players will be further described later in the fourth embodiment and the like.

[0244] Also, the system example in which data is transmitted from the disk reproducing apparatus to the label printing apparatus by character codes has been described. However, in the case of a system in which display data is transmitted by dot pattern data, the operation of the remote controller is similarly performed. The display data can be read according to the procedure.

The system controller 937 basically has the printer controller 13 as described above.
8 can perform processing unrelated to label printing independently of and in parallel with the label printing. However, during label printing, information on the printing state is exchanged with each other, and the printing state is displayed on the main body display unit 912 (message, etc.). ) Can be displayed. In this case, the user can easily grasp the situation.

Next, a third embodiment of the present invention will be described. FIG. 25 is a block diagram of a label printing apparatus according to a third embodiment of the present invention. In this embodiment, infrared (light) is used for data input / output between the MD recording / reproducing device and the label printing device.
You are using communications.

The stationary MD recording / reproducing apparatus 951 has an infrared transmitting / receiving section 952 as a remote control input / output terminal and a speaker 953, and the other configuration is the same as that of the portable MD recording / reproducing apparatus 911 described in the second embodiment. It has become.

The label printer 141 has the following configuration. A printer operation unit 142 includes a printer button 143 including a print start button and a print selection button.
And a remote control playback button 144 including a play button, a stop button, a music selection button, a display switching button, and a disc name display button. Reference numeral 145 denotes a remote control display unit composed of a liquid crystal panel, which is driven by a remote control display driver 146.

[0249] Reference numeral 147 denotes an infrared transmitting / receiving section, which inputs / outputs signals to / from the infrared transmitting / receiving section 952 of the MD recording / reproducing apparatus 951. Otherwise, the configuration is the same as that of the label printing apparatus 121 described in the second embodiment.

In other words, it has the function of the label printing device 121 described above with reference to FIG. 20 and the function of the remote controller 921 described above with reference to FIG. 31, and uses infrared (optical) communication as remote control communication means.

As a result, since the remote controller function is provided in addition to the function of the label printing apparatus 1 of the second embodiment, the label can be created and at the same time, the MD recording / reproducing apparatus 951 can be operated from a remote place. Can be reproduced.

With the above-described configuration, the conventional stationary MD playback device 951 can be used as a disc playback device to request attribute information, and a label to be attached to an MD cartridge and used can be created simply and beautifully. It has the effect of.

As described above, this label printing device 141
Can transmit and receive the information to and from the disc reproducing apparatus by optical communication, so that the attribute information can be read out and printed on the label using the function, and the label can be easily and beautifully created. Also, by providing the same function as the function of operating the disk playback device of the remote control, there is no need to separately own the remote control. That is, for example, it is suitable for requesting attribute information from a stationary disk playback device.

In the above description of the first to third embodiments, the label printing apparatus of the present invention uses a device capable of recording and reproducing data on an MD as a disk reproducing device for requesting attribute information. .

Also, for example, the MD recording / reproducing device 1, MD recording / reproducing player 911, MD recording / reproducing device 9 of the above-described example.
In the specification such as 51, there are a play button, a stop button, a music selection button, a display switching button, a disc name display button, and the like,
When the disc name display button (disc name request key) is pressed, the total number of songs and the disc name are read out, and when the display switching button is pressed, the song title display → playing (playback) time → recording date →
You can switch to the song title display and press the song selection button.
Although the song title (song number m and song title m) can be displayed in order from the song name of the song that was reproduced last time, specifications other than these specifications can be applied.

A fourth embodiment of the present invention will now be described, in which attribute information requests are continuously made to MD players having different specifications as remote control communicable MD players.

The MD player assumed in this embodiment differs from the MD recording / playback player 911 of the second embodiment in the functions operable by the remote controller and the type of (request) keys thereof, and has a more compact configuration. The main body operation unit corresponding to the main body operation unit (external operation means) 914 described above is of a type having only a part of keys on the remote control side (keys having the same functions). Since it is the same as the MD recording / reproducing player 911 of the second embodiment, the illustration of the block diagram and the description thereof are omitted.

In the following description, for the sake of explanation, it is assumed that communication is performed by wired remote control. However, by merely changing this to infrared transmission / reception, the MD recording / reproducing apparatus 951 of the third embodiment is assumed to be a base. You may.

By the way, the MD player here is a commercially available MD player.
It is similar to a D player, and the types of request keys include a reproduction key (PLAY key), a rewind (music rewind)
Key (REWIND key: hereinafter abbreviated as REW key),
Stop key (STOP key), pause key (PAUSE
Key, a playback mode key (PLAY-MODE key: hereinafter abbreviated as P-MOD key), and a display key (DIS
PLAY key: hereinafter abbreviated as DISP key). That is, the remote controller has these request keys so that each function can be operated.

Also, the MD mounted on the MD player
, Information of one song is stored in one track, and the track number matches the song number. Here, the PLAY key plays a role of activating a function as a fast-forward key by holding down the PLAY key for a predetermined time in addition to reproduction (sending a fast-forward signal as a request signal). The MD player starts playback processing in response to a playback request, and sends display information of the song number and title to the remote controller during playback. , A track number (song number) and a corresponding song name are sequentially output. In other words, the user can operate the remote control to play the next music by fast-forwarding without waiting for the reproduction as music information.

Depending on the state of the MD player at the time when the REW key is pressed, character data (attribute information: track number (song number) and character data of the song name) relating to the currently reproduced song, or characters relating to the preceding song, A request key for requesting data. When operated continuously, the MD player operates in the same manner as the PLAY key, but in the opposite direction (in the direction of decreasing the track number) to the track number (track number) and the corresponding track number (track number). The song titles are output sequentially. The STOP key is a request key for requesting a stop of reproduction, and the PAUSE key is a request key for requesting a pause.

[0262] The P-MOD key is used to request the sequential switching of the playback mode (playback mode) to a normal playback mode, a playback mode for all songs repetition, a playback mode for one song repetition, and a playback mode for random playback. Is the key. The DISP key is a request key for switching and selecting the display mode of the display unit of the remote controller. The DISP key is a song number display mode for displaying a song title (song number + song title), and a disc name (total number of songs + disc name). In the following, description will be made assuming this case.) The display is sequentially switched to a disc name display mode for displaying the time, a time display mode for displaying the time, and a reproduction time display mode for displaying the reproduction time (performance time). Can be

The MD player is configured to transmit (reply) response data in response to each request signal generated by operating each of the above request keys. If the key is provided and the processing is performed in the same manner, the same function as the remote control can be performed.

Also, continuous attribute information requests can be made by combining request signals from a plurality of request keys of the remote controller. That is, for example, a request key such as a “read key” is provided to request a disc name and an arbitrary number of songs from a desired arbitrary song number. In any case, any combination can be requested.

For example, in the case of the above example, as shown in FIG. 26, the user may change the read key (a new key or the name of the key may be simply changed to “read key” by changing an existing program). When pressed, the label printing device starts and starts the print data reading process (Q20) as an interrupt process, as in FIG. 24 described above, and first generates and transmits a DISP key signal as a request signal RQ21. Yes (Q
201).

When this request signal RQ21 is received, MD
The player switches the display mode as a response process to the request (P201), and transmits character data (attribute information, display information) corresponding to the display mode to the response data RP2.
It is transmitted as 1 (P202).

When the character data, which is the response data RP21, is received (Q202), the label printing device determines whether the data is the desired data, that is, the disc name display data (Q203).

For example, when the request signal RQ21 is transmitted (Q201), if the display mode of the MD player is the disc name display mode, the display mode is switched (P2
01), the time display mode is set, and the response data RP21 at this time becomes character data for time display. Further, when the request signal RQ21 is transmitted (Q
201), in the case of the time display mode, the response data RP
Reference numeral 21 denotes character data for displaying the reproduction time. Similarly, in the case of the playback time display mode, the response data RP
Reference numeral 21 denotes character data for displaying a song title (song number + song name).

In these cases, since the data is not the desired disk name display data (total number of songs + character data of the disk name) (Q203: No), a request is made again (Q20).
1). As described above, the determination in this case is also performed by identifying the identification data at the head of the response data RP21.

On the other hand, when the request signal RQ21 is transmitted (Q201), if the display mode of the MD player is the song title display mode, the display mode is switched (P201) to switch to the disc name display mode. The response data RP21 is character data (of the total number of songs + disc name) for disc name display. In this case, since it is the desired disk name display data (Q203: Ye
s) The received character data is stored in a predetermined area as character data of the disk name (total number of songs + disk name) (Q
204), and proceeds to the next process (Q205).

When the storage of the disk name (total number of songs + disk name) is completed (Q204, Q205), the label printing apparatus next generates a DISP key signal as a request signal RQ26 as shown in FIG. Send (Q20
6), the same transmission / reception and determination as described above are performed in FIG. 26 (Q206, P206, P207, Q207, Q20).
8) When the desired song title display data is received (Q20
8: Yes) Then, a predetermined music number (track number) is set (Q209), and a predetermined number of music is set (Q21).
0).

In this case, the predetermined track number may be a track number that can be automatically detected and set, such as track number 1, the track number of the previously played track, the next track number, or the like, or by key operation or the like. Some setting means may be provided so that the user can arbitrarily set. In addition, the predetermined number of songs may be a value that can be automatically set, such as the total number of songs obtained together with the disc name in FIG. 26, or may be set arbitrarily by the user. In the following, song number 1
To all songs (for example, 20 songs), that is, a predetermined song number I =
1. A description will be given by taking the example of a predetermined number of songs J = 20.

A predetermined music number I = 1 and a predetermined music number J = 20
Is set as the first music number i = 1 (= I) and the remaining music number j = 20 (Q209, Q210), the label printing apparatus shifts to the next processing (Q211), as shown in FIG. Next, a PLAY key continuous (ie, fast forward) signal is generated as a request signal RQ2C and transmitted (Q21).
2).

When this request signal RQ2C is received, MD
In response to the request, the player increments the reproduction track number (that is, the music number) by one (+1).
(P212), the character data (attribute information, display information) of the track number (song number) is stored in the first response data RP2C.
1 is transmitted (P213), and the character data of the song name stored in the track is transmitted to the second response data RP2C.
2 (P215).

When the first character data (song number) is received as the first response data RP2C1 (Q213), the label printer determines whether or not the desired song number i (i = 1 at the beginning) (Q214). If it is not the desired track number i (Q21
4: No), re-request (Q212), and when the desired music number is i (Q214: Yes), the second response data R
The second character data (song name) is received as P2C2 (Q
215) Then, the data is stored in a predetermined area as data of a song name (song number + song name) (Q216).

When the storage of the character data of the first music name (of music number 1 and the music name corresponding thereto) is completed (Q216),
Next, it is determined whether or not the storage of the predetermined number of songs has been completed (Q
217). That is, it is determined whether or not the number of remaining songs j ≦ 1. Here, the first (tune number i = 1)
(J = 20) (Q217: No). Then, the music number i is incremented (+1) to obtain the desired music number i = 2 (= 1 + 1). The number j is decremented (-1) and the remaining number of songs j = 1
9 (= 20-1) (Q218).

Subsequently, the desired music number i = 2 and the remaining music number j
= 19, the same processing as described above (Q212, P21
2, P213, Q213, Q214, P215, Q21
5, Q216), and when the storage of the character data of the next song name (of song number 2 and the corresponding song name) is completed, (Q
216) Then, it is determined whether or not the storage of the predetermined number of songs has been completed (whether or not the number of remaining songs j ≦ 1), and similarly, the song number i is incremented (+1) to a desired value. Song number i = 3 (=
2 + 1), and the number of songs j is decremented (-1) to make the remaining number of songs j = 18 (= 19-1) (Q21
8).

Hereinafter, similarly, the desired music number i = 3, 4,...
.. (Remaining song number j = 18, 17,...), And character data of the desired song number i = 20 (remaining song number j = 1) (of the song number 20 and the corresponding song name) Is completed (Q216), it is determined whether the storage of a predetermined number of songs has been completed (whether the number of remaining songs j ≦ 1). In this case, the number of remaining songs j = 1, so (Q217: Y
es), the entire process ends (Q219).

At this point, the character data (attribute information, display information) of the target disk name (total number of songs + disc name) and the song names (song number + song name) of all songs (20 songs) from song number 1 And the storage of the character data in the predetermined area is completed.

In the processing for obtaining the desired music number (data), the track number may be changed, and as shown in FIG.
The same can be achieved by using a key continuous (ie, rewind) signal. In this case, the setting of the next song number “i ← i +
By changing “1” (Q218) to “i ← i−1”, the data of the song title (song number + song title) can be stored in the reverse order (descending order with respect to the ascending order described above).

As shown in FIG. 29, the processing corresponding to FIG. 26 is a disk name request / storage processing (S201), the processing corresponding to FIG. 27 is a music title request preparation processing (S202),
The process corresponding to FIG. 28 is a song name request / storage process (S20
By performing the subroutines (modules) as 3) and sequentially activating them, the same process can be performed as the print data reading process (S20). Further, here, the interrupt process is started by pressing the read key (read key interrupt). However, the entire process (S20) may be further sub-routineed so as to be started from a higher-level process routine. .

As described above, the MD player (disc reproducing apparatus) of the fourth embodiment receives the request signal generated by the key operation from the remote controller, and outputs the request signal out of the character data displayed on the display unit of the remote controller. Since character data responding to the signal is configured to be transmitted to the remote controller, a request for generating the same request signal as the remote controller is required (request).
If a key is used and processed in the same way, the label printer can
The same character data as the remote control can be obtained.

On the other hand, in the label printing apparatus of the above-described fourth embodiment, a plurality of request signals are generated (based on a single operation of the external operation means) only by pressing the read (request) key, and the request signals are generated. Combined continuous request signals,
Since the data is transmitted to the MD player (disc reproducing device), a plurality of character data responding to the plurality of continuous request signals can be obtained by a single operation.

For example, in the example described above with reference to FIGS. 26 to 29, the character data of the song name (song number + song name) of all songs (20 songs) is obtained from the disc name (total number of songs + disc name) and song number 1 ( In order to obtain such character data (display data) by key operation of the remote controller, at least 22 times (Q201 × 1 and Q206 × 1)
(Q212 × 20 times) key operation is required, but as described above, the label printing apparatus of the fourth embodiment of the present invention can be obtained by a single operation of the read key.

As a result, part or all of the obtained character data can be printed on a label as it is or as it is, so that the MD (disk) cartridge 901 or M
A label to be used by sticking it to the D (disk) case 902 (see FIG. 18) can be easily created.

In this case, it is preferable that the plurality of continuous request signals include a request signal for requesting all character data to be printed on the label.

For example, in the example described above with reference to FIGS. 26 to 29, the character data of the song name (song number + song name) of all songs (20 songs) is obtained from the disc name (total number of songs + disc name) and song number 1. Thus, for example, all the character data to be printed on the main label described above with reference to FIG. 4 and the side label described above with reference to FIG. 7 are obtained by a single operation of the read key.

That is, a plurality of continuous request signals generated by a single operation of the read key include a request signal for requesting all character data to be printed on the labels shown in FIGS. 4 and 7, for example. By performing a single operation, all character data required for printing can be obtained.
For example, the labels of FIGS. 4 and 7 can be created more easily.

The print start button 9 in the above-described first to third embodiments is an external operation means for activating the above-described processing in FIG. 10 and issuing a plurality of continuous attribute information reading requests. The read (request) key is equivalent to the read (request) key.

In the above first to fourth embodiments, the example of the disk system using the MD as the target of the disk reproducing apparatus has been described. However, the present invention is not limited to the MD system, and the main information recorded on the recordable / reproducible disk can be used. The present invention can also be applied to other disk systems as long as it reads attribute information (management information and text information, etc.) corresponding thereto.

As described above, according to the label printing apparatus of the present invention, the label printing apparatus is attached to a disk cartridge or a disk case using attribute information relating to main information in a disk mounted on a disk reproducing apparatus capable of remote control communication. This makes it easy to create labels to be used.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is an external view of a stationary MD recording / reproducing apparatus according to an embodiment incorporating a label printing apparatus of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a tape printing mechanism constituting the label printing apparatus of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a detailed view of a printing tape on which two types of partially blanked labels are formed.

FIG. 4 shows a print result of a main label when “disk name and song name” is selected by a print selection button.

FIG. 5 shows a print result of a main label when “Remaining song name” is selected by a print selection button.

FIG. 6 shows a print result of a main label when “performance time and recording date and time” are selected by a print selection button.

FIG. 7 is a printing result of a side label.

FIG. 8 is a block diagram of a stationary MD recording / reproducing apparatus incorporating the label printing apparatus of the present invention shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 9 is a configuration diagram of various pieces of music data serially stored in a disk information storage unit.

FIG. 10 is a flowchart of a print control program for a tape printing mechanism performed by the label printing apparatus of the present invention.

FIG. 11 is a flowchart of a print format setting process.

FIG. 12 is a flowchart of main label print dot pattern data creation processing-1.

FIG. 13 is a flowchart of a main label print dot pattern data creation process-2.

FIG. 14 is a flowchart of main label print dot pattern data creation processing-3.

FIG. 15 is a flowchart of side label print dot pattern data creation processing.

FIG. 16 is another printing example of a side label.

17 is a flowchart of side label print dot pattern data creation processing for obtaining the print example of FIG. 16;

FIG. 18 is an external view of a mini disc (MD).

FIG. 19 is an external view of a system of a label printing apparatus connected to a conventional portable MD recording / reproducing player according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 20 is a block diagram of the system of FIG. 19;

FIG. 21 is a configuration diagram similar to FIG. 9 showing another example.

FIG. 22 is a flowchart similar to FIG. 10 showing another example.

FIG. 23 is a flowchart showing another example of the data reading process of FIG. 22.

FIG. 24 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a transmission / reception mode between the label printing device or the remote controller and the MD recording / reproducing player when the remote controller is operated.

FIG. 25 is a block diagram of a label printing apparatus according to a third embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 26 shows a mode of transmission / reception to / from an MD recording / reproducing player when a continuous printing of attribute information is requested by combining request signals from a plurality of request keys of a remote controller by the label printing apparatus according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention It is explanatory drawing which shows an example of.

FIG. 27 is an explanatory view following FIG. 26;

FIG. 28 is an explanatory view following FIG. 27;

29 shows a subroutine of a disc name request / storage process corresponding to FIG. 26, a song title request preparation process corresponding to FIG. 27, and a song title request / storage process corresponding to FIG. It is a flowchart of a process.

FIG. 30 is an external view of a conventional portable MD recording / reproducing player system.

FIG. 31 is a block diagram of the system of FIG. 30.

[Explanation of symbols]

5 Main label 6, 7, 8 ... Side label 9 Print start button 90 Printer operation unit 91 Printer unit 94 Print buffer 121 Label printing device 129 Printer connection cable 133 Printer display unit 138 Print information storage unit 140 Printer controller 901 MD cartridge 902 MD case 905 Case label 911 MD recording / playback player 913 Remote control connection section 921 Remote control 922 Remote control display section 923 Remote control operation section RP1-k, RP21, RP26, RP2C1-2 ...
… Response data RQ1, RQ21, RQ26, RQ2C …… Request signal

Continued on the front page (72) Inventor Masao Akaiwa 3-3-5 Yamato, Suwa City, Nagano Prefecture Inside Seiko Epson Corporation (72) Inventor Shigeichi Yanagisawa 3-5-3 Yamato, Suwa City, Nagano Prefecture Seiko Epson Corporation Inside

Claims (2)

[Claims] 1. A remote control communication, in place of the remote control, between a disk reproducing apparatus that receives a request signal generated by a key operation of the remote control and transmits character data to be displayed on a display unit of the remote control as response data. A label printing device, comprising: storage means for storing character data; and a label for printing on a label attached to a disk cartridge containing a disk playable by the disk playback device or a disk case containing the disk cartridge. Printing means, external operation means operable from outside, generating a plurality of request signals based on a single operation of the external operation means, and combining the plurality of continuous request signals with the disc reproducing apparatus, Character data transmitted in response to the plurality of transmitted request signals. Received and stored in the storage means, the label printing apparatus, wherein some or all of the stored character data is directly or edited by that and a control means for printing on said printing means. 2. The label printing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the plurality of continuous request signals include a request signal requesting all character data to be printed on the label.