Tape printer and tape printer control method

Abstract

To provide a tape printer that can display an inverted inversion outer frame of which the whole includes at least one of horizontal inversion and vertical inversion on the basis of image data representing an outer frame.SOLUTION: A control part receives input of a text 201 which is arranged in an outer frame and is printed on a tape, input of a non-inversion outer frame based on image data as an outer frame, and input of an inverted inversion outer frame in which the whole of the non-inversion outer frame includes at least one of horizontal inversion and vertical inversion as an outer frame. The control part generates inversion image data representing the inversion outer frame on the basis of image data when receiving input of the inversion outer frame, and controls a display part so that the inversion outer frame based on the generated inversion image data and the text 201, which is arranged in the inversion outer frame without both of horizontal inversion and vertical inversion, are displayed on a text screen D1. The inversion outer frame is, for example, a horizontal inversion outer frame 213.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 13

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] Conventional tape printing devices are unable to display an inverted outer frame in which the entire outer frame is inverted, including at least one of left-to-right and up-to-down inversion, based on image data representing the outer frame. [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 that stores image data representing an outer frame to be printed on the tape, and the control unit accepts input of text to be placed within the outer frame and printed on the tape, input of a non-inverted outer frame based on image data as the outer frame, and input of an inverted outer frame that is an outer frame inversion that includes at least one of left-to-right and up-to-down inversion of the entire non-inverted outer frame, and when the control unit accepts input of the inverted outer frame, generates inverted image data representing the inverted outer frame based on the image data, and controls the display unit so that the inverted outer frame based on the generated inverted image data and the text placed within the inverted outer frame that is neither left-to-right nor up-to-down inverted are displayed.

[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 an outer frame to be printed on the tape, and includes the steps of: the tape printing device accepting input of text to be placed within the outer frame and printed on the tape; input of a non-inverted outer frame based on image data as the outer frame; and input of an inverted outer frame that is an outer frame inversion that includes at least one of left-to-right and up-to-down inversion of the entire non-inverted outer frame; and when the tape printing device accepts the input of the inverted outer frame, generating inverted image data representing the inverted outer frame based on the image data, and controlling the display unit so that the inverted outer frame based on the generated inverted image data and the text placed within the inverted outer frame that is neither left-to-right nor up-to-down inverted are displayed. [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 an outer frame table. [Figure 5] FIG. 1 shows a label with a non-inverted border and printed text. [Figure 6] FIG. 10 shows a label with a reversed border and printed text. [Figure 7] FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram of left-right inversion and up-down inversion. [Figure 8] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a text screen on which text is displayed. [Figure 9] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing the outer frame selection screen in which the outer frame candidate with outer frame number "00" is selected. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing the outer frame selection screen in a state in which the outer frame candidate with outer frame number "15" is provisionally selected. [Figure 11] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing the inversion type selection screen in a state where an inversion type candidate indicating "not inverted" is selected. [Figure 12] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing the inversion type selection screen in a state where an inversion type candidate indicating "horizontal inversion" is selected. [Figure 13] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a text screen on which a horizontally inverted outer frame and text are displayed. [Figure 14] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing the outer frame selection screen in a state in which the outer frame candidate with outer frame number "11" is provisionally selected. [Figure 15] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a text screen on which a non-inverted outer frame and text are displayed. [Figure 16] 10 is a flowchart of an edit and print process. [Figure 17] 10 is a flowchart of an outer frame display process. [Figure 18] 18 is a flowchart continuing from FIG. 17. [Figure 19] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a label on which a left-right black-and-white inverted outer frame and black-and-white inverted text are printed. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0008] A tape printing device 1, which is one embodiment of the "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 (see 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] 2 is a diagram showing a text screen D1 displayed on the display unit 5. The text screen D1 is partitioned into a text input area E1 at the bottom of the screen and a print image display area E2 at the top of the screen.

[0018] In the text input area E1, the user edits the text 201 to be printed on the tape 113. The text input area E1 displays the text 201, a cursor 203, and a line head mark 205. The text 201 is made up of one or more characters. The text 201 is also made up of one or more lines. In the example shown in FIG. 2, the text 201 is made up of two lines. The line head mark 205 indicates the line number of the line.

[0019] The print image display area E2 displays the print image. In the example shown in Fig. 2, the print image includes a non-inverted outer frame 211, text 201, and a tape image TI.

[0020] Here, the non-inverted outer frame 211 refers to an outer frame that is neither left-to-right inverted nor upside-down inverted. The tape printing device 1 of this embodiment is equipped with a storage unit 45 (see FIG. 3) that stores image data representing the outer frame to be printed on the tape 113. The non-inverted outer frame 211 is an outer frame based on the image data stored in the storage unit 45. The tape printing device 1 can also accept input of the non-inverted outer frame 211 as the outer frame, and input of an inverted outer frame that is an outer frame inversion that includes at least one of left-to-right inversion and upside-down inversion of the entire non-inverted outer frame 211.

[0021] In this embodiment, the inverted outer frame refers to either a left-right inversion or a top-down inversion. Therefore, in this embodiment, the inverted outer frame refers to either a left-right inverted outer frame 213 obtained by inverting the entire non-inverted outer frame 211 left-right, or a top-down inverted outer frame 215 obtained by inverting the entire non-inverted outer frame 211 upside-down (see FIG. 7).

[0022] The tape image TI included in the print image is an imitation of the tape 113. Furthermore, the text 201 included in the print image is based on the text 201 input in the text input area E1.

[0023] In the print image display area E2, the print image is displayed in black and white inversion. Therefore, as shown in Fig. 2, the tape image TI included in the print image is displayed in black tape color, and the non-inverted outer frame 211 and text 201 are displayed in white. The same applies when the print image includes a horizontally inverted outer frame 213 or a vertically inverted outer frame 215.

[0024] The text screen D1 is provided with an inversion indicator 217. Although not shown, a phrase meaning "invert outer frame" is written on an edge of the display unit 5 at a position corresponding to the inversion indicator 217. The tape printing device 1 turns on the inversion indicator 217 when an inverted outer frame is displayed in the print image display area E2 (see FIG. 13), and turns off the inversion indicator 217 when an inverted outer frame is not displayed. That is, the tape printing device 1 turns on the inversion indicator 217 when the horizontally inverted outer frame 213 or the vertically inverted outer frame 215 is displayed in the print image display area E2, and turns off the inversion indicator 217 when neither the horizontally inverted outer frame 213 nor the vertically inverted outer frame 215 is displayed.

[0025] [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.

[0026] 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.

[0027] 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, select key 33, print key 35, outer frame key 37, back key 39, etc. The cursor keys 31 are keys marked with arrows "↑", "↓", "→", and "←" that indicate the direction of movement of the cursor 203.

[0028] 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.

[0029] 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). In addition to various programs, the storage unit 45 stores image data and an outer frame table 50 (see FIG. 4). The image data is bitmap data representing the outer frame, and is stored in association with the outer frame code of each outer frame.

[0030] As shown in FIG. 4 , the outer frame table 50 associates an outer frame code with a horizontal flip flag and a vertical flip flag for each outer frame. A horizontal flip flag of “1” indicates that horizontal flipping is permitted, whereas a horizontal flip flag of “2” indicates that horizontal flipping is prohibited. For example, for an outer frame whose appearance remains unchanged when flipped upside down, such as the non-inverted outer frame 211 shown in FIG. 2 , the vertical flip flag is set to “2.” For an outer frame whose appearance remains unchanged when flipped upside down or horizontally, such as the non-inverted outer frame 211 shown in FIG. 15 , both the horizontal flip flag and the vertical flip flag are set to “2.” Here, “an outer frame whose appearance remains unchanged when flipped upside down” refers to an outer frame whose shape is line-symmetrical about an imaginary center line extending in the horizontal direction in FIG. 15 and whose overall shape remains unchanged even when flipped upside down. Furthermore, “an outer frame whose appearance remains unchanged when flipped upside down” refers to an outer frame whose shape is line-symmetrical about an imaginary center line extending in the vertical direction in FIG. 15 and whose shape remains unchanged even when flipped upside down.

[0031] In the following description, an outer frame for which at least one of the horizontal flip flag and the vertical flip flag is set to "1" is referred to as an "outer frame that can be flipped." Also, an outer frame for which both the horizontal flip flag and the vertical flip flag are set to "2" is referred to as an "outer frame that cannot be flipped."

[0032] [Flip Outer Frame] As described above, the tape printing device 1 can print inverted outer frames, that is, the left-right inverted outer frame 213 and the top-bottom inverted outer frame 215, in addition to the non-inverted outer frame 211. Fig. 5 is a diagram showing a label L on which the non-inverted outer frame 211 and text 201 are printed. When the print key 35 is operated while the text screen D1 shown in Fig. 2 is displayed, the tape printing device 1 prints the label L shown in Fig. 5. Fig. 6 is a diagram showing a label L on which the left-right inverted outer frame 213 and text 201 are printed. A method for printing the label L shown in Fig. 6 will be described later.

[0033] In this way, since the tape printing device 1 is capable of printing the left-right inverted outer frame 213 and the top-bottom inverted outer frame 215, it is conceivable to store image data representing the left-right inverted outer frame 213 and the top-bottom inverted outer frame 215 in addition to image data representing the non-inverted outer frame 211 in the storage unit 45. Hereinafter, the image data representing the non-inverted outer frame 211 will be referred to as "non-inverted image data," the image data representing the left-right inverted outer frame 213 will be referred to as "left-bottom inverted image data," and the image data representing the top-bottom inverted outer frame 215 will be referred to as "top-bottom inverted image data." However, in this case, it is necessary to increase the capacity of the storage unit 45. The non-inverted image data is an example of "image data."

[0034] Therefore, instead of storing left-right inverted image data and top-bottom inverted image data in the memory unit 45, the tape printing device 1 of this embodiment performs the outer frame inversion process described below, thereby generating left-right inverted image data and top-bottom inverted image data based on the non-inverted image data stored in the memory unit 45.

[0035] Here, a method for generating left-right inverted image data and top-down inverted image data by the control unit 27 will be described. As shown in Fig. 7, the non-inverted image data representing the non-inverted outer frame 211 is made up of front image data 211a, intermediate image data 211b, and back image data 211c. The reason why the non-inverted image data is made up of three partial image data in this way is because the length of the intermediate image data 211b changes depending on the text 201 placed within the outer frame. Note that the non-inverted outer frame 211 shown in Fig. 7 is an outer frame that can be inverted both left-right and top-down.

[0036] When generating horizontally flipped image data, the control unit 27 first swaps the order of the front image data 211a and the back image data 211c, arranging the image data in the order of the back image data 211c, the intermediate image data 211b, and the front image data 211a. Then, for each of these three pieces of image data, the control unit 27 performs a process of swapping the bit in the m-th column from the left with the bit in the m-th column from the right in each row, one bit at a time, to generate horizontally flipped image data.

[0037] In addition, when generating upside-down image data, the control unit 27 performs a process of swapping one bit at a time between the nth row from the top and the nth row from the bottom in each column of the front image data 211a, the intermediate image data 211b, and the rear image data 211c, thereby generating upside-down image data.

[0038] [Outer frame selection procedure] The printing procedure for label L will be described with reference to the screens shown in Figures 8 to 15. Figure 8 is a diagram showing a text screen D1 on which text 201 is displayed. The example shown in Figure 8 shows a state in which two lines of text 201 have been entered and the entered two lines of text 201 are displayed in the text input area E1 and the print image display area E2. When the frame key 37 is operated while the text screen D1 shown in Figure 8 is displayed, the control unit 27 causes the display unit 5 to display a frame selection screen D2 shown in Figure 9.

[0039] As shown in FIG. 9, the outer frame selection screen D2 displays a plurality of outer frame candidates 251 corresponding to a plurality of outer frames whose image data are stored in the storage unit 45. The outer frame candidates 251 include an outer frame image based on the image data and an outer frame number. However, an outer frame candidate 251 including the outer frame number "00" includes the characters "none" instead of an outer frame image. Furthermore, of the plurality of outer frame candidates 251, a selected outer frame candidate 251 has a selection frame 253 added to its outer frame number. The selection frame 253 is a solid black frame, and the outer frame number to which the selection frame 253 is added is displayed in white. In this way, selected outer frame candidates 251 are displayed so as to be distinguishable from outer frame candidates 251 that are not selected.

[0040] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing the state after the cursor key 31 is operated while the outer frame selection screen D2 shown in FIG. 9 is displayed. Of the outer frame candidates 251 shown in FIG. 10, the outer frame candidate 251 with outer frame number "14" and the outer frame candidate 251 with outer frame number "15" have a reversible mark 257, which is the letter "R" in a circle, added to them. The reversible mark 257 is an example of an "additional image." Hereinafter, the outer frame candidate 251 with the reversible mark 257 added will be referred to as the "first outer frame candidate 251a." Furthermore, the outer frame candidate 251 without the reversible mark 257 added will be referred to as the "second outer frame candidate 251b."

[0041] The reversible mark 257 is a mark indicating that at least one of left-right reversal and up-down reversal is possible. Therefore, the outer frame corresponding to the first outer frame candidate 251a to which the reversible mark 257 is added has at least one of the left-right reversal flag and the up-down reversal flag set to "1" in the outer frame table 50 (see FIG. 4).

[0042] In this way, on the outer frame selection screen D2 displaying the outer frame candidates 251, the control unit 27 accepts the selection of one outer frame candidate 251. Furthermore, on the outer frame selection screen D2, the control unit 27 displays the outer frame candidates 251 corresponding to outer frames that can be reversed and the outer frame candidates 251 corresponding to outer frames that cannot be reversed in different display modes.

[0043] 10 shows a state in which an outer frame candidate 251 with outer frame number "15" is temporarily selected. For the temporarily selected outer frame candidate 251, a temporary selection frame 255 is added to the outer frame number, and the outer frame number and temporary selection frame 255 are displayed flashing. The temporary selection frame 255 is a shaded frame, and the outer frame number with the temporary selection frame 255 added is displayed in outline. In this way, the outer frame candidate 251 in the temporarily selected state is displayed so as to be distinguishable from both the outer frame candidate 251 in the selected state and the outer frame candidate 251 in the unselected state.

[0044] Fig. 11 is a diagram showing an inversion type selection screen D3 that is displayed by operating the selection key 33 when the outer frame selection screen D2 shown in Fig. 10 is displayed. As shown in Fig. 10, when a first outer frame candidate 251a to which a reversible mark 257 is added is selected on the outer frame selection screen D2, the inversion type selection screen D3 is displayed. Furthermore, as will be described later, when a second outer frame candidate 251b to which a reversible mark 257 is not added is selected on the outer frame selection screen D2, the inversion type selection screen D3 is not displayed, and instead the text screen D1 (see Fig. 15) displaying the non-inverted outer frame 211 and text 201 is displayed.

[0045] The inversion type selection screen D3 displays three inversion type candidates 271: "Do not invert," "Horizontal inversion," and "Upper inversion." When the inversion type candidate 271 "Do not invert" is selected, the control unit 27 displays a text screen D1 displaying a non-inverted outer frame 211 and text 201 (see FIG. 2). When the inversion type candidate 271 "Horizontal inversion" is selected, the control unit 27 displays a text screen D1 displaying a horizontal inversion outer frame 213 and text 201 (see FIG. 13). When the inversion type candidate 271 "Vertical inversion" is selected, the control unit 27 displays a text screen D1 displaying a vertical inversion outer frame 215 and text 201 (not shown).

[0046] However, when the outer frame candidate 251 selected on the outer frame selection screen D2 corresponds to an outer frame that can be flipped horizontally but not vertically, even if the inversion type candidate 271 "vertical inversion" is selected on the inversion type selection screen D3, the control unit 27 displays the text screen D1 displaying the non-inverted outer frame 211 and the text 201. Similarly, when the outer frame candidate 251 selected on the outer frame selection screen D2 corresponds to an outer frame that can be flipped vertically but not horizontally, even if the inversion type candidate 271 "horizontal inversion" is selected on the inversion type selection screen D3, the control unit 27 displays the text screen D1 displaying the non-inverted outer frame 211 and the text 201.

[0047] The outer frame candidate 251 with outer frame number "15" shown in Figure 10 corresponds to an outer frame that cannot be inverted upside down, so when the inversion type candidate 271 "inverted upside down" is selected on the inversion type selection screen D3, a text screen D1 is displayed showing the non-inverted outer frame 211 and text 201 (see Figure 2).

[0048] 11 shows a state in which the "Do not invert" inversion type candidate 271 is selected. A selection frame 253 is added to the selected inversion type candidate 271. In this way, the selected inversion type candidate 271 is displayed so as to be distinguishable from the inversion type candidate 271 that is not selected.

[0049] Fig. 12 shows a state in which the cursor key 31 is operated to select the "horizontal inversion" inversion type candidate 271 while the inversion type selection screen D3 shown in Fig. 11 is displayed. In this state, when the selection key 33 is operated, the text screen D1 shown in Fig. 13 is displayed.

[0050] When the outer frame candidate 251 selected on the outer frame selection screen D2 corresponds to an outer frame that can be flipped horizontally, and the "horizontal flip" flip type candidate 271 is selected on the flip type selection screen D3, the horizontal flip outer frame 213 and text 201 are displayed in the print image display area E2, as shown in Fig. 13. Furthermore, because the horizontal flip outer frame 213 is displayed in the print image display area E2, the flip indicator 217 is displayed lit.

[0051] In this way, when an outer frame candidate 251 corresponding to an outer frame that can be inverted is selected on the outer frame selection screen D2, the control unit 27 causes the display unit 5 to display the inversion type selection screen D3. Furthermore, the control unit 27 accepts the selection of an inversion type candidate 271 on the inversion type selection screen D3, and controls the display unit 5 so that the horizontally inverted outer frame 213 or the vertically inverted outer frame 215 inverted according to the selected inversion type candidate 271, and the text 201 are displayed on the text screen D1. Furthermore, when the control unit 27 accepts the selection of the inversion type candidate 271 of "horizontal inversion" or "vertical inversion" on the inversion type selection screen D3, the control unit 27 generates horizontally inverted image data or vertically inverted image data based on the image data of the outer frame corresponding to the outer frame candidate 251 selected on the outer frame selection screen D2. Furthermore, the control unit 27 controls the display unit 5 so that the inverted outer frame based on the generated horizontally inverted image data or vertically inverted image data, and the text 201 arranged within the inverted outer frame without being inverted horizontally or vertically, are displayed on the text screen D1.

[0052] When the print key 35 is operated in the state shown in FIG. 13, a label L is created on which the left-right inverted outer frame 213 and the text 201 are printed, as shown in FIG.

[0053] Fig. 14 is a diagram showing a state in which the outer frame selection screen D2 provisionally selects the outer frame candidate 251 with outer frame number "11," which is the second outer frame candidate 251b to which the reversible mark 257 is not added. In this state, when the selection key 33 is operated, the text screen D1 shown in Fig. 15 is displayed.

[0054] When the second outer frame candidate 251b is selected on the outer frame selection screen D2, the non-inverted outer frame 211 and the text 201 are displayed in the print image display area E2, as shown in Fig. 15. Furthermore, since the inverted outer frame is not displayed in the print image display area E2, the inverted indicator 217 is displayed in an unlit state.

[0055] [Editing and printing] The edit printing process executed by the control unit 27 will be described with reference to Fig. 16. The control unit 27 executes 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.

[0056] In step S01, the control unit 27 causes the display unit 5 to display the text screen D1 (see FIG. 8).

[0057] 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.

[0058] 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.

[0059] 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.

[0060] In step S04, the control unit 27 displays text 201 corresponding to the character key 29 operated by the user in the text input area E1 and the print image display area E2 of the text screen D1. After executing step S04, the control unit 27 returns to step S02.

[0061] 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.

[0062] In step S05, the control unit 27 determines whether the key operated by the user is the outer frame key 37. If the control unit 27 determines that the key operated by the user is the outer frame key 37, the process proceeds to step S06.

[0063] In step S06, the control unit 27 executes an outer frame display process, which will be described later. After executing step S06, the control unit 27 returns to step S02.

[0064] In step S05, if the control unit 27 determines that the key operated by the user is not the outer frame key 37, the process proceeds to step S07.

[0065] In step S07, 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 S08.

[0066] In step S08, the control unit 27 executes the printing process. That is, the control unit 27 generates print data based on the editing results of the text screen D1, and controls the print head 11, feed motor 21, and cutter motor 23 based on the generated print data. This creates a label L corresponding to the print image displayed in the print image display area E2 of the text screen D1.

[0067] In step S07, if the control unit 27 determines that the key operated by the user is not the print key 35, the process proceeds to step S09.

[0068] In step S09, the control unit 27 executes other processing in accordance with the operated key. The other processing is, for example, a symbol input processing or a kana-kanji conversion processing. After executing step S09, the control unit 27 returns to step S02.

[0069] [Outer frame display processing] The outer frame display process will be described with reference to Figures 17 and 18. In step S11, the control unit 27 causes the display unit 5 to display an outer frame selection screen D2 (see Figure 9).

[0070] In step S12, 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 S13.

[0071] In step S12, if the control unit 27 determines that the operation of the operation panel 3 by the user has not been accepted, it repeats step S12.

[0072] In step S13, 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 S14.

[0073] In step S14, the control unit 27 switches the selected outer frame candidate 251 from one outer frame candidate 251 to another outer frame candidate 251 in accordance with the direction of the operated cursor key 31. After executing step S14, the control unit 27 returns to step S12.

[0074] If the control unit 27 determines in step S13 that the key operated by the user is not the cursor key 31, the process proceeds to step S15.

[0075] In step S15, 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 S16. The control unit 27 accepts the operation of the selection key 33 while the outer frame selection screen D2 is displayed as a selection of an outer frame candidate 251 on the outer frame selection screen D2.

[0076] In step S16, the control unit 27 determines whether the outer frame corresponding to the outer frame candidate 251 selected by the user is reversible. If the control unit 27 determines that the outer frame corresponding to the outer frame candidate 251 selected by the user is reversible, the process proceeds to step S21 in FIG.

[0077] In step S16, if the control unit 27 determines that the outer frame corresponding to the outer frame candidate 251 selected by the user is not reversible, the process returns to the editing and printing process of Fig. 16. In this case, the control unit 27 displays the non-reversed outer frame 211 corresponding to the outer frame candidate 251 selected by the user in the print image display area E2 of the text screen D1.

[0078] Note that operation of the outer frame key 37 and selection of the outer frame candidate 251 corresponding to an outer frame that cannot be inverted on the outer frame selection screen D2 are examples of "input of a non-inverted outer frame."

[0079] In step S15, if the control unit 27 determines that the key operated by the user is not the selection key 33, the process proceeds to step S17.

[0080] In step S17, 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.

[0081] In step S17, if the control unit 27 determines that the key operated by the user is not the back key 39, the process proceeds to step S18.

[0082] In step S18, the control unit 27 executes other processes according to the operated key. After executing step S18, the control unit 27 returns to step S12.

[0083] In step S21 of FIG. 18, the control unit 27 causes the display unit 5 to display the inversion type selection screen D3 (see FIG. 11).

[0084] 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.

[0085] 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.

[0086] 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.

[0087] In step S24, the control unit 27 switches the selected inversion type candidate 271 from one inversion type candidate 271 to another inversion type candidate 271, depending on the direction of the operated cursor key 31. After executing step S24, the control unit 27 returns to step S22.

[0088] 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.

[0089] 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 inversion type selection screen D3 is displayed as a selection of an inversion type candidate 271 on the inversion type selection screen D3.

[0090] In step S26, the control unit 27 determines whether the selected inversion type candidate 271, i.e., the inversion type candidate 271 that was selected at the time the selection key 33 was operated, is "not inverted," "left-right inversion," or "top-bottom inversion." If the control unit 27 determines that the selected inversion type candidate 271 is "not inverted," the process proceeds to step S27. If the control unit 27 determines that the selected inversion type candidate 271 is "left-right inversion," the process proceeds to step S28. If the control unit 27 determines that the selected inversion type candidate 271 is "top-bottom inversion," the process proceeds to step S30.

[0091] In step S27, the control unit 27 displays in the print image display area E2 of the text screen D1 the non-inverted outer frame 211 corresponding to the outer frame candidate 251 that was in a selected state at the time the selection key 33 was operated in step S15 of Fig. 17. That is, the control unit 27 displays in the print image display area E2 the non-inverted outer frame 211 based on the image data representing the selected outer frame. After executing step S27, the control unit 27 returns to the editing and printing process of Fig. 16.

[0092] In step S28, the control unit 27 determines whether the outer frame corresponding to the outer frame candidate 251 that was in a selected state at the time the selection key 33 was operated in step S15 of Fig. 17 can be reversed horizontally. If the control unit 27 determines that the outer frame candidate 251 can be reversed horizontally, the process proceeds to step S29. If the control unit 27 determines that the outer frame candidate 251 cannot be reversed horizontally, the process proceeds to step S27.

[0093] In step S29, the control unit 27 displays in the print image display area E2 of the text screen D1 a horizontally inverted outer frame 213, which is a horizontally inverted outer frame corresponding to the outer frame candidate 251 that was selected at the time the selection key 33 was operated in step S15 of Fig. 17. That is, the control unit 27 generates horizontally inverted image data based on image data representing the selected outer frame, and displays in the print image display area E2 the horizontally inverted outer frame 213 based on the generated horizontally inverted image data. After executing step S29, the control unit 27 returns to the editing and printing process of Fig. 16.

[0094] In step S30, the control unit 27 determines whether the outer frame corresponding to the outer frame candidate 251 that was in a selected state at the time the selection key 33 was operated in step S15 of Fig. 17 can be flipped upside down. If the control unit 27 determines that the outer frame can be flipped upside down, the process proceeds to step S31. If the control unit 27 determines that the outer frame cannot be flipped upside down, the process proceeds to step S27.

[0095] In step S31, the control unit 27 displays in the print image display area E2 of the text screen D1 a vertically inverted outer frame 215, which is the outer frame corresponding to the outer frame candidate 251 that was selected at the time the selection key 33 was operated in step S15 of Fig. 17. That is, the control unit 27 generates vertically inverted image data based on image data representing the selected outer frame, and displays in the print image display area E2 the vertically inverted outer frame 215 based on the generated vertically inverted image data. After executing step S31, the control unit 27 returns to the editing and printing process of Fig. 16.

[0096] Note that the operation of the outer frame key 37, the selection of the outer frame candidate 251 on the outer frame selection screen D2, and the selection of the inversion type candidate 271 “Do not invert” on the inversion type selection screen D3 are examples of “input of a non-inverted outer frame.” Also, the operation of the outer frame key 37, the selection of the outer frame candidate 251 on the outer frame selection screen D2, and the selection of the inversion type candidate 271 “Flip horizontally” or “Flip vertically” on the inversion type selection screen D3 are examples of “input of an inverted outer frame.”

[0097] 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 S32.

[0098] In step S32, 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 step S11 in FIG.

[0099] In step S32, if the control unit 27 determines that the key operated by the user is not the back key 39, the process proceeds to step S33.

[0100] In step S33, the control unit 27 executes other processing in accordance with the operated key. After executing step S33, the control unit 27 returns to step S22.

[0101] As described above, the tape printing device 1 of this embodiment includes the display unit 5 and the control unit 27 having the storage unit 45 that stores image data representing an outer frame to be printed on the tape 113. The control unit 27 accepts input of text 201 to be placed within the outer frame and printed on the tape 113, input of a non-inverted outer frame 211 based on image data as the outer frame, and input of an inverted outer frame obtained by inverting the entire non-inverted outer frame 211 by at least one of left-to-right and up-to-down inversion. Upon accepting the input of the inverted outer frame, the control unit 27 generates inverted image data representing the inverted outer frame based on the image data, and controls the display unit 5 to display the inverted outer frame based on the generated inverted image data and the text 201 placed within the inverted outer frame without being inverted left-to-right or up-to-down.

[0102] In this way, the tape printing device 1 can display the inverted outer frame on the display unit 5 without storing image data representing the inverted outer frame in advance in the storage unit 45. Therefore, it is possible to increase the number of printable outer frame designs without increasing the capacity of the storage unit 45.

[0103] Furthermore, on the outer frame selection screen D2, the control unit 27 displays outer frame candidates 251 corresponding to outer frames that can be reversed with a reversible mark 257 added, and displays outer frame candidates 251 corresponding to outer frames that cannot be reversed without the reversible mark 257 added. That is, on the outer frame selection screen D2, the control unit 27 displays outer frame candidates 251 corresponding to outer frames that can be reversed and outer frame candidates 251 corresponding to outer frames that cannot be reversed in different display modes. This allows the user to determine whether the outer frame candidate 251 corresponds to an outer frame that can be reversed.

[0104] Furthermore, when an outer frame candidate 251 corresponding to an outer frame that can be inverted is selected on the outer frame selection screen D2, the control unit 27 causes the display unit 5 to display an inversion type selection screen D3 displaying three inversion type candidates 271 corresponding respectively to "not inverted," "horizontal inversion," and "vertical inversion." This allows the user to select the inversion type.

[0105] Furthermore, when an outer frame candidate 251 corresponding to an outer frame that cannot be inverted is selected on the outer frame selection screen D2, the control unit 27 controls the display unit 5 so that the non-inverted outer frame 211 and the text 201 are displayed on the text screen D1 without displaying the inversion type selection screen D3. This saves the user the trouble of meaninglessly selecting an inversion type on the inversion type selection screen D3.

[0106] The tape printing device 1 also includes a reverse indicator 217, and the control unit 27 changes the display mode of the reverse indicator 217 depending on whether the reverse outer frame is displayed or not. This allows the user to determine whether the outer frame displayed on the text screen D1 is a reverse outer frame.

[0107] [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.

[0108] In this embodiment, an outer frame whose appearance does not change when flipped upside down is referred to as an "outer frame that cannot be flipped upside down," but this is not limited to this. For example, an outer frame whose appearance changes only slightly when flipped upside down may also be referred to as an "outer frame that cannot be flipped upside down." In other words, an outer frame whose shape is not line-symmetrical about an imaginary center line extending in the left-right direction may also be referred to as an "outer frame that cannot be flipped upside down." Similarly, an outer frame whose appearance changes only slightly when flipped left-right may also be referred to as an "outer frame that cannot be flipped left-right." In other words, an outer frame whose shape is not line-symmetrical about an imaginary center line extending in the up-down direction may also be referred to as an "outer frame that cannot be flipped left-right."

[0109] In the present embodiment, three inversion type candidates 271 corresponding to "Do not invert," "Flip horizontally," and "Flip vertically" are displayed on the inversion type selection screen D3, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the control unit 27 may be configured not to display the inversion type candidate 271 corresponding to "Do not invert" on the inversion type selection screen D3.

[0110] Furthermore, the control unit 27 may be configured not to display the inversion type candidate 271 corresponding to "vertical inversion" on the inversion type selection screen D3 when an outer frame candidate 251 corresponding to an outer frame that can be inverted horizontally but not vertically is selected on the outer frame selection screen D2. Similarly, the control unit 27 may be configured not to display the inversion type candidate 271 "horizontal inversion" on the inversion type selection screen D3 when an outer frame candidate 251 corresponding to an outer frame that can be inverted vertically but not horizontally is selected on the outer frame selection screen D2.

[0111] In addition, the control unit 27 may be configured to gray out the inversion type candidate 271 corresponding to the inversion type that cannot be inverted, rather than not displaying the inversion type candidate 271 corresponding to the inversion type that cannot be inverted on the inversion type selection screen D3, thereby preventing the user from selecting the inversion type candidate 271.

[0112] Furthermore, the control unit 27 may display not only the three inversion type candidates 271 corresponding to "not inverted," "horizontal inversion," and "vertical inversion," but also other inversion type candidates 271 on the inversion type selection screen D3. For example, the control unit 27 may display the inversion type candidate 271 of "horizontal and vertical inversion" as the inversion type candidate 271. When the inversion type candidate 271 of "horizontal and vertical inversion" is selected, the control unit 27 displays a horizontally and vertically inverted outer frame (not shown) in which the entire non-inverted outer frame 211 is inverted horizontally and vertically on the text screen D1. The horizontally and vertical inversion is an example of an "outer frame inversion," and the horizontally and vertically inverted outer frame is an example of an "inverted outer frame."

[0113] Furthermore, the control unit 27 may display an inversion type candidate 271 for "horizontal black and white inversion" or an inversion type candidate 271 for "vertical black and white inversion." For example, when the inversion type candidate 271 for "horizontal black and white inversion" is selected, the control unit 27 can print a label L on which a horizontal black and white inversion outer frame 233 and inverted black and white text 231 are printed, as shown in FIG. 19 . The horizontal black and white inversion outer frame 233 is an outer frame in which the horizontal black and white inversion outer frame 213, which is obtained by horizontally inverting the entire non-inverted outer frame 211, is inverted. Furthermore, the inverted black and white text 231 is text that is inverted black and white but is neither inverted horizontally nor vertically. The same applies when the inversion type candidate 271 for "vertical black and white inversion" is selected.

[0114] In this embodiment, when an inversion outer frame is displayed in the print image display area E2 of the text screen D1, the inversion indicator 217 is turned on, and when an inversion outer frame is not displayed, the inversion indicator 217 is turned off, but this is not limited to this. For example, contrary to this embodiment, when an inversion outer frame is displayed, the inversion indicator 217 may be turned off, and when an inversion outer frame is not displayed, the inversion indicator 217 may be turned on. 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.

[0115] In this embodiment, on the outer frame selection screen D2, the first outer frame candidate 251a corresponding to an outer frame that can be inverted is displayed with a reversible mark 257 (see FIG. 10) indicating that the outer frame can be inverted, but this is not limited to this. For example, contrary to this embodiment, a configuration may be adopted in which a non-reversible mark (not shown) indicating that the outer frame cannot be inverted is displayed with a non-reversible mark (not shown) indicating that the outer frame cannot be inverted is displayed with a non-reversible mark, and the first outer frame candidate 251a corresponding to an outer frame that can be inverted is displayed without a non-reversible mark. The non-reversible mark is an example of an "additional image." Furthermore, the reversible mark 257 may be an image other than an image of the letter "R" surrounded by a circle. The non-reversible mark may also be in any form.

[0116] Alternatively, one of the first outer frame candidate 251a and the second outer frame candidate 251b may be displayed in a flashing manner, while the other is displayed in a lit state. For example, the outer frame image included in the first outer frame candidate 251a may be displayed in a flashing manner, and the outer frame image included in the second outer frame candidate 251b may be displayed in a lit state.

[0117] In this embodiment, the inverted or non-inverted outer frame 211 and the text 201 are displayed in the print image display area E2 of the text screen D1, but the inverted or non-inverted outer frame 211 and the text 201 may also be displayed on a screen separate from the text screen D1. For example, the inverted or non-inverted outer frame 211 and the text 201 may be displayed on a print preview screen (not shown) that displays a print preview of the label L. The print preview screen can be displayed, for example, by operating a print preview key (not shown) included in the operation panel 3.

[0118] [Note] The tape printing device and the method for controlling the tape printing device will be described below. The tape printing device comprises a display unit and a control unit having a memory unit that stores image data representing an outer frame to be printed on the tape. The control unit receives input of text to be placed within the outer frame and printed on the tape, input of a non-inverted outer frame based on image data as the outer frame, and input of an inverted outer frame that is an outer frame inversion that includes at least one of left-to-right and up-to-down inversion of the entire non-inverted outer frame. When the control unit receives input of the inverted outer frame, it generates inverted image data representing the inverted outer frame based on the image data, and controls the display unit so that the inverted outer frame based on the generated inverted image data and the text placed within the inverted outer frame that is neither left-to-right nor up-to-down inverted are displayed.

[0119] A control method for a tape printing device is a control method for a tape printing device that has a display unit and a memory unit that stores image data representing an outer frame to be printed on the tape, and includes the steps of: the tape printing device accepting input of text to be placed within the outer frame and printed on the tape; input of a non-inverted outer frame based on image data as the outer frame; and input of an inverted outer frame that is an outer frame inversion that includes at least one of left-to-right and up-to-down inversion of the entire non-inverted outer frame; and when the tape printing device accepts the input of the inverted outer frame, generating inverted image data representing the inverted outer frame based on the image data, and controlling the display unit so that the inverted outer frame based on the generated inverted image data and the text placed within the inverted outer frame that is neither left-to-right nor up-to-down inverted are displayed.

[0120] With this configuration, the tape printing device can display the inverted outer frame on the display unit without storing image data representing the inverted outer frame in the storage unit in advance, thereby increasing the number of printable outer frame designs without increasing the capacity of the storage unit.

[0121] In the above-mentioned tape printing device, it is preferable that the control unit accepts the selection of one outer frame candidate from among the outer frame candidates on the outer frame selection screen displayed on the display unit, and the control unit displays a first outer frame candidate, which is an outer frame candidate corresponding to an outer frame that can be inverted, and a second outer frame candidate, which is an outer frame candidate corresponding to an outer frame that cannot be inverted, in different display modes on the outer frame selection screen.

[0122] According to this configuration, the user can determine on the outer frame selection screen whether the outer frame candidate corresponds to an outer frame that can be reversed.

[0123] In the above-mentioned tape printing device, it is preferable that the control unit displays either the first outer frame candidate or the second outer frame candidate in a flashing manner on the outer frame selection screen, and the other in a lit state, thereby displaying the first outer frame candidate and the second outer frame candidate in different display modes.

[0124] According to this configuration, the user can determine whether the outer frame candidate corresponds to a reversible outer frame depending on whether the outer frame candidate is flashing or not.

[0125] In the above-mentioned tape printing device, it is preferable that the control unit displays either the first outer frame candidate or the second outer frame candidate on the outer frame selection screen with an additional image added, and displays the other without adding an additional image, thereby displaying the first outer frame candidate and the second outer frame candidate in different display modes.

[0126] According to this configuration, the user can determine whether the outer frame candidate corresponds to a reversible outer frame depending on whether an additional image is added.

[0127] In the above-mentioned tape printing device, it is preferable that the control unit accepts the selection of one outer frame candidate from among the outer frame candidates on the outer frame selection screen displayed on the display unit, and when a first outer frame candidate that corresponds to an outer frame that can be inverted is selected on the outer frame selection screen, the control unit displays an inversion type selection screen on the display unit showing two inversion type candidates corresponding to left-right inversion and up-down inversion, and the control unit accepts the selection of the inversion type candidate on the inversion type selection screen, and controls the display unit so that an inverted outer frame inverted according to the selected inversion type candidate and text are displayed.

[0128] According to this configuration, the user can select the type of inversion on the inversion type selection screen.

[0129] In the above-mentioned tape printing device, when a second outer frame candidate, which is an outer frame candidate corresponding to an outer frame that cannot be inverted, is selected on the outer frame selection screen, it is preferable that the control unit controls the display unit so that a non-inverted outer frame and text are displayed without displaying the inversion type selection screen on the display unit.

[0130] According to this configuration, the user can avoid the trouble of meaninglessly selecting a reversal type on the reversal type selection screen.

[0131] In the above-described tape printing device, when a first outer frame candidate corresponding to an outer frame that can be flipped left to right but cannot be flipped upside down is selected on the outer frame selection screen, it is preferable that the control unit does not display an inversion type candidate corresponding to upside down inversion on the inversion type selection screen, and when a first outer frame candidate corresponding to an outer frame that can be flipped upside down but cannot be flipped left to right is selected on the outer frame selection screen, the control unit does not display an inversion type candidate corresponding to left to right inversion on the inversion type selection screen.

[0132] With this configuration, the user will not select a reversal type candidate that corresponds to an unreversible reversal type on the reversal type selection screen.

[0133] In the above-mentioned tape printing device, it is preferable that a reverse indication unit is further provided, and the control unit changes the display mode of the reverse indication unit depending on whether the reverse outer frame is displayed on the display unit or not.

[0134] According to this configuration, the user can determine whether the displayed outer frame is an inverted outer frame. [Explanation of symbols]

[0135] 1...tape printing device, 5...display unit, 27...control unit, 45...memory unit, 113...tape, 201...text, 211...non-inverted outer frame, 213...left-right inverted outer frame, 215...top-bottom inverted outer frame, 217...inversion indicator, 251...outer frame candidate, 251a...first outer frame candidate, 251b...second outer frame candidate, 257...invertible mark, 271...inversion type candidate, D2...outer frame selection screen, D3...inversion type selection screen.

Claims

1. A display unit; a control unit having a storage unit that stores image data representing an outer frame to be printed on the tape; the control unit receives input of text to be placed within the outer frame and printed on the tape, input of a non-inverted outer frame based on the image data as the outer frame, and input of an inverted outer frame obtained by inverting the entire non-inverted outer frame, including at least one of left-to-right inversion and up-to-down inversion, When the control unit receives input of the inverted outer frame, it generates inverted image data representing the inverted outer frame based on the image data, and controls the display unit so that the inverted outer frame based on the generated inverted image data and the text placed within the inverted outer frame without being inverted horizontally or vertically.

2. the control unit accepts a selection of one outer frame candidate from among outer frame candidates that are candidates for the outer frame on an outer frame selection screen displayed on the display unit, The tape printing device according to claim 1, characterized in that the control unit displays, on the outer frame selection screen, a first outer frame candidate that corresponds to the outer frame that can be inverted, and a second outer frame candidate that corresponds to the outer frame that cannot be inverted, in different display modes.

3. 3. The tape printing device according to claim 2, wherein the control unit causes one of the first outer frame candidate and the second outer frame candidate to flash on the outer frame selection screen and the other to light up, thereby displaying the first outer frame candidate and the second outer frame candidate in different display modes.

4. 3. The tape printing device according to claim 2, wherein the control unit displays either the first outer frame candidate or the second outer frame candidate on the outer frame selection screen with an additional image added, and displays the other outer frame candidate without the additional image added, thereby displaying the first outer frame candidate and the second outer frame candidate in different display modes.

5. the control unit accepts a selection of one outer frame candidate from among outer frame candidates that are candidates for the outer frame on an outer frame selection screen displayed on the display unit, when a first outer frame candidate that is the outer frame candidate corresponding to the outer frame that can be inverted is selected on the outer frame selection screen, the control unit causes the display unit to display an inversion type selection screen on which two inversion type candidates corresponding to the left-right inversion and the top-bottom inversion are displayed; 2. The tape printing device according to claim 1, wherein the control unit accepts a selection of the inversion type candidate on the inversion type selection screen, and controls the display unit so that the inversion outer frame inverted according to the selected inversion type candidate and the text are displayed.

6. 6. The tape printing device according to claim 5, wherein when a second outer frame candidate is selected on the outer frame selection screen, the second outer frame candidate being the outer frame candidate that cannot be inverted, the control unit controls the display unit so that the non-inverted outer frame and the text are displayed without displaying the inversion type selection screen on the display unit.

7. when the first outer frame candidate corresponding to the outer frame that can be flipped left and right but cannot be flipped up and down is selected on the outer frame selection screen, the control unit does not display the inversion type candidate corresponding to the up and down inversion on the inversion type selection screen, 6. The tape printing device according to claim 5, wherein when the first outer frame candidate corresponding to the outer frame that can be flipped upside down but cannot be flipped left to right is selected on the outer frame selection screen, the control unit does not display the inversion type candidate corresponding to the left to right inversion on the inversion type selection screen.

8. Further provided with an inverted marking portion, 2. The tape printing device according to claim 1, wherein the control unit changes the display mode of the inversion indicator between when the inversion outer frame is displayed on the display unit and when the inversion outer frame is not displayed on the display unit.

9. A display unit; A control method for a tape printing device including a storage unit that stores image data representing an outer frame to be printed on a tape, the method comprising: a step in which the tape printing device receives an input of text to be placed within the outer frame and printed on the tape, an input of a non-inverted outer frame based on the image data as the outer frame, and an input of an inverted outer frame as the outer frame, the non-inverted outer frame being inverted in its entirety by at least one of left-to-right inversion and up-to-down inversion; a step of controlling the display unit so that, when the tape printing device receives input of the inverted outer frame, the display unit generates inverted image data representing the inverted outer frame based on the image data, and displays the inverted outer frame based on the generated inverted image data and the text arranged within the inverted outer frame without being inverted horizontally or vertically.

Images