JPH09314921A - Printing equipment - Google Patents

Abstract

(57) Abstract: [PROBLEMS] To provide a printing apparatus capable of performing a printing operation halfway when performing a printing operation on the content of text a plurality of times. SOLUTION: A desired text is input and a print color is set (S4: YES) by operating a range designation key (S4: YES).
5, S6) and then the print key is operated (S7: YE
S), the print color to be printed is set in the print target color setting process (S8), and the text of the set print color is printed on the print tape by the print process (S9). As a result, even if the power supply voltage drops during printing and the printing process stops, the unprinted print color is set in the print target color setting process and the printing process is performed. Can be resumed.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a printing apparatus applied to a tape making apparatus or the like, and more particularly to a desired character or the like only by performing a printing operation a plurality of times for the contents of text stored in a text memory. When printing is possible, even if the printing operation stops during printing of characters, etc., printing of characters etc. can be resumed from the time when the printing stopped, and thus printing of tape etc. The present invention relates to a printing apparatus capable of economically printing characters and the like without wasting a medium.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, in a tape making apparatus or the like, in order to make a tape by printing various characters or the like inputted from a keyboard on the tape, multicolor printing of each character or the like is performed. When a shaded pattern or the like is attached to the periphery of a character and printing is performed with different colors of the character and the shaded pattern, it is necessary to perform a series of printing operations several times.

For example, in the case of performing multicolor printing of each character or the like, as described in the specification and the drawings of Japanese Patent Application No. 7-100069, a ribbon cassette incorporating a desired first color ribbon. Is set in the tape making device, the character to be printed in the first color designated via the keyboard is printed on the tape, and then the tape is rewound to the print start position, and subsequently, the desired second color is printed. A ribbon cassette containing a ribbon is replaced and a character to be printed in the second color is printed on the tape.

In addition, when a shaded pattern or the like is added to the periphery of a character to perform printing with emphasis, when the character color and the shaded pattern color are made to be different from each other, the desired first color can be obtained as described above. Set the ribbon cassette with the built-in ribbon in the tape making device, and first print either the character or the halftone pattern on the tape with the desired first color specified via the keyboard, and then wind the tape to the print start position. After returning, the ribbon of the desired second color is replaced and the ribbon cassette is replaced, and the other of the character or the mesh pattern is printed on the tape in the desired second color.

As described above, when performing multi-color printing of characters or the like, or when emphasizing printing is performed by adding a mesh pattern around each character, the character color and the color of the mesh pattern are made different. In this case, the printing operation needs to be repeated multiple times.

[0006]

By the way, in the above-mentioned conventional tape making apparatus and the like, the printing operation of the character or the like a plurality of times is performed by pressing the print key on the keyboard. It is done continuously. At this time, the printing operation may stop midway due to some cause. In such a case, when the printing operation is stopped in the conventional tape making device, a state in which printing is performed up to a position where the internal division of the series of printing operations is good (for example, when three printing operations are required, Although the printing operation is stopped in the state where the first printing operation is completed), the function of restarting the printing operation from the time when the printing operation is stopped is not attached.

For example, when the voltage of the power source (battery or the like) is lowered and the printing operation cannot be continued, data such as characters input through the keyboard is generally backed up by a capacitor and erased. Although not present, as the printing process, a series of processes are continuously performed based on the press of the print key. Therefore, if the printing operation is stopped midway, the printing process ends at that point. At this point in time, since the printing process is being performed halfway, the tape is already in use, but the desired tape has not yet been created. After that, when the battery or the like is replaced to create a desired tape and printing is restarted, the print key is pressed again. In such a case, the printing process is performed from the beginning on a new tape. As described above, in the conventional tape creating apparatus, when the printing process is stopped halfway, the printing process is performed again for a new tape every time the print key is pressed. There is a problem that the tape is wasted, becomes very uneconomical, and the tape production cost becomes high.

The present invention has been made to solve the above-mentioned conventional problems, and prints a desired character or the like for the first time by performing a printing operation for a plurality of times for the contents of the text stored in the text memory. When it is possible to do, even when the printing operation is stopped during the printing of characters and the like, it is possible to restart the printing of characters and the like from the time when the printing was stopped,
An object of the present invention is to provide a printing apparatus that can economically print characters and the like without wasting a print medium such as a tape.

[0009]

In order to achieve the above object, a printing apparatus according to a first aspect of the present invention provides an input means for inputting various characters, a text memory for storing the characters input from the input means, and a print command. Modification designation means for designating that the character stored in the text memory is modified with a plurality of modification modes each time there is a command from the means, and modification for storing the type of modification mode specified by the modification designating means for the character. Information storage means, and for each type of modification mode designated by the modification designating means, a character having the modification information stored in the modification information storage means corresponding to the modification mode is retrieved from the text memory and print data is created. Storing the print data created by the print data creating means and the print data creating means A print buffer that, the print data stored in the print buffer is configured to include a printing unit for printing on the print medium.

In the printing apparatus of claim 1, various characters input from the input means are stored in the text memory,
Further, with respect to the character stored in the text memory, each time a command from the print command means is issued, the decoration is specified in a plurality of modification modes through the modification specifying means, and at the same time, the modification specified by the modification specifying means. The type of mode is stored in the modification information storage means. Further, the character having the modification information stored in the modification information storage means corresponding to the modification mode is extracted from the text memory for each kind of modification mode designated by the modification designating means via the print data creating means. Along with this, print data is created. After this, the print data is transferred to the print buffer and printed by the printing means on the print medium.

As described above, when the character printing operation is stopped while the character print data is being printed due to a decrease in the power supply voltage or the like, the print processing is designated by the modifying designation means. The printing is stopped in a state in which printing has been performed up to a place where a plurality of modification modes are well separated (for example, when two or more types of modification modes are specified, the printing of the character according to the first modification mode is completed). It In this state, a new power source is replaced and the printing operation can be restarted. Then, the print command is issued again via the print command means. Based on this print command, a desired modification mode is specified via the modification specifying means. At this time, as the modification mode, the modification mode to be printed next to the printing mode already printed by the printing process (when the printing process of the first modification mode is completed, the second and subsequent modifications are performed). Aspect) is designated. After that, the same processing as described above is performed, and as a result, the printing of the character having the specified decoration mode after the power is restored is continued following the character of the printing mode for which printing has already been completed as described above. Therefore, even when the printing operation is stopped during the printing of characters and the like, the character stored in the text memory is modified and designated by a plurality of modification modes through the modification specifying means each time the command from the print command means is issued. Since it is configured to perform printing, it is possible to restart printing of characters and the like from the time when the printing was stopped, and as a result, it is possible to economically print characters and the like without wasting a print medium such as tape. It becomes possible to print.

A printing apparatus according to a second aspect is the printing apparatus according to the first aspect, wherein the decoration designating unit designates one printing color from a plurality of printing colors for each character. And According to the printing apparatus of the second aspect, it is possible to specify a desired printing color for each character by the modification designating means, and multicolor printing of each character is performed in accordance with the designated printing color, thereby providing a good appearance. It becomes possible to create a good tape or the like.

Furthermore, a printing apparatus according to a third aspect is the printing apparatus according to the first aspect, wherein the decoration designating means is one of a plurality of types of halftone dot patterns attached around the character.
It is characterized by designating one halftone dot pattern and its printing color. According to the printing apparatus of the third aspect, it is possible to specify the halftone pattern and the printing color thereof by the modification designating means, and the halftone pattern is printed around the character according to the halftone pattern and the printing color designated by the halftone pattern. By doing so, it is possible to create a good looking tape or the like.

[0014]

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION Hereinafter, a printing apparatus according to the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings based on an embodiment in which the present invention is embodied as a tape printing apparatus. First, a schematic configuration of the tape printer will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 1 is a plan view of a tape printer, and FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing the appearance of a tape cassette.

In FIG. 1, a keyboard 3 as an input means is arranged in the front part of the main body frame 2 of the tape printer 1, and a printing means is provided inside the main body frame 2 behind the keyboard 3. A thermal printing mechanism PM is provided. The thermal printing mechanism PM has a known configuration including the thermal head 26 (see FIG. 3), and detailed description thereof will be omitted here. Also, keyboard 3
In the right rear position of, the characters entered from the keyboard 3,
A liquid crystal display 4 for displaying characters such as numbers is arranged.

The keyboard 3 is provided with various keys necessary for the operation of the tape printer 1 described later. For example, when a character key 5 for inputting various characters such as characters, a range in which a desired print color is given from a plurality of print colors for the character is specified, or a range in which a shade is placed behind the character is specified. A range designation key 6 to be pressed, a number key 7 to input a number, a print key 8 to execute printing, a left / right key 9 to move the cursor of the liquid crystal display 4 left and right, a return key 10 to instruct execution of various processes, An up / down key 16 for moving the cursor of the liquid crystal display 4 up and down and other various keys necessary for the tape printer 1 are provided.

Further, as shown in FIG. 2, the tape cassette 110 which is detachable from the thermal printing mechanism PM has a printing tape portion 1 on which a printing tape 100 as a printing medium is wound.
Ribbon part 121 in which 20 and a color ribbon 122 are wound
When printing characters or the like on the printing tape 100 via the thermal printing mechanism PM, the ribbon portion 121 on which the color ribbons 112 of different colors are wound is replaced to perform multicolor printing. Is possible. The detailed configuration is the same as the configuration described in Japanese Patent Application No. 7-100069, etc., and therefore its description is omitted here.

Next, the structure of the control system in the tape printer 1 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 3 is a control block diagram showing the electrical configuration of the tape printer 1. In FIG. 3, a CPU that controls the operation of the tape printer 1
20 includes a CGROM 21, a ROM 22, a RAM 30,
The input / output interface 23 and the like are connected via the bus 24.

The CGROM 21 stores dot patterns corresponding to characters such as letters and numbers, dot pattern data for printing, and the like. ROM2
Various programs are stored in 2, and a main processing program, a print image display processing program, a range setting processing program, a range format changing processing program, a print target color setting processing program, a print processing program, and other tapes which will be described later are stored. Various programs relating to processing necessary for controlling the printing apparatus 1 and various tables are stored. The RAM 30 is a storage area used when the CPU 20 executes various programs. In the RAM 30, as shown in FIG. 3, a text memory 31, a text pointer storage area 32, and a print buffer which is an image buffer. 33, a display buffer 34, a character layout information storage area 35, a ruled line layout information storage area 36, a print target color storage area 37, and other storage areas 38 are provided.

The text memory 31 stores code data corresponding to text (document data) format information, characters input from the keyboard 3, and the like. For example, as shown in FIG. 4, when the character string “ABC” is input with the character keys 5 on the keyboard 3, the character string “A
Format information (for example, presence / absence of a halftone dot pattern, print color setting information thereof, framing presence / absence information, etc.) is stored in the entire format area 31A.
Various format information (for example, individual information such as character size, type of font, type of print color, etc.) in the partial format areas 31B, 31D, 31F for each of the characters "A", "B", "C". Is stored, and the code data of each character is stored in the code data areas 31C, 31E, 31G. The text pointer storage area 32 stores a pointer for sequentially pointing the entire format area 31A, the partial format area 31B, etc. stored in the text memory 31, each code data area 31C, etc.

The print buffer 33 is a text memory 31.
Print data read from the CGROM 21 based on the
Performs dot printing of characters and the like according to the print data stored in the print buffer 33. Further, the display buffer 34 is a CGR based on the text memory 31.
The display data read from the OM 21 is transferred and stored, and the liquid crystal display 4 displays characters and the like according to the display data stored in the display buffer 34.

The character arrangement information storage area 35 is a memory for storing the character arrangement information 40 created by the printing process described later. Here, the character arrangement information 40 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram schematically showing the contents of the character arrangement information storage area 35.
Is code data 41 corresponding to each character, X position data 42 and Y position data 43 for specifying the arrangement position of each character,
It is composed of character width data 44 corresponding to the character width of each character, and format information 45 which is information regarding each character. In particular, the format information 45 stores information such as character size, typeface type, and print color type. Incidentally, FIG.
As described above, the character string "AB
The structure of the character arrangement information 40 when "C" is input is shown. The number attached to the left side of the character arrangement information 40 is the address number 46.

The ruled line layout information storage area 36 is required for determining the area of the hatched pattern when the hatched pattern is added behind the character.
This is a memory area for storing 0. Such ruled line arrangement information 5
0 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram schematically showing the contents of the ruled line layout information storage area 36. In the ruled line layout information 50, X1 position data FX1 and X2 position data, which are coordinate data necessary for determining a shaded pattern area, are shown. FX2, Y1 position data FY1, and Y2 position data FY2 are stored. Then, the shaded pattern is formed behind the character in an area defined by the points defined by FX1 and FY1 and the points defined by FX2 and FY2 as diagonal vertices. Further, as the format information, information about the type of the shaded pattern, the printing color of the shaded pattern, etc. is stored.

The number on the left side of the ruled line layout information 50 is the address number 46. The ruled line layout information storage area 36 is provided continuously to the character layout information storage area 35, and the address of the ruled line layout information 50 is provided so as to be continuous with the address of the character layout information 40.

The print target color storage area 37 is an area for storing information on the print target color of a character or a mesh pattern. The print target color storage area 37 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram schematically showing the contents of the print target color storage area 37, which is composed of 8 bits in this embodiment. Of these, the lower 3 bits as the information area of the color to be printed (b1, b2, b3 in order from the lower)
Is mainly used, and the bit b1 indicates that the print color designated in the print target color setting process described later is color 1.
Corresponding to the case of (C1), bit b2 corresponds to the case where the print color is color 2 (C2), and bit b3 corresponds to the case where the print color is color 3 (C3). Specifically, when color 1 is designated as the print target color, "1" is set to bit b1 and turned on, and similarly,
When color 2 is designated, "1" is set to bit b2 and turned on, and when color 3 is designated, "1" is set to bit b3 and turned on. As is apparent from this, by referring to each of the bits b1 to b3, it is possible to specify the print color designated for the character or the halftone pattern.

Here, returning to the control block diagram of FIG. 3 and continuing the description, the keyboard 3, the display controller 25, the thermal printing mechanism PM and the like are connected to the input / output interface 30. When a character or the like is input via the character keys 5 of the keyboard 3, a dot pattern corresponding to the input character or the like is displayed on the liquid crystal display 4 via the display controller 25 based on a print image display process described later. To display.
Further, in the thermal printing mechanism PM, the thermal head 26 is driven by the drive circuit 27 on the basis of the printing process described later.
The data stored in the print buffer 33 is printed by driving the tape feeding motor 28 via the drive circuit 44 in synchronization with the printing of the data stored in the print buffer 33. I do.

Next, the operation of the tape printer 1 configured as described above will be described with reference to FIGS. 8 to 16. First, the main process will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 8 is a flowchart of the main processing program.

In FIG. 8, first, the steps (hereinafter,
In "1" (abbreviated as "S"), initial setting processing is performed for the entire tape printing apparatus 1. In subsequent S2, a print image display process (see FIG. 7) is performed. The print image display process is a process for displaying an image to be printed on a print tape on the liquid crystal display 4, the details of which will be described later.

In S3, it is determined whether or not there is a key input from any of the keys on the keyboard 3. When it is determined that there is a key input from any key on the keyboard 3 (S3: YES), the process proceeds to the next S4,
When it is determined that there is no key input from any of the keys on the keyboard 3 (S3: NO), the process returns to S3 and the determination is repeated until any key on the keyboard 3 receives a key input. In the next step S4, it is determined whether or not the key input is from the range designation key 6 on the keyboard 3. When it is determined that the key input is performed from the range designation key 6 (S4: YES), the process proceeds to the range setting process of S5. The range setting process of S5 is a process of determining the setting range of the character typeface, size, print color, halftone pattern, and the like. After the range setting process is performed in S5, the in-range format changing process is performed in S6. The in-range format changing process is a process of setting the type of character, size, print color, halftone pattern, etc. in the range set in S5. After S6 is executed,
Return to S2. The range setting process in S5 and the in-range format changing process in S6 will be described later.

If it is determined in S4 that the key input is not from the range setting key 6 (S4: NO),
In S7, it is determined whether the key input is the print key 8 or not. When there is a key input from the print key 8 (S7: YES), a print target color setting process is performed in S8. The print target color setting process is a process for setting the type of print color of a character or a shaded pattern printed on the print tape 100. After the print target color setting process is performed, a printing process of printing characters or a halftone pattern on the print tape 100 is performed in S9. Thereafter, the process returns to S2. The print target color setting process in S8 and the print process in S9 will be described later.

In S7, the key input is the print key 8
If it is determined that the key input is not from (S7: N
O), the process corresponding to the input key is performed in S10, and then the process returns to S2. As the processing in S10, setting of the format information regarding the entire input character string described above accompanying the input of the entire format setting key provided on the keyboard 3 can be mentioned.

Next, the print image display processing performed in S2 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 9 is a flowchart of the print image display processing program.
The print image display process is a process for displaying an image to be printed on the liquid crystal display 4. In FIG. 9, first, in S20, the contents stored in the text memory 31 are searched to create the character arrangement information 40 shown in FIG. 5 and stored in the character arrangement information storage area 35.
Further, the ruled line layout information 50 shown in FIG. 6 is created and stored in the ruled line layout information storage area 36. In the next S21, S2
The character arrangement information 40 created with 0 is converted into display data for the liquid crystal display 4.

In subsequent S92, the character parameters CSP and CE are stored in the other storage area 38 of the RAM 30 and the like.
P and CC are secured, and the beginning address number 46 of the character arrangement information 40 is added to the character parameter CSP.
If there is no ruled line layout information 50 in the character parameter CEP, the final address number 46 of the character layout information 40 is stored. If there is the ruled line layout information 50, the final address number 46 of the ruled line layout information 50 is stored in the character parameter CC, and the numerical value "0" is stored. Let me
Initialize the character parameters CSP, CEP, CC.
In the next S23, the data group of the character arrangement information 40 or the ruled line arrangement information 50 of the address number 46 designated by the mathematical expression (CSP + (CC × 10)) is read. Note that the numerical value "10" multiplied by the character parameter CC corresponds to the movement amount of the address for one stage of the character arrangement information 40 of FIG. 5 or the ruled line arrangement information 50 of FIG.

In the next step S24, a character dot pattern is created through the CGROM 21 based on the character layout information 40 or a mesh pattern is created based on the ruled line layout information 50, and the created character dot pattern or ruled line is created. The pattern is written in the display buffer 34. After that, the process proceeds to S25 and the character parameter CC
Add the number "1" to. Further, in S26, the numerical value of the mathematical expression (CSP + (CC × 10)) is the character parameter C.
It is determined whether the value is the EP value. Formula (CSP +
When it is determined that the numerical value of (CC × 10)) is not the numerical value of the character parameter CEP (S26: NO), the process returns to S23 and the processes of S23 and thereafter are repeated. Formula (CSP +
When it is determined that the numerical value of (CC × 10)) is the numerical value of the character parameter CEP (S26: YES), S27
The contents stored in the display buffer 34 are displayed on the liquid crystal display (LCD) 4 at, and the process proceeds to S3 in the main process shown in FIG.

Next, the range setting process performed in S5 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 10 is a flowchart of the range setting processing program. When the range setting key 6 is pressed in FIG. 10, the range setting process starts. First, in S30, the typeface of the character,
The range start position and the range end position in the setting range of various modification modes such as the print color are set to the current cursor position displayed on the liquid crystal display 4, and the corresponding partial format area 31B of the text memory 31 is set. Remember.
In subsequent S31, a print image display process similar to the print image display process performed in S2 described with reference to FIG. 9 is performed. In the next S32, the decoration mode setting range from the range start position to the range end position is inverted and displayed on the liquid crystal display 4.

After that, in S33, it is determined whether or not there is a key input from any of the keys on the keyboard 3. When it is determined that there is a key input from any key on the keyboard 3 (S33: YES), the process proceeds to S34,
When it is determined that there is no key input from any key on the keyboard 3 (S33: NO), the process waits until there is a key input from any key on the keyboard 3.

In S34, it is determined whether the key input is from the left and right keys 9 on the keyboard 3, and when it is determined that the key input is from the left and right keys 9 on the keyboard 3 (S34: YES). In S35, by modifying the range start position and range end position of the modification mode setting range based on the cursor that moves according to the input of the left / right key 9, and storing in the partial format 31B or the like of the text memory 31 The mode range is set and the process proceeds to S36. For example,
The character "ABC" has already been entered using the character key 6, and S
In 34, when the cursor moves from the character “B” to the character “C”, the character “ABC”, which is the character “BC” inverted, is displayed on the liquid crystal display 4, as shown in FIG. 11.

If it is determined that the key input is not from the left and right keys 9 on the keyboard 3 (S34: NO),
The process moves to S36 and waits for a key input from the return key 10. In S36, it is determined whether or not there is a key input from the return key 10 on the keyboard 3. When it is determined that the key input is from the return key 10 on the keyboard 3 (S36: YES), the range setting process is terminated and the process proceeds to S6 in the main process, while it is determined that the key input is not from the return key 10. If so (S36: NO), the process returns to S31 and the operations after S31 are repeated.

Next, the in-range format changing process performed in S6 after the range setting process in S5 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 12 is a flowchart of the in-range format change processing program.

When the in-range format changing process is started, first, in S40, the format setting screen shown in FIG. 13 is displayed on the liquid crystal display 4. At this time, the format screen shows the entire format area 31A of the current text memory 31.
And a part of the format set in each partial format area 31B or the like is displayed. Here, "typeface" means a character typeface such as Mincho typeface or Gossick typeface, and four typefaces A to D can be set. In FIG. 13, a typeface A is set. The “size” is for setting the size of the character in terms of the number of points, and 6 types of points can be set. In FIG. 13, 38 points are set.

The "character color" is a printing color set for each character or a halftone pattern, and as the "character color", there are three types of character color 1 (color 1) to character color 3 (color 3). Can be set. In FIG. 13, the character color 1 is set. Further, the “shaded pattern” is for setting the kind of the shaded pattern added in the area determined based on the ruled line layout information stored in the ruled line layout information storage area 36, and has three types. Shading patterns 1 to 3 can be set. In FIG. 13, the shaded pattern 1 is set. At this time, it is also possible to set the print color for the shaded pattern (character color 1 to character color 3
The type of the shaded pattern and the print color thereof are stored in the format information in the ruled line layout information storage area 36.

After the format screen is displayed on the liquid crystal display 4 in S40 as described above, it is determined in S41 whether or not there is a key input from any key on the keyboard 3. When it is determined that there is a key input from any key on the keyboard 3 (S41: YES), the process proceeds to the next S42, and when it is determined that there is no key input from any key on the keyboard 3 ( In S41: NO), such a determination is repeated and the process waits until there is a key input.

In S42, the key input is the left / right key 9
It is determined whether the key input is from. Left / right key 9
If the key input is from (S42: YES), S
After moving the cursor to the left and right at 43, the process proceeds to S44. For example, in the format setting screen of FIG. 13, when there is a key input from the right key 9, the cursor moves to the right and the “size 38P” on the right side of the “type A” is highlighted. If it is determined that the key input is not made from the left and right keys 9 on the keyboard 3 (S42: NO), immediately S
Go to 44.

In S44, it is determined whether or not the key input is the key input from the up and down keys 16 on the keyboard 3. When it is determined that the key input is from the up / down key 16 (S44: YES), the format highlighted on the liquid crystal display 4 in S45 is changed, and
After storing the changed format in the corresponding partial format area of the text memory 31, the process proceeds to S46.

For example, in the format setting screen of FIG.
For example, when "38P" displayed below "Size" is highlighted, when the down key 16 is input, "26P" is displayed instead of "38P", and It is stored in the corresponding partial format area of the text memory 31 as the "size" of the character. Further, when the down key 16 is continuously input, "19P" is displayed instead of "26P", and "19P" is displayed in the corresponding partial format area of the text memory 31 as the "size" of the character. Remembered. In this way,
When the down key 16 is pressed, "38P", "26
"P", "19P", "13P", "10P", "6P"
In the order of, the corresponding partial format of the text memory 31 is changed and stored while being displayed on the liquid crystal display 4.

When it is determined in S44 that the key input is not the key input from the up / down key 16 (S44: NO), the key input from the return key 10 is waited in S46. In S46, it is determined whether or not there is an input from the return key 10, and when there is a key input from the return key 10 (S46: YES), S in the main processing is performed.
Return to 2. On the other hand, when there is no key input from the return key 10 (S46: NO), the process returns to S41 and S4 again.
The processing after 1 is repeated.

Next, the print target color setting process (S8) in the main process performed based on the depression of the print key 8 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 14 is a flowchart of a print target color setting processing program. When the print target color setting process starts, first, in S50, the print target color storage area 37 is initialized. By this initialization, "0" is set in each of the bits b1 to b3, and OF
F. Following this, on the liquid crystal display 4,
The print target color setting screen shown in FIG. 15 is displayed. FIG.
On the print target color setting screen of, the display of "COLOR" indicating that the print target color is being set, and the numbers "1 to 3" indicating the type of print target color are displayed in the lower part of the "COLOR" display. Be done.

In the following S51, it is determined whether or not there is a key input from any of the keys on the keyboard 3, and if there is a key input (S51: YES), the process proceeds to S52, while if there is no key input (S51: No) waits for key input. In S52, it is determined whether or not the key input is the "1 key" of the numeric keys 7. In case of key input from "1 key" (S5
2: YES), in S53, the least significant bit b1 of the print target color storage area 37 is set to "1" and set to ON, and then the process returns to S51. When it is determined in S51 that the key input is not the "1 key" (S52: NO),
In S54, it is determined whether the key input is the "2 key" of the numeric keys 7. If the key input is from the "2 key" (S54: YES), S55
After setting "1" to the bit b2 and setting it to ON, the process returns to S51. When it is determined that the key input is not the "2 key" (S54: NO), it is determined in S56 whether the key input is the "3 key" of the numeric keys 7. If the key input is from the "3 key" (S56: YES), the bit b is set in S57.
After setting 1 to 3 and setting it to ON, the process returns to S51. S
If it is determined in 56 that the key input is not from the "3 key" (S56: NO), the return key 10 is pressed in S58.
Wait for key input from. If there is no key input from the return key 10 (S58: NO), the process returns to S51 again to continue the print target color setting process, while the return key 10 returns
If there is a key input from (S58: YES), the print target color setting process ends. When the above-described setting process is completed, the bits b1 to b3 are selectively set to ON in the print target color storage area 37 according to the set print target color. When all the print target colors 1 to 3 are set, the bits b1 to b3 are set to ON.

Next, the print processing (S9) performed after the print target color is set as described above will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 16 is a flowchart of the print processing program. When the printing process starts, first, S60
In, the contents stored in the text memory 31 are searched to create the character arrangement information 40 (FIG. 5) for printing and stored in the character arrangement information storage area 35. In addition, the ruled line layout information 50 for printing is created to create the ruled line layout information storage area 3
6 is stored. At the next step S61, the parameters CCT and COL are stored in the other storage area 38 of the RAM 30 and the like.
In addition, the print target color storage area 37 is searched and the number of print colors set in the area 37 is obtained and set in the parameter CCT. Specifically, the lower 3 bits b1 to b3 of the print target color storage area 37 are searched, and O
The number of bits b1 etc. set in N is calculated. For example, when all the bits b1 to b3 are set to ON, the number of print colors is three. Further, in S62, the numerical value "1" is set in the parameter COL. Here, the parameter COL serves as an index indicating which color is being printed, and the set "1" indicates that the first color is being printed.

Following this, in S63, the numerical value of the parameter CCT set and set as described above and the CO
The parameter CCT is compared with the parameter CO
It is determined whether it is smaller than L. When the parameter CCT is larger than the parameter COL (S63: NO),
That is, when the number of colors scheduled for printing is larger than the number of colors already printed, the process proceeds to S64 to continue printing. If the parameter CCT is smaller than the parameter COL (S63: YES), that is, if the number of colors scheduled for printing is smaller than the number of colors already printed, printing of all print target colors ends. Since this is the case, the printing process ends at this point.

In S64, it is determined whether the parameter CCT is equal to "1", that is, whether the first color is printed. When the parameter CCT is equal to "1" (S64: YES), it is determined in S65 whether the bit b1 of the print target color storage area 37 is ON. When the bit b1 is ON (S65: YES), the process proceeds to S69 in order to print the character or the like of the print target color. On the other hand, if the bit b1 is not ON (S65: N
S) to print characters etc. related to the next print target color in O).
Move to 76. In S64, the parameter C
When it is determined that OL is not equal to "1" (S64:
If NO, it is determined in S66 whether the parameter COL is equal to "2", that is, whether the printing is the second color.

When the parameter COL is equal to "2" in S66 (S66: YES), it is determined in S67 whether the bit b2 of the print target color storage area 37 is ON. When bit b2 is ON (S6
7: YES), the process proceeds to S69 to print the character or the like of the print target color. On the other hand, if the bit b2 is not ON (S67: NO), the process proceeds to S76 to print the character or the like relating to the next print target color. If it is determined in S66 that the parameter COL is not equal to "2" (S64: NO), it is determined in S68 whether the bit b3 is ON, that is, whether the third color is printed. To do.

When the bit b3 is ON in S68 (S68: YES), the process proceeds to S69 to print the character or the like of the color to be printed. On the other hand, bit b3 is O
If it is not N (S68: NO), the process proceeds to S76 to print a character or the like related to the next print target color.

In S69, the character parameters CSP and C are stored in the other storage area 38 of the RAM 30 and the like.
Secure EP and CC, and character parameter CSP
To the beginning address number 46 of the character arrangement information 40, the final address number 46 of the character arrangement information 40 if the character parameter CEP does not have the ruled line arrangement information 50, and the ruled line arrangement information 50 if the ruled line arrangement information 50 exists. The final address number 46 and the numerical value "0" in the character parameter CC.
Is stored and the character parameters CSP, CEP, and CC are initialized. In the next S70, the mathematical expression (CSP + (CC
The data group of the character arrangement information 40 or the ruled line arrangement information 50 of the address number 46 designated by (10)) is read. The numerical value “10” by which the character parameter CC is multiplied is
1 of the character arrangement information 40 or ruled line arrangement information 50 of FIG.
This is a value corresponding to the amount of movement of the address for one step.

In S71, it is determined whether or not there is a print color setting indicated by the numerical value of the parameter COL in the data group of the character arrangement information 40 or the ruled line arrangement information 50 read in S70. When it is determined that there is a print color setting indicated by the value of the parameter COL (S71: Y
ES), the print dot pattern corresponding to the code data 41 is written in the print buffer 33 via the CGROM 21 in S72, and then the process proceeds to S73. on the other hand,
If it is determined that the print color corresponding to the numerical value of the parameter COL is not set (S71: NO), the process immediately proceeds to S73 without reading the character dot pattern. still,
The entire format area 31A and the format change process within the range (see FIG. 1)
2, refer to FIG. 13), it is possible to set the type of the shaded pattern and the print color (set by the character color) for the shaded pattern.
When the halftone dot pattern and its print color are set in this way, the dot pattern corresponding to the halftone dot pattern is a character from the halftone dot pattern in the area specified by the ruled line arrangement information (see FIG. 6) in S72. The remaining halftone dot pattern obtained by subtracting the dot pattern is written in the print buffer 33.

In S73, the character parameter CC is incremented by 1, and in S74, the mathematical expression (CSP +
It is determined whether the numerical value of (CC × 10)) is equal to the numerical value of the character parameter CEP. Formula (CSP + (CC × 1
0)) is not equal to the value of the character parameter CEP (S74: NO), the above-mentioned character or ruled line set to the predetermined print color specified through the processes of S63 to S68 is described above. The process returns to S70 to perform the processes of S70 to S73. On the other hand, the mathematical formula (CSP + (CC ×
When the numerical value of 10)) is equal to the numerical value of the character parameter CEP (S74: YES), the character dot pattern or all the character dot patterns for all the characters set to the predetermined print color specified through the processing of S63 to S68. Since the shaded pattern has been written in the print buffer 33, S
The contents stored in the print buffer 33 after shifting to 75
Ribbon part 121 of the color that the numerical value of parameter COL means
Then, the thermal printing mechanism PM prints on the printing tape 100.

After that, in S76, the value of the character parameter COL is incremented by 1, and the process returns to S63 in order to perform the printing process of the character having the next printing target color (second printing color). As a result, similar to the above, the printing process is sequentially performed for the second print color, the third print color, and the like. In this way, while the printing process of the character or the like is continued for each printing target color, the value of the parameter CCT becomes smaller than the value of the parameter COL in S63 (S63: YES), and the printing process ends at that point. Then, the process returns to the main process. For the second or third print color, the print tape 10 is printed before the printing process is performed (between the process of S63 and the process of S64).
The rewinding process of 0 and the replacement of the ribbon portion 121 are performed.

At this time, if the power supply voltage drops in the middle of printing a character or a dot pattern of a shaded pattern in S75, the printing process of the character or the like is stopped after the processing of S75 is completed. . In this way, the printing process is performed in a state in which printing is performed up to a good break for each of the printing colors 1 to 3 (for example, when two or more printing colors are designated, the printing of the character of the printing color 1 is completed). Stop). In this state, the printing process is stopped, and the printing is stopped in a state in which the printing of characters and the like relating to all printing colors is not completed, but various data in the text memory 31 and the like are backed up by a capacitor and the like. Then, after a new power source is exchanged and the printing operation can be restarted, a print command is issued again via the print key 8. Based on this print command, the print color to be printed next to the print color for which the print processing has already been completed in the print target color setting processing (for example, when the print processing for the character or the like related to print color 1 is completed If so, the next print color 2) is designated. After that, the same processing as described above is performed, and as a result, the printing of characters having the designated printing color after the power is restored is continued following the characters in the printing mode for which printing has already been completed as described above. Therefore,
Even when the printing operation is stopped during the printing of characters and the like, the print target color setting process is performed every time the print command is issued from the print key 8, and the print color is set through this process. It is possible to resume printing of characters and the like from the point of time when the printing was stopped, and as a result, it is possible to economically print characters and the like without wasting the printing tape 100.

Next, in order to facilitate understanding of the printing process in the tape printing apparatus according to this embodiment, a specific printing example will be described.

First, the first printing example will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 17 is an explanatory diagram showing a first printing example. Here, in the case of the first printing example, the text memory 31 is stored in FIG.
The character string “ABC” is stored as shown in, and the print color 1 is printed for the character “A” and the print color 2 is printed for the character “B” through the range setting process and the format change process within the range. It is assumed that the print color 3 is set in "C". In addition, based on the fact that different types of print colors are set for each character in this way, three print colors 1, 2, and 3 are set in the print target color setting process. The lower 3 bits b1 to b3 of the storage area 37 are set to ON.

When the printing process is performed in the various setting states described above, the print layout information is created for each character of the character string "ABC" and stored in the character layout information storage area 35 (S60), and then the parameter CCT is set. The print color number "3" is set to (S61). After that, "1" is set to the parameter COL to print the first color (S62). In this state, the value of the parameter CCT is “3”, the value of the parameter COL is “1”, and
Bit b1 is ON (S63: NO, S64: Y
ES) and the printing color 1 is set for the character [A] (S65: YES, S69, S70, S7).
1: YES, S72), the dot pattern of the character "A" is read into the print buffer 33. Next, the parameter C
After C is incremented by 1 (S73, S74:
NO), the processes of S70 to S74 are performed, but the print color 2 is set for the character "B", and the print color 3 is set for the character "C".
The determination in 71 is "NO", the determination in S74 is "YES", and the dot pattern of only the character "A" relating to the printing color 1 is printed on the printing tape 100 (S7).
5).

Then, after the value of the character parameter COL is incremented by 1 (S76), the next character "B"
The same processing as described above (S63: NO, S64: N
O, S66: YES) is performed, and the print color 2 is set for the character "B" (S67: Y).
ES, S69, S70, S71: YES, S72), the dot pattern of the character "B" is read into the print buffer 33. Next, after the parameter CC is incremented by 1 (S73, S74: NO), the steps S70 to S7 are performed.
4 is performed, but the printing color 3 for the character "C"
Is set, the determination in S71 is "N
The judgments in "O" and S74 are "YES", and the dot pattern of only the character "B" relating to the printing color 2 is printed on the printing tape 100 (S75). Further, similarly to the above, the dot pattern of only the character "C" relating to the printing color 3 is printed on the printing tape 100 (S75). The character string "ABC" printed as described above is shown in FIG. Here, the character "A" is printed in the print color 1, the character "B" is printed in the print color 2, and the character "C" is printed in the print color 3 on the print tape 100.

Even when the power supply voltage is reduced during the printing process of the character string "ABC" and the printing operation cannot be continued, the printing colors 1 to 3 are separated well. Since the printing process is stopped, by pressing the print key 8 after exchanging the power supply, the printing color next to the printing color that has finished printing at the time of the stop is set as the printing target color setting process. If it is set, the printing process can be restarted from the print color next to the print color already printed.

Next, a second printing example will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 18 is an explanatory diagram showing a second printing example. Here, in the case of the second printing example, the character string “ABCD” is stored in the text memory 31, and the characters “A” to “D” are changed through the range setting process and the range format changing process. Indicates that the print color 1 is set. Further, in the second printing example, a shaded pattern is set in the entire format, and the print color 2 is set as the print color of the shaded pattern. In this way, each letter "A" ~
Two print colors 1 and 2 are set in the print target color setting process based on the print color 1 being set to "D" and the print color 2 being set to the shaded pattern. Lower 3 bits b1 and b2 of area 37 are ON
Is set to

When the printing process is performed in the various setting states described above, the print layout information is created for each character of the character string "ABCD" and stored in the character layout information storage area 35 (S60), and then the parameter CCT is set. The number of print colors is set to "2" (S61). After that, "1" is set to the parameter COL to print the first color (S62). In this state, the value of the parameter CCT is “2”, the value of the parameter COL is “1”, and
Bit b1 is ON (S63: NO, S64: Y
ES), the print color 1 is set for each of the characters [A] to [D] (S65: YES, S69, S7).
0, S71: YES, S72), first, the dot pattern of the character "A" is read into the print buffer 33. Next, after the parameter CC is incremented by 1 (S73, S74: NO), the processes of S70 to S74 are performed, and the dot pattern of the character "B" is read into the print buffer 33 in the same manner as described above. Be done. Further, the dot patterns of the characters “C” and “D” are also read into the print buffer 33 in the same manner. Thereafter, the dot pattern of the character string "ABCD" related to the print color 1 is printed on the print tape 100 (S75).

After the value of the character parameter COL is incremented by 1 (S76), the same processing as above (S63: NO, S64: NO, S66: YES, S).
67: YES, S69, S70, S71: YES, S7
After the dot pattern of the shaded pattern relating to the print color 2 is read into the print buffer 33 via 2), the shaded pattern is printed on the print tape 100 (S73, S7).
4: NO, S75). At this time, in S69, the ruled line arrangement information storage area 36 is searched to obtain the area information of the shaded pattern, and in S72, the dot pattern corresponding to the shaded pattern of the area specified by the ruled line arrangement information 50 is determined. The remaining halftone dot patterns obtained by subtracting the dot patterns of the characters “A” to “D” from the halftone dot patterns are read into the print buffer 33. After that, the dot pattern of the shaded pattern related to the shaded pattern type and the printing color 2 is printed on the printing tape 100 (S75). The character string "ABCD" and the shaded pattern printed in this way are shown in FIG. Here, each letter "A"
“D” is printed on the print tape 100 in print color 1 and a shaded pattern is print color 2.

The process when the printing process is stopped midway due to the decrease in the power supply voltage is the same as described above. Next, a third printing example will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 19 is an explanatory diagram showing a third printing example. The third
In the case of a print example, the text memory 31 stores the character string “ABC
“D” is stored, and the print color is not set for each character. Further, a shaded pattern is set through the range setting process and the format change process within the range, and the print color 1 is set as the print color of the shaded pattern. As described above, since the print color 1 is set only for the shaded pattern, only the bit b1 of the print target color storage area 37 is set to ON.

When the same printing process as described above is performed in this state, only the dot pattern of the shaded pattern is printed on the print tape 100 because the print color 1 is set only in the shaded pattern. Become. At this time, the characters "A" to "D" are formed in a white state. Such a third printing example is shown in FIG.

As described in detail above, in the tape printer 1 according to the present embodiment, when the power supply voltage drops during the printing of a dot pattern of a character or a mesh pattern, the printing process of the character, etc. It is stopped in a state where printing is performed up to a good break for each printing color 1 to 3 (for example, when two or more types of printing colors are specified, printing of characters of printing color 1 is completed), Each time a print command is issued again via the print key 8 after the printing operation can be restarted by exchanging with a different power supply, the print target color setting process is performed and the print color is set. Since the printing tape 1 is configured to perform printing, printing of characters and the like can be resumed from the stopped printing time. As a result, the printing tape 1
It is possible to print characters and the like economically without wasting 00.

In addition, characters,
A desired print color can be designated for the shaded pattern, and multicolor printing of each character can be performed in accordance with the designated print color to create a good-looking tape or the like. Further, it is possible to specify a halftone dot pattern and its printing color, and by doing so, it is possible to print a halftone dot pattern around the character in accordance with the specified halftone dot pattern and its printing color to create a good looking tape or the like.

The present invention is not limited to the above embodiment, and various modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the invention.

[0072]

As described above, in the printing apparatus according to the first aspect, when the printing operation of the character is stopped due to the decrease of the power supply voltage or the like while the printing data of the character is being printed. Also, the printing process is stopped in a state in which the printing is performed up to a place where the interior divisions of the plurality of decoration modes designated by the decoration designating means are good,
Since the modification is designated through the modification designating means every time there is a command from the print commanding means, when printing the character having the designated modification mode after the power is restored, from the time when the printing is stopped Printing of characters and the like can be resumed, and as a result, printing of characters and the like can be economically performed without wasting a print medium such as a tape.

According to the printing apparatus of the second aspect,
A desired printing color can be designated for each character by the modification designating unit, and multicolor printing of each character can be performed in accordance with the designated printing color to create a tape or the like that looks good.

Further, according to the printing apparatus of the third aspect,
It is possible to specify the shaded pattern and its printing color by the modification designating means, and to print a shaded pattern around the character in accordance with the specified shaded pattern and its printing color to create a good looking tape or the like. it can.

As described above, according to the present invention, when it is possible to print a desired character or the like for the first time by performing the printing operation for the content of the text stored in the text memory a plurality of times, Even when the printing operation is stopped during printing, etc., it is possible to restart the printing of characters, etc. from the point of time when the printing was stopped, thus making it possible to economically print characters without wasting a print medium such as tape. It is possible to provide a printing apparatus capable of printing such as.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a plan view of a tape printer.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing an appearance of a tape cassette.

FIG. 3 is a control block diagram showing an electrical configuration of the tape printer.

FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram schematically showing the contents of a text memory.

FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram schematically showing the contents of a character arrangement information storage area.

FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram schematically showing the contents of a ruled line layout information storage area.

FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram schematically showing the contents of a print target color storage area.

FIG. 8 is a flowchart of a main processing program of the tape printer.

FIG. 9 is a flowchart of a print image display processing program.

FIG. 10 is a flowchart of a range setting processing program.

FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram showing a display state of a liquid crystal display during range setting processing.

FIG. 12 is a flowchart of an in-range format change processing program.

FIG. 13 is an explanatory diagram showing a format setting screen of a liquid crystal display at the time of a range format changing process.

FIG. 14 is a flowchart of a print target color setting processing program.

FIG. 15 is an explanatory diagram showing a setting screen of a liquid crystal display during a print target color setting process.

FIG. 16 is a flowchart of a print processing program.

FIG. 17 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a first printing example.

FIG. 18 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a second printing example.

FIG. 19 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a third printing example.

[Explanation of symbols]

 1 tape printer 3 keyboard 4 liquid crystal display 5 character key 6 range designation key 8 print key 9 left / right key 16 up / down key 20 CPU 22 ROM 26 thermal head 30 RAM 31 text memory 33 print buffer 35 character arrangement information storage area 36 ruled line arrangement information Storage area 37 Printing target color storage area 100 Printing tape 122 Color ribbon

Front Page Continuation (72) Inventor Satoru Moriyama 15-1 Naeshiro-cho, Mizuho-ku, Nagoya City Brother Industries, Ltd.

Claims (3)

[Claims] 1. An input unit for inputting various characters, a text memory for storing the characters input from the input unit, and a plurality of modifiers for the characters stored in the text memory each time there is a command from the print command unit. A modification specifying unit that specifies modification with a mode, a modification information storage unit that stores the type of modification mode specified by the modification specifying unit for the character, and a type of modification mode specified by the modification specifying unit. A print data creation unit that creates print data from the text memory while extracting characters having the modification information stored in the modification information storage unit corresponding to the modification mode; and the print data created by the print data creation unit. A print buffer to be stored and print data stored in the print buffer A printing apparatus comprising: a printing unit that prints on a print medium. 2. The printing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the decoration designating unit designates one printing color from a plurality of printing colors for each character. 3. The printing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the decoration designating unit designates one halftone dot pattern and its printing color from a plurality of types of halftone dot patterns provided around the character.