Tape printing device, printing method, and program

Abstract

This simplifies the creation of labels that print both a string of text and a 2D code representing that text. [Solution] The tape printing device comprises an input unit that accepts the input of a string and the specification of printing conditions, a printing unit that prints on a tape-shaped printing medium, and a control unit that controls the tape printing device. When the printing conditions specify a particular print that prints together an input string, which is the input string, and a code image obtained by encoding the input string, the control unit generates a code image based on the input string and generates specific print data, which is print data indicating that the input string and the code image should be printed together, and the printing unit prints the input string and the code image on the printing medium based on the specific print data.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to a tape printing device, a printing method, and a program.

Background Art

[0002] Techniques for converting an input string into a two-dimensional code are known. For example, the printing device described in Patent Document 1 converts a string within a specified range of the input string into a two-dimensional code and prints the two-dimensional code on a label.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] There is a label on which a string and a two-dimensional code representing the string are printed together. When printing such a label, it is assumed that it will take time for the user to input the string and further input the string for generating the two-dimensional code, which makes the label creation cumbersome. There is still room for improvement in the printing mode of such labels.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0005] This disclosure can be realized in the following forms.

[0006] According to a first embodiment of this disclosure, a tape printing apparatus is provided. This tape printing apparatus comprises an input unit that accepts input of a string and specification of printing conditions, a printing unit that performs printing on a tape-shaped printing medium, and a control unit that controls the tape printing apparatus. When the printing conditions specify a particular print that prints together an input string, which is an input string, and a code image obtained by encoding the input string, the control unit generates the code image based on the input string and generates specific print data, which is print data indicating that the input string and the code image will be printed together. The printing unit prints the input string and the code image on the printing medium based on the specific print data.

[0007] A second embodiment of the present disclosure provides a printing method performed by a tape printing apparatus that prints on a tape-shaped printing medium. This printing method includes the steps of receiving input of a string and specification of printing conditions, and printing on the printing medium. The step of printing on the printing medium includes, when the received printing conditions specify a specific print that prints together an input string, which is an input string, and a code image obtained by encoding the input string, the steps of generating the code image based on the input string, generating specific print data which is print data indicating that the code image and the input string should be printed together, and printing the input string and the code image on the printing medium based on the specific print data.

[0008] According to a third embodiment of this disclosure, a program is provided that causes a tape printing device to perform printing on a tape-shaped printing medium. This program enables the tape printing device to have a function to accept input of a string and specification of printing conditions, and a function to perform printing on the printing medium. The function to perform printing on the printing medium includes, when the accepted printing conditions specify a specific print that prints together an input string, which is an input string, and a code image obtained by encoding the input string, a function to generate the code image based on the input string, a function to generate specific print data, which is print data indicating that the code image and the input string should be printed together, and a function to print the input string and the code image on the printing medium based on the specific print data. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0009] [Figure 1] This is a perspective view showing the tape printing apparatus in this embodiment. [Figure 2] This is a block diagram showing the configuration of each part of a tape printing device. [Figure 3] This is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a printed result. [Figure 4] This is a flowchart showing the printing process in a tape printing device. [Figure 5] This is an explanatory diagram showing an example of an input screen when using a template for the equipment management sheet. [Figure 6] This is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a code type selection screen. [Figure 7] This is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a screen where users can select the purpose of the code, which appears when they select the QR code. [Figure 8] This shows an example of the input screen that appears after a text-based QR code has been generated. [Figure 9] Here are some other examples of input screens that appear after a text-based QR code has been generated. [Figure 10] This is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a printout result using vertical printing. [Figure 11] This is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a print result using vertical-format horizontal printing. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0010] A. Embodiments: Figure 1 is a perspective view showing the tape printing device 100 in this embodiment. Figure 2 is a block diagram showing the configuration of each part of the tape printing device 100. The tape printing device 100 shown in Figure 1 prints on tape TP, which is a printing medium. Tape TP is installed in the tape printing device 100 while stored in a tape cartridge TPC. The tape cartridge TPC is replaceable. The tape cartridge TPC stores an ink ribbon R along with the tape TP. The tape printing device 100 includes a width detection unit 110, an input unit 120, a display unit 130, a printing unit 160, a cutting unit 170, a control unit 180, and a storage unit 190. In Figure 1, the control unit 180 and the storage unit 190 are not shown.

[0011] The width detection unit 110 detects the tape width Wt0, which is the width of the tape TP attached to the tape printing device 100 (see Figure 3). Specifically, the width detection unit 110 is a sensor that detects the tape width Wt0 based on the irregularities provided on the outer surface of the tape cartridge TPC attached to the tape printing device 100. The irregularities provided on the outer surface of the tape cartridge TPC represent the tape width Wt0 of the tape TP stored in the tape cartridge TPC. The type of tape cartridge TPC is determined according to the tape width Wt0. The tape printing device 100 can be fitted with tape cartridge TPCs with tape widths Wt0 of 4 mm, 6 mm, 9 mm, 12 mm, 18 mm, 24 mm, and 36 mm.

[0012] The input unit 120 is a keyboard and receives input from the user. The display unit 130 is a monochrome liquid crystal display and displays characters and images in monochrome. The printing unit 160 shown in FIG. 2 performs printing on the attached tape TP. The printing unit 160 includes a thermal head 161 and a feed motor 162. The thermal head 161 includes a plurality of heating elements (not shown). The thermal head 161 thermally transfers ink from the ink ribbon R to the surface of the tape TP to form a plurality of dots. The feed motor 162 feeds the tape TP and the ink ribbon R by rotating and driving.

[0013] The cutting unit 170 cuts the tape TP on which printing has been performed by the printing unit 160. The cutting unit 170 includes a cutter 171 for cutting the tape TP and a cutter motor 172 for driving the cutter 171. The tape TP cut by the cutter 171 is discharged from the tape discharge port of the tape printing device 100. One cut tape TP is used as a label.

[0014] The control unit 180 is a processor that controls the tape printing device 100. The control unit 180 realizes various functions of the tape printing device 100 by executing the programs stored in the storage unit 190.

[0015] The storage unit 190 stores information. The storage unit 190 includes a RAM (Random Access Memory) and a ROM (Read Only Memory). Various programs and parameters are stored in the storage unit 190. Also, the storage unit 190 stores a print width information set Itw, a font data set CFS, and a template information set Itp.

[0016] The print width information set Itw holds the print width Wtp in association with each of the tape widths Wt0 of the tape TP that can be attached to the tape printing device 100. The print width Wtp is the dimension in the width direction of the tape TP for the printable area on the tape TP (see FIG. 3).

[0017] The character shape dataset CFS includes data in which the shape of each character used when the tape printing device 100 prints a character is set. The data in which the character shape is set is a set of ON / OFF data associated with each of a plurality of pixels arranged within a square area where one character should be recorded. Recording is performed on the pixels associated with ON. No recording is performed on the pixels associated with OFF. The shape of the character is represented by a set of pixels on which recording has been performed on the tape TP, that is, a set of dots.

[0018] FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a printing result. The tape printing device 100 can execute horizontal printing, vertical printing, and vertical horizontal printing. In the present embodiment, an example of horizontal printing will be described. In horizontal printing, the character string is arranged so that the tape feed direction Dlt of the tape TP and the direction Drc in which the character should be read are parallel. In FIG. 3, the arrow denoted as Dlt represents the tape feed direction Dlt of the tape TP during printing. The arrow denoted as Drc represents the direction Drc in which the character should be read. In this specification, the character string is a set of characters, symbols, emojis, etc. arranged side by side in the direction in which they should be read. The same applies to other figures. The tape feed direction Dlt of the tape TP during printing is parallel to the longitudinal direction of the tape TP. In the case where the user visually recognizes the tape TP arranged such that the longitudinal direction of the tape TP is positioned left and right in the label on which horizontal printing has been performed, the characters are printed horizontally on the tape TP.

[0019] In this embodiment, the tape printing device 100 performs printing using a template in which the arrangement of text characters, ruled lines, etc., is predetermined. To facilitate understanding of the technology, the description of printing methods that do not use templates is omitted in this embodiment. Figure 3 shows an example of a label used as an equipment management sheet for managing equipment within a business premises. This label was printed using a template for creating an equipment management sheet. This template includes a first column Cl1, a second column Cl2, and a third column Cl3. The first column is also called the "first column". The second column is also called the "second column". The third column is also called the "third column".

[0020] Each row in the first column, Cl1, contains the strings "Equipment Name," "Management Number," "Purchase Date," and "Management Department." The strings displayed in the first column, Cl1, are predetermined strings. The strings placed in the first column, Cl1, are uniquely determined according to the selected template. The strings displayed in each row of the first column, Cl1, are also called "item strings." The strings displayed in the second column, Cl2, contain information that identifies the equipment for the item shown in the corresponding row of the first column, Cl1. The characters or symbols that make up the strings placed in each row of the second column, Cl2, are entered by the user via the input unit 120.

[0021] The third column, Cl3, contains a QR code (registered trademark) as a two-dimensional code. The two-dimensional code is generated by converting the strings in each row of the first column, Cl1, and each row of the second column, Cl2. When the two-dimensional code is read using a two-dimensional code reader, information such as the following will be displayed on the display unit of the two-dimensional code reader. Equipment name 607d Management number KG00206 Date of purchase: May 12, 2023 Management Department: Development Technology Department

[0022] As described above, the information displayed on the 2D code reader's display unit is the same as the information in each row of the first column Cl1 and each row of the second column Cl2 printed on the tape TP.

[0023] The template information set Itp shown in Figure 2 contains data for pre-configuring each of the multiple templates. An example of the information for pre-configuring each template is shown below. (1) Tape width Wt0 (2) Printing width Wtp (3) Number of columns and column width Wc (4) Number of rows and row height for each column, (5) The strings to be placed in each row of each column and the arrangement of the strings (6) Character size for each character type, (7) QR code cell size and error correction level

[0024] In the template information set Itp, the data used to pre-configure templates indicates the tape width Wt0 of the tape TP that can be used when using that template. The print width Wtp is the width dimension of the printable area on the tape TP. The print width Wtp is pre-set according to the tape width Wt0 of the tape TP.

[0025] In the example shown in Figure 3, there are 3 columns. Column width Wc indicates the horizontal size of the corresponding column. Column widths Wc(1) to Wc(3) represent the horizontal size of the text within the rectangular areas associated with the first column Cl1 to the third column Cl3, respectively. In this embodiment, the vertical size of the rectangular areas associated with the first column Cl1 to the third column Cl3 is set to be the same as the print width Wtp.

[0026] In the example shown in Figure 3, the number of rows in both the first column Cl1 and the second column Cl2 is 4. The number of rows in the third column Cl3 is 1. Row height represents the vertical size of the rectangular area assigned to the corresponding row. The row height Hr1 of each row in the first column Cl1 and the row height Hr2 of each row in the second column Cl2 are all set to be the same. This is because the number of rows in the first column Cl1 and the number of rows in the second column Cl2 are the same. The row height of the third column Cl3 is the same as the print width Wtp.

[0027] In the example shown in Figure 3, the template information set Itp is pre-configured to place items related to information identifying the equipment in each row of the first column Cl1. Specifically, the strings "Equipment Name," "Management Number," "Purchase Date," and "Management Department" are pre-configured to be placed in order from top to bottom in the first column Cl1. Furthermore, the template information set Itp is pre-configured to distribute the strings in each row of the first column Cl1 evenly horizontally within the area defined by the column width Wc(1) and row height Hr1.

[0028] In the template information set Itp, it is pre-configured that the string entered by the user is placed in each row of the second column, Cl2. Furthermore, it is pre-configured that the string in each row of the second column, Cl2, is left-aligned within an area defined by the column width Wc(2) and row height Hr2.

[0029] In the template information set Itp, the third column Cl3 is pre-configured to contain a QR code, which is a two-dimensional code generated based on the information displayed in each row of the first column Cl1 and each row of the second column Cl2. Furthermore, the template information set Itp is pre-configured to contain a QR code that is positioned with a predetermined cell size, based on the center of the rectangular area defined by the print width Wtp and column width Wc(3).

[0030] For each character type, the character width is defined, which is the horizontal size of the character, for example, for Japanese kanji, hiragana, and katakana, uppercase and lowercase letters of the alphabet, numbers, and delimiters. The character height, which is the vertical size of the character, is the same regardless of the character type. Regardless of whether the character is placed in the first column Cl1 or the second column Cl2, a predetermined character width is applied according to the character type.

[0031] The cell size of a QR code represents the rectangular area that makes up the QR code. In this embodiment, one QR code is placed in the third column, Cl3. The error correction level of a QR code indicates the level of the QR code's ability to recover encoded information (error correction level). Note that the higher the error correction level, the larger the amount of data contained in the QR code.

[0032] Figure 4 is a flowchart showing the printing process in the tape printing device 100. Before the process shown in Figure 4 begins, the tape cartridge TPC is installed in the tape printing device 100.

[0033] In step S101, the tape width Wt0, which is the width of the tape TP of the tape cartridge TPC attached to the tape printing device 100, is detected. Specifically, the width detection unit 110 reads the uneven pattern formed on the bottom surface of the tape cartridge TPC and transmits it to the control unit 180. The uneven pattern formed on the bottom surface of the tape cartridge TPC represents the tape width Wt0 of the tape TP stored in the tape cartridge TPC.

[0034] In step S103, the control unit 180 obtains the print width Wtp of the tape TP attached to the tape printing device 100 by referring to the print width information set Itw in the storage unit 190 based on the detected tape width Wt0.

[0035] In step S105, the control unit 180 determines the template to be used for printing. Specifically, the control unit 180 determines which template to use and execute in response to instructions from the user input via the input unit 120. The user can select a desired template from among several templates stored in the storage unit 190 by operating the input unit 120. Here, we will explain the case where the user selects a template for equipment management slips. To facilitate understanding of the technology, this embodiment assumes that the selected template is compatible with the tape width Wt0 of the tape TP set in the tape cartridge TPC. A template being compatible with the tape width means that the selected template can be printed on the tape TP. The control unit 180 displays an input screen SC1 on the display unit 130 corresponding to the determined template.

[0036] Figure 5 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the input screen SC1 displayed on the display unit 130 when using the equipment management sheet template shown in Figure 3. On the input screen SC1, each row of the first column Cl1, each row of the second column Cl2, and the third column Cl3 are simply displayed vertically. This is because there is a limit to the number of characters that can be displayed in the display area of ​​the display unit 130 of the tape printing device 100. In this embodiment, the display unit 130 displays a partial area PA1, which is a part of the input screen SC1. This is because the vertical size of the display area of ​​the display unit 130 is also limited. In the illustrated example, each row of the first column Cl1 is displayed as partial area PA1. The user can check the desired range of the input screen SC1 by scrolling the input screen SC1 using the operation of the input unit 120. In the illustrated example, a default value is displayed in each row of the second column Cl2, where the user enters a string. In the third column Cl3, an icon image IC1 indicating that a QR code is set is displayed. In addition, the numbers attached to the beginning of the lines in the input screen SC1 are reassigned at each column break.

[0037] In step S107 shown in Figure 4, the control unit 180 receives input from the user. The user can edit the contents of each row in the second column Cl2 via the input unit 120. It is also possible to edit the contents of each row in the first column Cl1.

[0038] In step S109, the control unit 180 decides whether or not to perform a specific print operation in response to instructions from the user input via the input unit 120.

[0039] Specific printing is a type of printing that prints both the string to be printed and a code image that encodes that string. In this embodiment, when specific printing is performed, each row of the first column Cl1 and each row of the second column Cl2 are printed together with the two-dimensional code obtained by encoding each row of the first column Cl1 and each row of the second column Cl2. Therefore, the printed two-dimensional code reflects the string to be printed. In this embodiment, the string to be printed includes the input string, which is the input string, as well as the item strings in each row of the first column Cl1. The two-dimensional code is also called a "code image".

[0040] The user can specify whether or not to perform a specific print job by following these steps. On the input screen SC1 shown in Figure 5, the user moves the cursor CS to the input field of the third column Cl3 by operating the input unit 120. Subsequently, the user operates the input unit 120 to input, for example, a predetermined key combination. In response to this operation, the control unit 180 displays the code type selection screen SC2 for the type of 2D code on the display unit 130.

[0041] Figure 6 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the code type selection screen SC2 for the type of 2D code displayed on the display unit 130. The user can select the desired type of 2D code by operating the input unit 120 on the code type selection screen SC2 shown in Figure 6. Once the type of 2D code is selected, the control unit 180 displays the code application selection screen SC3 on the display unit 130.

[0042] Figure 7 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the code usage selection screen SC3 displayed on the display unit 130 when the user selects QR code on the selection screen shown in Figure 6. As shown in Figure 7, the usage selection screen SC3 displays "General," "URL," and "Text Reflection" as options. The "Text Reflection" option specifies that the QR code will be generated from the text to be printed. The "General" option specifies that the QR code will be generated from the text entered separately for QR code generation. The "URL" option specifies that the QR code will be generated from the URL (Uniform Resource Locator) entered separately for QR code generation.

[0043] In the application selection screen SC3 shown in Figure 7, if the user selects "Text Reflection" by operating the input unit 120, the control unit 180 decides to perform the specific printing. If the user selects an option other than "Text Reflection" by operating the input unit 120, the control unit 180 decides not to perform the specific printing. In this specification, "text" is synonymous with "string of characters".

[0044] Returning to Figure 4, if the control unit 180 decides to perform a specific print job (step S109; YES), the process in step S111 is executed. If it is decided not to perform a specific print job (step S109; NO), the process in step S113 is executed.

[0045] In step S111, a QR code reflecting the text is generated. Hereinafter, the QR code generated reflecting the text may be referred to as a text-reflected QR code. Specifically, the control unit 180 generates the QR code by encoding the strings in each row of the first column Cl1 and each row of the second column Cl2. In other words, the strings in each row of the first column Cl1 and each row of the second column Cl2 that are printed become the source for generating the QR code. In this case, the user does not need to input any information just to generate the QR code. The generated QR code is stored in a designated area of ​​the storage unit 190.

[0046] In step S113, a QR code that does not reflect text is generated. The generated QR code is sometimes called a simple QR code. If "General" is selected on the application selection screen SC3 shown in Figure 7, the user enters the desired characters or symbols on a text input screen (not shown). The control unit 180 generates a QR code by encoding the entered characters or symbols. If "URL" is selected on the application selection screen SC3 shown in Figure 7, the user enters the desired URL on a URL input screen (not shown). The control unit 180 generates a QR code by encoding the entered URL. The generated QR code is stored in a designated area of ​​the storage unit 190.

[0047] After step S111 or step S113, in step S115 the control unit 180 generates print data. The print data is generated based on the print width Wtp, the template information set Itp, and the print conditions specified by the user. If "Text Reflection" is selected on the application selection screen SC3 shown in Figure 7, that is, if specific printing is selected, the control unit 180 generates print data indicating that the strings in each row of the first column Cl1 and each row of the second column Cl2 will be printed together with the QR code obtained by encoding the strings in each row of the first column Cl1 and each row of the second column Cl2. This print data is also called "specific print data". The control unit 180 outputs the generated print data to the printing unit 160. In step S117, the printing unit 160 prints on the tape TP based on the supplied print data.

[0048] As explained above, when specific printing is selected in the tape printing device 100, a two-dimensional code is generated from the string to be printed, including the entered string, and the generated two-dimensional code is printed on the tape-shaped printing medium together with the string to be printed. The printed two-dimensional code reflects the string to be printed. When the user selects specific printing, they do not need to separately input a string to generate the two-dimensional code. Therefore, the effort required to create labels is simplified compared to the method in which a string is separately input to generate the two-dimensional code.

[0049] Furthermore, users can check the string being converted into a 2D code using the input screen shown in Figure 5, making it easy to edit the string while checking the final label.

[0050] B. Other embodiments: (B1) Figure 8 shows an example of an input screen displayed on the display unit 130 after a text-reflected QR code has been generated. The following description will focus on configurations that differ from the above embodiment, and will omit descriptions of configurations that are the same as the above embodiment.

[0051] After the text-reflected QR code is generated in step S111 shown in Figure 4, the user may want to check the input screen. After the text-reflected QR code is generated, the control unit 180 displays the input screen on the display unit 130, for example, in response to the user's operation instructions. Figure 8 shows an example of the input screen SC1a displayed on the display unit 130 after the text-reflected QR code is generated. In the illustrated example, a portion of the second column Cl2 and the third column Cl3 are displayed as a partial region PA1. Unlike the example shown in Figure 5, the input screen SC1a shown in Figure 8 displays an icon image IC2 indicating that the 2D code placed in the third column Cl3 reflects text. The icon image IC2 shown in Figure 8 is an inverted image of the icon image IC1 shown in Figure 5. As mentioned above, the display unit 130 displays characters or images in monochrome. Therefore, in the input screen SC1 shown in Figure 5, the icon image IC1 is displayed as a monochrome image. The icon image IC2 is obtained by converting the black areas of the icon image IC1 to white and the white areas to black.

[0052] The control unit 180 displays icon image IC2, which is an inverted version of icon image IC1, on the input screen SC1a to notify the user that a text-reflected QR code will be printed, that is, that a specific printing operation will be performed. Therefore, the user can easily recognize whether the printed QR code is a result of a specific printing operation.

[0053] Furthermore, if the user edits the contents of each row in the second column Cl2 on the input screen SC1 and then follows the procedure for generating the QR code described above, the control unit 180 regenerates the QR code based on the edited contents.

[0054] (B2) Figure 9 shows another example of the input screen displayed on the display unit 130 after the text-reflected QR code has been generated. The following description will focus on configurations that differ from the above embodiment, and will omit descriptions of configurations that are the same as the above embodiment.

[0055] The input screen SC1b shown in Figure 9 is displayed on the display unit 130 by the control unit 180 in response to user instructions, for example, after the generation of the text-reflected QR code. The control unit 180 notifies the user that the text-reflected QR code will be printed, that is, that specific printing will be performed, by displaying the icon image IC3 on the input screen SC1b in a blinking manner. The blinking display is a display mode that alternates between displaying the icon image IC3 and hiding the icon image IC3. The icon image IC3 is the same image as the icon image IC1 shown in Figure 5, but it is displayed in a blinking manner on the input screen SC1b. Therefore, the user can easily recognize whether the printed QR code is from specific printing or not.

[0056] (B3) In the above embodiment, an example of horizontal printing was described, but the tape printing device 100 may also perform vertical printing. Figure 10 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a printing result by vertical printing. In vertical printing, characters are arranged so that the tape TP feed direction Dlt and the direction in which the characters should be read, Drc, are parallel. The tape TP feed direction during printing is parallel to the longitudinal direction of the tape TP. In vertical printing, when the user views the tape TP with its longitudinal direction positioned vertically, the characters are printed vertically on the tape TP. Figure 10 shows the result of printing using a template. This template includes a first column Cl1 and a second column Cl2. Note that in the example shown in Figure 10, a template without printed borders is used.

[0057] The first column, Cl1, prints a single line of text. The characters or symbols that make up the text displayed in the first column, Cl1, are entered by the user via the input unit 120. The second column, Cl2, contains a QR code as a two-dimensional code. Here, only the text in the first column, Cl1, i.e., the text entered by the user, is encoded to generate the QR code. Unlike the above embodiment, the information shown by the QR code does not include a predetermined string.

[0058] The control unit 180 generates print data indicating that the string in the first column Cl1 and the QR code obtained by encoding the string in the first column Cl1 should be printed together. The control unit 180 outputs the generated print data to the printing unit 160. The printing unit 160 prints on the tape TP based on the supplied print data.

[0059] (B4) Figure 11 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a print result using vertical-oriented horizontal printing. The tape printing device 100 may also perform vertical-oriented horizontal printing. In vertical-oriented horizontal printing, when the tape TP is positioned so that its longitudinal direction is vertical, and the user views the tape TP, the characters are printed horizontally. More specifically, vertical-oriented horizontal printing is a type of printing in which a string of characters is printed with a character arrangement where the tape feed direction Dlt and the upward direction Dvc of the characters are parallel, and the direction in which the characters should be read, Drc, is perpendicular to the tape feed direction Dlt. In the example in Figure 11, the upward direction Dvc of the characters is the same as the tape feed direction Dlt. The direction in which the characters should be read, Drc, is the direction obtained by rotating the tape feed direction Dlt 90° clockwise. In this case, since the characters are arranged along the width direction Dwt of the tape, there is a limit to the number of characters that can be included in one line, depending on the tape width Wt0 of the tape TP and the size of the characters.

[0060] (B5) In the above embodiment, an example of using a QR code as a two-dimensional code was described. However, as shown in Figure 6, PDF417, Data Matrix, etc. can also be used as a two-dimensional code. Alternatively, a barcode may be used instead of a two-dimensional code. Examples of barcodes include JAN (Japanese Article Number), ITF (Interleaved Two of Five), and CODE39. Note that JAN is sometimes called EAN (European Article Number).

[0061] (B6) In the above embodiment, an example was described in which the control unit 180 of the tape printing device 100 performs the processing of steps S105 to S115 shown in Figure 4. The processing of steps S105 to S115 shown in Figure 4 may also be performed by another device that communicates with the tape printing device 100. The other device is a device that can communicate with the tape printing device 100 wirelessly or wired, such as a smartphone, tablet, or personal computer.

[0062] (B7) In the embodiment, a printing method using a template was described, but it is not necessary to use a template.

[0063] In this embodiment, an example was described in which the input unit 120 is a keyboard, but the input unit 120 may also be configured as a touch panel, or a combination of a microphone and voice recognition software.

[0064] In the embodiment, an example was described in which the display unit 130 is a liquid crystal display, but the display unit 130 may be made of an organic EL display or electronic paper. Furthermore, the method by which the width detection unit 110 detects the tape width Wt0 is not limited to the method described in the above embodiment, and any detection method can be adopted.

[0065] C. Other forms: This disclosure is not limited to the embodiments described above, and can be implemented in various forms without departing from its spirit. For example, this disclosure can also be implemented in the following forms. The technical features in the embodiments described below that correspond to the technical features in each of the forms described below can be replaced or combined as appropriate in order to solve some or all of the problems of this disclosure, or to achieve some or all of the effects of this disclosure. Furthermore, if such technical features are not described as essential in this specification, they can be deleted as appropriate.

[0066] (1) According to a first embodiment of the present disclosure, a tape printing device is provided. The tape printing device comprises an input unit that accepts input of a string and specification of printing conditions, a printing unit that prints on a tape-shaped printing medium, and a control unit that controls the tape printing device. When the printing conditions specify a particular print that prints together an input string, which is an input string, and a code image obtained by encoding the input string, the control unit generates the code image based on the input string and generates specific print data, which is print data indicating that the input string and the code image will be printed together. The printing unit prints the input string and the code image on the printing medium based on the specific print data. In the tape printing device described above, an encoded code image is generated based on the input string, and the generated code image is printed on a tape-shaped printing medium together with the input string. Since the user does not need to input a separate string to generate the code image, the effort required to create labels is simplified compared to a method in which a separate string is input to generate the code image. (2) The tape printing apparatus of the above form further comprises a display unit for displaying information, and the control unit causes the input string to be displayed on the display unit. If the printing condition specifies the specific printing, and the control unit receives through the input unit that the input string has been edited, the control unit may cause the edited input string to be displayed on the display unit, regenerate the code image based on the edited input string, and generate the specific printing data indicating that the edited input string and the regenerated code image will be printed together. According to the above configuration, users can easily edit the text while checking the final label. (3) In the tape printing apparatus of the above configuration, the control unit may display a plurality of options for the printing conditions on the display unit, and when it receives through the input unit that an option indicating the specific printing has been selected, it may generate the specific printing data. (4) In the tape printing apparatus of the above configuration, the control unit may, when it receives through the input unit that the option indicating the specific printing has been selected, cause the display unit to display that the specific printing will be performed. (5) In the tape printing apparatus of the above configuration, the control unit may notify that the specific printing is to be performed by displaying a predetermined icon image on the display unit by blinking it. With the above configuration, users can easily recognize that they are performing a specific print job. (6) In the tape printing apparatus of the above configuration, when printing a code image that is not the specified printing, the control unit displays a predetermined icon image on the display unit to notify that the printed code image is not the result of the specified printing which prints the input string and the code image obtained by encoding the input string together. When the specified printing is performed, the control unit may display an inverted image of the icon image on the display unit to notify that the printed code image is the result of the specified printing. According to the above configuration, users can easily recognize whether the printed code image is a specific printout or not, based on whether the icon image is an inverted image or not. (7) In the tape printing apparatus of the above form, the control unit may generate the code image by encoding the item string, which is a string of characters indicating predetermined information, and the input string, and generate the specific print data indicating that the item string, the input string, and the code image will be printed in a predetermined arrangement. (8) The tape printing apparatus of the above form further comprises a storage unit that stores template data defining the arrangement of the item string, the input string, and the code image, wherein the template data defines the arrangement of a first field where the item string is placed, a second field where the input string is placed, and a third field where the code image is placed. The control unit may generate the specific print data using the item string, the input string, the code image, and the template data. (9) According to a second embodiment of the present disclosure, a printing method is provided which is performed by a tape printing apparatus that prints on a tape-shaped printing medium. The printing method includes the steps of receiving input of a string and specification of printing conditions, and printing on the printing medium. The step of printing on the printing medium includes, when the received printing conditions specify a specific print that prints together an input string which is an input string and a code image obtained by encoding the input string, the steps of generating the code image based on the input string, generating specific print data which is print data indicating that the code image and the input string should be printed together, and printing the input string and the code image on the printing medium based on the specific print data. (10) According to a third embodiment of the present disclosure, a program is provided that causes a tape printing device to perform printing on a tape-shaped printing medium. The program causes the tape printing device to have a function to accept input of a string and specification of printing conditions, and a function to perform printing on the printing medium. The function to perform printing on the printing medium includes, when the accepted printing conditions specify a specific print that prints together an input string, which is an input string, and a code image obtained by encoding the input string, a function to generate the code image based on the input string, a function to generate specific print data, which is print data indicating that the code image and the input string should be printed together, and a function to print the input string and the code image on the printing medium based on the specific print data. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0067] IC1~IC3…Icon image, 100…Tape printing device, 110…Width detection unit, 120…Input unit, 130…Display unit, 160…Printing unit, 161…Thermal head, 162…Motor, 170…Cutting unit, 171…Cutter, 172…Cutter motor, 180…Control unit, 190…Storage unit, CFS…Character shape data set, CS…Cursor, Cl1…First column, Cl2…Second column, Cl3…Third column, Dlt…Tape feeding direction, Drc…Direction in which characters should be read, Dvc…Upward direction of characters, Dwt…Tape width direction, Itp…Template information set, Itw…Print width information set, R…Ink ribbon, SC1…Input screen, SC1a…Input screen, SC1b…Input screen, SC2…Code type selection screen, SC3…Application selection screen, TP…Tape, TPC…Tape cartridge, Wc…Column width, Wt0…Tape width, Wtp…Print width.

Claims

1. A tape printing device, An input section that accepts text input and specification of printing conditions, A printing unit that prints on a tape-shaped printing medium, A control unit for controlling the tape printing device, Equipped with, When the aforementioned printing condition specifies a particular print that prints both the input string, which is the entered string, and the code image obtained by encoding the input string, The control unit, The code image is generated based on the input string. The system generates specific print data, which is print data indicating that the input string and the code image will be printed together. The printing unit prints the input string and the code image onto the printing medium based on the specific print data. Tape printing device.

2. A tape printing apparatus according to claim 1, It further includes a display unit for displaying information, The control unit causes the input string to be displayed on the display unit. If the print condition specifies the particular print, and the input unit receives notification that the input string has been edited, The control unit, The edited input string is displayed on the display unit. The code image is regenerated based on the edited input string. The system generates the specific print data indicating that the edited input string and the regenerated code image will be printed together. Tape printing device.

3. A tape printing apparatus according to claim 2, The control unit, Multiple options for the printing conditions are displayed on the display unit. When the selection of the option indicating the specified print is received via the input unit, the specified print data is generated. Tape printing device.

4. A tape printing apparatus according to claim 3, When the control unit receives confirmation via the input unit that the option indicating the specific print has been selected, it causes the display unit to display a message indicating that the specific print will be executed. Tape printing device.

5. A tape printing apparatus according to claim 4, The control unit notifies that the specific printing operation is to be performed by displaying a predetermined icon image on the display unit by making it blink. Tape printing device.

6. A tape printing apparatus according to claim 4, In the case of printing other than the aforementioned specific printing, where the code image is printed, The control unit displays a predetermined icon image on the display unit to indicate that the printed code image is not produced by the specific printing method which prints the input string and the code image obtained by encoding the input string together. When performing the aforementioned specific printing, The control unit displays an inverted image of the icon image on the display unit to indicate that the printed code image is produced by the specific printing method. Tape printing device.

7. A tape printing apparatus according to claim 1, The control unit, The code image is generated by encoding the item string, which is a string representing predetermined information, and the input string. The system generates specific print data indicating that the item string, the input string, and the code image will be printed according to a predetermined arrangement. Tape printing device.

8. A tape printing apparatus according to claim 7, A storage unit that stores template data defining the arrangement of the item string, the input string, and the code image, wherein the template data defines the arrangement of each of the following: a first field where the item string is placed, a second field where the input string is placed, and a third field where the code image is placed. Furthermore, The control unit generates the specific print data using the item string, the input string, the code image, and the template data. Tape printing device.

9. A printing method performed by a tape printing apparatus that prints on a tape-shaped printing medium, A process for receiving text input and specifying printing conditions, The process of printing on the aforementioned printing medium, Includes, The process of printing on the aforementioned printing medium is: If the accepted print condition specifies a particular print operation that prints both the input string, which is the entered string, and the code image obtained by encoding the input string, A step of generating the code image based on the input string, A step of generating specific print data which is print data indicating that the code image and the input string will be printed together, A step of printing the input string and the code image onto the printing medium based on the specified print data, Printing methods, including those mentioned.

10. A program that causes a tape printing device to perform printing on a tape-shaped printing medium, A function that accepts text input and specification of printing conditions, A function for printing on the aforementioned printing medium, This is implemented in the tape printing device, The function for printing on the aforementioned printing medium is: If the accepted print condition specifies a particular print operation that prints both the input string, which is the entered string, and the code image obtained by encoding the input string, A function to generate the code image based on the input string, A function to generate specific print data, which is print data indicating that the aforementioned code image and the aforementioned input string should be printed together, A function to print the input string and the code image onto the printing medium based on the specified print data, including, program.

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