KR20000035061A - Character Input Apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE: A character inputting device is provided to input a character line by a character line inputting device and to indicate the character line according to a dot matrix way by an indicator. CONSTITUTION: An input unit(10) is composed of a key input unit(11) and a tape width detecting sensor(12). The key input unit generates a character code data given to a controller(20) and all kinds of control data. The tape width detecting sensor detects the width of a tape and inputs width information to the controller. The tape is stored in an ink ribbon and a tape cartridge. The tape cartridge has an identifier such as a hole and the detecting sensor reads the identifier to output tape width information. A tape ribbon delivering motor(31) delivers the tape and the ink ribbon to a printing position and the outside of the device. A thermal head(32) prints on the tape by thermal transfer and is driven by a motor driving circuit(33) and a head driving circuit(34).

Description

Character input device {Character Input Apparatus}

The present invention relates to a character input device that accepts input characters by cooperating the display means and the character string input means, for example, printing or transferring an input character string on at least a width-limited printing medium or a transfer medium. It is applied to character input devices such as tape printing device and tensioning device.

The tape printing apparatus continuously prints a string of one or more input characters (concepts including symbols and pictograms) as needed on the tape, and simultaneously cuts and discharges the printed tape manually or automatically. In consideration of the use of cut tapes (hereinafter referred to as labels) for various purposes, recent tape printing apparatuses are capable of printing a plurality of lines of input character strings on labels.

Also in a tape printing apparatus, a character string input method has the same form as a word processor and the like, and displays characters already input on the display, displays a cursor, and adds characters input from a key input unit where the cursor is located. To insert it.

By the way, the tape printing apparatus demands small size, light weight, and low cost, and for this reason, a display employs the small size of a small area. For example, conventionally, a liquid crystal display capable of displaying characters having a 16 × 16 dot configuration in four lines by six characters (64 × 96 dots) in a character display area is applied.

However, there are some Chinese characters with many strokes, and some of the Chinese characters with many strokes have many other similar Chinese characters (for example, "변" and " (Short for stool)).

As a result, when displaying characters in a 16 × 16 dot configuration, a user may not accurately determine Chinese characters.

In order to avoid such an irrationality, it is good to display each character by the structure with a large dot number. For example, it is preferable to display each character in a 32 x 32 dot configuration. In this case, it is preferable to apply the same number of characters (4 rows x 6 characters) as in the prior art, and to apply a large number of dots (128 x 192 dots) to the liquid crystal display.

Here, if the size of each dot (segment) in the liquid crystal display is the same as before, a liquid crystal display having an area of about four times can be applied, but the tape printing apparatus must be enlarged.

On the other hand, in the case of displaying characters having a 32 × 32 dot configuration in a liquid crystal display having the same area as before, as a result, the display size of each character is the same as when displaying characters having a 16 × 16 dot configuration, and 32 × 32 Even if the characters of the dot structure are displayed, the sharpness of the display does not increase even a little. In other words, the total number of dots is only increased, and the burden of display processing is increased, and there is no effect of increasing the total number of dots.

In order to apply such a small display as a display, the result of the deterioration of the visibility of each character is not only a tape printing apparatus, but also the same as the tape printing apparatus as the display and its display method, so that other character input apparatuses (for example, tension making) are applied. The same is also generated by the device).

Accordingly, there is a need for a character input device capable of responding to a request for clarity of display characters for a user.

1 is a flowchart of a display character rough change process of the first embodiment;

2 is a block diagram showing the electrical configuration of the first embodiment;

3 is an explanatory diagram showing a configuration of a display surface of a first embodiment;

4 is an explanatory diagram of a normal input screen of the first embodiment;

5 is an explanatory diagram of an enlarged input screen of the first embodiment;

Fig. 6 is a flowchart of the change processing from the normal input screen to the enlarged input screen in the first embodiment,

FIG. 7 is a first explanatory diagram showing an example of a change from the normal input screen to the enlarged input screen in the first embodiment;

FIG. 8 is a second explanatory diagram showing an example of changing from the normal input screen of the first embodiment to the enlarged input screen;

9 is a flowchart of a change process from the enlarged input screen of the first embodiment to a normal input screen;

FIG. 10 is a first explanatory diagram showing an example of a change from the enlarged input screen to the normal input screen in the first embodiment;

FIG. 11 is a second explanatory diagram showing an example of a change from the enlarged input screen to the normal input screen in the first embodiment;

12 is a flowchart of a switching process of a print image according to the first embodiment,

13 is a flowchart of a process of switching a print image on the enlarged input screen of the first embodiment;

Fig. 14 is a flowchart of the kana-kanji conversion process of the first embodiment;

Fig. 15 is an explanatory diagram showing the configuration of the selection screen for Chinese character candidate of the first embodiment;

16 is a block diagram showing the electrical configuration of the second embodiment;

17 is a first flowchart relating to the Chinese character input processing in the second embodiment;

18 is a second flowchart relating to the Chinese character input processing of the second embodiment;

19 is a third flow chart related to the kanji input process of the second embodiment;

20 is a fourth flowchart relating to the Chinese character input processing of the second embodiment;

Fig. 21 is a fifth flowchart of the kanji input process of the second embodiment;

Fig. 22 is an explanatory diagram showing an enlarged input screen for Chinese character input in the second embodiment;

Fig. 23 is an explanatory diagram showing a normal input screen for Chinese character input in the second embodiment;

Fig. 24 is a flowchart showing the printing process of the kana-kanji conversion information of the second embodiment,

Fig. 25 is an explanatory diagram showing a print result of kana-kanji conversion information of the second embodiment;

Fig. 26 is an explanatory diagram showing a character string input screen of one-character enlarged display according to another embodiment;

27 is an explanatory diagram showing an enlarged display example of Chinese character candidates according to another embodiment.

♣ Explanation of symbols for main part of drawing ♣

10: input unit 11: key input unit

12: tape width detection sensor 20: control unit

21: CPU 22: ROM

23: RAM 30: Output

31: Tape ribbon delivery motor 32: Thermal head

35: liquid crystal display

In order to solve this problem, the first aspect of the present invention provides a character input apparatus having a character string input means for inputting a character string and a display means for displaying the input character string in a dot matrix manner. Or a display size change instructing means for instructing a change in the display size of some characters and a display size change instructing means for changing the display size of the display characters corresponding to the case where the display size is changed. The plurality of display sizes obtained by changing the means are characterized by varying the number of vertical and horizontal dots in stages.

A second aspect of the present invention is a character input apparatus having a character string input means for inputting a character string and a display means for displaying the input character string, wherein the display means has one to a plurality of conversion prior candidates corresponding to the initial conversion. Before selecting whether to display a selection screen having a conversion prior to converting at least one from a display size larger than the display size when displaying each character of the input string on the display means. It is characterized by having candidate selection input means capable of displaying candidates.

Further, the third aspect of the present invention provides a character input apparatus having a character string input means for inputting a character string and a display means for displaying the input character string, wherein the display means selects one of a plurality of candidates for selection. In selecting a selection candidate for displaying a selection screen for selection, at least one selection candidate from a display size larger than the display size when displaying each character of an input string on the display means is selected. It is characterized by having a candidate selection input means capable of displaying.

Further, the fourth aspect of the present invention provides a print command means comprising: a character input device having a character string input means for inputting a character string while converting the initial character string to a character string before conversion, and a display means for displaying the input character string; And a character input apparatus provided with a device having printing means, wherein when the print command means generates a print command when the candidate character string before conversion and the initial character string for conversion are displayed on the display means, Characterized in that the transfer transfer candidate in which the cursor is located and the conversion initial character string are given to the printing means for printing.

Embodiment of the Invention

(A) First embodiment

EMBODIMENT OF THE INVENTION Hereinafter, 1st Embodiment which applied the character input apparatus which concerns on this invention to a tape printing apparatus is described in detail with reference to drawings.

(A-1) Electrical whole structure of 1st Embodiment

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

In Fig. 2, this tape printing apparatus is the same as other information processing apparatus, and is largely divided into an input unit 10, a control unit 20, and an output unit 30, and the control unit 20 includes information from the input unit 10. The processing is executed in correspondence with the processing step at that time and the like, and the result of the processing is outputted by the output unit 30 or printed out.

Although the detailed configuration is omitted, the input unit 10 includes a key input unit 11 having a push key and a tape width detection sensor 12. The key input unit 11 generates character code data and various control data provided to the control unit 20. The tape width detection sensor 12 detects the width of the loaded tape and inputs the tape width information to the control unit 20. In practice, the tape is housed in the tape cartridge at the same time as the ink ribbon, and the tape cartridge is provided with a physical identification element such as a hole defining the tape width, and the tape width detection sensor 12 reads the physical identification element. To print the tape width information. In addition, the tape width information is used to determine the character size of each line and the length of the printed tape.

In the case of this first embodiment, the size of the second type described later is determined by the size of the display character on the input screen of the character string. The key input unit 11 is provided with an initial character size switching key 11a for outputting an operation signal by instructing to change to a different direction each time the size of the display character is manipulated. The display character size switching key 11a may be a single key or a plurality of keys. In the case of a plurality of keys, a predetermined operation signal may be output by simultaneously pressing the plurality of keys, and the CPU 21 recognizes an instruction to change the size of the display character by pressing in accordance with a predetermined order of the plurality of keys. It is also good.

In addition, in the case of this first embodiment, it is possible to display a print image on the input screen of the character string, and there are many steps in the size of the print image included in the input screen. The key input unit 11 is also provided with a print image switching key 11b which outputs an operation signal for instructing to periodically change each step of the display size of the print image, every time it is operated. The print image switching key 11b may also be a single key or a plurality of keys.

Further, the key input unit 11 is also provided with a kana-kanji conversion key 11c for activating kana-kanji conversion.

The output unit 30 is broadly divided into a printing configuration and a display configuration. For example, the tape ribbon delivery motor 31, which is a stepping motor, delivers an unillustrated tape and ink ribbon loaded to a predetermined printing position and outside the apparatus. The thermal head 32 is fixed and can print by the thermal transfer with respect to the running tape, for example, can print a maximum of 192 dots simultaneously. In addition, it is preferable that the thermal head 32 is movable, and it is also preferable to apply heads other than thermal transfer instead of the thermal head. The tape ribbon delivery motor 31 and the thermal head 32 are respectively driven by the motor driving circuit 33 and the head driving circuit 34 under the control of the control unit 20. Cutting of the printed tape is also done by, for example, an unshown cutter driven by an external force or a motor not shown.

In the case of the tape printing apparatus according to the first embodiment, a liquid crystal display 35 is provided as a display unit, and the liquid crystal display 35 is driven by the display drive circuit 36 under the control of the control unit 20.

The liquid crystal display 35 is broadly divided into a display area main body 35a and an indicator 35b in FIG. 3. The display area main body 35a1 is further divided into a character display area 35a1 and a row number display area 35a2.

In the character display area 35a1, an input character string is displayed, Kanji candidates at the time of Kana (Japanese character) to Kanji conversion are displayed, various selection menu screens are displayed, and a print image screen is displayed. Area. This character display area 35a1 is counted by a character having a 16 × 16 dot configuration, for example, and can display four lines and 12 characters.

In addition, below, when specifying the position in the character display area 35a1, the expression counted by 16 * 16 dot structure is used.

The line number display area 35a2 is provided on the left side of the character display area 35a1 and is an area for displaying the line number appropriately. The row number display area 35a2 can display four row numbers in the longitudinal direction. In the tape printing apparatus of the first embodiment, when the input character string is displayed in the character display area 35a1, the number of input characters in each line is large, and the line number is displayed in the character display area 35a1 depending on the cursor position. Can be. At this time, the row number is displayed in the row number display area 35a2.

The indicator 35b is provided in plural on the outer side of the upper and lower ends of the display area main body 35a, and shows the state of the attribute represented by the character string 35c described around the display 35 of the apparatus main body.

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

The ROM 22 stores various processing programs and fixed data such as kana-kanji conversion dictionary data. The RAM 23 is used as a working memory, and also stores fixed data relating to user input. The RAM 23 is backed up even when the power is turned off. Although shown as RAM23 in FIG. 2, a part of it is preferable that it is a nonvolatile memory which can be written and changed, such as EEPROM.

The processing program stored in the ROM 22, the fixed data, the detier stored in the RAM 23, and the like will be described in detail in the operation description of the embodiments to be described later.

As described later, the ROM 22 includes a display character size change processing program 22a executed at the time of the operation of the display character size switching key 11a and a Chinese character executed at the time of the operation of the Kana-kanji conversion key 11c. The conversion program 22c is stored. In the RAM 23, a text area 23a for storing information of the input character string, a display buffer 23b, and the like are formed.

The CG-ROM 24 stores font information of characters and symbols provided in the corresponding tape printing apparatus, and outputs font information corresponding to when code data specifying characters and symbols is input. Here, the font information stored in the CG-ROM 24 may be an outline font or a bitmap font. It is also desirable to have separate font information for display and printing.

The input interface unit 25 is an interface between the input unit 10 and the control unit 20, and the output interface unit 26 is an interface between the output unit 30 and the control unit 20. In addition, the input interface unit 25 has a buffer memory for temporarily storing kana character data before being stored in the text area 23a of the RAM 23.

The CPU 21 uses the RAM 23 as a working area, and uses the processing program in the ROM 22 determined in correspondence with the input signal from the key input unit 10 and the processing step at that time, and further, if necessary, the ROM The fixed data stored in the 22 and the RAM 23 are processed appropriately, and the processing state and the processing result are displayed on the liquid crystal display 35 or printed on a tape (not shown).

(A-2) Input screen type of the first embodiment

4 and 5 show examples of various input screens. 4 (A) to (D) show a normal input screen of a print image of one line width, a print image of two lines width, and a print image of three lines width, respectively, as a print image. 5A to 5C respectively show enlarged input screens of a print image of one line width, a print image of two lines width, and a print image of three lines width, respectively. In the case of this embodiment, there is no enlarged input screen of the print image of three rows in width.

In the case of this first embodiment, there are a normal input screen and an enlarged input screen as input screens classified by the size of display characters and displayed on the character display area 35a1.

Normally, the input screen displays each input character in 16 × 16 dot configuration. The enlarged input screen displays each input character in a 32 × 32 dot configuration. In the following description, the expansion of each input character (code data) in a 16 × 16 dot configuration is called a normal expansion, and the expansion of each input character (code data) in a 32 × 32 dot configuration is called an expanded expansion. In addition, below, the character displayed on the 16x16 dot structure or the displayed character is called a normal character, and the character displayed on the 32x32 dot structure or the displayed character is called an enlarged character.

In addition, although the display size of characters is different from the normal input screen and the enlarged input screen, the character size at the time of printing designated for the character is the same (it does not instruct the change of the character size at the time of printing), and the input string is not printed. The size of the time is of course the same thing. In the case of this first embodiment, an input screen of blank (or no) printed image and input of a printed image of one line width are used as input screens classified from the display surface of the printed image and displayed on the character display area 35a1. It is a screen, an input screen for two-row print images, and an input screen for a three-row print image.

The input screen of the blank (or no) print image is an input screen in which all four lines of the character display area 35a1 can display the input string (Figs. 4 (A) and 5 (A)). The input screen of the print image of one line width is an input screen in which the print image is displayed on the first line of the character display area 35a1, and the input string can be displayed on the second to fourth lines of the character display area 35a1 (Fig. 4). (B), FIG. 5 (B)). The input screen of the print image of the two lines width is an input screen which displays the print image using the second line of the character display area 35a1, and can display the input string on the third and fourth lines of the character display area 35a1 ( 4 (C) and 5 (C)). The input screen of the print image of the three-row width is an input screen in which the print image is displayed on the first to third lines of the character display area 35a1, and the input string can be displayed on the first line of the character display area 35a1 (Fig. 4). (D)).

A flag (23F1) for distinguishing whether the current text input screen is a normal input screen or an enlarged input screen, and the current text input screen is an input screen for a print image, an input screen for a one-row print image, and a print image for a two-row width. The RAM 23 stores a flag 23F2 for distinguishing whether the input screen is an input screen or a print screen of a three-row width.

(A-3) Change processing of input screen type of the first embodiment

(A-3-1) Change processing of character input screen by operation of display character size switching key (11a)

Next, when the display character size switching key 11a is operated, the CPU 21 starts the display character size changing processing program 22a shown in FIG. 1 and, first, based on the contents of the flag 23F1, It is recognized whether the character string input screen is a normal input screen or an enlarged input screen (step 101).

If the current string input screen is a normal input screen, the CPU 21 switches to the enlarged input screen (step 102). Thereafter, the contents of the flag 23F1 are inverted to terminate the series of processes (step 103).

The CPU 21 recognizes which (in which line or which character) the cursor is located in the character display area 35a1 (step 200), and at the same time locates in the input character string of the character where the cursor is located. (Which line or which character) is recognized (step 201). For example, according to the case of Fig. 4B, the cursor position recognizes the second character of the second line of the character display area 35a1 in step 200, and the cursor position recognizes the third character of the first line of the input character string in step 201. Recognize.

Thereafter, the CPU 21 determines which is the current normal input screen (string input screen) or which display screen of the print image is the input screen based on the contents of the flag 23F2 (step 202). That is, it is discriminated whether or not the current character string input screen is a print image as an input screen, an input screen for a one-row print image, an input screen for a two-row print image, or an input screen for a three-row print image.

If the print image is blank input screen, the CPU 21 inputs the cursor position in the character display area 35a1 recognized in step 200, the position in the input string of the character where the cursor recognized in step 201 is located, and inputs. Based on the number of lines in the character string or the like, one or two lines of the input character string displayed on the enlarged input screen after change are determined (step 203).

The character display area 35a1 is a size capable of displaying two lines and six characters if it is an enlarged character having a 32 × 32 dot configuration, and can display two lines of the input string on the enlarged input screen as a print image.

The specific determination method may be any method, but needs to include a line in the input string in which the cursor is positioned on the determined one or two lines. For example, according to Fig. 7A, in the normal input screen as a print image thus far, the cursor is positioned on the third line in the character display area 35a1, which is the fifth line in the input character string. According to B), the fourth and fifth lines of the input string are determined as the lines of the input string displaying the enlarged input screen after the change. As an example, in the conventional normal input screens up to now, the cursor is positioned on the first line in the character display area 35a1, which is on the first line of the input string and also on the second line, and the first line of the input string and the like. Expands the second line to the print image after change. Determines the execution of the displayed input string on the input screen.

Next, the CPU 21 changes the print image based on the cursor position in the character display area 35a1 recognized in step 200 and the position in the input character string of the character where the cursor recognized in step 201 is located. The characters displayed in the first or second line displayed on the enlarged input screen are also determined (the determination of the display position is also performed) (step 204).

The determination method may be any concrete method, but the character where the cursor is positioned (including a space character) is always determined by the display character. For example, according to Fig. 8A, when the cursor is positioned at the seventh character of the line in the normal input screen, the line on the enlarged input screen after the change as shown in Fig. 8B. The character on which the cursor is positioned on the 4th character of is displayed, and based on it, not only the cursor position line but also other display characters on other lines are determined.

As described above, when the character in the input character string displayed on the enlarged input screen is determined as the printed image after the change, the CPU 21 displays each display for the portion corresponding to the first to fourth lines of the character display area of the display buffer 23a. By expanding the characters in a 32 × 32 dot configuration, the display is changed from the normal input screen of the print image blank to the enlarged input screen of the print image blank, and the above-described step 103 (see Fig. 1) is performed (step 205). .

In this development, if necessary, the line number display area 35a2 is subjected to the display process of the line number.

In addition, if the above-described determination result of step 200 is an input screen of a print image of one line width, in other words, if the previous input screen is a normal input screen of a print image of one line width, the CPU 21 recognizes in step 200. Characters displayed in the cursor row displayed on the enlarged input screen of the printed image of one line width after the change based on the cursor position of the character display area 35a1 and the position of the character in which the cursor recognized in step 201 is located, etc. (Depending on the determination of the display position) (step 206).

Also in this case, although the concrete determination method may be any method, the character (including the space character) in which the cursor is located is always contained in a display character.

In this case, on the enlarged input screen of the one-width printed image after the change, the printed image is displayed on the first line of the character display area 35a1, which is only one line of the input string that can be displayed as enlarged characters in a 32 × 32 dot configuration. Naturally, the first line is the cursor line to the normal input screen, but the determination process of the display line is not necessary.

As described above, when the characters in the input string displayed on the enlarged input screen of the one-row width print image are determined, the CPU 21 corresponds to the second line of the character display area 35a1 with respect to the display buffer 23a. After the portions are blanked (step 207), it is common to expand each display character in a 32 x 32 dot configuration in the portions corresponding to the third and fourth lines of the character display area 35a1 with respect to the display buffer 23a. The display is changed from the normal input screen of the print image of one line width to the enlarged input screen of the print image of one line width (step 208).

Also in this development, if necessary, the line number display area 35a2 is subjected to the display process of the line number.

In addition, in the processing in the case of the normal input screen of the print image of one line width in the above-described steps 206 to 208, any written test for the corresponding portion of the first line of the character display area 35a1 in the display buffer 23a is performed. Although the processing is not executed, the print image (print image using the first line of the character display area 35a1) during the operation of the display character size switching key 11a is still displayed even when the display characters are enlarged.

Further, if the above-described determination result of step 202 is an input screen of a print image of two rows in width, in other words, if the input screen thus far is a normal input screen of a print image of two lines in width, the CPU 21 recognizes in step 200. In the cursor line displayed on the enlarged input screen of the printed image of the two lines width after the change based on the cursor position in the character display area 35a1 and the position in the input character string of the character in which the cursor recognized in step 201 is located. The display character (depending on the determination of the display position) is determined (step 209).

In this case as well, the specific determination method may be any method, but the character in which the cursor is positioned (including a blank character) is always included in the display character.

In this case, on the enlarged input screen of the printed image of the second line width, the printed image is displayed on the first and second lines of the character display area 35a1. It is natural that only one line of the character string is the cursor line in the normal input screen of the two-width printed image so far, but the determination of the display line is not necessary.

By the above, when the characters in the input character string displayed on the enlarged input screen of the two-row print image after the change are determined, the CPU 21 causes the third and fourth lines of the character display area 35a1 with respect to the display buffer 23a. It is common to expand each display character into a 32 x 32 dot configuration in a portion corresponding to, and the display is changed from the normal input screen of the two-row print image to the enlarged input screen of the two-row print image (step 210).

Also in this development, if necessary, the line number display area 35a2 is subjected to the display process of the line number.

Further, in the processing in the case of the normal input screen of the print image of two lines width in steps 209 to 210 described above, any portion of the display buffer 23a corresponding to the first and second lines of the character display area 35a1 is not used. The call image processing is not executed, and the print image (print image using the first and second lines of the character display area 35a1) when the display character size switching key 11a is operated is not displayed. It is still displayed even when it is enlarged.

Further, if the above-described determination result of step 202 is an input screen of a three-row printed image, that is, if the input screen thus far is a normal input screen of a three-row printed image, the CPU 21 recognizes in step 200. Display character (determination of the display position) in the cursor line displayed on the enlarged input screen after the change based on the cursor position in the character display area 35a1 and the position of the character in which the cursor recognized in step 201 is located, etc. (Step 211).

Also in this case, although the concrete determination method may be any method, the character (including the space character) in which the cursor is located is always contained in a display character.

Here, even in the enlarged input screen after the change, the printed image is displayed using three lines, and there are no lines in the input string that can be displayed as enlarged characters having a 32 × 32 dot configuration. In this embodiment, when a change from a normal input screen to a magnified input screen of a three-row width print image is required, a two-row print image is displayed on the enlarged input screen after the change as described later. One line can be displayed in the expanded text in a 32x32 dot configuration. It is natural that the displayed one line becomes the cursor line on the normal input screen of the print image of the three lines width so far, but the determination process of the display line is not necessary.

When the characters in the input string displayed on the enlarged input screen of the printed image of the second row width are determined, the CPU 21 moves to the portions corresponding to the first and second lines of the character display area 35a1 with respect to the display buffer 23a. The print image is developed in two rows (step 212). Thereafter, it is common to develop each display character in a 32 × 32 dot configuration in a portion corresponding to the third and fourth lines of the character display area 35a1 with respect to the display buffer 23a, and the display is a three-row printed image. The input screen is changed from the normal input screen to the enlarged input screen of the print image of two lines in width (step 210).

In addition, in the above-described processing of step 212, an operation of changing the content of the flag 23F2 from displaying a print image of three rows to displaying a print image of two rows is also performed.

As described above, when a change from the normal input screen to the enlarged input screen of a three-row wide print image is required, the printed image is displayed using two rows on the enlarged input screen after the change, and the enlarged input screen with a 32 × 32 dot configuration is displayed. To realize the display.

In addition, in place of the above-described processing, when a change from a normal input screen to a magnified input screen of a three-row printed image is required, the CPU 21 generates a warning indicating that the change to the magnified input screen is not made. It is desirable to.

Next, as shown in step 102 of FIG. 1 described above, a detailed description of the switching process from the enlarged input screen to the normal input screen will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

First, the CPU 21 recognizes where (the line or which character) the cursor is located in the character display area 35a1 (step 300), and at the same time, the position in the input string of the character where the cursor is located. (Which line or which character) is recognized (step 301). For example, in the case of Fig. 5B, the cursor position is recognized as the third, fourth and seventh and eighth characters of the character display area 35a1 in step 300 (even if the third and seventh characters are recognized). In step 301, the cursor position is recognized as the first third character of the input character string.

Thereafter, the CPU 21 judges which input screen the current enlarged input screen (string input screen) has become on the display surface of the print image based on the contents of the flag 23F2 (step 302). In other words, it is discriminated whether the current character string input screen is a print screen blank input screen, a single-row printed image input screen, or a two-row printed image input screen. In addition, in the case of the first embodiment, since there is no input screen of the three-row printed image on the enlarged input screen, the determination result of the input screen of the three-row printed image is not obtained in step 302.

On the enlarged input screen of the blank print image, the CPU 21 determines the cursor position in the character display area 35a1 recognized in step 300, the position in the input string of the character where the cursor recognized in step 301 is located, Based on the number of lines in the input character string or the like, one to four lines in the input character string displayed on the normal input screen of the changed print image blank are determined (step 303).

If the character display area 35a1 is a normal character having a 16 × 16 dot configuration, four lines and 12 characters can be displayed. Therefore, four lines of the input string can be displayed on a normal input screen of a blank print image.

The specific determination method may be any method, but it is necessary to include a line in the input string in which the cursor is positioned on the determined one, two, three, or four lines. For example, in the enlarged input screen of a blank print image so far, the cursor is positioned on the enlarged character extending to the third and fourth lines in the character display area 35a1, which is located on the fourth line of the input string. The execution of the input string displayed on the normal input screen of the blank print image after changing the first to fourth lines of the input string.

Next, the CPU 21 blanks the printed image after the change based on the cursor position in the character display area 35a1 recognized in step 300 and the position in the input string of the character where the cursor recognized in step 301 is located, and the like. The display characters (depending on the determination of the display position) are determined in the first to fourth lines displayed on the normal input screen (step 304).

The determination method may be any specific method, but the character (including a space character) where the cursor is positioned is always included in the display character. For example, as shown in Fig. 10A, when the cursor is located on the fourth character of the line (the fourth line of the counted characters in the enlarged character) on the enlarged input screen, the cursor shown in Fig. 10B is shown. As described above, by displaying the character at which the cursor is positioned on the eighth character of the line on the normal input screen of the blank image of the printed image after the change, based on this, not only the cursor position line but also other display characters on other lines are determined.

As described above, when the characters in the input string displayed on the normal input screen of the printed image blank after the change are determined, the CPU 21 displays each of the portions corresponding to the first to fourth lines of the character display area of the display buffer 23a. By expanding the characters in a 16 × 16 dot configuration, the display is changed from the enlarged input screen of the print image blank to the normal input screen of the print image blank, and is changed to the above-described step 103 (see Fig. 1) (step 305).

In this development, the line number display area 35a2 is subjected to display extinction processing or the like of the line number if necessary.

If the above-described determination result of step 302 is on the input screen of the print image of one line width, in other words, if the previous input screen is on the enlarged input screen of the print image of one line width, the CPU 21 at step 300 Normal of the print image of one line width after the change based on the cursor position in the recognized character display area 35a1, the position in the input string of the character in which the cursor recognized in step 301 is located, the number of lines in the input string, and the like. One, two or three lines of the input character string displayed on the input screen are determined (step 306).

The determination method may be any method, but the determined lines 1 to 3 need to include a line in the input string in which the cursor is located. For example, as shown in Fig. 11A, when the cursor is positioned on the third character (the fourth character counted in the enlarged character) of the line in the enlarged input screen, the cursor is moved to Fig. 11B. As shown, the character in which the cursor is positioned on the sixth character of the line on the normal input screen of the printed image of one line width after the change is displayed, and based on this, not only the cursor position line but also another display of other lines. Decide on characters.

Next, the CPU 21 changes the width of one row after the change based on the cursor position in the character display area 35a1 recognized in step 300 and the position in the input string of the character where the cursor recognized in step 301 is located. Display characters (depending on the determination of the display position) are determined in the first to third lines displayed on the normal input screen of the print image (step 307).

The determination method may be any specific method, but the character in which the cursor is positioned (including a space character) is always included in the display character.

As described above, when the characters in the input character string displayed on the normal input screen of the printed image of one line width after the change are determined, the CPU 21 determines a portion corresponding to the second to fourth lines of the character display area of the display buffer 23a. It is common to develop each display character in a 16 × 16 dot configuration, and the display is changed from the enlarged input screen of the print image of one line width to the normal input screen of the print image of one line width, and the above-described step 103 (see Fig. 1). ) (Step 308).

Also in this development, if necessary, the line number display area 35a2 is subjected to display extinction processing of the line number.

Furthermore, if the above-described determination result of step 302 is an input screen of a print image of two rows in width, that is, if the input screen thus far is an enlarged input screen of a print image of two rows in width, the CPU 21 recognizes in step 300. Normal input of the two-row printed image after the change based on the cursor position in the character display area 35a1, the position in the input string of the character where the cursor recognized in step 301 is located, the number of lines in the input string, and the like. One or two lines of the input character string displayed on the screen are determined (step 309).

The determination method may be any method, but the determined one or two lines need to include a line in the input string in which the cursor is located.

Next, the CPU 21 determines the width of the two rows after the change based on the cursor position in the character display area 35a1 recognized in step 300 and the position in the input string of the character where the cursor recognized in step 301 is located. The display characters (depending on the determination of the display position) in one or two lines displayed on the normal input screen of the print image are determined (step 310).

The determination method may be any specific method, but the character in which the cursor is positioned (including a space character) is always included in the display character.

As described above, when the characters in the input string displayed on the normal input screen of the printed image of the two lines width after the change are determined, the CPU 21 moves to the portions corresponding to the third and fourth lines of the character display area of the display buffer 23a. On the other hand, it is common to develop each display character in a 16 × 16 dot configuration, and the display is changed from the enlarged input screen of the two-row printed image to the normal input screen of the two-row printed image, and the above-described step 103 (Fig. 1). (Step 311).

Also in this development, if necessary, the line number display area 35a2 is subjected to display extinction processing of the line number.

(A-3-2) Change processing of text input screen according to operation of print image switching key 11b

Next, the process of changing the character string input screen when the print image switching key 11b is operated will be described in detail with reference to the flowcharts of FIGS. 12 and 13.

When the print image switching key 11b is operated, the CPU 21 starts the print image change processing program 22b shown in Fig. 12, and first, based on the contents of the flag 23F1, the current character string input screen is displayed. It recognizes whether it is a normal input screen or an enlarged input screen (step 400).

If the current string input screen is a normal input screen, the CPU 21 performs a process of changing the print image on the normal input screen (step 401), and if the current string input screen is on an enlarged input screen, the enlarged input screen. The process of changing the print image in step 2 is performed (step 402), and the series of processing ends.

In the case of this embodiment, when the print image switching key 11b is normally operated in the input screen, the print image is blank every time the operation is made → the print image of one line width → the print image of two lines width → the print image of three lines width → the print image blank The display of the periodic printed image in the order of is changed. In addition, when the print image switching key 11b is operated on the enlarged input screen, the print image blanks → print images of one line width → print images of two lines width → print images of two rows width periodically in each of the operations described below. The display of the print image is changed.

The detailed description of the process of changing the print image on the normal input screen shown in step 401 is the same as in the prior art, and the description is omitted.

First, the CPU 21 recognizes on which line (in line 2) of the character display area 35a1 (step 500), and at the same time, the position in the input character string of the character where the cursor is located. (Which line or which character) is recognized (step 501).

Thereafter, the CPU 21 determines on which input screen the current enlarged input screen (string input screen) is located on the display surface of the print image based on the contents of the flag 23F2 (step 502). In other words, it is discriminated whether the current character string input screen is on the input screen of the print image blank, the input screen of the one-row print image, or the input screen of the two-row print image.

If it is the enlarged input screen of the print image blank, the CPU 21 performs a process of changing to the enlarged input screen of the print image of one line width (steps 503 to 505). On the enlarged input screen of the printed image of one line width after the change, the printed image is displayed on the first line of the character display area 35a1, and only one line of the input string can be displayed on the enlarged input screen having a 32 × 32 dot configuration. It is natural that the first line is a cursor line on the input screen of the enlarged blank image of the print image so far, and the determination process of the display line is not necessary.

The CPU 21 is a portion corresponding to the third and fourth lines of the character display area 35a1 with respect to the display buffer 23a. First, each display character of the cursor position line in the input character string recognized in step 501 is 32. The image is developed in a x32 dot configuration (step 503), and then the print image is developed in the portion corresponding to the first line of the character display area 35a1 with respect to the display buffer 23a, and at the same time, the character display area 35a1 The portion corresponding to the second line is blanked (step 504), and then the contents of the flag 23F2 are displayed on the input screen of the print image of one line width (step 505).

Also in this development, if necessary, a process of changing the line number for the line number display area 35a2 is performed. In addition, in the enlarged input screen of the print image blank before change, when the third and fourth lines of the character display area 35a1 are in the row where the cursor is located, the third line of the character display area 35a1 in step 503. And the expansion of the portion corresponding to the fourth row may be omitted.

By the above processing, for example, the enlarged input screen of the print image blank shown in Fig. 5A is changed to the enlarged input screen of the print image of one row width shown in Fig. 5B.

In addition, if the above-described determination result of step 502 is an input screen of a print image of one line width, that is, if the previous input screen is an enlarged input screen of a print image of one line width, the CPU 21 prints a print image of two lines width. The change processing is carried out to the enlarged input screen of (steps 506 and 507).

In the enlarged input screen of the two-row printed image, the display of the character string is preferably the same as the enlarged input screen of the printed image of the one-row width, and the CPU 21 sets one character of the character display area 35a1 to the display buffer 23a. The print image is developed at the second row width into portions corresponding to the second and second rows (step 506), and then the input screen of the print image of the second row width is displayed on the contents of the flag 23F2 (step 507).

By the above processing, for example, the enlarged input screen of the print image of one row width shown in Fig. 5B is changed to the enlarged input screen of the print image of two rows width shown in Fig. 5C.

Further, if the above-described determination result of step 502 is an input screen of a print image of two rows in width, that is, if the previous input screen is an enlarged input screen of a print image of two rows in width, the CPU 21 enlarges the print image blank. Processing for changing to the input screen is performed (steps 508 to 510).

In the enlarged input screen of the print image blank, if two lines in the input string can be displayed, the CPU 21 determines one or two lines to be displayed including the cursor lines so far (step 508), and then, Each display character in one or two lines determined in the portion corresponding to the first to fourth lines of the character display area 35a1 with respect to the display buffer 23a is developed in a 32 × 32 dot configuration (step 509). Displays the input image of the print image blank (step 510).

Also in this development, if necessary, the line number changing area 35a2 is subjected to a line number changing process or the like.

By the above process, for example, as shown in Fig. 5C, the enlarged input screen of the print image of two rows is enlarged as shown in Fig. 5A. As shown in 5 (D), the display is changed to an enlarged input screen of a blank print image.

(A-4) Processing at the time of operation of the kana-kanji conversion key 11c of the first embodiment

Next, the processing when the kana-kanji conversion key 11c is operated will be described in detail with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG.

In the case of this first embodiment, a selection screen for selecting kanji for displaying a plurality of kanji candidates is shown in FIG. In other words, the selection screen displays the Hiragana column at the beginning of conversion as normal characters on the fourth line of the character display area 35a1, and moves the Kanji candidates before conversion to the second and third lines of the character display area 35a1. Is to be displayed as an enlarged character. In the case of this embodiment, it is also a big feature to display the kanji candidate before conversion in enlarged characters.

When the kana-kanji conversion key 11c is operated, the CPU 21 starts the processing program 22c shown in FIG. 14 and first executes the kana-kanji conversion key 11c based on the current input state. It is determined whether or not a state can be reached (step 600).

If the current input state is a state in which kana-kanji conversion is impossible, for example, when the entire character is a definite character, the CPU 21 performs processing other than kana-kanji conversion (step 601). For example, when the kana-kanji conversion key 11c is operated when the entire character is a definite character, the operation means adding a space, so that space processing is performed.

If the current input state has an undetermined Hiragana column and a Kana-Hanja conversion is possible, the CPU 21 accesses the Kana-Hanja conversion table 22d in the ROM 22 based on the undetermined Hiragana column, and the longest. According to the principle of coincidence (to match the longest one), the kanji candidate before conversion is taken out, and the hiragana column of the part related to the kanji candidate of the unconfirmed hiragana column is displayed (23a). 2nd and 3rd lines of the character display area 35a1 of the display buffer 23a are expanded in a 16 × 16 dot configuration in a portion corresponding to the 4th line of the character display area 35a1 of the character string. Is developed in a 32 × 32 dot configuration, and the display is switched to the selection screen (steps 602 and 603).

At this time, a blanking process is also executed for the first line of the character display area 35a1. In addition, one of the kanji candidates before the plurality of conversions is indicated by giving a cursor (hatch cursor in Fig. 15).

The Chinese character selection screen is the same even when the character input screen when the kana-kanji conversion key 11c is operated is on the normal input screen or on the enlarged input screen.

Thereafter, the CPU 21 checks whether or not the read shortcut has been operated (step 604). If the read shortcut has been operated, the process returns to the above-described step 602. In step 602 in which the read shortcut has been manipulated, the kanji candidate before conversion is obtained so far, and the kanji candidate before conversion is obtained based on the unconfirmed hiragana column shorter than the undetermined hiragana column.

If the read shortcut has not been operated, the CPU 21 further determines whether a candidate change key (e.g., a cursor shift key corresponds) or a selection key has been operated (step 605).

If the candidate change key has been operated, the CPU 21 returns to step 604 for changing the previous Chinese character candidate to which the cursor is assigned on the selection screen (step 606). In the case of the process of moving only the cursor, the processing in this case is a process of scrolling the kanji candidate column before conversion on the selection screen to display a new kanji candidate and assigning the cursor to the new kanji candidate.

On the other hand, when a selection key is operated in a state in which a cursor is assigned to any Chinese character candidate, the CPU 21 enters on the input screen when the Chinese character to which the cursor is assigned is operated by the kana-kanji conversion key 11c. Replace with the position of the text area 23a corresponding to the undetermined Hiragana column of (step 607).

Thereafter, the CPU 21 judges whether or not an undetermined Hiragana column that has not been converted into Chinese characters remains (step 608), and returns to step 602 described above if remaining, and returns the display to the character string input screen. The process returns to completion of the series of processing (step 609). Also, the selected Chinese character is displayed on the returned character string input screen.

(A-5) Effect of 1st Embodiment

According to the first embodiment, an enlarged input screen is provided in addition to the normal input screen, and the user can arbitrarily select the normal input screen or the enlarged input screen, so that the user can cope with the request for clarity of display characters.

For example, a user with low vision may use an enlarged input screen. Also, users who check a large number of characters in the input string at the same time usually use the input screen.

It is also preferable to recognize the switching of the normal input screen and the enlarged input screen to the same size as the conventional display (size that can display 4 lines and 6 characters with characters of 16 × 16 dots). However, according to the first embodiment described above, when the display is enlarged (size capable of displaying four lines and 12 characters in characters of 16 × 16 dots), it is preferable to increase the number of display characters on the enlarged input screen. In practice, the display is made large in consideration of the increase in the number of display characters on the input screen.

Further, according to the first embodiment, if the character is usually on the input screen or the enlarged input screen, the kanji candidate in Kana-Hanja conversion is displayed as enlarged characters, and even if there are many similar kanji, the intended kanji is appropriately selected. Can be.

In other words, even though the display of the character string on the input screen is small, the character can be recognized correctly. However, if the display character is small when the Chinese character is selected, the wrong Chinese character can be selected if there are many similar Chinese characters. According to this first embodiment, such irrationality can be avoided.

(B) Second Embodiment

Next, a second embodiment in which the character input apparatus according to the present invention is applied to a tape printing apparatus will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

In the above-described tape printing apparatus of the first embodiment, the conversion candidate by Kana-Hanja conversion is always displayed on the enlarged input screen. In the tape printing apparatus of this second embodiment, conversion candidate by the Kana-Hanja conversion is used. In addition, the tape printing apparatus of the second embodiment is also capable of printing Kana-kanji conversion information on a tape according to designation. Hereinafter, the configuration and operation will be described based on these feature points.

In addition, in the second embodiment, the display size of the characters on the character string input screen may be fixed or may be changed by the first embodiment. This point is irrelevant to the feature, and the detailed description thereof will be omitted, but will be described in advance when it is necessary to refer to the following description.

(B-1) Configuration of Second Embodiment

Fig. 16 is a block diagram showing the electrical configuration of the tape printing apparatus of the second embodiment, and the same corresponding parts as those in Fig. 2 according to the above-described first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals.

In Fig. 16, the size of the tape printing apparatus of the second embodiment also includes an input unit 10, a control unit 20, and an output unit 30, and the control unit 20 is provided with information from the input unit 10. Processing corresponding to the processing step of the viewpoint and the like is executed, and the display output or the print output by the output unit 30 such as the processing result is performed.

Here, the detailed structure of the output part 30 is the same as that of 1st Embodiment, and the description is abbreviate | omitted.

In addition, the point in which the input part 10 is comprised from the key input part 11 and the tape width detection sensor 12 is the same form as 1st Embodiment. In this second embodiment, the key input unit 11 initiates Kana-Hanja conversion to instruct the Kana-Hanja conversion key 11c and the switching of the display size of the candidate before conversion to Kana-Hanja conversion before conversion. The candidate display size switching key 11d and the print command key 11e are provided.

Furthermore, the control unit 20, the CPU 21, the ROM 22, the RAM 23, the clock generator ROM (CG-ROM) 24, the input interface unit 25 and the output interface unit 26 are system buses. The points connected and configured through 27 are the same as in the first embodiment. In the case of the second embodiment, the ROM 22 includes a conversion before candidate display size change processing program 22d (see Figs. 17 to 21) to be executed at the time of operation of the conversion before candidate display size switching key 11d, A kana-kanji conversion information printing program 22e (Fig. 24) is also stored. In addition, a print buffer 23c is also appropriately formed in the RAM 23.

(B-2) Processing at the Time of Operation of the Conversion Prior Candidate Display Size Switching Key 11d of the Second Embodiment

Next, as a feature of the second embodiment, the processing at the time of operation of the candidate display size switching key 11d before conversion will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

When the conversion before candidate display size switching key 11d is operated, the CPU 21 starts the conversion before candidate display size changing processing program 22d shown in Fig. 17, first of all, when the key 11d is operated. The display state and the character string input state are discriminated (step 700).

When the key 11d is operated while the character string input screen including only the definite characters is displayed, the CPU 21 performs the Chinese character input processing shown in detail in FIG. 19 to be described later (step 702). Further, the CPU 21 displays the kanji candidate before conversion in the normal display size (the display size of the characters on the character string input screen), while the 11d key is displayed while the normal input screen for kanji intake is displayed. When operated, Chinese character input processing shown in detail in FIG. 20 to be described later is performed (step 703). Further, the CPU 21 operates the key 11d while the enlarged input screen for injecting Chinese characters is displayed in which the Chinese character candidate before conversion is displayed in a larger display size (hereinafter referred to as enlarged display size). If so, the Chinese character input processing shown in detail in FIG. 21 to be described later is performed (step 704).

Incidentally, in the state other than the above, when the conversion candidate display size switching key 11d is operated, it is omitted in Fig. 17, but the key operation is ignored. Here, it is preferable to generate a warning sound to inform the disregard.

If the key 11d is operated while the character string input screen including only the definite characters is displayed, according to the process shown in Fig. 18, the CPU 21 first enlarges the Chinese character intake for the Chinese character shown in Fig. 22A. The input screen is displayed (step 800). The enlarged input screen also displays the character " Zine " indicating that it is on the enlarged input screen for injecting Chinese characters. Here, if the input character type mode is alpha mode for the character string input screen when the candidate display size switching key 11d before conversion is operated, the hiragana input mode is entered when the enlarged input screen for kanji intake is displayed. In mode (or Roman input mode).

Thereafter, the CPU 21 reads (accepts) the desired kanji reading (change initial hiragana string) and waits for the operation of the Kana-kanji conversion key 11c (steps 801 and 802). Fig. 22B shows an enlarged input screen when the desired kanji reading is input, before the kana-kanji conversion key 11c is operated.

When the kana-kanji conversion key 11c is operated, the CPU 21 recognizes the conversion-previous kanji candidate for reading in accordance with the longest matching method, and as shown in Fig. 22C, in the longitudinal direction of the display screen. A plurality of candidates having a size are displayed at a normal display size, and a candidate at which the cursor is positioned is displayed at an enlarged display size (step 803). It is determined whether or not it is instructed (step 804). In Fig. 18, the candidate change includes not only the movement of the cursor but also a read short instruction. When the change of the candidate is instructed, the change processing of the candidate is performed.

On the other hand, when the selection of the candidate is instructed, the CPU 21 returns to the character string input screen from the enlarged input screen for injecting Chinese characters, and simultaneously returns to the character string input screen when the candidate display size switch key 11d before conversion is operated. Add the selected kanji (there may be hiragana; also include idioms) behind the cursor (stem 805). At this time, the addition process of the selector to the text area 23a is also performed.

According to the above, the enlarged input screen for injecting kanji can be displayed before inputting the hiragana column of the conversion initial stage, and Chinese characters can be input using the enlarged input screen for injecting kanji.

In addition, when the key 11d is operated in a state in which a character string input screen including undetermined hiragana columns that can be provided for conversion to Chinese characters is displayed, the CPU 21 first changes to the Chinese character input processing shown in FIG. In accordance with the longest matching method, the unconfirmed Hiragana column (read) is recognized before conversion. As shown in FIG. 22C, the plurality of candidates are displayed in the normal display size, and the candidates in which the cursor is positioned are displayed in the enlarged display size (step 901).

Thereafter, the CPU 21 determines whether the change of the candidate is instructed or whether the selection of the candidate is instructed (step 902). Also in Fig. 19, the change of the candidate is loaded including not only the movement of the cursor but also a read short instruction. When the change of the candidate is instructed, the change processing of the candidate is performed.

On the other hand, when the selection of the candidate is instructed, the CPU 21 returns to the character string input screen from the enlarged input screen for injecting Chinese characters, and unconfirmed on the character string input screen when the candidate display size switching key 11d before conversion is operated. Replace the part marked Hiragana column with the selected Chinese character (there may be Hiragana's, including idioms) (step 903). At this time, the addition process of the selector to the text area 23a is also performed.

As described above, Chinese characters can be input by using the enlarged input screen for injecting Chinese characters from the state in which the Hiragana column of the initial conversion is displayed on the character string input screen.

Further, when the key 11d is operated in a state where a normal input screen for injecting kanji displaying the kanji candidate before conversion is displayed in the normal display size is displayed and is changed to the process shown in Fig. 20, the CPU 21 Switches the display from the normal input screen for injecting Chinese characters to the enlarged input screen for injecting Chinese characters shown in Fig. 22C (step 1000).

In the case of the second embodiment, the normal input screen for injecting kanji is displayed with the same display size of the read (conversion initial Hiragana column) and the kanji candidate before conversion shown in FIG. In addition, when the kana-kanji conversion key 11c is operated while the character input screen including undetermined hiragana strings is displayed when the conversion to Chinese characters is provided, the normal input screen for injecting Chinese characters is displayed.

After switching the display to the enlarged input screen for injecting kanji, the CPU 21 determines whether the change of the candidate is instructed or the selection of the candidate is instructed (step 1001). Also in Fig. 20, the change of the candidate is called not only the movement of the cursor but also the read short instruction. When the change of the candidate is instructed, the change processing of the candidate is performed. On the other hand, when the candidate selection is instructed, the CPU 21 returns to the character string input screen from the enlarged input screen for kanji blowing and at the same time, the kana-kanji conversion key 11c is an opportunity to change to the normal input screen for kanji blowing. The portion of the character input screen on which the character string is displayed is replaced by the selected kanji (there may be a hiragana word), including an idiom (step 1002). At this time, the addition process of the selector to the text area 23a is also performed.

As described above, even after displaying the normal input screen for injecting Chinese characters by the operation of the Kana-Chinese conversion key 11c, the display can be switched to the enlarged input screen for injecting Chinese characters to select a candidate.

Furthermore, if the key 11d is operated in the state in which the enlarged input screen for injecting kanji in which the kanji candidate before conversion is displayed in the enlarged display size is displayed and is changed to the process shown in Fig. 21, the CPU 21 Changes the display from the enlarged input screen for injecting Chinese characters to the normal input screen for injecting Chinese characters shown in FIG. 23 (step 1100).

In the case where the enlarged input screen for injecting Chinese characters is displayed, it is the case of the center in which the processing shown in Figs. 18, 19 and 20 is performed. That is, although the processings are described as normal in Figs. 18 to 21 respectively, branching and jumping actually occur due to the operation of the key. 18 to 21 only show the basic processing flow up to the selection of the Chinese character before conversion in order to simplify the description.

After switching the display to the normal input screen for injecting Chinese characters, the CPU 21 determines whether the change of the candidate is instructed or the selection of the candidate is instructed (stem 1101). Also in Fig. 21, when a candidate change is instructed, the code change process is performed. On the other hand, when the selection of the candidate is instructed, the CPU 21 returns to the character string input screen from the normal input screen for injecting kanji and at the same time selects a kanji (some may be hiragana) selected at a predetermined position on the character string input screen. Also included) (step 1102). At this time, the addition process of the selector to the text area 23a is also performed.

As described above, even after the enlarged input screen for injecting Chinese characters is displayed, the candidate can be selected by switching the display to the normal input screen for injecting Chinese characters.

(B-3) Kana-Chinese character conversion information print processing of the second embodiment

As described above, the tape printing apparatus of this second embodiment is also characterized by printing Kana-kanji conversion information on a tape. Processing relating to these features will be described below.

If the print key 11e is operated while the enlarged input screen for kanji intake is displayed, the CPU 21 starts the Kana-kanji conversion information printing program 22e shown in FIG. The initial Hiragana column of conversion) and the Chinese character candidate before conversion are checked (step 1200). For example, there may be a case where the Chinese character candidate before reading and converting does not exist even in the state where the enlarged input screen for Chinese character intake is displayed in the center of the process shown in FIG. 18 described above.

Although there is a Chinese character candidate before reading and converting, the CPU 21 issues a weak warning (step 1201), and then ends the series of processing by the operation of the print key 11e.

On the other hand, if there is a kanji candidate before reading and converting, the CPU 21 displays a print start message and recognizes the width of the loaded tape at that time (step 1202). Correspondingly, the cursor is positioned on the enlarged input screen, that is, the previously converted Kanji candidates and the reads, which are displayed in the enlarged display, are developed in the print buffer 23c (step 1203).

The development at this time does not depend on the print attribute set for the input character string, but on the print attribute in which the loading is fixed to print the Kana-kanji conversion information. The first character candidate before conversion and the second character read are the character strings. Further, a large character size is assigned to each character of the Kanji candidate before conversion, and a small character size is assigned to each character of reading.

When the development process is completed as described above, the CPU 21 drives the tape ribbon delivery motor 31, the thermal head 32, and the like as appropriate to execute printing (step 1204).

Fig. 25 shows a print result in the case where reading is "design value" and the conversion-previous kanji candidate with enlarged display is "design value".

(B-4) Effects of the Second Embodiment

According to the second embodiment, the kanji candidate in kana-kanji conversion is enlarged and displayed by the user's operation, so that even if there are many similar kanji, the intended kanji can be appropriately selected. In addition, in the enlarged display at the time of the user's operation, it is not necessary to perform the operation to perform the enlarged display in the selection of the Chinese characters which the user is surely recognized. In this case, it is also possible to use the enlarged display area for the partial display of the input character string.

Further, according to the second embodiment, when the enlargement input screen is selected before the read is inputted and the read and kanji candidates are displayed, the kanji candidates are inputted by pressing the cancel key, although not described in the above operation from this display. You can also return to the display screen of the input string included in the character string. In other words, it is also possible to use the corresponding tape printing apparatus as a sign-in device.

Further, according to the second embodiment, by reading and printing the Chinese characters, the printed Chinese characters can be confirmed before conversion. Especially when printing on wide tapes, it is easy to check. Also, it is not difficult to check on the display screen like complicated Chinese characters, and the user can easily read the corresponding printing function.

(C) another embodiment

In the first embodiment, the size of the display characters on the character string input screen is two-stage, but three or more stages may be used. Also in this case, the size of each display character is preferably displayed on a dot matrix display or a dot structure generally formed. For example, a 16 × 16 dot configuration, a 24 × 24 dot configuration (not an integer multiple of the minimum size) and a 32 × 32 dot configuration 돠 a 48 × 48 dot configuration are preferred. Similarly, in the first embodiment and the second embodiment, it is preferable that the display size of the kanji candidate before conversion can be selected in multiple stages.

In addition, in the first embodiment, it is shown that the print image can be displayed on the enlarged input screen, but the enlarged input screen does not need to recognize the display of the print image from many viewpoints.

Furthermore, in the above first embodiment, the entire display string can be displayed in normal or enlarged characters, but lines or characters (not limited to one character) to be displayed in enlarged characters can be specified, and other characters can be specified. May be displayed in normal characters. For example, when an enlarged display is instructed, as shown in FIG. 26, it is preferable to display only the characters in which the cursor is located or the number characters near the characters in which the cursor is located as enlarged characters (some characters). May be displayed), and may be returned to the display of ordinary characters again at the instruction of (twice). In this case, the call for the display buffer 23b ends very little.

Similarly, as a modification of the second embodiment, as shown in Fig. 27, it is also preferable to enlarge and display the kanji candidate in which the cursor is located or the kanji candidate in the vicinity of the kanji candidate in which the cursor is located.

Furthermore, in the above first embodiment, the Chinese character candidates are displayed as enlarged characters. However, it is preferable to display other characters which need to be selected by the selection screen in order to be included in the input string. For example, if a mathematical symbol or the like is an input selected from the selection screen of the symbol, the symbol is preferably displayed in enlarged characters on the selection screen. For example, when selecting the registered foreign character (foreign character), it is good to make the foreign character also display enlarged. In the case of including foreign characters in the input screen, it is better to display the foreign characters larger than other characters.

In addition, it is preferable to enlarge the characters on a screen that requires the display of a character string for selection (not in the input string), as well as characters and symbols (including symbols and the like) included in the input string. For example, in the case where the length of the previous margin printed is selected from a menu screen that displays character strings such as "large", "normal", "slightly less," and the like, such an option (肢) is separated from the main body. It is also good to enable the display selection in the expanded or normal characters. Further, for example, when the enlarged input screen is selected as the character string input screen, it is preferable to automatically display the characters on the menu screen.

In the second embodiment, the enlarged display of the kanji before conversion is explained by the effect of only one Ghana-Hanja conversion, but the flag is set and the flag contents are inverted each time the candidate display size switching key 11d before conversion is operated. In addition, after switching to the enlarged display by the operation of the key 11d, the enlarged display may be adopted by the whole Kana-kanji conversion until the flag is changed.

In the second embodiment, in the printing of Kana-Chinese conversion information, only one Chinese character candidate before conversion is printed, but a plurality of candidates may be printed. Also, it is better to print the kanji candidate before conversion in the same size as reading.

Incidentally, in the first and second embodiments, the switching of the selection screen for Chinese character conversion shown in Fig. 15 and the selection screen shown in Fig. 22C, and the selection in which the whole is displayed in plain characters are further shown. It is also possible to switch the plurality of selection screens including the screen in response to key operation or the like by the user.

In the first and second embodiments, the case where the character string before conversion for selecting the Chinese character is in the Hiragana column is shown, but the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, in the case of Korean and Chinese devices, the character string before conversion for selecting the Chinese character should be in a character type (including a phonetic symbol) determined in the language.

The character input apparatus according to the present invention can be applied not only to a tape printing apparatus but also to another character input apparatus (for example, a tension printing apparatus) with a small display.

According to the present invention as described above, the user can comply with the request for clarity of display characters and the like and the request for easy recognition of the characters.

Claims (9)

A character input apparatus having a character string input means for inputting a character string and a display means for displaying the input character string in a dot matrix manner, Character display size change instructing means for instructing a change in the display size of all or some characters displayed by the display means; Has a display size change instruction means for changing the display size of the display character corresponding to the case of instructing the change of the display size, And a plurality of display sizes obtained by changing the display size changing means vary in number of vertical and horizontal dots in steps. The character input apparatus according to claim 1, wherein each display size other than the minimum in the display character has a size of an integer multiple of the minimum display size in the display character. A character input apparatus having a string input means for inputting a character string and a display means for displaying the input character string, In the case of selecting the pre-conversion candidate for displaying a selection screen having one to a plurality of conversion candidates corresponding to the initial conversion by the display means, the display when each character of the input string is displayed on the display means. And a candidate selection input means capable of displaying at least one conversion prior candidate from the display size larger than the size to the selection screen. A character input apparatus having a string input means for inputting a character string and a display means for displaying the input character string, In selecting the selection candidate for displaying a selection screen for selecting one of a plurality of selection candidates by the display means, the display when each character of the input string is displayed on the display means. And a candidate selection input means capable of displaying at least one selection candidate on a selection screen at a display size larger than the size. The display apparatus according to claim 3 or 4, further comprising: an enlarged display instruction means for generating an instruction for enlarging and displaying at least one of the conversion candidates or the selection candidates; The candidate selection input means receives at least one of the pre-conversion candidate or the selection candidate with a display size larger than the display size when each character of the input character string is displayed on the display means when the command is received from the enlarged display command means. Character input apparatus characterized by displaying on the display means. The display according to any one of claims 3 to 5, wherein at least one of said conversion candidates or said selection candidates is displayed with a display size larger than the display size when each character of an input string is displayed on said display means. And a magnification size designation means by designating a size. 7. The character input apparatus according to claim 6, wherein a display size for displaying each character of an input character string on the display means among the display size designated by the enlarged size designating means is also provided. The display apparatus according to claim 3 or 4, wherein the candidate selection input unit displays one or more candidates determined by the position of the cursor among the one or more conversion candidates or the selection candidates on the display unit. And a candidate size other than the display size at the time of displaying, and displaying the other candidates at the display size at the time of displaying each character of the input character string by the display means. A character input device having a character string input means for inputting a character string while performing conversion of an initial character string to a character string before conversion and a display means for displaying the input character string, wherein a character having a print command means and a device having a print means is provided. In the input device, when the character string before conversion and the initial character string for conversion are displayed on the display means, when the print command means generates a print command, the character string input means is at least at the print command; And converting the initial character string into the printing means for printing.