Printer, print data editing program, and print data editing device
Patent Information
- Application Number
- JP2023124380
- Authority / Receiving Office
- JP · JP
- Patent Type
- Applications
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Filing Date
- 2023-07-31
- Publication Date
- 2025-02-13
Smart Images
Figure 2025020792000001_ABST
Abstract
Description
[Technical field]
[0001] The present invention relates to a printing device, a print data editing program, and a print data editing device. [Background technology]
[0002] The label data creation device disclosed in Patent Document 1 acquires information about the roll sheet set in the tape printing device when the layout editing software is started. Based on the acquired information, the label data creation device can set the layout editing screen, which edits the label data to be printed on the roll sheet, to a screen that matches the type of roll sheet. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]
[0003] [Patent Document 1] JP 2009-93247 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]
[0004] In the label data creation device disclosed in Patent Document 1, if a user replaces the roll sheet set in the tape printing device with a different type of roll sheet while editing label data, the layout of the label data being edited may no longer match the type of the newly set roll sheet.
[0005] An object of the present invention is to provide a printing device, a print data editing program, and a print data editing device that are capable of editing print data into an appropriate configuration suited to the medium to be printed. [Means for solving the problem]
[0006] According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a printing device that includes an attachment unit for attaching a cassette that contains a medium to be printed, a detection unit for detecting the type of the cassette attached to the attachment unit, and a printing unit for printing on the medium pulled out from the cassette, and that prints on the medium an image based on print data used for printing on the medium, and further includes a control unit, a display unit for displaying information, and an input unit for receiving operation input, wherein the control unit performs a first editing process for editing the print data by displaying on the display unit a first editing screen that is an editing screen tailored to a first medium contained in a first cassette that is one of the types of cassettes, a second editing process for editing the print data by displaying on the display unit a second editing screen that is an editing screen tailored to a second medium contained in a second cassette that is a different type from the first cassette, a transition process for transitioning the process of editing the print data from the first editing process to the second editing process, and a selection screen that presents options to the display unit, and the input unit performs a transition process for transitioning the process of editing the print data from the first editing process to the second editing process, and a selection screen that presents options to the display unit. and a selection process for accepting the selection of an option by the detection unit when the detection unit detects that the second cassette is attached during the first edit process, and further, when the configuration of the print data for printing on the first medium and the configuration of the print data for printing on the second medium are at least partially compatible, the control unit executes the transition process while maintaining the configuration of the compatible part of the print data, and when the configuration of the print data for printing on the first medium and the configuration of the print data for printing on the second medium are not compatible, the control unit executes the selection process to accept selection of a first option of erasing the print data edited in the first edit process and editing new print data in the second edit process, or a second option of not erasing the print data edited in the first edit process and editing the original print data in the first edit process.
[0007] If the print data for printing on the first medium and the print data for printing on the second medium are compatible, the control unit can transition to the second editing process while maintaining the print data edited in the first editing process, without inquiring of the user as to whether or not to erase the print data. Therefore, the control unit can smoothly transition from the first editing process to the second editing process without making the user feel bothered by the inquiry. On the other hand, if the print data for printing on the first medium and the print data for printing on the second medium are not compatible, the control unit can inquire of the user as to whether to erase the print data and transition to the second editing process, or to maintain the print data and continue executing the first editing process. Therefore, even if the user mistakenly replaces the cassette, the control unit can continue editing the original print data by the first editing process by returning to the original cassette.
[0008] According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a print data editing program executed in a printing device that includes an attachment unit for attaching a cassette that contains a medium to be printed, a detection unit for detecting the type of the cassette attached to the attachment unit, and a printing unit for printing on the medium pulled out from the cassette, and that prints an image based on print data used for printing on the medium on the medium, the printing device further includes a control unit, a display unit for displaying information, and an input unit for receiving operation input, the print data editing program causing the control unit to execute a first editing process for editing the print data by displaying on the display unit a first editing screen that is an editing screen adapted for a first medium contained in a first cassette that is one of the types of cassettes, a second editing process for editing the print data by displaying on the display unit a second editing screen that is an editing screen adapted for a second medium contained in a second cassette that is a different type from the first cassette, a transition process for transitioning the process of editing the print data from the first editing process to the second editing process, and displaying a selection screen that presents options on the display unit, The print data editing program can execute a selection process by the input unit to accept a selection of an option, and the print data editing program is characterized in that, when the detection unit detects the attachment of the second cassette during the execution of the first editing process, if at least a part of the configuration of the print data for printing on the first medium is compatible with that of the print data for printing on the second medium, the control unit executes the transition process while maintaining the configuration of the compatible part of the print data, and, if the configuration of the print data for printing on the first medium is not compatible with that of the print data for printing on the second medium, the control unit executes the selection process to erase the print data edited in the first editing process and accept the selection of a first option for editing new print data in the second editing process, or a second option for editing the original print data in the first editing process without erasing the print data edited in the first editing process. Therefore, the print data editing program of the second aspect has the same effect as the printing device of the first aspect.
[0009] According to a third aspect of the present invention, a printing device including an attachment unit for attaching a cassette containing a medium to be printed, a detection unit for detecting the type of the cassette attached to the attachment unit, and a printing unit for printing on the medium drawn out from the cassette, is a print data editing device for editing print data to be used for printing on the medium, the device including a control unit, a display unit for displaying information, and an input unit for receiving operation input, the control unit including a first editing process for editing the print data by displaying on the display unit a first editing screen that is an editing screen adapted for a first medium contained in a first cassette that is one of the types of cassettes, a second editing process for editing the print data by displaying on the display unit a second editing screen that is an editing screen adapted for a second medium contained in a second cassette that is a different type from the first cassette, a transition process for transitioning the processes for editing the print data from the first editing process to the second editing process, and a selection screen that presents options on the display unit and a selection made by the input unit. and a selection process for accepting a selection of an option, and further, when the detection unit detects the attachment of the second cassette during the execution of the first editing process, if the configuration of the print data for printing on the first medium and the configuration of the print data for printing on the second medium are at least partially compatible, the control unit executes the transition process while maintaining the configuration of the compatible part of the print data, and when the configuration of the print data for printing on the first medium and the configuration of the print data for printing on the second medium are not compatible, the control unit executes the selection process to erase the print data edited in the first editing process and accepts the selection of a first option of editing new print data in the second editing process, or a second option of not erasing the print data edited in the first editing process and editing the original print data in the first editing process. Therefore, the print data editing device of the third aspect has the same effect as the printing device of the first aspect. [Brief description of the drawings]
[0010] [Figure 1]FIG. 2 is a front view of the printing device 1. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a rear perspective view of the printing device 1 with the opening / closing cover 2 removed. [Diagram 3] 2 is a block diagram showing the electrical configuration of the printing device 1. FIG. [Figure 4] FIG. 1 shows label editing screens 51 to 55. [Diagram 5] FIG. 1 shows label editing screens 56 to 60. [Figure 6] 13 is a flowchart of an editing process. [Figure 7] 13 is a flowchart of a process performed when a standard tape is mounted. [Figure 8] 13 is a flowchart of a process when an HS tape is loaded. [Figure 9] 13 is a flowchart of a process when an SL tape is loaded. [Figure 10] 11 is a mode transition correspondence table showing correspondence when transitioning between edit modes. [Figure 11] 13A and 13B are diagrams showing a confirmation screen 61 and an error screen 62. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0011] A printing device 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In the following description of directions, up / down, left / right, front / back are indicated by arrows in the drawings based on the direction in which the user operates the input unit 12.
[0012] The printing device 1 shown in FIG. 1 and FIG. 2 is a handheld electronic device that can be used by a user by holding it in his / her hand. The printing device 1 can use various types of tape cassettes 3, such as laminate type, receptor type, heat shrink tube type, and self-laminating type. The tape cassette 3 stores a long medium inside. The medium is, for example, laminate tape, receptor tape, heat shrink tube tape, and self-laminating tape, which are collectively called "tape." The "laminating tape" is a tape in which a transparent resin film tape is printed, and then a double-sided adhesive tape is attached to the printed surface. The "receptor tape" is a single-sided resin adhesive tape. The "heat shrink tube tape" is a tubular tape made of a material that shrinks when heated. The "self-laminating tape" is a tape in which a single-sided resin adhesive tape is printed, and then the printed surface is covered with a part of the transparent resin film tape and attached to the surface to which it is to be attached. The printer 1 executes a printing operation to print images of letters, numbers, symbols, figures, etc. (hereinafter, for convenience, referred to as "text") made up of a plurality of dots on a tape, and can create labels.
[0013] The printing device 1 comprises a housing 10, a display unit 11, an input unit 12, and an opening / closing cover 2. The housing 10 is shaped like a long box in the vertical direction, and comprises the display unit 11 and the input unit 12 on the front side. The front side is the side that the user looks straight ahead when operating the printing device 1. The display unit 11 is, for example, a liquid crystal display, and is capable of displaying various types of information. The display unit 11 is provided on the front side of the housing 10, at a position above approximately the center in the vertical direction.
[0014] The input unit 12 accepts various information input by user operation. The input unit 12 is provided below the display unit 11 on the front side of the housing 10. The input unit 12 includes character keys 13, a power key 14, a print key 15, and a label editing key 16. The character keys 13 are a group of keys that the user operates when inputting text. The power key 14 is a key that the user operates when turning the power of the printing device 1 on and off. The print key 15 is a key that the user operates when instructing printing on tape. The label editing keys 16 are a group of keys that the user operates when specifying the label to be created.
[0015] The housing 10 has an opening 11A on the rear surface. The opening 11A communicates with a cassette mounting section 17 in which the tape cassette 3 is mounted, and a battery mounting section 18 in which a battery (not shown) is mounted. The cassette mounting section 17 is provided above approximately the center in the up-down direction within the housing 10. The battery mounting section 18 is provided below the cassette mounting section 17 within the housing 10. The cassette mounting section 17 and the battery mounting section 18 are recessed toward the front within the housing 10, and are exposed to the outside of the housing 10 through the opening 11A. A user mounts and removes the tape cassette 3 and the battery from the rear of the housing 10 in the front-rear direction relative to the cassette mounting section 17 and the battery mounting section 18, respectively.
[0016] Various tape cassettes 3 can be mounted in the cassette mounting section 17. The tape cassette 3 has an indicator section (not shown) that indicates the type of tape cassette 3. The indicator section includes at least one hole section (not shown) that is provided in a specified pattern according to the type of tape. The printing device 1 has a detection section 33 (see FIG. 3) that has a plurality of detection switches (not shown). Each hole section is provided at a position corresponding to one of the plurality of detection switches. Therefore, when the tape cassette 3 is mounted in the printing device 1, the detection switch is selectively pressed by the indicator section. The printing device 1 detects the type of tape cassette 3 based on the combination of on and off of the detection switches at this time.
[0017] The housing 10 accommodates the printing unit 4, the cutting unit 9, and the control circuit unit 20 (see FIG. 3). The printing unit 4 is disposed around the cassette mounting unit 17. The printing unit 4 includes a tape drive shaft 5, a transport roller 6, a print head 7, a platen roller 8, a transport motor 27 (see FIG. 3), and the like. The tape drive shaft 5 is rotated by the drive of the transport motor 27, and transports the tape pulled out from the tape cassette 3 in cooperation with the transport roller 6. The platen roller 8 rotates while pressing the tape and the ink ribbon (not shown) against the print head 7. The print head 7 is a thermal head equipped with a plurality of heating elements (not shown). The print head 7 prints an image by transferring the ink of the ink ribbon onto the tape transported by the platen roller 8. The tape with the printed image is discharged to the outside of the printer 1 from an outlet 19 formed on the top surface of the housing 10.
[0018] The cutting unit 9 is provided on the path along which the tape is transported from the cassette mounting unit 17 to the discharge port 19. The cutting unit 9 includes a movable blade (not shown), a fixed blade (not shown), and a cutting motor 28 (see FIG. 3). The movable blade moves when driven by the cutting motor 28, and the printed tape is sandwiched between the movable blade and the fixed blade to cut it. The control circuit unit 20 is formed on a control board (not shown) disposed in front of the battery mounting unit 18 inside the housing 10. The control circuit unit 20 controls the driving of the printing device 1. The opening / closing cover 2 engages with the opening 11A of the housing 10 to open and close the cassette mounting unit 17 and the battery mounting unit 18. The opening / closing cover 2 is long in the vertical direction and forms the back surface of the housing 10.
[0019] The electrical configuration of the printing device 1 will be described with reference to Fig. 3. The control circuit unit 20 of the printing device 1 includes a CPU 21, ROM 22, RAM 23, EEPROM 24, flash memory 25, input / output interface 26, and drive circuits 35 to 38. The CPU 21, ROM 22, RAM 23, EEPROM 24, flash memory 25, and input / output interface 26 are electrically connected via a bus.
[0020] The CPU 21 controls the entire printer 1. The ROM 22 stores various programs and the like required for controlling the printer 1. The CPU 21 performs various calculations based on the programs stored in the ROM 22. The RAM 23 stores temporary data. The EEPROM 24 stores printing dot pattern data for printing characters, categorized by format and size. The flash memory 25 stores programs, medium information, initial values, and the like for the editing process (see FIG. 4) described below. The flash memory 25 also stores setting values (current values) whose initial values have been changed by the user when editing an image to be printed on tape in the editing process.
[0021] The medium information is information indicating the type of tape. The types of tape used in the printing device 1 of this embodiment are laminate tape, receptor tape, heat shrink tube tape, and self-laminating tape. The initial values are various default setting values set when forming an image on the tape. The setting values are, for example, the length of the label (length at which the tape is cut), the arrangement of text in the printing area (vertical writing, horizontal writing, rotation angle, left alignment, center alignment, right alignment, etc.), font size, typeface, number of lines of text, number and size of blocks (number of blocks into which the printing area is divided), text repetition setting, cable diameter, etc.
[0022] The input / output interface 26 is connected to the drive circuits 35 to 38, the input unit 12, and the detection unit 33. The drive circuit 35 selectively heats the multiple heat generating elements of the print head 7. The drive circuits 36 and 37 drive the transport motor 27 and the cutting motor 28, respectively. The transport motor 27 is connected to the tape drive shaft 5 and the ribbon take-up shaft (not shown). The cutting motor 28 is connected to the movable blade. The drive circuit 38 has a VRAM (not shown) for displaying images on the display unit 11, and controls the display of the display unit 11. The input unit 12 outputs information indicating the type of the selected key to the CPU 21 via the input / output interface 26. The detection unit 33 outputs information on whether the detection switch is on or off to the CPU 21 via the input / output interface 26.
[0023] Next, the types and uses of labels that can be created by the printing device 1 and the corresponding tapes will be described. As shown in FIG. 4 and FIG. 5, the labels that can be created with the standard tape are the general-purpose label 51A, the faceplate label 52A, the punch-down labels 53A, 54A, and 55A, the patch panel label 56A, the cable wrap label 57A, the cable flag label 58A, the heat shrink tube label 59A, and the self-laminating label 60A. The general-purpose label 51A, the faceplate label 52A, the punch-down labels 53A, 54A, and 55A, the patch panel label 56A, the cable wrap label 57A, and the cable flag label 58A can be created by printing images on the laminate tape and the receptor tape. In the following description, for convenience, the laminate tape and the receptor tape are referred to as "standard tape." The heat shrink tube label 59A and the self-laminating label 60A can be created by printing images on the heat shrink tube tape and the self-laminating tape, respectively. For convenience in the following explanation, the heat shrink tube tape and the self-laminating tape will be referred to as "HS tape" and "SL tape", respectively.
[0024] The editing screen 51 shown in Fig. 4(A) is a screen for editing an image to be printed on a standard tape when creating a general-purpose label 51A in the editing process. As shown in the application example 51B, the general-purpose label 51A is a label used for general purposes. In the editing screen 51, the user can set the length of the label, the text arrangement, the font size, the typeface, the number of lines of text, etc. In addition, in the editing screen 51, the user can arrange the text on the standard tape and input the text while checking the completed example of the general-purpose label 51A showing the cutting positions of the tape.
[0025] The editing screen 52 shown in FIG. 4(B) is a screen for editing an image to be printed on a standard tape when creating a faceplate label 52A in the editing process. As shown in the application example 52B, the faceplate label 52A is a label suitable for the name portion of a faceplate such as a jack provided on a wall surface for connecting a plug of a LAN cable or the like. In the editing screen 52, the user can set the length of the label, the arrangement of the text, the font size, the typeface, the number of lines of text, the number and size of blocks, and the like. In addition, in the editing screen 52, the user can arrange the text on the standard tape and input the text while checking the completed example of the faceplate label 52A showing the cutting positions of the tape.
[0026] The editing screen 53 shown in FIG. 4(C) is a screen for editing an image to be printed on a standard tape when creating a punch-down label 53A in the editing process. As shown in the pasting example 53B, the punch-down label 53A is a label suitable for the name portion of a punch-down block having a connector that connects each core wire of a LAN cable or the like. The punch-down label 53A is a label suitable for displaying text in each block in the punch-down block. The punch-down label 53A can display text that identifies each connector group in blocks divided on the label according to the connector groups divided into blocks by cable in the punch-down block. A partition line can be displayed between the blocks. The user can set the length of the label, the number and size of blocks, the arrangement of the text, the font size, the typeface, and the like in the editing screen 53. The user can also input text while checking the completed example of the punch-down label 53A in which text is arranged in blocks on the standard tape and the partition lines and the tape cutting positions are indicated in the editing screen 53.
[0027] The editing screens 54 and 55 shown in FIG. 4(D) and FIG. 4(E) are screens for editing images to be printed on standard tapes when punch-down labels 54A and 55A are created in the editing process. As shown in the application examples 54B and 55B, the punch-down labels 54A and 55A are suitable for the name portion of a punch-down block. The punch-down label 54A is suitable for displaying the block number of a punch-down block. The punch-down label 54A can display numbers for identifying each connector group of the punch-down block as text arranged horizontally in numerical order for the block-divided parts of the label. The punch-down label 55A is suitable for punch-down blocks used in the backbone (core line) of a network. The punch-down label 55A can display connector numbers for identifying each connector of the punch-down block as text, skipping a number of numbers for each block-divided part of the label. Partition lines can be displayed between the blocks. The user can set the label length, number and size of blocks, start number of the block number or connector number, etc. on the editing screens 54, 55. On the editing screens 54, 55, the user can check a completed example of a punch-down label 54A, 55A in which text indicating the block number or connector number is placed for each block on a standard tape and the dividing lines and tape cutting positions are indicated.
[0028] The editing screen 56 shown in FIG. 5(A) is a screen for editing an image to be printed on a standard tape when creating a patch panel label 56A in the editing process. As shown in the application example 56B, the patch panel label 56A is a label suitable for the name portion of a patch panel having a jack for connecting a plug such as a LAN cable. The patch panel label 56A can be divided into blocks corresponding to the individual jacks provided on the patch panel, and text can be displayed for each block. Partition lines can be displayed between the blocks. In the editing screen 56, the user can set the length of the label, the number and size of blocks, the arrangement of the text, the font size, the typeface, and the like. In addition, in the editing screen 56, the user can input text while checking a completed example of the patch panel label 56A in which text is arranged for each block on the standard tape and the partition lines and the tape cutting positions are indicated.
[0029] The editing screen 57 shown in FIG. 5(B) is a screen for editing an image to be printed on a standard tape when creating a cable wrap label 57A in the editing process. As shown in the application example 57B, the cable wrap label 57A is a label suitable for wrapping and attaching to the outer peripheral surface of a LAN cable or the like. The cable wrap label 57A can display text written in the axial direction of the cable in one or more repeated lines in the circumferential direction. The user can set the text arrangement, font size, typeface, text repetition setting, cable diameter, etc. on the editing screen 57. The user can also input text while checking the completed example of the cable wrap label 57A in which one or more repeated lines of text are arranged on a standard tape and the cutting positions of the tape are indicated on the editing screen 57.
[0030] The editing screen 58 shown in FIG. 5(C) is a screen for editing an image to be printed on a standard tape when creating a cable flag label 58A in the editing process. As shown in the pasting example 58B, the cable flag label 58A is a label that can be pasted on a cable in a flag shape by wrapping the center part around the outer surface of a LAN cable or the like and pasting both ends together. The cable flag label 58A has blocks that display the same text on both sides of the label, so that the text can be confirmed on both sides of the flag-shaped pasted part. A center line can be displayed in the center of the label to align it with the axis of the cable when pasting it. The user can set the text arrangement, font size, typeface, number of lines of text, cable diameter, etc. on the editing screen 58. The position of the block is appropriately set according to the cable diameter. The user can also place text on the standard tape on the editing screen 58 and input text while checking the completed example of the cable flag label 58A showing the center line and the cutting position of the tape.
[0031] The editing screen 59 shown in FIG. 5(D) is a screen for editing an image to be printed on an HS tape when creating a heat shrink tube label 59A in the editing process. As shown in the application example 59B, the heat shrink tube label 59A is a label that can be wrapped around the outer periphery of a LAN cable or the like by covering it with a heat gun or the like and shrinking it. The heat shrink tube label 59A can display text on a label created from an HS tape made by folding a heat shrink tube into a tape shape. The user can set the text arrangement, font size, typeface, etc. on the editing screen 59. Note that the printing area of the HS tape is configured to shrink together with the heat shrink tube, so a predetermined area is set in advance. The user can also place text on the HS tape on the editing screen 59 and input text while checking a completed example of the heat shrink tube label 59A before shrinkage, which shows the cutting position of the tape.
[0032] The editing screen 60 shown in FIG. 5(E) is a screen for editing an image to be printed on an SL tape when creating a self-laminating label 60A in the editing process. As shown in the pasting example 60B, the self-laminating label 60A is a label suitable for pasting a label on the outer surface of a LAN cable or the like, and further wrapping a transparent film tape around the outer periphery of the cable together with the label. The self-laminating label 60A has a resin tape in a portion near one end in the width direction of the tape (a portion above the dashed line in the figure). Text can be displayed on the resin tape. The portion near the other end is only the transparent film tape. The user can set the text arrangement, font size, typeface, etc. on the editing screen 60. The user can also input text on the editing screen 60 while checking a completed example of the self-laminating label 60A in which text is arranged on the SL tape and the cutting position of the tape is indicated.
[0033] Next, an outline of the editing process executed by the CPU 21 of the printing device 1 will be described. The editing process is a process executed by the CPU 21 when the user edits a label. As described above, the CPU 21 displays the editing screens 51 to 60 according to the type of tape and the type of label to be created, and accepts the user's operation to edit the label. If the tape cassette 3 is replaced during the editing process, the CPU 21 shifts the mode from the edit mode for the label corresponding to the tape before replacement to the edit mode for the label corresponding to the replaced tape according to the type of the newly installed tape. At that time, if the configuration of the print data in the edit mode before the tape replacement is compatible with the configuration of the print data in the edit mode after the tape replacement, the CPU 21 shifts the text input in the edit mode before the tape replacement to the edit mode after the tape replacement, suppressing re-input of the text. On the other hand, if the configuration of the print data in the edit mode before the tape replacement is not compatible with the configuration of the print data in the edit mode after the tape replacement, the CPU 21 asks the user whether to delete the text input in the edit mode before the tape replacement and shift to the edit mode after the tape replacement, or to maintain the edit mode before the tape replacement. When the user operates the print key 15, the CPU 21 prints the image of the edited text on the target tape to create a label.
[0034] The editing process will be described with reference to Figs. 6 to 11. When the power key 14 of the printing device 1 is operated to turn the power on, the CPU 21 of the printing device 1 executes various control programs stored in the ROM 22. When the user operates any of the label editing keys 16, the CPU 21 reads out an editing process program from the ROM 22 and executes it. As shown in Fig. 6, the CPU 21 reads from the flash memory 25 the setting value of the edit mode of the label specified by the label editing key 16 (S1). The edit mode setting value is a setting value set by the user for each type of label, and is stored in the flash memory 25 when the editing process ends. If there is no edit mode setting value corresponding to the label, the CPU 21 reads an initial value stored in advance in the flash memory 25. The CPU 21 displays an edit screen for the label specified by the user on the display unit 11 with the setting value applied (S2).
[0035] CPU 21 accepts an input of an operation of input unit 12 by the user (S3), and performs label editing processing according to the input operation (S4). Label editing processing includes, for example, processing for changing a set value such as the length of a label, processing for changing a layout such as the orientation, arrangement, font size, etc. of text, and processing for editing text such as inputting or deleting text. When the user inputs text, for example, when inputting accented characters or performing kana-kanji conversion, CPU 21 displays input or conversion candidates on the editing screen.
[0036] The CPU 21 judges whether or not the device is in a printable state (S6). The printable state refers to a state in which, when the print key 15 is operated, the device transitions to print processing and is capable of printing on the tape. In other words, the printable state is a state in which all processes relating to label editing have been completed. Specifically, the printable state is a state in which changes to setting values have been completed, changes to layout have been completed, text editing has been completed, and the like. For example, a state in which accented characters are displayed as input candidates and kana-kanji conversion candidates is not a printable state. If the device is not in a printable state (S6: NO), the CPU 21 returns the process to S3 and accepts input of an operation.
[0037] If the printer is in a printable state (S6: YES), the CPU 21 obtains the detection result of the detection unit 33, reads the state of the detection switch, and determines the type of tape contained in the tape cassette 3 attached to the cassette attachment unit 17 (S7). If the tape cassette 3 containing a standard tape is attached (S8: YES), the CPU 21 transitions to standard tape attachment processing (S11).
[0038] As shown in Fig. 7, in the processing when a standard tape is installed, the CPU 21 acquires the type of label to be targeted in the current edit mode (S21). If the tape cassette 3 has not been replaced and the current edit mode is an edit mode for a label compatible with a standard tape (S22: NO, S23: NO), the CPU 21 does not change the edit mode and maintains the edit mode for the label currently being edited, as shown in the mode transition correspondence table in Fig. 10. Therefore, the CPU 21 returns the processing to the edit processing and transitions to S14. As shown in Fig. 6, if the print key 15 has not been operated (S14: NO), the CPU 21 returns the processing to S3 and continues editing the label in the current edit mode.
[0039] If the print key 15 is operated while editing a label (S14: YES), the CPU 21 determines, based on the detection result of the detection unit 33, whether the type of tape contained in the tape cassette 3 mounted in the cassette mounting unit 17 matches the type of tape corresponding to the edit mode of the label currently being edited (S16). If the tape type matches the label edit mode (S16: YES), the CPU 21 stores the setting value of the current edit mode in the flash memory 25 (S18) and proceeds to a printing process (not shown). The CPU 21 prints an image of the edited text on the tape to be printed, and creates a label.
[0040] On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 7, if the current edit mode is the edit mode for the heat shrink tube label (S22: YES) or the edit mode for the self-laminating label (S22: NO, S23: YES), the tape cassette 3 has been replaced with a standard tape, so the CPU 21 changes the edit mode. The CPU 21 stores the set value of the current edit mode in the flash memory 25 (S31). The CPU 21 reads the previous set value of the edit mode for the last edited label among the labels corresponding to the standard tape from the flash memory 25 (S32). The CPU 21 displays the edit screen for the last edited label among the labels corresponding to the standard tape on the display unit 11 with the set value applied (S33). As shown in the mode transition correspondence table of FIG. 10, when transitioning from the edit mode for the heat shrink tube label or the self-laminating label to the edit mode for the label corresponding to the standard tape, the configuration of the print data in the edit mode is compatible. The CPU 21 applies the text being edited as the text of the label in the transition destination edit mode, and displays it on the edit screen. The CPU 21 returns the process to the edit process and proceeds to S 14. As shown in Figure 6, if the print key 15 has not been operated (S14: NO), the CPU 21 returns the process to S3 and continues editing the label in the edit mode to which the process is transferred.
[0041] As shown in FIG. 6, when editing a label, if the type of tape contained in the tape cassette 3 mounted in the cassette mounting section 17 is determined (S7) and it is found to be an HS tape (S8: NO, S9: YES), the CPU 21 transitions to processing for when an HS tape is mounted (S12).
[0042] As shown in Fig. 8, in the process when the HS tape is loaded, the CPU 21 acquires the type of label to be targeted in the current edit mode (S41). If the tape cassette 3 has not been replaced and the current edit mode is the heat-shrink tube label edit mode (S42: YES), the CPU 21 does not switch edit modes and maintains the currently edited heat-shrink tube label edit mode, as shown in the mode transition correspondence table in Fig. 10. Therefore, the CPU 21 returns the process to the edit process and transitions to S14. As shown in Fig. 6, if the print key 15 has not been operated (S14: NO), the CPU 21 returns the process to S3 and continues editing the heat-shrink tube label.
[0043] On the other hand, as shown in Fig. 8, if the current edit mode is the edit mode of the label or self-laminating label corresponding to the standard tape (S42: NO), the tape cassette 3 has been replaced with an HS tape, so the CPU 21 changes the edit mode. At that time, if the current edit mode is neither the edit mode of the punch-down label 54A (horizontal arrangement) nor the edit mode of the punch-down label 55A (backbone) (S43: NO, S44: NO), the configuration of the print data in the edit mode is compatible as shown in the mode transition correspondence table of Fig. 10. As shown in Fig. 8, the CPU 21 stores the setting value of the current edit mode in the flash memory 25 (S51), and reads the setting value of the previous edit mode of the heat-shrink tube label from the flash memory 25 (S52). The CPU 21 displays the edit screen of the heat-shrink tube label on the display unit 11 with the setting value applied (S53). As shown in the mode transition correspondence table of FIG. 10, when transitioning from an edit mode for a label corresponding to a standard tape, excluding the edit mode for the punch-down label 54A (horizontal arrangement) and the punch-down label 55A (backbone), to an edit mode for a heat-shrink tube label, the CPU 21 applies the text being edited as the text for the heat-shrink tube label and displays it on the edit screen. In the case of a label in which text is provided in each of a plurality of blocks, the CPU 21 applies, for example, the text of the first block as the text for the heat-shrink tube label. Similarly, when transitioning from an edit mode for a self-laminating label to an edit mode for a heat-shrink tube label, the CPU 21 applies the text being edited as the text for the heat-shrink tube label and displays it on the edit screen. The CPU 21 returns the process to the edit process and transitions to S14. As shown in FIG. 6, if the print key 15 has not been operated (S14: NO), the CPU 21 returns the process to S3 and continues editing the label in the edit mode for the heat-shrink tube label.
[0044] In the process of S42 in FIG. 8, when the tape cassette 3 is replaced with an HS tape and the edit mode is changed (S42: NO), if the current edit mode is the edit mode for the punch-down label 54A (horizontal arrangement) (S43: YES) or the edit mode for the punch-down label 55A (backbone) (S43: NO, S44: YES), the configuration of the print data in the edit mode is not compatible as shown in the mode change correspondence table in FIG. 10. As shown in FIG. 8, the CPU 21 displays a confirmation screen 61 on the display unit 11 to confirm whether or not to erase the text (S46). As shown in FIG. 11(A), the CPU 21 displays "The entered text will be erased. Are you sure?" on the confirmation screen 61. The CPU 21 displays an instruction to prompt the user to operate the [Enter] key of the input unit 12 if the user agrees to the erasure of the text (if "Yes"), and an instruction to prompt the user to operate the [ESC] key of the input unit 12 if the user does not agree to the erasure of the text (if "No").
[0045] As shown in Fig. 8, if the user agrees to the deletion of the text and operates the [Enter] key (S47: YES), the CPU 21 deletes the text entered in the current edit mode (S48) and transitions to process S51. The CPU 21 transitions to a heat-shrink tube label edit mode and displays a heat-shrink tube label edit screen with no text entered (S53). The CPU 21 returns the process to the edit process and transitions to S14. As shown in Fig. 6, if the print key 15 has not been operated (S14: NO), the CPU 21 returns the process to S3 and continues editing the label in the heat-shrink tube label edit mode.
[0046] On the other hand, as shown in Fig. 8, if the user does not agree to the deletion of the text and operates the [ESC] key (S47: NO), the CPU 21 maintains the current edit mode, does not delete the text, returns the process to the edit process, and proceeds to S14. As shown in Fig. 6, if the print key 15 has not been operated (S14: NO), the CPU 21 returns the process to S3 and continues editing the label in the original edit mode.
[0047] If the print key 15 is operated during label editing (S14: YES), the CPU 21 determines whether the type of tape contained in the tape cassette 3 mounted in the cassette mounting portion 17 matches the type of tape corresponding to the edit mode of the label currently being edited based on the detection result of the detection portion 33 (S16). If the type of tape does not match the edit mode of the label (S16: NO), the CPU 21 displays an error screen 62 on the display portion 11. As shown in FIG. 11(B), the CPU 21 displays "Printing cannot be performed on the mounted tape" on the error screen 62. The CPU 21 also displays the type of label being edited and the type of the mounted tape on the error screen 62. Based on the error screen 62, the user loads the tape cassette 3 containing the tape corresponding to the type of label being edited into the cassette mounting portion 17, or changes the edit mode to an edit mode for the label corresponding to the type of the mounted tape. The CPU 21 returns the process to S3 and continues editing the label.
[0048] As shown in FIG. 6, when editing a label, if the type of tape contained in the tape cassette 3 loaded in the cassette loading section 17 is determined (S7) and it is an SL tape (S8: NO, S9: NO), the CPU 21 transitions to processing for when an SL tape is loaded (S13).
[0049] As shown in Fig. 9, in the process when the SL tape is loaded, the CPU 21 acquires the type of label to be targeted in the current edit mode (S61). If the tape cassette 3 has not been replaced and the current edit mode is the self-laminating label edit mode (S62: YES), the CPU 21 does not change the edit mode and maintains the self-laminating label edit mode currently being edited, as shown in the mode transition correspondence table in Fig. 10. Therefore, the CPU 21 returns the process to the edit process and transitions to S14. As shown in Fig. 6, if the print key 15 has not been operated (S14: NO), the CPU 21 returns the process to S3 and continues editing the self-laminating label.
[0050] On the other hand, as shown in Fig. 9, if the current edit mode is the edit mode for the label corresponding to the standard tape or the heat shrink tube label (S62: NO), the tape cassette 3 has been replaced with an SL tape, so the CPU 21 changes the edit mode. At that time, if the current edit mode is neither the edit mode for the punch-down label 54A (horizontal arrangement) nor the edit mode for the punch-down label 55A (backbone) (S63: NO, S64: NO), the configuration of the print data in the edit mode is compatible, as shown in the mode transition correspondence table of Fig. 10. As shown in Fig. 9, the CPU 21 stores the setting value of the current edit mode in the flash memory 25 (S71), and reads the setting value of the previous edit mode of the self-laminating label from the flash memory 25 (S72). The CPU 21 displays the self-laminating label edit screen on the display unit 11 with the setting value applied (S73). As shown in the mode transition correspondence table of FIG. 10, when transitioning from an edit mode for a label corresponding to a standard tape, excluding the edit mode for the punch-down label 54A (horizontal arrangement) and the punch-down label 55A (backbone), to an edit mode for a heat-shrinkable tube label, the CPU 21 applies the text being edited as the text for the self-laminating label and displays it on the edit screen. In the case of a label in which text is provided in each of a plurality of blocks, the CPU 21 applies, for example, the text of the first block as the text for the self-laminating label. Similarly, when transitioning from the edit mode for a heat-shrinkable tube label to the edit mode for a self-laminating label, the CPU 21 applies the text being edited as the text for the self-laminating label and displays it on the edit screen. The CPU 21 returns the process to the edit process and transitions to S14. As shown in FIG. 6, if the print key 15 has not been operated (S14: NO), the CPU 21 returns the process to S3 and continues editing the label in the edit mode for the self-laminating label.
[0051] In the process of S62 in Fig. 9, when the tape cassette 3 is replaced with an SL tape and the edit mode is changed (S62: NO), if the current edit mode is the edit mode for punch-down label 54A (horizontal arrangement) (S63: YES) or the edit mode for punch-down label 55A (backbone) (S63: NO, S64: YES), there is no compatibility in the configuration of the print data in the edit mode, as shown in the mode transition correspondence table in Fig. 10. As shown in Fig. 9, CPU 21 displays a confirmation screen 61 (see Fig. 11(A)) on display unit 11 to confirm whether or not to erase the text (S66).
[0052] If the user agrees to the deletion of the text and operates the [Enter] key (S67: YES), the CPU 21 deletes the text entered in the current edit mode (S68) and proceeds to S71. The CPU 21 then proceeds to a self-laminating label edit mode and displays a self-laminating label edit screen with no text entered (S73). The CPU 21 then returns the process to the edit process and proceeds to S14. As shown in Fig. 6, if the print key 15 has not been operated (S14: NO), the CPU 21 returns the process to S3 and continues editing the label in the self-laminating label edit mode.
[0053] On the other hand, as shown in Fig. 9, if the user does not agree to the deletion of the text and operates the [ESC] key (S67: NO), the CPU 21 maintains the current edit mode, does not delete the text, returns the process to the edit process, and proceeds to S14. As shown in Fig. 6, if the print key 15 is not operated (S14: NO), the CPU 21 returns the process to S3 and continues editing the label in the original edit mode. In this case, if the print key 15 is operated during label editing (S14: YES), the tape type and the label edit mode do not match (S16: NO), so the CPU 21 displays an error screen 62 (see Fig. 11(B)) on the display unit 11. Based on the error screen 62, the user loads the tape cassette 3 containing a tape corresponding to the type of label being edited into the cassette loading unit 17, or changes the edit mode to a label edit mode corresponding to the type of tape loaded. The CPU 21 returns the process to S3 and continues editing the label.
[0054] As described above, if the configuration of the print data for printing on the standard tape is compatible with the print data for printing on the HS tape and the SL tape, the CPU 21 can transition to the edit mode for the heat shrink tube label or the self-laminating label while maintaining the text edited in the edit mode for the label corresponding to the standard tape, without inquiring of the user as to whether or not to erase the text. Therefore, the CPU 21 can smoothly transition between edit modes without making the user feel bothered by inquiries. On the other hand, if the print data for printing on the standard tape is not compatible with the print data for printing on the HS tape and the SL tape, the CPU 21 can inquire of the user as to whether to erase the text and transition to the edit mode for the heat shrink tube label or the self-laminating label, or to continue the edit mode for the standard tape while maintaining the print data. Therefore, even if the user mistakenly replaces the tape cassette 3, the CPU 21 can continue editing the original print data by returning the tape cassette 3 to its original state.
[0055] When printing is attempted on an HS tape or SL tape while maintaining print data that is incompatible with HS tape or SL tape among print data for printing on labels compatible with standard tape, the CPU 21 displays an error screen 62. Thus, the CPU 21 can prevent printing on an HS tape or SL tape with incompatible print data.
[0056] When the configuration of the print data for labels corresponding to standard tape is not compatible with the configuration of the print data for labels corresponding to HS tape or SL tape, the CPU 21 can inquire of the user as to whether or not to erase the text when switching to the edit mode. Thus, when the inquired user checks the tape cassette 3, the CPU 21 can prevent the print data for printing on HS tape or SL tape from being edited into a configuration that is not suitable for HS tape or SL tape.
[0057] If the user agrees to the deletion of the text, the CPU 21 can delete the edited text in the edit mode of the punch-down labels 54A, 55A (horizontal array or backbone) and edit new text in the edit mode of the heat-shrink tube label or self-laminating label. Thus, the CPU 21 can prevent the print data for printing on the HS tape or SL tape from being edited in a configuration that is not suitable for the HS tape or SL tape.
[0058] If the user does not agree to the deletion of the text, the CPU 21 does not delete the text edited in the edit mode for the punch-down labels 54A, 55A (horizontal or backbone), and allows the user to continue editing the label in the original edit mode. Therefore, even if the user accidentally replaces the tape cassette 3, the CPU 21 allows the text edited in the original edit mode to be used for printing on a standard tape by returning the tape cassette 3 to its original state.
[0059] When the configuration of print data for a standard tape is compatible with the configuration of print data for an HS tape or SL tape, the CPU 21 can switch edit modes without asking the user, and edit text edited in the original edit mode in the edit mode to which the mode has been switched. Therefore, the CPU 21 can smoothly switch edit modes without making the user feel bothered by inquiries.
[0060] In the above embodiment, the tape corresponds to the "medium" of the present invention. The tape cassette 3 corresponds to the "cassette" of the present invention. The CPU 21 corresponds to the "control unit" of the present invention. The tape cassette 3 for the standard tape corresponds to the "first cassette" of the present invention. The standard tape corresponds to the "first medium" of the present invention. The editing screens 51 to 58 correspond to the "first editing screen" of the present invention. The CPU 21 that executes the processes of S3 and S4 in the edit mode for the label corresponding to the standard tape corresponds to the "first editing process" of the present invention. The tape cassette 3 for the HS tape and the SL tape corresponds to the "second cassette" of the present invention. The HS tape and the SL tape correspond to the "second medium" of the present invention. The editing screens 59 and 60 correspond to the "second editing screen" of the present invention. The CPU 21 that executes the processes of S3 and S4 in the edit mode for the heat shrinkable tube label or the self-laminating label corresponds to the "second editing process" of the present invention. The CPU 21 that executes the processes of S12 and S13 corresponds to the "transition process" of the present invention. The confirmation screen 61 corresponds to the "selection screen" of the present invention. The CPU 21 executing the determination processes of S47 and S67 corresponds to the "selection process" of the present invention. The error screen 62 corresponds to the "notification screen" of the present invention.
[0061] The present invention is not limited to the above embodiment, and various modifications are possible. The printer 1 is not limited to a handheld type, and may be a stationary type. Standard tape, HS tape, and SL tape are merely examples of media, and other types of tape may be used. The media is not limited to tape. For example, the printer 1 may print an image on a sheet to create a label. Although it has been stated that the configuration of the print data for punch-down labels (well-arranged or backbone) is incompatible with the configuration of the print data for heat-shrinkable tube labels and self-laminating labels, the combination of labels that is incompatible in the configuration of the print data may be a combination of other labels, or may be a combination with other labels.
[0062] The editing process is executed by the CPU 21 of the printing device 1, but may be executed by a CPU of an external device such as a smartphone, PC, tablet terminal, etc. In this case, the external device may be connected to the printing device 1 via wireless or wired communication and transmit and receive information such as transmitting and receiving print data and obtaining the detection results of the detection unit 33. [Explanation of symbols]
[0063] 1 Printing device 3 Tape Cassette 4 Printing Department 11 Display section 12 Input section 17 Cassette mounting section 21 CPU 25. Flash Memory 33 Detection unit 51~60 Editing screen 54A,55A Punchdown Label 59A Heat Shrink Tube Label 60A Self-laminating label 61 Confirmation screen 62 Error screen
Claims
1. A printing device comprising: a mounting section for mounting a cassette that contains a medium to be printed; a detection section for detecting the type of the cassette mounted in the mounting section; and a printing section for printing on the medium drawn out from the cassette, the printing device printing an image on the medium based on print data used for printing on the medium, A control unit; A display unit for displaying information; an input unit for accepting operation input; Further equipped with The control unit is a first editing process for editing the print data by displaying a first editing screen on the display unit, the first editing screen being an editing screen adapted to a first medium accommodated in a first cassette that is one of the types of cassettes; a second editing process for editing the print data by displaying a second editing screen on the display unit, the second editing screen being an editing screen adapted to a second medium accommodated in a second cassette that is a different type from the first cassette; a transition process of transitioning a process of editing the print data from the first edit process to the second edit process; a selection process of displaying a selection screen presenting options on the display unit and accepting a selection of the option by the input unit; It is possible to execute Furthermore, when the detection unit detects that the second cassette is attached during the execution of the first editing process, the control unit When at least a portion of the configuration of the print data for printing on the first medium is compatible with that of the print data for printing on the second medium, the migration process is performed while maintaining the configuration of the compatible portion of the print data; When there is no compatibility between a configuration of the print data to be printed on the first medium and a configuration of the print data to be printed on the second medium, the selection process is executed to accept a selection of a first option of erasing the print data edited in the first editing process and editing new print data in the second editing process, or a second option of not erasing the print data edited in the first editing process and editing the original print data in the first editing process. A printing device comprising:
2. The control unit is When an input of an operation for instructing the printing unit to execute printing is received by the input unit after the selection of the second option is received in the selection process, a notification screen is displayed on the display unit to notify that the second medium cannot be printed using the print data for printing on the first medium.
2. The printing device according to claim 1, wherein:
3. The control unit is When the attachment of the second cassette is detected during the execution of the first editing process, if the first medium is a medium having a print area in which the layout configuration on the first medium of the image to be printed based on the print data is changeable, and the second medium is a medium having a print area in which the layout configuration on the second medium of the image to be printed based on the print data is fixed to a predetermined configuration, it is determined that there is no compatibility between the configuration of the print data to be printed on the first medium and the configuration of the print data to be printed on the second medium, and the selection process is executed.
2. The printing device according to claim 1, wherein:
4. The control unit is When the first option is selected in the selection process, the print data edited in the first editing process is deleted, and then the transfer process is executed, and new print data is edited in the second editing process.
4. The printing device according to claim 3,
5. The control unit is When the second option is selected in the selection process, the print data edited in the first edit process is not erased, and the execution of the first edit process is continued.
4. The printing device according to claim 3,
6. The control unit is When the attachment of the second cassette is detected during the execution of the first editing process, if the first medium is a medium having a print area in which the layout configuration on the first medium of the image to be printed based on the print data is fixed to a predetermined configuration, and the second medium is a medium having a print area in which the layout configuration on the second medium of the image to be printed based on the print data is changeable, it is determined that there is compatibility between the configuration of the print data to be printed on the first medium and the configuration of the print data to be printed on the second medium, and the transition process is executed while maintaining the configuration of the compatible part of the print data.
2. The printing device according to claim 1, wherein:
7. A print data editing program executed in a printing device that includes a mounting unit for mounting a cassette that contains a medium to be printed on, a detection unit for detecting the type of the cassette mounted in the mounting unit, and a printing unit for printing on the medium pulled out from the cassette, the printing device printing on the medium an image based on print data used for printing on the medium, The printing device includes: A control unit; A display unit for displaying information; an input unit for accepting operation input; Further equipped with The print data editing program causes the control unit to a first editing process for editing the print data by displaying a first editing screen on the display unit, the first editing screen being an editing screen adapted to a first medium accommodated in a first cassette which is one of the types of cassettes; a second editing process for editing the print data by displaying a second editing screen on the display unit, the second editing screen being an editing screen adapted to a second medium accommodated in a second cassette that is a different type from the first cassette; a transition process of transitioning a process of editing the print data from the first edit process to the second edit process; a selection process of displaying a selection screen presenting options on the display unit and accepting a selection of the option by the input unit; You can run The print data editing program further includes a step of causing the control unit to execute, when the detection unit detects that the second cassette is attached during the execution of the first editing process, When at least a portion of the configuration of the print data for printing on the first medium and a portion of the configuration of the print data for printing on the second medium are compatible with each other, the transfer process is executed while maintaining the configuration of the compatible portion of the print data; and when there is no compatibility between a configuration of the print data to be printed on the first medium and a configuration of the print data to be printed on the second medium, executing the selection process to accept a selection of a first option of erasing the print data edited in the first editing process and editing new print data in the second editing process, or a second option of not erasing the print data edited in the first editing process and editing the original print data in the first editing process. A print data editing program comprising:
8. A print data editing device for editing print data used for printing on a medium by a printing device including a mounting section for mounting a cassette containing a medium to be printed, a detection section for detecting the type of the cassette mounted on the mounting section, and a printing section for printing on the medium pulled out from the cassette, A control unit; A display unit for displaying information; an input unit for accepting operation input; Equipped with The control unit is a first editing process for editing the print data by displaying a first editing screen on the display unit, the first editing screen being an editing screen adapted to a first medium accommodated in a first cassette which is one of the types of cassettes; a second editing process for editing the print data by displaying a second editing screen on the display unit, the second editing screen being an editing screen adapted to a second medium accommodated in a second cassette that is a different type from the first cassette; a transition process of transitioning a process of editing the print data from the first edit process to the second edit process; a selection process of displaying a selection screen presenting options on the display unit and accepting a selection of the option by the input unit; It is possible to execute Furthermore, when the detection unit detects that the second cassette is attached during the execution of the first editing process, the control unit When at least a portion of the configuration of the print data for printing on the first medium is compatible with that of the print data for printing on the second medium, the migration process is executed while maintaining the configuration of the compatible portion of the print data; When there is no compatibility between a configuration of the print data to be printed on the first medium and a configuration of the print data to be printed on the second medium, the selection process is executed to accept a selection of a first option of erasing the print data edited in the first editing process and editing new print data in the second editing process, or a second option of not erasing the print data edited in the first editing process and editing the original print data in the first editing process. A print data editing device comprising:
Citation Information
Patent Citations
Label data creating apparatus, program, and recording medium
JP2009093247A