JPS63189279A - Printer - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE:To improve the operability of document entry or edit processing by providing a means to control the display of the number of figures through proper selection of data from the first means to count the number of figures or the second means to count the number of figures, depending upon an actuation mode of a printing means. CONSTITUTION:Data of the number of figures from the first means to count the number of figures 2 or from the second means to count the number of figures 3 is properly selected by a means to control the display of the number of figures 1 in response to the operating mode of a printing means 5, and said data is shown on a display means 4. For instance, a cursor scroll key, space key and back space key or a key concerned with only carriage or cursor action is pressed, data of the number of figures from the first means to count the number of figures is displayed. When characters and symbols are entered, or a right margin flash mode, decimal tab mode or centering mode is selected, data of the number of figures from the second means to count the number of figures is displayed. As a present printing position or entry position is properly selected and displayed, entry or edit processing or margin setting operation is performed promptly, and operability is also improved.

Description

[Detailed Description of the Invention] (Industrial Application Field) The present invention relates to a printing device, and in particular, displays the current printing position or input position by appropriately switching the number of digits from the left margin and the number of digits from the right margin. The present invention relates to a printing device configured as described above.

(Prior art) In general, printing devices equipped with a display device, such as electronic typewriters, display characters and symbols entered manually from a keyboard on a display one after another, and print them on printing paper within a set margin. It has become.

At the same time, the number of digits from the left end or left margin to the current printing position (the number of digits already input) can be displayed on the display (for example, Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 53
39834, JP-A No. 55-138142), and devices in which the number of inputtable digits (number of digits without manual input) from the current printing position to the light margin can be displayed on the display are already known.

(Problem to be Solved by the Invention) The conventional printing device that is capable of displaying the number of digits that have already been input on the display does not operate in a centering mode (a mode in which the input character string is printed by placing it in the center of the print line) or in a light printing mode. In the case of margin flush mode (a mode in which manual text strings are printed aligned to the right), it is not clear how many characters can be input while entering a text string, making manual work and editing work smoother. There are problems such as not being able to do so.

On the other hand, with conventional printing devices that can display the number of uninput digits on the display, when changing the left and right margin positions, the absolute value from the left end cannot be determined, so margin setting work cannot be done quickly. There are problems such as:

(Object of the Invention) An object of the present invention is to provide a printing device that can appropriately switch and display the number of input digits or the number of uninput digits according to the operation mode of the printing device, thereby improving the operability of document input processing and editing processing. The goal is to provide the following.

(Means for Solving the Problems) As shown in the functional block diagram of FIG. In a printing device equipped with a margin setting means for setting a right margin and a printing means for printing input characters/symbols on a print medium within the range of the set margin, the current printing position or input position is set as the left margin. A first digit number counting means for counting the number of digits from the current printing position or input position to the light margin, and a second digit number counting means for counting the number of digits from the current printing position or input position to the light margin, and depending on the operation mode of the printing means. , a digit number display control means for appropriately switching the data from the first digit number counting means or the data from the second digit number counting means and displaying the data on the display means.

(Function) In the printing device according to the present invention, the first digit number counting means counts the current printing position or input position by the number of digits from the left margin position set by the margin setting means, and the second digit number counting means counts the current printing position or input position by the number of digits from the left margin position set by the margin setting means. The counting means counts the number of digits from the current print position or input position to the write margin position set by the margin setting means.

Then, the digit number data from the first digit number counting means or the digit number data from the second digit number counting means are appropriately switched and displayed on the display means by the digit number display control means according to the operation mode of the printing means. .

For example, when a cursor movement key, space key, backspace key is pressed, or a key related only to carriage or cursor movement is pressed, the number of digits is displayed from the first number of digits counting means, and characters/symbols are displayed. , when in the light margin flash mode, decimal tab mode, or centering mode, the digit number data from the second digit number counting means shall be displayed.

(Effects of the Invention) According to the printing device according to the present invention, as explained above,
The current printing position or manual position is displayed by changing the number of digits from the left margin position and the number of digits from the right margin position as appropriate depending on the operation mode of the printing means, so that input processing, editing processing, or margin Setting work etc. can be performed quickly and operability is improved. For example, if you display the number of digits from the left margin position to the current print position when you press the space key or a key related only to carriage movement, you can display the number of digits from the left margin position to the current print position. It is easy to get a guideline.

Also, when inputting characters or in the light margin flash mode, by displaying the number of digits from the current print position to the light margin position, you can see how many characters remain to be input, making the input work smoother.

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

In this embodiment, the present invention is applied to an electronic typewriter.

As shown in FIG. 2, the main body frame 2 of the typewriter 1
A keyboard 3 is arranged in the front part. A printing mechanism PM is disposed within the main body frame 2 behind the keyboard 3. Further, at the rear of the keyboard 3, a liquid crystal display 75 with 40 digits and two lines is provided for displaying input characters, symbols, etc.

The keyboard 3 includes character keys 10 including alphabet keys, numeric keys, and symbol keys, a space key 11, a backspace key 12, a return key 13, and a tab key 14.
, a cursor movement key 15, a left margin key 16, a right margin key 17, and various function keys are provided in the same way as a normal typewriter. Furthermore, the keyboard 3 includes a right margin flash key 18 for setting a right margin flash mode (hereinafter referred to as RMF mode) in which input character strings are printed aligned to the right; A centering key 19 and the like for setting a centering mode for printing are provided.

The printing mechanism PM includes at least a platen 20 that feeds printing paper, a motor that drives the platen, and a drive circuit thereof.
A carriage 22 supported by a guide 21 parallel to the platen 20, a motor that drives it back and forth in the left and right direction, and its drive circuit, a type wheel 24 housed in a wheel cassette 23, a motor that drives it, its drive circuit, and a ribbon. The printing ribbon 26 stored in the cassette 25, the motor that winds it, its drive circuit, and the type 27 on the type wheel 24.
The printing hammer that hits the print hammer and the solenoid 28 that drives it.
and its driving circuit, printing ribbon 26 or correction ribbon 29
The printer is equipped with a ribbon switching mechanism for selectively placing the ribbon at the printing position, and is similar to the printing mechanism of a normal electronic typewriter.

Next, the overall configuration of the control system of the electronic typewriter will be explained based on the block diagram of FIG.

The typewriter 1 basically has a keyboard 3 and a printing mechanism P.
The keyboard 3, printing mechanism PM, and display mechanism are connected to a main CPU (central processing unit) 39 of the control device C via a data bus or the like.

The control device C includes a main CPU 39 and its main CPU 3.
9 through a data bus etc.
RAM (Random Access Memory) 40 and RAM (Random Access Memory) 50.

The program memory 41 of the ROM 40 includes the keyboard 3.
A control program for controlling the printing mechanism PM and display mechanism in correspondence with code data input from each character key 10 and various function keys, a control program for controlling the number of digits to be described later, and the like are stored.

The RAM 50 includes a current position memory 51 that sequentially updates and stores the current position of the carriage 22 (print head) from the absolute origin in correspondence with the print position when in typewriter mode, and data such as printed characters. A print data memory that stores approximately 500 characters in sequence in correspondence with the print position, and stores data such as characters input from the keyboard 3 or read from the text memory and displayed on the display 75 when in memory mode. input buffer 52
and a text memory that stores input data as file data, and a cursor display position counter 53 that associates the cursor display position with each display position of the display 75 and counts according to the movement of the cursor, and corresponds to data of the cursor display position counter 53. a cursor position pointer 54 that points to the address of the input buffer 52;
In addition to various memories that temporarily store the results of arithmetic processing performed by the PU 39, there is a left margin position memory 55 that stores the set left margin position, and a right margin position memory 5 that stores the set right margin position.
6, an input maximum number of digits memory 57 that stores the maximum number of digits that can be input according to the current printing pitch within the range from the left margin position to the right margin position, and when the RMF mode or centering mode is set. An input character number counter 58 that counts the number of characters in input data, an RMF mode flag 59 that is set when the RMF mode is set, and data in the current position memory 51 to calculate the number of characters from the current position of the print head from the left margin position. Already input digit counter 60 that stores the number of digits, and the number of digits from the current position of the print head to the light margin position (remaining numerology)
A non-input digit counter 61 for storing the number of digits is provided.

When in typewriter mode, the main CPU 39 causes the printing mechanism PM to print characters/symbols corresponding to data input from each character key 10 based on the control program,
The print data is made to correspond to the print position and is sequentially stored in the print data memory. When in line-by-line mode (printing mode for each printing line) or RMF mode, the main CPU 39 stores input data for one printing line in the input buffer 52 and displays it on the display 75, and when the return key 13 is operated. Accordingly, the characters and symbols for that one line are printed and at the same time, the data is stored in the print data memory.

Furthermore, when in the memory mode, the main CPU 39 stores input data for one print line in the input buffer 52 and displays it on the display 75, and stores the data for one line in the text memory in response to the operation of the return key 13. Make me remember.

The display mechanism includes an interface 70 and a display CPU 7.
1, a character generator 72, a display controller 73, and a liquid crystal display 75, which are connected as shown.

Approximately 400 types of dot matrix display data are stored in the character generator 72 in correspondence with code data in order to display characters and symbols on the display 75. In addition, the display CPU 71 has an interface 70.
Based on the command data and character data output from the main CPU 39 via the character generator 72, display data corresponding to these is read out from the character generator 72, and the display data is output to the display controller 73.

The display controller 73 writes display data into the display RAM 74 and at the same time outputs a display signal corresponding to the display data to the display 75. Furthermore, the display CPU 71 is connected to the main CPU via the interface 70.
In response to cursor movement data from the PU 39, cursor movement control is also performed to instruct the display controller 73 about the address to which the cursor should be moved.

Next, the control of displaying the number of digits performed by the control device C of the electronic typewriter will be explained based on the flowchart shown in FIG. However, this control will be explained for typewriter mode.

In addition, in this control, when the cursor movement key 15, space key 11, backspace key 12, etc. are operated, the number of digits that have been input is displayed, and in normal print mode
When you operate character key 10, tab key 14, relocate key 31, etc. in F mode or centering mode, the number of uninput digits is displayed, so character key 10 and space key 11 in normal print mode and RMF mode The display of the number of input digits or the number of uninput digits will be explained as a representative example when operating .

When the typewriter 1 is powered on, this control is started, and the process moves to step 31 (hereinafter simply referred to as Sl, and other steps are handled in the same way), where the control program stored in the program memory 41 of the ROM 40 is executed. The CPU 39 reads out the left/right margin position memories 55 and 56.
Initial settings such as setting a setting value and resetting the RMF mode flag 59 are performed, and the process moves to S2 to wait for key input. When key power is applied, it moves to 33 and RMF
Based on the data of the mode flag 59, it is determined whether or not it is the RMF mode, and when the answer is No, that is, when it is the normal print mode, the process moves to S4. In S4, it is determined whether or not the character key 10 was operated. If YES, the process moves to S5, and the character/symbol corresponding to the input key is printed on the printing paper by the printing mechanism PM. In the next 36, L
The symbol "←" indicating the number of uninput digits (remaining arithmetic) is displayed in the 36th digit of the second line of the CD75, and the symbol "→" indicating the number of already input digits is displayed in the 40th digit. 4th if
The display of the 0 digit is erased, and then the number of uninput digits is displayed in the 37th to 39th digits of the LCD 75 based on the data of the uninput digit number counter 61, and the process returns to S2. For example, in Figure 5 (
As shown in a), the number of digits from the light margin position to the current position of the carriage 22 is 135, so the LCD 75
The number of uninput digits r135° is displayed in the 37th to 39th digits.

In this way, in the case of a normal printing operation, when the character key 10 is operated, it is known how many characters can be inputted again, so that the inputting operation can be performed smoothly.

Next, for example, when changing the setting of the write margin position, it is necessary to move the carriage 22 to the margin setting position. When the space key 11 is pressed to move the carriage 22 to a desired position, the process moves to S7 via S2 to S4. If it is determined Yes in S7, the process moves to 38, the carriage 22 is moved by one position in the printing direction, and S
Move to 9. In S9, the symbol "→" is displayed in the 40th digit of the second line of the LCD 75, and if the symbol "←" is displayed in the 36th digit, the display in the 36th digit is erased, and the 37th to 37th digits of the LCD 75 are displayed. The number of digits that have already been input is displayed in the 39th digit based on the data of the digit counter 60, and the process returns to S2. For example, as shown in FIG. 5(b), the number of digits from the left margin position to the carriage 22 position is 51, so the LCD
The number of already input digits "51" is displayed in the 37th to 39th digits of 75. Then, after moving the carriage 2'2 to the desired position, press the right margin key 17, and S2 to S4 will be displayed.
- The process moves to S26 via S7 and SlO, and the write margin position is stored in the write margin position memory 56.

In this way, when you move the carriage 22 when you want to change the margin position, the number of digits already input (absolute value) from the left margin position is displayed.
Work such as margin setting work can be done quickly.

Next, if you want to shift to RMF mode, press the light margin flash key 18 and the 32 to S4/S7
After that, the process moves to S10. If the SIO determines Yes, the process moves to 311 and the RMF mode flag 59 is set. In the next step 312, the carriage 22 is moved to the light margin. In the next step 313, the input character number counter 58 is cleared and the process returns to S2.

Further, when the character key 10 or the space key 11 is pressed when setting the RMF mode, the control moves to 314 via 32 to S3. At 314, it is determined whether the input key is the character key 10 or the space key 11. In this case, since the input key is the character key 10 or the space key 11, the process moves to S15. In S15, the input data is stored in the manual buffer 52 and displayed on the LCD 75. Next 3
At step 16, the carriage is moved in the opposite printing direction by one character.

Then, in S17, 1 is added to the input character number counter 58. In the next step 318, the remaining number of digits (number of uninput digits) obtained by subtracting the number of input characters from the maximum number of input digits is calculated based on the data in the maximum input digit number memory 57 and the input character number counter 58. In the next 319, the third line on the second line of the LCD 75
If the symbol "←" is displayed in the 6th digit and the symbol "→" is displayed in the 40th digit, the display of the 40th digit is erased and the LCD 7
The number of uninput digits is displayed in the 37th to 39th digits of 5, and
Return to (See FIG. 5(a)) When the input of the document is completed and the return key 13 is pressed, the control goes to steps S2 to S3.
-Proceed to S20 via S14. In S20, it is determined whether the input key is the return key 13 or not. In this case, the input key is the return key 13, so the process moves to S21. In S21, the data in the large output buffer 52 is printed in the printing direction from that position, and the input buffer 52 is cleared. In the next step 322, return processing such as moving the carriage 22 to the left margin position of the next line is performed.In the zero-order step 323, the RMF mode flag 59 is reset and the input digit number counter 58 is reset. next 324
, the symbol "←" is placed in the 36th column of the second line of the LCD 75.
is displayed, and if the symbol "→" is displayed in the 40th digit, the display in the 40th digit is erased, and the 37th to 39th digits on the LCD 75 are input based on the data in the input maximum digit memory 57. The maximum number of digits is displayed and the process returns to S2 (see Figure 5 (a)). Note that the input keys are letter key 10, space key 11,
If the key is anything other than return key 13, key manual input is invalid.
After the alarm processing in S25, the process returns to S2.

In this way, even when the carriage 22 moves rapidly, such as in the RMF mode, the user can see how many characters remain to be input when inputting a sentence, so the input work can be done smoothly.

As explained above, according to this embodiment, the printing mechanism PM
The number of digits from the left margin position to the print head position and the number of digits from the print head position to the right margin position are appropriately switched and displayed on the LCD 75 according to the operation mode of the input process, editing process, or margin. Setting work etc. can be performed quickly and operability is improved.

In the above embodiment, the digit number display switching was explained in the typewriter mode, but it goes without saying that the present invention can be similarly applied to the line-by-line mode and memory mode in which the carriage does not move and only the cursor moves. .

Further, in the above embodiment, an LCD was provided as a display means for displaying input data, but a display device for displaying only the number of digits may be provided.

[Brief explanation of the drawing]

Figure 1 is a functional block diagram showing the configuration of the present invention, Figures 2-
Fig. 5 shows an embodiment of the present invention, Fig. 2 is a perspective view of a typewriter, Fig. 3 is a block diagram of the control system of the typewriter, Fig. 4 is a flowchart of a routine for controlling the number of digits, FIG. 5 is a diagram showing how the number of digits is displayed. 3.Keyboard, 10.Character keys, 16.
・Left margin key, 17...Right margin key, 55...Left margin position memory, 56...
Right margin position memory, 58...Input character number counter, 60...Already input digit number counter, 61...Uninput digit number counter, 39...Main CPU, 40
...ROM, 50...RAM, C...control device, D...display mechanism, PM...printing mechanism. Figure 1 Figure 5

Claims (1)

[Claims] (1) An input means for inputting character/symbol data, etc., a margin setting means for setting the left margin and right margin for printing, and a means for setting the input characters/symbols within the set margins on the printing medium. a first digit counting means for counting the current printing position or input position by the number of digits from the left margin; a second digit number counting means for counting the number of digits; and data from the first digit number counting means or data from the second digit number counting means are appropriately switched and displayed on the display means according to the operation mode of the printing means. A printing device characterized by comprising: digit number display control means for controlling the number of digits.