KR19990077888A - A processing unit of a character information - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention relates to a character information processing apparatus, and more particularly, to a character information processing apparatus for printing or displaying and outputting an input character string. (1) an M-digit full-digit input adopting means which adopts an M-digit full-digit input composed of consecutive M number pairs outputting M (M is an integer of 2 or more) in the same size as another character; (2) In the case that the character string to be printed or displayed includes M full-digit numbers, an output means for printing or displaying the M numbers constituting the M full-digit numbers in the size of one character of other characters is provided. It is characterized by. The character information processing apparatus of the present invention increases the variety of number printing, and enables the output to be obtained without any discomfort even for plural digits such as a month date or a street address.

Description

A processing unit of a character information}

The present invention relates to a character information processing apparatus, and is, for example, a character information processing apparatus applicable to a tape printing apparatus, a painting production apparatus, and the like.

In the conventional tape printing apparatus, a character input key or the like is disposed on an operation panel, and a desired character string is operated by operating these character input keys (herein, the term “character” includes a symbol or a figure). It can be input. In addition, the tape printing apparatus is formed to drive the tape from the tape discharge port by driving the tape feeding mechanism, and a printing mechanism and a tape cut made of a thermal head in the passage of the tape. The instruments are arranged in sequence.

When the print key is operated, the control means of the tape printing apparatus controls the tape delivery mechanism to send out the tape at a predetermined speed, and at the same time, controls the printing mechanism to print the character string previously inputted on the sent tape. Also, the control means of the tape printing apparatus continuously controls the tape feeding mechanism even when the printing of character strings is finished, and feeds the tape until the printed tape portion comes out of the apparatus (co-feeding), and then stops the tape running. Let's do it.

For example, a user original label obtained by printing a desired character string by operating the tape cut mechanism after the user stops running the tape can be obtained.

By the way, since the printed matter of the tape printing apparatus is a label, and a user often requires to mix and print a variety of character size characters above a printed matter by another character information processing apparatus, prepare various character sizes in a tape printing apparatus. In addition, it is also possible to easily change the character size partially. In such various character sizes, not only the character size of the same number of dots in width and width, but also the character size narrowed in the horizontal direction exist. As described above, since there are many kinds of character sizes of full-width characters and the exchange thereof can be facilitated, the conventional tape printing apparatus does not provide half-width characters, and the user wants to obtain a character print of the size of half-width characters. When asked, users are required to fit smaller full-size characters.

Labels, which are printed matters of tape printing machines, are often used for the purpose of attaching to the cover of a file or cassette tape for AV equipment, and in such a case, if a date exists in the character string printed on the label. There are many. In addition, files and cassette tapes are often placed vertically, so that labels written vertically are often attached.

As described above, when vertical writing is performed when a date such as "October 23" exists as a character string, "1", "0", "month", "2", "3", and "day" as shown in FIG. Each character of 」is obtained by printing a label (single printed) that is standing vertically and vertically alone, and becomes a character string with a great sense of discomfort in reading. On the contrary, as described above, even when the numeric characters in the date are smaller than the character size of other characters or the lowercase letter size is selected, "1", "0," "month", "2", " Each letter of "3" and "work" is made to stand vertically in the longitudinal direction, respectively, and it does not change, and it becomes a character with a feeling of incongruity considerably.

In the case of vertical writing as well as horizontal writing, when a plurality of numbers are arranged in parallel, the user feels discomfort. For example, the address "123" in the character string of the address becomes wider between numbers when printed.

By the way, the painting production apparatus which produces the painting which has unevenness | corrugation according to an input string is also proposed, and the input function of a painting creation apparatus, the selection function of a character size, etc. are almost the same as a tape printing apparatus. The purpose of the painting created by the painting production device is an address, and the address "123" in the capital letter row of the seal is widened, and as described above, the user may feel discomfort in the number of major capital letters. The same occurs for the painting production apparatus.

In order to solve this problem, the applicant of the present application has already proposed a character information processing apparatus which has increased the diversity of the output state of the character portion (see International Publication WO96 / 16812). In the method described in this publication, when inputting half-width digits outputted in two different numbers with one size, it is necessary to perform an independent symbol selection operation for each half-width digit, which makes operation and processing complicated.

According to the present invention, it is possible to increase the diversity of the output state of the numeric part, and to obtain a printing label without discomfort even for a multi-digit number such as a month day or a street address, and furthermore, a character information processing apparatus having better operability and print quality for this purpose. Is to provide.

In order to solve this problem, the present invention provides a character information processing apparatus that prints or displays and outputs an input character string. (1) M (M is an integer of 2 or more) and outputs the same size as another character. M-digit full-digit input adopting means which adopts M-digit full-digit input of M number pairs, and (2) the M-digit full-digit when the character string to be printed or displayed contains M-digit full-digit. And output means for printing or displaying and outputting M numbers constituting full-width numbers in the size of one character of another character.

Fig. 1 shows a flowchart showing the input adoption process of the two-digit full-width digits and the three-digit full-width digits in the embodiment;

2 is a block diagram showing the overall configuration of an embodiment;

Fig. 3 is an explanatory diagram of input adoption processing of two digits and three digits in the embodiment;

Fig. 4 is a flowchart showing the development process in printing the two-digit full-width numerals and the three-digit full-width numerals in the embodiment;

5 is an explanatory diagram showing the font information for development of the two-digit full-width digits in the embodiment;

Fig. 6 is an explanatory diagram showing the font information for development of the three-digit full-width digits in the embodiment;

Fig. 7 is an explanatory view of the development process in printing the two-digit full-width numerals and the three-digit full-width numerals of the embodiment;

8 is an explanatory diagram of an example of a printing result in the embodiment;

Fig. 9 is an explanatory diagram showing font information for development when displaying two-digit full-width digits and three-digit full-width digits in another embodiment;

10 is an explanatory diagram of a conventional problem.

Explanation of the sign

10... 11 input unit; Key input section 20. Control unit 21. CPU, 22... ROM,

22a... Processing program for sign adoption, 22b... Processing program for deployment at print time

23. RAM, 23a... Printing buffer, 23b... Display buffer, 24... CG-ROM,

24a... Font information for two digits, 24b... 2 digit full size font information,

30. 31 output unit; Tape ribbon delivery motor, 32... Thermal Head,

35. LCD display.

Hereinafter, an embodiment in which the character information processing apparatus according to the present invention is applied to a tape printing apparatus will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

(A) Electrical Configuration of the Example

First, the overall electrical configuration of the tape printing apparatus of this embodiment will be described using the functional block diagram of FIG.

In FIG. 2, this tape printing apparatus is also largely comprised by the input part 10, the control part 20, and the output part 30 like the other character information processing apparatus, The control part 20 is the input part 10. In FIG. The processing is performed in accordance with the information from the control panel), the processing steps at the time, and the like, and the output result or the like is outputted by the output unit 30.

Although the detailed structure is abbreviate | omitted, the input part 10 is comprised from the key input part 11 provided with a press key, a dial key, etc., and the tape width detection sensor 12. As shown in FIG. The key input unit 11 generates a character code or various control codes given to the control unit 20 in accordance with a key operation by the user. The tape width detecting sensor 12 detects the loaded tape width and provides the tape width information to the control unit 20. Substantially, the tape is housed in a tape cartridge, and the tape cartridge is equipped with a physical identification element such as a hole defining the tape width, and the tape width detection sensor 12 grasps this physical identification element to determine the tape width information. Outputs

The output unit 30 has a printing configuration and a display configuration. For example, the tape-ribbon delivery motor 31 which consists of a stepping motor sends out the tape and ink ribbon which are not shown to the predetermined printing position or the exterior of an apparatus. The thermal head 32 is fixed, and prints by heat transfer with respect to the running tape, for example, it can print a maximum of 96 dots simultaneously. The tape ribbon delivery motor 31 and the thermal head 32 are driven by the motor drive circuit 33 or the head drive circuit 34 under the control of the control unit 20, respectively. Cutting of the printed tape is effected by an unshown cutter, driven for example by an external force from the user or a motor not shown.

In the case of the tape printing apparatus according to this embodiment, a liquid crystal display 35 is provided as a display portion, and the liquid crystal display 35 is driven by the display drive circuit 36 under the control of the control unit 20, and input strings. Or direct display of various attribute information, and igniting, flashing, and extinguishing an indicator indicating on / off of an attribute corresponding to a character string representing an attribute described around the display 35 of the apparatus main body. do.

The control unit 20 is configured by, for example, a microcomputer, and includes a CPU 21, a ROM 22, a RAM 23, a collector generator ROM (CG-ROM) 24, an input interface 25, and The output interface 26 is connected and comprised with the system bus 27 interposed.

The ROM 22 stores various processing programs and fixed data such as Kanakan conversion dictionary data. The RAM 23 is used as a working memory and stores fixed data relating to user input. The RAM 23 is backed up even when the power is turned off.

The processing program stored in the ROM 22, the fixed data, and the data stored in the RAM 23 will be described later in detail. In the ROM 22, a processing program 22a for adopting an input symbol described later and a development program 22b for printing are stored. In addition, when the programs 22a and 22b are executed, the RAM 23 is stored. The work area for him is suitably formed. For example, the print buffer 23a and the display buffer 23b are formed.

The CG-ROM 24 stores character font information prepared in the tape printing apparatus, and outputs corresponding font information when code data specifying characters is given. Here, the font information stored in the CG-ROM 24 may be either an outline font or a bitmap font. Further, different font information may be stored for display and printing.

In the case of this embodiment, the CG-rom 24 also includes the font information 24a for full-width digits (see FIG. 5) described later, and the font information 24b for full-width digits (see FIG. 6) described later. It is stored.

The input interface 25 implements an interface between the input unit 10 and the control unit 20, and the output interface 26 implements an interface between the output unit 30 and the control unit 20.

The CPU 21 uses the processing program in the ROM 22 determined according to the input signal from the input unit 10 or the processing step at that time and uses the RAM 23 as a working area, and if necessary, the ROM 22 or RAM. The fixed data stored in (23) is appropriately used for processing, and the processing status, the processing result, and the like are displayed on the liquid crystal display 35 or printed on a tape (not shown).

(B) Input acceptance processing of two digits or three digits

This embodiment is a two-digit full-width digit (named so, to distinguish it from two digits of a full-length digit) printed in two digits in the same size (full-size character) as one other character, or in three digits. It is characterized by the introduction of the concept of a three-digit full-width digit (which is so named to distinguish it from three digits). In this embodiment, the two-digit full-width digits are different from the concept of half-width digits because two digits are always treated as a line of input characters. Also, a three-digit full-width digit is different from the concept of a one-third reduction number because it is always treated as a three-digit input character.

In the following, first, the input adopting process of a 2-digit full-width digit or a 3-digit full-width digit is described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

In this embodiment, the two-digit or full-digit numerals can be input as one type of symbol, and when the key for instructing symbol input (for example, a dedicated key for symbol input) is operated, the CPU ( 21 starts the input symbol adopting processing program 22a shown in FIG. 1 stored in the ROM 22. As shown in FIG.

In this embodiment, any of "00" to "99" can be input as two-digit full-width digits, and any of "000" to "999" can be input as three-digit full-width digits.

First, in step 101, the CPU 21 causes the liquid crystal display 35 to display the initial candidate of the symbol type. For example, various kinds of symbols, unit symbols, technical symbols, biological symbols, vehicle symbols, and modification symbols suitable for VTR cassettes are prepared as the types of symbols. Numbers and three-digit full-width digits are also prepared as one symbol type. As an initial candidate, among them, the symbol type with the highest frequency of use or the symbol type immediately selected by the learning function are displayed. In addition, in the case of a device which displays a plurality of symbol types at one time, for example, the cursor is positioned as the current candidate and displayed.

Thereafter, the CPU 21 determines whether the selection key or the change key (for example, the cursor movement key corresponds) has been operated in step 102, and in step 103 when the change key has been operated, The current candidate of the symbol type (the type of symbol displayed and blinking) is changed and the process returns to step 102 described above.

3A shows an example of display in step 101 or step 103. The term "symbol" indicating the symbol input mode and the term specifying the symbol type, in this case, "two digits" are displayed. The term specifying the symbol type is basically flashed to indicate that it is a candidate. In the display of the initial candidate, the display may be lit.

In a situation in which a symbol type is currently a candidate, when the selection key is operated, the process moves from step 102 to step 104, and the CPU 21 determines the selected symbol type.

When a symbol type other than two digits or three digits is selected, the CPU 21 proceeds to the processing routine indicated by step 105, and performs symbol selection processing in the symbol type.

If a two-digit full-width number is selected as the type of preference, the CPU 21 first adopts several tens of two-digit numbers (step 106). 3B shows an example of the adopted display surface in this case. This display example displays the term "two digits" indicating that the symbol type is two digits full-width digits, and also flashes "10" indicating that the ten candidates are currently candidates. In addition, "00" indicating the 0th generation signifying that the candidate can be a candidate at the time of candidate change in the current candidate "10", and "20" indicating the 20th generation are also displayed. In this adoption, according to the operation of the candidate change key (for example, the cursor movement key), a two-digit number indicating how many tens of display positions of the current candidates is changed, and at the same time, ten digits before the candidate are changed. And a number as small as 20 and a number as large as 10 than the candidate at the rear side, and adopts as a number indicating the number of tens a two-digit number flashing at the display position of the current candidate when the selection key is operated. In addition, in the case of Fig. 3B, since there is no zero or positive number as small as 20 than the current candidate, the indication does not occur.

If the CPU 21 adopts the number of tens of two digits, it continuously adopts which two digits (step 107). 3C shows an example of the adoption display surface in this case. This display example shows the term "tenth generation" indicating that the tenth generation has been selected as the number of tenth generation, and blinks "12" which indicates that the twelve candidates are currently candidates. Also shown are "10", "11", and "13" which mean that the candidate can be changed when the candidate is changed in the current candidate "12". With this adoption, according to the operation of a candidate change key (e.g., a cursor shift key), the two-digit number of the display position of the current candidate is changed and at the same time, a number smaller by one and two than the candidate, A number larger than 1 is displayed behind the candidate, and when the selection key is operated, the two-digit number flashing and displayed at the display position of the current candidate is adopted as the commanded number.

If step 104 determines that the selected symbol type is selected as the symbol type, the three-digit full-width digit is selected, the CPU 21 first adopts how many hundreds of three-digit numbers (step 108), Then, how many hundreds and tens are adopted (step 109), and then three digits are adopted (step 110). Since the method of adopting the three digits is the same as the method of adopting the two digits described above, the detailed processing description thereof is omitted. 3D shows an example of the display surface for adoption in step 108, FIG. 3E shows an example of the display surface for adoption in step 109, and FIG. 3F shows the display surface for adoption. An example of the dragon display surface is shown.

As described above, when the adoption of the two-digit or three-digit full-digit numbers to be printed by one character of the full-width character size is finished, the CPU 21 causes the CPU 21 to enter the buffer area of the input string in the RAM 23, In the area corresponding to the position of the cursor when the symbol key is operated, the adopted two-digit or full-digit code (which may be a plurality of code strings) is stored, and the display buffer area is also operated. The display returns to the character input screen of the step in which the symbol key was operated, and at the same time, the dot pattern defining the two-digit or three-digit character selected at the character input position indicated by the cursor when the symbol key was operated is displayed. To end the series of processes.

Although the description is omitted above, the symbol selection operation can be canceled in the middle by pressing the cancel key during the symbol selection process according to the user.

By the way, as a method of designating a two-digit full-digit number or a three-digit full-digit number, a key for indicating a two-digit full-digit number input mode and / or a three-digit full-digit number input mode is provided and input between two presses of this mode key. The method of adopting the number as a two-digit full-digit number or a three-digit full-digit number (which constitutes an embodiment other than itself) is also effective. In addition, when the 2nd full-digit numeric designation key or the 3-digit full-digit numeric designation key is operated twice, the input where the cursor is positioned at the second operation is already entered. It is also effective to adopt a number up to the completed number as a two-digit or full-digit number (which constitutes an embodiment other than this one).

However, in this embodiment, the selection is made from the symbols as described above. The reason for this is as follows.

In the other input method of the two-digit or three-digit full-digit numbers as described above, a new input processing routine must be installed which does not exist in the conventional tape printing apparatus, but the two-digit full-width that would not be used much in practice. Installing a new input processing routine for numbers or three digits is not efficient in utilizing the memory capacity of the ROM 22. On the other hand, in the selection method from the preferences, it is not necessary to install a new input processing program, and it can cope with a partial change of the preference selection processing program. In addition, even if it selects from a symbol, it is not necessary to prepare much symbol (it mentions later), and it does hardly complicate a device structure (CG-ROM24 etc.). Further, as described above, by adopting the hierarchical concept in designation such as the number of hundreds or the number of tens, it is possible to easily and quickly select from the preferences.

(C) Development process when printing 2-digit and 3-digit full-width digits

Next, the development process of each character at the time of printing (of course, the development process of a two-digit full-width digit and a three-digit full-digit number) is demonstrated, referring FIG.

In the case of this embodiment, in the CG-ROM 24, as the font information 24a for two-digit full-width digits, as shown in Fig. 5, font information having the full size for the second digit and the first digit Font information having a full size size is stored. The font information for the second digit is " 0 " having the number for the second digit in the left half of the full-width digit size (shown in the example of 24 × 24 dots) as shown in Fig. 5A. Ten things about "9" are prepared. As shown in the example of the numeral "2" in Fig. 5B, the font information for the first digit is ten pieces of "0" to "9" having the number for the first digit in the right half of the full size character size. I am ready.

In the case of this embodiment, in the CG-ROM 24, as the font information 24b for the three-digit full-width digits, as shown in Fig. 6, font information having the full size for the third digit and the second digit is shown. Font information having an em size for dragons and font information having an em size for the first digit are stored. As for the font information for the third digit, as shown in the example of the numeral " 1 " ), 10 pieces are prepared for "0" to "9" having the numbers for the third digit in the left area. The font information for the second digit is " 0 " to " 9 " having the second digit in the center area when the full size character size is divided into three equal parts in the left and right directions as shown in the example of the number " 2 " 10 things about "are prepared. As shown in the column of the numeral "3" in Fig. 6C, the font information for the first digit is " 0 " having the number for the first digit in the area on the right when the full-width character size is divided into three equal parts in the left and right directions. Ten things about "9" are prepared.

In the character development at the time of printing, such font information 24a, 24b is taken out from the CG-rom 24 as needed.

The character development at the time of printing is performed by repeating the expansion in each character unit of a character string. Fig. 4 is a flowchart showing the expansion processing of each character executed repeatedly in this way. In the case of vertical writing, the font (dot pattern) from the CG-rom 24 is rotated at the time of development, and the font (dot pattern) from the CG-rom 24 is left as it is. There is a method of storing by rotating and reading when the thermal head 32 is driven. However, the following description is performed as the latter. In other words, the development process itself is described as having the same horizontal writing and vertical writing.

When the CPU 21 starts the process shown in Fig. 4, first, it determines whether or not the current expansion target character is a three-digit full-width digit (step 201). If it is not a three-digit full-width digit, the CPU 21 determines whether or not the current expansion target character is a two-digit full-width digit (step 202). The font determined by the printing pointer, the character size, or the like of the printing buffer 23a prepared in the RAM 23 by performing the same development process as for the character to be developed, which is either a three-digit full-width digit or a two-digit full-digit number. In the development area, font information (dot pattern) for the current development target character is stored (step 203).

On the other hand, if the character to be expanded at this time is a two-digit full-width digit, the CPU 21 in the font development area defined by the print pointer or the character size, etc., to the second digit of the two-digit full-digit number. The font information (dot pattern) for the second digit to match is read from the CG-ROM 24 and stored (step 204). Subsequently, the CPU 21 reads from the CG-ROM 24 and writes font information for the first digit corresponding to the first digit of the current two digits from the CG-ROM 24 in the same font development area. (Step 205). As a result, the expansion of the two-digit full-width digits ends.

For example, if the character to be expanded at this time is a two-digit full-width digit of "32", the font for the second digit shown in Fig. 5A for the number "3" regarding the two-digit full-digit number in step 204. The information is read from the CG-ROM 24 and stored in the font development area as shown in Fig. 7A, and then in Fig. 5B for the number "2" relating to the two-digit full-width digits in step 205. The first digit font information shown is read out from the CG-ROM 24 and overwritten in the font development area so that the contents of the font development area are as shown in Fig. 7B.

Further, a process (step 204) for reading and storing the second digit font information from the CG-rom 24 is performed based on the upper left side of the storage line, and the font information for the first digit is selected from the CG-rom ( The process of reading from 24 and storing (step 205) may be performed with the upper right side of the storage ship as a reference. In this case, the storing processing of the font information for the second digit and the storing processing of the font information for the first digit can also be performed in parallel.

Thereafter, the CPU 21 reads and writes font information for the first digit from the CG-ROM 24 corresponding to the first digit of the current two digit full-width digits from the CG-ROM 24 in the same font development area. (Step 205). As a result, the expansion of the two-digit full-width digits ends.

If the character to be expanded at this time is a three-digit full-width digit, the CPU 21 matches the third digit with respect to this three-digit full-digit in the font development area defined by the print pointer or character size. The font information for the third digit is read from the CG-rom 24 and stored (step 206). Subsequently, the CPU 21 reads from the CG-ROM 24 and overwrites the second-digit font information corresponding to the second-digit number for this three-digit full-width digit in the same font development area. (Step 207). In addition, in the same font development area, the CPU 21 reads from the CG-ROM 24 the first digit font information corresponding to the first digit of the three digit full-width digits and overwrites it (step ( 208)). This completes the expansion of the three-digit full-width digits.

For example, if the character to be developed at this time is a three-digit full-width digit of "123", the font for the third digit shown in Fig. 6A for the number "1" relating to the three-digit full-digit number in step 206. Information is read from the CG-ROM 24 and stored in the font development area as shown in FIG. 7C. Subsequently, in step 207, the font information for the second digit shown in Fig. 6B for the number "2" regarding the three digit full-width digit is read from the CG-ROM 24 and overwritten in the font development area. The contents of the resultant font development area are as shown in Fig. 7D. In step 208, the font information for the third digit shown in Fig. 6C for the digit " 3 " relating to the three digit full digit is read from the CG-ROM 24 and overwritten in the font development area. The contents of the resultant font development area are as shown in Fig. 7E.

In the same manner as described above, when the development of the font development area of the print buffer 23a prescribed by the print point, character size, etc. is completed, the CPU 21 increments the print pointer by one to the current development target character. The series of development processes for the process ends (step 209).

In addition, the character size required at the time of development is determined by the attribute with respect to a print target character string, and of course, the magnitude | size of the font information read from CG-Rom 24 differs according to a character size.

In the case of printing the font information developed by such a developing process, if two full-width digits are included in the character string to be printed, as shown in Fig. 8A or 8B, two numbers of one character of different characters are used. Labels printed in size (full size) are obtained. 8A is a case of horizontal writing, and FIG. 8B is a case of vertical writing. In the case of printing the font information developed in accordance with the above-described development process, if three full-width digits are included in the character string to be printed, one character of three different characters as shown in Fig. 8C or 8D is used. Labels printed in the size (full size) are obtained. 8C shows a case of horizontal writing and FIG. 8D shows a case of vertical writing.

In the above, the development process to be processed differently from the conventional one by introducing the two-digit full-digit number and the three-digit full-digit number has been explained. However, the introduction of the two-digit full-digit number and the three-digit full-digit number differs from the conventional one. Although the illustration of the flowchart is abbreviate | omitted as the process at the time of the printing used as a process, there exist other processes which depend on the number of characters, such as the tape length determination process and the character size determination process. The two-digit or full-digit numerals contain two or three numerals. However, it is sufficient to determine the tape length or the character size by holding the number of characters as one character.

In addition, the processing of accessing the CG-ROM 24 to extract the font information and expanding the character string is performed not only in the printing process but also in the display process. In the case of this embodiment, the exploded view of the display buffer 23b formed on the RAM 23 for the two-digit or three-digit full-digit number into the font development area, for the two-digit or three-digit full-digit number, respectively. The printing buffer 23a formed on the RAM 23 is carried out in the same manner as in the development of the font development area. That is, if the character to be expanded is two digits full-width digits, the same processing as in steps 204 and 205 of FIG. 4 is performed. If the character to be expanded is three-digit full-width digits, the same processing as steps 206 to 208 of FIG. 4 is performed. do. As a result, in the case of this embodiment, two or three numbers are displayed for the two-digit full-width digits or the three-digit full-digit digits in the size (full-size character size) of one character of another character.

As the processing for displaying two-digit or full-digit numbers, not only when displaying the input / edit screen of a character string, but also the screen for adopting the aforementioned two-digit or three-digit numbers as symbols. (See 3), and in either case, the above-described font development is applied.

Subsequently, in order to obtain expanded font information for two-digit or three-digit full-digit numbers as shown in Figs. 7B and 7E, the CG-ROM 24 shown in Figs. The reason why the font information for each digit of the full size character is prepared and expanded is explained.

As a method for obtaining the development font information for the two-digit or full-digit numerals as shown in Fig. 7B or 7E, the following three types of methods can be applied in addition to this embodiment. It constitutes another embodiment of the present invention).

In the first method, the font information itself for the two-digit or three-digit full-digit numbers shown in Figs. 7B and 7E is prepared in the CG-Rom 24. The font information for the full-width digits is read from the CG-rom 24 and stored in the print buffer 23a or the display buffer 23b. This method has the advantage that the readout from the CG-ROM 24 ends one time.

However, there are 100 pieces of dedicated font information for two-digit or three-digit full-width numbers prepared in the CG-ROM 24 for "00" to "99", and for a total of 1000 pieces for "000" to "999". There is a drawback that 1100 is required, and the capacity of the CG-Rom 24 to increase for the output function of the two-digit or three-digit full number is large.

On the other hand, in this embodiment, the dedicated font information for the two-digit or three-digit full-number is 50 pieces of "0" to "9" for each two-digit or three-digit full-digit number. The capacity of the CG-Rom 24 to increase for the output of numbers or three digits is almost uncommon. Compared with the first method, the processing time of the development is slightly longer, but it is one or two read times from the CG-ROM 24, and this is not a problem.

The second method does not prepare dedicated font information for two-digit or three-digit full-digit numbers in the CG-rom 24, but at the time of development for two-digit or three-digit full-digit numbers. The font information for the full-width digits prepared in (24) is reduced in the left and right directions, and the font information of the two- or full-width digits of the full-width character size is displayed together with the print buffer 23a and displayed. This is a method of storing in the buffer 23b. This method has the advantage that it can be matched to the development of two-digit or full-digit numerals without increasing the capacity of the CG-ROM 24.

However, this method requires a reduction process of full-width digits or such a synthesis process, and has a drawback in that the development processing time of two-digit or full-digit numbers is increased. For example, in the case of print processing, since the development of the two-digit full-width numerals or the three-digit full-width numerals is one time, this defect is small. However, at the time of character input or designation of the candidate two-digit or three-digit full-width digits, it is necessary to scroll the display characters of the liquid crystal display 35 with respect to the operation of the continuously entered characters or the candidate change key, The drawback that the development processing time is large and large is that it causes a delay in scrolling and the drawback becomes large.

On the other hand, the development processing time in this embodiment is considerably shorter than that of this second method and does not cause this drawback.

Therefore, even when the second method is used in the development of the two-digit full-digit number or the three-digit full-digit number at the time of printing, as shown in Fig. 9A or 9B in the display, the number for each digit is the two-digit full-digit number. It is also conceivable to be represented by a full-width character (prepared in the CG-Rom 24) containing a part of the symbol (H or 1/3) S1 indicating a three-digit full-digit number (this is also another embodiment of the present invention). To configure). However, in the tape printing apparatus, since the number of display characters in the liquid crystal display 35 is small, in such a case, the number of characters displayed in another effective number becomes small, or two or three digits. Is treated as a single character, and the display becomes thin, and it is difficult to say that it is an effective display method.

In addition, although the second method mainly focuses on software processing such as reduction processing and synthesis of lowercase and lowercase, in the case of further performing various processing of outline writing or inclined body, an error of arithmetic processing in software processing is added, In addition, there may be a case where dots beyond the size of one character are instructed by calculation, thereby degrading print quality and display quality. On the other hand, in the method of the above embodiment centering on the transfer of the font information of the full size, even if it overlaps with various processes such as outline processing, slanting, and the like, there is no deviation from the range.

The third method prepares font information of half-width numbers and one-third reduced number (the difference from FIG. 5 or FIG. 6 is that the number of dots in the left and right directions is different; that is, the blank portion in FIG. There is no dot). In this method, the number of font information to be prepared in the CG-ROM 24 is reduced by the method of the embodiment.

However, the full size character reading method is not applicable to such a reading method, and there are three types of reading methods, which are worse than those of the embodiment, while slowing the development process and increasing the program.

In addition, for example, two-digit full-width digits are applied to the same half-width numerals in the tenth and first, but in the tenth, "1" is slightly more distorted than the center of the left half of the full-size character. On the contrary, "1" in the first band is slightly less than the center of the right half portion of the full size character size, and is less discomfort and is different from the method of the embodiment. Thus, such a thing cannot be achieved. That is, in the case of applying to the tenth generation and the case of applying to the first generation, the font of the half-width numerals is also better to change. In this case, as much font information as needed in the embodiment is needed.

For this reason, in the case of this embodiment, the above-described development method is applied, not the first to third methods.

Incidentally, in the case of applying the third method, the same half-width number may be applied without distinguishing between the tenth and the first half-numbers. Similarly, in the case of the embodiment, the dot pattern of the left half portion in the tenth font information as shown in FIG. 5A and the right half portion of the first half font information as shown in FIG. 5B are shown. If the dope patterns are related to the same number, they may be made the same. The same applies to the font information of the embodiment for three-digit full-width digits.

In the case where the third method is applied to the development of the two-digit full-width digits, the tenth font information is stored on the basis of the upper left end of the storage area at the time of development, and the first font information is developed. The storage process may be performed on the basis of the upper right end of the storage area.

(D) Effect of Example

According to the above embodiment, since the concept of two-digit or three-digit full-width numbers, which is a two-digit or three-digit line in the full size, is introduced, the diversity of the output state of the numeric portion is increased, and the month or address is increased. It is possible to realize a tape printing apparatus in which a printing label and a display without discomfort can be obtained even for a plurality of digits such as the above.

Here, since two-digit full-width digits or three-digit full-digit digits are input by a symbol input employing a hierarchical selection method that estimates from the larger digit, the operability is good.

In addition, as font information for development of two-digit or three-digit full-width numbers, full-width character sizes as shown in Figs. 5 and 6, and those for each digit are prepared, and from two to three times from the CG-ROM 24, In order to improve the output quality, the development processing time can be shortened and the required capacity of the CG-Rom 24 can be hardly increased.

(E) another embodiment

Also in the above, although the other Example of this invention was described, the other Example as follows is mentioned.

In the above embodiment, it has been shown that it can correspond to two-digit full-width numbers and three-digit full-width numbers, but may be able to correspond to four-digit full-width numbers and the like.

In the above embodiment, both the two-digit and full-digit numerals indicate that the digit is a digit, but as a part of the digit, "'", "-" (hiphone) or "/" "" ( Spaces) may be included in a string of numbers. In this way, for example, a three-digit full-width digit that can correspond to the abbreviated notation "'98" (meaning 1998), etc., or a two-digit full-digit number that can correspond to the number notation of an address using a hi-phone. You can provide full-digit digits. In the claims, the M digit full-width number is a term that includes this case, and the term “number” in the claims is a term that includes a letter that is incorporated in a string of numbers.

In the above embodiment, the present invention is applied to a tape printing apparatus. However, the present invention can also be applied to other apparatuses such as a half-width character or a painting production apparatus without a 1 / M reduction function. The present invention can also be applied to character information processing apparatuses such as a half word character or a general word processor having a 1 / M reduction function.

As described above, according to the present invention, (1) M (full number) adopting input of M digit full number consisting of consecutive M number pairs outputting M (M is an integer of 2 or more) in the same size as another character. (B) printout or outputting M numbers constituting the M full-digit numbers in the size of one character of another character when the input adopting means and (2) the character to be printed or displayed include M full-digit numbers. It is provided with an output means for displaying and outputting, to increase the diversity of the output state of the numeric part, to obtain a print output or display output without any sense of discomfort even for a multi-digit number such as the month, day, address, etc. It is possible to realize a character information processing device having a better back light.

Claims (5)

In the character information processing apparatus for printing or displaying the input character string, M-digit full-digit input adopting means which adopts M-digit full-digit input of M consecutive pairs of M numbers outputting M (M is an integer of 2 or more) in the same size as another character, and If the character string to be printed or displayed includes M full-digit numbers, an output means for printing or displaying the M numbers constituting the M full-digit numbers in the size of one character of other characters is provided. Character information processing apparatus, characterized in that. The character information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the M digit full-digit number input adopting means adopts the M digit full-digit number as a method for adopting a required symbol according to a menu selection method. The character information processing apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the M digit full-digit input means adopts the number of each digit constituting the M digit full digit as a hierarchical selection from an upper digit. The method of claim 1, wherein the output means, Font information for N (N is 1 to M) digits of M digit full numbers, including dot patterns representing numbers in M-divided Nth areas in the left and right directions, and other blank dot patterns in other areas. A font information storage unit that stores font information of a size equal to one character of a character, and For each number constituting the M-digit full-width digit of the output target, the corresponding M font information for each digit is sequentially output from the font information storing unit, and the M font information for each digit is overwritten and synthesized. A character information processing apparatus comprising an M-digit full-width numeric expansion section for forming font information of M-digit full-width digits relating to output. 5. The dot pattern according to claim 4, wherein the dot pattern which displays the number X for the i-th region divided by M in i (i is 1 to M) digit font information stored in the font information processing apparatus, j (j is from 1 to M; different from i) Characters characterized in that the dot pattern representing the number X for the M-divided j-th area in the digit font information is different from the dot pattern representing the same number X. Information processing device.