WO2011049145A1 - Pattern setting device, pattern setting method and program - Google Patents

Pattern setting device, pattern setting method and program Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2011049145A1
WO2011049145A1 PCT/JP2010/068525 JP2010068525W WO2011049145A1 WO 2011049145 A1 WO2011049145 A1 WO 2011049145A1 JP 2010068525 W JP2010068525 W JP 2010068525W WO 2011049145 A1 WO2011049145 A1 WO 2011049145A1
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WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
pattern
character
data
enlarged
enlargement
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/JP2010/068525
Other languages
French (fr)
Japanese (ja)
Inventor
満春 宍戸
悟 川崎
Original Assignee
セイコープレシジョン株式会社
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Filing date
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Application filed by セイコープレシジョン株式会社 filed Critical セイコープレシジョン株式会社
Publication of WO2011049145A1 publication Critical patent/WO2011049145A1/en

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    • BPERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B41PRINTING; LINING MACHINES; TYPEWRITERS; STAMPS
    • B41JTYPEWRITERS; SELECTIVE PRINTING MECHANISMS, i.e. MECHANISMS PRINTING OTHERWISE THAN FROM A FORME; CORRECTION OF TYPOGRAPHICAL ERRORS
    • B41J2/00Typewriters or selective printing mechanisms characterised by the printing or marking process for which they are designed
    • B41J2/22Typewriters or selective printing mechanisms characterised by the printing or marking process for which they are designed characterised by selective application of impact or pressure on a printing material or impression-transfer material
    • B41J2/23Typewriters or selective printing mechanisms characterised by the printing or marking process for which they are designed characterised by selective application of impact or pressure on a printing material or impression-transfer material using print wires
    • BPERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B41PRINTING; LINING MACHINES; TYPEWRITERS; STAMPS
    • B41JTYPEWRITERS; SELECTIVE PRINTING MECHANISMS, i.e. MECHANISMS PRINTING OTHERWISE THAN FROM A FORME; CORRECTION OF TYPOGRAPHICAL ERRORS
    • B41J2/00Typewriters or selective printing mechanisms characterised by the printing or marking process for which they are designed
    • B41J2/485Typewriters or selective printing mechanisms characterised by the printing or marking process for which they are designed characterised by the process of building-up characters or image elements applicable to two or more kinds of printing or marking processes
    • GPHYSICS
    • G06COMPUTING; CALCULATING OR COUNTING
    • G06KGRAPHICAL DATA READING; PRESENTATION OF DATA; RECORD CARRIERS; HANDLING RECORD CARRIERS
    • G06K15/00Arrangements for producing a permanent visual presentation of the output data, e.g. computer output printers
    • G06K15/02Arrangements for producing a permanent visual presentation of the output data, e.g. computer output printers using printers
    • G06K15/10Arrangements for producing a permanent visual presentation of the output data, e.g. computer output printers using printers by matrix printers
    • GPHYSICS
    • G06COMPUTING; CALCULATING OR COUNTING
    • G06KGRAPHICAL DATA READING; PRESENTATION OF DATA; RECORD CARRIERS; HANDLING RECORD CARRIERS
    • G06K15/00Arrangements for producing a permanent visual presentation of the output data, e.g. computer output printers
    • G06K15/02Arrangements for producing a permanent visual presentation of the output data, e.g. computer output printers using printers
    • G06K15/18Conditioning data for presenting it to the physical printing elements
    • G06K15/1827Accessing generic data, e.g. fonts
    • G06K15/1831Accessing generic data, e.g. fonts characterized by the format of the data

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to a pattern setting device, a pattern setting method, and a program, and more particularly to a pattern setting device, a pattern setting method, and a program for setting a pattern composed of a set of dots for printing.
  • a direct marking technique there are a method of performing non-contact marking on an object with a YAG laser or a CO 2 laser, and a method of marking by marking the surface of the object with a pin or the like, for example. .
  • the method of marking by marking the surface of an object is a marking method often used for metal parts.
  • a marking method is realized, for example, by a stamping device described in Patent Document 1.
  • a character pattern is represented by the arrangement of dots on a matrix. Further, when a character is imprinted, a pattern in which the character is underlined may be imprinted. At that time, for example, if the character to be imprinted is alphanumeric, it is necessary to consider the balance of the appearance of the character string formed by the imprinted character, and it may be underlined. It is also necessary to consider. For this reason, as shown in FIG. 15, for uppercase letters and numbers, patterns are set such that the center is higher than the lowercase letters and dots are not arranged in the bottom row of the matrix. However, when the pattern as shown in FIG. 15 is used, the size of capital letters and numbers is restricted, and the visibility of these characters becomes insufficient. When capital letters and numbers that are frequently used are subject to such restrictions, the visibility of the entire character string becomes insufficient.
  • the present invention has been made under the above circumstances, and an object thereof is to provide a pattern setting device, a pattern setting method, and a program for printing a frequently used character in a character string with high visibility.
  • Pattern storage means for storing pattern data representing a character pattern by arranging dots on a matrix in association with the character;
  • the designation data for designating the character to be printed is acquired from the outside, the pattern data associated with the designation data is selected from the pattern data stored in the pattern storage means, and the selected pattern data is selected.
  • a pattern selection means for outputting to an external printing device for printing the pattern represented by the pattern data,
  • a predetermined one of the characters is designated as an enlargement target character, and there are at least two pattern data stored in association with each enlargement target character, at least one of which represents a non-enlargement pattern, At least one represents an enlarged pattern, and at least one dot in the enlarged pattern is arranged on the outside of the matrix more than a dot in the non-enlarged pattern, It is characterized by that.
  • the characters to be enlarged are printed according to the enlarged pattern having a size larger than that of the non-enlarged pattern. For this reason, the visibility of the enlargement target character is sufficiently ensured.
  • the matrix may have a size of at least 3 rows ⁇ 3 columns, and at least one dot in the enlarged pattern may be arranged on the top row and the bottom row on the matrix.
  • the dots in the non-enlarged pattern are arranged only in rows other than the lowest row of the matrix having the size of at least 3 rows ⁇ 3 columns. Also good.
  • the pattern selection means It is determined whether or not the acquired designation data designates an enlargement target character, and when it is judged that the enlargement target character is designated, data that designates that the character represented by the designation data is underlined is included.
  • pattern data representing the enlargement pattern of the enlargement target character Select When it is determined that the acquired designation data designates that the character represented by the designation data is underlined, pattern data representing a non-enlarged pattern of the enlargement target character is selected, and the selected character
  • the pattern data representing the underlined pattern corresponding to the result of combining the non-enlarged pattern indicated by the pattern data and the pattern in which the dot for expressing the underline is arranged at the bottom row of the matrix is generated, and the generated pattern data is selected.
  • the data may be output to the external printing device.
  • the pattern selection means includes: Means for generating and storing selection history data indicating whether an enlargement pattern or a non-enlargement pattern has been selected for an enlargement target character designated by designated data acquired in the past, Data that specifies whether the newly specified data specifies an enlargement target character, and if it is determined that the enlargement target character is specified, specifies that the character represented by the specified data is underlined If it is determined that underlining is not specified, the selection history indicates whether an enlarged pattern or a non-enlarged pattern has been selected for the specified data acquired in the past.
  • the pattern data representing the enlargement pattern of the enlargement target character is selected, and in other cases, the pattern representing the non-enlargement pattern of the enlargement target character Select the data
  • the acquired designation data designates that the character represented by the designation data is underlined
  • pattern data representing a non-enlarged pattern of the enlargement target character is selected, and the selected character
  • the pattern data representing the underlined pattern corresponding to the result of combining the non-enlarged pattern indicated by the pattern data and the pattern in which the dot for expressing the underline is arranged at the bottom row of the matrix is generated, and the generated pattern data is selected.
  • the data may be output to the external printing device.
  • the enlargement target character in the portion without the underline is also printed with the non-enlargement pattern.
  • the character string is formed in a manner in which the balance of the appearance of the entire character string is prioritized over the visibility of the enlargement target character.
  • the pattern setting method is A pattern storage step for storing pattern data representing a character pattern by arranging dots on a matrix in association with the character;
  • the designation data for designating the character to be printed is acquired from outside, the pattern data associated with the designation data is selected from the pattern data stored in the pattern storage step, and the selected pattern data is selected.
  • a predetermined one of the characters is designated as an enlargement target character, and there are at least two pattern data stored in association with each enlargement target character, at least one of which represents a non-enlargement pattern, At least one represents an enlarged pattern, and at least one dot in the enlarged pattern is arranged on the outside of the matrix more than a dot in the non-enlarged pattern, It is characterized by that.
  • the program according to the third invention of the present application is Computer Pattern storage means for storing pattern data representing a character pattern by arranging dots on a matrix in association with the character;
  • the designation data for designating the character to be printed is acquired from the outside, the pattern data associated with the designation data is selected from the pattern data stored in the pattern storage means, and the selected pattern data is selected.
  • a pattern selection means for outputting to an external printing device for printing the pattern represented by the pattern data,
  • a predetermined one of the characters is designated as an enlargement target character, and there are at least two pattern data stored in association with each enlargement target character, at least one of which represents a non-enlargement pattern, At least one represents an enlarged pattern, and at least one dot in the enlarged pattern is arranged on the outside of the matrix more than a dot in the non-enlarged pattern, It is for functioning as a pattern setting device characterized by this.
  • a computer that executes such a program also prints a character according to an enlarged pattern having a size larger than that of the non-enlarged pattern for the character to be enlarged. For this reason, the visibility of the enlargement target character is sufficiently ensured.
  • a pattern setting device a pattern setting method, and a program for printing a frequently used character in a character string with high visibility are realized.
  • FIG. (1) for demonstrating arrangement
  • FIG. (2) for demonstrating arrangement
  • FIG. (3) for demonstrating arrangement
  • FIG. (1) for demonstrating arrangement
  • FIG. (2) for demonstrating arrangement
  • FIG. (3) for demonstrating arrangement
  • FIG. (1) for demonstrating arrangement
  • FIG. (2) for demonstrating arrangement
  • FIG. (3) for demonstrating arrangement
  • FIG. (3) for demonstrating arrangement
  • an embossing unit It is a figure which shows a pulse signal. It is a figure which shows the curve showing the relationship between the displacement of a stamping pin, and time. It is a figure for demonstrating arrangement
  • FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of an engraving apparatus 10 according to the present embodiment.
  • the engraving apparatus 10 is an apparatus that engraves characters output from an external device or an external system on an object.
  • the stamping apparatus 10 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 11, a main storage unit 12, an auxiliary storage unit 13, an input unit 14, a detection unit 15, an interface 16, and a stamping unit 20. ing.
  • CPU Central Processing Unit
  • the main storage unit 12 includes a RAM (Random Access Memory) or the like.
  • the main storage unit 12 is used as a work area for the CPU 11.
  • the auxiliary storage unit 13 includes a nonvolatile memory such as a ROM (Read Only Memory), a magnetic disk, and a semiconductor memory.
  • the auxiliary storage unit 13 stores a program executed by the CPU 11 and various parameters necessary for executing the program. In addition, information including processing results by the CPU 11 is sequentially stored.
  • the input unit 14 includes a power switch and an operation panel for inputting a command to the marking device 10.
  • the user instruction is input via the input unit 14 and is notified to the CPU 11 via the system bus 10a.
  • the stamping unit 20 forms a pattern such as a character composed of a plurality of dots on the surface of the object.
  • FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the stamping unit 20.
  • the embossing unit 20 has a base member 21, a Y moving body 23 that is movable with respect to the base member 21 along the Y axis, and an X axis with respect to the Y moving body 23.
  • An X moving body 24 movably provided along the head, a head 30 attached to the X moving body 24 via a holder 25, and a driver 26 for controlling the engraving unit 20 are provided.
  • the base member 21 includes a plate-shaped first portion 21a parallel to the XY plane with the longitudinal direction as the X-axis direction and a plate-shaped second portion 21b parallel to the XZ plane with the longitudinal direction as the X-axis direction. This is a member having an L-shaped cross section.
  • a support plate 22 having a longitudinal direction as the X-axis direction is fixed to the + Y side end portion of the first portion 21a formed on the base member 21.
  • the ⁇ Y side surface of the support plate 22 and the + Y side surface of the second portion 21 b formed on the base member 21 are substantially parallel to each other.
  • columnar Y guides 52 ⁇ / b> A and 52 ⁇ / b> B having a longitudinal direction as the Y-axis direction are respectively installed.
  • One end of each of the cylindrical Y guides 52A and 52B is fixed to the support plate 22, and the other end is fixed to the second portion 21b.
  • the Y moving body 23 includes a plate-like moving portion 23a whose longitudinal direction is the X-axis direction and a pair of support portions 23b extending in the ⁇ Z direction from the + X side end portion and the ⁇ X side end portion of the moving portion 23a. It is a member. Further, a circular opening 23c penetrating in the Y-axis direction is formed at the center of the moving portion 23a of the Y moving body 23, and circular openings 23d are formed on the + X side and the ⁇ X side of the circular opening 23c, respectively. Yes. Between the pair of support portions 23b of the Y moving body 23, columnar X guides 51A and 51B having both ends fixed to the pair of support portions 23b and whose longitudinal direction is the X-axis direction are installed. Has been.
  • the Y moving body 23 configured as described above is supported so as to be movable in the Y-axis direction with respect to the base member 21 by a pair of Y guides 52A and 52B inserted into the circular openings 23d of the moving portion 23a. ing.
  • the + Y side end portion and the ⁇ Y side end portion are rotatably supported by the second portion 21b of the base member 21 and the support plate 22.
  • the fed feed screw 60Y is screwed.
  • the Y moving body 23 is moved in the Y-axis direction when the feed screw 60Y is rotated by the Y motor 50Y.
  • the X moving body 24 is a rectangular parallelepiped member whose longitudinal direction is the Z-axis direction.
  • a circular opening 24a penetrating in the X-axis direction is formed at the center of the X moving body 24, and circular openings 24b are formed on the + Z side and the ⁇ Z side of the circular opening 24a, respectively.
  • the X moving body 24 configured as described above is supported to be movable in the X axis direction with respect to the Y moving body 23 by X guides 51A and 51B inserted into the circular openings 24b.
  • a feed screw 60X that is rotatably supported at both ends by a support portion 23b formed at the Y moving body 23 is screwed into the circular opening 24a formed at the X moving body 24.
  • the X moving body 24 is moved in the X-axis direction when the feed screw 60X is rotated by the X motor 50X.
  • FIG. 3 is a view of the head 30 as viewed from the + Y side.
  • the head 30 includes nine stamping pins 33 having the same length, and a casing 31 in which nine actuators 40 for driving the nine stamping pins 33 are housed, It has a holding member 32 for holding each of the punching pins 33.
  • FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of the head 30 of the embossing unit 20 according to this embodiment, and shows a cross-section passing through the center of the casing 31 and parallel to the XZ plane.
  • the lever holder top plate 31 b of the casing 31 and the fixing spring 31 c that fixes the casing 31 and the holding member 32 are omitted.
  • the ⁇ Z side end portion of the stamping pin 33 is shaped into a conical shape or a spherical shape that narrows downward.
  • a large-diameter portion 33a having a larger warp than other portions is formed at the + Z side end portion. Then, with the ⁇ Z side end protruding from the holding member 32, it is held movably along the Z axis.
  • the head 30 of the stamping unit 20 includes a holding member 32, a stamping pin 33, a return spring 113, a stamping pin drive lever 114, a movable yoke 116, a yoke case 117, and a yoke plate. 118 and a drive coil 43.
  • the stamping pin drive lever 114, the movable yoke 116, and the drive coil 43 constitute an actuator 40 that drives the stamping pin 33.
  • the yoke case 117 and the yoke plate 118 constitute a casing 31 that accommodates the nine actuators 40.
  • the holding member 32 accommodates the stamping pin 33 and the stamping pin guide plates 115 a to 115 d therein.
  • the relatively long stamping pin 33 maintains a substantially constant posture in the holding member 32 by the stamping pin guide plates 115 a to 115 d .
  • the stamping pin guide plates 115 a to 115 d are formed by penetrating a hole serving as a guide through the plate body, and the posture of the stamping pin is maintained by passing the stamping pin through the guide hole.
  • the return spring 113 is for urging the stamping pin 33 in the + Z direction, and is composed of a coil spring, and the stamping pin 33 is inserted into each of the coil springs.
  • the stamping pin drive lever 114 is for moving each of the stamping pins 33 from the standby position to the ⁇ Z side (downward).
  • a movable yoke 116 made of a soft magnetic material is integrally fixed to the stamping pin drive lever 114 by caulking, for example.
  • the movable yoke 116 has a cylindrical shape.
  • the stamping pin 33 is urged in the + Z direction by the return spring 113. Further, since the large-diameter portion 33a of the stamping pin 33 is in contact with the stamping pin drive lever, further movement in the + Z direction is restricted. This position is the standby position for the marking pin 33.
  • the stamping pin drive lever 114 has an end portion (rear end) opposite to a contact portion (front end) with the large diameter portion 33a of the stamping pin 33 of the stamping pin drive lever 114. Not held by the holding mechanism. Thereby, the stamping pin drive lever 114 can swing in the Z-axis direction.
  • the holding mechanism is configured, for example, by providing a leaf spring between the lever holder top plate 31b, which is the top plate of the lever holder 31a, and the end of the stamping pin drive lever 114.
  • the yoke case 117 is for attracting the movable yoke 116 to drive the embossing pin drive lever 114 in the ⁇ Z direction (downward) from the standby position.
  • the yoke case 117 is made of a soft magnetic material such as electromagnetic soft iron or silicon steel.
  • the yoke case 117 is held on the holding member 32.
  • the yoke case 117 is provided with a cylindrical core corresponding to the position where the movable yoke 116 is disposed.
  • a drive coil 43 is provided around the cylindrical core.
  • the yoke plate 118 is for forming a closed magnetic path, and is made of a soft magnetic material such as electromagnetic soft iron or silicon steel.
  • the drive coil 43 is for magnetizing the yoke case 117 and the yoke plate 118 upon receiving a current supply.
  • the movable yoke 116 is attracted, so that the tip of the stamping pin drive lever 114 swings in the ⁇ Z direction.
  • the stamping pin 33 also moves in the ⁇ Z direction.
  • FIG. 5 is a perspective view showing the arrangement of nine embossing pins 33.
  • each of the nine punching pins 33 is held by the holding member 32 in a state where the + Z side end is located along a circle C ⁇ b> 1 centering on the vertical axis L parallel to the Z axis.
  • the embossing pin drive lever 114 and the drive coil 43 that respectively drive the embossing pins 33 are also arranged so that the distances from the vertical axis L are equal to each other.
  • the stamping pins 33 are arranged so that the angle ⁇ formed by the center axis of the stamping pins 33 and the vertical axis L is equal to each other over the nine stamping pins 33.
  • the angle ⁇ is shown as an angle ⁇ formed by the line l parallel to the vertical axis L and the central axis of the stamping pin 33 in FIG.
  • the lower ends of the embossing pins 33 are arranged so as to be located on a circle C2 having a center on the vertical axis L and a radius smaller than the circle C1.
  • FIG. 7 is a diagram showing the arrangement of the lower ends (ends contacting the object) of the embossing pins 33.
  • the lower ends of the embossing pins 33 are located on a circle C2 in the XY plane and are arranged so as to be separated by a distance d in the Y-axis direction.
  • This distance d substantially corresponds to a distance twice as large as the diameter of the dot D2 constituting the pattern having a resolution of 200 dpi, and roughly corresponds to a distance three times as large as the diameter of the dot D3 constituting the pattern having a resolution of 300 dpi. .
  • the nine embossing pins 33 the most -Y in side embossing pins 33 displays the embossing pins 33 1, + Y embossing pins 33 2 each embossing pins 33 in a direction, 33 3, ... 33 9 both to display.
  • FIG. 8 is a block diagram of the stamping unit 20.
  • the driver 26 is disposed on the + Y side of the second portion 21 b formed on the base member 21 and is electrically connected to the X motor 50 ⁇ / b> X, the Y motor 50 ⁇ / b> Y, and the head 30. Then, as can be seen with reference to FIG. 8, the X motor 50X and the Y motor 50Y are driven based on the instruction of the CPU 11 to move the head 30 in the X axis direction and the Y axis direction. In addition, a pulse signal is supplied to the drive coils 43 of the actuators 40 1 to 40 9 that drive the marking pins 33 1 to 33 9 of the head 30.
  • FIG. 9A shows a pulse signal P2 and a pulse signal P3 that the driver 26 supplies to the drive coils 43 of the actuators 40 1 to 40 9 .
  • the pulse signal P2 is an example of a voltage signal for imprinting dots constituting a pattern with a resolution of 200 dpi on the object.
  • the pulse signal P3 is an example of a voltage signal for imprinting dots constituting a pattern with a resolution of 300 dpi on the object.
  • the pulse signal P2 is a rectangular wave having a maximum voltage of V2 and a pulse width of T.
  • the pulse signal P3 is a rectangular wave having a maximum voltage V3 smaller than V2 and a pulse width T.
  • FIG. 9B the embossing pins 33, curves S2 and a curve S3 shows the relationship between the displacement and the time from the standby position D 0 is shown.
  • a curve S2 is a curve showing the relationship between the displacement of the stamping pin 33 and the time when the pulse signal P2 is supplied to the actuator 40.
  • a curve S3 is a curve showing the relationship between the displacement of the stamping pin 33 and the time when the pulse signal P3 is supplied to the actuator 40.
  • the embossing pin 33 starts moving with a slight delay from the time t1 when the pulse signal becomes high level.
  • the stamping pin 33 that has started to move is accelerated until time t2 when the pulse signal becomes low level, and continues to move even after the pulse signal becomes low level, so that the displacement becomes DT. Reach the abutting position. Then, the flow returns to the standby position which is displaced after remained in that position while the D 0.
  • the dot diameter obtained by the pulse signal P2 is a dot diameter for forming a 200 dpi pattern. Further, the dot diameter obtained by the pulse signal P3 is set to be a dot diameter for forming a 300 dpi pattern.
  • the driver 26 In response to an instruction from the CPU 11, the driver 26 selectively supplies a pulse signal P2 and a pulse signal P3 having different maximum voltage values and pulse widths to the actuators 40 1 to 40 9 respectively.
  • the speed of the embossing pins 33 1 to 33 9 when coming into contact with the object becomes a speed commensurate with the resolution.
  • dots that form a pattern with a resolution of 300 dpi and dots that form a pattern with a resolution of 200 dpi can be selectively imprinted on the object.
  • the stamping unit 20 configured as described above is configured such that the head 30 is positioned above the belt conveyor 120, for example, with the upper surface of the base member 21 being substantially horizontal, as can be seen with reference to FIG. It is supported by a support member (not shown). Further, in the present embodiment, the upper surface of the object 100 placed on the belt conveyor 120 is in a state located between the standby position of the stamping pin 33 and the stamping limit position.
  • the detection unit 15 detects the object 100 below the embossing unit 20 and outputs information including the detection result.
  • the interface 16 includes an input port such as a serial interface or a LAN (Local Area Network) interface, and a buffer for temporarily storing information input to the input port.
  • an external device such as a personal computer is connected to the interface 16.
  • Information about characters formed on the object 100 is notified to the CPU 11 via the interface 16 and the system bus 10a.
  • the information about the character formed on the object 100 is, for example, from the character code of the character, data indicating whether the character string that should contain the character is horizontal writing, and whether the character is underlined. It has become.
  • the CPU 11 reads a program stored in the auxiliary storage unit 13 and controls each unit such as the embossing unit 20 according to the program.
  • the CPU 11 sets a character pattern of the characters formed on the object 100 from the management information.
  • the auxiliary storage unit 13 stores character pattern data representing a character pattern in association with the character code of the character represented by the character pattern.
  • CPU11 performs by selecting the thing matched with the character code contained in the information regarding a character among these character pattern data.
  • the character pattern data is data representing a character pattern by the dot arrangement on the matrix M as shown in FIG. 12, for example (in FIG. 12, FIG. 13A and FIG. 13B, “ ⁇ ” indicates a dot). Show).
  • the character code of a predetermined character (hereinafter referred to as a character to be enlarged) has a character pattern (hereinafter referred to as an “enlarged character pattern”) in which dots are always distributed in the bottom row and the top row of the matrix M. )
  • normal character pattern data representing a character pattern in which dots are not distributed in the bottom row of the matrix M (hereinafter referred to as “normal character pattern”) as shown in FIG. Assume that they are associated. 12, 13A, and 13B exemplify the case where the characters “A”, “B”, and “C” are the characters to be expanded, and the characters “p”, “q”, and “r” are not the characters to be expanded. ing.
  • the character to be expanded may be a character that has been artificially selected in advance from the viewpoint of, for example, whether it is frequently used and it is highly necessary to ensure visibility.
  • the auxiliary storage unit 13 stores a character code group of the character to be enlarged in advance. And CPU11 should just determine whether the character which should be formed in the target object 100 is an expansion object character by accessing the auxiliary
  • the CPU 11 determines whether the character pattern of the character to be enlarged is a normal character pattern or an enlarged character pattern, and the selection of character pattern data, for example, according to the following procedures (1) to (4).
  • Information on characters is newly acquired, and it is determined whether or not the character code included in the information indicates a character to be enlarged. When it is determined that the character to be enlarged is not indicated, the character pattern data associated with the character code is selected.
  • the enlarged character pattern data associated with the character code included in the information obtained in (1) is selected. To do.
  • the normal character pattern data associated with the character code included in the information acquired in (1) is selected.
  • the embossing pins 33 1 to 33 9 are arranged so as to be separated by a distance d with respect to the Y-axis direction. This distance d is 1/100 inch.
  • the CPU 11 moves the head 30 to position the head 30 at a position where the characters on the upper surface of the object 100 are to be engraved. Then, among the embossing pins 33 1-33 9 in this state, in the first column of the matrix M shown in FIG. 11, the dots by driving the embossing pins corresponding to required dot to generate a character Imprint.
  • the CPU 11 moves the head 30 in the ⁇ X direction and positions the second column of the matrix M. In this case, the distance between each column of the matrix M is 1/100. Then, among the embossing pins 33 1-33 9 in this state, in the second column of the matrix M shown in FIG. 11, the dots by driving the embossing pins corresponding to required dot to generate a character Imprint.
  • the CPU 11 moves the head 30 in the X and Y directions to position the head 30 at the position where the first character on the second line is imprinted.
  • the character on the second line is generated by repeating the operation.
  • the resolution of one character formed in this way is 100 dpi. Therefore, the dimension from the center of adjacent dots to the center is 0.254 mm.
  • the dimension from the center of the dot in the height direction of the character to the center of the dot is 1.524 mm. .
  • the predetermined character is designated as the character to be enlarged, and at least one dot in the enlarged pattern is arranged in each of the lowermost row and the uppermost row of the matrix M. Therefore, according to the enlarged pattern, since the character is composed of a maximum of 9 ⁇ 9 dots, the character height is 2.032 mm at the maximum, and the visibility is improved as compared with the conventional character pattern.
  • a single character is generated so that the number of dots in the height direction of the character does not exceed the number of marking pins of the head 30. .
  • the speed of generating the character is increased because the head 30 only moves in the X-axis direction.
  • the size in the height direction of the character cannot exceed the maximum distance between the marking pins arranged on the head 30.
  • the size in the height direction of the character is reduced accordingly, and the visibility is deteriorated.
  • the size in the height direction of the character can be maximized by generating the character using all of the embossing pins of the head 30, so that the visibility can be improved as compared with the conventional case. it can.
  • the present invention is also effective in the case of generating characters while moving the head 30 in the XY directions. Such an embodiment will now be described.
  • each of the stamping pins 33 1 to 33 9 is assigned a number from 1 to 9, and is indicated by a circle surrounding this number. Further, the movement distance in the Y-axis direction is indicated by using 1/300 inch as D.
  • the CPU 11 moves the head 30 to position the embossing pins 33 7 to 33 9 on the + X side of the first row, fourth row, and seventh row of the matrix M as shown in FIG. From this state, the marking pins 33 7 to 33 9 are driven while moving the head 30 in the ⁇ X direction, and characters are formed in the first, fourth, and seventh rows of the matrix M. I will engrave the dots.
  • the CPU 11 moves the head 30 in the + Y direction by the distance 10D, and the second row, the fifth row, and the eighth row of the matrix M. Position the embossing pins 33 4 to 33 6 on the + X side. From this state, the marking pins 33 4 to 33 6 are driven while moving the head 30 in the ⁇ X direction, and characters are formed on the second, fifth, and eighth lines of the matrix M. I will engrave the dots.
  • the CPU 11 moves the head 30 by a distance of 10D in the + Y direction, and the third, sixth, and ninth lines of the matrix M.
  • the stamping pins 33 1 to 33 3 are positioned on the + X side. From this state, the marking pins 33 1 to 33 3 are driven while moving the head 30 in the ⁇ X direction to form characters on the third, sixth, and ninth lines of the matrix M. I will engrave the dots.
  • the control of the stamping unit 20 by the CPU 11 is performed by supplying the selected character pattern data to the stamping unit 20, for example. However, if it is specified that the character to be formed is underlined, a pattern indicated by the character pattern data selected to represent this character and a dot for expressing the underline in the bottom row of the matrix M are arranged. Data representing an underlined pattern corresponding to the result of combining the pattern is generated. The generated data is supplied to the marking unit 20 in place of the selected character pattern data.
  • the character to be enlarged is not underlined, and if the character to be enlarged has not been formed in the past as a normal character pattern, Form. For this reason, the visibility of the characters to be enlarged is sufficiently ensured.
  • the character pattern data is used so that the CPU 11 forms the enlargement target character according to the enlarged character pattern unless it is underlined regardless of whether or not the character has been formed in the enlarged character pattern in the past. May be selected.
  • the underline is a character string.
  • the enlargement target character having no underline is also formed by the normal character pattern.
  • the present invention is not limited to this, and various resolutions can be achieved by controlling the speed of the embossing pin 33 when contacting the object.
  • the dots constituting the pattern can be imprinted.
  • the speed of the stamping pin when contacting the object and the dot diameter are in a proportional relationship.
  • the matrix M of 9 rows ⁇ 9 columns is used as the matrix.
  • the matrix is not limited to this, and any matrix having any number of rows ⁇ any number of columns can be used.
  • the matrix preferably has a size of 3 rows ⁇ 3 columns or more.
  • the dots of the enlarged character pattern are arranged using the 9 ⁇ 9 matrix M, but the present invention is not limited to this.
  • the dots of the non-enlarged character pattern are arranged in a 9 ⁇ 9 matrix.
  • the dots may be arranged within 6 rows ⁇ 6 columns from the center of M, and the dots of the enlarged character pattern may be arranged using the outer 8 rows ⁇ 8 columns.
  • the pattern is formed on the object 100 while moving the head 30 relative to the object 100.
  • the present invention is not limited thereto, and the object 100 may be moved relative to the head 30.
  • the case where the head 30 is moved in the X axis direction and the Y axis direction orthogonal to each other has been described. Any configuration that can move along the surface is acceptable.
  • the stamping unit 20 does not necessarily perform direct marking, and may perform printing on a paper surface.
  • each of the embossing pins 33 is arranged in a circular shape, but is not limited thereto, and may be arranged in a fan shape, a linear shape, and a staggered shape.
  • the programs stored in the auxiliary storage unit 13 of the engraving apparatus 10 are flexible disk, CD-ROM (Compact Disk Read-Only Memory), DVD (Digital Versatile Disk), MO (Magneto-Optical).
  • a device that executes the above-described processing may be configured by storing and distributing the program in a computer-readable recording medium such as disk) and installing the program.
  • the program may be stored in a disk device or the like included in a predetermined server device on a communication network such as the Internet, and may be downloaded, for example, superimposed on a carrier wave.
  • the stamping head and the stamping device of the present invention are suitable for stamping dots on an object to form a pattern composed of dots.
  • Stamping device 10
  • CPU DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 12
  • Main memory part 13
  • Input part 15
  • Detection part 16
  • Interface 20
  • Stamping unit 21 Base member 21a 1st part 21b 2nd part 22
  • Support plate 23
  • Y moving body 23a Moving part 23b
  • Support part 23c 23d Circular opening
  • X moving body 24a
  • 24b Circular opening
  • Holder 26
  • Driver Head
  • Casing 32
  • Holding member 33
  • Stamping pin 40
  • Actuator 41
  • Movable member 42
  • Movable element 43
  • Drive coil 44 45
  • Base 50X X motor 50Y Y motor 51A, 51B X guide 52A , 52B Y guide 60X, 60Y Feed screw 100

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Abstract

Provided is a pattern setting device and the like for printing with good visibility characters having a high frequency of use in character strings. An auxiliary memory (13) stores pattern data, which indicates the patterns of characters by means of an arrangement of dots on a matrix, in association with said characters. A CPU (11) externally acquires designation data which designates the characters to be stamped, selects from the pattern data stored by the auxiliary memory (13) the pattern data associated with the designation data, and outputs the selected pattern data to a stamping unit (20) which stamps the patterns indicated by the pattern data. Predetermined characters from among the characters are designated as targets capable of being stamped in accordance with an enlargement pattern, at least one item of pattern data from among the pattern data stored in association with each of the relevant characters indicates an enlargement character pattern, and at least one of the dots in the enlargement character pattern is arranged in the lowest row and the highest row in the matrix, respectively.

Description

パターン設定装置、パターン設定方法及びプログラムPATTERN SETTING DEVICE, PATTERN SETTING METHOD, AND PROGRAM
 本発明は、パターン設定装置、パターン設定方法及びプログラムに関し、特に、ドットの集合からなるパターンを印字のために設定するパターン設定装置、パターン設定方法及びプログラムに関する。 The present invention relates to a pattern setting device, a pattern setting method, and a program, and more particularly to a pattern setting device, a pattern setting method, and a program for setting a pattern composed of a set of dots for printing.
 近年、工業製品の生産工程などでは、例えば文字を工業製品に直接描画或いは刻印して、製品の管理やトレーサビリィティを実現するダイレクトマーキング技術が注目されている。 In recent years, in the production process of industrial products, for example, direct marking technology that realizes product management and traceability by drawing or engraving characters directly on the industrial products has attracted attention.
 工業製品に直接形成された文字は、例えばラベルなどのように製造工程で剥離する心配がなく、汚染による劣化や経年劣化なども比較的少ない。このため、高温や、薬品などにさらされる劣悪な環境下にある製造工程などでは、ダイレクトマーキング技術は必要不可欠な技術になりつつある。 Characters directly formed on industrial products do not have to worry about peeling off during the manufacturing process, such as labels, and have relatively little deterioration due to contamination or aging. For this reason, direct marking technology is becoming an indispensable technology in a manufacturing process in a poor environment exposed to high temperatures or chemicals.
 このようなダイレクトマーキング技術としては、YAGレーザやCOレーザなどで、対象物に非接触でマーキングを行う方法と、例えばピンなどで対象物の表面を打刻してマーキングを行う方法とがある。 As such a direct marking technique, there are a method of performing non-contact marking on an object with a YAG laser or a CO 2 laser, and a method of marking by marking the surface of the object with a pin or the like, for example. .
 対象物の表面を打刻してマーキングする方法は、金属部品などによく用いられるマーキング方法である。かかるマーキング方法は、例えば特許文献1に記載された打刻装置によって実現される。 The method of marking by marking the surface of an object is a marking method often used for metal parts. Such a marking method is realized, for example, by a stamping device described in Patent Document 1.
特開平8-276607号公報JP-A-8-276607
 特許文献1に記載された装置に代表される打刻装置により文字を打刻する場合、文字のパターンは、マトリクス上のドットの配置により表されることになる。また、文字を打刻する場合は、文字に下線を付したパターンを打刻する場合もある。
 その際、例えば打刻する文字が英数字であれば、打刻された文字により形成される文字列の外観上のバランスを考慮する必要があり、また、下線が付されることがあり得ることも考慮する必要がある。このため、大文字や数字については、図15に示すように、小文字より中心を上寄りとし、マトリクスの最下行にドットを配置しないようにしてパターンが設定されていた。
 しかし、図15のようなパターンを用いると、大文字や数字の大きさが制約を受けるため、これらの文字の視認性が不十分となる。使用頻度の高い大文字や数字がこのような制約を受けると、文字列全体の視認性も不十分なものとなる。
When a character is engraved by an engraving apparatus typified by the apparatus described in Patent Document 1, a character pattern is represented by the arrangement of dots on a matrix. Further, when a character is imprinted, a pattern in which the character is underlined may be imprinted.
At that time, for example, if the character to be imprinted is alphanumeric, it is necessary to consider the balance of the appearance of the character string formed by the imprinted character, and it may be underlined. It is also necessary to consider. For this reason, as shown in FIG. 15, for uppercase letters and numbers, patterns are set such that the center is higher than the lowercase letters and dots are not arranged in the bottom row of the matrix.
However, when the pattern as shown in FIG. 15 is used, the size of capital letters and numbers is restricted, and the visibility of these characters becomes insufficient. When capital letters and numbers that are frequently used are subject to such restrictions, the visibility of the entire character string becomes insufficient.
 本発明は、上述の事情の下になされたもので、文字列中で使用頻度の高い文字を視認性よく印字するためのパターン設定装置、パターン設定方法及びプログラムを提供することを目的とする。 The present invention has been made under the above circumstances, and an object thereof is to provide a pattern setting device, a pattern setting method, and a program for printing a frequently used character in a character string with high visibility.
 上記目的を達成するため、本願の第1の発明に係るパターン設定装置は、
 マトリクス上のドットの配置によりキャラクタのパターンを表すパターンデータを、当該キャラクタと対応付けて記憶するパターン記憶手段と、
 印字されるべきキャラクタを指定する指定データを外部より取得し、当該指定データに対応付けられたパターンデータを、前記パターン記憶手段が記憶しているパターンデータより選択して、選択されたパターンデータを、当該パターンデータが表すパターンの印字を行う外部の印字装置へと出力するパターン選択手段と、を有し、
 前記キャラクタのうち所定のものは拡大対象キャラクタに指定されており、各々の拡大対象キャラクタに対応付けて記憶されているパターンデータは少なくとも2個ずつあり、そのうち少なくとも1個が非拡大パターンを表し、少なくとも1個が拡大パターンを表すものであって、前記拡大パターンにおけるドットは、少なくとも1個が前記非拡大パターンにおけるドットよりも前記マトリクス上の外側よりに配置されている、
 ことを特徴とする。
In order to achieve the above object, a pattern setting apparatus according to the first invention of the present application is provided.
Pattern storage means for storing pattern data representing a character pattern by arranging dots on a matrix in association with the character;
The designation data for designating the character to be printed is acquired from the outside, the pattern data associated with the designation data is selected from the pattern data stored in the pattern storage means, and the selected pattern data is selected. A pattern selection means for outputting to an external printing device for printing the pattern represented by the pattern data,
A predetermined one of the characters is designated as an enlargement target character, and there are at least two pattern data stored in association with each enlargement target character, at least one of which represents a non-enlargement pattern, At least one represents an enlarged pattern, and at least one dot in the enlarged pattern is arranged on the outside of the matrix more than a dot in the non-enlarged pattern,
It is characterized by that.
 このようなパターン設定装置によれば、拡大対象キャラクタについては非拡大パターンよりもサイズの大きい拡大パターンに従ったキャラクタの印字が行われる。このため、拡大対象キャラクタの視認性が十分に確保される。 According to such a pattern setting device, the characters to be enlarged are printed according to the enlarged pattern having a size larger than that of the non-enlarged pattern. For this reason, the visibility of the enlargement target character is sufficiently ensured.
 前記マトリクスは少なくとも3行×3列の大きさを有し、前記拡大パターンにおけるドットは、前記マトリクス上の最上行及び最下行に少なくとも1個ずつ配置されていてもよい。 The matrix may have a size of at least 3 rows × 3 columns, and at least one dot in the enlarged pattern may be arranged on the top row and the bottom row on the matrix.
 各々の拡大対象キャラクタに対応付けて記憶されているパターンデータのうち、非拡大パターンにおけるドットは、前記少なくとも3行×3列の大きさを有するマトリクスの最下行以外の行にのみ配置されていてもよい。
 この場合、前記パターン選択手段は、
 取得した指定データが拡大対象キャラクタを指定しているか否かを判別し、拡大対象キャラクタを指定していると判別したときは、当該指定データが表すキャラクタに下線を付すことを指定するデータを含んでいるか否かを判別し、
 前記取得した指定データが拡大対象キャラクタを指定しており、且つ、当該指定データが表すキャラクタに下線を付すことを指定していないと判別したときは、当該拡大対象キャラクタの拡大パターンを表すパターンデータを選択し、
 前記取得した指定データが、当該指定データが表すキャラクタに下線を付すことを指定していると判別したときは、当該拡大対象キャラクタの非拡大パターンを表すパターンデータを選択し、選択した当該キャラクタのパターンデータが示す非拡大パターンとマトリクスの最下行に下線を表すためのドットを配置したパターンとを合成した結果に相当する下線入りパターンを表すパターンデータを生成し、生成したパターンデータを、選択したパターンデータに代えて前記外部の印字装置へと出力するものであってもよい。
Of the pattern data stored in association with each character to be enlarged, the dots in the non-enlarged pattern are arranged only in rows other than the lowest row of the matrix having the size of at least 3 rows × 3 columns. Also good.
In this case, the pattern selection means
It is determined whether or not the acquired designation data designates an enlargement target character, and when it is judged that the enlargement target character is designated, data that designates that the character represented by the designation data is underlined is included. Whether or not
When it is determined that the acquired designation data designates the enlargement target character and it is not designated to underline the character represented by the designation data, pattern data representing the enlargement pattern of the enlargement target character Select
When it is determined that the acquired designation data designates that the character represented by the designation data is underlined, pattern data representing a non-enlarged pattern of the enlargement target character is selected, and the selected character The pattern data representing the underlined pattern corresponding to the result of combining the non-enlarged pattern indicated by the pattern data and the pattern in which the dot for expressing the underline is arranged at the bottom row of the matrix is generated, and the generated pattern data is selected. Instead of pattern data, the data may be output to the external printing device.
 各々の拡大対象キャラクタに対応付けて記憶されているパターンデータのうち前記非拡大パターンにおけるドットは、前記少なくとも3行×3列の大きさを有するマトリクスの最下行以外の行にのみ配置されており、前記パターン選択手段は、
 過去に取得した指定データが指定している拡大対象キャラクタにつき拡大パターン又は非拡大パターンのいずれを選択したかを示す選択履歴データを生成して記憶する手段を備え、
 新たに取得した指定データが拡大対象キャラクタを指定しているか否かを判別し、拡大対象キャラクタを指定していると判別したときは、当該指定データが表すキャラクタに下線を付すことを指定するデータを含んでいるか否かを判別し、下線を付すことを指定していないと判別したときは、過去に取得した指定データにつき拡大パターン又は非拡大パターンのいずれが選択されていたかを、前記選択履歴データに基づいて判別し、
 過去に取得した指定データにつき拡大パターンが選択されていたと判別したときは、当該拡大対象キャラクタの拡大パターンを表すパターンデータを選択し、その他のときは、当該拡大対象キャラクタの非拡大パターンを表すパターンデータを選択し、
 前記取得した指定データが、当該指定データが表すキャラクタに下線を付すことを指定していると判別したときは、当該拡大対象キャラクタの非拡大パターンを表すパターンデータを選択し、選択した当該キャラクタのパターンデータが示す非拡大パターンとマトリクスの最下行に下線を表すためのドットを配置したパターンとを合成した結果に相当する下線入りパターンを表すパターンデータを生成し、生成したパターンデータを、選択したパターンデータに代えて前記外部の印字装置へと出力するものであってもよい。
Of the pattern data stored in association with each character to be enlarged, the dots in the non-enlarged pattern are arranged only in rows other than the lowest row of the matrix having the size of at least 3 rows × 3 columns. The pattern selection means includes:
Means for generating and storing selection history data indicating whether an enlargement pattern or a non-enlargement pattern has been selected for an enlargement target character designated by designated data acquired in the past,
Data that specifies whether the newly specified data specifies an enlargement target character, and if it is determined that the enlargement target character is specified, specifies that the character represented by the specified data is underlined If it is determined that underlining is not specified, the selection history indicates whether an enlarged pattern or a non-enlarged pattern has been selected for the specified data acquired in the past. Based on the data,
When it is determined that the enlargement pattern has been selected for the specified data acquired in the past, the pattern data representing the enlargement pattern of the enlargement target character is selected, and in other cases, the pattern representing the non-enlargement pattern of the enlargement target character Select the data
When it is determined that the acquired designation data designates that the character represented by the designation data is underlined, pattern data representing a non-enlarged pattern of the enlargement target character is selected, and the selected character The pattern data representing the underlined pattern corresponding to the result of combining the non-enlarged pattern indicated by the pattern data and the pattern in which the dot for expressing the underline is arranged at the bottom row of the matrix is generated, and the generated pattern data is selected. Instead of pattern data, the data may be output to the external printing device.
 このような構成によれば、下線が、キャラクタのなす文字列の全体に及ばない場合、下線がない部分の拡大対象キャラクタも非拡大パターンにより印字される。このため、下線部が部分的に含まれている文字列については、拡大対象キャラクタの視認性よりも文字列全体の外観上のバランスが優先された態様で文字列の形成が行われる。 According to such a configuration, when the underline does not reach the entire character string formed by the character, the enlargement target character in the portion without the underline is also printed with the non-enlargement pattern. For this reason, for a character string partially including the underlined portion, the character string is formed in a manner in which the balance of the appearance of the entire character string is prioritized over the visibility of the enlargement target character.
 また、本願の第2の発明に係るパターン設定方法は、
 マトリクス上のドットの配置によりキャラクタのパターンを表すパターンデータを、当該キャラクタと対応付けて記憶するパターン記憶ステップと、
 印字されるべきキャラクタを指定する指定データを外部より取得し、当該指定データに対応付けられたパターンデータを、前記パターン記憶ステップで記憶しているパターンデータより選択して、選択されたパターンデータを、当該パターンデータが表すパターンの印字を行う外部の印字装置へと出力するパターン選択ステップと、を有し、
 前記キャラクタのうち所定のものは拡大対象キャラクタに指定されており、各々の拡大対象キャラクタに対応付けて記憶されているパターンデータは少なくとも2個ずつあり、そのうち少なくとも1個が非拡大パターンを表し、少なくとも1個が拡大パターンを表すものであって、前記拡大パターンにおけるドットは、少なくとも1個が前記非拡大パターンにおけるドットよりも前記マトリクス上の外側よりに配置されている、
 ことを特徴とする。
The pattern setting method according to the second invention of the present application is
A pattern storage step for storing pattern data representing a character pattern by arranging dots on a matrix in association with the character;
The designation data for designating the character to be printed is acquired from outside, the pattern data associated with the designation data is selected from the pattern data stored in the pattern storage step, and the selected pattern data is selected. And a pattern selection step for outputting to an external printing device for printing the pattern represented by the pattern data,
A predetermined one of the characters is designated as an enlargement target character, and there are at least two pattern data stored in association with each enlargement target character, at least one of which represents a non-enlargement pattern, At least one represents an enlarged pattern, and at least one dot in the enlarged pattern is arranged on the outside of the matrix more than a dot in the non-enlarged pattern,
It is characterized by that.
 このようなパターン設定方法によっても、拡大対象キャラクタについては非拡大パターンよりもサイズの大きい拡大パターンに従ったキャラクタの印字が行われる。このため、拡大対象キャラクタの視認性が十分に確保される。 Even with such a pattern setting method, characters that are to be enlarged are printed according to an enlarged pattern having a size larger than that of the non-enlarged pattern. For this reason, the visibility of the enlargement target character is sufficiently ensured.
 また、本願の第3の発明に係るプログラムは、
 コンピュータを、
 マトリクス上のドットの配置によりキャラクタのパターンを表すパターンデータを、当該キャラクタと対応付けて記憶するパターン記憶手段と、
 印字されるべきキャラクタを指定する指定データを外部より取得し、当該指定データに対応付けられたパターンデータを、前記パターン記憶手段が記憶しているパターンデータより選択して、選択されたパターンデータを、当該パターンデータが表すパターンの印字を行う外部の印字装置へと出力するパターン選択手段と、を有し、
 前記キャラクタのうち所定のものは拡大対象キャラクタに指定されており、各々の拡大対象キャラクタに対応付けて記憶されているパターンデータは少なくとも2個ずつあり、そのうち少なくとも1個が非拡大パターンを表し、少なくとも1個が拡大パターンを表すものであって、前記拡大パターンにおけるドットは、少なくとも1個が前記非拡大パターンにおけるドットよりも前記マトリクス上の外側よりに配置されている、
 ことを特徴とするパターン設定装置として機能させるためのものである。
The program according to the third invention of the present application is
Computer
Pattern storage means for storing pattern data representing a character pattern by arranging dots on a matrix in association with the character;
The designation data for designating the character to be printed is acquired from the outside, the pattern data associated with the designation data is selected from the pattern data stored in the pattern storage means, and the selected pattern data is selected. A pattern selection means for outputting to an external printing device for printing the pattern represented by the pattern data,
A predetermined one of the characters is designated as an enlargement target character, and there are at least two pattern data stored in association with each enlargement target character, at least one of which represents a non-enlargement pattern, At least one represents an enlarged pattern, and at least one dot in the enlarged pattern is arranged on the outside of the matrix more than a dot in the non-enlarged pattern,
It is for functioning as a pattern setting device characterized by this.
 このようなプログラムを実行するコンピュータによっても、拡大対象キャラクタについては非拡大パターンよりもサイズの大きい拡大パターンに従ったキャラクタの印字が行われる。このため、拡大対象キャラクタの視認性が十分に確保される。 A computer that executes such a program also prints a character according to an enlarged pattern having a size larger than that of the non-enlarged pattern for the character to be enlarged. For this reason, the visibility of the enlargement target character is sufficiently ensured.
 本発明によれば、文字列中で使用頻度の高い文字を視認性よく印字するためのパターン設定装置、パターン設定方法及びプログラムが実現される。 According to the present invention, a pattern setting device, a pattern setting method, and a program for printing a frequently used character in a character string with high visibility are realized.
本発明の一実施形態に係る打刻装置のブロック図である。It is a block diagram of the marking device concerning one embodiment of the present invention. 打刻ユニットの斜視図である。It is a perspective view of a stamping unit. ヘッドを+Y側から見た図である。It is the figure which looked at the head from + Y side. ヘッドの内部構造を示す図である。It is a figure which shows the internal structure of a head. 打刻ピンの配置を説明するための図(その1)である。It is FIG. (1) for demonstrating arrangement | positioning of a stamping pin. 打刻ピンの配置を説明するための図(その2)である。It is FIG. (2) for demonstrating arrangement | positioning of a stamping pin. 打刻ピンの配置を説明するための図(その3)である。It is FIG. (3) for demonstrating arrangement | positioning of a stamping pin. 打刻ユニットのブロック図である。It is a block diagram of an embossing unit. パルス信号を示す図である。It is a figure which shows a pulse signal. 打刻ピンの変位と時間との関係を表す曲線を示す図である。It is a figure which shows the curve showing the relationship between the displacement of a stamping pin, and time. 打刻ユニットの配置を説明するための図である。It is a figure for demonstrating arrangement | positioning of a marking unit. マトリクスを示す図である。It is a figure which shows a matrix. 文字パターンを示す図である。It is a figure which shows a character pattern. 下線部が混在する文字列の文字パターンを示す図(その1)である。It is the figure (the 1) which shows the character pattern of the character string in which an underline part is mixed. 下線部が混在する文字列の文字パターンを示す図(その2)である。It is FIG. (2) which shows the character pattern of the character string in which an underline part is mixed. 打刻装置の動作を説明するための図である。It is a figure for demonstrating operation | movement of a stamping apparatus. 従来の文字パターンの例を示す図である。It is a figure which shows the example of the conventional character pattern.
 以下、本発明の一実施形態を、図面を参照しつつ説明する。図1は本実施形態に係る打刻装置10の概略的な構成を示すブロック図である。この打刻装置10は、外部装置や外部システムから出力された文字を、対象物に打刻する装置である。 Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of an engraving apparatus 10 according to the present embodiment. The engraving apparatus 10 is an apparatus that engraves characters output from an external device or an external system on an object.
 図1に示されるように、打刻装置10は、CPU(Central Processing Unit)11、主記憶部12、補助記憶部13、入力部14、検出部15、インターフェース16、及び打刻ユニット20を備えている。 As shown in FIG. 1, the stamping apparatus 10 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 11, a main storage unit 12, an auxiliary storage unit 13, an input unit 14, a detection unit 15, an interface 16, and a stamping unit 20. ing.
 前記主記憶部12は、RAM(Random Access Memory)等を含んで構成されている。この主記憶部12は、CPU11の作業領域として用いられる。 The main storage unit 12 includes a RAM (Random Access Memory) or the like. The main storage unit 12 is used as a work area for the CPU 11.
 前記補助記憶部13は、ROM(Read Only Memory)、磁気ディスク、半導体メモリ等の不揮発性メモリを含んで構成されている。この補助記憶部13は、CPU11が実行するプログラム、及びプログラムの実行に必要な各種パラメータなどを記憶している。また、CPU11による処理結果などを含む情報を逐次記憶する。 The auxiliary storage unit 13 includes a nonvolatile memory such as a ROM (Read Only Memory), a magnetic disk, and a semiconductor memory. The auxiliary storage unit 13 stores a program executed by the CPU 11 and various parameters necessary for executing the program. In addition, information including processing results by the CPU 11 is sequentially stored.
 前記入力部14は、電源スイッチや打刻装置10に対する指令を入力するための操作パネルなどを含んで構成されている。ユーザの指示は、この入力部14を介して入力され、システムバス10aを経由してCPU11に通知される。 The input unit 14 includes a power switch and an operation panel for inputting a command to the marking device 10. The user instruction is input via the input unit 14 and is notified to the CPU 11 via the system bus 10a.
 前記打刻ユニット20は、対象物の表面に複数のドットから構成される文字などのパターンを形成する。図2は、打刻ユニット20の斜視図である。図2に示されるように、打刻ユニット20は、ベース部材21、ベース部材21に対してY軸に沿って移動可能に設けられたY移動体23、Y移動体23に対してX軸に沿って移動可能に設けられたX移動体24、X移動体24にホルダ25を介して取り付けられたヘッド30、及び打刻ユニット20の制御を行うドライバ26を備えている。 The stamping unit 20 forms a pattern such as a character composed of a plurality of dots on the surface of the object. FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the stamping unit 20. As shown in FIG. 2, the embossing unit 20 has a base member 21, a Y moving body 23 that is movable with respect to the base member 21 along the Y axis, and an X axis with respect to the Y moving body 23. An X moving body 24 movably provided along the head, a head 30 attached to the X moving body 24 via a holder 25, and a driver 26 for controlling the engraving unit 20 are provided.
 前記ベース部材21は、長手方向をX軸方向としXY平面に平行な板状の第1部分21aと、長手方向をX軸方向としXZ面に平行な板状の第2部分21bの2部分からなる断面L字状の部材である。また、このベース部材21に形成された第1部分21aの+Y側端部には、長手方向をX軸方向とする支持プレート22が固定されている。 The base member 21 includes a plate-shaped first portion 21a parallel to the XY plane with the longitudinal direction as the X-axis direction and a plate-shaped second portion 21b parallel to the XZ plane with the longitudinal direction as the X-axis direction. This is a member having an L-shaped cross section. A support plate 22 having a longitudinal direction as the X-axis direction is fixed to the + Y side end portion of the first portion 21a formed on the base member 21.
 前記支持プレート22の-Y側の面と、ベース部材21に形成された第2部分21bの+Y側の面とはほぼ平行になっている。そして、支持プレート22とベース部材21の第2部分21bの間には、長手方向をY軸方向とする円柱状のYガイド52A,52Bがそれぞれ架設されている。この円柱状のYガイド52A,52Bは、一端部が支持プレート22に固定され、他端部が第2部分21bに固定されている。 The −Y side surface of the support plate 22 and the + Y side surface of the second portion 21 b formed on the base member 21 are substantially parallel to each other. Between the support plate 22 and the second portion 21 b of the base member 21, columnar Y guides 52 </ b> A and 52 </ b> B having a longitudinal direction as the Y-axis direction are respectively installed. One end of each of the cylindrical Y guides 52A and 52B is fixed to the support plate 22, and the other end is fixed to the second portion 21b.
 前記Y移動体23は、X軸方向を長手方向とする板状の移動部23aと、移動部23aの+X側端部及び-X側端部から-Z方向へ延びる一対の支持部23bとからなる部材である。また、Y移動体23の移動部23aの中央部には、Y軸方向に貫通する円形開口23cが形成され、この円形開口23cの+X側及び-X側には円形開口23dがそれぞれ形成されている。そして、Y移動体23の一対の支持部23bの間には、両端部が一対の支持部23bにそれぞれ固定された、長手方向をX軸方向とする円柱状のXガイド51A,51Bがそれぞれ架設されている。 The Y moving body 23 includes a plate-like moving portion 23a whose longitudinal direction is the X-axis direction and a pair of support portions 23b extending in the −Z direction from the + X side end portion and the −X side end portion of the moving portion 23a. It is a member. Further, a circular opening 23c penetrating in the Y-axis direction is formed at the center of the moving portion 23a of the Y moving body 23, and circular openings 23d are formed on the + X side and the −X side of the circular opening 23c, respectively. Yes. Between the pair of support portions 23b of the Y moving body 23, columnar X guides 51A and 51B having both ends fixed to the pair of support portions 23b and whose longitudinal direction is the X-axis direction are installed. Has been.
 上述のように構成されたY移動体23は、移動部23aの円形開口23dにそれぞれ挿入された1組のYガイド52A,52Bによって、ベース部材21に対してY軸方向に移動可能に支持されている。 The Y moving body 23 configured as described above is supported so as to be movable in the Y-axis direction with respect to the base member 21 by a pair of Y guides 52A and 52B inserted into the circular openings 23d of the moving portion 23a. ing.
 また、Y移動体23の移動部23aに形成された円形開口23cには、ベース部材21の第2部分21b、及び支持プレート22に、+Y側端部及び-Y側端部が回転可能に支持された送りネジ60Yが螺合されている。Y移動体23は、送りネジ60YがYモータ50Yによって回転されることで、Y軸方向に移動される。 Further, in the circular opening 23c formed in the moving portion 23a of the Y moving body 23, the + Y side end portion and the −Y side end portion are rotatably supported by the second portion 21b of the base member 21 and the support plate 22. The fed feed screw 60Y is screwed. The Y moving body 23 is moved in the Y-axis direction when the feed screw 60Y is rotated by the Y motor 50Y.
 前記X移動体24は、Z軸方向を長手方向とする直方体状の部材である。このX移動体24の中央部にはX軸方向に貫通する円形開口24aが形成され、この円形開口24aの+Z側及び-Z側には円形開口24bがそれぞれ形成されている。 The X moving body 24 is a rectangular parallelepiped member whose longitudinal direction is the Z-axis direction. A circular opening 24a penetrating in the X-axis direction is formed at the center of the X moving body 24, and circular openings 24b are formed on the + Z side and the −Z side of the circular opening 24a, respectively.
 上述のように構成されたX移動体24は、円形開口24bにそれぞれ挿入されたXガイド51A,51Bによって、Y移動体23に対してX軸方向に移動可能に支持されている。 The X moving body 24 configured as described above is supported to be movable in the X axis direction with respect to the Y moving body 23 by X guides 51A and 51B inserted into the circular openings 24b.
 また、X移動体24に形成された円形開口24aには、両端部がY移動体23に形成された支持部23bによって回転可能に支持された送りネジ60Xが螺合されている。X移動体24は、送りネジ60XがXモータ50Xによって回転されることで、X軸方向に移動される。 Further, a feed screw 60X that is rotatably supported at both ends by a support portion 23b formed at the Y moving body 23 is screwed into the circular opening 24a formed at the X moving body 24. The X moving body 24 is moved in the X-axis direction when the feed screw 60X is rotated by the X motor 50X.
 前記ヘッド30は、X移動体24の+Y側の面に固定されたU字状のホルダ25によって支持されている。図3は、ヘッド30を+Y側から見た図である。図3に示されるように、ヘッド30は、長さが相互に等しい9本の打刻ピン33と、9本の打刻ピン33それぞれを駆動する9つのアクチュエータ40が収容されたケーシング31と、打刻ピン33それぞれを保持する保持部材32とを有している。 The head 30 is supported by a U-shaped holder 25 fixed to the surface of the X moving body 24 on the + Y side. FIG. 3 is a view of the head 30 as viewed from the + Y side. As shown in FIG. 3, the head 30 includes nine stamping pins 33 having the same length, and a casing 31 in which nine actuators 40 for driving the nine stamping pins 33 are housed, It has a holding member 32 for holding each of the punching pins 33.
 以下、本発明の実施形態に係る打刻ユニット20のヘッド30を図面を参照して説明する。図4は、本実施形態に係る打刻ユニット20のヘッド30の断面図であり、ケーシング31の中心を通りXZ平面に平行する断面を示す図である。なお、図4ではケーシング31のレバーホルダ天板31bと、ケーシング31と保持部材32とを固定する固定ばね31cと、は省略している。打刻ピン33の-Z側端部は下方に向かって細くなる円錐状、或いは球状に整形されている。また+Z側端部には、他の部分よりも経が大きい大径部33aが形成されている。そして、-Z側端部が保持部材32から突き出た状態で、Z軸に沿って移動可能に保持されている。 Hereinafter, the head 30 of the embossing unit 20 according to the embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of the head 30 of the embossing unit 20 according to this embodiment, and shows a cross-section passing through the center of the casing 31 and parallel to the XZ plane. In FIG. 4, the lever holder top plate 31 b of the casing 31 and the fixing spring 31 c that fixes the casing 31 and the holding member 32 are omitted. The −Z side end portion of the stamping pin 33 is shaped into a conical shape or a spherical shape that narrows downward. A large-diameter portion 33a having a larger warp than other portions is formed at the + Z side end portion. Then, with the −Z side end protruding from the holding member 32, it is held movably along the Z axis.
 本実施形態に係る打刻ユニット20のヘッド30は、保持部材32と、打刻ピン33と、復帰ばね113と、打刻ピン駆動レバー114と、可動ヨーク116と、ヨークケース117と、ヨークプレート118と、駆動コイル43と、を備える。 The head 30 of the stamping unit 20 according to the present embodiment includes a holding member 32, a stamping pin 33, a return spring 113, a stamping pin drive lever 114, a movable yoke 116, a yoke case 117, and a yoke plate. 118 and a drive coil 43.
 打刻ピン駆動レバー114、可動ヨーク116、駆動コイル43により、打刻ピン33を駆動するアクチュエータ40が構成される。 The stamping pin drive lever 114, the movable yoke 116, and the drive coil 43 constitute an actuator 40 that drives the stamping pin 33.
 ヨークケース117、ヨークプレート118は、9つのアクチュエータ40を収容するケーシング31を構成する。 The yoke case 117 and the yoke plate 118 constitute a casing 31 that accommodates the nine actuators 40.
 保持部材32は、その内部に打刻ピン33および打刻ピンガイド板115~115を収納している。この比較的長尺となる打刻ピン33は、打刻ピンガイド板115~115によって、保持部材32内において概ね一定の姿勢を維持する。打刻ピンガイド板115~115は板体にガイドとなる穴を貫通させたものであり、このガイド穴に打刻ピンを通すことで打刻ピンの姿勢を維持している。 The holding member 32 accommodates the stamping pin 33 and the stamping pin guide plates 115 a to 115 d therein. The relatively long stamping pin 33 maintains a substantially constant posture in the holding member 32 by the stamping pin guide plates 115 a to 115 d . The stamping pin guide plates 115 a to 115 d are formed by penetrating a hole serving as a guide through the plate body, and the posture of the stamping pin is maintained by passing the stamping pin through the guide hole.
 復帰ばね113は、打刻ピン33を+Z方向に付勢するためのものであり、コイルスプリングからなり、それぞれに打刻ピン33が挿入される。 The return spring 113 is for urging the stamping pin 33 in the + Z direction, and is composed of a coil spring, and the stamping pin 33 is inserted into each of the coil springs.
 打刻ピン駆動レバー114は、打刻ピン33それぞれを待機位置から-Z側(下方)に移動させるためのものである。打刻ピン駆動レバー114には、軟磁性体からなる可動ヨーク116が、例えばカシメ加工により一体に固定されている。可動ヨーク116は、円柱形状を有している。 The stamping pin drive lever 114 is for moving each of the stamping pins 33 from the standby position to the −Z side (downward). A movable yoke 116 made of a soft magnetic material is integrally fixed to the stamping pin drive lever 114 by caulking, for example. The movable yoke 116 has a cylindrical shape.
 打刻ピン33は復帰ばね113により、+Z方向に付勢される。そして、打刻ピン33の大径部33aが打刻ピン駆動レバーと当接することで、それ以上の+Z方向への移動を規制されている。この位置が打刻ピン33の待機位置である。 The stamping pin 33 is urged in the + Z direction by the return spring 113. Further, since the large-diameter portion 33a of the stamping pin 33 is in contact with the stamping pin drive lever, further movement in the + Z direction is restricted. This position is the standby position for the marking pin 33.
 打刻ピン駆動レバー114は、レバーホルダ31a内において、打刻ピン駆動レバー114の打刻ピン33の大径部33aとの当接部(先端)と反対側の端部(後端)は図示しない保持機構によって保持されている。これによって、打刻ピン駆動レバー114はZ軸方向に揺動することが可能である。なお、保持機構は、例えばレバーホルダ31aの天板であるレバーホルダ天板31bと、打刻ピン駆動レバー114の端部との間に板ばねを設ける等して構成される。 In the lever holder 31a, the stamping pin drive lever 114 has an end portion (rear end) opposite to a contact portion (front end) with the large diameter portion 33a of the stamping pin 33 of the stamping pin drive lever 114. Not held by the holding mechanism. Thereby, the stamping pin drive lever 114 can swing in the Z-axis direction. The holding mechanism is configured, for example, by providing a leaf spring between the lever holder top plate 31b, which is the top plate of the lever holder 31a, and the end of the stamping pin drive lever 114.
 ヨークケース117は、可動ヨーク116を引きつけて打刻ピン駆動レバー114を待機位置から-Z方向(下方)へ駆動するためのものである。ヨークケース117は、例えば、電磁軟鉄や珪素鋼等などの軟磁性体からなる。ヨークケース117は、保持部材32上に保持される。ヨークケース117には、可動ヨーク116が配される位置に対応して円柱形状のコアが設けられている。この円柱形状のコアを中心として、駆動コイル43が設けられる。 The yoke case 117 is for attracting the movable yoke 116 to drive the embossing pin drive lever 114 in the −Z direction (downward) from the standby position. The yoke case 117 is made of a soft magnetic material such as electromagnetic soft iron or silicon steel. The yoke case 117 is held on the holding member 32. The yoke case 117 is provided with a cylindrical core corresponding to the position where the movable yoke 116 is disposed. A drive coil 43 is provided around the cylindrical core.
 ヨークプレート118は、閉じた磁路を形成するためのものであり、例えば、電磁軟鉄や珪素鋼等などの軟磁性体からなる。 The yoke plate 118 is for forming a closed magnetic path, and is made of a soft magnetic material such as electromagnetic soft iron or silicon steel.
 駆動コイル43は、電流の供給を受けて、ヨークケース117とヨークプレート118とを磁化するためのものである。ヨークケース117とヨークプレート118とが磁化されると、可動ヨーク116が引き付けられるため、打刻ピン駆動レバー114先端は-Z方向へ揺動する。打刻ピン駆動レバー114先端が-Z方向に揺動するのに伴って、打刻ピン33も-Z方向に移動する。 The drive coil 43 is for magnetizing the yoke case 117 and the yoke plate 118 upon receiving a current supply. When the yoke case 117 and the yoke plate 118 are magnetized, the movable yoke 116 is attracted, so that the tip of the stamping pin drive lever 114 swings in the −Z direction. As the tip of the stamping pin drive lever 114 swings in the −Z direction, the stamping pin 33 also moves in the −Z direction.
 駆動コイル43への電流の供給が中断されると、打刻ピン33を+Z方向に付勢している復帰ばね113により、打刻ピン33および打刻ピン駆動レバー114は待機位置に復帰する。 When the supply of current to the drive coil 43 is interrupted, the stamping pin 33 and the stamping pin drive lever 114 are returned to the standby position by the return spring 113 urging the stamping pin 33 in the + Z direction.
 図5は、9本の打刻ピン33の配置を示す斜視図である。図5に示されるように、9本の打刻ピン33それぞれは、+Z側端がZ軸に平行な鉛直軸Lを中心とする円C1に沿って位置した状態で、保持部材32によって保持されている。また、打刻ピン33をそれぞれ駆動する打刻ピン駆動レバー114および駆動コイル43も、鉛直軸Lからの距離が相互に等しくなるように配置されている。 FIG. 5 is a perspective view showing the arrangement of nine embossing pins 33. As shown in FIG. 5, each of the nine punching pins 33 is held by the holding member 32 in a state where the + Z side end is located along a circle C <b> 1 centering on the vertical axis L parallel to the Z axis. ing. Further, the embossing pin drive lever 114 and the drive coil 43 that respectively drive the embossing pins 33 are also arranged so that the distances from the vertical axis L are equal to each other.
 また、図6に示すように打刻ピン33は、打刻ピン33の中心軸と鉛直軸Lとの成す角度θが9つの打刻ピン33にわたって相互に等しくなるように配置される。なお、角度θは、作図の便宜上、図6では鉛直軸Lに平行な線lと打刻ピン33の中心軸とのなす角度θとして示している。本実施形態では図6に示されるように、打刻ピン33それぞれの下端は、鉛直軸L上に中心を有し半径が円C1よりも小さい円C2上に位置するように配置されている。 Further, as shown in FIG. 6, the stamping pins 33 are arranged so that the angle θ formed by the center axis of the stamping pins 33 and the vertical axis L is equal to each other over the nine stamping pins 33. For convenience of drawing, the angle θ is shown as an angle θ formed by the line l parallel to the vertical axis L and the central axis of the stamping pin 33 in FIG. In the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 6, the lower ends of the embossing pins 33 are arranged so as to be located on a circle C2 having a center on the vertical axis L and a radius smaller than the circle C1.
 図7は、打刻ピン33それぞれの下端(対象物に当接する端)の配置を示す図である。本実施形態では、図7を参照するとわかるように、打刻ピン33それぞれの下端は、XY面における円C2上に位置するとともに、Y軸方向に関して距離dずつ離間するように配置されている。この距離dは、解像度を200dpiとするパターンを構成するドットD2の径の2倍の距離に概ね相当し、解像度を300dpiとするパターンを構成するドットD3の径の3倍の距離に概ね相当する。以下、9本の打刻ピン33について、最も-Y側にある打刻ピン33を打刻ピン33と表示し、+Y方向に向かってそれぞれの打刻ピン33を打刻ピン33、33、…33とも表示する。 FIG. 7 is a diagram showing the arrangement of the lower ends (ends contacting the object) of the embossing pins 33. In the present embodiment, as can be seen with reference to FIG. 7, the lower ends of the embossing pins 33 are located on a circle C2 in the XY plane and are arranged so as to be separated by a distance d in the Y-axis direction. This distance d substantially corresponds to a distance twice as large as the diameter of the dot D2 constituting the pattern having a resolution of 200 dpi, and roughly corresponds to a distance three times as large as the diameter of the dot D3 constituting the pattern having a resolution of 300 dpi. . Hereinafter, the nine embossing pins 33, the most -Y in side embossing pins 33 displays the embossing pins 33 1, + Y embossing pins 33 2 each embossing pins 33 in a direction, 33 3, ... 33 9 both to display.
 図8は、打刻ユニット20のブロック図である。前記ドライバ26は、ベース部材21に形成された第2部分21bの+Y側に配置され、Xモータ50X、Yモータ50Y、及びヘッド30と電気的に接続されている。そして、図8を参照するとわかるように、CPU11の指示に基づいて、Xモータ50X及びYモータ50Yを駆動して、ヘッド30をX軸方向及びY軸方向へ移動する。また、ヘッド30の打刻ピン33~33を駆動するアクチュエータ40~40それぞれの駆動コイル43にパルス信号を供給する。 FIG. 8 is a block diagram of the stamping unit 20. The driver 26 is disposed on the + Y side of the second portion 21 b formed on the base member 21 and is electrically connected to the X motor 50 </ b> X, the Y motor 50 </ b> Y, and the head 30. Then, as can be seen with reference to FIG. 8, the X motor 50X and the Y motor 50Y are driven based on the instruction of the CPU 11 to move the head 30 in the X axis direction and the Y axis direction. In addition, a pulse signal is supplied to the drive coils 43 of the actuators 40 1 to 40 9 that drive the marking pins 33 1 to 33 9 of the head 30.
 図9Aには、ドライバ26が、アクチュエータ40~40それぞれの駆動コイル43に供給するパルス信号P2及びパルス信号P3が示されている。パルス信号P2は、対象物に解像度を200dpiとするパターンを構成するドットを打刻するための電圧信号の1例である。また、パルス信号P3は、対象物に解像度を300dpiとするパターンを構成するドットを打刻するための電圧信号の1例である。また、パルス信号P2は、最大電圧がV2であり、パルス幅がTの矩形波である。一方、パルス信号P3は、最大電圧がV2よりも小さいV3であり、パルス幅がTの矩形波である。 FIG. 9A shows a pulse signal P2 and a pulse signal P3 that the driver 26 supplies to the drive coils 43 of the actuators 40 1 to 40 9 . The pulse signal P2 is an example of a voltage signal for imprinting dots constituting a pattern with a resolution of 200 dpi on the object. The pulse signal P3 is an example of a voltage signal for imprinting dots constituting a pattern with a resolution of 300 dpi on the object. The pulse signal P2 is a rectangular wave having a maximum voltage of V2 and a pulse width of T. On the other hand, the pulse signal P3 is a rectangular wave having a maximum voltage V3 smaller than V2 and a pulse width T.
 一例として、図9Bには、打刻ピン33の、待機位置Dからの変位と時間との関係を示す曲線S2及び曲線S3が示されている。曲線S2は、アクチュエータ40にパルス信号P2が供給されたときの打刻ピン33の変位と時間との関係を示す曲線である。また、曲線S3は、アクチュエータ40にパルス信号P3が供給されたときの打刻ピン33の変位と時間との関係を示す曲線である。 As an example, FIG. 9B, the embossing pins 33, curves S2 and a curve S3 shows the relationship between the displacement and the time from the standby position D 0 is shown. A curve S2 is a curve showing the relationship between the displacement of the stamping pin 33 and the time when the pulse signal P2 is supplied to the actuator 40. A curve S3 is a curve showing the relationship between the displacement of the stamping pin 33 and the time when the pulse signal P3 is supplied to the actuator 40.
 曲線S2と曲線S3とを見るとわかるように、打刻ピン33はパルス信号がハイレベルとなる時刻t1から少し遅れて移動を開始する。移動を開始した打刻ピン33は、パルス信号がローレベルとなる時刻t2までの間に加速され、パルス信号がローレベルとなった後も移動を継続し、変位がDとなる対象物に当接する位置に達する。そして、しばらくその位置に留まった後に変位がDとなる待機位置まで戻る。 As can be seen from the curves S2 and S3, the embossing pin 33 starts moving with a slight delay from the time t1 when the pulse signal becomes high level. The stamping pin 33 that has started to move is accelerated until time t2 when the pulse signal becomes low level, and continues to move even after the pulse signal becomes low level, so that the displacement becomes DT. Reach the abutting position. Then, the flow returns to the standby position which is displaced after remained in that position while the D 0.
 本実施形態においては、パルス信号P2によって得られるドット径が、200dpiのパターンを形成するためのドット径である。また、パルス信号P3によって得られるドット径が、300dpiのパターンを形成するためのドット径となるように設定されている。 In this embodiment, the dot diameter obtained by the pulse signal P2 is a dot diameter for forming a 200 dpi pattern. Further, the dot diameter obtained by the pulse signal P3 is set to be a dot diameter for forming a 300 dpi pattern.
 ドライバ26は、CPU11からの指示により、最大電圧値及びパルス幅がそれぞれ異なるパルス信号P2、及びパルス信号P3を選択的にアクチュエータ40~40それぞれに供給する。これにより、対象物に当接するときの打刻ピン33~33の速度が解像度に見合った速度となる。そして、対象物に、解像度が300dpiのパターンを構成するドットと、解像度200dpiのパターンを構成するドットとを選択的に打刻することができる。 In response to an instruction from the CPU 11, the driver 26 selectively supplies a pulse signal P2 and a pulse signal P3 having different maximum voltage values and pulse widths to the actuators 40 1 to 40 9 respectively. As a result, the speed of the embossing pins 33 1 to 33 9 when coming into contact with the object becomes a speed commensurate with the resolution. Then, dots that form a pattern with a resolution of 300 dpi and dots that form a pattern with a resolution of 200 dpi can be selectively imprinted on the object.
 上述のように構成された打刻ユニット20は、図10を参照するとわかるように、ベース部材21の上面がほぼ水平となった状態で、例えばベルトコンベア120の上方にヘッド30が位置するように不図示の支持部材によって支持されている。また、本実施形態では、ベルトコンベア120に載置された対象物100の上面は、打刻ピン33の待機位置と打刻限界位置との間に位置した状態となっている。 The stamping unit 20 configured as described above is configured such that the head 30 is positioned above the belt conveyor 120, for example, with the upper surface of the base member 21 being substantially horizontal, as can be seen with reference to FIG. It is supported by a support member (not shown). Further, in the present embodiment, the upper surface of the object 100 placed on the belt conveyor 120 is in a state located between the standby position of the stamping pin 33 and the stamping limit position.
 図1に戻り、前記検出部15は、打刻ユニット20の下方にある対象物100を検出しこの検出結果を含む情報を出力する。 Referring back to FIG. 1, the detection unit 15 detects the object 100 below the embossing unit 20 and outputs information including the detection result.
 前記インターフェース16は、シリアルインターフェースまたはLAN(Local Area Network)インターフェースなどの入力ポートと、入力ポートに入力された情報を一時蓄積するバッファなどを備えている。本実施形態では、パソコンなどの外部装置などがインターフェース16に接続されている。このインターフェース16とシステムバス10aを介して、対象物100に形成する文字に関する情報がCPU11に通知される。 The interface 16 includes an input port such as a serial interface or a LAN (Local Area Network) interface, and a buffer for temporarily storing information input to the input port. In the present embodiment, an external device such as a personal computer is connected to the interface 16. Information about characters formed on the object 100 is notified to the CPU 11 via the interface 16 and the system bus 10a.
 対象物100に形成する文字に関する情報は、具体的には、例えば当該文字のキャラクタコード、当該文字が含まれるべき文字列が横書きであるとして当該文字が下線付きであるか否かを示すデータからなっている。 Specifically, the information about the character formed on the object 100 is, for example, from the character code of the character, data indicating whether the character string that should contain the character is horizontal writing, and whether the character is underlined. It has become.
 前記CPU11は、補助記憶部13に記憶されたプログラムなどを読み出して、このプログラムに従って、打刻ユニット20などの各部を統括的に制御する。 The CPU 11 reads a program stored in the auxiliary storage unit 13 and controls each unit such as the embossing unit 20 according to the program.
 次に、上述のように構成された打刻装置10の動作について説明する。前提として、対象物100は、図10に示されるように、打刻ユニット20の下方に搬送され、CPU11によって検出部15を介して検出されているものとする。また、本実施形態では、一例として英文字「A」「B」「C」「p」「q」「r」を、図11に示すような9行9列のマトリクスM上に、打刻して形成するものとする。 Next, the operation of the engraving apparatus 10 configured as described above will be described. As a premise, it is assumed that the object 100 is conveyed below the embossing unit 20 and detected by the CPU 11 via the detection unit 15 as shown in FIG. In this embodiment, as an example, English letters “A”, “B”, “C”, “p”, “q”, and “r” are imprinted on a matrix M of 9 rows and 9 columns as shown in FIG. Shall be formed.
 まず、CPU11は、外部装置などから文字に関する情報が供給されると、この管理情報から対象物100に形成するこの文字の文字パターンを設定する。文字パターンの設定は、例えば、補助記憶部13が予め文字パターンを表す文字パターンデータを、当該文字パターンが表す文字のキャラクタコードに対応付けて記憶する。そして、CPU11がこれらの文字パターンデータのうちから、文字に関する情報に含まれるキャラクタコードに対応付けられているものを選択することにより行う。 First, when information about characters is supplied from an external device or the like, the CPU 11 sets a character pattern of the characters formed on the object 100 from the management information. For example, the auxiliary storage unit 13 stores character pattern data representing a character pattern in association with the character code of the character represented by the character pattern. And CPU11 performs by selecting the thing matched with the character code contained in the information regarding a character among these character pattern data.
 文字パターンデータは、例えば図12に示すような、上述のマトリクスM上のドットの配置により文字パターンを表すデータである(なお、図12、図13A及び図13Bにおいては、「●」がドットを示す)。 The character pattern data is data representing a character pattern by the dot arrangement on the matrix M as shown in FIG. 12, for example (in FIG. 12, FIG. 13A and FIG. 13B, “●” indicates a dot). Show).
 所定の文字(以下、拡大対象文字と呼ぶ)のキャラクタコードには、図12に示すようにマトリクスMの最下行及び最上行に必ずドットが分布する形をとる文字パターン(以下、「拡大文字パターン」と呼ぶ)を表す拡大文字パターンデータと、図15に示すようにマトリクスMの最下行にはドットが分布しない文字パターン(以下、「通常文字パターン」と呼ぶ)を表す通常文字パターンデータとが対応付けられているものとする。なお、図12、図13A及び図13Bは、文字「A」「B」及び「C」が拡大対象文字であって文字「p」「q」及び「r」が拡大対象文字でない場合を例示している。 As shown in FIG. 12, the character code of a predetermined character (hereinafter referred to as a character to be enlarged) has a character pattern (hereinafter referred to as an “enlarged character pattern”) in which dots are always distributed in the bottom row and the top row of the matrix M. ) And normal character pattern data representing a character pattern in which dots are not distributed in the bottom row of the matrix M (hereinafter referred to as “normal character pattern”) as shown in FIG. Assume that they are associated. 12, 13A, and 13B exemplify the case where the characters “A”, “B”, and “C” are the characters to be expanded, and the characters “p”, “q”, and “r” are not the characters to be expanded. ing.
 拡大対象文字は、例えば、使用頻度が高く視認性を確保する必要性が高いか、といった観点から予め人為的に選別された文字であればよい。また、補助記憶部13は、当該拡大対象文字のキャラクタコード群を予め記憶するものである。そして、CPU11は、補助記憶部13にアクセスしてこのキャラクタコード群を参照することにより、対象物100に形成すべき文字が拡大対象文字であるか否かを判別すればよい。 The character to be expanded may be a character that has been artificially selected in advance from the viewpoint of, for example, whether it is frequently used and it is highly necessary to ensure visibility. The auxiliary storage unit 13 stores a character code group of the character to be enlarged in advance. And CPU11 should just determine whether the character which should be formed in the target object 100 is an expansion object character by accessing the auxiliary | assistant memory | storage part 13 and referring this character code group.
 CPU11は、拡大対象文字の文字パターンを通常文字パターンとするか拡大文字パターンとするかの決定、及び文字パターンデータの選択を、例えば、以下(1)~(4)として示す手順により決定する。
(1) 文字に関する情報を新たに取得し、この情報に含まれるキャラクタコードが拡大対象文字を示すものか否かを判別する。拡大対象文字を示すものでないと判別したときは、当該キャラクタコードに対応付けられている文字パターンデータを選択する。
(2) 拡大対象文字を示すと(1)で判別したときは、(1)で取得した情報が、下線を付すことを指定するものか否かを判別する。下線を付すことを指定していると判別したときは、(1)で取得した情報に含まれるキャラクタコードに対応付けられている通常文字パターンデータを選択する。
(3) 下線を付すことを指定していないと(2)で判別したときは、過去に情報を取得した拡大対象文字につき拡大文字パターン又は通常文字パターンのいずれを選択したかを判別する。この判別は、例えば、当該選択を行うたびに当該選択の結果を示す選択履歴データを生成して補助記憶部13に記憶させ、この選択履歴データに基づいて行うようにすればよい。なお、どの範囲の過去の選択履歴データを判別に用いるかは任意であり、例えば、対象物100にすでに形成した文字についての選択履歴データすべてを判別に用いてもよい。また、形成しようとする文字と共通する行に属する文字についての選択履歴データのみを用いてもよい。
(4) 過去に情報を取得した拡大対象文字につき拡大文字パターンが選択されていたと判別したときは、(1)で取得した情報に含まれるキャラクタコードに対応付けられている拡大文字パターンデータを選択する。通常文字パターンが選択されていたと判別したときは、(1)で取得した情報に含まれるキャラクタコードに対応付けられている通常文字パターンデータを選択する。
The CPU 11 determines whether the character pattern of the character to be enlarged is a normal character pattern or an enlarged character pattern, and the selection of character pattern data, for example, according to the following procedures (1) to (4).
(1) Information on characters is newly acquired, and it is determined whether or not the character code included in the information indicates a character to be enlarged. When it is determined that the character to be enlarged is not indicated, the character pattern data associated with the character code is selected.
(2) When an enlargement target character is indicated, when it is determined in (1), it is determined whether or not the information acquired in (1) specifies underlining. When it is determined that the underline is specified, normal character pattern data associated with the character code included in the information acquired in (1) is selected.
(3) If it is determined in (2) that the underline is not designated, it is determined whether an enlarged character pattern or a normal character pattern has been selected for the enlargement target character for which information has been acquired in the past. This determination may be performed based on the selection history data, for example, by generating selection history data indicating the result of the selection every time the selection is performed and storing the selection history data in the auxiliary storage unit 13. Note that it is arbitrary which range of past selection history data is used for discrimination. For example, all selection history data for characters already formed on the object 100 may be used for discrimination. Alternatively, only the selection history data for characters belonging to the same line as the character to be formed may be used.
(4) When it is determined that an enlarged character pattern has been selected for the enlargement target character whose information has been acquired in the past, the enlarged character pattern data associated with the character code included in the information obtained in (1) is selected. To do. When it is determined that the normal character pattern has been selected, the normal character pattern data associated with the character code included in the information acquired in (1) is selected.
 次に、CPU11が、打刻ユニット30を制御して、生成した文字を対象物100の上面に打刻する動作を説明する。図7に示すように、本実施形態においては、打刻ピン33~33は、Y軸方向に関して距離dずつ離間するように配置されている。この距離dは1/100インチである。 Next, an operation in which the CPU 11 controls the stamping unit 30 to stamp the generated character on the upper surface of the object 100 will be described. As shown in FIG. 7, in this embodiment, the embossing pins 33 1 to 33 9 are arranged so as to be separated by a distance d with respect to the Y-axis direction. This distance d is 1/100 inch.
 CPU11は、ヘッド30を移動させて、対象物100の上面の文字を打刻するべき位置にヘッド30を位置決めする。そして、この状態で打刻ピン331~33のうちで、図11に示すマトリクスMの1列目において、文字を生成するのに必要なドットに相当する打刻ピンを駆動させてドットを打刻する。 The CPU 11 moves the head 30 to position the head 30 at a position where the characters on the upper surface of the object 100 are to be engraved. Then, among the embossing pins 33 1-33 9 in this state, in the first column of the matrix M shown in FIG. 11, the dots by driving the embossing pins corresponding to required dot to generate a character Imprint.
 マトリクスMの1列目の打刻が完了すると、CPU11は、ヘッド30を-X方向に移動させ、マトリクスMの2列目に位置決めする。なお、この場合のマトリクスMの各列間の距離は1/100とする。そして、この状態で打刻ピン331~33のうちで、図11に示すマトリクスMの2列目において、文字を生成するのに必要なドットに相当する打刻ピンを駆動させてドットを打刻する。 When the marking of the first column of the matrix M is completed, the CPU 11 moves the head 30 in the −X direction and positions the second column of the matrix M. In this case, the distance between each column of the matrix M is 1/100. Then, among the embossing pins 33 1-33 9 in this state, in the second column of the matrix M shown in FIG. 11, the dots by driving the embossing pins corresponding to required dot to generate a character Imprint.
 以下、これを繰り返して、9列全てを打刻すると、1文字分の打刻が完了する。さらにX方向に文字を生成する必要がある場合には、上述した動作を繰り返して必要なだけ文字を生成する。このようにして、文字を生成すると、文字列が1行完成する。 Hereafter, if this is repeated and all 9 rows are engraved, the engraving for one character is completed. Further, when it is necessary to generate characters in the X direction, the above-described operation is repeated to generate as many characters as necessary. When characters are generated in this way, one line of character string is completed.
 さらに、2行目の文字列を生成する場合には、CPU11は、ヘッド30をXY方向に移動させて、2行目の最初の文字を打刻する位置にヘッド30を位置決めして、上述した動作を繰り返すことで、2行目の文字を生成する。 Further, when generating the character string on the second line, the CPU 11 moves the head 30 in the X and Y directions to position the head 30 at the position where the first character on the second line is imprinted. The character on the second line is generated by repeating the operation.
 上述の動作の結果、文字を構成する全てのドットを打刻すると、CPU11は、対象物100に対する文字の生成を完了させ、処理を終了する。 As a result of the above-described operation, when all the dots constituting the character are engraved, the CPU 11 completes the generation of the character for the object 100 and ends the process.
 このようにして形成される1文字の解像度は100dpiである。従って、隣り合うドットの中心から中心までの寸法は0.254mmである。従来の文字パターンは、図15に示すように、高さ方向は7ドットで文字が構成されているので、文字の高さ方向のドットの中心からドットの中心までの寸法は1.524mmとなる。 The resolution of one character formed in this way is 100 dpi. Therefore, the dimension from the center of adjacent dots to the center is 0.254 mm. In the conventional character pattern, as shown in FIG. 15, since the character is composed of 7 dots in the height direction, the dimension from the center of the dot in the height direction of the character to the center of the dot is 1.524 mm. .
 一方、本実施形態によれば所定の文字は拡大対象文字に指定されており、拡大パターンにおけるドットは、マトリクスMの最下行及び最上行のそれぞれに少なくとも1個ずつ配置されている。従って、拡大パターンによれば最大9×9ドットで文字が構成されるので文字高さは最大で2.032mmとなり、従来の文字パターンに比べて視認性が向上する。 On the other hand, according to the present embodiment, the predetermined character is designated as the character to be enlarged, and at least one dot in the enlarged pattern is arranged in each of the lowermost row and the uppermost row of the matrix M. Therefore, according to the enlarged pattern, since the character is composed of a maximum of 9 × 9 dots, the character height is 2.032 mm at the maximum, and the visibility is improved as compared with the conventional character pattern.
 このように、ひとつの文字を生成する場合に、文字の高さ方向のドット数が、ヘッド30が有する打刻ピンの数を超えないような打刻方法をとるのは高速化のためである。本実施形態において、ひとつの文字を生成する場合に、X軸方向のみにヘッド30が移動するだけなので文字を生成する速度が高速化する。 As described above, in order to increase the speed, a single character is generated so that the number of dots in the height direction of the character does not exceed the number of marking pins of the head 30. . In the present embodiment, when generating a single character, the speed of generating the character is increased because the head 30 only moves in the X-axis direction.
 ただし、この場合、文字の高さ方向のサイズは、ヘッド30に配置されている打刻ピン間の最大の距離を越えることができない。このような場合に従来の文字パターンのようにヘッド30が有する打刻ピンの全てを使って文字を生成できない場合には、それだけ文字の高さ方向のサイズが小さくなるので視認性は悪くなる。 However, in this case, the size in the height direction of the character cannot exceed the maximum distance between the marking pins arranged on the head 30. In such a case, when a character cannot be generated using all the embossing pins of the head 30 as in the conventional character pattern, the size in the height direction of the character is reduced accordingly, and the visibility is deteriorated.
 これに対して、本実施形態ではヘッド30が有する打刻ピンの全てを使って文字を生成することで文字の高さ方向のサイズを最大に出来るので、従来よりも視認性を向上させることができる。 On the other hand, in the present embodiment, the size in the height direction of the character can be maximized by generating the character using all of the embossing pins of the head 30, so that the visibility can be improved as compared with the conventional case. it can.
 本発明は、ヘッド30をXY方向に移動させながら文字を生成するような場合においても有効である。そのような実施例を次に説明する。 The present invention is also effective in the case of generating characters while moving the head 30 in the XY directions. Such an embodiment will now be described.
 300dpiで文字を生成する場合について図14を参照しつつ説明する。なお、図14においては、打刻ピン33~33それぞれは、1~9までの番号が割り当てられ、この番号を囲む丸で示されている。また、Y軸方向への移動距離は、1/300インチをDとして、このDを用いて示すものとする。 A case of generating characters at 300 dpi will be described with reference to FIG. In FIG. 14, each of the stamping pins 33 1 to 33 9 is assigned a number from 1 to 9, and is indicated by a circle surrounding this number. Further, the movement distance in the Y-axis direction is indicated by using 1/300 inch as D.
 CPU11は、ヘッド30を移動させて、図14に示されるように、マトリクスMの1行目、4行目、7行目の+X側に、打刻ピン33~33を位置決めする。そして、この状態から、ヘッド30を-X方向へ移動させながら、打刻ピン33~33をそれぞれ駆動して、マトリクスMの1行目、4行目、7行目に、文字を構成するドットを打刻していく。 The CPU 11 moves the head 30 to position the embossing pins 33 7 to 33 9 on the + X side of the first row, fourth row, and seventh row of the matrix M as shown in FIG. From this state, the marking pins 33 7 to 33 9 are driven while moving the head 30 in the −X direction, and characters are formed in the first, fourth, and seventh rows of the matrix M. I will engrave the dots.
 マトリクスMの1行目、4行目、7行目の打刻が完了すると、CPU11は、ヘッド30を距離10Dだけ+Y方向へ移動させ、マトリクスMの2行目、5行目、8行目の+X側に、打刻ピン33~336を位置決めする。そして、この状態から、ヘッド30を-X方向へ移動させながら、打刻ピン33~336をそれぞれ駆動して、マトリクスMの2行目、5行目、8行目に、文字を構成するドットを打刻していく。 When the first row, the fourth row, and the seventh row of the matrix M are completed, the CPU 11 moves the head 30 in the + Y direction by the distance 10D, and the second row, the fifth row, and the eighth row of the matrix M. Position the embossing pins 33 4 to 33 6 on the + X side. From this state, the marking pins 33 4 to 33 6 are driven while moving the head 30 in the −X direction, and characters are formed on the second, fifth, and eighth lines of the matrix M. I will engrave the dots.
 マトリクスMの2行目、5行目、8行目の打刻が完了すると、CPU11は、ヘッド30を距離10Dだけ+Y方向へ移動させ、マトリクスMの3行目、6行目、9行目の+X側に、打刻ピン33~333を位置決めする。そして、この状態から、ヘッド30を-X方向へ移動させながら、打刻ピン33~333をそれぞれ駆動して、マトリクスMの3行目、6行目、9行目に、文字を構成するドットを打刻していく。 When the second, fifth, and eighth lines of the matrix M have been imprinted, the CPU 11 moves the head 30 by a distance of 10D in the + Y direction, and the third, sixth, and ninth lines of the matrix M. The stamping pins 33 1 to 33 3 are positioned on the + X side. From this state, the marking pins 33 1 to 33 3 are driven while moving the head 30 in the −X direction to form characters on the third, sixth, and ninth lines of the matrix M. I will engrave the dots.
 上述の動作の結果、マトリクスMのすべての行について、文字を構成するドットを打刻すると、対象物100に対する文字の生成が完了し、CPU11は処理を終了する。 As a result of the above-described operation, when the dots constituting the characters are imprinted for all the rows of the matrix M, the generation of characters for the object 100 is completed, and the CPU 11 ends the processing.
 CPU11による打刻ユニット20の制御は、例えば、選択した文字パターンデータを打刻ユニット20に供給して行う。ただし、形成すべき文字に下線を付すことが指定されていた場合は、この文字を表すものとして選択した文字パターンデータが示すパターンと、マトリクスMの最下行に下線を表すためのドットを配置したパターンとを合成した結果に相当する下線入りパターンを表すデータを生成する。そして、生成したこのデータを、選択した文字パターンデータに代えて打刻ユニット20へと供給するものとする。 The control of the stamping unit 20 by the CPU 11 is performed by supplying the selected character pattern data to the stamping unit 20, for example. However, if it is specified that the character to be formed is underlined, a pattern indicated by the character pattern data selected to represent this character and a dot for expressing the underline in the bottom row of the matrix M are arranged. Data representing an underlined pattern corresponding to the result of combining the pattern is generated. The generated data is supplied to the marking unit 20 in place of the selected character pattern data.
 以上説明したように、本実施形態では、拡大対象文字については、下線を付す場合でなく、且つ、過去に拡大対象文字を通常文字パターンで形成したのでない場合、拡大文字パターンに従った文字の形成を行う。このため、拡大対象文字の視認性が十分に確保される。 As described above, in the present embodiment, the character to be enlarged is not underlined, and if the character to be enlarged has not been formed in the past as a normal character pattern, Form. For this reason, the visibility of the characters to be enlarged is sufficiently ensured.
 以上、本発明の実施形態について説明したが、本発明は上記実施形態によって限定されるものではない。例えば、CPU11は、拡大対象文字の形成は、過去に拡大文字パターンでの文字の形成が行われていたか否かを問わず、下線を付す場合でない限りは拡大文字パターンに従って行うように文字パターンデータの選択を行ってもよい。 As mentioned above, although embodiment of this invention was described, this invention is not limited by the said embodiment. For example, the character pattern data is used so that the CPU 11 forms the enlargement target character according to the enlarged character pattern unless it is underlined regardless of whether or not the character has been formed in the enlarged character pattern in the past. May be selected.
 拡大対象文字について、下線を付す場合でなく、且つ、過去に拡大対象文字を通常文字パターンで形成したのでない場合のみ拡大文字パターンに従った文字の形成を行う実施の形態では、下線が文字列の全体に及ばない場合、例えば図13Aに示すように、下線がない部分の拡大対象文字も通常文字パターンにより形成される。このように文字を形成することにより、下線部が部分的に含まれている文字列については、拡大対象文字の視認性よりも文字列全体の外観上のバランスが優先された態様で文字列の形成が行われる。 In the embodiment in which characters are formed according to the enlarged character pattern only when the enlargement target character is not underlined and the enlargement target character has not been formed in the past as a normal character pattern, the underline is a character string. For example, as shown in FIG. 13A, the enlargement target character having no underline is also formed by the normal character pattern. By forming characters in this way, for character strings partially including underlined portions, the character strings are displayed in a manner in which the balance of the appearance of the entire character string is prioritized over the visibility of the character to be enlarged. Formation takes place.
 これに対し、過去に拡大文字パターンでの文字の形成が行われていたか否かを問わず、下線を付す場合でない限りは拡大文字パターンに従って行うように文字パターンデータの選択を行う実施の形態によれば、図13Bに示すように、下線がない部分の拡大対象文字は拡大文字パターンにより形成されることとなり、下線の付されない拡大対象文字の視認性の確保が優先される。 On the other hand, in the embodiment in which character pattern data is selected to be performed according to the enlarged character pattern unless underlined, regardless of whether or not the character has been formed with the enlarged character pattern in the past. Accordingly, as shown in FIG. 13B, the enlargement target character in the portion without the underline is formed by the enlargement character pattern, and priority is given to ensuring the visibility of the enlargement target character without the underline.
 例えば、上記実施形態では、解像度が100dpi及び300dpiのパターンを形成する場合について説明したが、これに限らず、対象物に当接するときの打刻ピン33の速度を制御することで、種々の解像度のパターンを構成するドットを打刻することができる。一般に、対象物に当接するときの打刻ピンの速度とドット径とは比例関係にある。この特性を利用して、打刻ピン33の速度を制御することで、種々の解像度のパターンを構成するドットを打刻することができる。 For example, in the above-described embodiment, the case where a pattern having a resolution of 100 dpi and 300 dpi is formed has been described. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and various resolutions can be achieved by controlling the speed of the embossing pin 33 when contacting the object. The dots constituting the pattern can be imprinted. In general, the speed of the stamping pin when contacting the object and the dot diameter are in a proportional relationship. By utilizing this characteristic and controlling the speed of the marking pin 33, dots constituting various resolution patterns can be stamped.
 また、本実施形態では、マトリクスとして9行×9列のマトリクスMを使用したが、これに限らず、マトリクスとしては任意の行数×任意の列数のものを用いることができる。ここで、マトリクスとしては、3行×3列以上の大きさのものが好ましい。 In this embodiment, the matrix M of 9 rows × 9 columns is used as the matrix. However, the matrix is not limited to this, and any matrix having any number of rows × any number of columns can be used. Here, the matrix preferably has a size of 3 rows × 3 columns or more.
 また、本実施形態では、拡大文字パターンのドットを9行×9列のマトリクスMをフルに使って配置したが、これに限らず、例えば非拡大文字パターンのドットを9行×9列のマトリクスMのうちの中心よりの6行×6列内に配置し、拡大文字パターンのドットをその外側の8行×8列を使って配置してもよい。 In this embodiment, the dots of the enlarged character pattern are arranged using the 9 × 9 matrix M, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the dots of the non-enlarged character pattern are arranged in a 9 × 9 matrix. The dots may be arranged within 6 rows × 6 columns from the center of M, and the dots of the enlarged character pattern may be arranged using the outer 8 rows × 8 columns.
 また、本実施形態では、対象物100に対してヘッド30を移動させながら対象物100にパターンを形成したが、これに限らず、ヘッド30に対して、対象物100を移動させてもよい。 In the present embodiment, the pattern is formed on the object 100 while moving the head 30 relative to the object 100. However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and the object 100 may be moved relative to the head 30.
 また、本実施形態に係る打刻ユニット20では、ヘッド30を相互に直交するX軸方向及びY軸方向へ移動させる場合について説明したが、これに限らずヘッド30は、対象物100の打刻面に沿って移動可能な構成であればよい。 In the embossing unit 20 according to the present embodiment, the case where the head 30 is moved in the X axis direction and the Y axis direction orthogonal to each other has been described. Any configuration that can move along the surface is acceptable.
 また、打刻ユニット20は必ずしもダイレクトマーキングを行うものでなくてもよく、紙面に印刷を行うものであってもよい。 Further, the stamping unit 20 does not necessarily perform direct marking, and may perform printing on a paper surface.
 また、本実施形態において、打刻ピン33のそれぞれは円状に配置されているが、これに限られず、扇状、直線状および千鳥状に配置されていてもよい。 Further, in the present embodiment, each of the embossing pins 33 is arranged in a circular shape, but is not limited thereto, and may be arranged in a fan shape, a linear shape, and a staggered shape.
 また、上記実施形態において打刻装置10の補助記憶部13に記憶されているプログラムは、フレキシブルディスク、CD-ROM(Compact Disk Read-Only Memory)、DVD(Digital Versatile Disk)、MO(Magneto-Optical disk)等のコンピュータ読み取り可能な記録媒体に格納して配布し、そのプログラムをインストールすることにより、上述の処理を実行する装置を構成することとしてもよい。 In the above embodiment, the programs stored in the auxiliary storage unit 13 of the engraving apparatus 10 are flexible disk, CD-ROM (Compact Disk Read-Only Memory), DVD (Digital Versatile Disk), MO (Magneto-Optical). A device that executes the above-described processing may be configured by storing and distributing the program in a computer-readable recording medium such as disk) and installing the program.
 また、プログラムをインターネット等の通信ネットワーク上の所定のサーバ装置が有するディスク装置等に格納しておき、例えば、搬送波に重畳させて、ダウンロード等するようにしても良い。 Further, the program may be stored in a disk device or the like included in a predetermined server device on a communication network such as the Internet, and may be downloaded, for example, superimposed on a carrier wave.
 なお、上述の機能を、OS(Operating System)が分担して実現する場合又はOSとアプリケーションとの協働により実現する場合等には、OS以外の部分のみを媒体に格納して配布してもよく、また、ダウンロード等しても良い。 When the above functions are realized by sharing an OS (Operating System), or when the functions are realized by cooperation between the OS and an application, only the part other than the OS may be stored in a medium and distributed. You may also download it.
 なお、本発明は、本発明の広義の精神と範囲を逸脱することなく、様々な実施形態及び変形が可能とされるものである。また、上述した実施形態は、本発明を説明するためのものであり、本発明の範囲を限定するものではない。つまり、本発明の範囲は、実施形態ではなく、特許請求の範囲によって示される。そして、特許請求の範囲内及びそれと同等の発明の意義の範囲内で施される様々な変形が、本発明の範囲内とみなされる。 It should be noted that the present invention can be variously modified and modified without departing from the broad spirit and scope of the present invention. Further, the above-described embodiment is for explaining the present invention, and does not limit the scope of the present invention. That is, the scope of the present invention is shown not by the embodiments but by the claims. Various modifications within the scope of the claims and within the scope of the equivalent invention are considered to be within the scope of the present invention.
 本出願は、2009年10月20日に出願された日本国特許出願特願2009-241482号に基づく。本明細書中に、それらの明細書、特許請求の範囲、図面全体を参照として取り込むものとする。 This application is based on Japanese Patent Application No. 2009-241482 filed on Oct. 20, 2009. The specification, claims, and entire drawings are incorporated herein by reference.
 本発明の打刻ヘッド及び打刻装置は、対象物にドットを打刻して、ドットから構成されるパターンを形成するのに適している。 The stamping head and the stamping device of the present invention are suitable for stamping dots on an object to form a pattern composed of dots.
 10 打刻装置
 11 CPU
 12 主記憶部
 13 補助記憶部
 14 入力部
 15 検出部
 16 インターフェース
 20 打刻ユニット
 21 ベース部材
 21a 第1部分
 21b 第2部分
 22 支持プレート
 23 Y移動体
 23a 移動部
 23b 支持部
 23c,23d 円形開口
 24 X移動体
 24a,24b 円形開口
 25 ホルダ
 26 ドライバ
 30 ヘッド
 31 ケーシング
 32 保持部材
 33 打刻ピン
 40 アクチュエータ
 41 可動部材
 42 可動子
 43 駆動コイル
 44 スプリング
 45 ベース
 50X Xモータ
 50Y Yモータ
 51A,51B Xガイド
 52A,52B Yガイド
 60X,60Y 送りネジ
 100 対象物
 120 ベルトコンベア
10 Stamping device 11 CPU
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 12 Main memory part 13 Auxiliary memory part 14 Input part 15 Detection part 16 Interface 20 Stamping unit 21 Base member 21a 1st part 21b 2nd part 22 Support plate 23 Y moving body 23a Moving part 23b Support part 23c, 23d Circular opening 24 X moving body 24a, 24b Circular opening 25 Holder 26 Driver 30 Head 31 Casing 32 Holding member 33 Stamping pin 40 Actuator 41 Movable member 42 Movable element 43 Drive coil 44 Spring 45 Base 50X X motor 50Y Y motor 51A, 51B X guide 52A , 52B Y guide 60X, 60Y Feed screw 100 Object 120 Belt conveyor

Claims (6)

  1.  マトリクス上のドットの配置によりキャラクタのパターンを表すパターンデータを、当該キャラクタと対応付けて記憶するパターン記憶手段と、
     印字されるべきキャラクタを指定する指定データを外部より取得し、当該指定データに対応付けられたパターンデータを、前記パターン記憶手段が記憶しているパターンデータより選択して、選択されたパターンデータを、当該パターンデータが表すパターンの印字を行う外部の印字装置へと出力するパターン選択手段と、を有し、
     前記キャラクタのうち所定のものは拡大対象キャラクタに指定されており、各々の拡大対象キャラクタに対応付けて記憶されているパターンデータは少なくとも2個ずつあり、そのうち少なくとも1個が非拡大パターンを表し、少なくとも1個が拡大パターンを表すものであって、前記拡大パターンにおけるドットは、少なくとも1個が前記非拡大パターンにおけるドットよりも前記マトリクス上の外側よりに配置されている、
     ことを特徴とするパターン設定装置。
    Pattern storage means for storing pattern data representing a character pattern by arranging dots on a matrix in association with the character;
    The designation data for designating the character to be printed is acquired from the outside, the pattern data associated with the designation data is selected from the pattern data stored in the pattern storage means, and the selected pattern data is selected. A pattern selection means for outputting to an external printing device for printing the pattern represented by the pattern data,
    A predetermined one of the characters is designated as an enlargement target character, and there are at least two pattern data stored in association with each enlargement target character, at least one of which represents a non-enlargement pattern, At least one represents an enlarged pattern, and at least one dot in the enlarged pattern is arranged on the outside of the matrix more than a dot in the non-enlarged pattern,
    A pattern setting device.
  2.  前記マトリクスは少なくとも3行×3列の大きさを有し、前記拡大パターンにおけるドットは、前記マトリクス上の最上行及び最下行のそれぞれに少なくとも1個ずつ配置されている、
     ことを特徴とする請求項1に記載のパターン設定装置。
    The matrix has a size of at least 3 rows × 3 columns, and at least one dot in the enlarged pattern is arranged in each of the uppermost row and the lowermost row on the matrix,
    The pattern setting device according to claim 1.
  3.  各々の拡大対象キャラクタに対応付けて記憶されているパターンデータのうち、前記非拡大パターンにおけるドットは、前記少なくとも3行×3列の大きさを有するマトリクスの最下行以外の行にのみ配置されており、
     前記パターン選択手段は、
     取得した指定データが拡大対象キャラクタを指定しているか否かを判別し、拡大対象キャラクタを指定していると判別したときは、当該指定データが表すキャラクタに下線を付すことを指定するデータを含んでいるか否かを判別し、
     前記取得した指定データが拡大対象キャラクタを指定しており、且つ、当該指定データが表すキャラクタに下線を付すことを指定していないと判別したときは、当該拡大対象キャラクタの拡大パターンを表すパターンデータを選択し、
     前記取得した指定データが、当該指定データが表すキャラクタに下線を付すことを指定していると判別したときは、当該拡大対象キャラクタの非拡大パターンを表すパターンデータを選択し、選択した当該キャラクタのパターンデータが示す非拡大パターンとマトリクスの最下行に下線を表すためのドットを配置したパターンとを合成した結果に相当する下線入りパターンを表すパターンデータを生成し、生成したパターンデータを、選択したパターンデータに代えて前記外部の印字装置へと出力する、
     ことを特徴とする請求項2に記載のパターン設定装置。
    Of the pattern data stored in association with each character to be enlarged, the dots in the non-enlarged pattern are arranged only in rows other than the lowest row of the matrix having the size of at least 3 rows × 3 columns. And
    The pattern selection means includes
    It is determined whether or not the acquired designation data designates an enlargement target character, and when it is judged that the enlargement target character is designated, data that designates that the character represented by the designation data is underlined is included. Whether or not
    When it is determined that the acquired designation data designates the enlargement target character and it is not designated to underline the character represented by the designation data, pattern data representing the enlargement pattern of the enlargement target character Select
    When it is determined that the acquired designation data designates that the character represented by the designation data is underlined, pattern data representing a non-enlarged pattern of the enlargement target character is selected, and the selected character The pattern data representing the underlined pattern corresponding to the result of combining the non-enlarged pattern indicated by the pattern data and the pattern in which the dot for expressing the underline is arranged at the bottom row of the matrix is generated, and the generated pattern data is selected. Output to the external printing device instead of pattern data,
    The pattern setting apparatus according to claim 2.
  4.  各々の拡大対象キャラクタに対応付けて記憶されているパターンデータのうち、前記非拡大パターンにおけるドットは、前記少なくとも3行×3列の大きさを有するマトリクスの最下行以外の行にのみ配置されており、
     前記パターン選択手段は、
     過去に取得した指定データが指定している拡大対象キャラクタにつき拡大パターン又は非拡大パターンのいずれを選択したかを示す選択履歴データを生成して記憶する手段を備え、
     新たに取得した指定データが拡大対象キャラクタを指定しているか否かを判別し、拡大対象キャラクタを指定していると判別したときは、当該指定データが表すキャラクタに下線を付すことを指定するデータを含んでいるか否かを判別し、下線を付すことを指定していないと判別したときは、過去に取得した指定データにつき拡大パターン又は非拡大パターンのいずれが選択されていたかを、前記選択履歴データに基づいて判別し、
     過去に取得した指定データにつき拡大パターンが選択されていたと判別したときは、当該拡大対象キャラクタの拡大パターンを表すパターンデータを選択し、その他のときは、当該拡大対象キャラクタの非拡大パターンを表すパターンデータを選択し、
     前記取得した指定データが、当該指定データが表すキャラクタに下線を付すことを指定していると判別したときは、当該拡大対象キャラクタの非拡大パターンを表すパターンデータを選択し、選択した当該キャラクタのパターンデータが示す非拡大パターンとマトリクスの最下行に下線を表すためのドットを配置したパターンとを合成した結果に相当する下線入りパターンを表すパターンデータを生成し、生成したパターンデータを、選択したパターンデータに代えて前記外部の印字装置へと出力する、
     ことを特徴とする請求項2に記載のパターン設定装置。
    Of the pattern data stored in association with each character to be enlarged, the dots in the non-enlarged pattern are arranged only in rows other than the lowest row of the matrix having the size of at least 3 rows × 3 columns. And
    The pattern selection means includes
    Means for generating and storing selection history data indicating whether an enlargement pattern or a non-enlargement pattern has been selected for an enlargement target character designated by designated data acquired in the past,
    Data that specifies whether the newly specified data specifies an enlargement target character, and if it is determined that the enlargement target character is specified, specifies that the character represented by the specified data is underlined If it is determined that underlining is not specified, the selection history indicates whether an enlarged pattern or a non-enlarged pattern has been selected for the specified data acquired in the past. Based on the data,
    When it is determined that the enlargement pattern has been selected for the specified data acquired in the past, the pattern data representing the enlargement pattern of the enlargement target character is selected, and in other cases, the pattern representing the non-enlargement pattern of the enlargement target character Select the data
    When it is determined that the acquired designation data designates that the character represented by the designation data is underlined, pattern data representing a non-enlarged pattern of the enlargement target character is selected, and the selected character The pattern data representing the underlined pattern corresponding to the result of combining the non-enlarged pattern indicated by the pattern data and the pattern in which the dot for expressing the underline is arranged at the bottom row of the matrix is generated, and the generated pattern data is selected. Output to the external printing device instead of pattern data,
    The pattern setting apparatus according to claim 2.
  5.  マトリクス上のドットの配置によりキャラクタのパターンを表すパターンデータを、当該キャラクタと対応付けて記憶するパターン記憶ステップと、
     印字されるべきキャラクタを指定する指定データを外部より取得し、当該指定データに対応付けられたパターンデータを、前記パターン記憶ステップで記憶しているパターンデータより選択して、選択されたパターンデータを、当該パターンデータが表すパターンの印字を行う外部の印字装置へと出力するパターン選択ステップと、を有し、
     前記キャラクタのうち所定のものは拡大対象キャラクタに指定されており、各々の拡大対象キャラクタに対応付けて記憶されているパターンデータは少なくとも2個ずつあり、そのうち少なくとも1個が非拡大パターンを表し、少なくとも1個が拡大パターンを表すものであって、前記拡大パターンにおけるドットは、少なくとも1個が前記非拡大パターンにおけるドットよりも前記マトリクス上の外側よりに配置されている、
     ことを特徴とするパターン設定方法。
    A pattern storage step for storing pattern data representing a character pattern by arranging dots on a matrix in association with the character;
    The designation data for designating the character to be printed is acquired from outside, the pattern data associated with the designation data is selected from the pattern data stored in the pattern storage step, and the selected pattern data is selected. And a pattern selection step for outputting to an external printing device for printing the pattern represented by the pattern data,
    A predetermined one of the characters is designated as an enlargement target character, and there are at least two pattern data stored in association with each enlargement target character, at least one of which represents a non-enlargement pattern, At least one represents an enlarged pattern, and at least one dot in the enlarged pattern is arranged on the outside of the matrix more than a dot in the non-enlarged pattern,
    A pattern setting method characterized by that.
  6.  コンピュータを、
     マトリクス上のドットの配置によりキャラクタのパターンを表すパターンデータを、当該キャラクタと対応付けて記憶するパターン記憶手段と、
     印字されるべきキャラクタを指定する指定データを外部より取得し、当該指定データに対応付けられたパターンデータを、前記パターン記憶手段が記憶しているパターンデータより選択して、選択されたパターンデータを、当該パターンデータが表すパターンの印字を行う外部の印字装置へと出力するパターン選択手段と、を有し、
     前記キャラクタのうち所定のものは拡大対象キャラクタに指定されており、各々の拡大対象キャラクタに対応付けて記憶されているパターンデータは少なくとも2個ずつあり、そのうち少なくとも1個が非拡大パターンを表し、少なくとも1個が拡大パターンを表すものであって、前記拡大パターンにおけるドットは、少なくとも1個が前記非拡大パターンにおけるドットよりも前記マトリクス上の外側よりに配置されている、
     ことを特徴とするパターン設定装置として機能させるためのプログラム。
    Computer
    Pattern storage means for storing pattern data representing a character pattern by arranging dots on a matrix in association with the character;
    The designation data for designating the character to be printed is acquired from the outside, the pattern data associated with the designation data is selected from the pattern data stored in the pattern storage means, and the selected pattern data is selected. A pattern selection means for outputting to an external printing device for printing the pattern represented by the pattern data,
    A predetermined one of the characters is designated as an enlargement target character, and there are at least two pattern data stored in association with each enlargement target character, at least one of which represents a non-enlargement pattern, At least one represents an enlarged pattern, and at least one dot in the enlarged pattern is arranged on the outside of the matrix more than a dot in the non-enlarged pattern,
    A program for functioning as a pattern setting device.
PCT/JP2010/068525 2009-10-20 2010-10-20 Pattern setting device, pattern setting method and program WO2011049145A1 (en)

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Citations (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
JPS61162362A (en) * 1985-01-14 1986-07-23 Canon Inc Pattern generation controlling
JPS6488590A (en) * 1987-09-30 1989-04-03 Toshiba Corp Character magnification display system for raster scan type crt display device
JPH04109295A (en) * 1990-08-30 1992-04-10 Toshiba Corp Display controller
JPH07191625A (en) * 1993-12-27 1995-07-28 Mitsubishi Electric Corp Display device
JPH0830775A (en) * 1994-07-15 1996-02-02 Brother Ind Ltd Document processor

Patent Citations (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
JPS61162362A (en) * 1985-01-14 1986-07-23 Canon Inc Pattern generation controlling
JPS6488590A (en) * 1987-09-30 1989-04-03 Toshiba Corp Character magnification display system for raster scan type crt display device
JPH04109295A (en) * 1990-08-30 1992-04-10 Toshiba Corp Display controller
JPH07191625A (en) * 1993-12-27 1995-07-28 Mitsubishi Electric Corp Display device
JPH0830775A (en) * 1994-07-15 1996-02-02 Brother Ind Ltd Document processor

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