JP3478137B2 - Character input method and device - Google Patents

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

TECHNICAL FIELD The present invention relates to a character for inputting a character string having one or more characters (use the same meaning as a character including kanji, hiragana, katakana, numbers, letters and symbols (including simple figures)). The present invention relates to an input method and its device.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art As a character input device of this type, there are, for example, a personal computer equipped with word processing software or the like, or a dedicated device (so-called word processor). In word processors, etc., even though there is a function to switch between kana input and romaji input, etc., or uppercase and lowercase, etc., the number of keyboards (key input) for all kana characters or all alphabetic characters (alphabets) or more Device).

On the other hand, a character input method of a type in which a predetermined number of character strings are switched and displayed in a predetermined order and a desired one character is selected and designated to call an arbitrary character with a small number of keys. Is also considered (JP-A-5
8-76930).

[0004]

However, in the above character input method, if a desired character is searched from a character group having a small number of alphabets, it is not so difficult, but a large number (for example, kana, It is difficult to search for a desired character from a group of characters such as kanji). That is, since there is no inevitability in the arrangement of the characters displayed as candidates, in order to search for the characters that are not displayed, you must move the cursor in various directions, switch the displayed characters, and search with trial and error. I won't.

In the first place, in the above character input method, if a character group having a small number of alphabets is to be input, there is little advantage over having all keys, and originally, a large number of character groups are to be input. As a result, the advantage of being able to do with less keys comes to life as a remarkable effect.
Nevertheless, if a large number of character groups are to be input, they are unusable due to their low operability.

In addition, in order to eliminate any problems,
To improve the operability by providing a large display screen that can display more input characters,
This leads to higher prices, and it cannot be applied to models that want to reduce the number of keys for downsizing and price reductions, and it will end up falling. For these reasons, the character input method as described above and the device to which the character input method is applied have not been put into practical use.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION It is an object of the present invention to provide a character input method and a device for inputting characters with a small number of keys without impairing operability even if the display screen is small.

[0008]

According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a character input method, wherein at least one predetermined character type selected from kanji, hiragana, katakana, numbers, letters and symbols is classified into the predetermined character type. And a character code of each of these characters are made to correspond to each other, and a predetermined character type array table in which two-dimensionally arranged in a plurality of rows and a plurality of columns is defined in accordance with a predetermined rule, and when a character of the predetermined character type is input, Display a plurality of characters corresponding to a plurality of adjacent character codes on the specified character type arrangement table as input candidate characters on the display screen, specify one of them as the input designated character, and change the designation When the character of is designated as the input designated character, by fixing it as the input character, the desired character of the characters of the predetermined character type is changed to the character A character input method of inputting based on de, the input designation based on the predetermined character type array table
Scroll rules, which are rules for overriding characters, are specified.
The above-mentioned display screen is the
It is a size that can display only a part of one line of the meaning
The示画face, a character code corresponding to the input designated character causes displayed in together with the plurality of input candidate characters, and,
The candidate character display area for the input candidate character and the
The designated character display area for the input designated character and the character
The code display area for the
, The character that has been selected and confirmed most recently as the initial display
Displays a preset character as the input designated character
However, when the designation of the input designation character is changed according to the scroll rule , the changed input designation character is
Is displayed on the specified character display area, the candidate sentences new input candidate characters including the character adjacent to the input designated character and it <br/>
It is displayed in the character area and displayed in the code display area.
The character code to be displayed is changed to a character code corresponding to the changed input designated character.

According to a twenty-fifth aspect of the present invention, in the character input device, at least one predetermined character type of kanji, hiragana, katakana, numbers, alphabets and symbols and a plurality of characters classified into the predetermined character type A predetermined character type array table in which two-dimensionally arranged in a plurality of rows and a plurality of columns is determined according to a predetermined rule by associating the character codes of the respective characters, and when inputting the character of the predetermined character type, the predetermined character type array table A plurality of characters corresponding to a plurality of character codes adjacent to each other above are displayed on the display screen as input candidate characters, one of them is designated as an input designation character, and the designation is changed to obtain the desired character. When designated as an input designated character, by fixing it as an input character, a desired character among the characters of the predetermined character type is
A character input device for inputting based on the character code, wherein the input designated character based on the predetermined character type arrangement table is
Scroll rules, which are rules for overriding
The display screen is an arbitrary screen on the predetermined character type sequence table.
The size is such that only part of one line can be displayed
On the surface, the character code corresponding to the input designated character causes displayed in together with the plurality of input candidate character, and, before filling
Candidate character display area for candidate characters and the
Designated character display area for designated characters, and for the character code
The code display area and the
As the display, the most recently selected and confirmed character or preset
The specified character is displayed as the input designated character, and the
When the designation of the input designated character is changed according to the crawl rule , the changed input designated character is changed to the designated character table.
Displayed in the display area, and the input designated character and its adjacent
Before displaying a new input candidate character including a character in the candidate character area and displaying it in the code display area.
The character code is changed to a character code corresponding to the input designated character after the change.

In this character input method and apparatus, a plurality of input candidate characters are displayed on the display screen, and one of them is displayed.
One is designated as the input designation character, and when the designation is changed and the desired character is designated as the input designation character, the desired character is input by confirming it as the input character. That is, basically, the type is such that the input candidate characters are displayed and the input characters are designated and input, so that the number of keys and the like can be small.

Further, a predetermined character type array table in which a plurality of characters classified into a predetermined character type and the character codes of the respective characters are associated and two-dimensionally arranged in a plurality of rows and a plurality of columns according to a predetermined rule is defined. . That is, the predetermined character type arrangement table in which the character to be input is associated with the character code is defined. This predetermined character type arrangement table is similar to the so-called character code list that is generally attached to character input devices, etc., and if attached to an actual device in the same way, the user can refer to this arrangement table. it can.

On the other hand, the predetermined character type arrangement table is two-dimensionally arranged in a plurality of rows and a plurality of columns according to a predetermined rule,
In this character input method and the apparatus thereof, a plurality of characters corresponding to a plurality of adjacent character codes on the predetermined character type arrangement table are displayed on the display screen as input candidate characters.
That is, as the input candidate characters to be displayed, a plurality of characters corresponding to a plurality of character codes adjacent to each other on the predetermined character type arrangement table are displayed, so that the user changes the designation of the input designated character in any direction ( It is possible to easily grasp whether or not the desired character can be displayed by referring to the predetermined character type arrangement table.

Further, since the character code of the input designated character is displayed on the display screen together with the plurality of input candidate characters including the input designated character, where is the currently designated input designated character on the array table? Can be searched easily and quickly by referring to the displayed character code.
That is, since the current input designated character and the desired character can be searched for in the predetermined character type arrangement table, it is possible to easily determine in which direction the designated character can be displayed by changing the designation of the input designated character. Can be grasped quickly.

Further, after the designation is changed, a new input candidate character including the changed input designated character and adjacent thereto is displayed, and the character code corresponding to the changed input designated character is displayed. If the direction is correct, it can be confirmed on the predetermined character type arrangement table, and even if the direction of designation change is wrong, it can be confirmed and properly adjusted.

In these cases, as the input candidate character, at least the input designated character at that time is sufficient.
It is sufficient to be able to display a character adjacent to the input character (that is, two characters before or after the input character and three characters even if the adjacent characters before and after are displayed) at most. That is, operability is not impaired even if the display screen is small. Therefore, this character input method and its device are based on the predetermined character type arrangement table.
Change the designated input characters according to the scroll rules, and
Display changes in the fixed display area of
Change the display of the character code that is
By changing the display of the input candidate characters,
Therefore, even if the display screen is small, it is possible to input characters with a small number of keys without impairing operability.

In the character input method according to claim 1, in the predetermined character type arrangement table, the maximum value of the numerical value indicated by the character code of each character of any one of the plurality of lines is the value of each character of the next one line. It is preferable that the value is set to be less than the minimum value indicated by the character code.

26. In the character input device according to claim 25, in the predetermined character type arrangement table, the maximum value of the numerical value indicated by the character code of each character of any one line of the plurality of lines is that of each character of the next line. It is preferable that the value is set to be less than the minimum value indicated by the character code.

In this character input method and its apparatus, the predetermined character type array table is such that the maximum value of the numerical value indicated by the character code of each character in any one of a plurality of lines is the character of each character in the next one line. It is specified to be less than the minimum value indicated by the code. Therefore, the ranges of the numerical values indicated by the character codes of the rows of the predetermined character type array table do not overlap. In addition, since the characters are arranged in ascending order, it is easy to search for a desired character from the predetermined character type arrangement table, and it is easy to change the designation of the input designated character and display the desired character.

That is, the user can easily and quickly grasp in which direction the designation of the input designated character is changed (moved) to display the desired character by referring to the predetermined character type arrangement table. Even if the direction of the designation change is wrong, it can be confirmed and easily adjusted, so that the desired character can be displayed easily and quickly, and the operability is not impaired even if the display screen is small, You can enter characters with few keys.

In the character input method according to claim 1, in the predetermined character type arrangement table, the minimum value of the numerical value indicated by the character code of each character of an arbitrary one of the plurality of lines is the character of the next one line. It is preferable that the character code is defined so as to exceed the maximum value of the numerical values.

26. In the character input device according to claim 25, in the predetermined character type arrangement table, the minimum value of the numerical value indicated by the character code of each character of any one of the plurality of lines is the character of the next one line. It is preferable that the character code is defined so as to exceed the maximum value of the numerical values.

In this character input method and the apparatus thereof, the predetermined character type array table is such that the minimum value of the numerical value indicated by the character code of each character of any one of a plurality of lines is the character of each character of the next one line. It is defined to exceed the maximum value indicated by the code. Therefore, the ranges of the numerical values indicated by the character codes of the rows of the predetermined character type array table do not overlap. Further, since the characters are arranged in descending order, it is easy to search for a desired character from the predetermined character type layout table, and it is easy to change the designation of the input designated character and display the desired character.

That is, similarly to claim 2, the user
It is possible to easily and quickly grasp in which direction the input designated character is changed and the desired character is displayed, and even if the direction is wrong, it can be easily made appropriate and the desired character can be displayed easily and quickly. Therefore, even if the display screen is small, it is possible to input characters with few keys without impairing operability.

In the character input method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, the character code at the end of a line and the character code at the beginning of the next line of an arbitrary one of the plurality of lines of the predetermined character type array table are used. It is preferable to handle the character codes as a plurality of character codes adjacent to each other.

In the character input device according to any one of claims 25 to 27, the character code at the end of any one line and the character code at the beginning of the next line of the plurality of lines of the predetermined character type arrangement table are set. It is preferable to handle the character codes as a plurality of character codes adjacent to each other.

In this character input method and the apparatus thereof, the character code at the end of any one line and the character code at the beginning of the next line of a plurality of lines of the predetermined character type arrangement table are set to a plurality of adjacent characters. Treat as code. That is, since the character codes of a plurality of lines are treated as a series of character codes, the character at the end of the previous line and the character at the beginning of the next line can be displayed as adjacent input candidate characters.

The character input method according to claim 4, wherein the character code at the end of the last line and the character code at the beginning of the first line of the plurality of lines of the predetermined character type arrangement table are set to the plurality of adjacent characters. It is preferable to treat it as code.

29. The character input device according to claim 28, wherein the character code at the end of the last line and the character code at the beginning of the first line of the plurality of lines of the predetermined character type arrangement table are set to the plurality of adjacent characters. It is preferable to treat it as code.

In this character input method and the apparatus therefor, the character code at the end of the last line and the character code at the beginning of the first line of a plurality of lines of the predetermined character type arrangement table are treated as a plurality of adjacent character codes. . That is, since a plurality of lines form a series of circulating character codes, the character at the end of the last line and the character at the beginning of the first line can be displayed as adjacent input candidate characters.

In the character input method according to any one of claims 1 to 5, it is preferable that the input designated character is designated by a cursor operation for designating a position of the input designated character.

In the character input device according to any one of claims 25 to 29, it is preferable that the input designated character is designated by a cursor operation for designating a position of the input designated character.

In this character input method and the apparatus thereof, since the input designated character is designated by the cursor operation for designating the position of the input designated character, the input designated character can be designated by a simple operation using a general cursor operation. It can be performed.

In the character input method according to any one of claims 1 to 6, it is preferable that the input character is confirmed by operating a confirmation key.

In the character input device according to any one of claims 25 to 30, it is preferable that the input character is confirmed by operating a confirmation key.

In this character input method and apparatus, since the input character is fixed by operating the enter key, the input character can be established by a simple operation using a general enter key operation.

In the character input method according to any one of claims 1 to 7, a character of an arbitrary i-th line (i is a natural number) of the plurality of lines of the predetermined character type arrangement table is designated as an input designation character. At this time, it is preferable that the designation change of the input designation character includes the designation change to the previous line or the next line, which is the k (k = i−1 or k = i + 1) line.

In the character input device according to any one of claims 25 to 31, a character of an arbitrary i-th line (i is a natural number) of the plurality of lines of the predetermined character type arrangement table is designated as an input designation character. At this time, it is preferable that the designation change of the input designation character includes the designation change to the previous line or the next line, which is the k (k = i−1 or k = i + 1) line.

In this character input method and the apparatus, when the character of any i-th line (i is a natural number) of a plurality of lines of the predetermined character type array table is designated as the input designated character, the input designated character The redesignation of includes the redesignation to the previous row or the next row, which is the kth row (k = i−1 or k = i + 1). That is, the predetermined character type sequence table is
Although it is a two-dimensional array with multiple rows and multiple columns, not only can you change the designation as an input designation character in the character arrangement direction (row direction) of each of the multiple rows, but you can also change the designation in the column direction. Therefore, it is possible to quickly change the designation of a character at a distant position on the predetermined character type array table, which improves operability.

In the character input method of claim 8, it is preferable that the first line of the plurality of lines of the predetermined character type arrangement table is treated as a line next to the last line.

In the character input device of the thirty-second aspect, it is preferable that the first line of the plurality of lines of the predetermined character type arrangement table is treated as a line next to the last line.

In this character input method and its apparatus, the first line of a plurality of lines of the predetermined character type arrangement table is treated as the line next to the last line. That is, since it can be handled as a plurality of circulating lines, it becomes easy to change the designation in the column direction, and the operability is further improved.

In the character input method according to the present invention, it is preferable that the designation change to the k-th line includes a designation change to the character at the beginning or the end of the k-th line.

In the character input device of the thirty-second aspect or the thirty-third aspect, it is preferable that the designation change to the k-th line includes a designation change to the character at the beginning of the k-th line or the character at the end of the line.

In this character input method and its apparatus, k
The designation change to the line includes the designation change to the character at the beginning or the character at the end of the k-th line. On the specified character type sequence table,
The characters at the beginning and the end of each line of the plurality of lines are easy to indicate the characteristics of the line, for example, having the character code of the minimum value or the maximum value of the line. Therefore, by looking at the characters at the beginning or end of a line, it is easy to understand the characteristics (range or characteristics) of the characters (code values, etc.) on that line. With this character input method and its device, not only can the designation be changed in the column direction, but also the designation can be changed to the beginning or end of the line, which makes it easier for the user to grasp the changed line. It can be done even faster and the operability is further improved.

In the character inputting method according to any one of claims 8 to 10, when the character of the arbitrary i-th line is specified as the input designating character, the designation of the input designating character is changed to the i-th line. It is preferable to include a change to the character at the beginning of the line or the character at the end of the line.

In the character input device according to any one of claims 32 to 34, when the character of the arbitrary i-th line is specified as an input designating character, the designation of the input designating character is changed to the i-th line. It is preferable to include a change to the character at the beginning of the line or the character at the end of the line.

In this character input method and the apparatus thereof, when the character of the arbitrary i-th line is specified as the input specified character, the character at the beginning of the i-th line or the character at the end of the line can be changed to change the designation of the input specified character. Overriding is included. in this case,
Also in claim 10 or 34, as described above, by looking at the characters at the beginning or end of a line, it is easy to understand the characteristics (range and other characteristics) of the characters on that line, so that designation can be changed quickly and operability is improved. .

In the character input method according to any one of claims 8 to 11, when a character of an arbitrary jth (j is a natural number) character of the arbitrary i-th line is a character of the array [i, j],
When the characters in the array [i, j] are specified as the input specified characters, the specification can be changed to the k-th line by changing the array [k, h] (when the number of characters in the k-th line is less than j. It is preferable that h includes the number of characters, and when the number of characters is equal to or greater than j, a change of designation for designating a character of h = j) as the input designated character after the change due to the change of designation is included.

In the character input device according to any one of claims 32 to 35, when the character of the arbitrary j-th (j is a natural number) character of the i-th row is a character of the array [i, j], When the character of the array [i, j] is designated as the input designation character, the designation change to the k-th line is
Array [k, h] (h if the number of characters in the kth row is less than j
It is preferable that the designation change includes designation of the number of characters, h = j) when the number is j or more, as the input designation character after the change by the designation change.

In this character input method and apparatus, when the character of the arbitrary j-th (j is a natural number) character of the arbitrary i-th row is the character of the array [i, j], the array [i , J], the array [k, h] (when the number of characters in the kth line is less than j, h is the number of characters, and when the number of characters in the kth line is greater than or equal to h, =
The designation change in which the character j) is designated as the input designation character after the change by the designation change is included.

In this case, the character in the j-th column of the i-th row on the predetermined character type arrangement table can be changed to the character in the j-th column of the k (i-1 or i + 1) -th row, and the j-th character on the k-th row can be changed. When there is no character corresponding to the character in the column, it can be overridden to the character at the end of the kth line, so it is easy to predict the input designated character immediately after the change when overriding in the kth line. Since the character to be the input candidate character is also easily predicted, the operability is further improved.

In the character input method according to any one of claims 8 to 12, when the predetermined character type is hiragana or katakana, a plurality of lines of the predetermined character type array table are a plurality of lines in which the Japanese syllabary lines are arranged in order. It is preferable.

In the character input device according to any one of claims 32 to 36, when the predetermined character type is hiragana or katakana, a plurality of lines of the predetermined character type array table are a plurality of lines in which the Japanese syllabary lines are arranged in order. It is preferable.

In the character input method and the apparatus thereof, when the predetermined character type is hiragana or katakana, the plural lines of the predetermined character type arrangement table are plural lines in which the Japanese syllabary is arranged in order. That is, since they are arranged in the order of the Japanese syllabary, the operability is improved more easily.

14. The character input method according to claim 13, wherein a lowercase character is included as the character of the predetermined character type, and the input designated character is designated when the character of the arbitrary i-th line is designated as the input designated character. It is preferable that the change includes a specification change in which the upper case corresponding to the lower case is specified as the changed input specification character as an exception when the changed input specification character is in principle lower case.

38. In the character input device according to claim 37, when the character of the predetermined character type includes a lower case character and the character of the arbitrary i-th line is specified as the input specified character, the input specified character is specified. It is preferable that the change includes a specification change in which the upper case corresponding to the lower case is specified as the changed input specification character as an exception when the changed input specification character is in principle lower case.

In this character input method and its device, the lower case is included as the character of the predetermined character type, and when the character of the arbitrary i-th line is designated as the input designated character, the designation of the input designated character can be changed. When the subsequent input designation character is in principle lowercase, the exception is a designation change in which the uppercase letter corresponding to the lowercase letter is designated as the changed input designation character.

Generally, in Hiragana or Katakana, unlike English letters, the frequency of using uppercase letters is much higher than the frequency of using their lowercase letters. Therefore, in principle, even if the designation is changed to lowercase letters, the uppercase letter comes first. The input designated character has a higher probability of being a character desired by the user. Therefore, in this character input method and the apparatus thereof, by preferentially handling the uppercase letters, it is possible to quickly change the designation to the character desired by the user and improve the operability.

In the character input method according to any one of claims 1 to 14, it is preferable that the character code is a JIS code.

In the character input device according to any one of claims 25 to 38, it is preferable that the character code is a JIS code.

In this character input method and apparatus, since the character code is the JIS code, it is possible to input characters using a general JIS code as the character code, and it is familiar to the user. You can enter characters.

In the character input method of the fifteenth aspect, it is preferable that the JIS code is an MD system JIS code.

In the character input device of claim 39, it is preferable that the JIS code is an MD system JIS code.

In this character input method and apparatus, since the JIS code, which is a character code, is a JIS code for MD system, in addition to characters that can be expressed by a general JIS code, special symbols added as a JIS code for MD system, etc. You can enter as a character.

In the character input method according to any one of claims 1 to 16, one of a plurality of inputtable character types including the predetermined character type is selected as an input character type, and the selected input character type is the predetermined character type. In this case, it is preferable that the character of the predetermined character type be the input candidate character.

In the character input device according to any one of claims 25 to 40, one of a plurality of inputtable character types including the predetermined character type is selected as an input character type, and the selected input character type is the predetermined character type. In this case, it is preferable that the character of the predetermined character type be the input candidate character.

In this character input method and the apparatus thereof, one of a plurality of inputtable character types including a predetermined character type is selected as the input character type, and when the selected input character type is the predetermined character type, the predetermined character type is selected. Characters are candidates for input. In this case, the predetermined character type can be selected as the input character type even if the plurality of character types that can be input include a character type other than the predetermined character type. Therefore, the present invention can be applied to a character input method and device that can input characters of various character types.

The character input method according to any one of claims 1 to 17, wherein when the character string stored in the disk is read, the input character is an input for editing the read character string. It is preferably a letter.

In the character input device according to any one of claims 25 to 41, when the character string stored in the disk is read, the input character is an input for editing the read character string. It is preferably a letter.

In this character input method and the apparatus therefor, the input character is an input character for editing the read character string when the character string stored in the disk is read. Therefore, it can be applied as a character input method for reading a character string stored in the disk and adding an edit such as insertion.

In the character input method of claim 18, it is preferable that the disc is a mini disc.

In the character conversion device of claim 42, it is preferable that the disc is a mini disc.

In this character input method and the apparatus thereof, since the disc is a mini disc, it can be applied as a character input method for reading a character string stored in the mini disc and performing editing such as insertion.

In the character input method of the eighteenth or nineteenth aspect, it is preferable that the character string includes a character string indicating a music title of a music stored in the disc.

In the character input device according to claim 42 or 43, it is preferable that the character string includes a character string indicating a music title of the music stored in the disc.

In this character conversion method and its apparatus, the character string includes a character string indicating the music title of the music stored on the disc. In this case, it can be applied as a character input method for reading out a character string stored in the disc and adding an edit such as insertion, but in particular, it can be used for adding an artist name or the like after the music title.

In the character input method according to any one of claims 18 to 20, it is preferable that the character string includes a character string indicating a title name or a disc name stored in the disc.

In the character input device according to any one of claims 42 to 44, it is preferable that the character string includes a character string indicating a title name or a disc name stored in the disc.

In the character input method and the apparatus therefor, the character string includes the character string indicating the title name or the disk name stored in the disk. In this case, it can be applied as a character input method for reading a character string stored in the disc and making an edit such as insertion, but in particular, the user can easily understand the content of the character string indicating the title name or the disc name. It can be applied to change character strings and add desired characters, for example, if the whole artist is the same artist or if there is a representative artist, add it or name the title. It can be used to change to.

In the character input method according to any one of claims 1 to 21, it is preferable that the input character is a character for creating a print image to be printed on an object to be printed.

In the character input device according to any one of claims 25 to 45, it is preferable that the input character is a character for creating a print image to be printed on an object to be printed.

In this character input method and apparatus, since the input character is a character for creating a print image to be printed on the printing object, it can be applied to the printing apparatus.

In the character input method of claim 22, it is preferable that the print object is a tape.

In the character conversion device of the forty-sixth aspect, it is preferable that the printing object is a tape.

In this character input method and its apparatus, the object to be printed is a tape, and since the input character is a character for creating a print image to be printed on the tape, it can be applied to a tape printer.

In the character input method of the twenty-second or twenty-third aspect, it is preferable that a predetermined label is formed by half-cutting on the printing object.

In the character input device according to the forty-sixth or seventy-fourth aspect, it is preferable that a predetermined label is formed by half-cutting on the printing object.

In this character conversion method and its apparatus, since a predetermined label is formed on the print object by half-cutting, the desired print image is printed on the label and the half-cut portion is peeled off, and the character is printed. A label in which the input result is printed can be created and can be applied to a label printer.

[0089]

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION Hereinafter, a character input method according to an embodiment of the present invention and a tape printing apparatus to which the apparatus is applied will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

FIG. 1 is an external perspective view of the tape printer according to this embodiment in an open state, and FIG. 2 is a block diagram of its control system.

As shown in FIG. 1, this tape printer 1
Has an outer shell formed by the device case 2 divided into upper and lower parts,
A keyboard 3 composed of various input keys is arranged on the front upper surface of the device case 2, a display 4 is arranged on the upper right front surface thereof, an opening / closing lid 21 is arranged on the rear upper surface thereof, and a front lid thereof is arranged on the front surface thereof. A lid opening button 23 for opening the door is provided.

Further, as shown in FIG. 2, as a basic structure, an operating section 11 having a keyboard 3 and a display 4 for interfacing with a user, a print head 7 and a tape feeding section 120 and a pocket are provided. A printing unit 12 for printing on the tape T of the tape cartridge 5 mounted in
A cutting unit 13 that cuts the tape T after printing, a detection unit 14 that has various sensors and performs various detections, a drive unit 270 that has various drivers and drives each circuit, a power supply unit 290,
And a control unit 2 that controls each unit in the tape printer 1.
It is equipped with 00.

Therefore, in addition to the printing section 12, the cutting section 13, the detecting section 14, etc., the circuit board (not shown) is housed inside the apparatus case 2. This circuit board has a power supply 29
0, each circuit of the drive unit 270, the control unit 200, and the like are mounted. The power supply unit EU of the power supply unit 290 is A
It is connected to the C-adapter connection port 24 and a battery E such as a nickel-cadmium battery which can be detached from the outside, and supplies electric power to each unit in the tape printer 1.

In the tape printer 1, after the user mounts the tape cartridge 5 in the pocket 6 and confirms it on the display 4, the desired character or the like (characters such as letters, numbers, symbols and simple figures) is displayed on the keyboard 3. Input / edit and input various instructions. For example, when printing is instructed, the tape T is fed from the tape cartridge 5 by the tape feeding unit 120, desired printing is performed on the tape T by the print head 7, and the printed portion is fed from the tape discharge port 22 to the outside at any time. When the desired printing is completed, the tape feeding unit 120 feeds the tape T to a position of a predetermined tape length, and then stops the feeding.

For the sake of caution, in the above description and the following description, it is better to collectively describe the data expressing the character information as character data or simply character, and to clearly indicate that it is text code data. If it seems that it is better to clearly indicate that it is an image (dot matrix: bitmap is also agreed), it is described as character code data or simply character code. ing.

That is, normally, for example, the character data that is keyed in is a character data code, and the character data when displaying it as character information is character image data, and these are self-explanatory. Also, for example, when a display image is created by arranging a character image in the display image creation area, dots that become the pixels of each character image are created (developed) in the display image creation area based on the character code based on the outline font, etc. Creating a display image (expanding and arranging the character code as an image) and expanding and arranging the character image data based on the dot (bitmap) font corresponding to the character code and the registered dot matrix. Creating display images (expanding and arranging character images)
Is substantially the same in creating a display image by expanding and arranging data representing character information (character data), unless the difference is a problem.

Therefore, character code data (or character code) and character image data (or character image) are
Only when it seems that it is better to clearly specify it, if not, the data expressing the character information is collectively described as character data (or character).

Next, in the printing unit 12, inside the opening / closing lid 21, a pocket 6 for mounting the tape cartridge 5 is provided.
The tape cartridge 5 is attached to and detached from the pocket 6 with the opening / closing lid 21 opened.
A tape discharge port 22 that communicates the pocket 6 with the outside of the device is formed on the left side of the device case 2, and a tape cutter 132 that cuts the fed tape T is exposed to the tape discharge port 22.

As shown in FIG. 3, the tape cartridge 5 has an outer shell formed by a cartridge case 51 composed of an upper case 51a and a lower case 51b, and has a fixed width (about 4 mm to 52 mm: inside). A tape reel 52 wound with a tape T having a size of a side label to a size of a case label described later), a ribbon supply reel 53 wound with an ink ribbon R, and a ribbon take-up reel 54 wound with an ink ribbon R. However, a bottomless hollow chamber 55 is formed in a portion where the tape T and the ink ribbon R are rotatably accommodated and overlap each other.

A projecting portion 57 is formed in the portion of the upper case 51a facing the hollow chamber 55 so as not to interfere with the print head 7 of the pocket 6 and the platen 62 from the lower side. Is a platen-side fitting hole 58 into which the upper end of the shaft of the platen 62 fits when the tape cartridge 5 is mounted in the pocket 6, and the head support shaft 6
A head-side fitting hole 59 into which the upper end of 5 is fitted is formed.

On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 1, the pocket 6 is provided with a head unit 61 containing a print head 7 such as a thermal head and a platen 62. When the tape cartridge 5 is mounted in the pocket 6, it is hollow. Room 55
Then, the head unit 61 and the platen 62 are inserted so that the tape T and the ink ribbon R are sandwiched therebetween. Similarly, a guide protrusion 64 is provided on the hollow portion of the tape reel 52.
However, the take-up reel drive shafts 63 are inserted into the hollow portions of the ribbon take-up reel 54, respectively.

Then, when the platen 62 and the take-up reel drive shaft 63 rotate using the feed motor 121 as a drive source, the tape T and the ink ribbon R are fed, and the tape T is unwound from the tape reel 52. The ink ribbon R is delivered from the ribbon delivery reel 53,
Ribbon take-up reel 5 after running alongside tape T
Printing is performed by being wound around the print head 4 and driving the print head 7 in synchronization with them. The print-completed portion of the tape T is sent out from the tape outlet 56 formed in the lower case 51b toward the tape outlet 22 of the device case 2, and after the printing is completed, the tape T is continuously fed and a predetermined cutting position is reached. Is sent to the position of the tape cutter 132.

The cutting section 13 includes a tape cutter 132, a cut button 133 for manually cutting the tape cutter 132, and a cutter motor 131 for automatically cutting the tape cutter 132. Further, as a result, in the tape printer 1, automatic / manual switching can be performed by mode setting.

Therefore, in the case of manual cutting, when the printing is completed, the user presses the cut button 133 provided in the apparatus case 2 so that the tape cutter 132 operates and the tape T reaches the desired length. To be disconnected. In the case of automatic cutting, the tape is fed by a predetermined amount after printing is completed, and at the same time, the cutter motor 131 is driven and the tape T is cut.

The tape T has a two-layer structure comprising a tape base material having one surface to be printed and the other surface to be an adhesive processed surface, and a release paper covering the adhesive processed surface. A plurality of types of tape T are prepared, and the tape T
The tape cartridge 5 accommodating the tape is formed in a slightly different shape depending on the type of the tape T (the one having a plurality of small holes or depressions on the back surface and the one having no small holes).

In some of the plurality of types of the tape T, for example, as shown in FIG. 4, a mini disc (MD) disc cartridge (MD cartridge) or a disc case accommodating the mini disc (MD) is provided in the tape base material. Various labels attached to the (MD case) are formed by half-cutting (hereinafter, a label in such a state is referred to as a half-blank label). As a result, in the tape printer 1, a desired label can be easily created by mounting the tape cartridge 5 containing the tape T of this type for printing, and peeling off the half-blank label portion after printing, and a desired label can be easily prepared. The label can be easily attached to the position.

As shown in FIG. 6, a standard size diameter 64
mm (2.5 inch) MD92 (see Figure 1)
The MD cartridge 9 accommodated in the cartridge 91
1 is stored and stored in the MD case 93.

In this case, for example, on the surface of the MD cartridge 91, a label LM printed as shown in FIG. 5A (main label LM, however, disc label LMD is discriminated from the case label LMC described below. )
On the surface of the MD case 93 as shown in FIG.
The main label LM of the sheet (However, in the case of a single label of the size of two consecutive sheets, or when it is desired to distinguish the disc label LMD from the above even with a set of two sheets, the case label LM
A label (side label) LS as shown in FIG. 5C can be attached to each side surface.

Main label LM (disc label LM
There are various sizes in D), the largest size is 36 mm x 52 mm, the smallest size is 36 mm x 1
It is about 8 mm. The size of the side label LS is 4 mm
It is about 60 mm. The size of the case label LMC is about 52 mm × 72 mm, and one case label LMC may be attached, or two disc labels LMD may be attached in a set.

"TITLE" in FIGS. 5A and 5B.
Normally, the disk name (attribute information) of the MD (disk) 92 is used for printing or printing (characters) on the side label LS. This is because the disc name usually most accurately represents the content of the main information (song) stored in the MD (disc) 92. Also, the numbers such as 1.2.3 in both figures are the main information numbers (music numbers), and correspond to, for example, the track numbers in the MD92, and the corresponding capital letters such as "AAAAA" indicate that track. Memorized main information name (song name)
Is shown. That is, a state in which a music number and a music name corresponding to the music number are arranged and printed in the same line is shown as an image.

Incidentally, conventionally, a piece of music, which is music information, is recorded in the MD as main information. In addition, management information including text data (text code) and other text information are recorded as attribute information related to the main information. As the management information, when the song is recorded, the song number, the start and end addresses of the song, the song recording date and time, and the disc name recording date and time are automatically recorded when the disc name is recorded. It In addition, the other text information includes a disc name, a song name, etc. input by the user.

Characters such as alphanumeric characters and kana are easy to handle even with half-width characters (half-width characters) because of the character structure (simpleness as a character image). For example, in display processing, display efficiency per unit area is high. Generally, it is treated as a half-width character (half-width display character) because of the function of the display and the function of the display unit. On the other hand, characters such as kanji and symbols are generally treated as full-width characters (full-width display characters) due to the character configuration (complexity as a character image).

Therefore, in the MD, the attribute information (hereinafter referred to as “half-width display attribute information”) expressed by character data of only half-width display characters such as alphanumeric characters and kana (hereinafter “half-width display attribute information”) and kanji There is a separate storage area for the attribute information (hereinafter "full-width display attribute information") represented by character data including full-width display characters (hereinafter "full-width display attribute data"), and normally, You are using only one of them. When a full-width display character such as a kanji is used, the label can be reflected as it is to create a label that is easier to see.

In addition to the above, the attribute information includes the total number of songs automatically input by the MD player (or arbitrarily input by the user), recording (playback) time, artist name (composer name, etc.), etc. May be included. Figure 5 (b)
"AAAAA" and the like followed by "a
"aaa ..." is an image of an artist name (composer name, etc.), and "~ other x songs ~" in FIGS. (a) and (b) image the information obtained from the total number of songs. (Of course, you can just use "~ all x songs ~").

By the way, conventionally, the above-mentioned attribute information (total number of songs, disc name, song number, song name, playback time, recording date, artist name, etc.) is displayed on the display unit of the MD playback device (MD player) or remote controller. It is used as display information to be displayed on.

For example, as shown in FIG. 7, in a conventional portable MD player 90 as well, an MD cartridge 91 (with an MD 92 built-in) is mounted, and a main body operation unit 9 is installed.
By operating the various keys of 14, the music in the MD 92 can be reproduced and the various attribute information as described above can be displayed on the main body display unit 912.

That is, even in the conventional art, the above-mentioned various labels are usually supplied as accessories of the MD 92, and, for example, the attributes displayed on the main body display section 912 when the MD 92 is reproduced by the MD player 90 described above. Referring to the character data (display data) of the information, after the user handwrites on various labels, the MD cartridge 91 or MD
It is attached to each part of the case 93.

[0118] Further, conventionally, there are MD playback devices that transmit and receive various data to and from the remote control by remote control communication (including wired and wireless), and in particular, there is a type having a display section on the remote control side. For example, the MD player 90 described above with reference to FIG.
By inserting the connection connector (or the connection plug or the like) of the remote control connection cable 925 from the remote control 921 into the remote control terminal 901 of and operating various keys of the remote control operation unit 923, the music in the MD 92 can be reproduced, and Various attribute information can be displayed on the remote control display unit 922, and the same operation (handwriting on the label) is performed with reference to the displayed attribute information.

However, the above-mentioned work is very complicated, and it is almost impossible to write a large number of characters by hand in a small-sized label, and it is very necessary to create several kinds of labels. It was patience.

On the other hand, as described above with reference to FIG. 4, in the tape printing apparatus 1, the tape cartridge 5 accommodating the tape T on which various half-blank labels are formed is mounted and printed,
A desired label can be easily prepared by simply removing the half-blank label portion after printing, and the label can be easily attached to a predetermined position.

In the tape T shown in FIG. 4, a plurality of different labels, that is, the tape T on which the main label LM (disk label LMD) and the half-cut label for the side label LS are formed, are individually separated. Tape T
However, it is also possible to form both (that is, for creating the disk label LMD and for creating the side label LS) half-blanked labels on one type of tape T. It is also possible to prepare a tape T for making the case label LMC.

Therefore, in the tape printer 1, the various tapes T, that is, the side labels L, are actually used.
Case label LM from the tape width of about 4mm for creating S
Various tape cartridges 5 for accommodating various tapes T up to about 52 mm for making C, tapes T on which half-blank labels are not formed, and the like are prepared.

However, in the following description, the case of creating a label will be mainly described, and in that case, at least 2 is required.
Species, namely for main label LM and side label L
Since it suffices to use one type for S generation, in order to facilitate understanding, description will be given assuming that only two types shown in FIG. 4 are prepared. In the case of the tape T shown in FIG. 9A, the tape width Tw =
A main label LM having a width of 36 mm is formed in 46 mm, and two side labels having a width of 4 mm are formed in a tape width of 20 mm in the tape T of FIG.

Correspondingly, the printable width of the print head 7 in the tape width direction is 36 mm (0.12 mm).
5 mm / dot is 288 dots) (see FIG. 39). For printing on the main label LM, 32 mm is used excluding the margin in the width direction. Of course, if you want to create a case label LMC with one sheet, 56
mm equivalent, 4mm is recommended for side labels only,
In the following description, the 288-dot print head 7, which is most versatile and can be relatively small, is used.

On the other hand, the tape cartridge 5 has a slightly different shape so that the type of the tape T can be identified by the tape width of the accommodated tape T and the type of the half-cut label, as described above. Is provided with a tape identification sensor 141 such as a micro switch for detecting the difference in shape, and by this, the type of the tape T can be detected.

Further, similar to the tape T shown in FIG. 4, reference holes TH are formed in each tape T at predetermined intervals,
A tape position sensor 143 such as a photo interrupter for detecting the reference hole TH is provided near the tape discharge port 22 (see FIG. 1) (that is, near the tape cutter 132), whereby the position of the tape T ( In particular, the printing position) can be detected.

Further, a part of the opening / closing mechanism of the opening / closing lid 21 includes
A lid opening / closing sensor 142 such as a limit switch for detecting opening / closing of the opening / closing lid 21 is provided so that an abnormality such as opening of the opening / closing lid 21 during printing can be detected.

As shown in FIG. 2, the detection unit 14 includes a power supply unit 290 that supplies power to each unit of the tape printer 1 in addition to the tape identification sensor 141, the lid opening / closing sensor 142, and the tape position sensor 143 described above. The voltage sensor 144 is connected to the unit EU and detects a potential change thereof. Note that other sensors such as an ambient temperature sensor and a head surface temperature sensor can be provided according to the actual condition,
The configuration may be partially omitted.

The drive unit 270 is the display driver 2
71, a head driver 272, and a motor driver 27
3 and 3.

The display driver 271 is included in the control unit 2
The display 4 of the operation unit 11 is driven according to the instruction based on the control signal output from 00. Similarly,
The head driver 272 drives the print head 7 of the printing unit 12 according to an instruction from the control unit 200.

The motor driver 273 is used by the printing unit 1
Feed motor driver 2 for driving the feed motor 121 of No. 2
73d and a cutter motor driver 273c that drives the cutter motor 131 of the cutting unit 13, and similarly drives each motor according to an instruction from the control unit 200.

The operating section 11 is equipped with a keyboard 3 and a display 4. As shown in FIG. 8, the keyboard 3 includes a power key 31, a shift key 32, and upward (“↑”), downward (“↓”), left (“←”), and right (“→”) directions. Move the cursor (actually display screen 4
Four cursor keys 33 (33U, 33D, 33L, 33R) for moving (display range of 1): Hereinafter, each key is expressed as "cursor" ↑ "key 33U", etc. (Cursor key 33))
Eight function keys are provided.

That is, in the upper part, a character decoration key (hereinafter referred to as "decoration key") 34F as the function key group 34 is mainly used for inputting / editing or decoration of each character (characters, numbers, symbols, figures, etc.). , Character input key (hereinafter "character key")
34C, a picture / symbol key (hereinafter “symbol key”) 34D, and a deletion cancel key (hereinafter “deletion key”) 35. Further, in the lower part, a read key 36, a conversion / space key (hereinafter referred to as “conversion key”) 37, an enter key 38, and a print key 3 are mainly used for operating various data to be processed.
9 is equipped.

FIG. 8 is a schematic view, and although the relative positions of the keys are slightly different from the actual layout (see FIG. 1), they are shown in substantially the same layout. Each key name in FIG. 8 is printed on the surface of the keyboard 3 in FIG.

The decoration key 34F and the character key 3 described above are also used.
4C, symbol key 34D, delete key 35, read key 36,
The conversion key 37 is operated in combination with the shift key 32 (by pressing each key while pressing the shift key 32), and the form key 34FS (shift key 32 + decoration key 34: hereinafter, the operation state in combination with this shift key 32 is reflected. , S is added to the code and "form key 34F
"S". Others are the same), frame key 34CS, adjustment key 3
4DS, all erase key 35S, line read key 36S, conversion mode key 37S.

Further, since each of the cursor keys 33 described above may be operated in combination with the shift key 32, in such a case, for example, when operating in combination with the cursor "↑" key 33U, the "shift cursor" ↑ "key 33US , Etc., and when collectively used together, they are expressed as “shift cursor key 33S”.

Of course, each of the above keys may be provided individually, but like the display 4 described below, the size of the keyboard 3 contributes to downsizing of the tape printing apparatus 1 as a whole. By combining with, the number of keys for required functions is reduced.

On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 9, the display 4 has an indicator display section 4i capable of lighting 18 indicators in a display screen 41 composed of an LCD or the like.
And a character display unit 4c formed of a dot matrix of (horizontal) 72 dots × (vertical) 16 dots.

The indicator display section 4i shows various modes and states for printing character data (text data: see FIG. 5) of titles and song names by the lighting state thereof. 4 indicators
i00 to 4i07 relate to the title (corresponding to the disc name), and the lower eight indicators 4i10 to 4i1
7 is related to the song name, and the two indicators 4i on the right side
For L and 4iR, if all the song titles cannot be printed on the main label LM (disc label LMD or case label LMC), that is, the print lines overflow (line overflow).
Is shown.

As shown in FIG. 11, the character display section 4c has two basic management units of display formats. One is the half-width / full-width display shown in FIG.
In this case, the sub-display unit composed of the two dot matrixes of the two leftmost 8 dots × 8 dots indicated by the coordinates CE and CF, and the eight 8 dots × 1 indicated by the coordinates C0 to C7.
It is managed separately from the main display section consisting of a 6-dot dot matrix. The sub-display section is used to display a music number, which will be described later, and the main display section is used to display a title, a music title, and other general character data.

The other one is the 6 × 8 display shown in FIG. 14B, which is managed in dot matrix units of 6 dots × 8 dots as the name suggests, and the upper row shows coordinates A0-Ab.
12 and the lower tier are managed by being divided into a total of 24 coordinates 12 of coordinates B0 to Bb. This display is used, for example, in the case of a special display such as a code display portion (JIS code for MD system) at the time of character input.

On the screen display of the tape printer 1, the cursor K for designating the display range, the editing (for example, character insertion) position, etc., is located at the right end of the coordinate C5 of the main display portion as shown in FIG. It is fixed.

FIG. 16A shows coordinate values, and FIG.
(E) shows the case where only full-width characters are displayed, only half-width characters are displayed, cursor K is at the right end of full-width characters when both full-width / half-width characters are mixed, and cursor is at the right edge of half-width characters when mixed as well. The case where there is K is shown.
In these cases, the display range is moved by operating the cursor key 33. For example, when the cursor “→” key 33R is pressed, the displayed character moves to the left, that is, the display range moves to the right.

As shown in FIG. 2, the contents (various commands and data) input by the user through the keyboard 3 while checking the display 4 are output to the control unit 200.

The control unit 200 includes a CPU 210 and a ROM 2
20, character generator ROM (CG-ROM)
230, RAM 240, peripheral control circuit (P-CON) 2
50, which are connected to each other by an internal bus 260.

The ROM 220 has a control program area 221 for storing a control program processed by the CPU 210, a kana-kanji conversion table (dictionary), a color conversion table,
It has a control data area 222 for storing control data including a character decoration table and the like.

The CG-ROM 230 is the tape printer 1
The font data of characters, symbols, figures, etc. prepared in the above is stored, and when the code data for specifying the characters etc. is given, the corresponding font data is output.

The RAM 240 is backed up so as to retain the stored data even when the power is turned off by operating the power key 321.
41, a text data area 242, a display image data area 243, a print image data area 244, a half-width display attribute data area 245, a full-width display attribute data area 246, and various conversion buffer areas 247 such as a color conversion buffer. Used as a work area for control processing.

In the P-CON 250, a logic circuit for supplementing the function of the CPU 21 and for handling various peripheral circuits and interface signals with the MD player 90 is built in by a gate array or a custom LSI. For example, a timer (TIM) that performs various timings
251 and remote controller communication control circuit (RC) 252 are also P
-Incorporated as a function within CON250.

For this reason, the P-CON 250 has the detector 1
4 is connected to various sensors and the keyboard 3, and the detection unit 14
Various detection signals from the CPU 3 and various commands and input data from the keyboard 3 are directly or processed and taken into the internal bus 260, and in conjunction with the CPU 210,
The data and control signals output from the CPU 210 or the like to the internal bus 260 are processed as they are or after being processed.
Output to 70.

The P-CON 250 is a remote controller interface terminal (RT) 25, RT of the tape printer 1.
A remote control connection cable 26 having a connection connector (or a connection plug or the like) to be connected to 25, and a remote control terminal 901 of the MD player 90 are connected so that remote control communication is possible. To do.

With the above-mentioned configuration, the CPU 210 follows the PC program according to the control program in the ROM 220.
Various signals, data, etc. are input from each unit in the tape printer 1 and the MD player 90 via the ON 250, and the CG-R
Positioning control of printing is performed by processing font data from the OM 230, various data in the RAM 240, and the like, and outputting various signals and data to each unit in the tape printer 1 and the MD player 90 via the P-CON 250. Display control of the display screen 41, remote control communication control, and the like are performed, and the print head 7 is controlled to control the tape T under a predetermined printing condition.
The entire tape printer 1 is controlled by printing on the tape.

Next, the overall processing flow of the control of the tape printer 1 will be described with reference to FIG. When the process starts by pressing the power key 31 (power on),
As shown in the figure, first, in order to return the tape printer 1 to the state when the power was turned off last time, initial settings such as restoring each saved control flag are performed (S1), and then,
The previous display screen (screen G0 in FIG. 20 or screen G11 in FIG. 21) is displayed as an initial screen (S2).

The subsequent processing of FIG. 13, that is, a branch for determining whether or not a key input is performed (S3) and various interrupt processing (S4).
Is a process conceptually shown. Actually, in the tape printer 1, when the initial screen display (S2) is completed, the key input interruption is permitted, and the state is maintained as it is until the key input interruption occurs (S3: No), When some kind of key input interrupt occurs (S3: Yes), the process shifts to each interrupt process (S4), and when the interrupt process ends,
The state is maintained again (S3: No).

As described above, in the tape printer 1, the main process is performed by the interrupt process, so if the print image data to be printed is created, the user can press the print key 39 at any time. Caused a print processing interrupt,
The printing process is activated, and printing can be performed using the print image data. That is, the user can arbitrarily select the operation procedure up to printing.

Here, an example will be given of the mode of transmission and reception between the remote controller (for example, the remote controller 921 described above in FIG. 7) and the MD player 90 during remote controller operation (communication).

For example, as shown in FIG. 14, when the user performs an operation of requesting arbitrary attribute information (hereinafter, this is assumed to be an operation of pressing a "request key"), the remote controller 9
At 21, the request process (Q10) as the interrupt process is activated and started, and first, the request signal RQ1 is generated and transmitted (Q101).

When the request signal RQ1 is received, the MD player 90 activates and starts the response process for the request, and executes the response process (P10, P101: start in a simplified manner in the following description and illustration (for example, Above P
10 and the like) are omitted), and response data RP1 to the request RQ1 (which may be only a response control signal, but these are also referred to as response data) RP1 is transmitted (P1).
02).

When this response data RP1 is received (Q1
02), the remote controller 921 determines whether the requested data
That is, it is determined whether or not the response data is the desired response data to the request signal RQ1 (Q103). In this case, there is identification data (for example, 1 byte) at the beginning of one transmission / reception unit (for example, a packet) of the response data, and it is determined whether or not it is the requested data by identifying the data with this identification data. .

When the response data RP1 is different from the requested one (Q103: No), the request is made again (Q
101). On the other hand, if it is as requested (Q103: Ye
s), the request processing is ended (Q106), and the processing shifts to the next processing such as storing or displaying the received data in a predetermined area. Of course, the process ends (Q106)
These processes (storage process, display process, etc.) may be included before.

However, in the above case, in the MD player 90, when there is response data continuously transmitted, for example, when the response data RP1 is the first response data RP1, the second response data RP2 and the third response data RP3. , ..., k-th (k = 1, 2, ...) Response data RPk is transmitted (P104 to P105).

On the other hand, in the remote controller 921, when the first response data RP1 is different from the requested one (Q1
03: No), since the first response data RP1 is ignored and the request is made again (Q101), the second response data RP2 and the subsequent are also ignored. On the other hand, when it is as requested (Q103: Y
es), then, after receiving the second response data RP2, the third response data RP3, ..., And the kth response data RPk, the request processing is ended (Q104 to Q106).

As described above, the remote controller 921 generates and transmits a request signal corresponding to the operated request key, and the M
Since the D player 90 is configured to be able to send (reply) the response data according to the request signal, if the tape printing apparatus 1 also has the same request key as the remote controller 921 and performs the same processing, the remote controller 921 will do. Can perform the same function as.

The MD player 90 assumed in the present embodiment is different from the one described above in FIG. 7 as long as it can display various attribute information on the remote control display section 922 by operating the keys of the remote controller 921. Operation unit 9
14 may be a type that does not have a part of various request keys or a type that does not have the main body display unit 912. Further, in the following, for convenience of explanation, it is assumed that wired remote control communication is used, but it can be applied to wireless remote control communication by changing the transmission / reception to, for example, infrared rays or FM radio waves.

Now, the MD player 90 exemplified here.
Is similar to a commercially available MD player, and as the types of the above request keys, there are a reproduction key (PLAY key), a rewinding (tune rewinding) key (REWIND key: hereinafter abbreviated as REW key), and a stop key ( STOP key), pause key (PAUSE key), playback mode key (PLAY-MO)
It has a DE key: hereafter abbreviated as P-MOD key) and a display key (DISPLAY key: hereafter abbreviated as DISP key). That is, by having these request keys on the remote controller side, it is possible to operate each function.

Further, the MD 92 mounted on the MD player 90 stores information of one song per track (including both half-width display attribute information and full-width display attribute information), and the track number and the song number. Are matched.

Here, the PLAY key plays a role of activating a function as a fast-forward key by pressing the PLAY key for a predetermined time in addition to reproduction (sending a fast-forward signal as a request signal). The MD player 90 starts the reproduction process in response to the reproduction request and sends the display information of the song number and the song name to the remote control side during the reproduction, but in response to the fast forward request, it is requested each time. Then, the track number (song number) and the corresponding song name are sequentially output. That is, by performing a fast-forward operation from the remote controller, it is possible to display the next song and the song number / song name without waiting for the playback as music information.

In this case, the song name (attribute information, display information) is the song name represented by half-width display attribute data (half-width display song name).
And the song name represented by the full-width display attribute data (full-width display song name) are included, but one of the predetermined ones (conventionally only the half-width display song name side) is selected and displayed by the remote controller.

Depending on the state of the MD player 90 when the REW key is pressed, the REW key relates to character data (attribute information: character data of track number (song number) and song name) regarding the song currently being reproduced, or regarding the previous song. This is a request key for requesting character data, and when repeatedly operated, the MD player 90 causes the track number (track number) and the track number (track number) in the same direction as the PLAY key, but in the reverse direction (direction in which the track number decreases). The corresponding song names are sequentially output. The STOP key is a request key for requesting stop of reproduction, and the PAUSE key is a request key for requesting pause.

The P-MOD key requests the playback mode (playback mode) to be sequentially switched to the normal playback mode, the all-track repeat playback mode, the one-track repeat playback mode, and the random playback mode. Is the key.

The DISP key is a request key for switching and selecting the display mode of the display section of the remote controller, and may include a song title (song number + song title: artist name and other additional information). , The description will be made assuming the case of the song number + song name, avoiding the complexity of explanation. The song number display mode for displaying the song number, the disc name (total number of songs + disc name in some cases. In the following, The disc name display mode that displays (), the time display mode that displays the time, the playback time display mode that displays the playback time (playing time), and the track number display mode and the disk name display mode again. ,, ... can be sequentially switched.

In this case, the disk name (attribute information, display information) includes both the one-byte display attribute data (one-byte display disk name) and the one-byte display attribute data (two-byte display disk name). However, with the remote control, it is predetermined (only the half-width display disc name side in the past)
Select to display.

The MD player 90 is constructed so as to be able to send (reply) response data in response to each request signal generated by operating the above-mentioned request keys. If the request key is provided and the same processing is performed, the same function as the remote controller can be achieved.

It is also possible to make consecutive attribute information requests by combining request signals from a plurality of request keys of the remote controller. That is, it is possible to request an arbitrary combination by newly setting a key or changing a processing program by an existing key, such as requesting a disc name and a song name of an arbitrary number of songs from a desired arbitrary song number.

For this reason, the tape printer 1 is provided with the above-mentioned read key 36 in FIG. 8 as the above-mentioned request key. Hereinafter, successive attribute information requests by the read key 36 will be described.

As shown in FIG. 15, the user reads the read key 3
When 6 is pressed, the tape printer 1
Then, the print data reading process (Q2
0) is activated and started. First, a DISP key signal is generated and transmitted as a request signal RQ21 (Q20
1).

When this request signal RQ21 is received, MD
In the player 90, the display mode is switched as a response process to the request (P201), and the character data (attribute information, display information) corresponding to the display mode is set as the response data R.
It is transmitted as P21 (P202).

When the character data which is the response data RP21 is received (Q202), the tape printer 1 determines whether it is the desired data, that is, the disk name display data (Q203).

For example, if the display mode of the MD player 90 is the disc name display mode when the request signal RQ21 is transmitted (Q201), the time display mode is set by switching the display mode (P201). The response data RP21 of becomes the character data for time display. When the request signal RQ21 is transmitted (Q201) and the time display mode is set, the response data RP21 becomes character data for displaying the reproduction time. Similarly, in the reproduction time display mode, the response data RP21 becomes character data for displaying the music title (tune number + tune name).

In these cases, since the desired disc name display data (total number of songs + character data of disc name) is not obtained (Q203: No), the tape printer 1 makes a request again (Q201). Note that, as described above, the determination in this case is also made by identifying the identification data at the head of the response data RP21.

On the other hand, if the display mode of the MD player 90 is the music title display mode when the request signal RQ21 is transmitted (Q201), the display mode is switched (P20).
Since the disc name display mode is set by 1), the response data RP21 at this time becomes character data (total number of songs + disc name) for disc name display.

In this case, in the tape printer 1, since the desired disk name display data (Q203: Yes), the received character data is stored in a predetermined area as character data of the disk name (total number of songs + disk name). (Q20
4) and shifts to the next processing (Q205).

In this case, the character data of the disc name (attribute information, display information) also includes the character data of both the half-width display disc name and the full-width display disc name. Will be sent continuously, so
Unlike the case of the remote controller described above, in the tape printer 1, both character data are stored in the respective storage areas in the RAM 240, that is, in the half-width display attribute data area 2 respectively.
45 and the full-width display attribute data area 246 are stored in the disk name area (Q204).

Further, at the time of this storage (Q204), when there is no character data of one or both (in the case of empty data)
In some cases, illegal data is included, and therefore a flag or the like indicating those states is prepared and the state is stored.

For example, if a half-width display disk name flag, a full-width display disk name flag, etc. are prepared and character data of both disk names are included, [half-width display disk name existence flag, full-width display disk name existence Flag] =
[1, 1] is set to [1, 0] or [0, 1] when only one is present, and is set to [0, 0] when both are not present. The same can be done for the presence or absence of invalid data. As a result, it is easy to branch the process by discriminating the state at the time of reading from the flag or the like for the convenience of the user's selection and the process subsequent to the main process (read process).

When the storage of the disc name (total number of songs + disc name) is completed (Q204, Q205), the tape printer 1 next generates a DISP key signal as the request signal RQ26, as shown in FIG. Send it (Q20
6), the same transmission / reception and discrimination as described above are performed in FIG. 15 (Q206, P206, P207, Q207, Q20).
8) When the desired song title display data is received (Q20
8: Yes), then, a predetermined music number (track number) is set (Q209), and a predetermined number of music is set (Q21).
0).

In this case, the predetermined music number may be a music number that can be automatically detected and set, such as the music number 1, the music number of the previously reproduced music, and the next music number, or by key operation or the like. Some kind of setting means may be provided so that the user can arbitrarily set. The predetermined number of pieces of music may be a value that can be automatically set, such as the total number of pieces of music obtained together with the above-described disc name in FIG. 15, or may be set arbitrarily by the user. In the following, song number 1
To all songs (for example, 20 songs), that is, a predetermined song number I =
1. A description will be given by taking a predetermined number of songs J = 20 as an example.

Predetermined song number I = 1 and predetermined number of songs J = 20
The first song number i = 1 (= I) and the number of remaining songs j = 20
When set as (= J) (Q209, Q210), the tape printer 1 proceeds to the next process (Q211),
As shown in FIG. 17, next, a PLAY key continuous (that is, fast-forward) signal is generated as a request signal RQ2C and transmitted (Q212).

When this request signal RQ2C is received, MD
The player 90 increments the playback track number (that is, the song number) as a response process to the request (+).
1) Then (P212), the character data (attribute information, display information) of the track number (song number) is changed to the first response data RP.
2C1 (P213), and subsequently, the character data of the music title stored in the track is transmitted as the second response data RP.
It is transmitted as 2C2 (P215).

When the first character data (music number) is received as the first response data RP2C1 (Q213), the tape printer 1 determines whether or not the desired music number i (initially i = 1) (Q214). ), If it is not the desired song number i (Q2
14: No), re-requesting (Q212), and when the desired music number i (Q214: Yes), second character data (music title) is received as the second response data RP2C2 (Q215), Is stored in a predetermined area as data of a song title (song number + song title) (Q216).

In this case, the song title (song number + song title: attribute information,
The character data of (display information) also includes character data of both the half-width display song name and the full-width display song name. However, in the tape printer 1, both character data are stored in the RAM 240 in the same manner as the disk name described above. Half-width display attribute data area 245
And it is stored in the song title area of the full-width display attribute data area 246 (Q216).

With respect to all the songs including the following, the same flags as those described above in the disc name (for example, a half-width display song name presence flag, a full-width display song name presence flag, a half-width song name invalid data flag, a full-width song name invalid data presence flag, a half-width The state of the received data is stored by a song title empty data present flag, a full-width song name empty data present flag, etc., so that the state at the time of reading can be easily discriminated by the subsequent processing or the like (Q216).

When the storage of the character data of the first song name (song number 1 and the corresponding song name) is completed (Q216),
Next, it is determined whether or not the storage of the predetermined number of songs is completed (Q
217). That is, it is determined whether or not the remaining number of songs j ≦ 1. Here, it is still the first one (song number i = 1
Since only storing the song name (j = 20) is completed (j = 20) (Q217: No), the song number i is incremented (+1) to obtain the desired song number i = 2 (= 1 + 1). The number j is decremented (-1) and the number of remaining songs is j = 1.
9 (= 20-1) (Q218).

Then, the desired music number i = 2 and the remaining music number j
= 19, the same processing as described above (Q212, P21
2, P213, Q213, Q214, P215, Q21
5 and Q216) are performed, and the storage of the character data of the next song name (song number 2 and the corresponding song name) is completed (Q
216) Next, it is determined whether or not the storage of the predetermined number of pieces of music is completed (whether the number of remaining pieces of music is j ≦ 1), and similarly, next, the number of music i is incremented (+1) to obtain the desired number. Song number i = 3 (=
2 + 1), and the number of pieces of music j is decremented (-1) to make the number of remaining pieces of music j = 18 (= 19-1) (Q21.
8).

Similarly, the desired music number i = 3, 4, ...
... (remaining song number j = 18, 17, ...) And character data of a desired song number i = 20 (remaining song number j = 1) song name (song number 20 and corresponding song name) When the storage of the number of songs is completed (Q216), it is then determined whether the storage of the predetermined number of songs is completed (whether the number of remaining songs is j ≦ 1). In this case, the number of remaining songs is j = 1. (Q217: Y
es), and the whole process is completed (Q219).

At this point, character data (attribute information, display information) of the intended disc name (total number of songs + disc name) and song names (song number + song name) of all songs (20 songs) from song number 1 Reading and storage of those character data in a predetermined area is completed.

In the process for obtaining (the data of) the desired tune number, the track number may be changed. Therefore, as shown in the figure (described in [] of Q212), the REW
The same can be done using a key sequence (ie, rewind) signal. In this case, the setting of the next song number "i ← i +
By changing "1" (Q218) to "i ← i-1", it is possible to store the data of the song titles (song number + song title) in the reverse order (descending order to the ascending order described above).

In the above example, the MD92 in which the track number and the music number correspond to each other has been described, but the data format in the MD92 may be managed more finely in sector units or cluster units. . Further, for example, one song number is associated with a plurality of tracks, and more information including the artist name and the like is stored as information of one song.
D92 is also available. Further, for a combination of an MD player and a remote controller capable of reproducing such an MD 92 and displaying more attribute information, the same request as the remote controller to which the MD player is connected as the above MD player 90 and combined. The same can be applied by changing the processing program or the like so as to transmit the request signal by the key or the request signal of a plurality of combinations thereof.

In the above example, the distinction between half-width display attribute data (or half-width display attribute information) and full-width display attribute data (or full-width display attribute information) depends on whether or not a full-width character such as a Chinese character is included. I explained it as something, but JI
Instead of 2-byte code representation such as S code, 1-byte code representation of half-width characters (a method that has been generally adopted from now on) is adopted. You may distinguish.

That is, in this case, by reducing the number of half-width display characters to be represented by the code (excluding hiragana), it can be represented by 1 byte, and the storage capacity of the half-width display attribute data can be reduced. In this case as well, because it is for convenience reasons such as a small storage capacity, it is distinguished by whether or not it includes double-byte characters such as kanji (characters expressed by codes of a specific code group). It is included in the concept and included in the category of the above description.

As shown in FIG. 18, the process corresponding to FIG. 15 is a disc name request / storing process (S201), and the process corresponding to FIG. 16 is a song name request preparation process (S202).
The processing corresponding to FIG. 17 is the song name request / storing processing (S20
By performing a subroutine (modularization) as 3) and activating them in order, the same process can be performed as the print data reading process (S20). Further, here, the interrupt process started by pressing the read key 36 (read key interrupt) has been described. However, the entire process (S20) is further made into a subroutine so that the process can be started from a higher processing routine. good.

As described above, the MD player 90 (disk reproducing device) receives the request signal generated by the key operation from the remote controller and responds to the request signal among the character data displayed on the display section of the remote controller. Since the character data is transmitted to the remote controller, if the same request signal as that of the remote controller is generated and processed in the same manner, the tape printer 1 can also obtain the same character data as that of the remote controller.

On the other hand, in the tape printer 1, by pressing the read (request) key 36, a plurality of request signals are generated (based on a single operation of the external operation means), and a continuous combination of these signals is generated. Since a plurality of request signals to perform are transmitted to the MD player 90 (disk reproducing device),
It is possible to obtain a plurality of character data in response to the plurality of continuous request signals in a single operation.

For example, in the above-mentioned examples in FIGS. 15 to 18, character data of the disc name (total number of songs + disc name) and the song names (song number + song name) of all songs (20 songs) from the song number 1 is obtained ( In order to obtain such character data (display data) by the key operation of the remote controller, the received (read) data must be at least 22 times (Q201 × 1 time, Q206 × 1 time).
(Q212 × 20 times) key operations are required, but as described above, the tape printer 1 can be obtained by a single operation of the read key.

As a result, part or all of the acquired character data can be printed as it is or after being edited, so that the MD (disk) cartridge 91 or MD can be printed.
A label to be attached to the (disk) case 93 (see FIGS. 5 and 6) and used can be easily created.

Further, in this case, it is preferable that the plurality of continuous request signals include a request signal for requesting all the character data to be printed on the label.

For example, in the above-mentioned examples in FIGS. 15 to 18, the character data of the disc name (total number of songs + disc name) and the song names (song number + song name) of all songs (20 songs) from song number 1 is obtained. , Thereby, for example, the main label LM described above in FIG.
Of all the character data to be printed on the side label LS, all but the artist name and other additional information can be obtained by one operation of the read key 36.

As described above, in the case of the song number display mode, when the song number + song name can be followed by additional information such as the artist name (if these additional information are regarded as part of the song name, the same processing is performed). Also, all the character data including the third response data following the song title), artist name and other additional information can be obtained by a single operation.

That is, since a plurality of consecutive request signals generated by a single operation of the read key 36 include a request signal for requesting all the character data to be printed on the label of FIG. All the character data necessary for printing can be obtained only by performing an operation, and the label shown in FIG. 5, for example, can be created more easily.

Next, the state transition of the edit mode of the tape printer 1 and a typical screen display will be described with reference to FIGS.
This will be described with reference to FIG.

As shown in FIG. 19, in the tape printer 1, the basic input mode (H1) and the character selection input mode (H
2), a symbol selection input mode (H3), a kana-kanji conversion mode (H4), and a function selection setting mode (H5).

Immediately after the power key 31 is pressed, that is, immediately after the power is turned on, the basic input mode (H1) is set, and the subsequent operation of each function key causes a state transition between the edit modes as shown in the figure. .

First, when the character key 34C is pressed in the state of the basic input mode (H1), the character selection input mode (H2) is entered, and when the character selection is completed and the decision key 38 is pressed,
Alternatively, when the delete key 35 is pressed to cancel the character selection, the process returns to the basic input mode (H1).

The symbol selection input mode (H3) is similarly changed by pressing the symbol key 34D instead of the character key 34C in the case of the character selection input mode (H2). Further, the state transition is performed between the character selection input mode (H2) by the symbol key 34D and the symbol selection input mode (H3) by the character key 34C.

When the conversion mode key 37S is pressed in the basic input mode (H1), the kana-kanji conversion mode (H
4), and when the conversion mode key 37S is pressed again in that state, the kana-kanji conversion is completed and the confirm key 38 is pressed, or the delete key 35 is pressed to cancel the kana-kanji conversion, basic input is performed. Return to mode (H1).

Also, in the state of the basic input mode (H1), the decoration key 34F, the form key 34FS, and the frame key 34C.
When S or the adjustment key 34DS is pressed, the function selection setting mode (H5) is entered, the function setting is completed, and the enter key 3 is pressed.
When the user presses 8 or when the delete key 35 is pressed to cancel the function setting, the basic input mode (H1) is returned to.

As described above with reference to FIG. 13, when the power key 31 is pressed, the initial setting (S1) is carried out, and the previous display screen is displayed as the initial screen. Since the input mode (H1) is entered, the previous display screen in this basic input mode (H1) is displayed as the initial screen (S2).

At the time of shipment from the factory, no character data (text data) is displayed. The initial screen in such a case is shown in FIGS. 20 (a) and 20 (b).
As shown in, the cursor K and the coordinate CE are displayed at the right end of the coordinate C5.
And the character "D" representing the title line is displayed on the coordinate CF (as described above, since the disc name is usually the title, its initials) (G0). Hereinafter, this state is referred to as "text initial state" in the sense that there is no text data. It should be noted that FIG. 7C is a display example of the title.

On the other hand, the initial screen when the half-width display "someday" is displayed as the character data, for example, as the music name of the music number i = 2 last time, the display screen at that time is as shown in FIG. Reproduced screen (G1
1). Further, the indicator display portion 4i at this time is
The valid indicators of the previously set various modes and statuses light up.

When the all erase key 35S is pressed from this state (G11), a message confirming that all is erased is displayed blinking (or reversing) (G12: hereinafter, blinking display or reversing display is displayed on the screen G2. The blinking display or the reverse display can be changed by setting the state of the internal mode, but a detailed description will be omitted). Similarly, the text is in the initial state (same as G13: G0).

As described above, immediately after the power is turned on, the character input mode (H1) is set, and the initial screen is the screen G0 in the initial text state or the previous character (text) display screen (the above screen G13, etc.). Become.

Then, except for special cases such as the case of performing the above-described full erasure or the case of immediately after the factory shipment,
Since it is considered that a certain character is displayed in a more general state, in the following description, a screen similar to the above screen G13 is shown as an example of the previous display, and the state (G
13)) and various key operations are started.

Then, the print data reading process (S10) described above (for example, in FIG. 18) with reference to FIGS. 15 to 18 and the like will be described in terms of user operation and screen display at that time.

As shown in FIG. 22, when the user presses the read key 36 in the state (G21) in which the same screen as the above (G11) is displayed, the print data reading process (S10) as the interrupt process is performed. ) Is started, and although omitted in FIG. 15, next, a message “Read all?” Confirming that the reading process is being executed is displayed, and the displayed character data is displayed in case the reading is stopped. Etc. are backed up (G22).

Here, the confirmation key 38 or the read key 36
If anything other than is pressed, the reading process is stopped, the original character data is restored, and the original screen display (G21) is resumed. When the user presses the enter key 38 or the read key 36 after confirming that the reading process is being performed, the message “MD reading in progress” is displayed.
18 and the like is performed to determine whether or not both the half-width display attribute information and the full-width display attribute information have been read after a lapse of a predetermined time, that is, after reading all the data (S24). .

For example, in the above-mentioned example, the logical expression "half-width display disc name presence flag.or. half-width display song name presence flag = 1"
In the case of, the character data of the half-width display attribute information (here, half-width display disc name or half-width display song name) (half-width display attribute data: “alphanumeric code” for ease of intuitive understanding)
Say. Also, this designation is used for messages and the like, and the same applies to the illustration. However, as mentioned above, Kana is also included. )
Will be loaded. Then, in this case, the read character data (alphanumeric code) is stored in the half-width display attribute data area (second storage area) 245 in the RAM 240 as described above.

On the other hand, in the case of the logical expression "full-width display disc name presence flag. Or. Full-width display song name presence flag = 1", full-width display attribute information (full-width display disc name or full-width display song name)
Character data (full-width display attribute data: hereinafter referred to as "Kanji code" for intuitive understanding. Also, this name is used for messages and the like). become. In this case, the read character data (alphanumeric code) is R
It is stored in the full-width display attribute data area (first storage area) 246 in the AM 240.

When only one of the Kanji code and the alphanumeric code is read (S24: No), the title of the first piece of music read is displayed. For example, when only the alphanumeric code side is read, the title of the first piece of music by the alphanumeric code is displayed (G25). That is, in this case, in the text data area 242 in the RAM 240, which is an edit area of the text data, the character (code) data to be displayed is stored, and at the same time, the display image data area which is the edit area of the display image (image of the display character). 243,
Expand the corresponding character (image) data.

Here, it is assumed that the user has the print key 39
Similarly, when is pressed, the print image data area 244 in the RAM 240, which is the edit area of the print image (print character image), is also pressed.
Then, the character (image) data corresponding to the character (code) data such as the disc name and the song name on the displayed side (that is, the side on which the data is read) is expanded so as to have a predetermined arrangement. The processing at the time of printing will be described later.

On the other hand, if both the kanji code and the alphanumeric code have been read (S24: Yes), the process proceeds to the selection process by the next user (S26). It should be noted that an abnormal time such as neither being read will be described later.

When the process shifts to the selection process by the user (S2
6), as shown in FIG. 23, a message "Kanji code?" For asking the user whether to select a Kanji code is displayed (G27). Here, when the user presses the enter key 38, the kanji code side is selected, and the song name (full-width display song name) by the kanji code is displayed (G29). That is, in this case, the image data corresponding to the character data of the full-width display music title is expanded in the display image data area 243.

In this selection process, the cursor "↓"
By operating the key 33D, the display of the "Kanji code" selection branch can be switched to the "alphanumeric code" selection branch display (G28), and from that state (G28), the cursor "↑" key 33U is operated. With, it is possible to return to the display of the selection branch of "Kanji code" (G27).

Then, when the user presses the confirm key 38 in the state (G28) in which the selection branch of "alphanumeric code" is displayed,
The alphanumeric code side is selected to display the song name (half-width display song name) in the alphanumeric code (G30). That is, in this case, image data corresponding to the character data of the half-width display music title is expanded in the display image data area 243.

When the user presses the delete key 35 in any of the above states (G27 or G28), the original character data is restored, as in the case where the reading process is stopped.
Return to the original screen display (same as G31: G21).

In the above example, the song title of the first song is displayed as a typical display, but a title (disc name: half-width display disc name or full-width display disc name) is displayed instead of the first song title. You can

In the above example, the user presses the read key 36 in order to read all the data (data of all songs), but by pressing the line read key 36S instead of the read key 36, the user can select any data. New character data corresponding to only character data of a line can be read and replaced.

For example, when the line read key 36S is pressed in the state where the title of the song number i = 2 is displayed (for example, G21), the message "Read line?" Is displayed instead of the message "Read all?" When the confirmation key 38 or the read key 36 (or the line read key 36S) is displayed, the track number i
The new character data of = 2 is read and replaced with the original character data.

[0238] Also, the original display is the title (disc name)
If so, as in the case of the song title, by pressing the line read key 36S, the character data of the new title is read and replaced. In the text initial state (G0 or G13) described above with reference to FIGS. 20 and 21, since the cursor K is set to the title line, pressing the line read key 36S causes the character data of the new title to be read and replaced. Become.

When the read key 36 or the line read key 36S is pressed in a state other than the basic input mode (H1), an error message indicating that (edit mode is different) is displayed and the read process is performed. Does not.

When other abnormalities occur, the following processing is performed. In other words, if neither the alphanumeric code nor the kanji code is read by the reading process, there is invalid data, or a (remote control) communication error occurs during reading, an error indicating the reading error is notified. (Display), if the read key 36 is pressed in a state where there is no connection with the MD player 90, or if the normal connection is cut during reading, an error notification indicating that MD is not connected is issued.
In any of these cases, after the error notification, the original character data is restored and the original screen display is restored (same as G21), as in the case where the reading process is stopped.

When the delete key 35 is pressed during reading, the fact that reading is stopped is notified and the original screen display is restored. Further, when the power is turned off (the power key 31 is pressed) during reading, all the display is turned off after an error notification indicating that the reading is stopped, and then the power is turned on again, the reading process is performed. As in the case of stopping, the original character data is restored and the original screen display is returned (same as G21 and the like).

As described above, in the tape printer 1, M
Whether the attribute information read from D92 is full-width display attribute information (whether the code of the character group read from the disk includes the code of the specific code group), that is, the attribute depends on the kanji code or the alphanumeric code The storage area of information (character group) is classified into a full-width display attribute data area (first storage area) 246 for a kanji code and a half-width display attribute data area (second storage area) 245 for an alphanumeric code.

Therefore, in the subsequent processing, only the character data is read from one of the editing areas 245 and 246, and it is not necessary to identify whether the character is an alphanumeric code character or a kanji code character.

Further, this makes it possible to improve the processing efficiency such as the average processing speed, the processing function, etc. by branching the subsequent processing according to the classification result.

For example, in the case of a kanji code, since the title (disc name), song name, etc. are easy to see as long as the kanji is included, and can be displayed or printed short, the main label LM
It becomes easier to print the song names of more songs and add additional information such as artist names. In addition, for example, in the JIS code for MD system, simple figures and symbols are coded in the same manner as general characters, but since these are also basically treated as full-width characters like Kanji, By handling the Kanji code side, that is, the characters including the full-width display characters, it is possible to include those various figures, symbols, etc. in the display and printing, and further various kinds of good-looking display and printing can be performed.

On the other hand, in the case of the alphanumeric code, since the characters are uniformly displayed in half-width, it is possible to omit the processing such as determining whether the character is full-width or half-width to determine the display area or the print area. That is, by branching the processing according to the classification result, it is possible to omit some processing and the like required on the kanji code side on the alphanumeric code side, so that the processing efficiency can be improved.

As described above, the MD 92 has a storage area (alphanumeric code storage area) for storing alphanumeric code characters and a kanji code character in consideration of the difference in data processing. The storage area to be stored (kanji code storage area) is individually defined.

On the other hand, since both are continuously transmitted in response to a single request signal, the character from the alphanumeric code storage area is an alphanumeric code, and the character from the kanji code storage area is a kanji code. It is possible to simplify the discrimination process by discriminating that the character groups from both sides are RA.
Each storage area in the M240, that is, the half-width display attribute data area (second storage area) 245 and the full-width display attribute data area (first storage area) 246 can be easily sorted and stored, and the processing efficiency can be improved. .

In the tape printer 1, when the character group is stored in only one of the full-width display attribute data area (first storage area) 246 and the half-width display attribute data area (second storage area), that is, When only one of the kanji code and the alphanumeric code is read, a character group on the read side (in the display image data area 243 in the RAM 240, which is an editing area of the display image (display character image)). For example, when the character image data corresponding to the character data of the song name) is expanded and the character groups are stored in both, that is, when both the Kanji code and the alphanumeric code are read, the next user selection process Then, the selected side is expanded and the expanded character (image) data is displayed (processed) as a display (process) target.

If the user presses the print key 39, RA, which is the editing area for the print image (print character image), is set.
In the print image data area 244 in M240, the image data corresponding to the character on the same side as the above display target is expanded so as to have a predetermined arrangement, and the expanded character (image) data is printed (processed). Is printed (processed). In the display processing and print processing described above, characters are expanded as image data in the editing area. However, in the case of data communication with another device as subsequent processing, that is, communication processing, the character code (text The code) is expanded as it is in the editing area for the communication processing (for example, the text data area 242 for general editing).

As described above, in the tape printer 1, even when only one of the Kanji code and the alphanumeric code is read (stored), both are read (stored). In this case, the character data expanded in the editing area can be processed as a display, print, or other processing target without any problem. Further, as a result, regardless of whether the attribute information stored in the MD (disk) 92 is full-width display attribute information (whether or not the character represented by the code of the specific code group is included), that attribute Information (character group) can be read and can be processed.

Further, even when both are read (stored), only one can be selected as the processing target, so that the processing efficiency does not decrease as compared with the conventional case where only one of the predetermined processing is performed. . Further, in the above-described example, since the user can select, the user's intention can be faithfully reflected in the subsequent processing.

It should be noted that, instead of the user making an arbitrary selection, for example, one side of the Kanji code that looks better may be selected by default, or both the arbitrary selection and the default selection may be made possible. Only when no arbitrary selection is made, a predetermined one or the side selected in the previous optional selection may be default-selected.

By the way, generally, in a character printing apparatus for printing a character group having one or more characters (meaning of characters), a character (character image corresponding to a character code) group to be printed is predetermined before printing. Printing is performed after confirming on the display device etc. of the character printing device how many times the print area (for example, pages) of the print size of the size (for example, one page) can be printed. . Alternatively, it is confirmed after printing due to time and other reasons.

However, when the print size of the printable print area is determined by the character number limit, line number limit, page number limit, etc., those limits are directly specified and printing of the limited print size is performed. There is no known character printing device that extracts and prints a part of a character group that matches an area. Furthermore, there is no known character printing device that informs that there is a character group that has not been printed yet.

For example, in a word processor or the like, by designating the print start page and the print end page, the page number is eventually designated, but since the page number limitation is not directly designated, the user does not There is no knowing whether or not all the desired character groups have been printed on the page, and therefore, when the character groups cannot be printed within the page number limit, printing is performed to inform that fact. Therefore, in order to do such a thing, the user himself / herself needs to confirm on the display screen and input a character or the like notifying that. This also applies to a tape printer or the like that does not have a predetermined print size and sets the print size by a fixed length setting or the like.

On the other hand, in the tape printer 1 of this embodiment, a print size that is an integral multiple of a predetermined reference size can be directly specified, and a character group that fits the print area of that print size can be extracted and printed. Further, when the entire character group cannot be printed within the designated print size, a notification character for notifying the fact is added to enable printing. Hereinafter, a specific description will be given with reference to FIGS.

As shown in FIG. 24, when the user presses the print key 39 in the state of the basic input mode, for example, in the state (G41) where the screen similar to the above (G11, G21, G31) is displayed, The print process as the embedded process is activated, and first, a screen for selecting a print size, specifically, a screen for selecting the type of label to be produced by printing is displayed. First, as a default, the previously selected selection branch (here, "disk label" as an example) is first displayed (G42).

In this state, the user presses the cursor key 3
Other selection branches can be sequentially displayed by operating 3 (33U, 33D, 33L, 33R, etc.) (G42 to G44). For example, if the cursor “↓” key 33D or the cursor “→” key 33R is repeatedly pressed, “disc label” → “case label” → “side label” → “disc label”
The selection branches are displayed in the order of, and in the same way, the cursor "↑"
When the key 33U or the cursor "←" key 33L is repeatedly pressed, selection branches are sequentially displayed in the order of "disc label" → "side label" → "case label" → "disc label".

In addition, in addition to these selection branches, a selection branch such as "normal tape" for designating the print area on the tape T on which the half-blanked label is not formed is prepared and selected. Then, the tape type sensor 141 (see FIG.
The tape width is discriminated from the type of the tape T detected by the reference), and a print image suitable for the print area of the tape width (or the print area with a predetermined margin in the width direction) can be created. However, description (and illustration) is omitted here since they are not related here, and only the selection branch for creating various labels and the subsequent processing will be described.

When the user presses the delete key 35 in the state (G42 to G44) in which any one of the selection branches of the print size (label type, that is, label size) in FIG. 24 is displayed, the print processing is stopped. To return to the screen of the original basic input mode (G41). On the other hand, the same state (G42 to G
When the confirmation key 35 is pressed by the user in 44), it is determined whether or not print data (print image data for printing) is prepared (S45).

The initial text state (G0) described above with reference to FIG.
When the print key 39 is pressed with, the print key 3 is pressed with no character (code) data for the disc (title) name or song name.
When "Disc label" or "Case label" is selected by pressing 9, the print key 39 is pressed to select "Side label" with the character (code) data of the disc (title) name but no song (title) name etc. In such a case, even if the selection of the print size is completed, it is not possible to proceed to the creation of print data (S45: No), so after an error notification (display) indicating that there is no data, the original basic input is made after a predetermined time. The mode is returned to the display state before the press of the print key 39.

On the other hand, when there is character data (S45: Y
In es), next, as shown in FIG. 25, a print confirmation process, that is, a confirmation message “print OK?” is displayed (S47: see FIG. 26). If the enter key 38 or the print key 39 is pressed by the user in this state, next, a preparing display process is performed (S48). On the other hand, when any other key is pressed, the mode returns to the basic input mode (the same as G51: G41).

Next, in the preparation-in-progress display processing (S48), the message "preparation-in-progress" is displayed (S480: see FIG. 26), and mainly the print data creation processing (S481) and the label alignment processing (S482). ), Whether or not the detection is normal (S483) is performed (details will be described later), and the power key 31 is pressed, the delete key 35 is pressed, or the open / close lid 21 is opened (by the lid open / close sensor 142). Then, an error is notified (displayed) to that effect, and the printing process is interrupted (S5).
2) Return to the basic input mode (G51).

Further, when the tape cartridge 5 is not mounted, and the mounted tape cartridge 5 is different from the selected one (that is, the type of the tape T does not form the selected label), the position of the reference hole TH is set. When the detection is not normal (S483: No) or the like, an error notification prompting label exchange display processing, that is, label exchange (mounting the tape cartridge 5 containing the tape T corresponding to the selected label) ( After the display), the process returns to the basic input mode (G51).

On the other hand, when the above-mentioned preparation display processing (S48) is completed normally, next printing display processing (S5) is performed.
0) is performed. In the printing display process (S50), printing is mainly executed with a message indicating that printing is being performed (S502), and the process returns to the basic input mode. Also in this printing display process (S50), the power key 3
When 1 is pressed, the delete key 35 is pressed, or the opening / closing lid 21 is opened, an error is notified (displayed) to that effect, the printing process is interrupted (S52), and the mode is returned to the basic input mode (G5).
1).

By the above printing process, a print image suitable for the type of label (ie, label size) selected as the print size can be printed in the print area of the half-blank label formed on the mounted tape T, As described above with reference to FIG. 5, various desired labels can be created.

Here, the above-mentioned preparation-in-progress display processing (S48)
The in-printing display process (S50) will be described in more detail.

As shown in FIG. 26, while the confirmation message "print OK?" Is displayed in the print confirmation processing, the user presses the enter key 38 or the print key 39 (S4).
7) When the preparing display process (S48) starts, the message "preparing" is displayed (S480), and in that state, the print data creating process (S481) is first performed.

In the print data creation process (S481), first, it is determined whether or not the disc label or the case label is selected (S4811), and when it is selected (S481).
11: Yes), the tape cartridge 5 for the main label LM is detected according to the detection result of the tape identification sensor 141.
It is determined whether or not is attached (S4812), and when not attached (S4812: No), as described above, the label exchange display process (S49) is then performed.

On the other hand, when the disc label or the case label is not selected, that is, when the side label is selected (S4811: No), or the disc label or the case label is selected (S481).
1: Yes), and when the tape cartridge 5 for it is mounted (S4812: Yes), next, a print image creation process (S4813) is performed.

As described above, since the text data area 242 in the RAM 240 stores the character (code) data including the characters displayed in the basic input mode (for example, G41 in FIG. 24), this In the print image creation processing (S4813), character (image) data corresponding to character (code) data such as a disc name or song name stored in the text data area 242 (that is, corresponding to display in the basic input mode) Is developed and arranged in the print image data area 244 in the RAM 240 so as to have a predetermined arrangement, and a print image (data) is created.

When the print image creation process (S4813) is finished and the print data creation process (S481) is finished, label position alignment process (S482) is next performed. In this label alignment process (S482), first, the print position in the vertical direction (width direction of the tape T) is adjusted (S482).
1) Then, the presence / absence of a side label is detected (whether or not the tape cartridge 5 of the tape T for the side label LS is mounted), and the printing position in the front-back direction (longitudinal direction of the tape T) is adjusted. (S4822).

When the label alignment process (S482) is completed, it is next judged whether or not the detection is normal (S483), the preparation display process (S48) is completed, and then the printing display process is completed. (S50) is performed. The vertical print position adjustment (S4821), side label presence / absence detection & front / rear print position adjustment (S4822), and determination as to whether detection is normal (S483) will be described later.

In the during-printing display processing (S50), a message indicating that printing is in progress is displayed (S501), then printing is executed in that state (S502), and the predetermined tape feeding after printing is performed. After (S503), it is determined whether or not the case label is designated (that is, the case label is selected), the printing of the first sheet is completed, and the data of the second sheet is present, that is, the case label designation & the first sheet. It is determined whether or not the end & second sheet data are present (S504), and if the condition is not satisfied (S504: No), the process returns to the basic input mode.

Then, when the conditions of this case label designation & end of first sheet & presence of second sheet data are satisfied (S50)
4: Yes), the print image creation process (S4813) to create (print) the second main label LM.
After printing, tape feeding (S503) is performed in the same manner, and the condition is not satisfied (S504: No), the process returns to the basic input mode.

The vertical print position adjustment (S482
In 1), if the print position setting is changed by the method described later and then the adjustment is performed once, the adjustment is not necessary until the setting is further changed. In that case, the vertical print position adjustment (S4) is performed.
In 821), it suffices to simply confirm that the adjustment has been completed by a flag or the like. Side label presence / absence detection (S4
(A part of 822) also opens and closes the open / close lid 21.
After the detection by 42 and once execution, it is sufficient to similarly confirm with a flag or the like (this confirmation is also included in the processing flow in the description of this processing described later).

Next, the meaning of the above case label designation & end of first sheet & determination of presence of second sheet data will be described with an example. In the example described above with reference to FIG. 5, an example of a case label (see FIG. 7B) in which an artist name or the like is added is shown in contrast to an example of a disc label (FIG. 9A), and it is difficult to directly compare. , Both will be compared and described with reference to another example.

In the setting state of editing (character decoration, etc.) at any time, as names excluding the music number part, for example, 11 characters per line of the main label LM (title name or music name), and 1 When it is attempted to print all the lines faithfully based on the character (code) data read from the MD 92 in a state where 20 lines can be printed per sheet (1 page), as shown in FIG. Images (data) shall be created.

That is, for example, in the first line, the title name of one line (here, "☆ TITLE" is assumed), in the second to third lines, the song number "1", the delimiter "." And the song name (similarly. For example, "A1B1C1D1E1F1G1"), the same as "4." and the title "A2B2C2" on the 4th line, "3.A3B3C3D3E3F3G" on the 5th to 6th lines, and "4.A4B4C4D4E4F" on the 7th line. , ... 1
In line 9, "11.A11B11C11D1", 20 to 21
In the line, "12.A12B12C12D12E12F1
2 ", lines 22-23," 13.A13B13C13D1
3E13 ", line 14" 14.A14B14C14 ",
.., character data for which a print image of the title name and the song numbers / song names of all 45 songs (that is, up to “45.A45B ...”, etc.) can be created are in the text data area 24.
2 is stored.

In this state, when the print key 39 is pressed to start the printing process and the case label is selected, the first label of the main label LM is printed up to the 20th line and printed.
At that time, the conditions of case label designation & end of first sheet & presence of second sheet data are satisfied (S504: Yes), so next, the 21st to 39th lines are allocated to the second sheet of the main label LM, and the last Line (40th line) is printed by adding a notification character ("~ other x song ~" in the example of Fig. 5) to the omission, and at that time, the case label designation & the end of the first page & the data of the second page The condition of existence is not satisfied (S50
4: No), the print process is terminated and the process returns to the basic input mode.

In this case, since the 12th music title is on the 20th to 21st lines, the 2nd line exceeds the page boundary. In such a case, the tape printer 1 actually prints the twelfth song on the 21st to 22nd lines while leaving the 20th line blank.
Here, the processing is ignored in the description.

The notification character to be omitted to be inserted in the last line is, as described above in the example of FIG. 5, in addition to "... other x songs ...", "... all x songs ..." (in the above example. In case of "~ 45
Song ~ ") and so on. That is, since the number of printed songs (equal to the last printed song number) can be known,
For example, if it is possible to grasp that there are 45 songs in all, it is possible to grasp that there is a song name that has not been printed (printing has been omitted), the number of songs that have been omitted, and the like. That is, the notification of "-all x songs-" is omitted.

[0284] In addition, this "~ other x songs ~" and "~ all x
The notification of "Song ~" is convenient because it can be notified by adding it even if it is not omitted. However, for example, when the total number of songs is 10, when all the songs can be printed, the appearance of "-all 10 songs-" is better than "-other 0 songs-". x song- "will be used for explanation.

In the above example, if the total number of songs is 10,
That is, the title name and the song numbers and song names of all 10 songs "10.
A10B10C10D10E10F1 ”, the character data for forming the print image up to the 18th line is stored in the text data area 242, and all of them are assigned to the first label of the main label LM, and the second label is It will be blank.

Further, when the disc label is selected in a state where the character data for all the 45 songs are prepared (stored), the disc label LMD corresponds to one main label as a print area. As shown in b), up to the song number / song name “11.A11B11C11D1” on the 19th line is allocated, and a printed image with the notification characters “-45 songs all” added to the last 20th line is printed. .

As described above, in this tape printer 1, by selecting either the disc label or the case label (selecting the print size from the reference size and one or more enlargement sizes), the label size of the disc label can be changed. It is possible to directly specify a print size that is an integral multiple of (a predetermined reference size) (1 time when the disc label is selected, and 2 times when the case label is selected).

By this, when the disc label is selected, one face of the disc label is selected, and when the case label is selected, the first face and the second face of the disc label (the print area of the selected print size is divided by the reference size). It is possible to allocate different predetermined parts of the character group to each of the one or more divided print areas), create a print image corresponding to the allocated character group, and print it on the print target.
That is, it is possible to directly specify a print size that is an integral multiple of a predetermined reference size, and extract and print a character group that matches a print area (each label) of that print size.

Further, in the tape printer 1, when a character group is assigned to the print area of the selected label size (print size) and the entire character group cannot be printed,
A notification character for printing indicating that is added. That is, since it is possible to directly specify the print size that is an integral multiple of the predetermined reference size, it is possible to determine whether or not all the characters (character images corresponding to the character code) can be printed within the specified print size. When it is determined that printing cannot be performed,
Printing can be performed with a notification character added to notify that effect.

In this case, the notification character for printing may be added to the character group in the state of the character code and then expanded together as an image, or may be expanded separately as an image and then the notification character is added. May be added as an image. Also,
When it is determined that printing can be performed, whether or not to add a notification character for notifying that is optional. In addition, since notification characters that can be commonly used for notification that printing is not possible and notification that printing is possible are possible, it is convenient to use such notification characters.

Further, in the tape printer 1, basically, the label size (print size) can be selected by the user's arbitrary selection, while the type of the mounted tape (print object) T, that is, the tape formed thereon is selected. Since it is possible to detect the type of the half-blank label, it is possible to prompt the user to replace it by notifying the user of the error if it does not match the user's selection. As a result, the user's desire and the tape (print target)
Label size (print size) that is compatible with both types of T
Can be selected.

In the above description, the disc label and the case label, that is, the label size, is a print size that is an integral multiple of the basic size (label size of the disc label) (the disc label is 1 time, the case label is 2 times).
The two types of labels have been mainly described, but as described above, the tape printer 1 can select side labels other than these.

In other words, in the tape printer 1, M
By reading out the character group recorded in the D (disk) 92 and selecting any of the various label sizes (print sizes) regardless of the integral multiple of the reference size, the selected print size can be obtained. A predetermined part or all of the matched character group is extracted to create and print a print image. That is, by selecting one of various print sizes, a character group suitable for the print size can be extracted and printed.

Next, tape printing when viewed as an image creating apparatus which develops each character of a character string having one or more characters into a character image based on predetermined font data and creates an image in which the characters are appropriately arranged The device 1 will be described.

Generally, in order to display or print a character string having one or more characters as an image, the font data corresponding to the text (code) data of each character is read from a ROM or the like that stores known font data. Alternatively, the dot matrix data registered by the external character registration or the drawing registration is read (hereinafter, a known font or a registered dot matrix is simply represented as "predetermined font").
That is, based on the predetermined font data, a character image is developed and arranged in a predetermined image forming area to create display image data and print image data that become a desired image.

For example, in a word processor or the like, an edit screen suitable for the set size of one page is displayed, and the registered text data is read within the range of the edit screen or a new character is keyed in. Edit with. That is, the created display image is displayed by expanding and arranging a character image suitable for the text data of the character string in the display image creating area of a predetermined size. Further, when the editing is completed and a key input for instructing printing is performed, the print image as it is on the screen is printed. That is, a character image suitable for the text data of the character string is developed and arranged in the print image area of a predetermined size, and the created print image is printed.

In these cases, for example, when the text (code) data of the character string includes an arbitrary line feed code that can be arbitrarily inserted, each line of the character string is determined according to the arbitrary line feed code. However, the length of each line up to the arbitrary line feed code (the number of characters, etc.) is set as the size of the image creation area (for horizontal writing, for example,
If it is longer than the horizontal size, an automatic line break will be made at the character that fits the specified horizontal size. Of course, if there is no arbitrary line feed code, automatic line feed will be performed at the characters that fit the set horizontal size.

The same applies to lines. For example, when the text data of a character string includes an arbitrary page break code that can be arbitrarily inserted, the number of lines of each page is determined according to the arbitrary page break code. However, when the number of lines up to the arbitrary page break code is longer than the number of lines set as the size of the image creation area, at the number of lines that fits the vertical size,
Automatic page breaks are made. Of course, when there is no arbitrary page break code, at the line that fits the set vertical size,
Automatic page breaks are made.

However, even if a part of the contents of the character string is omitted, there is a desire to display or print the entire summary of the character string within a predetermined line, a predetermined number of lines, or a predetermined number of pages. No device is known to produce a compatible image. That is, for example, each line number or each information number and only the main part of the character string corresponding to the line number or information number (for example, a predetermined number of characters at the beginning) may be stored in one line.
There is no known device for displaying or printing each line side by side. Also, since only the main part (for example, the first plurality of lines) is required, it can be stored within a predetermined number of lines or pages to display or print the entire image of the content of the character string within the predetermined number of lines or pages. No such device is known.

On the other hand, in the tape printer 1 of the present embodiment, the part of each line of the character string exceeding the predetermined number of characters is omitted, or the predetermined number of lines among the plurality of lines of the character string are arranged. The excess portion is omitted, and when omitted, it is possible to create an omitted image to which an image notifying that effect is added. Hereinafter, a specific description will be made with reference to FIGS. 27 to 28.

First, in the tape printer 1, for example, each information number (corresponding to each music number here) and the main part (a predetermined number of characters at the beginning) of the character string corresponding to the information number (music number) are set to 1 You can create an abbreviated image that is suitable for displaying each line side by side or printing each line.

Here, as described above with reference to FIG.
The text data area 2 includes the title name (think of the song name as "0" (representative)) and the character (code) data for all 45 song numbers and song names that can be used to create a print image.
It is assumed that it is stored in 42.

Various functions can be set in the tape printer 1 (see FIG. 19), and there is a "return form setting". In this return form, "with return" is set as an initial setting value. Therefore, when a print image for the above character code is created in that state, for example, when a disc label is selected, as shown in FIG. Create and print a print image.

In the state where the initial setting is left as it is, for example, as shown in FIG.
As shown in, in the basic input mode, the display screen 41
(See FIG. 2 and FIG. 9) A song name (in the case of the illustration, song name “someday” of song number “2”) is displayed, and an indicator showing the title name and line wrapping (title wrapping and wrapping) setting for the song name 4i01 and 4i
11 (see FIGS. 9 and 10) is lit (displayed) (G61: G41 in FIG. 24 also shows the same state).

In this state (G61), the above character code is prepared, and when the disc label is selected, a print image as shown in FIG. 27 (b) is created. From this state, the user can display the "return form setting" screen in the function selection setting mode by pressing the form key 34FS as shown in FIG.

When the user presses the form key 34FS, the tape printer 1 first displays the current setting, that is, "returned" in the above example (G62).

In this state (G62), when the cursor key 33 is operated by the user, "with wrapping" and "without wrapping" are displayed alternately. These states (G62 to G6
In 3), when the user presses the delete key 35, the original basic input mode is restored (G61).

Here, the user displays the desired one (here, "no return") (G63), and the enter key 38.
By pressing, the desired one (here, “no wrapping”) can be set. That is, for example, when the user presses the function key 38 while displaying "no wrapping", the tape printer 1 sets it as a new "wrapping form" and returns to the basic input mode (G6).
4).

In this case, the display of the character display portion 4c (see FIG. 9) (the song name "someday" of the song number "2") is the original display, but an indicator showing the setting state of the title folding and the folding folding. Of 4i01 and 4i11, the turnaround indicator 4i11 is turned off and the title turnaround indicator 4i01 is kept on. That is, the setting of the turnaround is canceled (G6
4).

In the basic input mode, the user displays the title name (the state in which "D" is displayed on the sub display portion), and then presses the form key 34FS,
By performing the same operation as above, the setting of title wrapping can be canceled. In this case, the title wrapping indicator 4
i01 is turned off. Of course, the title folding and the music folding can be reset by displaying "with folding" by the same operation (for example, in the state of G62) and pressing the confirm key 38.

Then, in the tape printer 1, in the state of "no folding back" (here "no folding back"), and
For example, the above-described title name (think of the song name as "0") and the character (code) data for preparing print images of all 45 song numbers and song names are prepared (text data area). (Stored in 242), when a disc label is selected, a print image as shown in FIG. 28A is created, and in the same state, when a case label is selected,
A print image as shown in FIG.

For example, referring to FIG. 28A, the print image creating process in the case of the disc label selection will be described below. In addition, in practice, for editing and confirmation, a display image to be described later (text data for the display image) is first created, and the created display image (text data for) is used. Although a print image is created, in order to understand the meaning of the display image, it is ignored here and the concept (concept) of the print image creation process will be described first.

As described above with reference to FIG. 27, first, the text data of the target character string (basic character string having one or more rows of character strings each containing one or more characters as each row) is stored. In the example of FIG. 27A described above, the title name (the song name of the song number “0” (representative)) and the song numbers of all 45 songs
Character (code) data for which a print image of a song title can be created is stored in the text data area 242.

Next, it is determined whether or not the number of characters in each line of the basic character string exceeds a predetermined number of characters. Here, in FIG.
Predetermined number of characters according to 7 etc. (excluding the song number part) 1
Use one character.

The size of the image forming area is usually
Since the size is calculated in dot units (dot size), the predetermined number of characters here is the number of characters when arranging characters of the currently set character size (dot size), for example, This is the number of characters when the characters of the currently set character size are arranged so that the total number of dots matches the horizontal dot size of the edited image area. Full-width / half-width, enlargement / reduction, various character modifications (for example, white space ( If the dot size of one character changes, the predetermined number of characters also changes due to (outlined), italic, etc.).

In the above example, the title name "☆ TITLE" (7 characters including the first space) on the first line (corresponding to the title of the song number "0") is less than the predetermined 11 characters, so the title wraps. 1 regardless of whether or not is set
For example, in the case of "☆ TITLEtitle" (12 characters including the first space), if title wrapping is set, that is, if line wrapping is set, wrap with "☆ TITLEtitl" The print image is such that "line feed" is performed and "e" is printed on the second line.

On the other hand, for example, "☆ TITLEtitl
In case of "e" (12 characters), if title wrapping is not set, that is, if line wrapping is not set, it is determined that it exceeds 11 characters (predetermined number of characters), and one or more characters in each line are omitted. A predetermined number of characters (1 character) of a predetermined character omission notification character string (here, for example, "...") for notifying the is subtracted from a predetermined number of characters (11 characters). ), The abbreviated character string "☆ TITLEtit" is created by omitting the characters exceeding the number of characters after omission (10 characters) among the characters in each line (here, the line of the title name) of the basic character string.

Then, the abbreviated character string "☆ TITLE
A character omission notification character string "..." is added to "tit" to create an omission basic character string "* TITLEtit ...". However, as mentioned above, here, the title name "☆ TIT
Since it is "LE" (7 characters), the character string "* TITLE" that is the basic character string is omitted and is set as the first line of the basic character string (see line number "1" in FIG. 28A).

The second line on the next text data, that is, the music number of the information number (music number) "1" is "A1B1C1D1.
"E1F1G1" (14 characters), so if wrapping is set, that is, if line wrapping is set, wrap (line feed) with "A1B1C1D1E1F" and print "1G1" on the second line. Such a printed image is obtained (see FIG. 27A or 27B).

However, here, since the folding is not set, that is, the line folding is not set,
It is determined that the number of characters exceeds 11 characters (predetermined number of characters), and the number of characters (1 character) of the character omission notification character string (“...”) is subtracted from the predetermined number of characters (11 characters).
The second line of the abbreviated character string “A1B1C1D1E” in which the number exceeding the number of characters after omission (10 characters) of each character of each line of the basic character string (line of music number “1”) is omitted based on
1 "is added, and the character omission notification character string" ... "is added to it, and the second basic line" A1B1C1D1E1 "of the omission basic character string is added.
... "is created (see line number" 2 ": music number" 1 "in FIG. 28 (a)).

The third line on the next text data, that is, the music number of the information number (music number) "2" is "A2B2C2".
Since it is (6 characters), there is only one line regardless of whether or not folding is set, that is, whether or not line folding is set. Therefore, the character string "A2B2C2" which is the basic character string is omitted and the third basic character string is set ( Line number “3” in FIG. 28A: See song number “2”).

The fourth line on the next text data, that is, the song name of the information number (song number) "3" is "A3B3C3D3E".
3F3G ”(13 characters), so if you have set turn-around, turn back with“ A3B3C3D3E3F ”and
The print image is such that "G" is printed in the second line (Fig. 2
7 (a) or (b)), here, since the setting is no turn-back, it is determined that the number of characters exceeds 11 (predetermined number of characters), and the number of characters (1 character) in the character omission notification character string (“...”) is determined.
Based on the predetermined number of omitted characters (10 characters) obtained by subtracting from the predetermined number of characters (11 characters), an abbreviated character obtained by omitting more than 10 characters of each character in the line of the music number “3” of the basic character string The fourth line “A3B3C3D3E3” of the column is created, and “...” is added to it to create the fourth basic line “A3B3C3D3E3 ...” Of the omitted basic character string (FIG. 28 (a)).
Line number "4": See song number "3").

The fifth line on the next text data, that is, the song name of the information number (song number) "4" is "" A4B4C4D4
Since it is "E4F" (11 characters), there is only one line regardless of whether or not folding is set, that is, whether or not line folding is set. Therefore, the basic character string "A4B4C4D4E4F" is omitted. (See line number “5”: music number “4” in FIG. 28A).

Similarly, the 19th line "A18B18C18D ..." Of the abbreviated basic character string is created (see line number "19": music number "18" in FIG. 28A), and the last 20th line. The above-mentioned notification character indicating that the line is omitted, that is, a predetermined line omission notification character string "to all 4
Then, the creation of the abbreviated basic character string is completed (see line number “20” in FIG. 28A).

When the abbreviated basic character string is created, in the tape printer 1, next, a predetermined image creating area in which a character image of a predetermined number of characters (11 characters) can be arranged, that is, the label of the disc label LMD in this case. In the image creation area secured in the print image data area 244 according to the size,
An abbreviated image in which an image of an abbreviated basic character string is developed and arranged based on a predetermined font is created.

As described above, the tape printer 1 stores the text data of the basic character string having one or more character string rows each including one or more characters,
It is determined whether or not the number of characters in each line of the basic character string exceeds a predetermined number of characters (11 characters in the above example), and if it is determined that the number of characters exceeds the predetermined number of characters, the omission of one or more characters in each line is notified. Based on the predetermined number of omitted characters (10 characters) obtained by subtracting the number of characters (1 character) of the predetermined character omission notification character string (“...”) from the predetermined number of characters, each character of each line of the basic character string Create an abbreviated character string that omits more than the number of characters after omission, add the character abbreviation notification character string ("...") to the abbreviated basic character string, and create a character image with a specified number of characters (11 characters). In a predetermined image creation area in which the above can be arranged, an image of the omitted basic character string is developed based on a predetermined font and arranged to create an omitted image.

In this case, the number of characters of the omitted character string, that is, the number of characters after omission (10 characters) is a value obtained by subtracting the number of characters (1 character) of the character omission notification character string (“...”) from the predetermined number of characters (11 characters). Therefore, the number of characters of the omitted basic character string obtained by adding the character omission notification character string to the omitted character string does not exceed the predetermined number of characters.

Therefore, in the tape printer 1, when the number of characters in each line of the basic character string having one or more characters composed of text data exceeds the predetermined number of characters, a predetermined number of character images can be arranged. In the image creation area, a part of the basic character string is omitted and a notification of the omission is displayed. Can be created.

That is, a part of each line of the character string exceeding a predetermined number of characters can be omitted, and when omitted, an omitted image can be created with an image for notifying that effect added. Therefore, in the tape printer 1, for example, each line number or each information number (each song number) and a main part (a predetermined number of characters at the beginning) of the character string corresponding to the line number or each information number (tune number) are included in one line. It is possible to create an abbreviated image suitable for displaying each line side by side or printing, etc. (see FIG. 28).

Although the tape printer 1 can set the presence / absence of the above-described title folding or music folding, any of them may be fixed, in which case the setting as described above with reference to FIG. 29 is unnecessary. Become.

The character omission notification character string may be added to the basic character string in the state of the character code and then expanded together as an image as described above. It may be added as an image of the character omission notification character string after being separately developed as an image.

That is, in this case, the tape printer 1 stores the text data of the basic character string having one or more lines of the character string each including one or more characters as each line, and as in the above-mentioned example, Based on the number of default characters
An image of each character of each line of the basic character string that exceeds the number of omitted characters is omitted based on the specified font in the specified image creation area where a specified number of character images can be placed. Create an abbreviated character string image that was placed in
Further, by expanding and arranging a predetermined character omission notification character string based on a predetermined font, an omission image in which the image of the character omission notification character string is added to the omission character string image is created.

Also in this case, similarly to the above-described example, the number of characters in each line of the character image to be developed / arranged to create the omitted image does not exceed the predetermined number of characters.
Therefore, even in this case, when the number of characters in each line of the basic character string having one or more characters composed of text data exceeds the predetermined number of characters, a predetermined image creation area in which a character image of a predetermined number of characters can be arranged is arranged. It is possible to create an abbreviated image in which an image of a new character string to which a part of the basic character string is omitted and a character omission notification character for notifying that it has been omitted is developed and arranged based on a predetermined font. That is, a part of each line of the character string that exceeds a predetermined number of characters can be omitted, and when omitted, an omitted image can be created with an image indicating that fact added.

In the above example, "..." is used as the character omission notification character string, but in addition to this, "...",
".", "...", ".", Or the like may be used, and, for example, a character string composed of a plurality of characters including these may be used as the character omission notification character string. In these cases, the character omission notification character strings are "...", "...", ".",
Since one or more characters indicating "to" or "." Are included, the omitted image can be accurately expressed.

In the tape printer 1, character insertion,
Editing such as character deletion, character conversion, character size setting, and character decoration setting can be performed. As a result of such editing, the width of a character image of one character changes, and as a result, the number of characters that can be placed in a given image creation area is changed. When there is a change, the number of characters after the change is set as a predetermined number of characters and an abbreviated image is created, so that an image suitable for the basic character string of the edited result can be created.

That is, as described above, the predetermined number of characters referred to here is, for example, the number of characters in the currently set character size, and can be changed by full-width / half-width, enlargement / reduction, various character modifications (for example, hollow, italic, etc.). If the dot size of one character changes, the predetermined number of characters also changes. However, the tape printer 1 creates an abbreviated image with the predetermined number of characters corresponding to it, so that the omitted characters that match the basic character string of the edited result are created. Images can be created.

Further, as described above, in the tape printer 1, in addition to the abbreviated image in which the part exceeding the predetermined number of characters of each line of the character string is omitted, the predetermined line of the plurality of lines in which each line of the character string is arranged is arranged. Omit the part that exceeds the number, and when omitted,
It is possible to create an abbreviated image to which an image for notifying that is added. That is, for example, it is suitable for storing the main part (the first plural lines) within a predetermined number of lines or pages and displaying or printing the entire image of the contents of the character string within the predetermined number of lines or pages. You can create abbreviated images.

In this case, similarly to the above-described example, first, the basic character string of the text data is stored and it is determined whether or not the number of lines of the basic character string exceeds a predetermined number of lines. Figure 2
7 (b) and FIG. 28 (a), the predetermined number of lines in the case of a disc label is 20. In addition, FIG.
(B) shows an example of the case label, and the predetermined number of lines in this case is 40 lines. In the following, an example of 20 lines (disc label) will be described.

That is, in the tape printer 1, when it is determined that the number of lines exceeds the predetermined number (20 lines), a predetermined line omission notification character string for notifying a line omission (as described above, here "~ All x songs ~") (1 line here)
Is subtracted from the predetermined number of lines (20 lines) after the omission, the number exceeding the number of omitted lines is omitted from each line of the basic character string, and the line omission notification character string Each line (one line of "-all x songs-") is added to create an abbreviated basic character string that becomes a new basic character string, and a predetermined number of lines (20
The image of the abbreviated basic character string is developed and arranged based on a predetermined font in a predetermined image forming area in which the character image of (line) can be arranged, and the omitted image is created.

In this case, the number of lines after omission (19 lines) is a value obtained by subtracting the number of lines (here, one line) of the line omission notification character string from the predetermined number of lines (20 lines). Even if is added, the number of lines of the omitted basic character string does not exceed the predetermined number of lines.

Therefore, in the tape printer 1, when the number of basic character strings having a plurality of character strings each consisting of text data of one or more characters as the number of lines exceeds the predetermined number, the predetermined number of lines is determined. Based on the specified font, the image of the new character string with a line omission notification character added to notify that the part of the basic character string is omitted in the specified image creation area where the character image of You can create an abbreviated image that is expanded and placed.

That is, of the plurality of lines in which the lines of the character string are arranged, a part exceeding a predetermined number of lines is omitted, and when omitted, an omitted image can be created with an image informing that fact. Therefore, in the tape printer 1, for example, the main part (the first plural lines) is stored within a predetermined number of lines or pages, and the entire image of the content of the character string is displayed within the predetermined number of lines or pages. It is possible to create an abbreviated image suitable for printing.

In the case of omitting lines, as in the case of omitting characters, the line omission notification character string is added to the basic character string in the character code state and then expanded together as an image. Alternatively, the image may be separately developed as described below and then added as an image of the line omission notification character string.

In this case, in the tape printer 1, a basic character string having a plurality of character strings each consisting of text data of one or more characters is stored, and the number of lines after omission is set in the same manner as the above example. Based on the above, in the specified image creation area where a specified number of lines of character images can be placed, the images of the characters of the remaining lines, which are omitted from the lines of the basic character string that exceed the number of lines after omission, are displayed. Create an abbreviated character string image that is expanded and arranged based on a prescribed font, and further expand and arrange the prescribed line abbreviation notification character string based on a prescribed font to display lines on the omitted character string image. Create an abbreviated image with the image of the abbreviated notification character string added. That is, also in this case, the number of lines of the character image to be developed and arranged for creating the omitted image does not exceed the predetermined number of lines, as in the above-described example.

Therefore, also in this case, when the number of lines of the basic character string having a plurality of character strings each consisting of text data of one or more characters as a line exceeds the predetermined number of lines, the character of the predetermined number of lines is displayed. An image of a new character string with a line omission notification character added to notify that the part of the basic character string has been omitted is developed based on the specified font in the specified image creation area where the image can be placed. It is possible to create an abbreviated image that has been placed. That is, it is possible to create a omitted image in which a part exceeding a predetermined number of lines among a plurality of lines in which each line of a character string is arranged is omitted, and when omitted, an image for notifying the fact is added.

Further, in the tape printer 1, in the omitted part of the plurality of lines of the basic character string containing the song names of the plurality of songs stored in the MD (disk) 92, one of the song names of the plurality of songs is set. When the above is included, a character indicating the total number of songs stored in the MD (disk) or the number of omitted songs (the above-mentioned "all x songs" or "-other x songs-")
Is included in the line abbreviation notification character string, the user can confirm that the image creation is omitted from the total number of songs included in the line abbreviation notification character string or the number of omitted songs and the number of songs created as an image. In addition, it is possible to know the other of the total number of songs and the number of omitted songs.

In the tape printer 1, the display screen 4
Since the display image displayed in 1 is configured differently, the above omitted image is used as a print image, but it goes without saying that the above omitted image may be used as a display image.

However, the abbreviated image as described above is created,
When it is used for displaying and printing as it is, once created, it is difficult to confirm if the original character string is partially modified. That is, for example, when a part of a character or a line is deleted, the range within a predetermined line, a predetermined number of lines, or a predetermined number of pages differs, so the position to be omitted (the character or line to be omitted) However, it is difficult to correct the characters and lines that have been omitted (which should be restored by the correction) by displaying or printing only the omitted image.

On the other hand, when an entire image (entire image) that is not omitted is created instead of the omitted image, the horizontal size (the number of characters in one line, etc.) and the vertical size (the number of characters in one line) of the edited image creation area are created. Depending on the number of lines, etc., automatic line breaks and page breaks are performed as described above, so it is difficult to grasp the original image of each line of the character string. Further, it is difficult to grasp the image of each line or each page when the omitted image is created later.

Therefore, in the tape printer 1, a part of each line of the character string is omitted and expanded / arranged so that each line becomes one line of the character string image. Prior to image creation, or independently of edited image creation, while utilizing the original image of each line of the character string, edit notification that can grasp the position where characters overflow from each line such as the omitted position or line feed position in the edited image I am able to create images. Hereinafter, specifically, FIGS.
Etc. will be described.

First, in the tape printer 1, as shown in FIG. 30, three types of display-only characters are defined. A line overflow mark 1 (first predetermined line overflow notification character string), a line overflow mark 2 (second predetermined line overflow notification character string), and a character overflow mark (character overflow notification character string) are respectively displayed as "L1". , "L2" and "C" are the marks, so they will be abbreviated below as "L1 mark" and "L2".
Also referred to as "mark" and "C mark".

The meanings and usages of these three types of display-only characters will be described below. The “L1 mark” and the “L2 mark” will be described later, so the “C mark” will be described first.

The C mark is, so to speak, a character overflow notifying character string indicating that the number of characters has exceeded the limit. That is, in the tape printer 1, for example, the character string to be processed (the basic character string described above) in FIG. 27 or the like is stored, and the number of characters of each line of the basic character string is a predetermined number of characters (the above-mentioned basic character string). 11 in the example
It is determined whether or not the number of characters exceeds the predetermined number, and when it is determined that the number of characters exceeds the predetermined number (11 characters), the C mark (character overflow notification character string) immediately before the predetermined number of characters (11 characters) is exceeded. A display character string (edit notification character string) is created as a basic character string including a C mark by inserting it between the character and the character immediately following it, and the display character data area (predetermined edit notification image creation area) 243 is created. A display image (edit notification image) that is developed and arranged based on a predetermined font is created.

A more specific description will be given. For example, when the above-mentioned text data in FIG.
The 11th line on the text data corresponding to the 17th to 18th lines of 7 (a) is the title "A1" of the information number (tune number) "10".
0B10C10D10E10F1 "is a character code.

In this case, the tape printer 1 is shown in FIG.
As shown in (a), the eleventh character “1” (“D10”)
"1" in the middle of and the 12th character "0"("D10")
The above C mark is inserted between the last "0") and the "0". Then, this is directly reflected on the display image and displayed. That is, FIG. 31 shows an image of a display character string of text data (character code) and at the same time an image of a display image created based on the image.

On the other hand, the image of the print image created from the original basic character string is as shown in FIG.
Or as shown in (b). Of these, for example, the information number (song number) “1” on the 17th to 18th lines in FIG.
The image on the print image of the song name “A10B10C10D10E10F1” of “0” and the C mark of FIG. 31A are inserted (the insertion position is indicated by “C” for explanation) “A10”
As is clear by comparing the image on the display image of B10C10D1 "C" 0E10F1 "(the same as the image of the display character string), the position of the C mark corresponds to the position of automatic line feed.

That is, in the tape printer 1, a print image data area (predetermined edit image creating area) 2 for creating a print image (editing image) such as an omitted image or an entire image
A predetermined number of characters (11 characters in the above example) is set to the number of characters that fits the size of 44 (for example, the length direction of each line of horizontal writing).
Then, in the display character string (edit notification character string), there is a C mark (character overflow notification character) between a character immediately before and a character immediately after exceeding a predetermined number of characters (11 characters), that is, at a position where an automatic line feed occurs. Since a column) is inserted, C is displayed at the position of the automatic line break in the display image (edit notification image) that is expanded / arranged.
The character image of the mark (character overflow notification character string) is expanded and arranged.

Therefore, by displaying the created display image (edit notification image), the user can grasp the line feed position (character overflow position) in the print image (edit image) from the display image (edit notification image). Not only when it is determined that the number of characters exceeds a predetermined number of characters, but also when a character overflow notification character string can be arbitrarily inserted as in the case of general arbitrary line breaks, the degree of freedom in editing is increased and operability is improved. improves.

Further, in the tape printer 1, as described above, the presence / absence of title folding or music folding can be set. When no folding is set, a predetermined number of characters (11 in the above example) is set.
Instead of the characters, the number of characters (1 character) of the predetermined character omission notification character string (“...” in the above example) is subtracted from the predetermined number of characters (11 characters) to obtain a predetermined number of omitted characters (1).
A C mark (character overflow notification character string) is inserted based on 0 character.

In this case, the number of characters after omission (10 characters) and the number of characters of the predetermined character omission notification character string ("...") (1 character)
Is added, the predetermined number of characters (11 characters) is obtained. That is, the insertion position of the C mark (character overflow notification character string) is set to, for example, a predetermined number of characters (11 characters) that matches the horizontal size of the disc label (edited image creation area).
And the omission position when creating an abbreviated image in which a part of each line of the basic character string is omitted and a predetermined character omission notification character string (“...”) that notifies that effect is added to the same line. Become.

A more specific description will be given. For example, when the above-mentioned text data is used as a basic character string in FIG. 27 or the like and no turn-back is set, as shown in FIG. 31 (b), for example, the music number “A10B10” of the above-mentioned information number (music number) “10” is displayed.
Between the 10th character “D” (the first “D” of “D10”) and the 11th character “1” (“1” in the middle of “D10”) of the character code of C10D10E10F1 ”, Insert C mark. Then, this is directly reflected on the display image and displayed.

On the other hand, in the case of the setting of no folding back, the image of the print image created from the original basic character string is shown in FIG. 28 (a) or (b) as described above. In this case, for example, the song number “A10B10C10D ...” of the information number (song number) “10” on the 11th line in FIG.
The image on the printed image of "A10B10C10D" C "10E10 with the C mark in FIG.
As is clear from a comparison with the image on the display image of "F1" (the same as the image of the display character string), the position of the C mark corresponds to the omitted position.

Therefore, if the user displays the created display image (edit notification image), and if the wrap setting is set (automatic line feed is performed), the user can display the print image (edit notification image) from the display image (edit notification image). The line feed position (character overflow position) in the edited image) can be grasped, and the omitted position (character overflow position) can be grasped when there is no wrapping setting.

Actually, as described above, in the tape printer 1, the creation of the display image (or the creation of text data therefor) is performed first for editing and confirmation.
The created display image (or its text data)
Create a print image using.

A more specific description will be given. The tape printer 1 creates an abbreviated character string that omits the characters after the C mark (character overflow annunciation character string) among the characters of each line of the above-mentioned display character string (editing annunciation character string), and makes each omission line A basic omission basic character string is created by adding a character omission notification character string ("...") to the print image data area (predetermined edited image) in which a predetermined number of character images (for example, 11 characters in the above example) can be arranged. In the creation area) 244, a print image (abbreviated image) in which an image of the omitted basic character string is developed and arranged based on a predetermined font is created.

That is, the C mark (character overflow notifying character string) of the above-mentioned display character string (edit notifying character string) has a line feed in the print image (editing image) when wrapping is set (automatic line feed is made). Position (character overflow position),
When there is no wrapping setting, it indicates the omitted position (character overflow position).
By wrapping (line feed) at the C mark, when there is no wrapping setting, the characters after the C mark are omitted and a predetermined character omission notification character string (“...”) is added, so that the print image (edit) is displayed from the display character string. Image) can be created (or a character string for it can be created).

Therefore, the tape printer 1 omits not only the display image (edit notification image) but also a part of each line of the basic character string based on the above-mentioned display character string (edit notification character string). It is possible to easily create a print image (abbreviated image) in which a predetermined character omission notification character string for notifying that is added to the same line.

Of course, the display character string (edit notification character string)
Even when a display image (edit notification image) or a print image (abbreviated image) is created based on
When the width of the character image of the character changes and the number of characters that can be arranged in the predetermined image creation area changes accordingly, the changed number of characters is used as the predetermined number of display images (edit notification image) or print image (edit notification image). Since an abbreviated image) is created, an image suitable for the basic character string of the edited result can be created.

Although an image equivalent to the above-mentioned display image (edit notification image) can be created and printed as a print image, if it is created as a display image, its advantages are brought to life. In this case, for example, when there is a display character string as shown in FIG. 32 (a), it is created and displayed as a display image, and by operating the cursor key 33 as shown in FIG. 32 (b). , Each part can be visually recognized (G65 to G6
8: Here, the range of the dotted line is the range not displayed). In addition, an undesirable predetermined editing operation (for example, L1
With respect to operations such as deleting a display-only character such as a mark), it is possible to prevent such an error notification (G69), which is suitable for editing.

Therefore, for example, it is possible to edit and confirm the display character string described above in FIG. 31 in the same manner. Particularly, when the edited image such as the omitted image or the whole image is used as the print image, Before printing, you can check the character overflow position from each line, such as the omitted position or line feed position in the print image (edit image), by displaying the display image (edit notification image).
As a result, edits such as corrections (eg, restoration of omitted characters)
Even when it is determined that is necessary, it is possible to confirm each character of the entire basic character string including the omitted character (which should be restored by correction, for example), which facilitates editing and the like.

As is apparent from FIGS. 31 and 32, in the tape printer 1, each line of the display character string (edit notification character string) corresponds to each line of the basic character string, and the display character string (edit Display image (edit notification image) by expanding and arranging each line of the notification character string) to be a single character string image
Is created, it is possible to create a display image (edit notification image) that makes use of the original image of each line of the character string.

Further, it is preferable that the character overflow notifying character string includes a symbol which can be easily distinguished from other characters, such as a special symbol specially registered by the external character registration or the like. That is, the display (similarly when used for printing) allows the edit notification image to be clearly distinguished from other characters, and the character overflow position can be easily grasped. Considering these points,
In the tape printer 1, as described above, for example, a symbol in the shape of "C", that is, a C mark is used in order to associate the overflow of characters.

Further, it is preferable that the edit notification image is created by expanding and arranging the edit notification character string only in the range necessary for display or printing. That is, for example, by creating only the display range on the display screen and newly expanding and arranging the characters of the image of the part that is insufficient when the display range is moved, by creating only the necessary range, It is possible to shorten the time from the start of the edit notification image creation process to the confirmation and to secure the edit notification image creation area for the display screen, which is advantageous in that the memory can be saved. Even when the edit notification image is used as the print image, it is possible to sequentially create the necessary range in accordance with the print processing, and therefore, there is a similar advantage.

By the way, as in the case of creating the edit notification image so that the entire image of the omitted image in which a part of each line of the character string is omitted can be easily grasped, the omission of a part of the line of the character string of a plurality of lines is omitted. Since it is preferable that the entire image can be grasped, the tape printer 1 is also devised in this respect.

That is, in the tape printer 1, a part of a plurality of lines of a character string is omitted and an image for notifying the fact is added, and the entire number of the predetermined number of lines is a natural number times the reference predetermined number of lines. Prior to creating an edited image such as an abbreviated image expanded / arranged to become an image of a character string, or independently of the creation of the edited image, the original image of each line of the character string is used, and the edited image is specified as a standard. An edit notification image capable of grasping a line overflow position indicating each omitted position when the number of predetermined lines is a natural multiple of the number of lines is created. Below, specifically,
This will be described with reference to FIGS. 27 to 33.

As described above with reference to FIG. 30, in the tape printer 1, in addition to the above-described C mark (character overflow mark: character overflow notification character string), the L1 mark (line overflow mark 1: first character) is used as a display-only character. (Predetermined line overflow notification character string)
And L2 mark (line overflow mark 2: second predetermined line overflow notification character string).

The L1 mark and the L2 mark are, so to speak, a line overflow notification character string indicating that the number of lines has exceeded, and the L1 mark is the first line.
The first predetermined line overflow notification character string indicating that the predetermined number of lines (the number of disc label lines in the following example) has been exceeded, and the L2 mark is the second
The second predetermined line overflow notification character string indicates that the predetermined number of lines (the number of case label lines in the following example) is exceeded.

That is, in the tape printer 1, for example, a predetermined part or all of the lines of the character string to be processed (the above-mentioned basic character string) as described above with reference to FIG. A predetermined number of reference lines for expanding and arranging in the edited image creation area (the edited image is a print image, and the created area is secured in the print image data area 244) and its n times n is a natural number, and a predetermined number of n-th rows equal to or greater than 1 is defined.

Specifically, here, the reference predetermined number of lines (that is, the first predetermined number of lines) is set to 20 for the disc label and the second for the disc label.
There are 2 types (n =
1, 2) The determined example will be described.

If the number of lines when expanding and arranging each character of the basic character string in the edited image creating area exceeds any of the n-th predetermined lines, each of the n-th predetermined lines determined to exceed Regarding the number, the nth predetermined line overflow notification character string indicating the excess number of lines is inserted between the end of the line immediately before the number exceeding the n-th omitted line and the beginning of the line immediately after, and the resulting character string is An edit notification character string is created, and the edit notification image is created by arranging the edit notification character string in the edit notification image creation area based on a predetermined font.

Here, the number of lines after omission is the number of lines of a predetermined nth predetermined line omission notification character string for notifying the omission of a line for each nth predetermined line. Refers to the number of lines subtracted from the number.

Specifically, in the above example, the n-th predetermined line omitted notification character string is "... other x music ..." or "... all x music ...", and in the former case, the The 1 (n = 1) predetermined line notification character string and the second (n = 2) predetermined line notification character string are different character strings (x part, that is, the number of remaining songs is different), and in the latter case, the same character Although there are columns, the number of rows is 1 in each case. Then, as described above, in the present embodiment, the latter "-all x songs-" is preferentially used.

In this case, the number of lines after the first omission = the first predetermined line number (20 lines) -the first predetermined line omission notification character string ("-all x songs-") line number (1 line) = 19 lines Thus, the number of lines after the second omission = the second predetermined number of lines (40 lines) −the number of lines of the second predetermined line omission notification character string (“˜all x songs˜”) (1 line) = 39 lines (FIG. 28 (a) and (b)).

Therefore, specifically, the number of lines when each character of the basic character string is expanded and arranged in the print image data area (editing image creation area) 244 is the first predetermined number of lines (20 lines).
And the second predetermined number of lines (40 lines), the first predetermined number of lines and the second predetermined number of lines which are determined to exceed are the first number of lines after omission (19 lines) and the second number of lines after omission. Between the end of the line immediately before exceeding (39 lines) and the beginning of the line immediately after it, the L1 mark (first predetermined line overflow notification character string) or the L2 mark (second line)
Insert a predetermined line overflow notification character string) and create the resulting character string as an edit notification character string (set as a display character string for display as in the above example), and display the display character string (edit notification character string). A display image (edit notification image) in which a column is developed and arranged based on a predetermined font in the display image data area (edit notification image creation area) 243 is created.

In this case, naturally, when the first number of lines after omission (19 lines) and the number of lines of the corresponding first predetermined line omission notification character (1 line) are added, the first predetermined line number (20 lines) Becomes Similarly, the second number corresponding to the second number of lines after omission (39 lines)
The second predetermined line number (40 lines) is obtained by adding the predetermined line omission notification character line number (1 line).

That is, as shown in FIG. 27 and FIG. 31 (a) corresponding thereto, and FIG. 28 (a) and corresponding FIG. 31 (b) to (c), the L1 mark in this case (first predetermined The insertion position of the line overflow notification character string) is the first predetermined line omission notification character ("-all x songs-") that omits a part of the basic character string (from the 20th line onward) and notifies that fact. The first number of lines (20 lines)
This is the omission position when creating an omission image that has been expanded and arranged so that

Further, as shown in FIG. 28B and corresponding FIGS. 31B to 31D, the insertion position of the L2 mark (second predetermined line overflow notification character string) in this case is the basic character. A second predetermined number of lines is added by adding an image of a second predetermined line omission notification character ("-all x songs-") for omitting a part of the rows of the column (40th line and thereafter) and notifying that. (40 lines)
This is the omission position when creating an omission image that has been expanded and arranged so that

Therefore, the user displays the created display image (edit notification image) to display the omitted image (edit image) in the first predetermined number of lines and the second predetermined number of lines (natural number of the reference predetermined number of lines ( It is possible to grasp each omitted position (row overflow position) when n = 1, 2) times each predetermined number of rows). In addition,
In this embodiment, it is used to create a display image, but it goes without saying that it can also be used to create a print image in order to print the same content.

In other words, in other words, in this case, each nth
The number of lines after omission and the number of lines of the corresponding n-th predetermined line omission notification character are added to obtain the n-th predetermined line number. That is, the insertion position of the n-th predetermined line overflow notifying character string in this case is the whole by omitting a part of the basic character string and adding an image of the n-th predetermined line omission notifying character for notifying that fact. This is the omission position when creating an omission image that is developed and arranged so as to have an image of the n-th predetermined line.

Therefore, the user displays or prints the created edit notification image to display the omitted image (edit image) in the n-th predetermined line number (each predetermined line number which is a natural number times the reference predetermined line number). You can grasp each omitted position (line overflow position) when setting.

Also, as the n-th predetermined number of rows, different n
, The number of lines of the n-th predetermined line omitted notification character string for each n can be set to be different from each other.
Then, the number of lines of the n-th predetermined line omission notification character string is the same for all the n-th predetermined lines. As a result, the same value can be used, and the insertion processing of each n-th predetermined line overflow notification character string, that is, the creation of the edit notification character string can be simplified.

Further, in the tape printer 1, not only the display image (edit notification image) but also the print image (edit image: omitted image) can be created by using the display character string (edit notification character string). It has become.

That is, as described above with reference to FIGS. 24 to 26, the disc label, the case label, and the side label can be selected, and a print image of a print size that matches the label size of the selected label is created. If selected, the first predetermined number of lines (20 lines) can be set as the predetermined number of lines, and if the case label is selected, the second predetermined number of lines (40 lines) can be set as the predetermined number of lines.

For this reason, in the tape printer 1, if the disc label is selected (the first predetermined number of lines is set), the L1 mark (first line) of each line of the display character string (edit notification character string) is selected.
Create an abbreviated character string that omits the characters after the predetermined line overflow notification character string), and create an abbreviated basic character string to which "~ all x songs ~" (first predetermined line omitted notification character string) is added, and print image data An abbreviated image in which an image of the abbreviated basic character string is developed and arranged based on a predetermined font is created in a region (a predetermined edited image creation region) 244.

If the case label is selected (the second predetermined number of lines is set), the L2 mark (second predetermined line overflow notifying character string) and the following parts of each line of the display character string (editing notifying character string) are omitted. Create an abbreviation string and add "~ all x songs ~" to it.
An abbreviated basic character string to which the (second predetermined line abbreviated notification character string) is added is created, and the image of the abbreviated basic character string is developed in the print image data area (predetermined edited image creation area) 244 based on a predetermined font. To create the omitted image.

That is, the display character string (edit notification character string)
By using, not only the display image (edit notification image),
Development and arrangement so that part of the basic character string is omitted and an image is added to notify that effect so that the whole becomes an image of a character string of a predetermined number of natural numbers (n) times the reference predetermined number of lines. A printed image (edited image: abbreviated image) can be created.

Specifically, as shown in FIG. 33, when any one of the disc label, the case label and the side label is selected (S70), the title is selected when the side label is selected (S71). The name (disc name) is created as a print image and printed (S72).

When the disc label is selected (S
73), it is determined whether or not there is an L1 mark (S74),
If there is (S74: Yes), the first side (first sheet) of the main label LM creates and prints a full (full) print image up to the 20th line, and at the 20th line, "... all x "~" (First predetermined line omitted notification character string) is added and printed (S75).

On the other hand, when there is no L1 mark (S74: N
In o), even if a print image corresponding to the entire display character string is created, the print image is not full up to the 20th line, so the print image is created and printed without omission (S76). As described above, in the case of "-all x songs-", the appearance is not bad even if it is printed without omitting it. Therefore, it is optional to set the specifications for printing (creating a print image). .

When a case label is selected (S7)
7) First, it is determined whether or not it is the first side (first sheet) (S7
8) On the first side (first sheet) (S78: Yes), it is next determined whether or not there is an L1 mark (S79:
However, in processing, this determination is unnecessary and may be omitted.) If there is (S79: Yes), a full print image is created for the first side (first sheet) of the main label LM up to the 20th line. However, since the case label is selected and printing can still be performed on the second side (second sheet), a print image in which "~ all x songs ~" (first predetermined line omitted notification character string) is not added is created and printed ( S80).

On the other hand, when there is no L1 mark (S79: N
In o), even if a print image corresponding to the entire display character string is created, the print image is not full up to the 20th line, so the print image is created and printed without omission (S76).

Further, it is judged whether or not it is the first side (first sheet) (S78), and when it is not the first side (first sheet), that is, when it is the second side (second sheet) (S78: No). ,next,
It is determined whether or not there is an L1 mark (S81), and when there is no L1 mark (S81: No), the first side (first sheet)
Since all have been finished with, the print image is neither created nor printed (S82).

The second side (second sheet) (S78: No)
If the L1 mark is present (S81: Yes), it is then determined whether or not the L2 mark is present (S83).
If there is no mark (S83: No), even if a print image corresponding to the entire display character string is created, it will not be full up to the 40th line (20th line of the second sheet), so do not omit it. A print image is created and printed (S84).

Then, the second side (second sheet) (S78: N
If the L1 mark is present in (o) and the L2 mark is present (S83: Yes), the main label L
The second side of M (the second sheet) is a full-printed image up to the 20th line, and "-all x songs-" (second predetermined line omitted notification character string) is added to the 20th line and printed ( S85).

As described above, the tape printer 1 uses the display character string (edit notification character string) to omit not only the display image (edit notification image) but also a part of the basic character string. A print image developed by adding an image for notifying that effect and arranging so that the entire image becomes a character string image of a predetermined number of lines that is a natural number (n = 1, 2) times the reference predetermined number of lines (20 lines) (Edit image: abbreviated image) can be created.

In the above example, since all the n-th predetermined line omission notification character strings for creating the omitted image are the same character string ("-all x songs-"), one type of character string is n A predetermined line omission notification character string omission image may be prepared.

Further, in the tape printer 1, a predetermined information number (music number) corresponding to each line of the basic character string is set. The information number (song number) in this case may correspond to each line of the basic character string, and corresponds to each line when the basic character string is expanded / arranged in the print image data area (edited image creation area) 244. You don't have to.

That is, any one line of the basic character string is 1
Regardless of whether it is expanded as an image of a character string of a line or expanded into a plurality of lines by, for example, automatic line feed, a character string that teaches the total number of pieces of information (the number of pieces of music) is the nth predetermined line omitted notification character string. Therefore, by displaying or printing the omitted image, the user omits the total number of information (number of songs) and the total number of information (number of songs) by the number of information (number of songs) and the total number of information (number of songs) of the lines that have not been omitted. It is possible to ascertain that the information has been written, the number of pieces of information (the number of pieces of music) in the omitted lines, and the like.

Further, in the above example, all the n-th predetermined line omission notification character strings for creating the omitted image are the same character string ("-all x songs-"), but the omitted image is created. A character string suitable for each n-th predetermined line omission notification character string can be applied to the n-th predetermined line omission notification character string as a different character string (for example, "-the other x pieces of music" described above).

When a predetermined information number (music number) corresponding to each line of the basic character string is defined, a character string (for example, "... other x "~") As the n-th predetermined line omission notification character string, the user is omitted from the number of pieces of information (number of pieces of music) of the rows that have not been omitted and the number of pieces of information (number of pieces of music) of the omitted rows. You can grasp the purpose and the total number of information (number of songs).

Also, an image equivalent to the above-mentioned display image (edit notification image) can be created and printed as a print image, but if it is created as a display image, its advantage comes into effect. In particular, when the edited image such as the omitted image is used as the print image, the omitted position (row overflow position) in the print image (edited image) and the display image (edit notification image) should be displayed before printing. Even if it is judged that editing such as correction is necessary (for example, restoration of omitted characters) as a result, the entire basic character string including each omitted line (for example, restoration by correction) or each character is confirmed. Since it can be confirmed, editing etc. becomes easy.

As is apparent from FIGS. 31 and 32, in the tape printer 1, each line of the display character string (edit notification character string) corresponds to each line of the basic character string, and the display character string (edit Display image (edit notification image) by expanding and arranging each line of the notification character string) to be a single character string image
Is created, it is possible to create a display image (edit notification image) that makes use of the original image of each line of the character string.

Further, it is preferable that the n-th predetermined line overflow notification character string includes a symbol which can be easily distinguished from other characters, such as a special symbol specially registered by external character registration or the like. That is, when the edit notification image is confirmed by the display (the same applies when printing is used), it can be clearly distinguished from other characters, and the line overflow position can be easily grasped. In this case, for example, an L mark in the shape of "L" is used to associate the overflow of lines. Other than this, a symbol or the like in the shape of "P" may be used to associate the page with a page.

Further, in the tape printer 1, the L1 mark (first (n = 1) predetermined line overflow notification character string) includes the corresponding n times n = 1 character. Further, the L2 mark (the second (n = 2) predetermined line overflow notification character string) includes a corresponding character that teaches n = 2 of n times. That is, since the n-th predetermined number of rows corresponds to n times the reference predetermined number of rows, n
Only by looking at the n-th predetermined line overflow notifying character string including the character that teaches "," it is possible to know how many times the reference predetermined number of lines the predetermined number of lines is to be omitted when omitting.

It should be noted that the print image (edited image, omitted image) described above with reference to FIGS. 27 and 28 and the display image (edit notification image) described above with reference to FIG. 31 and FIG. As described above, in the tape printing apparatus 1, the configurations of the print image and the display image corresponding to the print image are different in the points other than the insertion of the various notification character strings described above. That is, the tape printing apparatus 1 as the image creating apparatus is further devised in addition to the above.

Since the display screen is large in the above-mentioned word processor and the like, there is no problem even if the display image which is the image of the print image as the object (printing target) is displayed and edited. On the other hand, some small and inexpensive electronic devices such as tape printers and seal making devices can display only a small number of lines (for example, one line) or a part of the lines because the display screen is small. . The same applies to the tape printer 1 of the present embodiment (see FIG. 9 to FIG. 12, etc.), and in these devices, in order to display the widest possible area on a small display screen, display using half-width characters is conventionally performed. .

For example, characters such as alphanumeric characters and kana have a relatively simple structure, so that the characters can be recognized on the display screen even if they are displayed in half-width characters. That is, characters with a relatively simple structure such as alphanumeric characters are characters that can be displayed in half-width characters (half-width display characters), and by using half-width display characters, a relatively wide range can be displayed even on a small display screen. become.

On the other hand, in order to display characters having a complicated structure such as Chinese characters, symbols and figures in a half-width area of a small screen, a display screen capable of displaying high-density (high resolution: high dot number) characters. Since it becomes necessary and expensive, it cannot keep up with the price reduction. Therefore, a small display screen with low resolution is used in this type of small-sized and inexpensive electronic equipment. The same applies to the tape printer 1 of the present embodiment. 16 dots × 16 dots in full-width and (horizontal) 8 dots × (vertical) 16 in half-width.
Dots (see FIGS. 11 to 12, etc.).

Therefore, a character having a complicated structure such as a kanji character, a symbol, or a figure cannot be displayed in half-width, and even if it can be displayed, it is difficult to recognize the character. That is, a character having a complicated structure such as a kanji character is a character that can be displayed only in full-width characters (full-width display character). Therefore, a character string including full-width display characters cannot be displayed only in half-width display.

Therefore, the tape printer 1 creates a display image for efficiently displaying a character string including full-width display characters such as Chinese characters on a small display screen, and a print image for printing the character string with good appearance. I am able to do it. Hereinafter, a specific description will be made with reference to FIGS. 32 and 34.

First, a character to be expanded and arranged as a half-width character image when a display image to be displayed on the display screen is defined as a half-width display character, and a character to be expanded and arranged as a full-width character image. Is defined as a full-width display character, it is determined for each of the characters that can be expanded based on a predetermined font whether the character is a half-width display character or a full-width display character.

Specifically, characters having a complicated structure such as Chinese characters, symbols and figures are defined as full-width display characters, and others are defined as half-width display characters. Note that the L1 mark, L2 mark, C mark, etc. described above are also full-width display characters, but are display-only characters and are not included in the original basic character string, so they are not used for creating a print image.

In the tape printer 1, for example, the text data of the basic character string as described above with reference to FIG. 27 and the like is stored, and the display image data area (predetermined display image creating area) is stored for each character of the basic character string. In 243, when the character is a half-width display character, it is expanded and arranged as a half-width character image, and when it is a full-width display character, it is expanded and arranged as a full-width character image to create a display image.

That is, by displaying full-width display characters that can only be displayed in full-width, it is possible to display a character string including full-width display characters such as kanji, while displaying half-width display characters in half-width. Therefore, even a small display screen can be displayed as efficiently as possible.

In this case, like a general word processor,
If a print image that is the image of the screen display (that is, a print image in which the same full-width and half-width as the display image are mixed) is created and printed, for example, the display image shown in FIG. If a print image is created and printed as shown in (a), the arrangement of the characters (the left and right edges of the characters and the space between the characters) is not uniform between the lines, and the appearance is not good.

Therefore, in the tape printer 1, regardless of whether each character of the basic character string is a half-width display character or a full-width display character, it is expanded as a full-width character image as shown in FIG. 34 (b). A print image is created by arranging them in the same manner. Therefore, it is possible to create a display image for efficiently displaying a character string including full-width display characters such as Chinese characters on a small display screen, and a print image for printing the character string with good appearance.

Further, in this case, the display image is created by expanding and arranging the basic character string only in the range necessary for display. That is, for example, by creating only the display range on the display screen and newly expanding and arranging the characters of the image of the part that is insufficient when the display range is moved, by creating only the necessary range, The time from the start of the display image creation process to the confirmation can be shortened, and since the display image creation area for the display screen can be secured, there is an advantage that the memory can be saved.

Similarly, the print image is created by expanding and arranging the basic character strings only in the range necessary for printing. That is, in this case, since it is sufficient to sequentially create from the range necessary for the print process, the time from the start of the print image creation process to the printing can be shortened, and the print range can be created as in the case of creating the display image. Since it suffices to secure a print image creation area for a certain amount, there is an advantage that memory can be saved.

Further, in the tape printer 1, in the font data defining a predetermined font, data for expanding each half-width display character character as a full-width character image and each half-width display character character is a half-width character image. Includes data for deployment as. Therefore, for each character in the basic character string, when the expanded character is a half-width character,
The full-width code of the character is converted into a half-width code, and the half-width code after code conversion can be developed and arranged as a half-width character image based on a predetermined font.

On the other hand, in the case of a full-width display character, a full-width code can be developed and arranged as a full-width character image based on a predetermined font, whereby a character string including full-width display characters such as Chinese characters can be displayed on a small display screen. A display image for efficient display can be created.

Note that the code for full-width code is converted to the code for half-width, and the half-width code after the code conversion is not expanded / arranged. Instead, for example, when the expanded character is a half-width display character, It is also possible to perform half-width expansion processing for expanding the character to the size of the character image. In this case, half-width characters can be expanded and arranged as half-width character images, and full-width characters can be expanded and arranged as full-width character images. A display image can be created for efficient display on the display screen.

Generally, since the outline font is defined by the coordinates and attributes of the outline, the dot matrix of the character image of a desired size can be obtained only by expanding it, regardless of the size of expansion. That is, since the font data that is the reference is expanded and reduced by calculation and expanded,
Enlarged / reduced images can be created simply by re-expanding to match the size.

Therefore, in the above half-width expansion processing, for example, when the half-width display character to be developed is a character that can be developed based on the outline font, the horizontal dot size for expanding the character is adjusted to the half-width. You can create (expand / arrange) a half-width character image that corresponds to the half-width display character to be expanded simply by expanding it according to the size.

Further, in the half-width expansion processing, for example, when the half-width display character to be developed is a character developed based on a dot font or a predetermined dot matrix registered,
By arranging the horizontal dot size of the character image of the character in a reduced size according to the half-width character, the half-width character image corresponding to the half-width display character developed based on the dot font or dot matrix can also be displayed. Can be created (deployed / placed).

As described above, in the tape printer 1, various contrivances have been made to create the display image for display and the print image for printing. In addition to the above, further display and character conversion are performed.・ Efforts have been made to input data. These will be described in more detail below, and in the following, problems related to actual print processing and how to solve them will be summarized. That is,
A tape printing apparatus 1 as an image printing apparatus that prints a desired print image on a predetermined print area of a print target by a print head will be described below.

Generally, an image for printing a desired print image in which a character image of each character such as a character string having one or more characters (characters such as characters, numbers, symbols, simple figures) is arranged as an element image. In the printing device, before printing,
Predetermined margins are set above and below or to the left and right of a print area of a predetermined size (for example, one page).

For example, in a word processor or the like, predetermined top, bottom, left, and right margins are set on a print target (for example, a standard (A4 size) size paper), and a portion excluding the margins is set as a predetermined print area for each page. Print (of the printed image). Also, if the desired margin cannot be obtained due to variations in the setting (mounting) position of the paper (print target), the paper feed mechanism, etc., adjustment is performed by looking at the print result and resetting each margin. .

In a word processor or the like, the running (moving) direction of the print head and the paper feeding direction are usually orthogonal to each other, so that the running direction of the print head (for example, the length direction of a character string in a horizontal writing line) is The left margin and the right margin are adjusted by the print start position and the print end position, respectively, and the upper margin and the lower margin are adjusted by the print start position and the print end position in the paper feed direction, respectively. That is, it is possible to obtain a desired margin by adjusting the print start / end positions and the like by controlling the feed of the print head and the paper (print target).

However, in a printing device such as a tape printing device, the printing direction of the printing head and the feeding direction of the printing object (for example, tape) are the same,
It is the print start / end position in the feed direction that can be adjusted by the feed control, and the so-called front margin and rear margin (corresponding to the upper and lower margins of the word processor) can be adjusted, but the tape width direction (the left and right margins above). Equivalent to) cannot be adjusted.

On the other hand, in the tape printer 1 of the present embodiment, the print head in which a plurality of dot elements for printing are arranged vertically or horizontally in a predetermined direction and the print object are
The print image is printed while relatively moving in the direction orthogonal to the predetermined direction, and the print position in the predetermined direction can be adjusted. Hereinafter, specifically, FIGS.
This will be described with reference to FIG. 46 and the like.

As in the case of FIG. 4 described above, the tape T is viewed from the right to the left in the drawing (FIG. 3).
6), and between the two reference holes TH at predetermined intervals of the tape T for the main label LM described above with reference to FIG.
When the range of the shaded area of 5 (b) is used as a reference (hereinafter, this position is referred to as a “reference position”), if the printing position shifts upward, as shown in FIG. If it shifts to, printing is performed as shown in FIG.

Similarly, FIG. 7E shows a case where the reference position is displaced in the front (left) direction, and FIG. The other figures (d), (f), (g) and (i) show a combination of vertical and front-back (left-right) shifts. Of these, the shift in the front-back (left-right) direction corresponds to the shift in the print start / end position in the tape feed direction, as described above, and can be adjusted by the feed control (described later in FIGS. 26 and 47, etc.). Therefore, the adjustment in the vertical direction (tape width direction: hereinafter, this direction will be referred to as a predetermined direction) will be mainly described below.

As shown in FIG. 36, in the tape printer 1, the arrangement direction of the print head 7 (the direction of the dot row which is the arrangement of the dot elements for printing the pixel dots: the predetermined direction) and the feeding direction of the tape T are the same. The directions are orthogonal. The maximum head width Hw of the print head 7 is 2
The main label LM, which has a width sufficient to arrange 288 dot elements capable of printing 88 dots (36 mm width) and is formed by half-cutting on the tape T having a tape width Tw = 46 mm, is Width direction (predetermined direction) 36 mm (2
88 dots), of which width 32 mm (256 dots)
Is defined as the actual print range in the predetermined direction (FIG. 39).
(See (b)).

Therefore, in the tape printer 1, 256 of the print head (the print head in which a plurality of (288) dot elements are arranged in a predetermined direction (vertical or horizontal predetermined direction: here, vertical)) 7 is used. By using this number of dot elements (a part of the plurality of dot elements), a print image having, for example, 256 dots (the number of dots in a predetermined direction smaller than the maximum number of dots 288 that can be printed in a predetermined direction) is printed by the print head 7 and Printing is performed on the tape (print target) T while the tape T of the tape (print target) T is relatively moved with respect to the print head 7 (at least one of them is in a direction orthogonal to a predetermined direction with respect to the other). .

Then, in the tape printer 1, the print image is displayed on the tape (print target) T, for example, the main label LM.
In order to print in the area (predetermined printing area) of the half-cut label for printing, the use range of 255 (plural) dot elements is moved in a predetermined direction (upward or downward, leftward or rightward direction), and The print position is adjusted in dot units.

FIG. 37 shows an image of the print position adjustment in this case. As shown in the figure, if the maximum number of dots that can be printed by the print head 7 in the predetermined direction is 11
As a dot, as shown in FIG.
If printing is performed with 7 dots in the center excluding 2 dots on the upper side and 2 dots on the lower side, if the print position is adjusted to the 1 dot upper side, as shown in FIG. Printing is performed with 7 dots excluding 3 dots on the side. The same applies to the case where the printing position is adjusted to the one dot lower side, and as shown in (c) of the figure, printing is performed using 7 dots excluding the upper 3 dots and the lower 1 dot.

Therefore, as shown in FIG. 36 (a), when the actual printing position is shifted to the upper side, the dot use range, that is, the printing position is adjusted to the lower side, and as shown in FIG. 36 (c), for example. When the actual print position is shifted to the lower side, by adjusting the print position to the upper side,
It is possible to print at the reference position as shown in FIG.

Next, the change in the transmission data to each dot element of the print head 7 when the print position is adjusted, that is,
A control image of the transmission data when the print position adjustment is set by the method described later will be described.

As shown in FIG. 38, it is assumed that the maximum number of dots that can be printed by the print head 7 in the predetermined direction is 40 dots,
As shown in FIG. 7A, at the reference position, printing is performed using the central 24 dots excluding the upper 8 dots and the lower 8 dots, and for example, for all 40 dots (hexadecimal number) In) [0055FFAA00] HEX
Consider the case of transmitting a hexadecimal number by [...] HEX (hex).

In this case, for example, when the dot is adjusted to the upper side by 1 dot, [00ABFF5400] HEX (see (b) in the same figure).
157FEA800] HEX (see (c) in the figure), when adjusted to 3 dots upper side, [02AFFD500
0] HEX (see FIG. 7D), conversely, when adjusted to the one dot lower side, [002AFF5500] HEX
It suffices to transmit the transmission data as shown in ((e) of the figure) to the print head 7.

Next, the setting of the print position adjustment value in the tape printer 1 will be described. As shown in FIG. 39, the tape printer 1 uses a print head 7 capable of printing 288 dots in a predetermined direction.

Of these 288 dots, the dots (elements) used including the adjustment of the printing position are the central 276 dots excluding 12 dots of 6 dots each at the top and bottom (see FIG. 13B). By adjusting the print position, 256 dots (3 dots
Equivalent to 2 mm: -10 dots) -2 with 10 dots each at the top and bottom
21-step position of 1 dot is adjusted in dot units in the range of 256 dots excluding 0 dots (32 mm equivalent: ± 0 dot reference position) to 256 dots excluding lower 20 dots (32 mm equivalent: +10 dots) It is possible.

FIG. 40 shows print data at the reference position of ± 0 in the same figure (a) and the adjustment position of +10 (dots) in the same figure (b) in the print position vertical adjustment (main upper and lower) when the main label is selected. An image of the position (marked by a black square in the figure) is shown. Similarly, FIG. 41 shows an example of the print position front-back adjustment (main front-back) when the main label is selected, and the position can be adjusted in dot units in 31 steps from -15 to +15.

The same applies to the side label, as shown in FIG.
2 shows an example of print position vertical adjustment (side vertical) when a side label is selected, and position adjustment can be performed in 21 steps of dot units from -10 to +10. Similarly, FIG. 43 shows an example of the print position front / back adjustment (side front / back) when the side label is selected, and the position adjustment in dot units of 31 steps from -15 to +15 is possible.

When setting these adjustment values, as shown in FIG. 44, the user is in the state of the basic input mode (G7).
By pressing the adjustment key 34DS from 1), the "display density setting" screen in the function selection setting mode (see FIG. 19) can be displayed (G72). This state (G7
In 2), when the user presses the cursor “↑” key 33U or the cursor “←” key 33L, a warning blinks (S71) and the original state is restored after a predetermined time (G7).
2). Further, when the enter key 38 is pressed, a transition to a lower layer of the display density adjusting function is made (S72), but since it is not directly related here, the description thereof will be omitted. When the delete key 35 is pressed in this lower layer, the original state is restored (G72).

On the other hand, when the cursor "↓" key 33D or the cursor "→" key 33R is pressed in the screen display state of "display density setting" (G72), "print position setting" is displayed (G73). When the cursor "↑" key 33U or the cursor "←" key 33L is pressed in this state (G73), the original "display density setting" screen display state is returned (G72). Further, when the cursor “↓” key 33D or the cursor “→” key 33R is pressed in the screen display state of “print position setting” (G73), a warning blinks (S71) and the original state is returned after a predetermined time. Return to (G73).

In this state (G73), enter key 3
When 8 is pressed, the screen shifts to the first layer of the print position adjusting function (S73). When the delete key 35 is pressed in the first layer, the original state is restored (G73).

As shown in FIG. 45, the user presses the enter key 3 in the state (G73) of the "print position setting" screen display.
When 8 is pressed, the screen transits to the first layer of the print position adjusting function, and first, the candidate (here, temporarily, “main up / down”) selected and confirmed in the most recent print position setting is displayed (G75). ).

Thereafter, each time the cursor “↓” key 33D or the cursor “→” key 33R is pressed, the display is switched to “main up / down” → “main front / rear” → “side up / down” → “side front / rear” (G75 ~ G78), when the cursor “↓” key 33D or the cursor “→” key 33R is further pressed in the state where “front and rear sides” are displayed (G78), a warning blinks (S80), and after a predetermined time, the original It returns to the state (G78).

[0460] Also, the state in which "before and after the side" is displayed (G
From 78), every time the cursor “↑” key 33U or the cursor “←” key 33L is pressed, “side forward / backward” →
The display is switched between "side up / down" → "main front / back" → "main up / down" (G78 to G75), and while "main up / down" is displayed (G75), the cursor "↑" key 3
When 3U or the cursor "←" key 33L is pressed, a warning blinks (S79) and the state returns to the original state after a predetermined time (G75).

[0461] Also, "main up and down", "main front and back",
When the enter key 38 is pressed in a state in which either "side up / down" or "side front / back" is displayed (G75 to G78), transition to each second layer (S75 to S7).
8). When the delete key 35 is pressed in the second layer, the original state is restored (G75 to G78). Below, on behalf of these, in the state (G77) displaying "side up and down",
The enter key 38 is pressed to transition to the second layer (S7
The example 7) will be described.

As shown in FIG. 46, when the enter key 38 is pressed in the state where "side up / down" is displayed (G77),
First, the current settings are displayed. Here, as an example, “Side: ± 00” which is the initial state is displayed (G
83).

From this state (G83), each time the cursor "↑" key 33U is pressed, "Side: ↑ 0
1 ”,“ Side: ↑ 02 ”,“ Side: ↑ 03 ”, ...
…, The display is switched in the order of “Side: ↑ 10” (G82
~ G81), "Side: ↑ 10" is displayed (G8
In 1), when the cursor "↑" key 33U is further pressed, a warning blinks (S81), and the original state is restored after a predetermined time (G81).

From the state in which "Side: ↑ 10" is displayed, each time the cursor "↓" key 33D is pressed,
"Side: ↑ 09", "Side: ↑ 08", ..., "Side: ↑ 02", "Side: ↑ 01", "Side: ± 0"
"0", "Side: ↓ 01", "Side: ↓ 02", ...
…, Switch the display in the order of “Side: ↓ 10” (G81
~ G83 to G85), when the "side: ↓ 10" is displayed and the cursor "↓" key 33D is further pressed,
The alarm blinks (S81) and returns to the original state after a predetermined time (G81).

Also, "side: ↑ 10" to "side: ±
When any of "00" to "Side: ↓ 10" is displayed (G81 to G83 to G85) and the enter key 38 is pressed, the printing position is set to a value according to the displayed state, and the basic input mode is set. (G86: same as G71 of FIG. 44).

For example, if the confirm key 38 is pressed in the state where "Side: ↑ 10" is selected and displayed, the print position by the print position vertical adjustment (side up and down) when the side label is selected is "+10" (10 on the upper side). Dot shift), and in “Side: ± 00”, the initial state remains, and “Side: ↓ 1
If it is "0", the print position is adjusted to "-10" (shifted by 10 dots downward).

That is, the user selects and displays these by operating the cursor “↑” key 33U or the cursor “↓” key 33D, and presses the enter key 38, so that the dots in the 21 steps of −10 to +10 are vertically displayed. The position of the unit can be adjusted.

If another selection branch is selected in the state of the above-mentioned first hierarchy in FIG. 45, adjustment of other printing positions can be performed in the same manner. For example, if the confirmation key 38 is pressed in "before and after side" (G78), the state transitions to the second layer of "before and after side" (S78), so that the user in the second layer corresponding to FIG. ← 15 "(+15: shift 15 dots forward (left) side) ~" side: ± 00 "~" side: → 15 "(-15: shift 15 dots backward (right) side) By operating the ← ”key 33L or the cursor“ → ”key 33R to select and display, and pressing the enter key 38, front and rear (left and right) −15 to +1
It is possible to adjust the position in dot units in 31 stages of 5.

Similarly, the user can select "main up / down" (see FIG. 4).
5 G75) and select the print position when the main label is selected from “Main: ↑ 10” (+10) to “Main: ↓ 1.
You can adjust the position in dot units in 21 steps above and below "0" (-10), select "Main before and after" (G76), and select "Main: ← 15" (+15) to "Main: → 15" (- 1
It is possible to adjust the position in dot units in 31 steps of 5).

If the result of the above adjustment is vertical position adjustment, in the vertical print position adjustment (S4821) described above with reference to FIG. 26, the print head 7 is moved to the print head 7 (as described above with reference to FIG. 38). 4 is used for the adjustment of the transmission data of FIG.
7 is used for adjusting the pre-print tape feed (S482223) described later.

As described above, in the tape printer 1, a part (256 dots) of a plurality of (276 of 288) dot elements arranged in the predetermined (here, up and down) direction of the print head 7. Use the number of dots (25 dots) in the specified direction that is smaller than the maximum number of dots that can be printed (276 dots).
A print image having 6 dots is printed on the print target (tape T) while relatively moving the print head and the print target (the tape T with respect to the print head 7) in a direction orthogonal to a predetermined direction.

Also, in this case, since the use range (256 dots) of the plurality of dot elements is moved in the predetermined direction, the print position of the print image is adjusted in dot units.
The print image can be printed in a predetermined print area on the print target. The print position in the direction orthogonal to the predetermined direction (here, the front-back (left-right) direction), that is, the relative movement direction can be adjusted by a method of adjusting the print start / end position by controlling the relative movement. .

Further, in the above example, the predetermined print area is
Since it is an area (main label or side label) of the half-cut label formed by half-cutting on the print target (tape T), the print image is printed on the half-cut label which is the predetermined print area, and the half-cut label is printed. A label with the desired print image printed can be created simply by peeling it off, but the positions of the half-blanked labels formed by these half-cuts also vary (due to manufacturing errors, etc.), so the variation in the specified print area Even if the area of the half-blank label is shifted, the print position can be adjusted according to the area. Further, since there are a plurality of types of half-blanked labels and the printing position is adjusted for each type, the printing position can be adjusted according to the type of the half-blanked label.

Further, in this case, since the print position is designated by the value of plus or minus dot unit from the predetermined reference position, the adjustment can be easily performed. In the above example, the initial setting position is used as the reference position, but the print position of the current setting is used as the reference position instead of the predetermined fixed position, and the value is specified in plus or minus dot units from that position. It may be done.

Further, in the above-described example in FIG. 26, the adjustment is performed before the side label presence / absence detection & front-back direction print position adjustment (S4822), but it does not have to be before and print execution (S50).
2) Just before (for example, the adjustment amount of the head driver 272
You can adjust it (by telling the company).

Further, in the above example, the position adjustment result of the print position is used for adjusting the transmission data to the print head 7, but the use range of a plurality of (256 dots) dot elements of the print head 7 is adjusted. Similarly, the position of the effective image area in the print image can be adjusted. That is, the print image has a maximum printable dot number of 27.
It is also possible to create a 6-dot width print image, adjust the position of an effective (meaningful) 256-dot width image in the print image, and leave the other portions as blank images. Also,
In this case, when the memory capacity is not appropriate, the memory capacity to be used may be saved by printing while sequentially creating only the print range to be printed immediately after.

Next, a method of detecting the type of access target object applied to the tape printer 1 as an electronic device will be described. First, a principle explanation will be given.

Conventionally, this type of access object type detection method and its apparatus have been applied to, for example, a seal making apparatus which is an electronic device. In this case, the stamp main body (access target) for which the stamp (stamp) is to be created has a plurality of recesses or the like corresponding to a predetermined discrimination pattern for detecting the type, and the stamp main body is used as a stamp creating device. When it is installed in the pocket of the stamp, the contact type detection mechanism such as the limit switch arranged at the bottom of the pocket detects the discrimination pattern by the multiple recesses of the seal body, and the seal body mounted according to the discrimination pattern. The type of is determined.

In a tape printer, which is an electronic device, for example, a tape (access target) to be printed is accommodated in a tape cartridge corresponding to the type and mounted in a pocket of the tape printer. The cartridge is formed with a plurality of recesses or the like corresponding to a predetermined determination pattern similar to that of the stamp main body for detecting the type of the accommodated tape, and the tape cartridge is mounted in the pocket of the tape printer. At this time, the type of the tape cartridge, that is, the type of the tape accommodated in the tape cartridge can be detected by the same method as described above.

However, in such a conventional access object type detection method and apparatus as described above, for example, in the seal making apparatus, when various seal bodies (access objects) having different shapes are attached, the types of the seal body are attached. Depending on the type of contact, the seal body may be too light and the seal body may float out of the pocket due to contact for detection by a mechanical detection mechanism such as a limit switch, or it may be too small to come off the detection mechanism. In some cases, it could not be detected normally.

Further, for example, when a small and lightweight seal body is mounted as a seal creation target, the seal surface targeted for the seal creation is also small, so that the seal is larger than when creating a seal on another large seal body. The creation process requires accuracy.
That is, when the seal body (access target) that requires the highest accuracy is mounted, its type cannot be detected, or even if it can be detected, it may be displaced from the predetermined mounting position due to the contact for its detection. Causes a problem that the size becomes large.

This kind of trouble also occurs in a tape printer, for example. That is, for example, if a tape having the smallest tape width that requires the highest accuracy for printing is accommodated in a tape cartridge having that width and mounted in a pocket, the tape cartridge also becomes small, so that it is light. There are cases in which the type cannot be detected normally, such as when it falls too far out of the pocket, and when it is too small to fall out of the detection mechanism, or when a mounting error that exceeds the allowable tolerance occurs. However, when a tape having a small tape width is accommodated in a large tape cartridge, various errors such as an accommodation error and a delivery error when the tape is delivered become large.

[0483] Therefore, when the tape printer 1 is viewed as an electronic device to which any one of a plurality of types of access objects is attached and which makes different accesses for each type, the tape printer 1 has a plurality of types of access targets. A predetermined type of object is detected, the type of the attached access target is detected, and for the predetermined type, an access target type detection method that can minimize the error related to mounting is adopted. is doing.

First, an object cartridge such as the above-mentioned impression main body or an access object or a tape cartridge accommodating a tape which is an access object is provided with a maximum of k (k is a natural number) recesses for type discrimination. If provided, a k-bit discrimination pattern can be formed depending on the presence or absence of each recess, and by detecting it with a mechanical detection mechanism such as a limit switch, generally m types (m = 2k) of discrimination can be performed. However, in general, one of these discrimination patterns is assigned to the unmounted state, and therefore m-1 types of mounted and unmounted total m
A k-bit discrimination pattern is used for street discrimination.

In this case, for example, if k = 3 concave portions for detection are provided, m = 8 of k (= 3) bits.
(= 23) discrimination patterns [0, 0, 0],
[0,0,1], [0,1,0], [0,1,1],
[1, 0, 0], [1, 0, 1], [1, 1, 0],
One of [1, 1, 1] is not attached, and the other m-1 =
Seven types are assigned to seven types of access objects.

The same applies to other numbers of bits. For example, if the access target is 3 (= m) types, 2 (= k) bits of [0,0], [0,1], [1, 0], [1,
[0, 0] of [1] is, for example, an unattached determination pattern, and each of [0, 1], [1, 0], and [1, 1] is determined as 3 (= m) types of access target objects. Assign as a pattern.

Proceeding this way of thinking, for example, in the case of the above-mentioned 3 bits, the non-mounting is considered as a special type [0, 0,
0] is assigned to the other seven types, [0, 0, 1] ~
[1,1,1] can be assigned. Considering further the case where there are only 4 (= m) types of access objects based on this idea, seven patterns [0, 0, 1] to [1, 1 other than the unmounted [0, 0, 0] are used. 1], any four patterns will be assigned to the four types.

In these cases, in order to detect the presence or absence of the access object, that is, whether it is mounted or not, from the detected discrimination pattern, it is sufficient to detect, for example, whether all 0s or not. This is, for example, 3 of the discrimination pattern
If the logical sum of bits is 1 or 0, etc., can be easily obtained by using a logical circuit or a program for logical sum operation corresponding thereto.

Furthermore, when the access target is four or less,
To make it easier to detect the presence or absence of an access target,
Any one of the predetermined bits may be assigned so as to indicate the presence or absence of the access object. For example, if the first (predetermined) 1 bit is 1, the mounting is [1,
0,0], [1,0,1], [1,1,0], [1,
If the four patterns of [1, 1] are assigned as the discrimination patterns of four types of access objects, the presence or absence of the access object can be detected only by detecting whether the first (predetermined) 1 bit is 1 or 0.

However, in this case, since the presence or absence of the access object is determined by the first (predetermined) 1 bit, [0,
Not only 0, 0], but also [0, 0, 1], [0, 1,
0] and [0, 1, 1] are also determined not to be mounted. Hereinafter, such a pattern is expressed as [0,-,-] by expressing the don't care bits by [-].

That is, in the above case, in addition to the unattached discrimination pattern [0,-,-], the discrimination patterns of four types of access objects are [1,0,0], [1,0,1],
Four types of [1, 1, 0] and [1, 1, 1] are assigned.

Also, for example, the access object is 2 (= m).
If it is a kind, of the discrimination pattern of 2 (= k) bits,
[0,-] is the unattached discrimination pattern, [1,0],
Each of [1, 1] is used as a discrimination pattern of two types of access objects, and a predetermined bit is assigned to indicate the presence or absence of the access object.

In fact, when considering how to assign discrimination patterns to m (= 2k) types of access objects, if it is desired to detect non-attachment in addition to them, as described above, 4 (= 22) Compared to seed + non-mounted, [0,-,-] for unmounted and [1, 0,0], [1, for 4 types
0, 1], [1, 1, 0], [1, 1, 1] are assigned to 2 (= 21) types + unmounted, [0,-] to unmounted to 2 types Assigning [1, 0] and [1, 1] is a natural way of assignment. That is, the allocation is performed in accordance with a natural idea that "first, it is determined whether or not the access target is attached (is not attached), and when attached, the type is determined".

In these cases, if the determination as to whether or not the device is mounted (not mounted) and the type determination are expressed separately by [], in the case of 4 (= 22) types + not mounted, it is not mounted. Are [0] [-,-], four are [1] [0,0],
[1] [0,1], [1] [1,0], [1] [1,
1]. In other words, it is decided by a predetermined 1 bit whether it is mounted or not mounted, and when mounted, the discrimination of the other 2 bits becomes effective. The same applies to the case of the above 2 (= 21) types + unmounted, [0] [-] not mounted and 2 [1]
Since it corresponds to [0], [1] and [1], it is decided by a predetermined 1 bit whether it is mounted or not mounted, and when mounted, the discrimination of the other 1 bit is effective.

On the other hand, in the access object type detection method adopted in the tape printer 1, for example, the above-mentioned 4 is used.
(= 22) species + unmounted, unmounted [0, 0,
0] into four types [1, 0, 0], [-, 0, 1],
[-, 1, 0] and [-, 1, 1] are assigned. Similar to the above, if the determination as to whether or not the device is installed (not installed) and the type determination are expressed by [], the uninstalled product is [0].
[0, 0], 4 types are [1] [0, 0], [-] [0,
1], [−] [1,0], and [−] [1,1].

That is, first, the determination as to whether or not the device is mounted (not mounted) is not settled, but the mounting type is three of four types [-] [0,1]. , [-]
Whether or not it is [1, 0], [-] [1, 1] (whether or not the three types are attached) is decided, and only the one that is not decided is attached or not (whether it is not attached or not). ), A predetermined 1 bit for determining is valid. Then, one type that is not settled in the four type determinations is determined as a predetermined one type.

[0497] Further, for example, the same applies to the above 2 (= 21) species + unmounted, and [0] [0], 2 for unmounted.
Since [1] [0] and [-] [1] are assigned (corresponding) to the seed, whether or not it is one of the two [-] [1] (whether or not that one is attached) ) Is settled, and only one type that is not set is attached (whether it is not attached)
The predetermined 1 bit for determining is valid. Then, one type that is not settled in these two types of type discrimination is determined as a predetermined type.

Further, while the above-mentioned 2 bits for discriminating between 4 types and 1 bit for discriminating between 2 types are detected by a mechanical and contact type detection mechanism such as a limit switch similar to the conventional one. , A predetermined 1 bit for discriminating whether or not it is mounted (whether it is not mounted) is detected by a non-contact detection mechanism.

To summarize the above, in the access object type detection method adopted in the tape printer 1, m (2k
≧ m> 2k−1, where k is a natural number) One of the m−1 types of access objects other than the predetermined one of the types is attached to the pocket and the type is determined by the contact detection mechanism. On the other hand, the presence or absence of the attached access target is detected by the non-contact detection mechanism, and when the attachment of the m-1 type access target is not detected, it is determined that the access target is present by the non-contact detection mechanism. When detected, it is determined that one predetermined type of access target object has been attached.

[0500] That is, when the tape printer 1 is viewed as an electronic device in which one of m (plural) types of access objects is mounted and different access is made for each type,
In the access object type detection method adopted in the tape printer 1, a predetermined one of m kinds of access objects is selected.
The species is determined, the type of the access target attached is detected, and the predetermined type is detected by non-contact.
The error related to the mounting can be minimized.

Further, by providing a contact type detection mechanism for detecting attachment of m-1 types of access objects and their types, attachment of m types of access objects and their types can be detected. There is also an advantage that the mechanism can be downsized.

That is, in order to detect the attachment of m (= 2k) types of access objects and the types thereof, one type of unattached type and m types of m type determinations are added.
A contact-type detection mechanism capable of detecting a k + 1-bit discrimination pattern is required to make +1 (= 2k +1) discriminations. However, in the access object type detection method adopted in the tape printer 1, the contact-type detection mechanism is used. A contact type detection mechanism capable of detecting a k-bit discrimination pattern for performing m (= 2k) types of discrimination by adding 1 type not mounted as a mechanism and m-1 types for m-1 type discrimination The contact-type detection mechanism can be downsized. It should be noted that the non-contact type detection mechanism side can also be realized with a simple configuration, since at least it is sufficient to simply detect the presence or absence of the attached access target.

Further consideration will be given to this point. In order to adopt this kind of access object type detection method, that is, in an electronic device that adopts it, each access object corresponds to a predetermined k-bit discrimination pattern detected by the contact detection mechanism. A maximum of k recesses or holes or a cutout corresponding thereto are formed, and a predetermined one type of recess or hole of the access target or a cutout corresponding thereto is detected when the access target is not attached. It is formed so as to detect the same predetermined discrimination pattern as the discrimination pattern.

In this case, for example, it is suitable when the object to be accessed is one that easily forms a recess or hole in a stamp body or the like or a notch corresponding thereto, that is, when it is applied to an electronic device such as a stamp making device. ing.

Further, in this case, the attachment and non-attachment of one predetermined type of access target correspond to the same discrimination pattern. Therefore, the determination pattern when not mounted, that is, the recessed portion or the hole portion or the corresponding notch corresponding to the predetermined determination pattern when there is no contact for detection by the contact type detection mechanism because of not mounted is a predetermined Since it is formed on one type of access target, it is possible to minimize an error related to mounting such as floating from the pocket due to contact for detection.

Further, in this case, it is preferable that the predetermined discrimination pattern is a discrimination pattern in which k bits are all 0's. That is, since the predetermined determination pattern is a determination pattern in which all k bits are 0, the predetermined determination pattern is the pattern that most matches the unattached image that is most frequently detected and is easy in numerical processing. Can be improved.

Further, in these cases, for example, the contact-type detection mechanism is operated by hitting a maximum of k recesses or holes of the object to be accessed or a portion corresponding to a notch formed in the k machines. The switch has a general switch, and the state where the contact of each switch is disengaged due to the presence of each recess or each hole or the corresponding notch is set to "0" of each bit of the determination pattern, and the contacting state is set to "1". Correspond.

[0508] In this case, k bits for performing the m number of determinations by adding the one type that is not mounted as the contact type detection mechanism and the m-1 type for the type determination of the m-1 type by the k switches. It is possible to detect the discriminating pattern of No. 1, and it is possible to detect the attachment and the type of the access target of m-1 types. Further, in this case, a shape such that all of the k switches are removed from the recess or hole of the predetermined one kind of access object or the notch corresponding thereto, that is, the shape such that the k switches are not in contact with each other. By doing so, it is possible to obtain the same discrimination pattern as in the case where the device is not attached.

On the other hand, as described above, in a tape printing apparatus which is, for example, an electronic device, generally, a tape (access object) to be printed is accommodated in a tape cartridge corresponding to the type, and tape printing is performed. Install in the device pocket.

Therefore, in order to adopt the above-mentioned access object type detection method in this kind of electronic equipment,
That is, in an electronic device adopting it, each of the access target objects is mounted in a pocket while being accommodated in the target object cartridge corresponding to the access target object, and is detected by the contact detection mechanism in the target object cartridge. A maximum of k recesses or holes corresponding to the predetermined k-bit discrimination pattern or corresponding notches are formed, and the recesses or holes of the object cartridge accommodating a predetermined one type of access object are The notch corresponding to that is formed so as to detect the same predetermined discrimination pattern as the discrimination pattern detected when the access target is not attached.

In this case, for example, the object to be accessed is suitable when it is difficult to form a recess or a hole or a chip corresponding to it, such as a tape, that is, when it is applied to an electronic device such as a tape printer. .

In the tape printer 1, as described above, in practice, various tapes T, that is, various tapes T having a width of about 4 mm for making the side label LS to about 52 mm for making the case label LMC are used. , And various tape cartridges 5 respectively containing tapes T and the like on which half-blank labels are not formed are prepared, but for the sake of convenience of description, two types of tape cartridges shown in FIG. Since it is assumed that only one type for preparing the main label LM and one type for preparing the side label LS are prepared, an explanation will be given on the extension line thereof.
) It is equivalent to the case of + seeds not attached.

That is, since [0] [0] is not attached and [1] [0] and [-] [1] are assigned to two types, whether one type [-] [1] of the two types is determined. Whether or not (whether one of them is installed) is settled, only about one that is not settled,
Predetermined 1 to determine whether or not it is attached (is not attached)
Bit is valid. Then, one type that is not settled in the two types of type discrimination is defined as a predetermined type.

[0514] Specifically, the tape T for the side label LS is defined as a predetermined type. This is because the tape T for the side label LS has a narrower tape width (see FIG. 4), so that an accommodation error in the tape cartridge 5 is more likely to occur, and the tape cartridge 5 is also thin, so that an error in mounting in the pocket 6 may occur. This is because in addition to easy occurrence, the printing area (area of the half-blanked label) is narrow, so that the accuracy of the printing position is required.

In the tape printer 1, as described above with reference to FIG. 1 and the like, and as shown in FIG. 49, the pocket 6 is provided with the tape identification sensor 141 composed of a micro switch, a limit switch and the like. Also, the tape outlet 2
In the vicinity of 2, a tape position sensor 143 is provided by detecting light (using reflected light here) such as a photo interrupter.

As shown in FIG. 48, when viewed from below (when viewed from below with the tape outlet 56 on the right side), the tape T for the main label LM of FIG. The tape cartridge 5 is formed in such a shape that a mechanical switch (such as the above-described micro switch or limit switch) of the tape identification sensor 141 abuts when mounted in the pocket 6. On the other hand, the tape cartridge 5 accommodating the tape T for the side label LS in the same figure (b) is formed with a recess 71 for avoiding the contact so as not to contact the mechanical switch. .

Therefore, when the tape cartridge 5 containing the tape T for the main label LM of FIG. 48 (a) is mounted in the pocket 6, the tape identification sensor 141 detects that mounting. When the tape cartridge 5 accommodating the tape T for the side label LS of b) is mounted, the same state as when not mounted is detected.

That is, a flag bit (hereinafter referred to as "side label detection flag") of the detection result of the tape position sensor 143 (non-contact detection mechanism) by light detection (non-contact type), a mechanical (contact type) limit switch, etc. And a flag bit (hereinafter referred to as “main label detection flag”) of the detection result of the tape identification sensor 141 (contact type detection mechanism) by
When described as [side label detection flag] [main label detection flag], as described above, one of the two types [0] [0] is not attached (side label LS
[1] [0] for other), another one (for main label LM)
That is, [-] [1] is assigned to.

Therefore, one of the two types (for the main label LM), that is, the tape T for the main label LM is used.
When the tape cartridge 5 accommodating the tape cartridge 5 is mounted in the pocket 6, the mounting is detected, so that the determination is made only by the detection result of the tape identification sensor 141 (contact detection mechanism), and if the determination is not made, that is, the mounting is not performed. When the same detection result is obtained, it is determined from the detection result of the tape position sensor 143 (non-contact detection mechanism) whether the tape cartridge 5 has not been mounted or the tape cartridge 5 containing the tape T for the side label LS has been mounted.

As described above with reference to FIG. 26, in the print data creation process (S481), it is first determined whether a disc label or a case label has been selected (S481).
1). Here, for example, when the power is turned on by the power key 31 in advance, or when the opening / closing of the opening / closing lid 21 is detected by the lid opening / closing sensor 142 (that is, when the tape cartridge 5 may be replaced). Detects whether or not the tape cartridge 5 for the main label LM is mounted by the tape identification sensor 141, and when the tape cartridge 5 is mounted, the main label detection flag is ON (= 1) (that is, already). It's settled).

Therefore, next, when it is determined whether or not the tape cartridge 5 for the main label LM is mounted (S4812), the main label detection flag is simply checked for ON / OFF (1/0). .

[0522] Further, after that, the print image creation processing (S48
When 13) is completed and the print data creation process (S481) is completed, next, label position alignment process (S482) is performed. In this label position adjustment processing (S482), first, the vertical print position adjustment is performed according to the print position setting described above with reference to FIG. 46 and the like (S4821), and then the side label presence / absence detection and front-back direction print position adjustment are performed. (S4822)
Is started.

In detecting side label presence / absence & front / rear direction print position adjustment (S4822), as shown in FIG.
The side label presence / absence detection process (S48221) is performed, and then the front-back direction print position adjustment process (S48222) is performed.

Side label presence / absence detection processing (S4822)
In 1), first, it is determined whether or not the main label cartridge is attached, that is, whether or not the main label detection flag is turned on (S482221), and when the main label detection flag is turned on (S482221:
If Yes, the side label presence / absence detection process (S4821) is terminated, and the process proceeds to the front-back direction print position adjustment process (S48222).

On the other hand, when the main label detection flag is off (S482221: No), it is next determined whether or not the side label LS (tape cartridge for) has already been detected, that is, the side label detection flag is on. It is determined whether or not (S482212), and when it is on (S48).
2212: Yes), similarly, the side label presence / absence detection process (S48221) is similarly ended, and the process proceeds to the front-back direction print position adjustment process (S48222).

When the side label detection flag is off (S482212: No), it is next determined whether or not the tape T is loaded, that is, the tape position sensor 14
3 (light sensor: a photo interrupter or the like emits light to a portion of the tape outlet 22 where the tape T should exist,
By receiving the reflected light from the tape T)
It is determined by detecting whether or not there is (S482213).

When the presence of the tape T is detected (S482
213: Yes), the tape T for the side label LS
It is determined that the tape cartridge 5 accommodating the cartridge is mounted, then the side label detection flag is turned on (set) (S482216), the side label presence / absence detection processing (S48221) is ended, and The process proceeds to the directional print position adjustment process (S48222).

On the other hand, when the presence of the tape T is not detected (S482213: Yes), the tape position sensor 144 detects the tape T while feeding the tape up to 13 m (S482214). When the presence is detected (S482215: Yes), it is determined that the tape cartridge 5 containing the tape T for the side label LS is mounted, and after the side label detection flag is set (S482216), the presence or absence of the side label is detected. The detection process (S48221) is terminated, and the process proceeds to the front-back direction print position adjustment process (S48222).

[0529] Here, the tape is fed up to 13 mm at the maximum when the tape T is mounted in the pocket 6 with only a small tip of the tape T protruding from the tape feed-out port 56 of the tape cartridge 5. From the delivery port 56 to a position where the tape T can be detected by the tape position sensor 143, that is, the tape T is delivered to the tape delivery port 56.
This is because the distance (from FIG. 1, FIG. 48, FIG. 49) sent from the tape to the tape discharge port 22 corresponds to 13 mm.

Therefore, if the presence of the tape T cannot be detected even after the tape feed of maximum 13 mm is completed (S
482215: No), it is determined that the tape cartridge 5 is not mounted, the tape cartridge absence detection flag is turned on (set) (S482217), and even in the next front-rear printing position adjustment (S48222), an error is simply generated. The flag is set (S482224), and the process ends (48223).

[0531] On the other hand, when the main label detection flag or the side label detection flag is set and the process proceeds to the front-back direction print position adjustment processing (S48222),
First, the tape position sensor 143 detects the reference hole TH at the tape position described above in FIG.
Tape feeding is performed until H is detected (S48222).
1).

[0532] The reference hole H is detected (S482221).
Then, it is determined whether or not the hole has a prescribed length (S48222).
2) When the hole length is not the specified length (S482222: No)
To the error flag (S482224),
The processing is ended (48223).

On the other hand, when the hole length is the specified length (S4822)
22: No), when it is set by selecting "main front / rear" (G76) or "side front / rear" (G78) in FIG. 45 and the like, it is not set according to the set value. In some cases, the pre-printing tape feeding to the reference position is performed (S482223), and then the processing is terminated (S4).
8223). Tape feeding before printing (S482223)
Then, after the completion of this process, the tape feeding after printing (S503) of the in-printing display process (S50) described above with reference to FIG.
Thus, the print position is adjusted back and forth.

As described above with reference to FIG. 26, when the label alignment processing (S482) is completed, it is next determined whether or not the detection is normal (S483). Here, when some error is set by the error flag setting (S482224) of FIG. 47 (S483: No), that is, the tape cartridge 5 is not mounted,
When the position detection of the reference hole TH is not normal (S48
3: No), etc., when the mounted tape cartridge 5 is different from the selected one (S4812: N).
Similar to o), label replacement and other error notification (display)
After the label exchange display process (S49), the process returns to the basic input mode (G51).

On the other hand, as described above with reference to FIG. 25 and the like, when the in-preparation display processing (S48) is normally completed, then the in-printing display processing (S50) is performed and then the printing processing is completed, and the basic input is performed. Return to the mode (G51 etc.).

In the above example, the tape type sensor 1
41, two types of tape T (m
= 2 = 21, that is, 1 (= m-) of k = 1
1) In order to detect the mounting of (the tape cartridge 5 of) the tape T of the type (for the main label LM), 1 (=
Although the presence / absence of k) concave portions (k = 1-bit discrimination pattern) is detected, if the number of types of the tape T (and the corresponding tape cartridge 5) is large, in accordance with that, a larger maximum k is obtained. It is also possible to detect a k-bit discrimination pattern by forming individual recesses.

In this case, a predetermined one kind of tape (for the side label LS) T which is distinguished by the tape position sensor 143 as not mounted (without tape: without tape cartridge).
It is possible to detect the mounting of a maximum of 2k types of tape T and their types, including. Further, instead of the recessed portion, a shape such that the portion corresponds to the recessed portion, that is, a hole or a chipped portion may be formed.

Even in a tape printing apparatus or the like in which a single piece of tape that is not housed in a cartridge is mounted (inserted, etc.), it is necessary to provide each tape with, for example, a hole having a different determination pattern for each type and to detect it. However, even in that case, by using the predetermined type of tape that requires the most printing accuracy, it is possible to minimize the error related to the mounting of the predetermined type.

As described above, in the access object type detection method employed in the tape printer 1, each of the access objects (tape T) is an object cartridge (tape cartridge 5) corresponding to the access object. ) Is mounted in the pocket 6 in a state of being accommodated in the object cartridge, and a contact type detection mechanism (tape type sensor 141) is attached to the object cartridge.
A maximum of k recesses or holes or corresponding cutouts corresponding to the predetermined k-bit discrimination pattern detected by are formed.

In this case, k is added to the access object itself.
Similar to the case of forming a recess or hole corresponding to the bit discrimination pattern or a notch corresponding thereto to detect the type, the recess or hole of the object cartridge containing one predetermined type of access object or The notch corresponding to that is formed so as to detect the same predetermined discrimination pattern as the discrimination pattern detected when the access target is not attached.

Therefore, the discrimination pattern when not mounted,
That is, a recess or a hole corresponding to a predetermined determination pattern when there is no contact for detection by the contact-type detection mechanism because it is not mounted, or a notch corresponding thereto is formed in a predetermined one kind of access object. Therefore, it is possible to minimize an error related to mounting such as floating from the pocket due to the contact for detection.

Further, in the access object type detection method in the tape printer 1, the access object (tape T) is used.
Is mounted in a corresponding object cartridge (tape cartridge 5) in a state of being accommodated, the access object (tape T) accommodated from the object cartridge (tape outlet 56 of the tape cartridge 5) is The tape is sent out, and it is detected (by the tape position sensor 143) whether or not the access object (tape T) exists at the position where the sent access object should exist (in the vicinity of the tape ejection port 22).

That is, since the transmitted access object is targeted for detection, it is possible to detect the presence or absence of the access object without providing the object cartridge with a special configuration or the like only for detection. In general, an electronic device for accessing an access target housed in a cartridge is equipped with a mechanism for sending out the access target (the tape printer 1 is no exception). it can.

Further, in the above-mentioned example, as described above, the predetermined discrimination pattern is the discrimination pattern in which k bits are all 0, and therefore, the predetermined discrimination pattern most matches the unattached image that is most frequently detected, and the numerical processing is performed. The easy pattern also has the advantage that the detection processing efficiency can be improved.

Further, in the above-mentioned example, as described above, the contact type detection mechanism (tape type sensor 141) is made to abut against a portion where a maximum of k recesses or holes or corresponding notches are formed. It has k mechanical switches (k = 1 in the above example) that operate by, and determines the state in which the abutment of each switch is disengaged due to the presence of each recess or each hole or the corresponding notch. Each bit of the pattern corresponds to "0", and the abutting state corresponds to "1".

In this case, a k-bit for performing m kinds of discrimination by adding one kind which is not mounted as a contact type detection mechanism and m-1 kinds for judging the type of m-1 kinds by k switches It is possible to detect the discriminating pattern of No. 1, and it is possible to detect the attachment and the type of the access target of m-1 types. Further, in this case, a shape such that all of the k switches are removed from the recess or hole of the predetermined one kind of access object or the notch corresponding thereto, that is, the shape such that the k switches are not in contact with each other. By doing so, it is possible to obtain the same discrimination pattern as in the case where the device is not attached.

In particular, this embodiment is applied to the tape printer 1. Conventionally, for example, when mounting a tape of the minimum width, if the tape cartridge that accommodates it is made small (thin), it is too light to detect the presence or absence of mounting by the contact type detection mechanism. The mounting error is likely to be large because it floats from the pocket or is too small to be removed from the detection mechanism.If a large size is used, the storage error when storing the tape in the tape cartridge and the delivery when the tape is delivered The error is likely to increase. Also, when forming a half-cut label on a tape by half-cutting and printing a print image on the half-cut label, when the formed half-cut label is small, when printing on a large half-cut label. Compared with, the printing position requires precision.

Therefore, in this tape printing apparatus 1, the type of tape for which it is desired to minimize mounting errors such as mounting error, accommodation error, and printing error is defined as one predetermined type, and other types of contact type tapes are used. By separating from detection, one predetermined type can be detected in a non-contact manner. Even in a tape printing apparatus or the like in which a single piece of tape that is not housed in a cartridge is mounted (inserted), it is possible to provide each tape with, for example, a hole or the like having a different determination pattern for each type, Even in this case, by using the predetermined type of tape that requires the most printing accuracy, it is possible to minimize the error associated with the mounting of the predetermined type.

Further, in the tape printer 1, the tape position detecting mechanism (tape position sensor 143) that performs the tape position detection in the tape T feeding control in a non-contact manner is used to detect the presence or absence of the tape T as the access target. it can. Note that not only the tape printer 1 but also this type of tape position detection mechanism is always provided in a general tape printer, so that it can be realized without adding a new detection mechanism.

Further, in the tape printing apparatus 1, the tape T is provided with the reference holes TH which serve as a reference for the tape position detection at predetermined intervals, and the non-contact type detection mechanism (tape position sensor 14
Since 3) is a detection mechanism for detecting the reference hole TH, the tape position can be detected by detecting the reference hole TH after detecting the presence / absence of the tape T and when the tape is present. Further, since the non-contact type detection mechanism has an optical sensor to detect the presence or absence of the access target by light, non-contact detection can be performed without any problem.

Further, in the present embodiment, the tape printer 1 which is an electronic device creates a label to be attached to the disc cartridge (MD cartridge 91) accommodating the disc (MD92). A side label to be attached to the side surface of the disc cartridge is formed by half-cutting on the tape T which is the access target (for the side label LS).

In general, since the side surface of the disc cartridge 5 is narrow, the side label LS must be small inevitably. In order to print a print image such as a desired character string on the area of the side label LS, various side labels LS can be printed. It is necessary to minimize the error. In the access object type detection method adopted in the tape printer 1, the tape T having the side label LS formed by half-cutting among the tapes T which are the access objects is made into a predetermined one kind. , The error related to the mounting can be minimized, and as a result, the printing error on the side label LS (the printing error that is the sum of various errors)
Can be minimized.

Next, the display (notification, guidance) relationship in the tape printer 1 will be described. First, a processing mode notification method applied to the tape printing apparatus 1 as a data processing apparatus (particularly a character processing apparatus) will be described.

For example, a data processing device for processing characters (used in the same meaning as a character including numbers, symbols, simple figures, etc.) as data, that is, a character processing device, has a large display screen in the past. In a character processing device such as a word processor that has one or more characters (data)
It is possible to confirm, on the display screen, which processing form among the processing forms that can be set for the character string (data group) having "is set for the current character string.

That is, for example, enlargement / reduction (extension, shortening, enlargement, reduction, etc.), character modification (underline, cancellation line, character enclosure, halftone dot, emphasis, italic, white (centering), shadow character, inversion , Rotation, etc.), edit function settings (frame decoration, automatic line breaks, automatic page breaks, automatic paragraph breaks, line number display, information number display, etc.), typeface (font) setting, etc. Even if a plurality of processing forms are set for the character string of interest, since the display screen is large in a word processor or the like, the state after the processing can be directly confirmed on the display screen.

On the other hand, even in the case of a data processing device of the same type, in a comparatively small character processing device such as a tape printer or a stamp making device, since the display screen is also small, it is set for each character or character string. It is difficult to directly confirm the processed form on the display screen. Therefore, in this type of data processing device (character processing device) having only a small display screen, for example, an indicator corresponding to each processing mode is provided,
When the user designates the character of interest with the cursor, etc., the indicator corresponding to the processing mode set for that character lights up, and the processing mode set for each character or character string can be confirmed. I am trying.

However, even in the data processing apparatus having only such a small display screen, there are cases where it is desired to collectively confirm all the set processing modes at the same time. Further, on the other hand, a plurality of data groups to be processed are classified into a plurality of processing groups, and for each data group included in each processing group, an arbitrary batch is performed in units of the classified processing groups. There is also a data processing device capable of setting the processing form.

Then, in the tape printer 1, a plurality of data groups to be processed are classified into a plurality of processing groups,
This corresponds to a data processing device that can collectively set an arbitrary processing form for each data group included in each processing group in units of the classified processing groups. Therefore, in the tape printer 1, it is possible to collectively confirm the processing forms set for each processing group.

First, as described above with reference to FIG. 9, the display 4 has an indicator display section 4i capable of lighting 18 indicators in a display screen 41 composed of an LCD or the like.
And a character display unit 4c formed of a dot matrix of (horizontal) 72 dots × (vertical) 16 dots.

The indicator display section 4i indicates various modes and states (processing modes) for printing character data of titles and song names by the lighting state thereof. The eight indicators in the upper row shown in FIG. Indicator 4i00
4i07 relates to the title name (corresponding to the disc name), and the lower eight indicators 4i10 to 4i17 relate to the song name. In other words, the row of indicators lined up in the horizontal direction in the upper row indicates the processing form related to title names,
The row of indicators lined up in the horizontal direction in the upper row shows processing forms related to song titles.

On the other hand, for example, in the example described above with reference to FIG. 29, in the state (G61) in which the song title is displayed in the basic input mode,
It has been explained that by setting the "wrap-around form", it is possible to set the song name with or without wrapping. In this case, in the basic input mode, in the state where turn-back is set (G61), in the column next to "tune" in FIG. 10, that is, in the lower row of the indicators 4i10 to 4i17, "line turn-up" is given above. The indicator 4i11, which is the intersection with the vertical column of "," lights up, indicating that "turning back" is set, and turns off when no turn-back is set (G64).

Also, it has been described that with the title name displayed in the basic input mode, the same operation can be performed to set whether or not the title name is wrapped. That is, in the tape printer 1,
Line wrapping (processing form) regarding a song and line wrapping (processing form) regarding a title name can be set individually.

Not only line-turning but also various processing forms lined up in the indicator display portion 4i shown in FIG. 10, that is, frame, line-folding, contraction, extension, blank, italic, Mincho, Gothic, etc. It can be set separately for the line of and the line of the title. Of the function keys for transitioning from the basic input mode to the function selection setting mode shown in FIG. 19, the “line wrap” described above in FIG. 29 was operated by the form key 34FS, but the “frame” is a frame. After operating the key 34CS,
By designating the frame number in the lower layer, other character decorations can be set by operating the decoration key 34 and then selectively designating each in the lower layer.

The setting contents of these processing forms are as follows.
It is stored in the processing mode (internal state setting) register of the various register groups 241 of the RAM 240 in the format shown in FIGS.

That is, as shown in both figures, bit b3
In the cartridge information of 1 to b30, the state shown in FIG. 51A is shown. In the folding information of bits b29 to b28, the bit b29 is the title line and the bit b28 is the song name line. From bit b27
The printing surface number information of b26 stores the state shown in FIG. The frame information of bits b23 to b16 represents a numerical value from 0 to 255. When the numerical value is 0, there is no frame, 1 to 255.
Indicates the frame number.

Bits b12 to b08 and bit b04
Each of b0 to b00 indicates character decoration information (“typeface”, “stretch”, “shrink”, “white outline”, “italic type”) of the title line and the song name line. In the “typeface”, 0 is Mincho,
1 indicates a Gothic font, and the others indicate 1 when each designation is made.

As described above, in the tape printer 1, a plurality of data groups (character strings) to be processed are classified into a plurality of processing groups (title name relations and song name relations), and each data group is included in each processing group. It corresponds to a data processing device capable of collectively setting an arbitrary processing form for a group of data in a group of the classified processing groups.

[0568] Then, in the processing form notifying method adopted in the tape printer 1, a plurality of lines (for example, indicator display in FIGS. 9 and 10) corresponding to each of a plurality of processing groups (title name relationship and song name relationship) are displayed. A plurality of indicators (indicator display) arranged in a matrix with a plurality of columns corresponding to each of the upper and lower rows of the section 4i) and a plurality of settable processing modes (frames, line folding, etc.) Of the section 4i), a row (lower row) corresponding to an arbitrary one processing group (for example, song title relationship) on the matrix and a column (second column from the left) corresponding to an arbitrary one processing form (for example, line folding). Whether or not any one processing mode is set for any one processing group by the indicator (indicator 4i11) located at the intersection with Luke is notified as to whether or not).

As a result, the user can collectively confirm the processing form set for each processing group by the plurality of indicators (indicator display portion 4i) arranged in a matrix.

In the above example, as the character decoration (character modification), "outline" (outline), "italic", etc. are mentioned. However, underlining, erasing line, character surrounding, hatching, emphasis, Common character modifications such as shadow characters, inversion and rotation can be adopted. Then, by including these character decoration forms in the processing form in which the indicators are notified, the user can collectively confirm the character decoration forms set in each processing group by the plurality of indicators arranged in a matrix.

Further, in the above-mentioned example, as the enlargement / reduction of characters, "stretch" (expand) or "shrink" (shorten) is mentioned, but other normal enlargement / reduction can be included. By including these enlargement / reduction forms in the processing form in which the indicators are notified, the user can collectively confirm the enlargement / reduction forms set in each processing group by the plurality of indicators arranged in a matrix.

In the above example, "frame" (frame decoration) and "line wrapping" (automatic line feed) are given as the character editing function settings, but automatic page breaks, automatic paragraph breaks, line number display and Information number display and other general editing functions can also be adopted. If these editing function setting forms are included in the processing form in which the indicators are notified, the user can collectively confirm the editing function setting forms set for each processing group by the plurality of indicators arranged in a matrix. .

Also, in the above example, the Mincho typeface or the Gothic typeface is mentioned as the typeface setting, but the user arranges them in a matrix by including these typeface setting types in the processing form of notifying with the indicator. With the plurality of indicators, the editing function setting form set for each processing group can be collectively confirmed.

As a display (notification, guidance) relationship in the tape printer 1, a character information display method applied to the tape printer 1 will be described next.

Generally, a device such as an editing device for editing character information or a printing device for printing the character information is equipped with a character information display device having a display screen for inputting, editing and confirming the character information. There is. In this case, the character information is
The text code data (character code) corresponding to the character information is input / edited, created as a display image based on a predetermined font, and the display image is displayed on the display screen. Examples of this type of device include a personal computer equipped with word processing software and the like, and a dedicated device (so-called word processor) and the like.

By the way, in addition to word processing software, a personal computer can be equipped with dedicated software (so-called editor) for editing text code data including codes of programs and the like, and the editor can use line numbers and the like for editing convenience. Has a function of adding and displaying. In addition, the editor or word processor consciously adds (inputs) a delimiter (code) regardless of whether the display is one line (for example, automatic line feed) or multiple lines (input). One number (character string number) is added to the series of character strings up to and each time a delimiter (code) is entered,
Some have a function of updating the character string number.

In these cases, information numbers such as line numbers and character string numbers added to one line or a series of character strings (one character information) are usually displayed on the display screen for editing, etc.
For example, “1”, “2”, ... Is displayed before each character information, and the user can input / edit the character information while referring to these information numbers.

However, even in the case of the same type of device, in a relatively small device such as a tape printer or a seal making device, the display screen is also small, so that there is sufficient space between the information number and the corresponding character information. Since it is not possible to provide such intervals, the display becomes difficult to see. This is particularly noticeable when the character information side includes numbers. For example, when the character information of the information number "1" is the character string "1A2B3C ...",
It becomes "11A2B3C ...", and it becomes difficult to distinguish the information number from the character information.

[0579] However, even if it is forcibly provided with sufficient intervals, or if a space such as "." Is inserted and displayed as "1.", the legibility is not improved so much. The area allocated to text information is small (display efficiency is poor)
It becomes a factor that causes trouble in editing. This becomes remarkable especially when the number of digits of the information number increases. For example, when the information number is 1 digit "1.", the 2-digit "10." reduces the character information area by one character.

[0580] In order to deal with this, double-byte two-digit "1"
0. "" As a two-digit single-byte "10."
Even if "A2B3C ..." is changed to "10.1A2B3C ...", the legibility is not improved so much. If half-width characters are possible on the character information side, for example, the character string “10A2B3C ...
... "is displayed side by side after the information number" 10. ",
"10.10A2B3C ..." becomes half-width,
It is not a solution to problems such as difficulty in distinguishing information numbers from character information.

Therefore, in the tape printer 1, even on a small display screen, the displayed information number and the corresponding character information can be easily discriminated and the display efficiency can be improved. Has been adopted. The details will be described below.

First, the character code data (text data) processed by the tape printer 1 is constructed according to the format shown in FIG.

That is, as shown in the figure, when a character string of one line or a series of plural lines is taken as one character information, 1
Basically, one piece of character information has line head data that defines an information number (here, a song number) and the like, and subsequently character code data of each character that forms a character string of one line or a series of multiple lines. .

One character has a 2-byte structure, and line beginning data and end data (hereinafter "EOD") have the same 2-byte structure and are treated as one character. As a region of this character code data, a region for a maximum of 1800 characters is secured. “EOD” is data indicating the end of the entire text data, and “NULL” on the drawing is a portion without data.

As shown in FIG. 53 (a), the first 4 bits of each character (1 character) indicate a code for data identification, and the hexadecimal number is [7] HEX, that is, the binary number [0111]. ] Indicates that the information is edit information, and the rest indicates that it is character data.

As shown in FIG. 53 (b), the line head data at the beginning of one character information indicates that it is the line head data of the edit information by the preceding 1 byte, and the information number in the subsequent 1 byte. Indicates the song number. As shown in the figure, the music number (information number) is represented by a numerical value of 0 to 255 in 8 bits of bits b07 to b00. When the numerical value is "0", it indicates a title line and "1" to "255". , The numerical value indicates the song number (that is, the information number). Note that “EOD” may simply be a fixed value (data) (see FIG. 53 (c)).

On the other hand, the display 4 for displaying these character information has the indicator display portion 4i and the character display portion 4c as described above with reference to FIG. 9, and the character display portion 4c is as described above with reference to FIG. Has a basic management unit of two display formats, one of which is the half-width / full-width display shown in FIG.
It is managed separately by the sub-display section consisting of the two leftmost 8 dot × 8 dot dot matrices shown by and the main display section consisting of the 8 8 dot × 16 dot dot matrices shown by coordinates C0 to C7. It

Then, for example, as described above with reference to FIG.
Of the above-mentioned character information, the song number (information number) is displayed on the sub-display unit, and the title name, song name and other general character data are displayed on the main display unit (for example, G1).
1). Then, in this case, the music number (information number) is displayed on the sub-display portion in the leftmost two dot matrix of 8 dots × 8 dots (hereinafter referred to as “digit display portion”) in which each digit is indicated by coordinates CE and CF. Displayed respectively. That is, the music number (information number) is displayed in the vertical direction on the sub display, in other words, in the direction orthogonal to the arrangement (horizontal) of the music titles and the like displayed on the main display.

As described above, in the character information display method adopted in the tape printer 1, a character information display section (main display section) and an arbitrary character information display section (main display section) capable of displaying at least a part of arbitrary character information (eg, song title) are displayed. Display screen 4 having an information number display section (sub display section) capable of displaying the information number (song number) of
In FIG. 1, at least a part of arbitrary character information (song name) and an information number (song number) corresponding to it are simultaneously displayed.

In this case, the information number display section (sub-display section) is arranged such that the characters in the character string of the character information (music title) displayed on the character information display section (main display section) are arranged in the first direction. When it is (horizontal direction in the figure), it has a plurality of digit display parts arranged in a second direction (vertical direction in the figure) orthogonal to the first direction, and digitizes the information number (song number). It is represented by the number of digits corresponding to the number of display portions, and each digit of the information number (song number) is displayed on each digit display portion.

That is, the arrangement direction (first direction) of each character of the character information (song name, etc.) displayed in the character information display portion (main display portion) and the information displayed in the information number display portion (sub display portion). Since the arrangement direction (second direction) of each digit of the number is orthogonal, even if the information screen and the corresponding character information are displayed adjacent to each other, even on a small display screen. , The displayed information number (song number) and the corresponding character information (song name) can be easily discriminated. In this case, the information numbers may be arranged horizontally or vertically in the second direction (direction orthogonal to the arrangement of the character string of the character information).

As is apparent from FIG. 11 and the like, the size of the information number display section (sub display section) in the second direction (vertical in the figure) is the same as that of the character information display section (main display section). Two
Matches the size of the direction, information number display section (sub display section)
The size in the first direction (horizontal in the figure) is the same as or half the size in the first direction for displaying one full-width character in the character information display unit (main display unit) (half in the above example)
Is the size of. That is, the area of the information number display section is
The area is the same as or half of the area required to display one full-width character vertically arranged in the text information display area for the number of lines. If the text information display area is one line, one full-width character or It will be half a character.

In this case, since the information number is displayed on the information number display portion, it is easy to discriminate even if it is made smaller and arranged side by side in the second direction. If a plurality of digits are displayed side by side in (), the display area can be reduced and the display efficiency can be improved. Further, since the area of the information number display section is small, if the display screen has the same area, the character information display section can be enlarged by that amount.

Further, since the size of the information number display section in the second direction matches the size of the character information display section in the second direction, it is easy to arrange them adjacently. That is, the area of the entire display screen can be reduced, and the present invention can be applied to a character processing device having only a small display screen. Therefore, the tape printer 1
In the character information display method used in, even if the character processing device has only a small display screen, the information number (song number) and the corresponding character information (song name) can be easily distinguished, and Its display efficiency can be improved

Also, in this case, by disposing the information number display section (sub display section) and the character information display section (main display section) adjacent to each other, the information number (song number) and the character information (song name) are provided. It is easy to see by corresponding to, and by adjoining, the area of the entire display screen having them can be reduced, and it is easy to apply to a character processing device having only a small display screen.

Further, specifically, in the above-mentioned example, the second direction (vertical in the figure) of the digit display portion (coordinates CE and CF in FIG. 11).
The size (16 dots) is half the size in the second direction (vertical in the figure) for displaying one full-width character in the character information display unit (main display unit), so the character information display unit (main display unit) ) Is a one-line display (one-line display in the examples of FIGS. 11 and 12 described above), a two-digit display can be performed and a two-row display can be a four-digit display. That is, 1 of the character information display
Per line, 2 digits can be displayed in the second direction, information numbers with twice the density can be displayed, and not only the display efficiency is high, but also because the lines are arranged in the second direction orthogonal to the first direction. Can be easily determined.

Also, when the character information displayed in the character information display section (main display section) includes character information (title name) that does not correspond to the information number, and the character information is displayed as arbitrary character information, A predetermined symbol or figure (D mark described above in FIG. 20 and the like) indicating that is displayed on the information number display section (sub display section) instead of the information number (FIG. 20).
(See (c)), the user can easily recognize the fact (the title or the disc name) by looking at the symbol or the graphic. In this case, for example, a symbol in the shape of "D" or the like is preferable in order to associate it with the disc name.

As a display (notification, guidance) relationship in the tape printer 1, an operation guide method applied to the tape printer 1 as a character processing device will be described next.

As described above, generally, a character processing device (such as a word processor) such as an editing device that edits character information or a printing device that prints the character information inputs or edits the character information.
A character information display device having a display screen for confirming these is provided.

In a word processor or the like, when the user sets various functions (for editing and printing) or modes, a user presses a function key such as an escape key to display a selection screen for selecting the function or mode. Display it on the display screen. On the selection screen, multiple selectable branches are displayed,
Select the function you want to select with the cursor etc. and press the return (line feed / selection / confirmation) key or click with the mouse etc. to select it. In addition, by providing various operation icons near the periphery of the display screen and clicking on them (for example, right-click to display multiple selection branches and left-click to confirm the selection) There is also something that can be used to select and edit character information.

Also, even if the user forgets the operation method at the time of each editing operation, the editing function explanation (guidance) screen for explaining the editing function and its operation is displayed by the help function (such as pressing the help key to activate the help function). Can be displayed to understand and confirm the operation details. Further, as a similar operation guidance screen, there is one that can display a search input screen in which the user can input what kind of operation contents he or she wants to know by using a search keyword or the like.

As described above, in the character processing device such as a word processor having a large display screen, a selection screen (selection operation guide screen) for displaying various selection branches on the large display screen to guide various selection operations. An operation guide screen such as an edit operation explanation screen (edit operation guide screen: operation icons are considered to be the same type of screen showing the operation contents with a pattern etc.) that explains (guides) the editing function and the contents of the editing operation Can be displayed, and the user can clearly understand the operation content on the display screen. That is, various operations such as selection and editing can be performed with reference to the display of the operation guidance screen.

However, even in the case of a character processing device of the same type, in a relatively small character processing device such as a tape printer or a seal making device, the display screen is also small, so that the selection operation or editing operation as described above is performed. It is difficult to display an operation guide screen for guiding various operation contents such as.

On the other hand, in this type of character processing device, although the display screen is small, the information for displaying the information number such as the line number and the character string number of the character information is displayed on the display screen. Some have a number display section. But,
This information number display section is not used except for displaying character information corresponding to the information number.

Therefore, the tape printer 1 is a character processing device having a character information display section for displaying character information on the display screen and an information number display section for displaying an information number corresponding to the character information. In spite of this, even if the display screen is small, an operation guidance method that can guide various operation contents such as selection operation and editing operation is adopted. The details will be described below.

First, as described above with reference to FIG. 9 and the like, the display 4 includes the indicator display section 4i and the character display section 4i.
11c, the character display unit 4c is a sub-display unit composed of two leftmost dot matrixes of 8 dots × 8 dots indicated by coordinates CE and CF in the half-width / full-width display shown in FIG. , And a main display section composed of eight 8 dot × 16 dot dot matrices indicated by coordinates C0 to C7, and managed separately. As described above with reference to FIG. 21 and the like, the song number (information number) and the like are displayed on the sub display section. , And general character data such as a title name, song name, etc. is displayed on the main display portion (for example, G11).

[0606] That is, first, the tape printer 1 displays a character information display section (main display section) for displaying character information (song title) on the display screen (display screen 41 of the display 4).
And an information number display section (sub-display section) for displaying an information number (tune number) corresponding to the character information.

Further, in the tape printer 1, for example, in the reading process described above with reference to FIGS. 22 to 23, a screen display of a selection branch for selecting “Kanji code” or “alphanumeric code” (G
27 to G28), screen display of a selection branch (G42 to G44) for selecting the type of label to be printed by the printing process described above with reference to FIG. 24, and the function selection setting mode described above with reference to FIG. The screen display of the selection branch of the adjustment target (G72 to G73), the screen display of the selection branch of the printing position adjustment target (G75 to G78) described above in FIG. (2nd layer)
Screen display of the selection branch of the print position adjustment value (G81 to G8
5) and the like, in a state in which the user is prompted (guided) with a cursor operation for selection, an operation guide character for guiding the operation, that is, an up / down direction indicating the operation direction by the cursor “↑” key 33U or the cursor “↓” key 33D. A bidirectional arrow symbol is displayed on the sub-display.

[0609] That is, in the operation guidance method adopted in the tape printer 1, when the next operation (for example, selection operation) is guided, the operation target character information to be operated is set to (a plurality of selection branches in the selection operation). Character information corresponding to any one of the above is displayed on the character information display section (main display section) as operation target character information, and at least one of the candidates for the next operation is displayed as an operation guide character (predetermined). A cursor operation guide character indicating the cursor operation in the direction: an arrow symbol) is displayed on the information number display section (sub display section).

Therefore, the user can clearly understand the operation contents on the display screen, and refer to the operation guide characters displayed on the information number display section to perform the following various selection / editing operations. You can Therefore, in the tape printer 1, by adopting this operation guidance method, it is possible to guide the user of various operation contents such as selection operation.

In each of the above-mentioned examples, the operation guidance for the selection operation is introduced. However, the tape printer 1 also employs the above-mentioned operation guidance method for the editing operation such as character conversion.

As shown in FIG. 54, in the basic input mode, the cursor K is located at the right end (left of the "ko") of the first "i" of the "new kokai" (G96: see FIG. 55 described later). Then, when the conversion mode key 37FS is pressed by the user, the mode changes to the kana-kanji conversion mode, and "ko" is designated as the first character to be converted (G97). Therefore, the user can change the cursor from this state (G97). “→” key 3
By operating 3R, the conversion target range (or the position of the last character may be considered) can be specified. The right-pointing arrow symbol (“→”) on the sub-display section guides this.

When the user presses the cursor “→” key 33R in accordance with the guidance, the designated range expands to “ko”. Therefore, when the user presses the key twice more, the designated conversion target range becomes “kokai”. That is, the range of "Koukai" is designated as the conversion target range by the user's cursor operation (cursor “→” key 33R × 3 times) (G98).

In this state (G98), the conversion target range can be expanded by further operating the cursor “→” key 33R. For this reason, the operation guide characters (cursor operation guide characters:
Although the arrow symbol "→") is displayed, this state (G9
From 8), on the contrary, the designated range can be narrowed by pressing the cursor "←" key 33L, so that the left and right arrow symbols may be displayed as the operation guide characters. Also, if there is originally a kanji part,
When the cursor “→” key 33R is operated to hit a portion of a Chinese character, the arrow symbol of the operation guide character can be erased, or another symbol (for example, an error) can be displayed.

On the other hand, in this state (G98), the user
By pressing the conversion key 37, it is possible to determine the conversion target range and shift to the character conversion operation. That is, when the user presses the conversion key 37, the Chinese character “regret” which is the first conversion candidate character is displayed next (G9).
9).

From this state (G99), the user operates the conversion key 37 or the cursor “→” key 33R,
Different conversion candidate characters (kanji of conversion candidates) can be displayed sequentially. The right-pointing arrow symbol (“→”) on the sub-display section guides this.

When the user presses the cursor “→” key 33R according to the guidance, for example, “public” is displayed as the second candidate (G100). If that is all right, press the enter key 38. , It is possible to set the converted character to "public". When the character after conversion is confirmed, it returns to the basic input mode, and from the state (G96) where the first "new screen" is displayed, "new release"
(G101).

[0618] Note that the user does not press the confirm key 38 from the state (G100) in which "public" is displayed, as in the case of changing the conversion target range (G98, etc.), and further presses the cursor "→" key. By pressing 33R, from the third candidate, for example, "renewal" → "voyage" → "high sea" →
"Falling ash" → "Crafts" can be displayed, and conversely, by pressing the cursor "←" key 33L, the candidates can be displayed in the reverse order. Alternatively, arrow marks in both the left and right directions may be displayed.

As described above, the operation guidance method adopted by the tape printer 1 as a character processing device is the character information display unit (main display unit) capable of displaying character information (song title, etc.) on the display screen 41. ) And an information number (tune number) corresponding to the character information thereof, which is applied to a character processing device (tape printer 1) having an information number display portion (sub-display portion),
When guiding the next operation, the operation target character information to be operated is displayed on the character information display section, and the operation guide character indicating at least one or more of the next operation candidates is displayed on the information number display section. To do.

Therefore, the user can clearly understand the operation contents on the display screen and refer to the operation guidance characters displayed on the information number display section to perform the following various selection / editing operations. You can That is, in this operation guidance method,
The user can be informed of various operation contents such as selection operation and editing operation.

[0621] Specifically, as described above, since the operation guide character includes the cursor operation guide character indicating the cursor operation in any one or more of the upper, lower, left, and right directions, the user is You can clearly understand the cursor operation for performing the following various selection / editing operations on the display screen,
By referring to the cursor operation guide characters displayed on the information number display section, the following various operations such as selection and editing can be performed. That is, in this case, it is possible to guide the cursor operation for the selection operation and the editing operation. Further, in this case, since the cursor is a general cursor operation, the user can easily operate it.

Since the above-mentioned cursor operation guide character is an arrow symbol in the form of one or more arrows in a predetermined direction, the user can easily discriminate the operation direction by cursor operation by referring to the arrow symbol. . That is, in this case, the cursor operation can be guided by displaying the arrow symbol on the information number display section.

As described above, when guiding the selection operation as the next operation, the character information corresponding to any one of the plurality of selection branches in the selection operation is displayed as the operation target character information, and When the operation indicated by the operation guide character is performed as the operation of, the character information corresponding to another one of the plurality of selection branches is displayed as the operation target character information.

[0624] Therefore, the user can display the character information corresponding to any one of the plurality of selection branches,
By performing the operation indicated by the operation guide character as the next operation, it is possible to display the character information corresponding to another one of the plurality of selection branches. That is, in the case of guiding the selection operation as the next operation, the character string corresponding to any one of the plurality of selection branches is displayed, and the operation guide character is displayed to the other one of the plurality of selection branches. The operation to display the corresponding character information can be guided.

As another example of the operation, when guiding the editing operation as the next operation as described above, the character information to be the editing operation is displayed as the operation target character information and the next operation is performed. When the operation indicated by the operation guide character is performed, the position or range to be edited in the operation target character information is changed. That is, when guiding the editing operation as the next operation, the position or range to be edited in the operation target character information is changed by the operation guide character while the operation target character information to be edited is displayed. Can guide the operation.

Here, since the above-mentioned editing operation is an operation for converting characters, the next operation is a character conversion operation (editing operation).
To guide, change the position or range to be the character conversion target (editing target) in the operation target character information with the operation guidance character while displaying the operation target character information that is the target of character conversion (editing operation) You can guide the operation to do.

In the tape printer 1, the information number display section (sub display section) is adjacent to the character information display section (main display section) as described above with reference to FIGS. Since the information number (for example, song number) and the character information (song name) are associated with each other, it is easy to see, and the operation guide characters displayed on the information number display section (sub-display section) The operation target character information displayed on the character information display section is also made to correspond and is easy to see. Further, since the area of the entire display screen including them can be reduced by adjoining, the tape printing device 1 (character processing device) having only a small display screen can be adopted without any problem.

In the above example, the character information to be converted, that is, the operation target character information, is the music title. However, since the title name is also subjected to the character conversion, the same operation is performed. I can guide you. In this case, in a normal state, the title number (disc name) is displayed in the information number display section (sub display section) instead of the information number (song number).
The D mark indicating that is displayed is displayed. However, this is the same as the title of the song name of the song number “0”, so the same can be applied without any problem. That is, the character information indicating the title name (or disc name) can be set as the display target, and the character information can be used as the operation target character information to guide various operation contents.

Next, the character processing (input, conversion, etc.) relationship in the tape printer 1 will be described. First, a character conversion method applied to the tape printer 1, in particular, a character conversion method for performing character conversion targeting a kana character will be described. It should be noted that the character conversion here refers to character conversion for converting a character string having one or more characters into another character string having the same meaning.

As a device capable of this kind of character conversion,
For example, there are a personal computer equipped with word processing software and the like, a dedicated device for the personal computer (so-called word processor), and the like. In word processors etc.,
Kana-kanji conversion table for converting from hiragana to kanji (kana-kanji conversion) when Kana-kanji conversion (predetermined character conversion) is instructed regardless of whether kana or romaji is input. Kana-kanji conversion is performed by referring to (dictionary) or the like.

On the other hand, there is also a character input device such as the MD player 90 connected to the tape printer 1 which does not have a character input as a main function but merely as an incidental function. As described above, half-width characters, that is, alphanumeric characters and kana, are conventionally used because it has only a display screen of, and even kana is composed of LCD, etc. as compared with hiragana that has many delicate curved parts. A katakana that is compatible with a small display screen is used. Therefore, a character string input by this type of device is mainly a katakana, and a general kana-kanji conversion table (dictionary) for converting hiragana to kanji (kana-kanji conversion).
Are useless.

Further, even if a kana (kana) kanji conversion table (dictionary) for converting katakana to kanji (kana kanji conversion) is prepared, and it is possible to directly convert katakana to kanji by referring to it. , Katakana and Kanji are not compatible with each other, so a character string mixed with Katakana and Kanji becomes an unnatural character string.
For example, even if "Utsukushii" is converted to "Beautiful", the sending kana is unnatural and unnatural.

Therefore, in the tape printer 1, without using a predetermined character conversion instructing means such as a function key or preparing a katakana kanji conversion table, etc., while the hiragana kanji conversion function is provided, katakana is mainly used. The character conversion method that can convert the character string into a character string mixed with Hiragana and Kanji is also adopted by a simple operation. The details will be described below.

As described above with reference to FIG. 19, in the basic input mode (H1), by pressing the conversion mode key 37S, the state can be changed to the kana-kanji conversion mode (H4).
As shown in FIG. 56, in the basic input mode (S90), immediately after the conversion mode key 37S is pressed and the state transition occurs, first, the character type of the character next to the cursor K is determined (S91).

For example, from the state (G96) of the basic input mode described above with reference to FIG. 54, it is determined by this determination (S91) that the character "ko" next to the cursor K of "new kokai" is hiragana, As shown in FIG. 56, the process shifts to Hiragana-Kanji conversion (Kana-Kanji conversion) (S92), and after the Kana-Kanji conversion by the above-described operation in FIG. 54 (G97 to G100), the basic input mode is returned (S90, G101). ).

On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 55, in the basic input mode (S90), when the character string of the katakana "Aratashii Kokai" is displayed (G91), "Aratashii" is directly converted to Kanji. It becomes an unnatural character string because it is a new character.

Therefore, in the tape printer 1, in the basic input mode in the state of displaying "Attention" (G91), as shown in FIG. 56, the conversion mode key 37S is pressed by the user to change the state, and the cursor is moved. If it is determined that the character next to K (for example, "U" in FIG. 55) is a katakana (S91), katakana hiragana conversion (kana-kana replacement) is performed (S93).

However, in this case, unlike the case of kana-kanji conversion, the conversion target range is not designated and the entire range of a series of character strings is set as the conversion target range. For example, if the character string displayed in the basic input mode is the character string of the title name, the entire range of that character string (title name), if the displayed character string is the song name, the song name of the one song number that was displayed The entire range is the conversion target range.

In the example shown in FIG. 55, "Atari Koukai"
First, the corresponding hiragana character string "Anew Koukai" is displayed in an undetermined state, with all the ranges of (1) to be converted (G92). Then, when the user confirms the confirmation and presses the confirm key 38, the new character string, that is, "new kokakai" in hiragana is confirmed, and the process returns to the basic input mode (S90, G93).

The state of this basic input mode (G93) is
This is the same as the state in which the hiragana character string was originally displayed. For example, the user subsequently operates the cursor “←” key 33L so that the next (right) character after the cursor K becomes “A”. Then (G94), conversion mode key 3
By pressing 7S and specifying up to "new" as the conversion target range and pressing the enter key 38, it can be converted into "new koukai", and then by performing the above-mentioned operation in FIG. 54, the desired hiragana It is possible to obtain a character string "new public" mixed with kanji (G101 in FIG. 54).

As described above, in the character conversion method adopted in the tape printer 1, the hiragana-kanji conversion (kana-kanji conversion) is instructed (the conversion mode key 37S is pressed).
In this case, when the character designated by the conversion target character designating means (the character next to the cursor K) at that point in time is katakana, any or predetermined part or all of the katakana included in the displayed character string Character conversion is performed on the assumption that katakana hiragana conversion (kana-kana replacement) for converting (the entire predetermined range in the above example) into hiragana is instructed. Therefore, without providing a character conversion instructing means for instructing katakana hiragana conversion (kana-kana replacement), the character conversion instructing means (conversion mode key 37S) for instructing hiragana-kanji conversion (kana-kanji conversion) is also used. You can instruct (kana-kana replacement).

Also, in this case, since the result of character conversion to be katakana hiragana conversion is instructed becomes a hiragana character, it can be converted to kanji by subsequently instructing hiragana kanji conversion by the same predetermined character conversion instructing means. . Therefore,
Even without adding a predetermined character conversion instruction means such as a function key or preparing a Katakana-Kanji conversion table, etc.
It can be converted to a character string containing Hiragana and Kanji by a simple operation.

Further, in the above case, the conversion target character designating means is the cursor operating means (cursor key 3 for operating the position designation or the range designation by the cursor K in the display screen 41).
Since it is 3), it is possible to specify the position or the range of the character (Hiragana) that is the target of Hiragana-Kanji conversion by a general operation by a simple operation.

In the above example, in the Katakana-Hiragana conversion, the conversion target range is not specified and the entire range of the series of character strings is set as the conversion target range. However, similar to the Hiragana-Kanji conversion, the Katakana-Hiragana conversion is also performed. The specification may be such that the position is specified or the range is specified. In this case, similarly, the position (range) or range (range) of the character (Katakana) to be converted from Katakana Hiragana can be specified by a simple operation.

Also, in the character conversion method in the tape printer 1, as shown in FIG. 56, when the hiragana-kanji conversion is instructed (the conversion mode key 37S is pressed), the conversion target character at the instructed time When the character designated by the designating means (the character next to the cursor K) is neither hiragana nor katakana, an error screen is displayed to perform an error notification process for notifying the fact (S94), and after a predetermined time elapses. Return to the basic input mode (S90). That is, the error notification makes it possible for the user to notice an operation error and to try again.

[0646] It should be noted that, in the character string input in the device or the like in which only the above-mentioned Katakana or alphanumeric characters can be input, Katakana is mainly used. Therefore, in such a case, rather than performing detailed position designation and range designation, In some cases, you may want to convert all Katakana characters into Hiragana characters.

As in the above example, when performing character conversion assuming that Katakana-Hiragana conversion is instructed, if all the Katakana characters within the predetermined range of the character string can be collectively converted, it is possible to simplify that much. Characters can be converted by operation. In this case, the predetermined range that can be collectively converted may be a predetermined range that is preset as a default or a predetermined range that can be arbitrarily set. Further, it is more convenient if the default range is set unless otherwise specified and an arbitrary range can be specified.

In this case, the predetermined range of batch conversion is
By including the displayed character string as a range of one line delimited by at least one of automatic line breaks and arbitrary line breaks, all katakana characters within the range of one line can be collectively converted,
As a result, character conversion can be performed with a simple operation.

Of course, as in the above-mentioned example, the predetermined range of the batch conversion is a range of one line or a plurality of lines including the displayed character string and separated by a predetermined delimiter (for example, one range in the above example). The whole song name corresponding to the song number: In the case of a short song name expressed in one line, it is equivalent to the range of one line), so that all the katakana in that series range can be collectively converted,
As a result, character conversion can be performed with a simple operation.

As a character processing (input, conversion, etc.) relationship in the tape printer 1, a character input method applied to the tape printer 1 will be described below.

As a character input device for inputting a character string having one or more characters (used in the same meaning as a character including kanji, hiragana, katakana, numbers, letters and symbols (including simple figures)), a so-called word processor or the like is used. There is. In word processors, etc., even though there is a function to switch between kana input and romaji input, etc., or uppercase and lowercase, etc., the number of keyboards (key input) for all kana characters or all alphabetic characters (alphabets) or more Device).

On the other hand, a character input method of a type in which a predetermined number of character strings are switched and displayed in a predetermined order and a desired one character is selected and designated to call an arbitrary character with a small number of keys. Is also considered (JP-A-5
8-76930).

However, in the above character input method, if a desired character is searched from a character group having a small number of alphabets, it is not so difficult, but a large number of characters (for example, kana, kanji, etc.) It is difficult to find the desired character in the group. That is, since there is no necessity in the arrangement of characters displayed as candidates, in order to search for a character that is not displayed, move the cursor in various directions, switch the displayed character, and search with trial and error. I won't.

In the first place, in the above character input method, if a character group with a small alphabet is to be input, there is little advantage compared to having all keys, and a large number of character groups are originally to be input. As a result, the advantage of being able to do with less keys comes to life as a remarkable effect.
Nevertheless, if a large number of character groups are to be input, they are unusable due to their low operability.

[0655] Also, in order to eliminate any problems,
To improve the operability by providing a large display screen that can display more input characters,
This leads to higher prices, and it cannot be applied to models that want to reduce the number of keys for downsizing and price reductions, and it will end up falling. For these reasons, the character input method as described above and the device to which the character input method is applied have not been put into practical use.

Therefore, the tape printer 1 employs a character input method in which characters can be input with a small number of keys without impairing operability even if the display screen is small. The details will be described below.

As described above with reference to FIG. 19, in order to input a character (or a symbol), the character key 34C (the symbol key 34D when the symbol is input) is first pressed from the state where the edit mode is the basic input mode or the like. Causes a state transition to the character (or symbol) selection input mode (H2 or H3).

For example, as shown in FIG. 57, in the state of the basic input mode (G110), the user operates the character key 34C.
When is pressed, the mode changes to the character selection input mode, and the first
First, in the hierarchy, the selection branch of "Kana" is displayed (G
111). From this state (G111), the delete key 35
When is pressed, the mode returns to the basic input mode (G110). When the symbol key 34D is pressed, the mode transits to the symbol selection input mode. Further, when the confirmation key 38 is pressed, a transition is made to the second layer described later.

Further, as shown in FIG. 58, this state (G
111), the character key 34C or the cursor "→"
Each time the key 33R or the cursor “↓” key 33D is pressed, the display is cycled through “kana” → “kana” → “alphabet” → “number” → “kanji” → “kana” to switch the display (G111 to G111).
G115 to G116 (the same as G111)) and the cursor “←” key 33L or the cursor “↑” key 33U are pressed, conversely, “kana” → “kanji” → “number” →
The display is switched by cycling through “English characters” → “Kana” → “Kana” (G116 to G112 to G111).

[0660] In the following, the kana input will be described as an example. As shown in FIG. 59, in the state of the basic input mode (G120: same as G110 of FIG. 57), the character key 3
When 4C is pressed, as described above, the display transits to the first layer of the character selection input mode and displays "Kana" (G121:
Same as G111). In this state (G121), when the confirmation key 38 is pressed by the user, the next second level screen,
That is, a screen for selecting and inputting characters is displayed (G12
2). In this state (G112), input candidate characters and the like are displayed in the format shown in FIG.

As shown in FIGS. 60 (a) and 60 (b), the character selection screen (G122) is managed by being divided into five display areas (5 blocks). The leftmost (horizontal) 24 dot area is managed by the 6 × 8 display described above with reference to FIG. 11B, and the display area of the coordinates A0 to A3 in the upper row is the first block,
If the display area of the coordinates B0 to B3 in the lower row is the second block (see FIGS. 60 (b) and 11 (b)), the character "CODE" is always displayed in the first block and the second block in the lower row is displayed.
It introduces that the block shows the character code.

The other three display areas are managed by the full-width / half-width display described above with reference to FIG.
When the display area of No. 3 is the third block, the display area of coordinates C4 to C5 is the fourth block, and the display area of coordinates C6 to C7 is the fifth block, the input candidate character is 1 in each of the third to fifth blocks. The characters are displayed one by one, and among them, the characters displayed in the fourth block are the input designated characters at the time of the display.

Also, in the above-mentioned second block, the numerical value of the character code of the character displayed in the fourth block, that is, the input designated character is displayed. As shown in FIG. 59, the state in which "Kana" of the first layer in the character selection input mode is displayed (G1
In 21), when the confirmation key 38 is pressed by the user and the screen for selecting and inputting the characters of the second layer is displayed, first, the character selected and confirmed most recently is displayed, but here, for ease of understanding, as an example. , "A" which is the first input designation character (displayed at the time of initial setting) in "Kana" is displayed (G122).

For example, as described above, when "A" is displayed as the input designation character in the fourth block, in the third block, before the "A" (left) on the predetermined character code (see FIG. 61). "A" adjacent to the side is displayed, and "i" adjacent to (right) side after "A" is displayed in the fifth block.
That is, a plurality of (three) input candidate characters adjacent to each other are displayed in the third to fifth blocks.

Also, in the second block, among the displayed input candidate characters, the character designated as the input designated character, that is, "A" displayed in the fourth block is displayed.
Display the character code corresponding to. Here, since the JIS character code is adopted as the predetermined character code (correctly, the JIS character code for MD system is adopted, but the same character code is used for "Kana").
As the character code of "A" displayed in the fourth block, [0402] DEC (decimal number is expressed by [] DEC in decimal number) is displayed in the second block (G).
122).

In this second block, the numerical value of the character code is displayed with 4 digits of 6 × 8 display (that is, display of a dot matrix of 6 dots × 8 dots).
9] Below DEC (that is, three digits), the display of thousands is omitted. Also, [10000] DEC to [109
99] DEC, [11000] DEC to [11999]
DEC, [12000] DEC to [12999] DEC
Since there are 5 digits, the upper 2 digits are shown in FIG.
The display-only character shown in (c) is used to display in the display area for four digits.

First, in the tape printer 1 (the character input method adopted in), the predetermined character types of kanji, hiragana, katakana, numbers, letters and symbols (at least one of them) are classified into the predetermined character types. A predetermined character type arrangement table in which two or more characters are two-dimensionally arranged in a plurality of rows and a plurality of columns according to a predetermined rule is defined by associating a plurality of characters and the character codes of the respective characters.

The character at the arbitrary j-th character (i, j is a natural number) on the arbitrary i-th row is the character at the coordinate [i, j] on the array table (hereinafter, simply "the character of array [i, j]"). ), If Hiragana (kana) is taken as an example of the predetermined character type in accordance with the above example, as shown in FIG. 61, the predetermined character type (kana)
A plurality of characters (i = 1 to 10) and a plurality of columns (j = 15 columns of 1 to 15), a predetermined character type array table (kana array table) that is two-dimensionally arrayed is defined.

Also, for other character types, a predetermined character type array table when the character types are used is defined (Katakana (kana): see FIG. 68, alphabet: see FIG. 69, number: see FIG. 70, Kanji: See Figure 71).

In this embodiment, the symbols are as follows:
In the symbol selection input mode (see FIG. 19), selection is made based on the relation with the use of the symbol rather than the arrangement order of the character codes (see FIGS. 75 to 78).
But, prepare a predetermined character type array table based on the character code,
It can be handled in the same manner as other character types (see FIG. 72).

Here, the difference in the properties of kana, that is, hiragana (kana) or katakana (kana), from other alphabetic characters, numbers, and kanji will be explained with reference to symbols having intermediate properties. Keep it.

The array table shown in FIG. 72 is based on the numerical values indicated by the character codes of "symbols" so that the character of the arbitrary j-th character of the arbitrary i-th row becomes the character of the array [i, j]. , And are simply arranged in 12 rows and 10 columns (i = 1 to 12, j = 1 to 10).

Considering the ease of remembering by the user, for example, the characters "☆" ([0189] DEC) in the array [9, 9]-
"1" in the array [10, 3] ([0193] DEC)
Line 0, array [10, 4] ([0194] DEC)
~ Array [11, 7] ([0207] DEC) is the 11th row, and ([0208] DEC) ~ ([0214] DE
Some people say that it is easier to understand and remember if the sequence table shown in FIG. 73 is used with C) as the 12th line.

Further, with respect to the array table of FIG. 73, for example, the number of columns is increased to 11 (j = 1 to 11), and """([0141] DEC) of the array [5, 1] is changed to four. Move to the end of the line, and put """in the array [4, 11] ([0141]
DEC) and the fifth line is ([0142] DEC) ~
([0149] DEC) and the sixth line is ([0150]
There is also an opinion that it is easier and easier to understand if the sequence table shown in FIG. 74 is set to be DEC) to ([0159] DEC) and the seventh line is ([0160] DEC) to ([0170] DEC). Come on.

Whether the array table of FIG. 72 is better (easier to use, easier to remember, etc.), FIG. 74 is better, or an array with some modification is better, etc. , There is also a difference in subjective feeling, and if it is clear that they are arranged according to a predetermined rule, no matter how they are arranged, there is little substantial difference, so it can be set arbitrarily. good.

On the other hand, for example, in the alphabetic character array table (alphabetic character array table) shown in FIG. 69, the total number may be small and the array can be remembered.
It suffices to arrange the columns (i = 1 to 4, j = 1 to 13). For the same reason, the arrangement table of numbers (numerical arrangement table) shown in FIG. 70 is simply 4 rows and 10 columns (i = 1 to 4, j = 1 to 1).
The sequence table of 13) may be used.

Also, in the case of the Kanji arrangement table (Kanji arrangement table) shown in FIG. 71, conversely, there are too many numbers, and even if the arrangement is devised independently, there are few advantages, and it is impossible to remember at all.
In the case of Chinese characters, it is easier to use a simple array along the sequence of the numerical values indicated by the character code.

Next, in the case of hiragana or katakana, the number is not so large that the array can be easily remembered, nor is there an extremely large number, so there is room for improvement in the array table. However, the number is not extremely small, so if you do not make it a simple array table based only on the numerical value of the character code, the array is not only subjectively easy to remember, but also easy for anyone to use. There is a need to.

Kana ("kana" or "kana")
Is an array that is easier to understand than numbers and that everyone knows and remembers. That is, the arrangement is in the order of Japanese syllabary. Therefore, in the character input method adopted in the tape printer 1, for hiragana and katakana, an array table arranged according to the rule of Japanese syllabary is prepared (see FIGS. 61 and 68).

Next, a basic character input method and a method of changing the designation of the input designated character will be described.

For example, in the screen for selecting and inputting characters (kana) described above with reference to FIG. 59 or 60, the predetermined character type arrangement table (kana arrangement table) (see FIG. 61) includes "a" corresponding to the input designated character. A plurality of (3) input candidate characters “a”, “a”, and “i” adjacent to the input and output are displayed, and the character code corresponding to the input designation character “a” is [0
402] DEC is displayed (G122).

When the user presses the confirm key 38 in this state (G122), the input designation character "a" is confirmed as the input character and the input character "a" is displayed on the left side of the cursor K, as shown in FIG. Is inserted to return to the basic input mode (G123).

On the other hand, when the user presses the cursor “→” key 33R in the above state (G122), the state shown in FIG.
Changed the designation of input characters from "A" to "I" on the right side of the Nokana array table, and input the three characters "A", "I" and "I" adjacent to it including "I" And [0403] DEC is displayed as the character code corresponding to the input designation character "i".

Therefore, in this state, when the user presses the confirm key 38, the input designation character "i" is confirmed as the input character and the input character is displayed on the left side of the cursor K, as in the case of "a". Insert "i" to return to the basic input mode.

Similarly, in the state in which "i" is designated as the input designation character, the cursor "→" is entered by the user.
When the key 33R is pressed, the designation of the input designation character is changed from "i" to "i" on the right side of the kana array table of FIG. 61, and "i", "i", and "i" adjacent to it are included. The three characters "u" are displayed as input candidate characters, and [0404] DE is set as the character code corresponding to the input designation character "i".
Display C. In this state, if the confirm key 38 is pressed, "yes" is input.

That is, the input designated character can be changed by operating the cursor including other cursor operations described later.
When the designation is changed, a new input designation character adapted to it and an input candidate character adjacent thereto are displayed, and a character code corresponding to the input designation character at that time is displayed.

Hereinafter, the rule of changing the designation of the input designated character by this type of cursor operation (operation of the cursor key 33) is referred to as "scroll rule". Further, as long as the designation of the input designated character can be changed, the subsequent character input is the same operation as described above. Therefore, hereinafter, scroll rules by various cursor operations will be mainly described. Further, the input candidate characters (adjacent to the front and rear of the array table) displayed together with the input designating character are obvious if the input designating character is clear, and therefore the description thereof will be appropriately omitted.

As shown in FIG. 62, each time the cursor “→” key 33R is pressed, the designation of the input designation character is moved to the right by one on the kana array table (the character on the right is designated as a new input designation character). Specified as). That is, from the above "a", "a" → "i" → "i" → "u" → "u" →
Move like “e” → …… → “o”.

Also, in the scroll rule in the character input method of the tape printer 1, the predetermined character type array table is used regardless of the input character type (that is, regardless of which of the predetermined character type array tables of FIGS. 68 to 74, etc.). The character code at the end of any one of the plurality of lines and the character code at the beginning of the next line are treated as a plurality of adjacent character codes.

For example, when the above "O" is the input designated character, "O", "O" and "ka" are displayed as the input candidate characters, and when the designation is changed as "O" → "ka",
"O", "ka", and "ga" are displayed as input candidate characters. That is, since the character codes of a plurality of lines are treated as a series of character codes, the character at the end of the previous line and the character at the beginning of the next line can be displayed as adjacent input candidate characters.

Also, the character code at the end of the last line and the character code at the beginning of the first line of the plurality of lines of the predetermined character type arrangement table are treated as a plurality of character codes adjacent to each other. For example, when "n" is the input character, "wo""n"
“A” is displayed as an input candidate character, and when the designation is changed as “N” → “AA”, “N”, “AA” and “AA” are displayed as input candidate characters. That is, since a plurality of lines form a series of circulating character codes, the character at the end of the last line and the character at the beginning of the first line can be displayed as adjacent input candidate characters.

Next, as shown in FIG. 63, each time the cursor “←” key 33L is pressed, the designation of the input designation character is moved to the left by one on the kana array table (the left side character is newly added). Specified as the input specification character). In other words, from the above "a", "a" → "a""n" → "w" → ...
→ "㎎" → "RO" → …… → "RA" → "YO" → …… →
Move like “ya” → “mo” → …… → “ma” → “po” → …… →.

The above scroll rule is common regardless of the character type, but the scroll rule by the operation of the cursor "↓" key 33D differs depending on the character type.

When based on the alphabetic character arrangement table shown in FIG. 69, for example, when "T" ([0352] DEC) of the array [2, 7] is designated as the input designation character, the cursor "↓" key 33D When pressed, the designation is changed to "g" ([0371] DEC) in the array [3, 7]. This scroll rule is in accordance with the principle, and is the same when the number arrangement table shown in FIG. 70, the Chinese character arrangement table shown in FIG. 71, or the symbol arrangement table shown in FIG. 74 is used.

That is, the scroll rule by operating the cursor “↓” key 33D other than the kana (“kana” or “kana”) is, as a general rule, an arbitrary array [i,
It is defined to move (specify) from the character [j] to the array [i + 1, j].

[0696] On the other hand, when it is based on the predetermined character type arrangement table of "Kana" (the same applies to Kana), when the cursor "↓" key 33D is operated, the designation is changed to the character at the beginning of the next line (first note). . As shown in FIG. 64, for example, when "KE" ([0417] DEC) in the array [2, 7] is designated as the input designation character, when the cursor "↓" key 33D is pressed, the array [3 1] “Sa” ([0421] DEC)
Change to. That is, it is determined to move to the first sound in the next (i + 1) row.

In the case of the Japanese syllabary, since it is customary to consider the first sound in each of the lines "a" to "wa", in order to search for a desired character, for example, the fourth sound of "ka" is used. When moving from "ke" to "sa" of the next line, it is easier to think of moving to "sa" of the first sound than moving to "se" which is the fourth sound of "sa line", and therefore, This is because it is easy to search for a desired character (high operability).

Similarly, as for the scroll rule by the operation of the cursor "↑" key 33U, except for the kana ("kana" or "kana"), in principle, from the character of the arbitrary array [i, j] to the array [i- 1, j], the "kana" (or "kana") moves to the first sound in the previous (i-1) row as shown in FIG. 65, for example. Stipulated in.

Therefore, the cursor "↓" in the case of Kana
According to the scroll rule by the operation of the key 33D or the cursor “↑” key 33U, after the specification change,
It is set to be a sound. Therefore, as a general rule,
Moving from the character of the array [i, j] to the character of the array [i + 1, j] or the array [i-1, j] is the case where the character before the designation corresponds to the first sound of each line of the Japanese syllabary. Become.

As described above, in the character input method adopted in the tape printer 1, the character of any i-th line (i is a natural number) of a plurality of lines of the predetermined character type arrangement table is designated as the input designation character. In the meantime, the designation change of the input designated character includes the designation change to the previous line or the next line, which is the k (k = i−1 or k = i + 1) line.

That is, the predetermined character type array table is a two-dimensional array having a plurality of rows and a plurality of columns, but the designation change as the input designation character can be made in the character arrangement direction (row direction) of each of the plurality of rows. Not only can this be done, but because the designation can be changed in the column direction as well, the designation can be swiftly changed to a character at a distant position on the predetermined character type arrangement table, which improves operability.

Since there may be no character corresponding to the original j-th character on the k-th line of the move destination, if it is generalized to include these characters as well, the scroll rule in this character input method is When the arbitrary jth character on the i-th row is the character in the array [i, j], and when the character in the array [i, j] is specified as the input designation character, the designation to the k-th row To change, in the array [k, h] (when the number of characters in the k-th row is less than j, h is the number of characters, and when the number of characters is greater than or equal to j, h =
The designation change in which the character j) is designated as the input designation character after the change by the designation change is included.

In this case, the character in the j-th column of the i-th row on the predetermined character type array table can be changed to the character in the j-th column of the k (i-1 or i + 1) -th row, and the j-th character in the k-th row can be changed. When there is no character corresponding to the character in the column, it can be overridden to the character at the end of the kth line, so it is easy to predict the input designated character immediately after the change when overriding in the kth line. Since the character to be the input candidate character is also easily predicted, the operability is further improved.

Further, according to the scroll rule in this character input method, regardless of the type of character to be input (that is, FIG. 68).
~ Regardless of which predetermined character type arrangement table based on FIG. 74, etc.), the first line of the plurality of lines of the predetermined character type arrangement table is treated as the next row of the last line.

For example, as shown in FIG. 64 and FIG. 65, the row following the last row (row with i = 10) “wa row” is the first row (first row: row with i = 1). A certain "A line" is set, and the line before "A line" in the first line (i = 1 line) is the last line (i = 1
0 line) "wa line". This scroll rule is common to other character types. That is, since it can be handled as a plurality of lines that circulate, it is easy to change the designation (movement between lines) in the column direction, and the operability is further improved. Also, some exceptions will be described later.

Next, the scroll rule by the operation of the shift cursor key 33S will be described. The scrolling rule in this case is the same regardless of the character type to be input (that is, FIGS. 68 to 74), with the exception of lowercase kana which will be described later.
(Regardless of which predetermined character type array table, etc., it is based on), there is a common rule.

As shown in FIG. 66, when the shift cursor “→” key 33RS is pressed while the character of the arbitrary i-th line is designated as the input designated character, the character moves to the character at the end of the i-th line. (Move, change designation). However, when the original input designated character is the end of line character, the line is moved to the end of the next (i + 1) line.

Also, as shown in FIG. 67, when the shift cursor "←" key 33LS is pressed while the character of the arbitrary i-th line is designated as the input designation character, the character at the beginning of the i-th line Move to. However, when the original input designation character is the character at the beginning of the line, the line is moved to the beginning of the line of the previous (i-1). Also, some exceptions will be described later.

In addition to these, for example, by operating the shift cursor "↑" key 33US, the previous (i-
The specification may be such that it moves to the beginning of the line 1) or moves to the beginning of the next (i + 1) line by operating the shift cursor “↓” key 33DS. Regarding the shift cursor “↓” key 33DS, the next (i + 1)
It is also conceivable to move to the end of the line.

On the predetermined character type arrangement table, the characters at the beginning and the end of each line of a plurality of lines easily show the characteristics of the line, for example, having the minimum value or the maximum value of the character code of the line. Therefore, by looking at the characters at the beginning or end of a line, it is easy to understand the characteristics (range or characteristics) of the characters (code values, etc.) on that line.

As described above, in the character input method adopted in the tape printer 1, when the character on the arbitrary i-th line of a plurality of lines of the predetermined character type arrangement table is designated as the input designation character, , The input designated character can be overridden by changing the previous line or the next line by k (k = i−1 or k = i +
1) Includes a specification change to the line, and also the k-th line or i
Since the designation can be changed to the character at the beginning or the end of the line, the user can easily understand the lines before and after the change, whereby the designation can be changed faster and the operability is further improved.

When the predetermined character type is hiragana (kana) or katakana (kana), a plurality of lines of the predetermined character type array table are a plurality of lines in which the Japanese syllabary is arranged in order. That is, since they are arranged in the order of the Japanese syllabary, the operability is improved more easily.

Also, in this case, lowercase letters are included as characters of a predetermined character type (“kana” or “kana”), and any i
When the input specification character is changed when the character on the line is specified as the input specification character, if the changed input specification character is in principle lowercase, the uppercase corresponding to that lowercase is changed as an exception. Includes overrides that you specify as input specification characters for.

Specifically, FIG. 64, FIG. 65 and FIG. 67.
As described above, in the case of the designation change in which the destination of movement (designation change) is the head of the line, when the beginning of each line is a lowercase letter, instead of the lowercase letter, it is moved (designation change) to the corresponding uppercase letter. That is, "A" in "Ah" ([0401] D
EC), “ya” in “Yayuki” ([0467] DEC),
Instead of "Wa"'s"ゎ" ([0478] DEC),
The corresponding capital letter "a" ([0402] DE
C), "ya" ([0468] DEC), "wa" ([04
79] DEC) (change designation).

Generally, in Hiragana or Katakana, unlike English letters, etc., the frequency of using uppercase letters is significantly higher than the frequency of using their lowercase letters. Therefore, in principle, even when the designation is changed to lowercase letters, the uppercase letter side is the exception. The input designated character has a higher probability of being a character desired by the user. Therefore, when a hiragana (kana) or katakana (kana) is input, by preferentially handling uppercase letters, it is possible to quickly change the designation to a character desired by the user and improve operability.

As described above, in the character input method used in the tape printer 1, a plurality of input candidate characters are displayed on the display screen, one of them is designated as the input designated character, and the designation is changed. Then, when the desired character is designated as the input designated character, the desired character is input by confirming it as the input character. That is, basically, the type is such that the input candidate characters are displayed and the input characters are designated and input, so that the number of keys and the like can be small.

Also, a predetermined character type arrangement table is defined in which a plurality of characters classified into a predetermined character type are associated with the character codes of the respective characters, and two-dimensionally arranged in a plurality of rows and a plurality of columns according to a predetermined rule. . That is, the predetermined character type arrangement table in which the character to be input is associated with the character code is defined. This predetermined character type arrangement table is similar to the so-called character code list that is generally attached to character input devices, etc., and if attached to an actual device in the same way, the user can refer to this arrangement table. it can.

On the other hand, the predetermined character type arrangement table is two-dimensionally arranged in a plurality of rows and a plurality of columns according to a predetermined rule.
In this character input method, a plurality of characters corresponding to a plurality of character codes adjacent to each other on the predetermined character type array table are displayed on the display screen as input candidate characters. That is, as the input candidate characters to be displayed, a plurality of characters corresponding to a plurality of character codes adjacent to each other on the predetermined character type arrangement table are displayed, so that the user changes the designation of the input designated character in any direction ( It is possible to easily grasp whether or not the desired character can be displayed by referring to the predetermined character type arrangement table.

Since the character code of the input designated character is displayed on the display screen together with the plurality of input candidate characters including the input designated character, where is the currently designated input designated character on the array table? Can be searched easily and quickly by referring to the displayed character code.
That is, since the current input designated character and the desired character can be searched for in the predetermined character type arrangement table, it is possible to easily determine in which direction the designated character can be displayed by changing the designation of the input designated character. Can be grasped quickly.

After the designation is changed, a new input candidate character including the changed input designated character and adjacent thereto is displayed and the character code corresponding to the changed input designated character is displayed. If the direction is correct, it can be confirmed on the predetermined character type arrangement table, and even if the direction of designation change is wrong, it can be confirmed and properly adjusted.

In these cases, at least the input designated character at that time is sufficient as the input candidate character.
It is sufficient to be able to display a character adjacent to the input character (that is, two characters before or after the input character and three characters even if the adjacent characters before and after are displayed) at most. That is, operability is not impaired even if the display screen is small. Therefore, in this character input method, it is possible to input characters with a small number of keys without impairing operability even if the display screen is small.

The predetermined character type array table used in the tape printer 1 is the numerical value indicated by the character code of each character in any one of a plurality of lines, as described above with reference to FIGS. 61 and 68 to 74. Is set to be less than the minimum value of the numerical values indicated by the character codes of the characters on the next line. Therefore, the ranges of the numerical values indicated by the character codes of the rows of the predetermined character type array table do not overlap. In addition, since the characters are arranged in ascending order, it is easy to search for a desired character from the predetermined character type arrangement table, and it is easy to change the designation of the input designated character and display the desired character.

That is, the user can easily and quickly grasp in which direction the designation of the input designated character should be changed (moved) to display the desired character by referring to the predetermined character type arrangement table. Even if the direction of the designation change is wrong, it can be confirmed and easily adjusted, so that the desired character can be displayed easily and quickly, and the operability is not impaired even if the display screen is small, You can enter characters with few keys.

In this case, in the predetermined character type arrangement table, the minimum value indicated by the character code of each character in any one line of a plurality of lines is the numerical value indicated by the character code of each character in the next line. May be set to exceed the maximum value of. In this case as well, the range of numerical values indicated by the character code of each line of the predetermined character type array table does not overlap. Also, since they are arranged in descending order,
It becomes easy to search for a desired character from the predetermined character type layout table, and it becomes easy to change the designation of the input designated character to display the desired character.

That is to say, in the same way as arranged in ascending order,
The user can easily and quickly grasp in which direction the input designated character is changed and the desired character is displayed, and even if the direction is erroneous, the user can easily and properly make the desired character easily and quickly. Since it can be displayed, characters can be input with a small number of keys without impairing operability even if the display screen is small.

In the above example, since the input designated character is designated by the cursor operation for designating the position of the input designated character, the input designated character is designated by a simple operation using a general cursor operation. be able to. Further, since the input character is fixed by operating the enter key, the input character can be established by a simple operation using a general enter key operation.

Since the character code is JIS code,
Characters can be input using a general JIS code as a character code, and it is familiar to users, so that characters can be input without impairing operability. Moreover, since the JIS code is a JIS code for MD system, it is a general JIS code.
In addition to characters that can be expressed by codes, special symbols added as a JIS code for MD system can be input as characters.

Further, in the character input method adopted by the tape printer 1, one of a plurality of inputtable character types including a predetermined character type is selected as the input character type, and the selected input character type is the predetermined character type. In this case, a character of a predetermined character type is set as an input candidate character. In this case, the predetermined character type can be selected as the input character type even if the plurality of character types that can be input include a character type other than the predetermined character type. Applicable.

Further, in the tape printer 1, the input character is an input character for editing the read character string when the character string stored in the disk is read. Therefore, it can be applied to read out a character string stored in the disk and add an edit such as insertion.
Also, in the above example, since the disc is a mini disc,
It can be applied as a character input method for reading a character string stored in a mini disk and adding an edit such as insertion.

The character string in this case includes a character string indicating a song name, a title name, or a disk name of the music stored in the disc, and the character string stored in the disc is read out and edited such as inserted. It can be applied as a character input method. In particular, it can be applied to add an artist name or the like after the song name, change the content into a character string that is easier for the user to understand, or add desired characters.
For example, when the whole is the same artist or when there is a representative artist, it can be used to add it or change the title name to that name. Further, a label on which the character input result is printed can be created only by printing a desired print image on a desired label and removing the half-cut portion.

Although the MD player capable of remote control communication is used in the above embodiment, the same MD reproducing function unit as the MD player may be incorporated in the tape printer. Not only for MD, but for reading main information and attribute information corresponding thereto, for example, a magneto-optical (MO) disk mainly recording / reproducing music / voice signals as main information, rewritable CD (CD -R, etc.), and can be applied to a disc reproducing apparatus for other discs such as a DVD that mainly records and reproduces moving image data as main information.

Also, even if the device is not a device that edits a character string read from a disk, but a device that inputs a character string having one or more characters, it can be applied to input a character string for other purposes. , Especially suitable for models that want to have a small display screen and a small number of keys for downsizing and cost reduction, and if such a device is desired, it can be used with other devices instead of tape printing devices. Even if there is, sufficient operability can be obtained. Of course, other changes can be made as appropriate without departing from the scope of the present invention.

[0733]

As described above, according to the character printing method and apparatus of the present invention, it is possible to input characters with a small number of keys without impairing operability even if the display screen is small.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is an external perspective view of a tape printing apparatus 1 to which a character input method and apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention are applied, in an open state.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram of a control system of the tape printing apparatus of FIG.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the tape cartridge with the upper case removed.

FIG. 4 is an external view of a tape on which two types of half-cut labels are formed.

FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram showing a print image of a main label (disc label, case label) and a side label.

FIG. 6 is an external view for explaining a mini disk (MD) cartridge and its case, and their relationship with a disk label, a case label, and a side label.

FIG. 7 is an external view of a conventional portable MD player and a remote controller connected thereto.

FIG. 8 is an explanatory diagram schematically showing the configuration of a keyboard.

FIG. 9 is an explanatory diagram schematically showing the configuration of a display.

FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram schematically showing the configuration of an indicator display section of the display.

FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram showing a configuration and management coordinates of a character display unit of the display.

FIG. 12 is an explanatory diagram showing a display example of a character display portion of a display and a cursor position.

13 is a flowchart showing a conceptual process of overall control of the tape printer of FIG.

FIG. 14 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a mode of transmission / reception between a tape printer or a remote controller and an MD player when operating a remote controller.

FIG. 15 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a mode of transmission / reception with an MD player when the tape printing apparatus of FIG. 1 combines request signals from a plurality of request keys of a remote controller to make consecutive attribute information requests. .

FIG. 16 is an explanatory diagram following FIG. 15;

FIG. 17 is an explanatory diagram following FIG. 16;

18 is a diagram illustrating a disk name request / storing process corresponding to FIG. 15, a song name request preparing process corresponding to FIG. 16, and a song name request / storing process corresponding to FIG. It is a flowchart of a process.

19 is an explanatory diagram showing a state transition of an edit mode of the tape printer of FIG.

FIG. 20 is an explanatory diagram showing a screen display in an initial state of text.

FIG. 21 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a screen display in a state where character data (text data) exists, and an example of a user operation and a screen display when erasing everything from the state and returning to the initial text state. .

FIG. 22 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of a user operation and screen display during a print data reading process.

FIG. 23 is an explanatory diagram that follows FIG. 22.

FIG. 24 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of user operations and screen display during print processing.

FIG. 25 is an explanatory diagram that follows FIG. 24.

FIG. 26 is an explanatory diagram of a process flow of a preparing display process and a printing display process.

FIG. 27 is a comparative explanatory diagram when a case label is selected and when a disc label is selected.

[Fig. 28] Fig. 28 is an explanatory diagram illustrating the concept of a process of creating an omitted image of character omission and line omission.

FIG. 29 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of a user operation and screen display when setting a line wrapping form.

FIG. 30 is an explanatory diagram showing various overflow notification character strings (marks) of display-only characters.

31 is an explanatory diagram showing a display character string (edit notification character string) using the various overflow notification character strings (marks) in FIG. 30 and a display image (edit notification image) created based on the display character string.

FIG. 32 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of user operation and screen display when a display image (edit notification image) is displayed.

FIG. 33 is an explanatory diagram of a processing flow for creating a print image (editing image) based on a display character string (editing notification character string).

FIG. 34 is an explanatory diagram showing a full-width / half-width mixed print image and a full-width only print image.

FIG. 35 is an explanatory diagram of a print position shift.

FIG. 36 is an explanatory diagram showing the relationship between the print head and the tape.

FIG. 37 is an explanatory diagram showing an image of print position adjustment.

FIG. 38 is an explanatory diagram showing a control image of transmission data to each dot element of the print head when the print position is adjusted.

FIG. 39 is an explanatory diagram of a print position adjustment range.

FIG. 40 is an explanatory diagram showing an image of an example of print data when print position vertical adjustment is performed when a main label is selected.

FIG. 41 is an explanatory diagram showing an image of an example of print data when the print position front-back adjustment is performed when the main label is selected.

FIG. 42 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of print data when print position vertical adjustment is performed when a side label is selected.

FIG. 43 is an explanatory diagram showing an image of an example of print data when the print position front-back adjustment is performed when a side label is selected.

FIG. 44 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a user operation and screen display in an upper layer when adjusting a print position.

FIG. 45 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of user operations and screen display in the first layer, following FIG. 44;

FIG. 46 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of user operations and screen display in the second hierarchy, following FIG. 45;

FIG. 47 is a flowchart of side label presence / absence detection & front-back direction print position adjustment processing.

FIG. 48 is an external view of the tape cartridge as viewed from the back.

FIG. 49 is a configuration diagram of the vicinity of a pocket.

FIG. 50 is a format explanatory diagram of a processing mode (internal state setting) register.

51 is an explanatory diagram of detailed specifications of FIG. 50. FIG.

FIG. 52 is a format explanatory diagram of character code data.

FIG. 53 is an explanatory diagram of detailed specifications of FIG. 52.

FIG. 54 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of user operations and screen display when performing Hiragana-Kanji conversion.

FIG. 55 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a user operation and screen display when performing katakana hiragana conversion.

FIG. 56 is an explanatory diagram of a processing flow in a kana-kanji conversion mode.

FIG. 57 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a user operation and screen display when performing character input.

FIG. 58 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a specific user operation and screen display for character type selection in FIG. 57.

FIG. 59 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a schematic user operation and screen display from the start to the end of the character input operation.

FIG. 60 is an explanatory diagram of a character selection screen.

FIG. 61 is a kana array table as an example of a predetermined character type array table.

62 is an explanatory diagram of a scroll rule when the designation of the input designated character is changed by the cursor operation based on the kana layout table of FIG. 61.

FIG. 63 is an explanatory diagram similar to FIG. 62, for another cursor operation.

FIG. 64 is an illustration similar to FIG. 62, for yet another cursor operation.

FIG. 65 is an explanatory diagram similar to FIG. 62 for another cursor operation.

FIG. 66 is an illustration similar to FIG. 62, for yet another cursor operation.

FIG. 67 is an illustration similar to FIG. 62, for yet another cursor operation.

FIG. 68 is a kana sequence table as an example of the predetermined character type sequence table.

FIG. 69 is an alphabetic character arrangement table as an example of the predetermined character type arrangement table.

FIG. 70 is a numeral arrangement table as an example of the predetermined character type arrangement table.

FIG. 71 is a Kanji character arrangement table as an example of an arrangement table of predetermined character types.

FIG. 72 is a symbol arrangement table as an example of a predetermined character type arrangement table.

73 is a symbol array table which is a modified example of FIG. 72. FIG.

74 is a symbol array table which is a modification of FIG. 73.

FIG. 75 is a symbol group classification table in the symbol selection input mode.

76 is a character code correspondence table showing an example of characters that can be input when music is selected as the symbol group in FIG. 75. FIG.

77 is a character code correspondence table showing an example of characters that can be input when a description is selected as a symbol group in FIG. 75. FIG.

78 is a character code correspondence table showing an example of characters that can be input when the omission is selected as the symbol group in FIG. 75. FIG.

[Explanation of symbols]

1 tape printer 3 keyboard 4 display 5 tape cartridge 7 print head 11 operation unit 12 printing unit 13 cutting unit 14 detection unit 25 remote control interface terminal (RT) 26 remote control connection cable 41 display screen 90 MD player 91 MD cartridge 92 mini disk ( MD) 93 MD case 200 Control unit 210 CPU 220 ROM 230 Character generator ROM (CG-RO
M) 240 RAM 241 Various register groups 242 Text data area 243 Display image data area 244 Print image data area 245 Half-width display attribute data area 246 Full-width display attribute data area 250 Peripheral control circuit (P-CON) 260 Internal bus 270 Drive section 901 Remote control terminal 912 Main body display unit 914 Main body operation unit 921 Remote control 922 Remote control display unit 923 Remote control operation unit LM Main label LMC Case label LMD Disk label T Tape R Ink ribbons RP1 to k, RP21, RP26, RP2C1 to 2 ...
... Response data RQ1, RQ21, RQ26, RQ2C ... Request signal

Continuation of the front page (56) Reference JP-A-10-143307 (JP, A) JP-A-10-187337 (JP, A) JP-A-7-84698 (JP, A) JP-A-5-265651 (JP , A) JP 62-226319 (JP, A) JP 10-143311 (JP, A) JP 9-76584 (JP, A) JP 9-240646 (JP, A) (58) Fields surveyed (Int.Cl. ⁷ , DB name) G06F 3/02-3/027 G06F 17/20-17/26

Claims (48)

(57) [Claims] 1. A predetermined character type of at least one of kanji, hiragana, katakana, numbers, letters and symbols,
A predetermined character type array table in which a plurality of characters classified into the predetermined character type and the character codes of the respective characters are associated with each other and two-dimensionally arranged in a plurality of rows and a plurality of columns according to a predetermined rule is defined. When inputting the characters, a plurality of characters corresponding to a plurality of adjacent character codes on the predetermined character type arrangement table are displayed on the display screen as input candidate characters, and one of them is designated as the input designated character. , When a desired character is designated as the input designated character by changing the designation, the desired character among the characters of the predetermined character type is determined based on the character code by confirming it as the input character. A character input method for inputting by specifying the input designated character based on the predetermined character type arrangement table
A scroll rule, which is a change rule, is defined, and the display screen is an arbitrary one line on the predetermined character type arrangement table.
A size capable of displaying only a portion, on the display screen, a character code corresponding to the input designated character causes displayed in together with the plurality of input candidate characters, 且
A candidate character display area for the input candidate character, and
The designated character display area for the input designated character and the sentence
The code display area for character codes is fixedly defined.
As the initial display, the most recently selected and confirmed character or
Display order setting character as the input designated character, when changing the specification of the input designated character in accordance with the scroll rule, the designated input specified character after the change
Is displayed in the character display area, the candidate character territory a new input candidate characters including characters adjacent thereto and the input designated character
Causes display on the band, it is displayed on the code display region
The character input method , wherein the character code to be changed is changed to a character code corresponding to the changed input designated character. 2. The predetermined character type arrangement table, wherein the maximum value of the numerical value indicated by the character code of each character in any one line of the plurality of lines is the numerical value indicated by the character code of each character in the next line. The character input method according to claim 1, wherein the character input method is set to be less than the minimum value. 3. The predetermined character type arrangement table, wherein the minimum value of the numerical value indicated by the character code of each character in any one line of the plurality of lines is the numerical value indicated by the character code of the next one line. Characterized by being specified to exceed the maximum value,
The character input method according to claim 1. 4. A character code at the end of any one line and a character code at the beginning of the next line of the plurality of lines of the predetermined character type sequence table are treated as the plurality of adjacent character codes. The character input method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein: 5. The character code at the end of the last line and the character code at the beginning of the first line of the plurality of lines of the predetermined character type arrangement table are treated as the plurality of adjacent character codes. The character input method according to claim 4. 6. The character input method according to claim 1, wherein the input designated character is designated by a cursor operation for designating a position of the input designated character. 7. The character input method according to claim 1, wherein the input character is confirmed by operating a confirmation key. 8. When a character of an arbitrary i-th line (i is a natural number) of the plurality of lines of the predetermined character type arrangement table is designated as an input designation character, the designation of the input designation character can be changed. Character input according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the specification is changed to the kth (k = i-1 or k = i + 1) th line which is the previous line or the next line. Method. 9. The character input method according to claim 8, wherein the first line of the plurality of lines of the predetermined character type arrangement table is treated as a line next to the last line. 10. When the designation is changed to the k-th row, the k-th
10. The character input method according to claim 8 or 9, characterized in that the specification change to the character at the beginning of the line or the character at the end of the line is included. 11. The designation change of the input designation character when the letter of the arbitrary i-th line is designated as the input designation character is performed by changing the designation to the character at the beginning or the end of the i-th line. The character input method according to any one of claims 8 to 10, wherein the character input method is included. 12. When an arbitrary j-th (j is a natural number) character of the arbitrary i-th row is a character of the array [i, j], the input designating character of the array [i, j] To change the specification to the k-th line when a character is specified,
Array [k, h] (h if the number of characters in the kth row is less than j
12. The number of characters is included, and when the number of characters is j or more, h = j) is included as a designated input character after being changed by the designated change. Character input method. 13. The method according to claim 8, wherein when the predetermined character type is hiragana or katakana, a plurality of lines of the predetermined character type array table are a plurality of lines in which each of the Japanese syllabary is arranged in order. Character input method described in either. 14. The input designation character can be changed when the letter of the predetermined character type includes a lowercase letter and the letter of the arbitrary i-th row is designated as the input designation character. 14. The character input method according to claim 13, characterized in that, in the case where the input designating character is in lower case as a general rule, a designation change for designating an uppercase letter corresponding to the lower case as the changed input designation character is included as an exception. . 15. The character input method according to claim 1, wherein the character code is a JIS code. 16. The JIS code is J for MD system.
The character input method according to claim 15, wherein the character input method is an IS code. 17. One of a plurality of inputtable character types including the predetermined character type is selected as an input character type, and when the selected input character type is the predetermined character type, the character of the predetermined character type is input. The character input method according to claim 1, wherein the character input method is a candidate character. 18. The input character is an input character for editing the read character string when the character string stored in the disk is read. 18. The character input method according to any one of 1 to 17. 19. The character input method according to claim 18, wherein the disc is a mini disc. 20. The character input method according to claim 18, wherein the character string includes a character string indicating a song name of a song stored in the disc. 21. The character input method according to claim 18, wherein the character string includes a character string indicating a title name or a disc name stored in the disc. 22. The character input method according to claim 1, wherein the input character is a character for creating a print image to be printed on a print target. 23. The character input method according to claim 22, wherein the print target is a tape. 24. The character input method according to claim 22 or 23, wherein a predetermined label is formed by half-cutting on the printing object. 25. Regarding at least one predetermined character type of kanji, hiragana, katakana, numbers, letters and symbols, a plurality of characters classified into the predetermined character type are associated with character codes of the respective characters, A predetermined character type array table that is two-dimensionally arranged in a plurality of rows and a plurality of columns is defined in accordance with the rule of 1. When inputting a character of the predetermined character type, it corresponds to a plurality of adjacent character codes on the predetermined character type array table. A plurality of characters are displayed on the display screen as input candidate characters, one of them is designated as an input designation character, and when the designation is changed and the desired character is designated as the input designation character, it is changed. by determining as an input character, the desired character of the predetermined character type of characters, a character input device for inputting on the basis of the character code, before Specifying the input designated character based on a predetermined character type array table
A scroll rule, which is a change rule, is defined, and the display screen is an arbitrary one line on the predetermined character type arrangement table.
A size capable of displaying only a portion, on the display screen, a character code corresponding to the input designated character causes displayed in together with the plurality of input candidate characters, 且
A candidate character display area for the input candidate character, and
The designated character display area for the input designated character and the sentence
The code display area for character codes is fixedly defined.
As the initial display, the most recently selected and confirmed character or
Display order setting character as the input designated character, when changing the specification of the input designated character in accordance with the scroll rule, the designated input specified character after the change
Is displayed in the character display area, the candidate character territory a new input candidate characters including characters adjacent thereto and the input designated character
Causes display on the band, it is displayed on the code display region
A character input device , wherein the character code to be changed is changed to a character code corresponding to the changed input designated character. 26. In the predetermined character type arrangement table, the maximum value of the numerical value indicated by the character code of each character of any one line of the plurality of lines is the numerical value indicated by the character code of each character of the next one line. The character input device according to claim 25, wherein the character input device is defined so as to be less than the minimum value. 27. In the predetermined character type arrangement table, the minimum value of the numerical value indicated by the character code of each character in any one line of the plurality of lines is the numerical value indicated by the character code of the next one line. The character input device according to claim 25, wherein the character input device is defined to exceed the maximum value. 28. Treating the character code at the end of any one line and the character code at the beginning of the next line of the plurality of lines of the predetermined character type arrangement table as the plurality of adjacent character codes. 25 to 2 characterized in that
7. The character input device according to any one of 7. 29. The character code at the end of the last line and the character code at the beginning of the first line of the plurality of lines of the predetermined character type arrangement table are treated as the plurality of character codes adjacent to each other. 29. The character input device according to claim 28. 30. The character input device according to claim 25, wherein the input designated character is designated by a cursor operation for designating a position of the input designated character. 31. The character input device according to claim 25, wherein the input character is confirmed by operating a confirmation key. 32. When a character of an arbitrary i-th line (i is a natural number) of the plurality of lines of the predetermined character type arrangement table is designated as an input designation character, the designation of the input designation character is changed. Character input according to any one of claims 25 to 31, characterized in that the specification is changed to the k (k = i-1 or k = i + 1) line which is the previous line or the next line. apparatus. 33. The character input device according to claim 32, wherein the first line of the plurality of lines of the predetermined character type arrangement table is treated as a line next to the last line. 34. When the designation is changed to the k-th row, the k-th
34. The character input device according to claim 32 or 33, characterized in that a designation change to a character at the beginning of the line or a character at the end of the line is included. 35. When the character of the arbitrary i-th line is designated as the input designation character, the designation of the input designation character is changed to the character at the beginning or the end of the i-th line. The character input device according to any one of claims 32 to 34, characterized in that: 36. When the character of an arbitrary j (j is a natural number) character of the arbitrary i-th row is a character of the array [i, j], the input designating character of the array [i, j] To change the specification to the k-th line when a character is specified,
Array [k, h] (h if the number of characters in the kth row is less than j
36. The number of characters is included, and when the number is j or more, h = j) is included as a designated change character that is designated as an input designated character after the change in the designation change. Character input device. 37. The method according to claim 32, wherein when the predetermined character type is hiragana or katakana, a plurality of lines of the predetermined character type array table are a plurality of lines in which the Japanese syllabary is arranged in order. The character input device according to any one. 38. When the character of the predetermined character type includes a lower case character and the character of the arbitrary i-th line is specified as the input designating character, the designation of the input designating character is changed to The character input device according to claim 37, characterized in that, when the input designation character is in principle a lowercase letter, a designation change for designating an uppercase letter corresponding to the lowercase letter as the changed input designation character is included as an exception. . 39. The character input device according to claim 25, wherein the character code is a JIS code. 40. The JIS code is J for MD system
40. The character input device according to claim 39, which is an IS code. 41. One of a plurality of inputtable character types including the predetermined character type is selected as an input character type, and when the selected input character type is the predetermined character type, the character of the predetermined character type is input. The character input device according to any one of claims 25 to 40, wherein the character input device is a candidate character. 42. The input character is an input character for editing the read character string when the character string stored in the disc is read. 42. The character input device according to any one of 1 to 41. 43. The character input device according to claim 42, wherein the disc is a mini disc. 44. The character input device according to claim 42 or 43, wherein the character string includes a character string indicating a music title of a music stored in the disc. 45. The character input device according to claim 42, wherein the character string includes a character string indicating a title name or a disc name stored in the disc. 46. The character input device according to claim 25, wherein the input character is a character for creating a print image to be printed on a print target. 47. The character input device according to claim 46, wherein the printing object is a tape. 48. The character input device according to claim 46, wherein a predetermined label is formed by half-cutting on the printing object.