JP5920187B2 - Operation area creation device - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to an operation region creation device that associates an operation region with an instruction when the operation region is operated.

  Conventionally, an apparatus that associates data with operation keys is known. For example, the data creation device described in Patent Literature 1 identifies at least one selection key of the printing device in the data created by the data creation unit (various data such as external character data, database, template data, etc.). Information (hereinafter referred to as allocation information) is allocated. The data creation device transfers the data to which the assignment information is assigned to the printing device. The printing apparatus stores data in the data storage unit and stores allocation information in the allocation information storage unit. When the selection key of the printing apparatus is operated, the data reading unit grasps the allocation information corresponding to the operated selection key among the allocation information stored in the allocation information storage unit. Then, data associated with the allocation information is read out. The printing apparatus can synthesize and print the data read by the data reading unit and the data edited by the printing apparatus.

JP 2004-157912 A

  However, for example, when a conventional printing apparatus has 10 selection keys, if two data are assigned to two selection keys, data is assigned to the other eight selection keys. Absent. Therefore, even if the eight selection keys are operated, processing such as printing is not executed. As described above, there are selection keys that are not processed, and there are cases where the area where the selection keys are arranged cannot be used effectively.

  An object of the present invention is to provide an operation area creation device that can effectively utilize an operation area that can be operated by a user.

  The operation area creation device according to the present invention includes an instruction type acquisition unit that acquires one or more specified instruction types for each instruction type assigned to the operation area, and the instruction type acquired by the instruction type acquisition unit. A dividing unit that sets a divided region obtained by dividing the entire operation region for each type of instruction with an area corresponding to the number for each type, and when the divided region divided by the dividing unit is operated Processing execution means for performing processing corresponding to the type of instruction. In this case, the entire operation region can be divided for each type of instruction with an area corresponding to the number of each type of instruction acquired by the type acquisition unit. Since the entire operation area can be divided into divided areas, the entire operation area can be used effectively.

  In the operation area creating apparatus, the dividing unit may include an arrangement unit that determines an arrangement position of the divided area in the operation area. In this case, the divided areas can be arranged at the arrangement positions determined by the arrangement means.

  In the operation area creation device, the arrangement unit is configured to respond to the total number from the total number of the instruction types specified by one or a plurality of the instruction types acquired by the instruction type acquisition unit. A plurality of arrangement position determining means for determining the plurality of arrangement positions; an assigning means for assigning the instruction type acquired by the instruction type acquiring means to the plurality of arrangement positions determined by the arrangement position determining means; When the instruction type is assigned by the assigning means, an adjacency determining means for determining whether or not the same instruction type is assigned to the adjacent arrangement position, and an adjoining arrangement position by the adjacency determining means. When it is determined that the same instruction type is assigned, the arrangement positions to which the same instruction type is assigned are connected to each other. And connection means for the determining, as the divided areas may be provided. In this case, the arrangement positions are connected by the connecting means and the divided areas are set, so that an area where the user can normally input an instruction by operating the divided areas is increased. On the other hand, even if the same instruction type is assigned by the assigning unit, it is not connected by the connecting unit unless it is adjacent. Thus, the case where it connects adjacently and the case where it makes it a separate area | region without adjoining can be used properly.

  In the operation area creation device, the instruction type acquisition means acquires template data that is template data that is data in which a print position of a character on a print medium is set, and that is different for each instruction type. You may acquire the said kind of instruction | indication designated one or more for every kind of instruction | indication. In this case, the user can adjust the number of arrangement positions to be connected by adjusting the number of template data for each type of instruction.

  In the operation area creation device, the instruction type acquisition means is the character arranged at the print position of the template data that is data in which the print position of the character on the print medium is set, and is different for each type of the instruction. By acquiring a database in which the character is registered, one or more types of instructions specified for each type of instruction may be acquired. In this case, the user can adjust the number of arrangement positions to be connected by adjusting the number of characters registered in the database for each type of instruction.

  In the operation area creation device, the instruction type acquisition unit acquires an instruction type specified by one or more for each instruction type by detecting an operation in which the specification of the instruction type is input. May be. In this case, the user can adjust the number of arrangement positions to be connected by adjusting the number of operations specified by the type of instruction.

1 is a diagram illustrating a printing system 1. FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an electrical configuration of a printing system 1. FIG. It is a figure which shows a mode that printing is performed based on the template data 8 in 1st embodiment. It is a data block diagram of the coordinate data table 91. It is a data block diagram of the template data list 92. It is a flowchart of a main process. 7 is a data configuration diagram of an area list 93. FIG. It is a flowchart of an area | region division process. It is a figure which shows the change of the data structure of the area | region data table 94. FIG. It is a figure which shows a mode that printing is performed by 2nd embodiment. It is a data block diagram of the database 95. FIG. 6 is a data configuration diagram of an area list 96. FIG. It is a figure which shows the change of the data structure of the area | region data table 97. FIG.

  DESCRIPTION OF EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS Hereinafter, embodiments of the invention will be described with reference to the drawings. First, the configuration of the printing system 1 will be described with reference to FIG. In the following description, template data 80 to 82 and the like (see FIG. 3 and FIG. 10) will be described. However, when they are collectively referred to or not specified, they are referred to as “template data 8”. Although the sheets 61 and 62 (see FIGS. 3 and 10) will be described, the sheets 61 and 62 are collectively referred to as “sheet 6” when the sheets 61 and 62 are collectively referred to or not specified. Further, the divided areas 751, 752, 753, 754, and 755 (see FIG. 3 and FIG. 10) will be described.

  In this embodiment, as an example, it is assumed that the printing system 1 is a system that is installed in a store such as a retail store and prints a price tag of a product. The printing system 1 includes an input device 2 and a personal computer 3 (hereinafter referred to as PC 3). When various data is transferred from the PC 3 to the input device 2, the input device 2 is connected to the PC 3.

  The input device 2 has a printing device function for printing characters (letters, numbers, symbols, and the like). Inside the input device 2, a tape roll (not shown) around which a tape-like print medium 50 is wound is installed. When the input device 2 performs printing, the printing medium 50 is pulled out from the tape roll, and printing is performed on the printing medium 50. Then, the printed print medium 50 is cut and discharged to the outside.

  The input device 2 includes a touch pad 207 on the upper surface. Note that no display is provided under the touch pad 207. On the upper side of the touch pad 207, the sheet 6 (see FIGS. 3 and 10) is disposed so as to be replaceable. The sheet 6 is formed in the same shape as the plan view of the touch pad 207. In addition, a wall portion 219 that protrudes upward from the touch pad 207 is provided around the touch pad 207. When the sheet 6 is disposed on the upper side of the touch pad 207, the sheet 6 is disposed on the inner side of the wall portion 219. A display 216 is provided behind the touch pad 207. Various information is displayed on the display 216.

  With reference to FIG. 3, the operation key 7 and the sheet 6 of the touch pad 207 will be described. The upper side, the lower side, the right side, and the left side in FIG. FIG. 3 shows a state in which the sheet 6 is disposed on the upper side of the touch pad 207. Various keys 5 are drawn on the sheet 6 by printing. A plurality of operation keys 7 are set on the touch pad 207 within a predetermined range. The key 5 is drawn on the sheet 6 by printing corresponding to the operation key 7 of the touch pad 207. More specifically, the key 5 is drawn with a pattern corresponding to the function of the operation key 7 of the touch pad 207. The user can operate the operation key 7 by pressing the key 5 drawn on the sheet 6. The CPU 201 (see FIG. 2) of the input device 2 detects that the operation key 7 has been operated.

  The operation key 7 includes a cursor key 71, an OK key 74, an ESC key 73, a function setting key 72, and a divided area 75. The cursor key 71 is provided at the upper center of the touch pad 207. The cursor key 71 includes an up key 711, a down key 712, a right key 713, and a left key 714. The function setting key 72 is provided on the left side of the cursor key 71. The function setting key 72 is a key for displaying on the display 216 a function selection screen for setting various functions. The ESC key 73 is provided below the function setting key 72. The ESC key 73 is a key for returning to the previous screen or canceling the selected one. The OK key 74 is provided on the right side of the cursor key 71. The OK key 74 is a key operated when executing printing, selecting a selected function, or the like.

  An area on the touch pad below the cursor key 71, the OK key 74, the ESC key 73, and the function setting key 72 is referred to as an operation area 76. The coordinates (X, Y) of the operation area 76 will be described. In the operation area 76, it is assumed that the right direction is the + direction (X direction) of the X axis, and the downward direction is the + direction (Y direction) of the Y axis. The upper left coordinate of the operation area 76 is the origin (0, 0). The lower right coordinates of the operation area 76 are (75, 80). That is, the operation area 76 is in the range of (0, 0) to (75, 80).

  In the operation area 76, a divided area 75 is set by a main process (see FIG. 6) described later. The divided area 75 is a key for inputting an instruction when operated. In the example shown in FIG. 3, divided areas 751 and 752 are set in the operation area 76. The divided area 751 is set in the range of (0, 0) to (75, 60). The divided area 752 is set in the range of (0, 61) to (75, 80).

  The character “Sandwich” is drawn on the key 5 of the sheet 61 corresponding to the divided area 751. In addition, the character “Apple Pie” is drawn on the key 5 of the sheet 61 corresponding to the divided area 752. These characters drawn by printing correspond to the template names “Sandwich” and “Apple Pie” in the area data table 94 (see FIG. 9F). Although details will be described later, when the divided area 751 or the divided area 752 is operated, print media 521 and 522 (see FIG. 3) on which “Sandwich” or “Apple Pie” is printed are created.

  The electrical configuration of the printing system 1 will be described with reference to FIG. As illustrated in FIG. 2, the PC 3 includes a CPU 301 that controls the PC 3. A hard disk drive (hereinafter referred to as HDD) 302, a RAM 303, a communication interface (hereinafter referred to as communication I / F) 304, an input unit 305, and an output circuit 306 are connected to the CPU 301.

  The HDD 302 stores various programs executed by the CPU 301 of the PC 3. The RAM 303 stores various temporary data. The input unit 305 is, for example, a mouse or a keyboard. The output circuit 306 is connected to the display 307. The CPU 301 can display an image on the display 307 via the output circuit 306. The communication I / F 304 is an interface for performing data communication with other devices (in this embodiment, the input device 2). The communication I / F 304 is connected to a communication I / F 206 (described later) of the input device 2. The CPU 301 of the PC 3 can communicate with the CPU 201 of the input device 2 via the communication I / F 304 and the communication I / F 206 of the input device 2.

  The input device 2 includes a CPU 201 that controls the input device 2. The CPU 201 is connected to the ROM 202, flash memory 203, RAM 204, CGROM 205, communication I / F 206, output circuit 213, and drive circuits 209 to 212.

  The ROM 202 stores various programs executed by the CPU 201 of the input device 2 (for example, the main processing program in FIG. 6). The flash memory 203 stores various data (for example, template data 8). The RAM 204 stores various temporary data. The CGROM 205 stores dot pattern data for printing for printing various characters (characters, numbers, figures, etc.) on the print medium 50.

  The drive circuit 212 is an electronic circuit for driving the touch pad 207. When the user operates (presses) the key 5 drawn on the sheet 6 disposed on the touch pad 207, the CPU 201 detects the position (coordinates) operated via the touch pad 207. As a result, the CPU 201 identifies the operated operation key 7. The drive circuit 209 is an electronic circuit for driving the thermal head 217. The CPU 201 can print on the print medium 50 by controlling the thermal head 217 via the drive circuit 209. The drive circuit 210 is an electronic circuit for driving a tape feed motor 214 for conveying the print medium 50 wound inside the input device 2 to the outside. The drive circuit 211 is an electronic circuit for driving a cutter motor 215 that operates a moving blade (not shown) that cuts the printed print medium 50.

  The template data 8 will be described with reference to FIG. The template data 8 is data in which an arrangement position of characters to be printed on the print medium 50 is set at least. The template data 80 shown in FIG. 3 has the same outer shape as that printed on the print medium 50 based on the template data 80 for easy understanding. In practice, however, the template data 80 is stored with data such as the character and the coordinates of the print position of the character (the same applies to the template data 81). In the case of template data 80, characters “Sandwich” and “¥ 300” are arranged. In the case of the template data 81, characters “Apple Pie” and “¥ 100” are arranged.

  The coordinate data table 91 will be described with reference to FIG. The coordinate data table 91 is stored in advance in the flash memory 203 of the input device 2. As shown in FIG. 4, the coordinate data table 91 stores the total number and the arrangement position in association with each other. The total number is the total number of instruction types (described later). The arrangement positions of the area numbers “A1” to “A20” are areas on the operation area 76 (see FIG. 3) and are represented by coordinates. The total number is the same as the number of area numbers for which arrangement positions are set. For example, the total number “1” is associated with the arrangement positions “(0, 0) to (75, 80)” of one area number “A1”. In addition, the total number “4” indicates the arrangement positions “(0,0) to (75,20)”, “(0,0,4)” of the four area numbers “A1”, “A2”, “A3”, and “A4”. 21) to (75, 40) "," (0, 41) to (75, 60) ", and" (0, 61) to (75, 80) ".

  The template data list 92 will be described with reference to FIG. As shown in FIG. 5, the template data list 92 stores template names, template data, and area numbers in association with each other. More specifically, “Sandwich”, “Template data 80”, and “A1” are associated with the template data list 92 in the order of template name, template data, and area number. Similarly, “Sandwich”, “Template data 80”, and “A2” are associated with each other, and “Sandwich”, “Template data 80”, and “A3” are associated with each other. “Apple Pie”, “Template data 81”, and “A4” are associated with each other.

  The template name is a name given to the template data 8. The user also inputs a template name when creating the template data 8 using the PC 3. Further, the user designates an area number to which the template data 8 is assigned using the PC 3.

  Next, processing by the CPU 201 of the input device 2 will be described. In the following description, the first embodiment and the second embodiment will be described. In the first embodiment and the second embodiment, the CPU 201 acquires one or more designated instruction types for each instruction type assigned to the operation area 76 of the touch pad 207 (S11 in FIG. 6, which will be described later). Then, the CPU 201 sets a divided area 75 (see FIG. 3) corresponding to the instruction type for the entire operation area 76 with an area corresponding to the number for each instruction type (S31 in FIG. 8, described later).

  The instruction type assigned to the operation area 76 is an instruction type that can be input to the input device by the user operating the divided area 75. For example, in the first embodiment, when the divided area 751 is operated, printing is performed based on the template data 80 (see FIG. 3). That is, the type of instruction assigned to the divided area 751 of the operation area 76 is “print execution instruction based on the template data 80”. When the divided area 752 is operated, printing is performed based on the template data 81 (see FIG. 3). That is, the type of instruction assigned to the divided area 752 of the operation area 76 is “print execution instruction based on the template data 81”. The types of instructions assigned to the operation area 76 in the second embodiment will be described later.

  A main process executed by the CPU 201 will be described with reference to FIG. The main process is started, for example, when it is detected that the CPU 201 is connected to the PC 3. As shown in FIG. 6, in the main process, one or a plurality of instruction types designated for each instruction type assigned to the operation area 76 (in the first embodiment, a print execution instruction based on the template data 8) is acquired. It is determined whether or not it has been done (S11). If the type of instruction has not been acquired (S11: NO), the process of S11 is repeated.

  The user operates the PC 3 to create template data 80 and 81 (see FIG. 3). Then, the user designates an area number to which “print execution instruction based on template data 8” is assigned. This designation is performed by creating the template data list 92 by associating the template data 80 or the template data 81 with the area number. In S11, by receiving the template data list 92, one or a plurality of instruction types designated for each instruction type assigned to the touch pad 207 is acquired.

  When the type of instruction is acquired (S11: YES), an area list 93 (see FIG. 7) is created (S12). As shown in FIG. 5, in the template data list 92, area numbers designated by the user are associated. In S12, the region number and template name registered in the template data list 92 are referred to, and the region list 93 shown in FIG. 7 is created. In the area list 93, “A1” to “A20” are registered as area numbers. In the template data list 92, the template number “Sandwich” of the template data 82 is associated with the region numbers “A1” to “A3”, and the template name “Apple Pie” of the template data 81 is associated with the region number “A4”. It is associated. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 7, a region list 93 in which the template number “Sandwich” is associated with the region numbers “A1” to “A3”, and the template name “Apple Pie” is associated with the region number “A4”. Is created. Note that template numbers are not associated with the region numbers “A5” to “A20”.

  Next, an area division process is executed (S13). The area division process will be described with reference to FIG. The area dividing process divides the entire operation area 76 for each instruction type (print execution instruction based on the template data 80 or the template data 81) with an area corresponding to the number of each instruction type acquired in S11. This is a process of setting the divided area 75 (see FIG. 3).

  As shown in FIG. 8, first, from the total number of instruction types designated by one or more for each instruction type acquired in S11, a plurality of divided areas in the operation area 76 according to the total number. 75 arrangement positions are determined (S21). In S21, an area list 93 (see FIG. 7) and a coordinate data table 91 (see FIG. 4) created based on the template data list 92 acquired in S11 are referred to. In the area list 93, the template names of the four template data 8 of the areas “A1” to “A4” are registered. In other words, the total number of instruction types acquired in S11 is “four”. Then, the coordinate data table 91 (see FIG. 4) is referred to, and the arrangement position corresponding to the total number “4” is determined. That is, the arrangement position of the area number “A1” is “(0, 0) to (75, 20)”. The arrangement position of the area number “A2” is “(0, 21) to (75, 40)”. The arrangement position of the area number “A3” is “(0, 41) to (75, 60)”. The arrangement position of the area number “A4” is “(0, 61) to (75, 80)”.

  Next, the variable N is set to “1” (S22). The variable N is stored in the RAM 204. Next, the template name associated with the area number AN (N is a variable) in the area list 93 is specified (S23). For example, when the variable N is “1”, the template name “Sandwich” associated with the area number “A1” is specified.

  Next, the type of instruction acquired in S11 is assigned to the arrangement position determined in S21, and is registered in the area data table 94 (S24). In S24, the type of instruction acquired in S11 is assigned by assigning the template name specified in S23 to the arrangement position of the area number “AN”. When the variable N is “1”, the template name “Sandwich” is assigned to the arrangement positions “(0, 0) to (75, 20)” of the area number “A1”. In this case, as shown in FIG. 9A, an area data table 94 in which the template name “Sandwich” is associated with the placement positions “(0, 0) to (75, 20)” is created. The area data table 94 is stored in the flash memory 203.

  Next, the area data table 94 is referred to, and it is determined whether or not the same instruction type as the instruction type newly assigned in S24 has already been assigned (S25). In FIG. 9A, the same instruction type is not assigned. For this reason, it is determined that the same instruction type is not assigned (S25: NO), and the variable N is incremented (S29). Next, it is determined whether or not the variable N is larger than the number of template names registered in the area list 93 (S30). When the variable N is not larger than the number of template names registered in the area list 93 (S30: NO), the process returns to S23.

  A case where the variable N is incremented to S2 in S29 will be described. In this case, the template name “Sandwich” associated with the area number “A2” is specified (S23). Then, as shown in the area data table 94 of FIG. 9B, the template name “Sandwich” specified in S23 is placed in the arrangement positions “(0, 21) to (75, 40)” of the area number “A2”. Allocated (S24).

  Next, since the template name “Sandwich” has already been assigned to the arrangement positions “(0, 0) to (75, 20)” in the area data table 94, it is the same as the instruction type newly assigned in S24. It is determined that the type of instruction is assigned (S25: YES).

  Next, it is determined whether or not the same instruction type is assigned to the adjacent arrangement position (S26). The adjacent arrangement positions are, for example, arrangement positions having a positional relationship in which there are portions where the coordinates of the two arrangement positions are continuous. As shown in FIG. 9B, the same template name “Sandwich” is assigned to the arrangement positions “(0, 0) to (75, 20)” and “(0, 21) to (75, 40)”. ing. The coordinates of the arrangement positions “(0, 0) to (75, 20)” and “(0, 21) to (75, 40)” are continuous in the Y direction. Therefore, it is determined that the same instruction type is assigned to the adjacent arrangement position (S26: YES). Next, the arrangement positions to which the same instruction type is assigned are connected (S27). In S27, two arrangement positions “(0, 0) to (75, 20)” and “(0, 21) to (75, 40) associated with the template name“ Sandwich ”shown in FIG. Is connected. For this reason, as shown in FIG. 9C, the arrangement positions “(0, 0) to (75, 40)” are associated with the template name “Sandwich”. Next, the process proceeds to S29, and the variable N is set to “3”.

  Similarly to the case where the variable N is “2”, the processing of S23 to S27 is executed, and the template name “Sandwich” is assigned to the arrangement positions “(0, 41) to (75, 60” as shown in FIG. ) ”(S24). Then, as shown in FIG. 9E, adjacent arrangement positions are connected to each other, and the arrangement positions “(0, 0) to (75, 60)” are associated with the template name “Sandwich” ( S27). Then, the variable N is set to “4” (S29). As shown in FIG. 9F, the template name “Apple Pie” is assigned to the arrangement positions “(0, 61) to (75, 80)” (S24). Then, it is determined that the same instruction type as that assigned in S24 is not assigned (S25: NO), and the variable N is set to “5”. In this case, it is determined that the variable N “5” is larger than the number of template names “4” registered in the area list 93 (S30: YES), and based on the area data table 94 (see FIG. 9F). A divided area 75 is set (determined) (S31). That is, when the user operates the divided area 75, the print processing based on the template data 8 is set to be executed. As a result, as shown in FIG. 3, a divided area 751 for the template name “Sandwich” is set at the arrangement positions “(0, 0) to (75, 60)” in the operation area 76. In addition, a divided area 752 for “Apple Pie” is set at the arrangement positions “(0, 61) to (75, 80)”. Note that the characters “Sandwich” and “Apple Pie” described in the divided areas 751 and 752 in FIG. 3 are printed on the sheet 61.

  Next, the area division process is terminated, and the process returns to the main process (see FIG. 6). Next, it is determined whether the divided area 75 set in S31 is operated and a printing instruction is input (S14). When a printing instruction is input (S14: YES), printing is executed (S15). For example, when the divided area 751 is operated, the print medium 521 for “Sandwich” is created based on the template data 80 (see FIG. 3). When the divided area 752 is operated, the print medium 522 for “Apple Pie” is created based on the template data 81 (see FIG. 3). Thus, when the divided area 75 is operated, processing according to the type of instruction is performed. Next, the process returns to S14.

  If no print instruction is input (S15: NO), it is determined whether or not an instruction to turn off the power is input by a user operation (S16). If no instruction to turn off the power is input (S16: NO), the process returns to S14. When an instruction to turn off the power is input (016: YES), the power is turned off (S17), and the main process is terminated.

  In the process of S26 of FIG. 8, when it is determined that the same instruction type is not assigned to the adjacent arrangement position (S26: NO), the template name is changed and registered in the area data table 94. That is, unlike S27, the arrangement positions cannot be connected. For example, assume that the template name “Sandwich”, template data “81”, and area number “A5” are registered in the template data list 92 (see FIG. 5). In this case, “Sandwich” of the region numbers “A1” to “A3” are connected and set to one divided region 75. However, “Sandwich” of the region number “A5” is registered in the region data table 94 with the template name changed to “Sandwich (2)”, for example (S28). For this reason, the area number “A1” to “A3” is set as a separate area 75 different from “Sandwich” (S31). After S28 is executed, the process proceeds to S29.

  Next, a second embodiment will be described. In the second embodiment, template data 82 (see FIG. 10) different from that in the first embodiment is used. The character registered in the database 95 (see FIG. 11) is placed at the character printing position 821 of the template data 82, and printing is performed.

  As shown in FIG. 10, characters “Product” (product) and “Price” (price) are arranged in the template data 82. Although details will be described later, when printing on the print medium 50 is performed, the print position 821 of the template data 82 corresponds to the items “Product” and “Price” of the database 95 (see FIG. 11). Characters are placed and printing is performed. For example, when the characters “Sandwich” and “¥ 300” associated with the record name “T001” in the database 95 are placed at the print position 821 and printed, the print medium 531 shown in FIG. 10 is created.

  The database 95 will be described with reference to FIG. As shown in FIG. 11, the database 95 stores record names, products, and prices in association with each other. More specifically, “T001”, “Sandwich”, and “¥ 300” are associated in the order of record name, product, and price. Similarly, “T002”, “Sandwich”, and “¥ 300” are associated with each other, and “T003”, “Sandwich”, and “¥ 250” are associated with each other. “T004”, “Apple Pie”, and “¥ 100” are associated with each other.

  Processing of the CPU 201 in the second embodiment will be described. In the following description, the same main processing (see FIG. 6) as in the first embodiment will be described, but processing different from the first embodiment will be described, and description of processing that is common to the first embodiment will be omitted. To do.

  The user operates the PC 2 to create template data 82 (see FIG. 10). It is assumed that the created template data 82 is transmitted to the input device 2 in advance and stored in the flash memory 203 of the input device 2. The type of instruction assigned to the operation area 76 is different from that in the first embodiment. As shown in FIG. 10, in the second embodiment, when the divided area 753 is operated, the characters “Sandwich” and “¥ 300” in the database 95 are arranged at the print position 821 and printing is performed. That is, the type of instruction assigned to the divided area 753 of the operation area 76 is “an instruction to execute printing by placing the characters“ Sandwich ”and“ ¥ 300 ”at the print position 821”. When the divided area 754 is operated, the characters “Sandwich” and “¥ 250” in the database 95 are arranged at the print position 821 and printing is performed. That is, the type of instruction assigned to the divided area 754 of the operation area 76 is “an instruction to execute printing by placing the characters“ Sandwich ”and“ ¥ 250 ”at the print position 821”. As in this example, in the second embodiment, different characters are printed in the divided areas 753 to 755. That is, the type of instruction assigned to the operation area 76 in the second embodiment is “an instruction to place a character at the print position 821 and execute printing”, and the arranged character differs in the divided areas 753 to 755.

  The user operates the PC 3 to register the character arranged at the print position 821 in the database 95 (see FIG. 11). In S <b> 11, by receiving the database 95 transmitted from the PC 3, one or more designated instruction types are acquired for each instruction type assigned to the touch pad 207.

  When the type of instruction is acquired (S11: YES), an area list 96 (see FIG. 12) is created (S12). As shown in FIG. 11, in the database 95, the record name designated by the user is associated. In S 12, the record names registered in the database 95 are associated with the area numbers in the order registered in the database 95. Thereby, the area list 96 shown in FIG. 12 is created. In the area list 96, the record numbers “T001”, “T002”, “T003”, and “T004” are associated with the area numbers “A1”, “A2”, “A3”, and “A4”, respectively.

  In the division process shown in FIG. 8, first, a plurality of divisions are made within the operation area 76 from the total number of instruction types designated by one or more for each instruction type acquired in S11, according to the total number. The arrangement position of the region 75 is determined (S21). In S21, the area list 96 (see FIG. 12) and the coordinate data table 91 (see FIG. 4) created based on the database 95 in S11 are referred to. In the area list 96, four record names are registered in the areas “A1” to “A4”. In other words, the total number of instruction types acquired in S11 is “four”. Then, the arrangement positions corresponding to the total number “4” in the coordinate data table 91 (see FIG. 4) are determined. That is, the arrangement position of the area number “A1” is “(0, 0) to (75, 20)”. The arrangement position of the area number “A2” is “(0, 20) to (75, 40)”. The arrangement position of the area number “A3” is “(0, 40) to (75, 60)”. The arrangement position of the area number “A4” is “(0, 60) to (75, 80)”.

  Next, the variable N is set to “1” (S22). Next, the record name associated with the area number AN (N is a variable) in the area list 96 is specified (S23). For example, when the variable N is “1”, the record name “T001” associated with the area number “A1” is specified.

  Next, the type of instruction acquired in S11 is assigned to the arrangement position determined in S21, and is registered in the area data table 97 (see FIG. 13) (S24). In S24 of the second embodiment, the record name specified in S23 is referred to, and an item name combining characters associated with the record name in the database 95 is created. Then, the created item name is assigned to the arrangement position of the area number “AN”, whereby the instruction type acquired in S11 is assigned. For example, the product “Sandwich” and Price “¥ 300” associated with the record name “T001” in the database 95 are combined to create the item name “Sandwich_ ¥ 300”. Then, the item name “Sandwich_ ¥ 300” is assigned to the arrangement position “(0, 0) to (75, 20)” of the area number “A1”. In this case, as shown in FIG. 13A, the area data table 97 in which the item name “Sandwich_ ¥ 300” is associated with the arrangement positions “(0, 0) to (75, 20)” is created. . The area data table 97 is stored in the flash memory 203.

  Next, the area data table 97 is referred to, and it is determined whether or not the same instruction type as the instruction type newly assigned in S24 has already been assigned (S25). In the case of FIG. 13A, the same instruction type is not assigned. Therefore, it is determined that the same instruction type is not assigned (S26: NO), and the variable N is incremented (S29). Then. In S30 of the second embodiment, it is determined whether or not the variable N is larger than the number of record names registered in the area list 96 (see FIG. 12) (S30). If the variable N is not larger than the record name registered in the area list 96 (S30: NO), the process returns to S23.

  A case where the variable N is incremented in S29 and becomes “2” will be described. In this case, the record name “T002” associated with the area number “A2” is specified (S23). Then, as shown in the area data table 97 of FIG. 13B, the item name “Sandwich_ ¥ 300” is assigned to the arrangement positions “(0, 21) to (75, 40)” of the area number “A2” ( S24).

  Next, in the area data table 97, since the item name “Sandwich_ ¥ 300” has already been allocated to the arrangement positions “(0, 0) to (75, 20)”, it is the same as the type of instruction newly allocated in S24. Is determined to be assigned (S25: YES). As shown in FIG. 13B, the same item name “Sandwich_ ¥ 300” has the arrangement positions “(0, 0) to (75, 20)” and “(0, 21) to (75, 40)”. Assigned to. That is, the same instruction type is assigned to adjacent arrangement positions. Therefore, it is determined that the same instruction type is assigned to the adjacent arrangement position (S26: YES).

  Next, two arrangement positions “(0, 0) to (75, 20)” and “(0, 21) to (75, 40) associated with the item name“ Sandwich_ ¥ 300 ”shown in FIG. ) ”Is connected (S27). As a result, as shown in FIG. 13C, the arrangement position “(0, 0) to (75, 40)” is associated with the item name “Sandwich_ ¥ 300”. Next, the process proceeds to S29, and the variable N is set to “3”.

  When the variable N is “3”, the record name “T003” associated with the area number “A3” is specified (S23). Then, as shown in the area data table 97 of FIG. 13D, the item name “Sandwich_ ¥ 250” is assigned to the arrangement positions “(0, 41) to (75, 60)” of the area number “A3” ( S24).

  Next, in the area data table 97, since the item name “Sandwich_ ¥ 250” is not assigned, it is determined that the same instruction type as the instruction type newly assigned in S24 is not assigned (S25: NO). Next, the variable N is set to “4” (S29). As shown in FIG. 13E, the item name “Apple Pie_100” is assigned to the arrangement positions “(0, 61) to (75, 80)” (S24). Then, it is determined that the same instruction type as that assigned in S24 is not assigned (S25: NO), and the variable N is set to “5”. In this case, it is determined that the variable N “5” is larger than the number of record names registered in the area list 96 (S30: YES), and the divided area 75 is based on the area data table 97 (see FIG. 13E). Is set (determined) (S31). Thus, when the user operates the divided area 75, the character of the database 95 corresponding to the item name is placed at the print position 821 of the template data 82, and the print process is executed.

  In the case of the second embodiment, as shown in FIG. 10, a divided area 753 for the item name “Sandwich_ ¥ 300” is set at the arrangement positions “(0, 0) to (75, 40)” in the operation area 76. . In addition, a divided region 754 for the item name “Sandwich_ ¥ 250” is set at the arrangement positions “(0, 41) to (75, 60)”. In addition, a divided area 755 for “Apple Pie” is set at the arrangement positions “(0, 61) to (75, 80)”. When S28 is executed, the item name is changed.

  Next, the area division process is terminated, and the process returns to the main process. When the divided area 75 set in S31 is operated and a printing instruction is input (S14: YES), printing is executed (S15). In S15, the character registered in the database 95 is arranged at the printing position 821 of the template data 82 and printing is performed. For example, when the divided area 753 is operated, the print medium 531 in which “Sandwich” is arranged in the product of the print position 821 of the template data 82 and “¥ 300” is arranged in the price is created. Further, when the divided area 754 is operated, a print medium 532 in which “Sandwich” is arranged in the product of the print position 821 of the template data 82 and “¥ 250” is arranged in the price is created. Further, when the divided area 755 is operated, a print medium 533 in which “Apple Pie” is arranged in the product of the print position 821 of the template data 82 and “¥ 100” is arranged in the price is created. Thus, when the divided area 75 is operated, processing according to the type of instruction is performed.

  As described above, the processing in the first and second embodiments is performed. In the first and second embodiments, the entire operation region 76 can be divided for each type of instruction with an area corresponding to the number for each type of instruction acquired in S11 (see FIGS. 3 and 10). . Since the entire operation area 76 can be divided into divided areas 75, the entire operation area 76 can be used effectively.

  In the first and second embodiments, the arrangement position of the divided area 75 can be determined in the operation area 76 by S21, S24, S26, S27, and S31. Here, for example, when the arrangement positions are not connected in S <b> 27, the adjacent arrangement positions are set to separate divided regions 75 even if the same instruction type is assigned to the adjacent arrangement positions. In this case, when the user operates the boundary portion between the adjacent divided regions 75, both of the adjacent divided regions 75 may be operated simultaneously. In this case, since the two divided areas 75 are operated at the same time, for example, the CPU 201 may cancel the operation or perform the process twice assuming that the same instruction type is input twice. That is, the user cannot normally input an instruction at the boundary portion between the adjacent divided regions 75.

  In the first and second embodiments, when the same instruction type is assigned to the adjacent arrangement position, the adjacent arrangement positions are connected (S27), and the divided region 27 is set (S31). For this reason, the boundary portion disappears, and the user can input a normal instruction by operating the portion that was the boundary portion. That is, an area where the user can normally input an instruction by operating the divided region 75 can be increased.

  Even if the same instruction type is assigned in S24, if it is not adjacent, S27 is not executed and the arrangement position is not connected (S26: NO). In this way, the user can selectively use the case where the types of instructions are connected adjacent to each other and the case where the types of instructions are not adjacent to each other and are separated.

  In the first embodiment, the template data 8 specified by the user in the template data list 92 (see FIG. 5) is acquired (S11: YES), and the divided area 75 is set. The user creates different template data 80 and 81 for each type of instruction, and registers the template data 80 and 81 in the template data list 92. At this time, the user makes the number of template data 80 registered in the template data list 92 larger than the number of template data 81. Thus, adjustment is made so that the divided area 751 (see FIG. 3) for executing printing based on the template data 80 becomes larger. Thus, the user can adjust the number of arrangement positions to be connected by adjusting the number of template data 8 for each type of instruction. In addition, since the divided area 751 is set by connecting the three arrangement positions, the area where the instruction can be normally input by operating the divided area 751 is larger than in the case where the three divided areas 75 are set. Therefore, the user can easily operate the divided area 751.

  In the second embodiment, the character specified by the user in the database 95 is acquired (S11: YSE), and the divided area 75 is set. The user registers in the database 95 a character in which a different character is registered for each type of instruction. At this time, the user increases the number of combinations of the characters “Sandwich” and “¥ 300” registered in the database 95 more than the number of combinations of other characters. As a result, the character “Sandwich” and “¥ 300” are arranged at the print position 821 and the divided area 753 (see FIG. 10) for executing printing is adjusted to be large. Thus, the user can adjust the number of arrangement positions to be connected by adjusting the number of characters registered in the database 95 for each type of instruction. In addition, since the divided area 753 is set by connecting two arrangement positions, the area where the instruction can be normally input by operating the divided area 753 is larger than in the case where the two divided areas 75 are set. Therefore, the user can easily operate the divided area 753.

  Further, as shown in FIGS. 3 and 10, if a key is drawn on the sheet 6 so as to have the same area as the set divided area 75, a connected divided area 751 (see FIG. 3) and a divided area 753 are drawn. The key corresponding to (see FIG. 10) becomes larger. Therefore, the visibility of the key 5 is improved, and the user can more easily operate the divided area 753.

  In the above embodiment, the input device 2 corresponds to the “operation area creation device” of the present invention. The CPU 201 that performs the processing of S11 corresponds to the “instruction type acquisition unit” of the present invention. The CPU 201 that performs the process of S13 corresponds to the “dividing means” of the present invention. The CPU 201 that performs the process of S15 corresponds to the “process execution unit” of the present invention. The CPU 201 that performs the process of S21 corresponds to the “arrangement position determining means” of the present invention. The CPU 201 that performs the process of S24 corresponds to the “assignment unit” of the present invention. The CPU 201 that performs the process of S26 corresponds to the “adjacent determination unit” of the present invention. The CPU 201 that performs the processes of S27 and S31 corresponds to the “connection unit” of the present invention. The CPU 201 that performs the processes of S21, S24, S26, S27, and S31 corresponds to the “arranging unit” of the present invention.

  In addition, this invention is not limited to said embodiment, A various change is possible. For example, the adjacent arrangement position is an arrangement position having a positional relationship in which there is a portion where the coordinates of the two arrangement positions are continuous, but is not limited thereto. For example, a gap (a region that does not react even if operated) may be provided between two arrangement positions. In this case, one arrangement position and an arrangement position on the X direction side across the gap from one arrangement position may be set as adjacent arrangement positions. One arrangement position and an arrangement position on the Y direction side across a gap from one arrangement position may be set as adjacent arrangement positions. In the case of this example, when adjacent arrangement positions to which the same instruction type is assigned in S27 are connected, there is no gap (an area that does not react even if operated) between the adjacent arrangement positions. The area of the divided region 75 to which the type is assigned increases. Therefore, the area where the user can normally input an instruction by operating the divided area 75 is further increased.

  In the first embodiment, the template data list 92 is transmitted from the PC 3 and acquired in S11. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the template data 8 need not be in a list form. In this case, individual data combining the template name, template data, and area number may be divided into a plurality of times and transmitted from the PC 3 to the input device 2. Similarly, in the second embodiment, the character need not be registered in the database 95. Each character may be divided into a plurality of times and transmitted from the PC 3 to the input device 2.

  Further, by detecting an operation in which the designation of the instruction type is input in S11, one or a plurality of instruction types designated for each instruction type may be acquired. For example, the input device 2 stores template data 80 and template data 81 in the flash memory 203 in advance. On the display 307 of the PC 3, an image for designating the template data 80 by a mouse click operation (hereinafter referred to as a first image) and an image for designating the template data 81 by a mouse click operation (hereinafter referred to as a first image). Are called two images). For example, it is assumed that the user clicks the first image three times and clicks the second image once. Each time the PC 3 performs a click operation, the PC 3 transmits information indicating which of the first image and the second image is clicked (hereinafter referred to as click operation information) to the input device 2. By receiving the click operation information, the input device 2 can detect the click operation in which the designation of the instruction type is input. (S11).

  Then, an area list is created in the order in which the click operation is performed (S12). Since the first image is clicked three times and the second image is clicked once, the area list 93 of FIG. 7 is created. Then, based on the area list 93 and the template data 80 and 81 stored in the flash memory 203, a divided area is set (S31). In the case of this modification, the user can adjust the area of the divided region 75 by adjusting the number of operations for specifying the type of instruction (the number of click operations for the first image and the second image).

  The input device 2 has a configuration for executing printing, and the type of instruction is “execution of printing”, but is not limited thereto. For example, the input device 2 may be a car navigation device. In this case, the type of instruction may be “destination setting”, “music playback”, “surrounding facility search”, and the like. Even in this case, the user can adjust the area of the divided areas of “destination setting”, “music playback”, and “surrounding facility search” by adjusting the number of types of instructions to be designated.

  Further, although the operation area 76 is set on the touch pad 207 and the divided area 75 is created, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the operation area 76 may be a plurality of keys arranged on the keyboard. Then, the keys on the keyboard may be assigned to the divided area 75 so that the area corresponds to the number of the types of instructions acquired in S11. For example, it is assumed that the keyboard has a total of 20 keys, four in the vertical direction and five in the horizontal direction. Then, it is assumed that the template data list 92 shown in FIG. 5 is acquired (S11: YES). In this case, the divided area set in S31 is set to the divided area for performing the “print execution instruction based on the template data 80” for the upper three keys and the five keys in the left-right direction. Alternatively, five keys in the left-right direction may be set in a divided area where “print execution instruction based on template data 81” is performed.

  Moreover, although the template name or the item name was changed in S28, it is not limited to this. For example, the template name or the item name may not be changed. Further, when it is determined that the same instruction type is assigned to the adjacent arrangement position (S26: YES), the arrangement positions to which the same instruction type is assigned are connected (S27). It is not limited to. For example, if the same instruction type is assigned even if they are not adjacent to each other, the arrangement position may be set to a larger area, and the divided region 75 may be made larger.

2 Input device 8, 80-82 Template data 50, 521, 522, 531, 532, 533 Print medium 75 Divided area 76, 751-755 Operation area 92 Template data list 95 Database 821 Print position

Claims (6)

An instruction type acquisition means for acquiring one or more specified instruction types for each instruction type assigned to the operation area;
A dividing unit configured to set a divided region obtained by dividing the entire operation region for each type of instruction with an area corresponding to the number of each type of instruction acquired by the instruction type acquiring unit;
An operation area creating apparatus comprising: a process executing unit that performs a process corresponding to the type of instruction when the divided area divided by the dividing unit is operated.   The operation area creating apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the dividing unit includes an arrangement unit that determines an arrangement position of the divided area in the operation area. The arrangement means includes
Arrangement position determining means for determining a plurality of arrangement positions according to the total number from the total number of the instruction types designated by one or a plurality for each instruction type acquired by the instruction type acquisition means. When,
Allocating means for allocating the instruction type acquired by the instruction type acquiring means to the plurality of arrangement positions determined by the arrangement position determining means;
Adjacency determination means for determining whether or not the same instruction type is assigned to the adjacent arrangement position when the instruction type is assigned by the assignment means;
When it is determined by the adjacency determination means that the same instruction type is assigned to adjacent arrangement positions, the arrangement positions to which the same instruction type is assigned are connected to be determined as one divided region. The operation area creating apparatus according to claim 2, further comprising a connection unit configured to connect.   The instruction type obtaining means obtains template data that is data in which a character print position on a print medium is set and is different for each instruction type, so that one or more of each instruction type is obtained. The operation area creating apparatus according to claim 1, wherein a plurality of types of instructions designated are acquired.   The instruction type acquisition means is a database in which the character that is arranged at the print position of template data, which is data in which the print position of the character on the print medium is set, is registered for each of the instruction types. The operation region creating apparatus according to claim 1, wherein one or a plurality of instruction types specified for each instruction type is acquired.   The instruction type acquisition unit acquires one or more specified instruction types for each instruction type by detecting an operation in which the instruction type specification is input. The operation region creation device according to any one of 1 to 3.