Tape printing device and control method for tape printing device

Abstract

To provide a tape printing device capable of displaying a first inverted character obtained by inverting a first character as a character that constitutes a text on a text screen.SOLUTION: A control unit controls a display unit on the basis of image data representing a selected first character so that the first character selected from a first character selection screen is displayed on a text screen D1 as a character constituting a text 201 to be printed. The control unit receives an inversion instruction to display, in place of the first character, a first inverted character 211 obtained by inverting the first character, on the text screen D1. When receiving the inversion instruction, the control unit generates first inverted image data representing the first inverted character 211 on the basis of the image data representing the first character. The control unit controls the display unit on the basis of the generated first inverted image data so that the first inverted character 211 is displayed on the text screen D1 in place of the first character as a character constituting the text 201.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 11

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a tape printing apparatus and a method for controlling a tape printing apparatus. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventionally, there is known a tape printing device that can configure the leading and trailing ruled portions of an outer frame surrounding a paragraph with pictorial characters, as disclosed in Patent Document 1. This tape printing device configures the leading ruled portion of the outer frame with pictorial characters stored in a memory element, and configures the trailing ruled portion of the outer frame with pictorial characters that are horizontally inverted versions of the pictorial characters stored in the memory element, thereby conserving the storage capacity of the memory element. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2005-103929 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] In conventional tape printing devices, on a text screen where text to be printed on a tape is edited, it is not possible to display a first inverted character that is a character inversion of the first character that includes at least one of left-to-right inversion, black-and-white inversion, and up-to-down inversion, in place of the first character entered from a first character selection screen as a character that makes up the text. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] The tape printing device of the present invention comprises a display unit and a control unit having a memory unit for storing image data representing characters, wherein the control unit accepts the selection of one first character from among a plurality of first characters on a first character selection screen displayed on the display unit, and controls the display unit based on the image data representing the selected first character so that the selected first character is displayed on the text screen as a character constituting the text to be printed, and the control unit accepts an inversion instruction to display a first inverted character, which is the first character inverted by at least one of left-to-right inversion, black-and-white inversion, and top-to-bottom inversion, on the text screen in place of the first character, and when the control unit accepts the inversion instruction, generates first inverted image data representing the first inverted character based on the image data representing the first character, and the control unit controls the display unit based on the generated first inverted image data so that the first inverted character is displayed on the text screen in place of the first character as a character constituting the text.

[0006] The control method for a tape printing device of the present invention is a control method for a tape printing device equipped with a display unit and a memory unit that stores image data representing characters, and includes the steps of: accepting the selection of one first character from among a plurality of first characters on a first character selection screen displayed on the display unit; controlling the display unit based on the image data representing the selected first character so that the selected first character is displayed on the text screen as a character constituting text to be printed; accepting an inversion instruction to display a first inverted character, which is obtained by character inversion of the first character including at least one of left-to-right inversion, black-and-white inversion, and top-to-bottom inversion, on the text screen in place of the first character; generating first inverted image data representing the first inverted character based on the image data representing the first character when the inversion instruction is accepted; and controlling the display unit based on the generated first inverted image data so that the first inverted character is displayed on the text screen in place of the first character as a character constituting text. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0007] [Figure 1] FIG. 2 is an external perspective view of the tape printing device and the tape cartridge. [Figure 2] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a text screen. [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the hardware configuration of the tape printing device. [Figure 4] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a character table. [Figure 5] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a label on which a first character and a first reversed character are printed. [Figure 6] 10 is a flowchart of an edit and print process. [Figure 7] 10 is a flowchart of a first character selection process. [Figure 8] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a first character selection screen. [Figure 9] 10 is a flowchart of a character inversion process. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an inverted menu screen. [Figure 11] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a text screen on which first horizontally inverted characters are displayed. [Figure 12] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a text screen on which first black-and-white inverted characters are displayed. [Figure 13] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a text screen on which first upside-down characters are displayed. [Figure 14] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a text screen on which three first characters are displayed. [Figure 15] FIG. 15 is a diagram showing a text screen on which three partially inverted characters are displayed instead of the three first characters shown in FIG. 14. [Figure 16] 3 is a diagram showing a label printed based on the results of editing the text on the text screen shown in FIG. 2. FIG. [Figure 17] 12 is a diagram showing a label printed based on the results of editing the text on the text screen shown in FIG. 11. FIG. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0008] A tape printing device 1, which is one embodiment of a tape printing device, will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0009] [Outline of tape printing device and tape cartridge] As shown in FIG. 1, the tape printing device 1 includes an operation panel 3, a display unit 5, a cover 7, a cartridge mounting unit 9, a print head 11, a platen shaft 13, a take-up shaft 15, and a cutter 17.

[0010] The operation panel 3 is provided with various keys such as character keys 29 (see FIG. 3).

[0011] The display unit 5 displays a text screen D1 (see FIG. 2) etc. The display unit 5 may be, for example, a liquid crystal display or an organic EL display.

[0012] The cover 7 opens and closes the cartridge mounting portion 9. The cover 7 is opened and closed when a user mounts a tape cartridge 101 in the cartridge mounting portion 9. The tape cartridge 101 is removably mounted in the cartridge mounting portion 9.

[0013] The tape cartridge 101 includes a tape core 103, a supply core 105, a take-up core 107, a platen roller 109, and a cartridge case 111 that houses these. A tape 113 serving as a printing medium is wound around the tape core 103. The tape 113 that is unwound from the tape core 103 is fed out of the cartridge case 111 through a tape feed opening 115 provided in the cartridge case 111. An ink ribbon 117 is wound around the supply core 105. The ink ribbon 117 that is unwound from the supply core 105 is taken up by the take-up core 107.

[0014] The print head 11 prints on the tape 113. When the tape cartridge 101 is mounted in the cartridge mounting section 9, the print head 11 clamps the tape 113 and the ink ribbon 117 between itself and the platen roller 109. In this state, the print head 11 generates heat, causing the ink on the ink ribbon 117 to be transferred to the tape 113.

[0015] When the tape cartridge 101 is installed in the cartridge mounting portion 9, the platen shaft 13 and the take-up shaft 15 are inserted into the platen roller 109 and the take-up core 107, respectively. This allows the power of the feed motor 21 (FIG. 3) to be transmitted to the platen roller 109 and the take-up core 107. As the platen roller 109 rotates, the tape 113 and ink ribbon 117 sandwiched between the platen roller 109 and the print head 11 are fed. As the take-up core 107 rotates, the ink ribbon 117 is taken up onto the take-up core 107.

[0016] The cutter 17 is provided between the cartridge mounting portion 9 and the tape ejection port 19. The cutter 17 cuts the tape 113 fed out from the tape cartridge 101 mounted in the cartridge mounting portion 9 in the width direction of the tape 113. This causes the printed portion of the tape 113 to be cut off, and the cut-off printed portion of the tape 113 is used as a label L (see FIG. 5).

[0017] [Text screen] FIG. 2 shows the text screen D1 displayed on the display unit 5. In the text screen D1, the user edits the text 201 to be printed on the tape 113. The text screen D1 displays the text 201, a cursor 203, and a line head mark 205. The text 201 is made up of one or more paragraphs, and each paragraph is made up of one or more lines. In the example shown in FIG. 2, the text 201 is made up of two paragraphs, and each paragraph is made up of one line. The line head mark 205 indicates the line number in each paragraph. Note that the text 201 is made up of one or more characters. The components of the text 201 do not include the outer frame surrounding the paragraph.

[0018] Here, the characters that make up the text 201 are classified into a first character 207 and a second character 209 depending on the input method.

[0019] The first character 207 refers to a character input based on a selection made on a first character selection screen D2 (see FIG. 8) described below. The first character 207 includes, for example, symbols and pictograms. In the example shown in FIG. 2, the pictogram representing an escalator input in the first paragraph is the first character 207. Note that the first character 207 also includes characters that can be input from both the first character selection screen D2 and the character keys 29.

[0020] The second characters 209 refer to characters that are directly input using the character keys 29, without using the first character selection screen D2. The second characters 209 include, for example, hiragana, katakana, kanji, Roman letters, and numbers. In the example shown in FIG. 2, the characters of "Escalator" input in the second paragraph are the second characters 209.

[0021] [Hardware configuration of tape printing device] As shown in FIG. 3, the tape printing device 1 includes a feed motor 21, a cutter motor 23, a driver circuit 25, and a control unit 27 in addition to the display unit 5 and the like.

[0022] The feed motor 21 is a drive source for the platen roller 109 and the take-up core 107. The cutter motor 23 is a drive source for the cutter 17.

[0023] The control unit 27 controls each unit of the tape printing device 1. That is, the control unit 27 outputs control signals to the driver circuit 25 that drives the display unit 5, print head 11, feed motor 21, and cutter motor 23. The control unit 27 also receives output signals from the operation panel 3. The operation panel 3 is provided with character keys 29, cursor keys 31, a select key 33, a print key 35, a first character display key 37, a back key 39, a reverse key 41, and the like. The cursor keys 31 are keys marked with arrows "↑", "↓", "→", and "←" that indicate the direction of cursor movement.

[0024] The control unit 27 includes a processor 43 and a storage unit 45. For example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit) or an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit) can be used as the processor 43. The processor 43 reads out programs stored in the storage unit 45 and executes various arithmetic processes using a working area within the storage unit 45.

[0025] The storage unit 45 includes storage elements such as a ROM (Read Only Memory), a CGROM (Character Generator ROM), and a RAM (Random Access Memory). The storage unit 45 stores various programs as well as image data and a character table 47 (see FIG. 4). The image data is bitmap data representing characters, and is stored in association with the character code of each character.

[0026] As shown in FIG. 4, the character table 47 associates a character code with a horizontal inversion flag, a black-and-white inversion flag, and a vertical inversion flag for each character. A horizontal inversion flag of "1" means that horizontal inversion, which will be described later, is permitted, and a horizontal inversion flag of "2" means that horizontal inversion is prohibited. For example, for a character such as "circle" whose appearance remains unchanged even when it is inverted horizontally, the horizontal inversion flag is set to "2." The same applies to the black-and-white inversion flag and the vertical inversion flag. Note that for the second character 209, the horizontal inversion flag, black-and-white inversion flag, and vertical inversion flag are all set to "2."

[0027] [Reverse Text] 5, it would be convenient if the tape printing device 1 could print not only the first character 207 but also a first inverted character 211, which is a character inverted version of the first character 207. For this reason, it is conceivable to store in the storage unit 45 not only image data representing the first character 207 but also first inverted image data representing the first inverted character 211. In this case, however, the capacity of the storage unit 45 would need to be increased.

[0028] Therefore, in the tape printing device 1 of this embodiment, instead of storing the first inverted image data in the memory unit 45, the first inverted image data is generated based on the image data representing the first character 207 stored in the memory unit 45 by a character inversion process described below.

[0029] Note that character inversion is a concept that includes at least one of left-right inversion, black-and-white inversion, and top-down inversion. As shown in Fig. 5, the first inverted characters 211 include a first left-right inverted character 211a obtained by inverting the first character 207 left-right, a first black-and-white inverted character 211b obtained by inverting the first character 207 black-and-white, and a first top-down inverted character 211c obtained by inverting the first character 207 up-down. The first inverted image data includes first left-right inverted image data representing the first left-right inverted character 211a, first black-and-white inverted image data representing the first black-and-white inverted character 211b, and first top-down inverted image data representing the first top-down inverted character 211c.

[0030] [Editing and printing] The edit printing process executed by the control unit 27 will be described with reference to Fig. 6. The control unit 27 performs the edit printing process by having the processor 43 execute a program for the edit printing process stored in the storage unit 45. The control unit 27 starts the edit printing process, for example, when the power is turned on.

[0031] In step S01, the control unit 27 causes the display unit 5 to display the text screen D1 (see FIG. 2).

[0032] In step S02, the control unit 27 determines whether or not it has accepted an operation of the operation panel 3 by the user, i.e., an operation on one of the various keys provided on the operation panel 3. If the control unit 27 determines that it has accepted an operation of the operation panel 3 by the user, it proceeds to step S03.

[0033] In step S02, if the control unit 27 determines that the operation of the operation panel 3 by the user has not been accepted, it repeats step S02.

[0034] In step S03, the control unit 27 determines whether the key operated by the user is a character key 29. If the control unit 27 determines that the key operated by the user is a character key 29, the process proceeds to step S04.

[0035] In step S04, control unit 27 displays, on text screen D1, second character 209 corresponding to character key 29 operated by the user, at the position of cursor 203 at the time character key 29 was operated. That is, control unit 27 reads image data corresponding to character key 29 operated by the user from storage unit 45, and controls display unit 5 based on the read image data. As a result, second character 209 corresponding to character key 29 operated by the user is displayed on text screen D1 as a character constituting text 201 to be printed. After executing step S04, control unit 27 returns to step S02.

[0036] In step S03, if the control unit 27 determines that the key operated by the user is not a character key 29, the process proceeds to step S05.

[0037] In step S05, the control unit 27 determines whether the key operated by the user is the first character display key 37. If the control unit 27 determines that the key operated by the user is the first character display key 37, the process proceeds to step S06.

[0038] In step S06, the control unit 27 executes a first character selection process, which will be described later. After executing step S06, the control unit 27 returns to step S02.

[0039] In step S05, if the control unit 27 determines that the key operated by the user is not the first character display key 37, the process proceeds to step S07.

[0040] In step S07, the control unit 27 determines whether the key operated by the user is the inversion key 41. If the control unit 27 determines that the key operated by the user is the inversion key 41, the process proceeds to step S08. That is, the control unit 27 accepts the user's operation of the inversion key 41 as an inversion instruction to display the first inverted character 211 on the text screen D1 instead of the first character 207.

[0041] In step S08, the control unit 27 executes a character inversion process, which will be described later. After executing step S08, the control unit 27 returns to step S02.

[0042] In step S07, if the control unit 27 determines that the key operated by the user is not the inverting key 41, the process proceeds to step S09.

[0043] In step S09, the control unit 27 determines whether the key operated by the user is the print key 35. If the control unit 27 determines that the key operated by the user is the print key 35, the process proceeds to step S10.

[0044] In step S10, control unit 27 executes a printing process. That is, based on the editing results of text 201 on text screen D1, control unit 27 reads image data of each character constituting text 201 from storage unit 45, and generates print data based on the read image data. Control unit 27 controls print head 11, feed motor 21, and cutter motor 23 based on the generated print data. As a result, text 201 edited on text screen D1 is printed on tape 113, and label L is created. For example, when printing is performed based on the editing results of text 201 on text screen D1 shown in FIG. 2, label L is created on which first character 207 is printed, as shown in FIG. 16. After executing step S10, control unit 27 returns to step S02.

[0045] In step S09, if the control unit 27 determines that the key operated by the user is not the print key 35, the process proceeds to step S11.

[0046] In step S11, the control unit 27 executes other processing in accordance with the operated key. The other processing is, for example, kana-kanji conversion processing. After executing step S11, the control unit 27 returns to step S02.

[0047] [First character selection process] The first character selection process will be described with reference to FIG. 7. In step S21, the control unit 27 causes the display unit 5 to display a first character selection screen D2 (see FIG. 8). A plurality of first characters 207 are displayed on the first character selection screen D2. One of the plurality of first characters 207 is in a selected state. The selected first character 207 is displayed so as to be distinguishable from the first characters 207 that are not in a selected state. In FIG. 8, the selected first character 207 is shown with a character encircling line 213. Note that instead of adding the character encircling line 213 to the selected first character 207, the selected first character 207 may be displayed in reverse video or flashing.

[0048] In step S22, the control unit 27 determines whether or not it has accepted a user operation on the operation panel 3. If the control unit 27 determines that it has accepted a user operation on the operation panel 3, the process proceeds to step S23.

[0049] In step S22, if the control unit 27 determines that the operation of the operation panel 3 by the user has not been accepted, it repeats step S22.

[0050] In step S23, the control unit 27 determines whether or not the key operated by the user is the cursor key 31. If the control unit 27 determines that the key operated by the user is the cursor key 31, the process proceeds to step S24.

[0051] In step S24, the control unit 27 switches the selected first character 207 from one first character 207 to another first character 207 in accordance with the direction of the operated cursor key 31. That is, the first character 207 with the character enclosing line 213 attached is switched from one first character 207 to another first character 207. After executing step S24, the control unit 27 returns to step S22.

[0052] If the control unit 27 determines in step S23 that the key operated by the user is not the cursor key 31, the process proceeds to step S25.

[0053] In step S25, the control unit 27 determines whether the key operated by the user is the selection key 33. If the control unit 27 determines that the key operated by the user is the selection key 33, the process proceeds to step S26. The control unit 27 accepts the operation of the selection key 33 while the first character selection screen D2 is displayed as a selection of one first character 207 from among the plurality of first characters 207 on the first character selection screen D2.

[0054] In step S26, control unit 27 displays the selected first character 207, i.e., the first character 207 that was selected at the time selection key 33 was operated, on text screen D1. That is, control unit 27 reads image data corresponding to the selected first character 207 from storage unit 45, and controls display unit 5 based on the read image data. As a result, the screen switches from first character selection screen D2 to text screen D1, and the first character 207 selected on first character selection screen D2 is displayed on text screen D1 as a character that constitutes text 201 to be printed. After executing step S26, control unit 27 returns to the editing and printing process of FIG. 6.

[0055] In step S25, if the control unit 27 determines that the key operated by the user is not the selection key 33, the process proceeds to step S27.

[0056] In step S27, the control unit 27 determines whether the key operated by the user is the back key 39. If the control unit 27 determines that the key operated by the user is the back key 39, the process returns to the edit and print process of FIG.

[0057] In step S27, if the control unit 27 determines that the key operated by the user is not the back key 39, the process proceeds to step S28.

[0058] In step S28, the control unit 27 executes other processing in accordance with the operated key. After executing step S28, the control unit 27 returns to step S22.

[0059] [Text Reverse Processing] The character inversion process will be described with reference to FIG. 9. In step S31, the control unit 27 determines whether the character to be inverted can be inverted. The control unit 27 determines the character on which the cursor 203 is positioned in the text screen D1 at the time of receiving the inversion instruction, i.e., when the inversion key 41 is operated, as the character to be inverted. This allows the first character 207 to be inverted easily by moving the cursor 203. The control unit 27 refers to the character table 47, and determines that the character can be inverted if at least one of the horizontal inversion flag, the black / white inversion flag, and the vertical inversion flag corresponding to the character to be inverted is "1: permitted." Furthermore, the control unit 27 determines that the character cannot be inverted if all of the horizontal inversion flag, the black / white inversion flag, and the vertical inversion flag corresponding to the character to be inverted are "2: prohibited." If the control unit 27 determines that the character to be inverted can be inverted, the process proceeds to step S32.

[0060] In step S32, the control unit 27 displays the inverted menu screen D3 (see FIG. 10) on the display unit 5. The inverted menu screen D3 displays inverted options 214. The inverted options 214 include "inverted left / right," "inverted black / white," and "inverted up / down." One of the multiple inverted options 214 is in a selected state. The inverted option 214 in a selected state is displayed so as to be distinguishable from the inverted option 214 that is not in a selected state. In FIG. 10, the inverted option 214 in a selected state is indicated by an option surrounding line 215. Note that instead of adding the option surrounding line 215 to the inverted option 214 in a selected state, the inverted option 214 in a selected state may be displayed in inverted black / white or flashing.

[0061] In step S33, the control unit 27 determines whether or not it has accepted a user operation on the operation panel 3. If the control unit 27 determines that it has accepted a user operation on the operation panel 3, the process proceeds to step S34.

[0062] In step S33, if the control unit 27 determines that the operation of the operation panel 3 by the user has not been accepted, it repeats step S33.

[0063] In step S34, the control unit 27 determines whether the key operated by the user is the cursor key 31. If the control unit 27 determines that the key operated by the user is the cursor key 31, the process proceeds to step S35.

[0064] In step S35, the control unit 27 switches the selected inversion option 214 from one inversion option 214 to another inversion option 214 in accordance with the direction of the operated cursor key 31. That is, the inversion option 214 with the option surrounding line 215 is switched from one inversion option 214 to another inversion option 214. After executing step S35, the control unit 27 returns to step S33.

[0065] If the control unit 27 determines in step S34 that the key operated by the user is not the cursor key 31, the process proceeds to step S36.

[0066] In step S36, the control unit 27 determines whether the key operated by the user is the selection key 33. If the control unit 27 determines that the key operated by the user is the selection key 33, the process proceeds to step S37.

[0067] In step S37, the control unit 27 determines whether the selected inversion option 214, i.e., the inversion option 214 that was selected at the time the selection key 33 was operated, is "invert left / right," "invert black / white," or "invert up / down." If the control unit 27 determines that the selected inversion option 214 is "invert left / right," the process proceeds to step S38. If the control unit 27 determines that the selected inversion option 214 is "invert black / white," the process proceeds to step S39. If the control unit 27 determines that the selected inversion option 214 is "invert up / down," the process proceeds to step S40.

[0068] In step S38, the control unit 27 displays the first horizontally inverted character 211a on the text screen D1 in place of the first character 207 that has been selected for character inversion. That is, the control unit 27 generates first horizontally inverted image data representing the first horizontally inverted character 211a based on image data representing the first character 207 that has been selected for character inversion. For example, the control unit 27 generates the first horizontally inverted image data by performing processing on the image data representing the first character 207 such that the bit in the mth column from the left is swapped with the bit in the mth column from the right in each row. The control unit 27 controls the display unit 5 based on the generated first horizontally inverted image data. As a result, on the text screen D1 switched from the inverted menu screen D3, the first horizontally inverted character 211a is displayed as a character constituting the text 201 to be printed in place of the first character 207 (see FIG. 11). After executing step S38, the control unit 27 returns to the editing and printing process of FIG. 6. Subsequently, when the print key 35 is operated, a label L is produced on which the first horizontally inverted characters 211a are printed, as shown in FIG.

[0069] In step S39, the control unit 27 displays the first inverted character 211b on the text screen D1 in place of the first character 207 that has been selected for character inversion. That is, the control unit 27 generates first inverted image data representing the first inverted character 211b based on image data representing the first character 207 that has been selected for character inversion. For example, the control unit 27 generates the first inverted image data by performing processing on the image data representing the first character 207, such as replacing bits of "1" with "0" and bits of "0" with "1." Note that bits of "1" represent black, and bits of "0" represent white. As a result, on the text screen D1 switched from the inverted menu screen D3, the first inverted character 211b is displayed as a character constituting the text 201 to be printed in place of the first character 207 (see FIG. 12). After executing step S39, the control unit 27 returns to the editing and printing process of FIG. 6.

[0070] In step S40, the control unit 27 displays the first up-down inverted character 211c on the text screen D1 in place of the first character 207 that has been selected for character inversion. That is, the control unit 27 generates first up-down inverted image data representing the first up-down inverted character 211c based on image data representing the first character 207 that has been selected for character inversion. For example, the control unit 27 generates the first up-down inverted image data by swapping the bit in the nth row from the top and the bit in the nth row from the bottom in each column of the image data representing the first character 207. As a result, on the text screen D1 switched from the inverted menu screen D3, the first up-down inverted character 211c is displayed as a character constituting the text 201 to be printed in place of the first character 207 (see FIG. 13). After executing step S40, the control unit 27 returns to the editing and printing process of FIG. 6.

[0071] When the control unit 27 receives that the print key 35 has been operated while the first horizontally inverted character 211a is displayed on the text screen D1 (step S09: Yes), it generates first horizontally inverted image data in the same manner as in step S38, and generates print data based on the generated first horizontally inverted image data. The same applies when the control unit 27 receives that the print key 35 has been operated while the first black-and-white inverted character 211b or the first top-and-bottom inverted character 211c is displayed on the text screen D1.

[0072] As shown in FIG. 2 and other figures, the text screen D1 is provided with an inversion indicator 217. Although not shown, a word meaning "inversion" is written on the edge of the display unit 5 at a position corresponding to the inversion indicator 217. The control unit 27 turns on the inversion indicator 217 when the cursor 203 is positioned on the first inverted character 211 (see FIGS. 11 to 13). The control unit 27 turns off the inversion indicator 217 when the cursor 203 is positioned on a character other than the first inverted character 211 (see FIG. 2). By looking at the inversion indicator 217, the user can easily determine whether the character on which the cursor 203 is positioned is the first inverted character 211. Although the inversion indicator 217 is displayed in the upper right corner of the text screen D1 in FIG. 2 and other figures, the display position of the inversion indicator 217 is not limited to the upper right corner of the text screen D1.

[0073] If the control unit 27 determines in step S36 that the key operated by the user is not the selection key 33, the process proceeds to step S41.

[0074] In step S41, the control unit 27 determines whether the key operated by the user is the back key 39. If the control unit 27 determines that the key operated by the user is the back key 39, the process returns to the edit and print process of FIG.

[0075] In step S41, if the control unit 27 determines that the key operated by the user is not the back key 39, the process proceeds to step S42.

[0076] In step S42, the control unit 27 executes other processing in accordance with the operated key. After executing step S42, the control unit 27 returns to step S33.

[0077] In step S31, if the control unit 27 determines that the character to be inverted is not reversible, the process proceeds to step S43.

[0078] In step S43, the control unit 27 causes the display unit 5 to display a message indicating that the character to be inverted is not reversible. This notifies the user that the character to be inverted is not reversible. At this time, the display unit 5 functions as a notifying unit that notifies the user that the character to be inverted is not reversible.

[0079] As described above, the tape printing device 1 of this embodiment includes the display unit 5 and the control unit 27. The control unit 27 includes a storage unit 45. The storage unit 45 stores image data representing characters. The control unit 27 accepts selection of one first character 207 from among a plurality of first characters 207 on the first character selection screen D2 displayed on the display unit 5. The control unit 27 controls the display unit 5 based on the image data representing the selected first character 207 so that the selected first character 207 is displayed on the text screen D1 as a character constituting the text 201 to be printed. The control unit 27 accepts an inversion instruction to display a first inverted character 211, which is a character inverted version of the first character 207, on the text screen D1 in place of the first character 207. Upon accepting the inversion instruction, the control unit 27 generates first inverted image data representing the first inverted character 211 based on the image data representing the first character 207. The control unit 27 controls the display unit 5 based on the generated first inverted image data so that the first inverted character 211 is displayed on the text screen D1 as a character that constitutes the text 201 in place of the first character 207.

[0080] According to this configuration, the first inverted character 211 can be displayed on the text screen D1 as a character constituting the text 201, instead of the first character 207, without storing the first inverted image data in advance in the storage unit 45. Therefore, the number of printable character designs can be increased without increasing the capacity of the storage unit 45.

[0081] [Other variations] It goes without saying that the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various configurations can be adopted within the scope of the spirit thereof. For example, the above-described embodiments can be modified in the following ways in addition to the above. Note that the content described in one embodiment or modification also applies to other embodiments or modifications as long as there is no mutual contradiction.

[0082] In this embodiment, the entire first character 207 is inverted, but the present invention is not limited to this, and only a portion of the first character 207 may be inverted. That is, the control unit 27 may generate, as the first inverted image data, partially inverted image data representing partially inverted characters 219 (see FIG. 15 ) in which a portion of the first character 207 is inverted. In this case, the partially inverted character 219 is displayed on the text screen D1 as a character constituting the text 201, instead of the first character 207. Furthermore, the partially inverted character 219 is printed on the tape 113 instead of the first character 207. Therefore, the partially inverted character 219 can be displayed on the text screen D1 as a character constituting the text 201, instead of the first character 207, without storing the partially inverted image data representing the partially inverted character 219 in the storage unit 45 in advance.

[0083] The three partially inverted characters 219 shown in Fig. 15 are each obtained by inverting a portion of the first character 207 shown in Fig. 14. The partially inverted character 219 in the first paragraph is obtained by inverting a portion of the right side of the first character 207. The partially inverted character 219 in the second paragraph is obtained by inverting a portion of the right side of the first character 207 from left to right. The partially inverted character 219 in the third paragraph is obtained by inverting a portion of the upper side of the first character 207 from top to bottom.

[0084] In this case, the configuration may be such that the user can select whether to invert the entire first character 207 or a part of the first character 207. Furthermore, the part of the first character 207 that can be inverted may be configured to be set in advance, or the user may be able to select the part to be inverted each time.

[0085] In this embodiment, the display mode of the inversion indicator 217 is switched so that the user can identify whether the characters displayed on the text screen D1 are the first inverted characters 211 or not. That is, the control unit 27 turns on the inversion indicator 217 when the cursor 203 is located on the first inverted characters 211, and turns off the inversion indicator 217 when the cursor 203 is located on a character constituting the text 201 other than the first inverted characters 211. However, this is not limited to this. For example, contrary to this embodiment, the control unit 27 may be configured to turn on the inversion indicator 217 when the cursor 203 is located on a character other than the first inverted characters 211, and turn off the inversion indicator 217 when the cursor 203 is located on the first inverted characters 211. Furthermore, the inversion indicator 217 is not limited to being provided within the display unit 5, i.e., the display unit 5 functions as the inversion indicator 217. For example, a lamp provided separately from the display unit 5 may function as the inversion indicator 217.

[0086] Furthermore, the method for enabling the user to distinguish whether the characters displayed on text screen D1 are first inverted characters 211 is not limited to the configuration of switching the display mode of inverted indicator 217. For example, control unit 27 may be configured to control display unit 5 so that first characters 207 are displayed as lit and first inverted characters 211 are displayed as flashing on text screen D1.

[0087] In this embodiment, the control unit 27 targets the character where the cursor 203 is located on the text screen D1 at the time the inversion key 41 is operated, but this is not limited thereto. For example, the control unit 27 may target the entire text 201 displayed on the text screen D1 at the time the inversion key 41 is operated. With this configuration, the entire text 201 can be inverted collectively with a single inversion instruction. The control unit 27 may also target the entire line or paragraph where the cursor 203 is located on the text screen D1 at the time the inversion key 41 is operated. In these cases, the control unit 27 inverts the entire text 201, the entire line, or the entire paragraph, character by character. For example, when the control unit 27 targets the entire text 201 for horizontal inversion, the control unit 27 does not horizontally invert the entire text 201 as a single image, but horizontally inverts each character constituting the text 201.

[0088] In this embodiment, the display unit 5 functions as a notification unit that notifies the user that the first character 207 cannot be reversed, but the present invention is not limited to this, and for example, a lamp provided separately from the display unit 5 may function as the notification unit. Also, a speaker that outputs a warning sound or voice may function as the notification unit.

[0089] In this embodiment, the inversion menu screen D3 displays three selectable options for the inversion options 214: "Flip horizontally," "Flip black and white," and "Flip vertically," but is not limited to these. For example, if at least one of the options for flipping horizontally, flipping black and white, and flipping vertically is prohibited for the first character 207 that is the target of character inversion, the inversion menu screen D3 may be configured to gray out the corresponding inversion option 214, for example, so that the user cannot select that inversion option 214.

[0090] In this embodiment, three types of character inversion are possible: left-right inversion, black-and-white inversion, and up-and-down inversion. However, the present invention is not limited to these, and it is sufficient that at least one of left-right inversion, black-and-white inversion, and up-and-down inversion can be implemented.

[0091] In this embodiment, the control unit 27 performs three character inversions, namely, horizontal inversion, black-and-white inversion, and vertical inversion, individually. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and a configuration may be adopted in which two or three of the horizontal inversion, black-and-white inversion, and vertical inversion can be performed simultaneously. For example, the inversion menu screen D3 displays at least one of "horizontal black-and-white inversion," "horizontal top-bottom inversion," "black-and-white top-bottom inversion," and "horizontal black-and-white top-bottom inversion" as inversion options 214. When the inversion option 214 of "horizontal black-and-white inversion" is selected, the control unit 27 performs horizontal inversion and black-and-white inversion simultaneously. As a result, a first inverted character 211, which is the first character 207 inverted horizontally and black-and-white, is displayed on the text screen D1.

[0092] The control unit 27 may be configured to rotate characters in addition to inverting the characters, so that the first rotated characters obtained by rotating the first characters 207 are displayed on the text screen D1 in place of the first characters 207.

[0093] In this embodiment, character inversion is prohibited for the second character 209, but this is not limiting, and character inversion may also be permitted for the second character 209. That is, in the character table 47, the horizontal inversion flag, the black and white inversion flag, and the vertical inversion flag for each second character 209 may also be set to "1: permitted" except for characters whose appearance does not change even when inverted, for example.

[0094] [Note] The tape printing device and the method for controlling the tape printing device will be described below. The tape printing device includes a control unit having a display unit and a memory unit that stores image data representing characters, wherein the control unit accepts the selection of one first character from among a plurality of first characters on a first character selection screen displayed on the display unit, and controls the display unit based on the image data representing the selected first character so that the selected first character is displayed on the text screen as a character constituting the text to be printed, and the control unit accepts an inversion instruction to display a first inverted character, which is the first character inverted by at least one of left-to-right inversion, black-and-white inversion, and top-to-bottom inversion, on the text screen in place of the first character, and when the control unit accepts the inversion instruction, generates first inverted image data representing the first inverted character based on the image data representing the first character, and controls the display unit based on the generated first inverted image data so that the first inverted character is displayed on the text screen in place of the first character as a character constituting the text.

[0095] According to this configuration, the first inverted character can be displayed on the text screen in place of the first character as a character constituting the text without storing in advance in the storage unit the first inverted image data representing the first inverted character obtained by character inversion of the first character. Therefore, the number of printable character designs can be increased without increasing the capacity of the storage unit.

[0096] In this case, it is preferable that, when the control unit receives the reversal instruction, the control unit generates, as the first reversal image data, partially inverted image data representing a partially inverted character obtained by character-reversal of a part of the first character.

[0097] According to this configuration, the partially inverted character can be displayed on the text screen in place of the first character as a character constituting the text, without storing in advance in a storage unit partially inverted image data representing a partially inverted character in which part of the first character is inverted.

[0098] In this case, it is preferable that an inversion indicator is provided, and the control unit changes the display mode of the inversion indicator when the cursor is positioned on a character that constitutes the text other than the first inverted character on the text screen and when the cursor is positioned on the first inverted character.

[0099] According to this configuration, it is possible to easily identify whether the character on which the cursor is positioned is the first inverted character or not.

[0100] In this case, it is preferable that the control unit controls the display unit so that characters constituting the text other than the first reversed characters are displayed in a lit state on the text screen, and the first reversed characters are displayed in a blinking state.

[0101] According to this configuration, it is possible to easily identify whether or not the characters displayed on the text screen are first inverted characters.

[0102] In this case, it is preferable that the control unit, at the time of receiving the reversal instruction, subject the first character on which the cursor is positioned on the text screen to character reversal.

[0103] According to this configuration, the first character to be inverted can be easily switched by moving the cursor.

[0104] In this case, it is preferable that the control unit, upon receiving the reversal instruction, subject all of the text displayed on the text screen to character reversal.

[0105] According to this configuration, the characters of the entire text can be reversed at once by issuing a single reversal instruction.

[0106] In this case, it is preferable to provide an alarm unit, and when the control unit receives an inversion instruction, the control unit determines whether the first character that is the target of the inversion instruction can be inverted, and when the control unit determines that the first character cannot be inverted, the control unit controls the alarm unit to notify the user that the first character cannot be inverted.

[0107] According to this configuration, it is possible to notify the user that the first character to be inverted is not reversible.

[0108] A control method for a tape printing device is a control method for a tape printing device having a display unit and a memory unit that stores image data representing characters, and includes the steps of: accepting the selection of one first character from among a plurality of first characters on a first character selection screen displayed on the display unit; controlling the display unit based on the image data representing the selected first character so that the selected first character is displayed on the text screen as a character constituting text to be printed; accepting an inversion instruction to display a first inverted character, which is the first character inverted in at least one of left-to-right inversion, black-and-white inversion, and top-to-bottom inversion, on the text screen in place of the first character; generating first inverted image data representing the first inverted character based on the image data representing the first character when the inversion instruction is accepted; and controlling the display unit based on the generated first inverted image data so that the first inverted character is displayed on the text screen in place of the first character as a character constituting text.

[0109] According to this configuration, the first inverted character can be displayed on the text screen in place of the first character as a character constituting the text without storing in advance in the storage unit the first inverted image data representing the first inverted character obtained by character inversion of the first character. Therefore, the number of printable character designs can be increased without increasing the capacity of the storage unit. [Explanation of symbols]

[0110] 1...tape printing device, 5...display unit, 27...control unit, 45...memory unit, 201...text, 203...cursor, 207...first character, 211...first inverted character, 217...inverted display unit, 219...partially inverted characters, D1...text screen, D2...first character selection screen.

Claims

1. A display unit; a control unit having a storage unit that stores image data representing characters; the control unit accepts selection of one first character from among a plurality of first characters on a first character selection screen displayed on the display unit; the control unit controls the display unit based on the image data representing the selected first character so that the selected first character is displayed on a text screen as a character constituting a text to be printed; the control unit receives an inversion instruction to display, on the text screen in place of the first character, a first inverted character obtained by performing character inversion on the first character, the first character being inverted in at least one of left-to-right inversion, black-and-white inversion, and up-to-down inversion; When the control unit receives the inversion instruction, the control unit generates first inverted image data representing the first inverted character based on the image data representing the first character; The control unit controls the display unit based on the generated first inverted image data so that the first inverted character is displayed on the text screen in place of the first character as a character constituting the text.

2. The tape printing device according to claim 1, characterized in that, when the control unit receives the inversion instruction, it generates, as the first inverted image data, partially inverted image data representing a partially inverted character in which a portion of the first character is inverted.

3. a reverse indicator; 3. The tape printing device according to claim 1, wherein the control unit changes the display mode of the inversion indicator on the text screen depending on whether the cursor is positioned on a character other than the first inverted character that constitutes the text or on the first inverted character.

4. 3. The tape printing device according to claim 1, wherein the control unit controls the display unit so that characters constituting the text other than the first inverted characters are displayed in a lit state on the text screen, and the first inverted characters are displayed in a flashing state.

5. 3. The tape printing device according to claim 1, wherein the control unit, upon receiving the reversal instruction, subjects the first character where the cursor is positioned on the text screen to the character reversal.

6. 3. The tape printing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the control unit, upon receiving the reversal instruction, subjects the entire text displayed on the text screen to the character reversal.

7. a notification unit, When the control unit receives the reversal instruction, the control unit determines whether the first character that is the target of the reversal instruction can be reversed; 3. The tape printing device according to claim 1, wherein the control unit controls the notification unit to notify a user that the first character is not reversible when it determines that the first character is not reversible.

8. A display unit; A control method for a tape printing device including a storage unit that stores image data representing characters, accepting selection of one first character from among a plurality of first characters on a first character selection screen displayed on the display unit; controlling the display unit based on the image data representing the selected first character so that the selected first character is displayed on a text screen as a character constituting a text to be printed; receiving an inversion instruction to display a first inverted character, which is obtained by inverting the first character by at least one of left-to-right inversion, black-and-white inversion, and up-to-down inversion, on the text screen in place of the first character; generating first inverted image data representing the first inverted character based on the image data representing the first character when the inverting instruction is received; controlling the display unit based on the generated first reversed image data so that the first reversed character is displayed on the text screen in place of the first character as a character constituting the text; 1. A method for controlling a tape printing device, comprising:

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