JP6299966B2 - Print label production device - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a print label producing apparatus for producing a print label.

  2. Description of the Related Art A print label producing apparatus that forms a print label on a conveyed print medium and produces a print label is already known (see, for example, Patent Document 1). With this conventional technology, it is possible to create a print label having a text character and a frame (decoration frame) surrounding the text character, and in particular, a print label having a plurality of frames of different sizes. Is possible.

Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 8-30592

  In recent years, there is an increasing need for users who want to create printed labels in a variety of forms. As a result, in the print label, not only the text characters are surrounded by the above frame, but also a desired decoration style (for example, font type, character width, format, underline, etc.) is applied to the text characters themselves, and further, the text characters are desired with the text characters There is a need to print the symbols.

  However, when creating a print label as described above, it is very complicated for the user to manually set all the above elements, that is, text characters, decoration styles, frames, symbols, etc. one by one. Inconvenient. In order to avoid this, it is conceivable to prepare a so-called template in which specific text characters, specific decoration styles, specific frames, and specific symbols are appropriately combined one by one. In this case, the user only needs to read and use the template, and the manual operation setting is not necessary. In this case, however, text characters, decoration styles, frames, symbols, etc. included in the read template cannot be changed (edited) even though they can be easily read out. As a result, it was inconvenient because it could not sufficiently meet the various needs described above.

  An object of the present invention is to provide a print label creating apparatus that allows a user to easily create a wide variety of labels and improve convenience.

In order to achieve the above object, the present invention comprises a conveying unit that conveys a printing medium, and a printing unit that forms printing on the printing medium conveyed by the conveying unit. A print label creating apparatus for creating a print label using the print medium later, the display means for displaying a text editing screen for operating and inputting text characters to be printed on the print label, and the print label A combination of the text characters printed and formed on the printed label, a decoration style applied to the text characters on the printed label, a frame surrounding the text characters on the printed label, and a symbol formed together with the text characters on the printed label Sample label storage for storing a plurality of pre-generated sample label data, each including In a state where one sample label data read from the sample label storage means is displayed on the text editing screen, the text characters included in the sample label data, the decoration style, the frame, and Operation means capable of editing at least one of the symbols, and generating print data including the text character, the decoration style, the frame, and the symbol according to a result of the editing operation by the operation means A print data generating means that cooperates to control the transport means and the print means in a coordinated manner so as to create the print label on which the print corresponding to the print data generated by the print data generating means is formed. control means and the text editing of one displayed on the screen said sample label data before Text characters, when it is changed by the operation means is stored in said sample label storage means to overwrite updates the one sample data using the changed text characters, having a updating means, It is characterized by.

  In the present invention, a print label is created by forming a print on the print medium transported by the transport means by the print means.

  At this time, a plurality of sample label data generated in advance is stored in the sample label storage means. Each sample label data includes a combination of a text character, a decoration style (for example, font type, character width, format, underline, etc.) applied to the text character, a frame surrounding the text character, and a symbol. Then, when one of the stored sample label data is read and displayed on the text editing screen of the display means, the user operates the operation means to display the displayed sample label data. At least one of the text character, decoration style, frame, and symbol included can be edited to the desired content. After editing, print data corresponding to the editing operation content is generated by the print data generating means. Then, the cooperation control unit controls the conveyance unit and the printing unit in a coordinated manner, thereby creating a print label on which a print corresponding to the print data is formed.

  As a result, the user can easily create a print label of a desired form by simply reading one of a plurality of sample label data stored in advance and editing it appropriately. This makes it possible to use a template that can be easily read but cannot be edited, or to manually print all the elements that make up a print label (the text characters, decoration styles, frames, symbols, etc.) one by one. Compared to the case where it is necessary to set, a wide variety of labels can be easily created. As a result, the convenience for the user can be greatly improved.

  According to the present invention, a user can easily create a wide variety of labels, and convenience can be improved.

It is a perspective view showing the external appearance which looked at the printed label production apparatus in one Embodiment of this invention from diagonally upward direction. It is the perspective view showing the external appearance which looked at the printed label production apparatus of the state which open | released the lower cover from diagonally downward direction. FIG. 4 is an enlarged plan view schematically showing the internal structure of the cartridge. It is a functional block diagram showing the control system of a printed label production apparatus. It is explanatory drawing showing the example of the sample label data memorize | stored in the sample label memory | storage part. It is explanatory drawing for demonstrating an example of edit operation of the sample label data on a text edit screen. It is explanatory drawing for demonstrating the other example of edit operation of the sample label data on a text edit screen. It is explanatory drawing showing the detailed data content contained in the sample label data memorize | stored in the sample label memory | storage part. It is a flowchart showing the control procedure performed by CPU. It is explanatory drawing showing the example of the sample label data memorize | stored in the sample label memory | storage part in the modification which overwrites and memorize | stores an edit result. It is explanatory drawing showing the example of the sample label data memorize | stored in the sample label memory | storage part in the modification which reflects the edit result to one sample data also on other sample data.

  Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

  A schematic configuration of the print label producing apparatus of the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. In FIG. 1, this printed label producing apparatus 1 produces a printed label L (see FIGS. 6, 7, etc. described later) by cutting a printed label tape on which a desired printing has been performed into a predetermined length. To do. In this embodiment, the front / rear / left / right / up / down directions of the print label producing apparatus 1 indicate directions shown in FIGS.

<Overall schematic configuration>
As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the casing 2 of the print label producing apparatus 1 includes a lower cover 15 that forms the lower surface of the apparatus, a lateral cover 16 that forms the side surface of the apparatus, and an upper cover 17 that forms the upper surface of the apparatus. It is comprised by. The upper cover 17 has a keyboard 3 (corresponding to operation means) for performing various operations such as character input from the front direction to the rear direction, and a function key group for executing various functions of the print label producing apparatus 1. 4 (corresponding to operation means) and a liquid crystal display 5 (corresponding to display means) for displaying inputted characters, symbols, and the like are provided. In this example, the function key group 4 includes a creation instruction key 4A, a power switch 4B, a print key 4C, and the like. Further, a cutter lever 7 for cutting a printed label tape 109 (see FIG. 3 described later) is provided on the right rear side of the horizontal cover 16.

  A cartridge holder 9 to which the cartridge 8 can be attached and detached is provided at the lower rear side of the print label producing apparatus 1. The cartridge holder 9 is covered when the lower cover 15 configured to be openable / closable with the front end portion of the print label producing apparatus 1 as a rotation shaft is closed, and is exposed when the lower cover 15 is opened.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 2, a battery storage unit 70 that can store a plurality of batteries BT (see FIG. 4 described later) is provided adjacent to the cartridge holder 9 at the lower rear side of the print label producing apparatus 1. It has been. In FIG. 2, reference numeral 60 denotes a DC jack to which an output plug of an AC adapter 220 (see FIG. 4 described later) as an external power source is connected.

<Cartridge>
As shown in FIG. 3, the cartridge 8 includes a casing 8A and a first roll 102 (in fact, a spiral shape, which is disposed in the casing 8A and wound with a band-shaped base tape 101). And a second roll 104 (actually spiral) on which a transparent cover film 103 (corresponding to a print medium) having a width substantially the same as the base tape 101 is wound. In the drawing, it is simply shown as a concentric circle), a ribbon supply side roll 111 for feeding out an ink ribbon 105 (thermal transfer ribbon, but not required when the print-receiving tape is a thermal tape), and a ribbon for winding up the ink ribbon 105 after printing. A winding roller 106 and a tape feed roller 27 rotatably supported in the vicinity of the tape discharge portion of the cartridge 8 are provided.

  The tape feed roller 27 presses and bonds the base tape 101 and the cover film 103 to form the printed label tape 109, and feeds the tape in the direction indicated by the arrow A in FIG.

  The first roll 102 has the base tape 101 wound around a reel member 102a. The base tape 101 has a four-layer structure in this example, and detailed illustration is omitted, but the adhesive layer for bonding made of an appropriate adhesive from the side wound inside to the opposite side, PET A colored base film made of (polyethylene terephthalate) or the like, a sticking adhesive layer made of an appropriate pressure-sensitive adhesive, and release paper are laminated in this order.

  The second roll 104 has the cover film 103 wound around a reel member 104a. The ink ribbon 105 is pressed against and brought into contact with the back surface of the cover film 103 fed out from the second roll 104 by the thermal head 23 (corresponding to printing means).

  At this time, corresponding to the configuration of the cartridge 8, the cartridge holder 9 has a ribbon take-up shaft 107 for taking up the used ink ribbon 105 and a label tape 109 for printing. A tape feed roller drive shaft 108 (corresponding to a conveying means) for driving the tape feed roller 27 is provided. The cartridge head 9 is provided with the thermal head 23 for performing desired printing on the cover film 103 so as to be positioned at the opening 14 (see FIG. 2) of the cartridge 8 when the cartridge 8 is mounted.

  The ribbon take-up roller 106 and the tape feed roller 27 are driven by the ribbon take-up roller driven by a driving force of a drive motor 211 (see FIG. 4 to be described later) provided outside the cartridge 8 via, for example, a gear mechanism. By being transmitted to the shaft 107 and the tape feed roller drive shaft 108, they are driven to rotate in conjunction with each other.

  In the above configuration, when the cartridge 8 is mounted on the cartridge holder 9 and the roll holder is moved from the release position (not shown) to the print position shown in FIG. 3, the cover film 103 and the ink ribbon 105 are connected to the thermal head 23. The platen roller 26 provided opposite to the thermal head 23 is sandwiched. At the same time, the base tape 101 and the cover film 103 are sandwiched between the tape feed roller 27 and the pressure roller 28 provided to face the tape feed roller 27. The ribbon take-up roller 106 and the tape feed roller 27 are rotationally driven in synchronization with directions indicated by arrows B and C in FIG. At this time, the tape feed roller drive shaft 108, the pressure roller 28 and the platen roller 26 are connected by a gear mechanism (not shown), and the tape feed roller 27, The pressure roller 28 and the platen roller 26 rotate, the base tape 101 is fed out from the first roll 102, and is supplied to the tape feed roller 27 as described above.

  On the other hand, the cover film 103 is fed out from the second roll 104, and a plurality of heating elements provided in the thermal head 23 are energized by the thermal head control circuit 217 (see FIG. 4 described later) to generate heat. At this time, the ink ribbon 105 driven by the ribbon take-up roller 106 is pressed against and brought into contact with the back side of the cover film 103 (that is, the side to be bonded to the base tape). . As a result, a print (details will be described later) corresponding to the print data of the desired print content is printed on the back surface of the cover film 103.

  Then, the base tape 101 and the cover film 103 on which the printing has been completed are bonded and integrated by the adhesive layer for bonding by the pressing of the tape feeding roller 27 and the pressure roller 28, and the label tape with print is formed. 109 is formed and discharged out of the cartridge 8. The ink ribbon 105 that has finished printing on the cover film 103 is taken up by the ribbon take-up roller 106 by driving the ribbon take-up roller drive shaft 107.

  A cutting mechanism 42 having a fixed blade 40 and a movable blade 41 is provided on the downstream side of the transport path of the printed label tape 109 discharged out of the cartridge 8. When the cutter lever 7 is operated, the movable blade 41 operates, the printed label tape 109 is cut, and a printed label L (see FIGS. 6 and 7 described later) is generated.

<Control system>
Next, the control system of the print label producing apparatus 1 will be described with reference to FIG.

  In FIG. 4, the print label producing apparatus 1 has a CPU 212 that performs a predetermined calculation.

  The CPU 212 is connected to the liquid crystal display 5, ROM 214, and RAM 213. The CPU 212 is connected to the AC adapter 220 and performs a power on / off process for the print label producing apparatus 1, and a drive motor for driving the ribbon take-up roller drive shaft 107 and the tape feed roller drive shaft 108. A motor driving circuit 216 that controls the driving of the motor 211 and a thermal head control circuit 217 that controls the energization of the heating elements of the thermal head 23 are connected.

  The ROM 214 stores various control programs (including a control program that executes a flow of FIG. 9 described later). The CPU 212 performs signal processing according to a program stored in advance in the ROM 214 while using the temporary storage function of the RAM 213, thereby controlling the entire print label producing apparatus 1.

<Features of this embodiment>
In the above basic configuration, in the present embodiment, as the greatest feature, the user can easily create a wide variety of print labels L by reading out and editing sample label data (details will be described later) prepared and prepared in advance. And it can be created easily. Hereinafter, the details will be described in order.

<Sample label data>
In the present embodiment, the ROM 214 is provided with a sample label storage unit 214a (corresponding to sample label storage means). An example of sample label data stored in advance in the sample label storage unit 214a is shown in FIG. As shown in FIG. 5, in the present embodiment, a plurality (10 in this example) of sample label data LD1 to LD10 are prepared.

  The sample label data LD1 is an example of sample label data of the category “File”, and includes a “note” frame F1, a text character T1 of “Sales Report”, and a symbol S1 of “paper shape”. .

  The sample label data LD2 is an example of sample label data of the category “Storage Box”, and includes an “interview” frame F2 including a male avatar and a female avatar at both ends, “Customer List”, “No. 001-099”. Text character T2 and symbols “<” and “>” S2 respectively arranged on both sides of the text “No. 001-099”.

  The sample label data LD3 is an example of sample label data of the category “Kitchen”, a frame F3 of “break 2” that includes a coffee cup and a pot pattern at both ends, a text character T3 of “Coffee Sugar”, Is included.

  The sample label data LD4 is an example of sample data of the category “Name badge”, and a frame F4 of “decoration 15” provided with heraldic ornaments on the upper left and lower right, “Peter A. Wilson”, “ABC Corp”. . ”And a symbol S4 of“ (”“) ”respectively disposed on both sides of the text of“ ABC Corp. ”.

  The sample label data LD5 is an example of the sample data of the category “Garage”, and includes a “tool” frame F5 including a spanner and a gear pattern at both ends, and a text character T5 of “Bolts”. .

  The sample label data LD6 is an example of sample data of the category “Scrapbooking”, and includes a “season 2” frame F6 including patterns of the sun, parasols, and yachts at both ends, “And in the pool”, “Aug. 2014”. Text character T6, and “-” and “-” symbols S6 respectively disposed on both sides of the text “Aug. 2014”.

  The sample label data LD7 is an example of sample label data of the category “Gardening”, and includes a frame “F7” of a floral pattern “season 3” and a text character T7 of “Rosmary”.

  The sample label data LD8 is an example of the sample data of the category “Address”, and includes a “pen” frame F8 having a pen pattern on the right end, and text characters T8 of “Lisa Newberry” and “123 ABC Boulevard, Central City”. And.

  The sample label data LD9 is an example of the sample label data of the category “Gift”, the frame “F9” of the “ribbon 2” having a ribbon image on the left end, “For All that You Do ...”, “Happy Mother”. The text character T9 of “s Day” and the symbol S9 of the “present” “heart” pattern arranged on both sides of the text of “Happy Mother's Day” are included.

  The sample label data LD10 is an example of the sample label data of the category “Caution”, and includes a frame F10 of “Megaphone 2” having a megaphone pattern on the left end and a text character T10 of “Warning!”. .

<Example of sample label data editing operation # 1>
In this embodiment, the sample label data read from the sample label storage unit 214a can be appropriately edited by a user on a text editing screen (described later). An example of the sample label data editing operation will be described with reference to FIGS.

  First, FIG. 6A shows a state in which a text editing screen 5A including a cursor K is displayed on the liquid crystal display 5. On this text editing screen 5A, for example, the user can input and edit desired text using the keyboard 3 or the like (in this example, the text “123...” Has already been input). .

  In the display state of the text editing screen 5A, the user performs an appropriate operation (for example, a print label L creation start instruction using the creation instruction key 4A of the function key group 4 as described later). Then, as shown in FIG. 6B, all the sample label data LD1 to LD10 stored in the sample label storage unit 214a are read out, and they are read on the text editing screen 5A (for example, A list is displayed (via scrolling) (the right side of FIG. 6B conceptually shows the behavior in which the sample label data LD1, LD3, LD5,... Are scrolled).

  Thereafter, when the user selects one of the sample label data LD1 to LD10 displayed in the list (sample label data LD3 in this example), the content of the selected sample label data LD3 is displayed on the text editing screen 5A (edit). Displayed). That is, in this example, as shown in FIG. 6C, in accordance with the above selection, the text “Coffee Sugar” corresponding to the sample label data LD3 is displayed together with the cursor K in an editable state in the text editing screen 5A. Has been.

  In this display state, the user can edit the text “Coffee Sugar” and change the content by operating the keyboard 3 or the like. In the example illustrated in FIG. 6D, an example in which the text is changed to “Sugar” is illustrated.

  After the editing operation by the user as described above, print data is generated by the sample label data LD3 reflecting the editing operation content, and a corresponding print label is created. In the example shown in FIG. 6E, the label frame LF3 corresponding to the frame F3 of the “break 2” is surrounded on the outer peripheral side of the label text LT3 of “Sugar” in the center corresponding to the editing operation. The print label L3 is created.

<Example of sample label data editing operation # 2>
Another example of the sample label data editing operation will be described with reference to FIGS. In this example, unlike the above, sample label data including a plurality of lines of text characters is read and the contents of the plurality of lines of text characters are edited.

  First, FIG. 7A shows a state in which the text editing screen 5A including the cursor K is displayed on the liquid crystal display 5 as described above. When the user performs an appropriate operation in the display state of the text editing screen 5A, the sample label data LD1 to LD10 are displayed on the text editing screen 5A (for example, by scrolling) as shown in FIG. 7B. A list is displayed (the right side of FIG. 7B conceptually shows the behavior of scrolling the sample label data LD2, LD6, LD8,...).

  Thereafter, when the user selects one of the sample label data LD1 to LD10 displayed in the list (sample label data LD6 in this example), the content of the selected sample label data LD6 is displayed on the text editing screen 5A (edit). Displayed). That is, as shown in FIG. 7C, the texts “Andy in the pool” (first line) and “Aug. 2014” (second line) corresponding to the sample label data LD6 are displayed on the text editing screen 5A. It is displayed together with the cursor K in a state where it can be edited.

  In this display state, the user can edit the text contents of the two lines and change the contents by operating the keyboard 3 or the like. In the example illustrated in FIG. 7D, the content of the first line is changed from “Andy in the pool” to “Summer Vacation” text.

  After the editing operation by the user as described above, print data is generated by the sample label data LD6 reflecting the content of the editing operation, and a corresponding print label is created. In the example shown in FIG. 7E, the outer peripheral side of the label text LT6 corresponding to the two lines of “Summer Vacation” and “Aug. 2014” in the center corresponds to the frame F6 of “Season 3”. The printed label L6 is created in such a manner that the label frame LF6 surrounds and the label symbols LS6 corresponding to the “−” and “−” symbols S6 are arranged on both the left and right sides of the text “Aug. 2014”.

<Edit decoration style, frame and symbol>
In the description given above with reference to FIGS. 5 to 7, the case where only the text of the read sample label data is edited is described as an example for convenience of description, but the present invention is not limited to this. That is, as shown in FIG. 8, the sample label data LD1 to LD10 correspond to the text characters T1 to T10, frames F1 to F10 surrounding the text characters T1 to T10, and the text characters T1 to T10. The arranged symbols S1, S2, S4, S6, and S9 are associated with each other, and further, decoration styles to be applied to the text characters T1 to T10 (in this example, font type, character width, format, underline, etc.) The sample label storage unit 214a is stored in association with each other.

  That is, as shown in each stage of FIG. 8 corresponding to each stage of FIG. 5, with respect to the sample label data LD1, the text characters “Sales Report”, the “note” frame, Are associated with each other, and the symbol of the “paper shape” is the text of the first line (if the text character is one line, only the first line exists and the second line does not exist; the same applies hereinafter). Corresponding to be arranged at the end (final). At this time, the font type “HEL (European font)” and the character width “1” (appropriate unit. For example, 0.5 inch equivalent or 10 mm equivalent) as the decoration style related to the text characters of “Sales Report” on the first line. The same applies hereinafter), the contents of the character style “I (italic) and BLD (bold)” and the underline “off (none)” are associated (by default).

  Similarly, the “Customer List” on the first line and the text characters “No. 001-099” on the second line are associated with the “interview” frame on the sample label data LD2. In addition, the symbol “<” is arranged at the beginning of the text on the second line and is arranged at the end (final) of the text on the second line of the symbol “>”. At this time, as the decoration style related to the text character of “Customer List” on the first line, the font type “SOF (Sophia)”, the character width “3/2”, the character style “BLD (bold)”, the underline “ The content of “Off” is associated (as a default). In addition, the font style “ATL”, the character width “2/3”, the character style “Normal (standard)”, and the underline “Off” (none) as the decoration style related to the text characters “No. 001-099” on the second line. ) ”Is associated with (as a default).

  Further, the text character of “Coffee Sugar” and the frame of “break 2” are associated with the sample label data LD3. At this time, the font type “BEL (Belgium font)”, the character width “1”, the character style “BLD (bold)”, the underline “ The content of “Off” is associated (as a default).

  The sample label data LD4 is associated with the text characters “Peter A. Wilson” on the first line and “ABC Corp.” on the second line and the frame of the “decoration 15”. The symbol “(” is arranged at the beginning of the text on the second line, and the symbol “)” is arranged at the end (final) of the text on the second line. At this time, the font type “BRU (Brunei font)”, the character width “3/2”, the character style “BLD (bold)”, as the decoration style related to the text characters of “Peter A. Wilson” on the first line, The contents of the underline “UND” are associated (by default). In addition, as a decoration style related to the text characters of “ABC Corp.” on the second line, the font type “HEL (European font)”, the character width “1”, the character style “Normal (standard)”, and the underline “Off” (none) ) ”Is associated (as default).

  Further, the text characters “Bolts” and the “tool” frame are associated with the sample label data LD5. At this time, the font style “LA (letter gothic font)”, the character width “1”, the character style “Normal (standard)”, and the underline “Off” are used as the decoration style related to the text characters “Bolts” on the first line. (None) "is associated (as default).

  The sample label data LD6 is associated with the text characters "Andy in the pool" on the first line and "Aug. 2014" on the second line, and the "season 2" frame. The “−” symbol is arranged at the beginning of the second line text, and the “−” symbol is arranged at the end (final) of the second line text. At this time, the contents of the font type “FLO”, the character width “1”, the character style “SLD”, and the underline “Off (none)” as the decoration style related to the text characters of “Andy in the pool” on the first line at this time Are associated (as default). In addition, as a decoration style related to the text character of “Aug. 2014” on the second line, the font type “BEL (Beldium font)”, the character width “1”, the character style “Normal (standard)”, and the underline “Off ( "None)" is associated (as default).

  Further, the text character of “Rosmary” and the frame of “season 3” are associated with the sample label data LD7. At this time, the font style “US (US English font)”, the character width “1”, the character style “Normal (standard)”, and the underline “Off” are used as the decoration style related to the text character “Rosemary” on the first line. (None) "is associated (by default).

  The sample label data LD8 is associated with the text characters “Lisa Newberry” on the first line and “123 ABC Boulevard, Central City” on the second line and the frame of the “pen”. Yes. At this time, the font style “BRU (Brunei font)”, the character width “3/2”, the character style “BLD (bold)”, the underline “ The contents of “UND (present)” are associated (as default). In addition, as a decoration style relating to the text characters of “123 ABC Boulevard, Central City” on the second line, the font type “US (US font)”, the character width “2/3”, and the character style “Normal (standard)”. , The content of the underline “Off (none)” is associated (as a default).

  Further, for the sample label data LD9, the text characters “For All that You Do ...” on the first line and “Happy Mother's Day” on the second line, the frame of “Ribbon 2”, So that the “present” symbol is placed at the beginning of the second line of text and the “heart” symbol is placed at the end (final) of the second line of text. It has been. At this time, the font type “cal (California font)”, the character width “3/2”, the character style “I (”) is used as the decoration style related to the text character “For All that You Do ...” on the first line. The contents of “Italic) + SLD” and underline “Off” are associated (by default). In addition, as a decoration style related to the text characters of “Happy Mother's Day” on the second line, the font type “BRU (Brunei font)”, the character width “2/3”, the style “Normal (standard)”, the underline “ The content of “Off” is associated (as a default).

  Further, the text characters “Warning!” And the frame of “Megaphone 2” are associated with the sample label data LD10. At this time, the font type “HEL (European font)”, the character width “1”, and the character style “I (italic) + BLD (bold)” are used as the decoration style related to the text character “Warning!” On the first line. , The contents of the underline “off” are associated (as default).

  Therefore, after one sample label data LD is read out as described above, each of the data associated with the sample data LD as a default as described above is appropriately set according to the user's preference. Can be edited (changed). That is, as described above, the contents can be changed by freely inputting text characters, the frame can be changed (replaced) to another frame prepared in advance, and the symbol can be changed to another prepared in advance. It can be changed (replaced) to a symbol. Of the above decoration styles, the font type and format can be changed to different contents prepared in advance, the underline can be switched between ON and OFF, and the character width can be changed. It can be set freely at predetermined intervals within a predetermined range. At that time, as described above with respect to the sample label data LD2, LD4, LD6, LD8, and LD9, when a single print label L includes text characters over a plurality of lines, the text characters over a plurality of lines are edited. While being displayed on the screen 5A, the above-described decoration style and symbols can be individually edited (set) for each line.

<Control procedure>
FIG. 9 shows a processing procedure executed by the CPU 212 in order to realize the method described above.

  In FIG. 9, for example, when the user operates the power switch 4 </ b> B of the function key group 4, this flow is started.

  First, in step S10, the CPU 212 outputs a display signal to the liquid crystal display 5 to display the text editing screen 5A (see FIG. 6A).

  Thereafter, in step S20, the CPU 212 determines whether the user has performed display operation of the sample label data LD1 to LD10 stored in the sample label storage unit 214a by performing, for example, the creation instruction key 4A of the function key group 4 or the like. It is determined whether or not. When the display operation is not executed, the determination in step S20 is not satisfied (S20: NO), and a loop standby is performed. When display operation is performed, determination of step S20 is satisfy | filled (S20: YES), and it transfers to step S30.

  In step S30, the CPU 212 reads the sample label data LD1 to LD10 stored in the sample label storage unit 214a (and temporarily stores it in the RAM 213, for example), and outputs a display signal to the liquid crystal display 5 to output the text. A list is displayed on the editing screen 5A (see FIG. 6B).

  Thereafter, in step S40, the CPU 212 determines whether any one of the sample label data LD1 to LD10 displayed as a list in step S30 has been selected using the keyboard 3 (or function key group 4). . If any one is not selected, the determination in step S40 is not satisfied (S40: NO), and the loop waits until the determination in step S40 is satisfied. When any one is selected, the determination in step S40 is satisfied (S40: YES), and the process proceeds to step S50.

  In step S50, the CPU 212 displays the content of one sample label data LD3 selected in step S40 on the text editing screen 5A. In the example of FIG. 6C, as described above, the text characters “Coffee Sugar” associated with the sample label data LD3 are displayed. At this time, as described above, the font type “BEL (Belgium font)”, the character width “1”, the character style “BLD (bold)”, the underline “Off ( The contents of the decoration style such as “none” ”may be displayed on the text editing screen 5A together.

  Thereafter, in step S51, the CPU 212 causes the text character corresponding to the one sample label data LD3 displayed in step S50 (the text character T3 of “Coffee Sugar” in the example of FIG. 6D), the decoration style, A user's editing operation is accepted via the keyboard 3 (or function key group 4) for the frame, the symbol, and the like. In the example shown in FIGS. 6C and 6D described above, an edit operation for deleting the characters “Coffee” from “Coffee Sugar” is accepted on the text editing screen 5A.

  In step S52, the CPU 212 determines whether an instruction to end the editing operation in step S51 (for example, pressing the print key 4C or the like) has been issued. If an instruction to end the editing operation has not been given, the determination in step S52 is not satisfied (S52: NO), and the process returns to step S50 to repeat the same procedure (label content display and edit acceptance). When an instruction to end the editing operation is given, the determination in step S52 is satisfied (S52: YES), and the process proceeds to step S60.

  In step S60, the CPU 212 generates print data based on text characters, decoration styles, frames, symbols and the like reflecting the editing operation result executed in step S51. As described above, in the example of FIG. 6E in which only the text character editing operation for deleting the characters “Coffee” from “Coffee Sugar” is performed, the font type “3” associated with the sample level data LD3 is used. "Sugar" text characters and the outer circumference of the text characters by decorative styles such as "BEL (Belgium font)", character width "1", character style "BLD (bold)", underline "Off" And print data for energizing the heating elements of the thermal head 23, including the frame "F3" for the "break 2". The CPU 212 that executes step S60 functions as print data generation means described in each claim.

  Thereafter, in step S70, the CPU 212 outputs a control signal to the motor drive circuit 216, and starts driving the tape feed roller drive shaft 108 and the ribbon take-up roller drive shaft 107 by the drive motor 211. Thereby, conveyance of the cover film 103, the base tape 101, and the printed label tape 109 (hereinafter simply referred to as the cover film 103 or the like as appropriate) is started.

  In step S80, whether or not the cover film 103 or the like transported as described above has been transported to the start position of the predetermined print area (cover until the print head 23 is in the transport direction position facing the front end of the print area. Whether the film 103 or the like has been conveyed). This determination may be made by a known appropriate method such as counting the number of pulses of the drive motor 211 formed of a stepping motor, for example. If the cover film 103 or the like is not conveyed to the start position of the printing area, the determination in step S80 is not satisfied (S80: NO), and the loop waits until the determination in step S80 is satisfied. If cover film 103 etc. are conveyed to the starting position of a printing field, the judgment of Step S80 will be satisfied (S80: YES), and it will move to Step S90.

  In step S90, the CPU 212 performs a printing process for energizing the heating elements of the thermal head 23 based on the printing data generated in step S60. As a result, the ink on the ink ribbon 105 is transferred to the cover film 103 by the energized heating element, and a print corresponding to the print data is formed.

  Thereafter, in step S100, the CPU 212 determines whether or not the transported cover film 103 or the like has been transported to the end position of the print area (the cover film 103 or the like until the print head 23 is in a transport direction position facing the rear end of the print area. Whether or not is conveyed). This determination may be performed by the same known method as described above. If the cover film 103 or the like is not conveyed to the end position of the printing area, the determination in step S100 is not satisfied (S100: NO), and the process returns to step S90 and the same procedure is repeated. If the cover film 103 or the like has been conveyed to the end position of the printing area, the determination in step S100 is satisfied (S100: YES), and the process proceeds to step S110.

  In step S110, whether the transported cover film 103 or the like has been transported to a predetermined cutting position set on the label rear end side from the print area based on the print data (the movable blade 41 faces the cut position). It is determined whether the printed label tape 109 has been transported until it reaches the transport direction position). This determination may be performed by a known method similar to that described above. If the cover film 103 or the like is not conveyed to the cutting position, the determination in step S110 is not satisfied (S110: NO), and the loop waits until the determination in step S110 is satisfied. If cover film 103 grade | etc., Is conveyed to a cutting position, determination of step S110 will be satisfy | filled (S110: YES), and it will move to step S120.

  In step S120, a control signal is output to the motor drive circuit 216, and the drive of the tape feed roller drive shaft 108 and the ribbon take-up roller drive shaft 107 by the drive motor 211 is stopped. Thereby, conveyance of the cover film 103, the base tape 101, and the printed label tape 109 is stopped. In addition, CPU212 which performs the said step S70-step S120 functions as a cooperation control means as described in each claim.

  Thereafter, a display signal is output to the liquid crystal display 5 in step S130. As a result, an appropriate display that prompts the user to operate the cutter lever 7 and operate the cutting mechanism 15 to cut the printed label tape 109 is performed. When the user operates the cutter lever 7, the printed label tape 109 is cut, and the printed label L by text characters, decoration style, frame, symbol, etc. reflecting the editing operation result executed in step S 51 is performed. Is generated. Thereafter, this flow is terminated.

  As described above, in this embodiment, the user simply reads out one of the plurality of sample label data LD1 to LD10 stored in advance in the sample label storage unit 214a and edits the data as desired. The printing label L of the aspect can be easily created. As a result, when using a template that can be easily read but cannot be edited, or all elements (the above-mentioned text characters, decoration styles, frames, symbols, etc.) constituting the print label L are manually operated one by one. Compared to the case where it is necessary to set in, a wide variety of labels can be easily created. As a result, the convenience for the user can be greatly improved.

  In the present embodiment, in particular, when the print label L includes text characters over a plurality of lines (see the editing operation related to the sample label data LD2, LD4, LD6, LD8, and LD9 described above), the decoration is provided for each line. Styles and symbols can be set individually. Accordingly, since a wider variety of labels can be created, convenience for the user can be improved with certainty.

  The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and various modifications can be made without departing from the spirit and technical idea of the present invention. Hereinafter, such modifications will be described in order. Parts equivalent to those in the above-described embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and description thereof is omitted or simplified as appropriate.

(1) When editing result is overwritten and stored In this modification, after the sample label data LD3 is read, the text character T3 of “Coffee Sugar” is the text character of “Sugar” as described above. If it is changed to (see step S51), the CPU 212 overwrites and updates the one sample label data LD3 using the changed text character and stores it in the sample label storage unit 214a. Similarly, after the sample label data LD6 is read out, the text character T6 of “Andy in the pool” is changed to the text character of “Summer Action” (see step S51), the CPU 212. Uses the changed text character and overwrites and updates the one sample label data LD6 and stores it in the sample label storage unit 214a. The CPU 212 that executes these processes functions as update processing means described in each claim.

  As a result, as shown in FIG. 10 corresponding to FIG. 5 described above, the newly stored sample label data LD3 includes a frame F3 of “break 2” that includes a coffee cup and a pot pattern at both ends, respectively. The newly-stored sample label data LD6 includes the text character T3 ′ of “Sugar” and includes a frame F6 of “season 2” including the sun, parasol, and yacht pattern at both ends, and “Summer Vacation”. "Aug. 2014" text character T6 'is included.

  In the present modification, the contents of the text characters of the sample label data that have been read and changed once are incorporated as default in the sample label data at the time of the next migration read. As a result, the convenience for the user can be further improved.

(2) When the editing result of one sample data is reflected to other sample data In the present modification, as described above, after the sample label data LD3 is read, the text “Coffee Sugar” When the character T3 is changed to the text character “Sugar” (see step S51 above), the CPU 212 determines that all other sample label data stored in the sample label storage unit 214a (sample label data in this example) is stored. The text characters T1, T2, T4 to T10 included in LD1, LD2, LD4 to LD10) are replaced with the contents of the modified text character T3 ′ (ie, “Sugar”). The CPU 212 that executes this process functions as a text replacement unit described in each claim.

  The result of the above processing is shown in FIG. 11 corresponding to FIG. 5 (however, sample label data LD4, LD6, LD8, and LD9 are not shown for the sake of complexity). As shown in FIG. 11, in response to the above replacement, the new sample label data LD1 includes a “note” frame F1, a “Sugar” text character T1 ″, and a “paper shape” symbol S1. , Including.

  Similarly, the new sample label data LD2 includes an “interview” frame F2 including a male avatar and a female avatar at both ends, and a text character T2 ″ of “Sugar”. The LD 3 includes a “break 2” frame F 3 including a coffee cup and a pot pattern at both ends, and a text character T 3 ″ “Sugar”. The new sample label data LD 5 includes a spanner and a gear. The frame includes a “tool” frame F5 including the pattern “5” and “Sugar” text characters T5 ″. The new sample label data LD7 includes a “season 3” frame F7 of the floral pattern. , The text character T7 ″ of “Sugar”. The sample label data LD10 is a frame F10 of “Megaphone 2” having a megaphone pattern on the left end. , Contains, as the text character T10 "of" Sugar ".

  In this modification, when one sample label data is read and the contents of the text characters are changed, the contents of the text characters of all other sample label data are automatically changed to the same contents. As a result, since the text characters T1 to T10 of all the sample label data LD1 to LD10 can be changed all at once by one operation, the convenience for the user can be improved more reliably.

  In addition, in the above description, when there are descriptions such as “vertical”, “parallel”, and “plane”, the descriptions are not strict. That is, the terms “vertical”, “parallel”, and “plane” are acceptable in design and manufacturing tolerances and errors, and mean “substantially vertical”, “substantially parallel”, and “substantially plane”. .

  In addition, in the above description, when there are descriptions such as “same”, “equal”, “different”, etc., in terms of external dimensions and sizes, the descriptions are not strict. That is, the terms “identical”, “equal”, and “different” mean that “tolerance and error in manufacturing are allowed in design and that they are“ substantially identical ”,“ substantially equal ”, and“ substantially different ”. . However, if there is a description of a value that becomes a predetermined judgment criterion or a value that becomes a delimiter, such as a threshold value or a reference value, for example, “same”, “equal”, “different”, etc. It is different and has a strict meaning.

  In addition, in the above, the arrow shown in each figure of FIG. 4 etc. shows an example of the flow of a signal, and does not limit the flow direction of a signal.

  In addition, the flowchart shown in FIG. 9 does not limit the present invention to the procedure shown in the above-described flow, and the procedure may be added / deleted or the order may be changed without departing from the spirit and technical idea of the invention. Good.

  In addition to those already described above, the methods according to the above-described embodiments and modifications may be used in appropriate combination.

  In addition, although not illustrated one by one, the present invention is implemented with various modifications within a range not departing from the gist thereof.

1 Print label production device 3 Keyboard (operating means)
5 Liquid crystal display (display means)
23 Thermal head (printing means)
108 Tape feed roller drive shaft (conveyance means)
212 CPU
214 ROM
214a Sample label storage unit (sample label storage means)
F1-10 frame LD1-10 sample label data S1, S2, S4 symbol S6, S9 symbol T1-T10 text characters

Claims (3)

A conveying means for conveying the print medium;
Printing means for forming a print on the print medium transported by the transport means;
Have
A print label producing device for producing a print label with the print target medium after print formation,
Display means for displaying a text editing screen for operating and inputting text characters printed on the print label;
The text characters printed on the print label, a decoration style applied to the text characters on the print label, a frame surrounding the text characters on the print label, and a symbol formed with the text characters on the print label Sample label storage means for storing a plurality of sample label data generated in advance, each including a combination of
One of the sample label data read from the sample label storage means is displayed on the text editing screen, and the text characters, the decoration style, the frame, and the symbols included in the sample label data are displayed. An operation means capable of editing at least one of them,
Print data generation means for generating print data including the text characters, the decoration style, the frame, and the symbols according to the result of the editing operation in the operation means;
Cooperative control means for controlling the conveying means and the printing means in a coordinated manner so as to create the print label on which printing corresponding to the print data generated by the print data generating means is formed;
When the text character of one sample label data displayed on the text editing screen is changed by the operation means, the one sample data is overwritten and updated using the changed text character. Update processing means for storing in the sample label storage means;
A printed label producing apparatus comprising: In the printed label production apparatus according to claim 1,
The operation means includes
A plurality of lines of text formed on one printed label are displayed on the text display screen, and at least one of the decoration style and the symbol can be individually edited for each line. A printed label producing apparatus characterized by that. In the printed label producing apparatus according to claim 1 or 2 ,
When the text character of one sample label data displayed on the text editing screen is changed by the operation means, the text characters included in other sample data stored in the sample label storage means A printed label producing apparatus comprising text replacing means for replacing with the changed text character content.

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