Tape setting method, printing device and program

Abstract

To provide a tape setting method, a printer and a program which make it possible to form a label tape of the length fit for the shape of a three-dimensional article, to which the tape is applied.SOLUTION: A tape member 5 includes, as a part of it, a label tape 50 to be wound around a three-dimensional article Ob as a winding target. Setting information including a winding area length T of the label tape 50 in a winding axis direction of the three-dimensional article Ob as the winding target is acquired. On the basis of the setting information, the length of the label tape 50 to be wound around the three-dimensional article Ob as the winding target is calculated.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a tape setting method, a printing device, and a program. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventionally, printing devices such as label printers have not been designed to create label tape that is attached to a three-dimensional object in a generally spiral shape. Therefore, when a user wants to attach label tape around a three-dimensional object, they have to create one label tape for each circumference and then stack multiple labels to attach them to the desired height.

[0003] In this regard, a device has been proposed for creating a plate base drawing for printing on label tape ("spiral tape" in Patent Document 1) that is wrapped diagonally around a three-dimensional object (for example, "cylindrical substrate" in Patent Document 1) so that the images align neatly when the tape is attached to the three-dimensional object (for example, see Patent Document 1). The device described in Patent Document 1 creates multiple types of pattern layout diagrams for arranging unit patterns based on the dimensions of the tubular base, the winding dimensions of the spiral tape, and the winding surface of the spiral tape, so that the patterns will be neatly aligned when attached to a three-dimensional object. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 11-119408 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] However, the technology described in Patent Document 1 is merely intended to align the arrangement of images on the tape in a wrapped state before it is attached to a three-dimensional object, and is not intended to create a continuous label tape that can be effectively attached in a roughly spiral shape to three-dimensional objects of any size, etc. In order to print label tape that fits the desired area, the label tape must be printed with just the right length, but Patent Document 1 does not mention a method for determining the length of the label tape. For this reason, even if a plate base drawing is created using the device described in Patent Document 1, in order to create a label tape suitable for the intended use, the user must determine the tape length and the shape (degree of inclination) of both ends of the label tape, which will be the start and end points of winding around the three-dimensional object, making it complicated to create label tape that will be attached in a roughly spiral shape to a three-dimensional object.

[0006] The present invention has been made in consideration of the above circumstances, and aims to provide a tape setting method, printing device, and program that can generate label tape with a tape length that matches the three-dimensional object to which it is to be attached. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] In order to solve the above problem, the tape setting method of the present invention comprises: The length of a portion of a tape to be wound around an object in the direction of the winding axis of the object to be wound as part of the tape member. the outer circumferential length of the object to be wound, the width of the tape, Configuration information including Reception , calculating geometric parameters relating to the winding of the tape based on the geometric similarity relationship derived in accordance with the setting information; Based on the geometric parameters, The method is characterized by calculating the length of the tape to be wound around the object. [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] According to the present invention, it is possible to generate a label tape having a tape length that matches the three-dimensional object to which it is to be attached. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a plan view schematically illustrating an external configuration of a printing device according to an embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a main part of the control configuration of the printing apparatus according to the embodiment. [Figure 3] (a) is an oblique view showing an example of a three-dimensional object to which label tape in the first embodiment is attached in a substantially spiral shape, and (b) is a plan view showing an example of label tape produced in the first embodiment. [Figure 4] 5 is a flowchart showing a print control process in the first embodiment. [Figure 5] 1(a) is a perspective view showing an example of a three-dimensional object in the first embodiment in which label tape is attached in an approximately spiral shape, with the specific value of the wrapping height H for one time calculated based on the value of the setting information, and FIG. 1(b) is a plan view of the label tape shown in (a) unfolded to explain the dimensions of the label tape calculated based on the specific value of the setting information. [Figure 6] 10 is a flowchart showing a wrap number calculation process for calculating the number of wraps of the label tape. [Figure 7] FIG. 10(a) is a perspective view showing an example of a three-dimensional object to which a label tape according to a second embodiment is attached in a substantially spiral shape, and FIG. 10(b) is a plan view of the label tape shown in FIG. [Figure 8] 7(a) is a cross-sectional view taken along line VIII-VIII of the three-dimensional object shown in FIG. 7(a), and FIG. 7(b) is a plan view showing an example of a label tape produced in the second embodiment. [Figure 9] 10 is a flowchart showing a print control process in the second embodiment. [Figure 10] FIG. 10(a) is a perspective view showing an example of a three-dimensional object to which a label tape according to one modified example is attached in a substantially spiral shape, and FIG. 10(b) is a plan view of the label tape shown in FIG. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0010] [First embodiment] A first embodiment of a printing device, a tape setting method, and a program according to the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. It should be noted that the embodiments described below are subject to various limitations that are technically preferable for carrying out the present invention, but the scope of the present invention is not limited to the following embodiments and illustrated examples.

[0011] FIG. 1 is a plan view schematically showing the external configuration of a printing apparatus according to this embodiment. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of the printing device. The printing device of this embodiment is a label printer that prints on a tape member 5, which is a long printing medium, and creates a label tape 50 that can be attached to a three-dimensional object Ob, which is a wound object, while being wound in an approximately spiral shape (see Figure 3, etc.). In the following, a thermal transfer label printer using an ink ribbon will be described as an example, but the printing method is not particularly limited, and may be, for example, a thermal method using thermal paper. The tape member 5 has, for example, a base material having an adhesive layer containing an adhesive or pressure-sensitive adhesive, and a release paper removably attached to the base material so as to cover the adhesive layer, and can be attached to an object simply by peeling off the release paper. The tape member 5 may not have an adhesive layer or release paper, in which case the user applies an adhesive or pressure-sensitive adhesive to the adhesive surface of the base material of the tape member 5 (i.e., the back surface of the tape member 5) as appropriate, and then attaches it to an object.

[0012] As shown in FIG. 1, the printing device 1 includes a device housing 2 having a cassette storage section 21 therein. The cassette storage section 21 can store any one or more of a plurality of types of tape cassettes 51, each containing a tape member 5 of a different width (e.g., six types: 6 mm, 9 mm, 12 mm, 18 mm, 24 mm, and 36 mm). The tape cassette 51 contains the tape member 5 and an ink ribbon (not shown) in a wound state. A lid 3 is provided on a portion of the device housing 2 in a position that covers the cassette housing section 21. When a button 3a is pressed, a locking mechanism (not shown) of the lid 3 is released, and the lid 3 rotates upward and opens. With the lid 3 in the open state, the user can insert or remove the tape cassette 51.

[0013] In this embodiment, the tape cassette 51 is provided in an exchangeable manner, so that the user can change the tape cassette 51 to be set in the cassette housing portion 21 depending on the application or the like. A tape width detection unit 13 (see FIG. 2) is provided within the cassette housing unit 21 as tape width detection means for detecting the tape width W of the tape member 5 housed in the tape cassette 51. The tape width detection unit 13 is composed of switches provided at multiple locations (for example, four locations), and the detection results are output to the control unit 10 (see FIG. 2).

[0014] Specifically, the corners of the tape cassette 51 of this embodiment are provided with or without notches or recesses (not shown) at different positions depending on the tape width W and the color, material, and other characteristics of the stored tape medium 5. The tape width detection unit 13 is provided at a position corresponding to the corners of the tape cassette 51, and comes into contact with or is pressed into the tape cassette 51 in areas where there are no notches or recesses. On the other hand, the tape width detection unit 13 is designed not to come into contact with or be pressed into the tape cassette 51 in areas where there are notches or recesses. This allows the control unit 10 to determine the tape width W and tape material of the tape member 5 housed in the tape cassette 51 by obtaining a combination of detection information indicating which tape width detection unit 13 is in contact with or pushed into the tape cassette 51. If none of the tape width detection units 13 is in contact with or pushed into the tape cassette 51, the control unit 10, upon receiving the detection result, determines that no tape cassette 51 is set in the cassette housing unit 21.

[0015] The tape width detecting means for detecting the tape width W of the tape member 5 is not limited to the configuration exemplified here. For example, an identification mark such as a barcode or QR code (registered trademark) indicating the tape width W of the tape member 5 housed in the tape cassette 51 may be provided, and the tape width detection means may be a reader that reads such an identification mark. Furthermore, when loading the tape cassette 51 into the device, the user may manually input the tape width W of the tape member 5, etc. In this case, the tape width detection means is the input unit 5 described below that accepts the user's input operation. The type of tape member 5 that is identified by a notch, a recess, or the like provided at a corner or the like of the tape cassette 51 may be identified only by the tape width W.

[0016] In addition, within the cassette housing portion 21, a printing means for printing on the tape member 5 is provided. In this embodiment, the printing means includes a thermal head 7 (see FIG. 2) equipped with a plurality of heating elements 71. The operation of the thermal head 7 (heating elements 71) is controlled by a head drive circuit 17 (see FIG. 2), and printing is performed according to print data. Although not shown, the plurality of heating elements 71 are arranged on a line corresponding to the width direction of the tape medium 5 when the tape cassette 51 is housed in the cassette housing portion 21. A thermistor 72 is embedded in the thermal head 7. The thermistor 72 measures the temperature of the thermal head 7 (heating element 71) and outputs the temperature to the control unit .

[0017] Furthermore, a platen roller (not shown) is provided as a transport unit for transporting the tape member 5 at a position opposite the thermal head 7 with the tape member 5 sandwiched therebetween. The platen roller is rotated by a transport motor 8 (see FIG. 2) described below, and transports the tape member 5 appropriately along the transport direction (the longitudinal direction of the tape member 5). Furthermore, a tape core engagement shaft that engages with the tape core around which the tape member 5 in the tape cassette 51 is wound in a roll, and a take-up shaft that takes up the printed ink ribbon (neither of which is shown) are provided inside the cassette accommodating section 21. The take-up shaft is rotated by a drive motor (not shown) and is adapted to appropriately take up the ink ribbon that is being transported in accordance with the transport of the tape member 5.

[0018] An outlet 22 through which the printed tape material 5 is discharged is formed on the side of the device housing 2 (in this embodiment, the right side as shown in FIG. 1) at a position corresponding to the cassette storage section 21. The tape material 5 on which printing has been performed inside the printing device 1 is discharged from the outlet 22 to the outside of the device by driving the transport motor 8. In the device housing 2, between the thermal head 7, which is a printing means, and the discharge outlet 22, a full-cut mechanism and a half-cut mechanism (not shown) are provided as cutting mechanisms for cutting the tape member 5.

[0019] The full cut mechanism performs a so-called full cut operation, which cuts the base material of the tape member 5 together with the release paper in the width direction. The full cut mechanism performs the cutting operation by the power of a full cut mechanism drive motor 9a (see FIG. 2). The half-cut mechanism performs a so-called half-cut operation, which cuts only the base material of the tape member 5 along the width direction. The half-cut mechanism performs the cutting operation using the power of a half-cut mechanism drive motor 9b (see FIG. 2).

[0020] The lid 3 is formed with a window 31 that is transparent to visible light so that even when the lid 3 is closed, it is possible to visually check whether or not a tape cassette 51 is stored in the printing device 1. The lid 3 also has a display unit 4.

[0021] The display unit 4 is configured by, for example, a liquid crystal display (LCD), an organic electroluminescence display, or any other flat display. In this embodiment, the display unit 4 may display setting values ​​such as the tape width W of the tape member 5 contained in the tape cassette 51 detected by the tape width detection unit 13, various setting values ​​input by the user, and the character strings and designs to be printed on the label tape 50 so that the user can check them. A touch panel for various inputs may be integrally configured on the surface of the display unit 4. In this case, the touch panel also functions as the input unit 6.

[0022] An input unit 6 is also provided on the device housing 2. The input unit 6 includes various keys such as character input keys, a cross key, a conversion key, and an enter key. As mentioned above, if a touch panel is integrally provided on the surface of the display unit 4, the touch panel functions as the input unit 6, and the user can perform various input and setting operations by touching the touch panel.

[0023] In this embodiment, the input unit 6 functions as a receiving unit that receives setting information, which is a setting value based on a user operation. Here, the "setting information based on user operation" includes the perimeter of the three-dimensional object Ob or a numerical value from which the perimeter can be derived, and the winding portion length T (see FIG. 3(a), etc.).

[0024] For example, if the perimeter of the three-dimensional object Ob is known, the user may input the perimeter itself as setting information via the input unit 6. Even if the perimeter itself is unknown, for example, if the three-dimensional object Ob is a cylinder or the like, the perimeter can be derived if the diameter dm (see FIG. 3(a) etc.) or radius dm / 2 of the cylinder is known. Therefore, when the three-dimensional object Ob is a cylinder or the like, the diameter dm or radius dm / 2 can be said to be "numerical values ​​from which the perimeter can be derived," and the user may input this as setting information via the input unit 6. Also, for example, if the three-dimensional object Ob is a beverage can, and the shape and size of the can are standardized depending on the capacity, such as 350 ml or 500 ml, then if the containers of each capacity are associated with their outer perimeters and stored in advance, the outer perimeter can be specified simply by selecting the type and size of the container. In such a case, the input operation of selecting the type and size of the container also becomes the "input operation of setting information."

[0025] The winding length T is a length that the user specifies as an area over which the label tape 50 is to be applied while being wound in a generally spiral shape, and indicates the length of the label tape 50 along the winding axis Ax (see FIG. 3(a), etc.), which indicates the axial direction of the label tape 50 when wound around the three-dimensional object Ob. For example, if the user wishes to apply the label tape 50 while winding it up to a height of 60 mm around the cylindrical three-dimensional object Ob (see FIG. 5(a)), the user inputs "winding length T = 60 mm" as setting information using the input unit 6. For example, if the three-dimensional object Ob is a beverage can as described above, and the container shape and size have certain standards depending on the capacity, and it is desired to apply the label tape 50 without gaps in the vertical direction, then by storing the containers of each capacity in association with their height in advance, the winding length T can be determined simply by selecting the type and size of the container. In such a case, the input operation for selecting the type and size of the container also serves as the input operation for the winding length T.

[0026] In this embodiment, the "setting information based on user operation" includes information about the winding direction of the label tape 50 around the three-dimensional object Ob. The user also inputs, as setting information, whether they want to wind the label tape 50 "right-handed" or "left-handed" using the input unit 6.

[0027] As described above, the printing device 1 includes the display unit 4, input unit 6, thermal head 7 (heating element 71), thermistor 72, platen roller, tape width detection unit 13, full cut mechanism, and half cut mechanism, as well as a control unit 10, a memory unit 11, a power supply circuit 12, a display unit drive circuit 14, a head drive circuit 17, a conveyance motor drive circuit 18, a cutter motor drive circuit 19, etc., as shown in FIG. 2.

[0028] The control unit 10 includes a processor such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit). The storage unit 11 also includes a ROM (Read Only Memory) and a RAM (Random Access Memory), both not shown, and a flash memory, which is a non-volatile semiconductor memory that functions as a ROM or a RAM. The control unit 10 and the storage unit 11 constitute a computer, and the control unit 10 loads various programs stored in the ROM or the like into a working area of ​​the RAM and executes them, thereby controlling the operation of each unit of the printing device 1 in an integrated manner.

[0029] Specifically, the control unit 10 cooperates with a program (for example, a print processing application program) to realize various functions for the printing device 1 to perform printing. Each function of the control unit 10 may be realized by the control unit 10 executing a program (software), or may be realized by a dedicated module (hardware). In this embodiment, the control unit 10 functions as a calculation means for calculating the tape length L of the label tape 50 based on the setting information for the tape width W and the setting information input by the user. The calculation method will be described in detail later.

[0030] The storage unit 11 (for example, a flash memory serving as the storage unit 11) stores a program (such as the source code of the program) for printing on the tape member 5, and various data required for executing the program (for example, character data (kanji, katakana, hiragana, alphabet, etc.) composed of several types of fonts, data on symbols and figures, spacing between figures and characters, predetermined width margins, and various other data required for printing operations). In addition, if there is data created by the user, the user-created data is also saved in the storage unit 11. In this embodiment, the storage unit 11 is a storage means for storing the tape width W of the tape member 5 detected by the tape width detection unit 13 and setting information input by the user (i.e., the outer perimeter of the three-dimensional object Ob or a numerical value from which the outer perimeter can be derived, and the wound portion length T of the three-dimensional object Ob). The setting information is stored in, for example, a RAM or the like serving as the storage unit 11.

[0031] The power supply circuit 12 is a power supply unit that generates an output voltage from the voltage from the power supply and supplies power to each unit of the printing device 1. The power source may be an internal battery or the like, or an external power source connected via a cable or the like.

[0032] The display unit drive circuit 14 is a controller that controls the operation of the display unit 4, and under the control of the control unit 10, controls the driver of the display unit 4 to perform display based on the display data. That is, the display unit drive circuit 14 receives display data output from the control unit 10, and causes the display unit 4 to display various display screens based on this display data.

[0033] The head driving circuit 17 is a head driving unit that drives the thermal head 7 (heating elements 71) based on control signals and print data supplied from the control unit 10. When the user issues a print command, data specifying characters, symbols, figures, etc. selected or input by the user from the input unit 6 or the like for creating the label tape 50 is sent as print data to the head drive circuit 17 via the control unit 10. The head drive circuit 17 controls whether to apply or not apply voltage to the multiple heating elements 71 based on the print data. The head drive circuit 17 selectively applies voltage to the heating elements 71 in accordance with the print data, causing the heating elements 71 to generate heat and melt the ink on the ink ribbon. As a result, the thermal head 7 prints on the tape member 5 by thermal transfer.

[0034] The conveyance motor drive circuit 18 drives the conveyance motor 8 to rotate the platen roller. The conveying motor 8 is, for example, a stepping motor, and is driven by a number of steps corresponding to a pulse signal input from a conveying motor driving circuit 18, thereby enabling accurate conveyance. The transport motor drive circuit 18 controls the driving of the transport motor 8 so that the rotational movement of the platen roller (that is, the transport movement of the tape member 5) is synchronized with the speed at which printing by the thermal head 7 progresses. In addition, a drive motor (not shown) that rotates the take-up shaft that takes up the ink ribbon also operates in synchronization with the rotation of the platen roller, so that the transport of the tape material 5, printing by the thermal head 7, and take-up of the thermally transferred ink ribbon are all timed with high precision.

[0035] The cutter motor drive circuit 19 controls the operation of the full-cut mechanism drive motor 9a that operates the full-cut mechanism and the half-cut mechanism drive motor 9b that operates the half-cut mechanism, thereby performing a full cut or half cut on the tape material 5 at an appropriate position. In this embodiment, as shown in Figure 3(b), the starting position of the label tape 50 and the end position fed from the starting position by the tape length L of the label tape 50 calculated by the control unit 10 as a calculation means are the cutting positions, and a full cut or half cut is made in the width direction of the tape material 5 at the cutting position. For example, whether to perform a full cut or a half cut may be set according to the user's specifications, such as when producing only one label tape 50, a full cut is made at the cutting positions of the start and end points, and when producing similar label tapes 50 consecutively, a half cut is made between each label tape 50. Furthermore, the user may be able to freely select whether to perform a full cut or a half cut by inputting information into the input unit 6, etc.

[0036] The tape setting method of this embodiment will be described below with reference to FIGS. 3(a) and 3(b) to 6. FIG.

[0037] In this embodiment, when the power switch of the printing device 1 is turned on, an opening screen is displayed on the display unit 4, followed by a menu screen showing menus such as "New," "Design Logo," "Registered Data," etc. For example, if "New" is selected from this menu and an execution instruction is input from the input unit 6 (for example, by pressing the execute key), further subordinate menus such as "Free Label," "Label by Use," etc. are displayed. For example, if "Label by Use" is selected from these and an execution instruction is input from the input unit 6, a further subordinate menu is displayed, and if the user selects "Spiral Label" from these from the input unit 6, the mode switches to a mode in which printing is performed on the tape member 5 to create a label tape 50 to be attached to a three-dimensional object Ob in a generally spiral shape (hereinafter referred to as "spiral label creation mode").

[0038] In the "spiral label creation mode," first, the device acquires information about the tape member 5 from which the label tape 50 is to be created. In addition, information on the three-dimensional object Ob to which the label tape 50 is to be stuck, information on the area to which the label tape 50 is to be stuck, etc. are set. Specifically, as shown in Fig. 4, first the tape width W (see Fig. 3(b) etc.) of the tape member 5 is detected (step S1, tape width detection process). As described above, the tape width W is determined by the device side by detecting the unevenness provided on the tape cassette 51 housed in the cassette housing section 21 using the tape width detection section 13. Here, as shown in Fig. 5(b), a case where the tape width W is 18 mm will be described as an example.

[0039] Next, the user inputs the winding length T of the portion of the three-dimensional object Ob in the direction of the central axis where the label tape 50 is to be applied as "setting information." This causes the winding length T to be accepted by the device (step S2). For example, as shown in FIG. 5(a), if the user wants to apply the label tape 50 to a height of 60 mm on the cylindrical three-dimensional object Ob, the user uses the numeric keys or the like of the input unit 6 to input the winding length T as "60 mm." Note that, in order to create a label tape 50 that can be applied neatly and without gaps within the desired range, it is preferable that the numerical values ​​used as the "setting information" be input accurately in millimeters. Furthermore, the user inputs the perimeter of the three-dimensional object Ob or a numerical value from which the perimeter can be derived as "setting information" from the input unit 6. The content to be input here differs depending on whether or not the user knows the perimeter of the three-dimensional object Ob itself (step S3). If the user knows the perimeter of the three-dimensional object Ob itself (step S3; YES), the user inputs the numerical value of the perimeter. This causes the perimeter to be accepted by the device (step S4).

[0040] On the other hand, if the perimeter itself is unknown (step S3; NO), the user inputs a "value from which the perimeter can be derived" through the input unit 6. This "value from which the perimeter can be derived" is then accepted by the device (step S5). That is, for example, as shown in FIGS. 3(a) and 5(a), if the three-dimensional object Ob is a cylinder, the diameter dm or radius dm / 2 of its top or bottom surface is measured and input as the "value from which the perimeter can be derived." When the "value from which the perimeter can be derived" is input, the control unit 10 calculates the perimeter of the three-dimensional object Ob from the input value (step S6). For example, as shown in FIG. 5(b), if the diameter dm is 20 mm, the perimeter is 20 mm × π, and when π is calculated as 3.14, the perimeter is 62.8 mm.

[0041] In this embodiment, information on the wrapping direction of the label tape 50 with respect to the three-dimensional object Ob is also input as "setting information." Therefore, the user also inputs information on whether they want to wind the label tape 50 "left-handed" or "right-handed" through the input unit 6. This causes the "winding direction information" to be received by the device (step S7). In this embodiment, "winding direction: left-handed" means S-winding (clockwise winding as viewed from above when winding from bottom to top), and "winding direction: right-handed" means Z-winding (counterclockwise winding as viewed from above when winding from bottom to top). For example, as shown in the examples of Figures 3(a) and 5(a), if you want to wrap the label tape 50 around a three-dimensional object Ob in a "left-handed (S-handed)" manner, select and input "left" as the wrapping direction.

[0042] In the input operations of each "setting information" shown in step S2, step S4 (or step S5), and step S7 (reception process for accepting user input operations), it is preferable to display a message screen or the like on the display unit 4 that shows the content that the user should enter and prompts the user to enter it. The order of input operations for each "setting information" shown in step S2, step S4 (or step S5), and step S7 is not particularly limited. For example, the winding direction may be input first, and then the winding portion length T, outer periphery length, etc. may be input. Furthermore, each "setting information" is not confirmed until the user inputs a confirmation instruction from the input unit 6 (for example, by pressing the OK key), and it is possible to re-enter the information by inputting a cancellation instruction or a correction instruction from the input unit 6 as appropriate.

[0043] The control unit 10 determines whether a confirmation instruction has been input (step S8), and if a confirmation instruction has been input (step S8; YES), stores the "setting information" based on the confirmed input and the "setting information" as the tape width W in the memory unit 11 (step S9, storage process). On the other hand, if a confirmation instruction is not input (step S8; NO), the process returns to step S8 again, but if a cancellation instruction or correction instruction is input from the input unit 6, the control unit 10 returns to step S2, step S4 (or step S5), and step S7, re-sets the "setting information," and then repeats the determination of whether a confirmation instruction has been input in step S8.

[0044] Once the "setting information" as the tape width W and the "setting information" input by the user are determined, the control unit 10, which functions as a calculation means, calculates the tape length L of the label tape 50 based on the "setting information" as the tape width W and the "setting information" input by the user (step S10, calculation process). During the calculation, each value and the value obtained in the calculation process are stored as a 16-bit variable in the RAM or the like of the storage unit 11 (for convenience of calculation, the calculated value may be stored as a value multiplied by 100). Here, the details of the calculations performed by the control unit 10 will be described.

[0045] First, in the calculation step of step S11, the control unit 10 calculates the length e of the inclined portions E at the start and end of the winding of the label tape 50 from the outer periphery length of the three-dimensional object Ob, the tape width W, and the like. Specifically, in this embodiment, the length of the diagonal lines El indicating the inclined portions E at the beginning and end of the winding of the label tape 50 coincides with the perimeter of the three-dimensional object Ob. Therefore, once the perimeter of the three-dimensional object Ob is determined, the length e of the inclined portions E is also determined. In the above embodiment, the perimeter is 62.8 mm, as described above. As shown in the example of Figure 5(b), when the tape width W is 18 mm and the length e of the inclined portion E is 62.8 mm, the same as the outer periphery, the end tape length X required to effectively secure this length e at the beginning and end of the winding of the label tape 50 is the length of the base of a right-angled triangle A (see Figure 3(b)) with the inclined portion E as the hypotenuse, and can be calculated using the Pythagorean theorem. Specifically, the end tape length X is the square root of the value obtained by subtracting the square of the tape width W, which is the height, from the square of the length e of the inclined portion E, which is the hypotenuse, and in the above example, the end tape length X is 60.17 mm.

[0046] The winding length Y required to wrap the label tape 50 around the cylinder, which is the three-dimensional object Ob, in a substantially spiral manner is the length of the hypotenuse of right-angled triangle B (see FIG. 3(b)) with the inclined portion E as its base, and right-angled triangles A and B are similar in shape. Therefore, the relationship "X:e = e:Y" holds, and the values ​​of e and X are determined to be e = 62.8 mm and X = 60.17 mm, respectively, so the winding length Y is 65.55 mm.

[0047] Furthermore, the perpendicular to the diagonal line El indicating the inclined portion E, i.e., the length in the height direction of the right-angled triangle B, is the winding height H when the label tape 50 is wound once in a substantially spiral shape around the cylinder, which is the three-dimensional object Ob, and as mentioned above, the right-angled triangles A and B are similar in shape. Therefore, the relationship "H:W=e:X" holds, and the values ​​of W, e, and X are determined to be W=18 mm, e=62.8 mm, and X=60.17 mm, respectively, so the winding height H is 18.79 mm.

[0048] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the control unit 10 calculates the number of turns n of the label tape 50 to be wound around the three-dimensional object Ob based on the wound portion length T and the tape width W in the calculation process of step S11. Figure 6 is a flowchart showing a process of calculating the number of windings n of the label tape 50. Here, the number of windings n (n is a variable) is the range where the user desires to attach the label tape 50, that is, when the user wants to wind the label tape 50 around the three-dimensional object Ob by a winding portion length T (60 mm in the example shown in the embodiment) as "setting information", it is the number of stacked winding heights H required, and the control unit 10 calculates as follows. <00,00252> [[ID=,7]]That is, first, "the number of windings n = 1" is set (step S21), and the control unit 10 subtracts the value obtained by multiplying the winding height H (in this embodiment, as described above, H = 18.79 mm) by the number of windings n from the winding portion length T (in this embodiment, as described above, T = 60 mm), and determines whether the value becomes greater than "0" (that is, whether T-(H×n)>0) (step S22). When "T-(H×n)>0" holds (step S22; YES), n is incremented by +1 and "n + 1" is newly set as "n" (step S23), and the determination process of step S22 is repeated again.

[0050] When "T-(H×n)>0" no longer holds (step S22; NO), n is decremented by 1 and returned to the previous stage's "n" (step S24). That is, for example, when "T-(H×n)>0" holds until "the number of windings n = 3", but when "the number of windings n = 4" does not satisfy "T-(H×n)>0", the value of "n" is returned to the previous stage's "n = 3", and this value "3" is set as the valid "number of windings n". Alternatively, the control unit 10 may derive n<T / H≒3.19 and set the integer part value "3" as the valid "number of windings n". Then, the control unit 10 further determines whether "T-(H×n)=0" (step S25).

[0051] If the wound portion length T is an exact multiple of the winding height H, then "T-(H×n)=0" is obtained (step S25; YES), and the control unit 10 ends the calculation process for the number of turns n. In this case, the tape length L of the label tape 50 is the winding length Y×the number of turns n. On the other hand, if "T-(H×n)=0" is not satisfied (step S25; NO), that is, in the above example, when the number of turns n=4, "winding height H×number of turns n" exceeds the winding portion length T, but when the number of turns n=3, "winding height H×number of turns n" is not enough for the winding portion length T, the control unit 10 further calculates a supplementary height α (see FIG. 3(b)) (step S26). For example, in the above example, when the winding length T=60 mm and the winding height H=18.79 mm, the effective number of turns n=3, and the supplementary height α is 3.63 mm (60 mm-(18.79 mm×3)).

[0052] In this case, the control unit 10 calculates the supplementary tape length β (see FIG. 3(b)) required to effectively ensure the supplementary height α. The supplementary tape length β is the length of the hypotenuse of right-angled triangle C (see Figure 3(b)). Furthermore, the base of right-angled triangle C and its extension are spaced apart from the diagonal line El on the left end of label tape 50 by a supplementary height α, and are therefore parallel to the diagonal line El on the left end and the diagonal line El on the right end. Therefore, right-angled triangles B and C are similar in shape. Therefore, the relationship "β:α = Y:H" holds, and the values ​​of α, Y, and H are determined to be α = 3.63 mm, Y = 65.55 mm, and H = 18.79 mm, respectively, so the supplementary tape length β is 12.66 mm.

[0053] As shown in Figure 3(b), the total tape length L of the label tape 50 is Y x n + β + X, and the above calculation result is L = 65.55 mm x 3 + 12.66 mm + 60.17 mm, so in the above example, the tape length L is 269.48 mm. Desired characters and the like can be printed on the label tape 50 within the range of this tape length L. Since the label tape 50 has inclined portions E at the beginning and end of the winding, the width of the label tape 50 gradually narrows toward the end. For this reason, even within the range of the tape length L, it may not be possible to print the desired text or the like in the areas where the inclined portions E are provided, and the printing range may be set to include only the areas where the inclined portions E are not provided.

[0054] When the tape length L of the label tape 50 (or the printable print area) is calculated as a calculation result in the calculation step, the process returns to FIG. 4 and moves to the input and determination process of the print contents (step S11). In the process of inputting and determining the print content, the user inputs the character string to be printed on the label tape 50, as well as various symbols and figures, from the input unit 6 and determines the print content. For example, in the examples shown in Figs. 3(b) and 5(b), the character string "Coffee" is set to be printed repeatedly at any interval. When the input content is a character string, it is preferable that the character typeface design (font, character thickness, whether to italicize, etc.), character size, etc. can also be selected from the input unit 6.

[0055] When inputting the print content, the display unit 4 may display an image of how the input character string, etc. will be arranged on the label tape. For example, the display unit 4 may show the area where the inclined portion E is not provided as the printable range, and prompt the user to set the number of characters, etc. so that it fits within that range. In this way, the user can check the finished image of the desired character string, etc. printed on the label tape 50, and whether all the character string, etc. can be printed on the label tape 50.

[0056] When the print content is determined, the control unit 10 operates the head drive circuit 17, the transport motor drive circuit 18, etc. to print the print content determined by the user on the tape member 5 (step S12, printing step). In this embodiment, in the input / determination process of the printing content shown in step S11, the control unit 10 causes, in addition to the printing content determined by the user, diagonal lines El indicating the inclined portions E at the beginning and end of the winding of the label tape 50 to be printed on the tape member 5. Once the winding direction of the label tape 50 is determined, it becomes clear at which end of the width direction of the tape member 5 the winding start point Sp of the label tape 50 will be located. For example, when the winding direction is "left" as in the examples shown in Figures 3(a) and 5(a), the winding start point Sp will be on the upper side of the width direction of the tape member 5 (the upper side of the right end in Figure 3(b)), as shown in Figure 3(b) etc. When the winding direction is "right", the label tape 50 will have an inverted shape compared to when the winding direction is "left". In other words, the diagonal lines El of the inclined portions E at both ends will be sloping downward rather than sloping upward as in Figure 3(b). Therefore, when the winding direction is "right", the winding start point Sp will be the acute angled portion on the upper side of the left end of the tape member 5. For this reason, in the printing process in the above example, at the start (right) side of the label tape 50 when the winding direction is "left," a diagonal line El of length e is printed from the starting point Sp of the upper end of the width direction of the tape member 5 diagonally downward and left to the lower side of the width direction of the tape member 5, and at the end (left) side of the label tape 50, a diagonal line El of length e is printed from the upper side of the width direction of the tape member 5 diagonally downward and left to an end point Ep. Meanwhile, at the start side of the label tape 50 when the winding direction is "right," a diagonal line El of length e is printed from the end point Ep of the lower end of the width direction of the tape member 5 diagonally upward and left to the upper side of the width direction of the tape member 5, and at the end side of the label tape 50, a diagonal line El of length e is printed from the lower side of the width direction of the tape member 5 diagonally upward and left to the start point Sp.

[0057] Then, the printed tape member 5 is fully or half-cut at the cutting position to create a label tape 50 having a tape length L (see FIG. 3(b)). The full cut or half cut is performed along the width direction of the tape member 5. For this reason, in order for the label tape 50 to be attached in a substantially spiral shape to the three-dimensional object Ob, both ends of the label tape 50 need to be inclined, as shown in FIG. 5(b). In FIG. 3(b), the hatched triangular areas on both sides of the label tape 50 are portions that are cut off by the user by cutting both ends of the label tape 50 diagonally along the diagonal line El after the label tape 50 has been cut in the width direction of the tape member 5 by the full cut mechanism or half cut mechanism of the printing device 1. However, the user may cut both ends of the label tape 50 diagonally along the diagonal line El after the label tape 50 is discharged from the discharge opening 22 without being cut by the full cut mechanism or half cut mechanism.

[0058] After printing, the user cuts the label tape 50 along the oblique line El, completing the label tape 50 as shown in FIG. 5(b). In this way, in this embodiment, it is possible to automatically create a label tape 50 with a tape length L that is just right for adhering in a substantially spiral shape to a three-dimensional object Ob, and it is also possible to automatically print diagonal lines El that serve as guide lines for the user when cutting. Therefore, even if there is no cutting mechanism for cutting the tape member 5 in a diagonal direction, it is possible to create a label tape 50 as shown in Fig. 5(b), which has appropriate inclined portions E at both ends that match the shape of the three-dimensional object Ob.

[0059] As described above, the printing device 1 of this embodiment is a printing device 1 that prints on a tape member 5 to create a label tape 50 that is to be attached to a three-dimensional object Ob in a substantially spiral shape, and is equipped with a thermal head 7 as a printing means that prints on the tape member 5, a tape width detection unit 13 that detects the tape width W of the tape member 5, an input unit 6 as a receiving means that receives setting information based on user operation, a memory unit 11 that stores the setting information as the tape width W and the setting information input by the user, and a control unit 10 as a calculation means that calculates the tape length L of the label tape 50 based on the setting information as the tape width W and the setting information input by the user, and the setting information based on user operation includes the outer perimeter of the three-dimensional object Ob or a numerical value that can derive the outer perimeter length, and the winding length T of the portion where the label tape 50 is to be attached in the central axis direction of the three-dimensional object Ob. This makes it possible to automatically create a label tape 50 having a tape length L that is just enough to be attached in a roughly spiral shape to the area of ​​the three-dimensional object Ob desired by the user, and to wrap a continuous piece of label tape 50 around the three-dimensional object Ob to any desired height (width).

[0060] In this embodiment, the control unit 10 calculates the number of turns of the label tape 50 to be wound around the three-dimensional object Ob based on the wound portion length T and the tape width W in the calculation step. This automatically calculates how many layers of label tape 50 should be wound when the label tape 50 is to be applied to the desired area by the user.

[0061] Furthermore, the control unit 10 of this embodiment calculates the supplementary height α as the remainder when the wound portion length T is divided by the winding height H along the winding axis Ax direction when the label tape 50 is wound around the three-dimensional object Ob in an approximately spiral manner once. As a result, even if the winding length T is not a multiple of the winding height H, the excess can be considered as the supplementary height α, and a label tape 50 that can be attached to the desired width can be easily produced.

[0062] In this embodiment, in the printing process, oblique lines El indicating the inclined portions E at the start and end of winding of the label tape 50 are printed on the tape member 5. If the printing device 1 does not have a cutting mechanism for cutting the tape member 5 diagonally, when creating a label tape 50 that will be attached to a three-dimensional object Ob in a generally spiral shape, the user must cut the end of the tape member 5 diagonally, but it is difficult to cut it to the correct length and angle. In this regard, in this embodiment, a diagonal line El that serves as a guide line for the user when cutting can be automatically printed during the printing process. Therefore, even users who are unfamiliar with creating label tape 50 can easily create label tape 50 as shown in Figure 5(b), which has appropriate inclined portions E at both ends that match the shape of the three-dimensional object Ob, and can neatly finish the beginning and end of the winding of label tape 50.

[0063] In this embodiment, in the calculation process by the control unit 10, the length e of the inclined portions E at the start and end of the winding of the label tape 50 is calculated from the outer periphery length of the three-dimensional object Ob and the tape width W. This allows the printer 1 to print the oblique lines El that indicate the inclined portions E.

[0064] In this embodiment, the setting information based on the user's operation also includes information on the wrapping direction of the label tape 50 around the three-dimensional object Ob. The direction of the inclination of the diagonal lines El indicating the inclined portions E at the beginning and end of the winding of the label tape 50 varies depending on whether the label tape 50 is to be wound "left-handed" or "right-handed". In this regard, since the user can set the information regarding the winding direction, it is possible to create a label tape 50 formed in an orientation that is easy for the user to apply.

[0065] In this embodiment, a plurality of types of interchangeable tape members 5 having different widths are prepared. Therefore, it is possible to create a label tape 50 to be attached to a three-dimensional object Ob using the tape member 5 with a width that suits the user's preference, purpose, and the like.

[0066] In this embodiment, an image such as an arbitrary character string or an arbitrary picture is printed on the tape member 5 in the printing step. This allows the user to create label tapes printed with various designs such as character strings, figures, symbols, etc., as desired by the user. For example, if a label tape 50 is created with encouraging words or messages of support printed on it and stuck to the shaft of a pen used by a test taker, it can be expected to be used as a talisman to calm and relax the test taker during the test.

[0067] [Second embodiment] Next, a second embodiment of the printing device, tape setting method, and program according to the present invention will be described with reference to Figures 7(a) and 7(b) to 9. Note that this embodiment differs from the first embodiment only in that a label tape 50a that is attached to a three-dimensional object Ob is created in a different way, and therefore the following description will focus on the differences from the first embodiment. The configuration of the printing device 1 itself is the same as that of the first embodiment, and therefore a description thereof will be omitted.

[0068] FIG. 7(a) is a diagram showing a label tape created by the tape setting method according to the second embodiment attached to a three-dimensional object, and FIG. 7(b) is a diagram showing the label tape shown in FIG. 7(a) unfolded. As shown in Figure 7(a), the label tape 50a created by the tape setting method of this embodiment is attached in a roughly spiral shape so that a portion of it overlaps with a three-dimensional object Ob, and for example, the grip portion of a tennis racket or the like becomes the three-dimensional object Ob. The three-dimensional object Ob is not limited to the grip portion of a tennis racket, but may be the grip portion of a table tennis racket or other racket other than tennis, or the grip portion of a handlebar of a bicycle or the like. In the following, a case where the three-dimensional object Ob is the grip portion of a tennis racket will be described as an example.

[0069] The grip portion of a tennis racket is originally wrapped with grip tape, which has cushioning properties, and overgrip tape is usually wrapped on top of this grip tape. In this embodiment, the label tape 50a created by the printing device 1 is used as this overgrip tape, and the tape member 5 used to create the label tape 50a is a tape specifically for overgrip use.

[0070] Next, a tape setting method using the printing device of this embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. First, as in the first embodiment, the user selects the "spiral label creation mode" by inputting from the input unit 6, which prints on the tape member 5 and creates a label tape 50a that is attached to the three-dimensional object Ob in a substantially spiral shape.

[0071] In the "spiral label production mode," first, the device acquires information about the tape member 5 from which the label tape 50a is to be produced. In addition, information on the three-dimensional object Ob to which the label tape 50 is to be stuck, information on the area to which the label tape 50 is to be stuck, etc. are set. First, as in the first embodiment, information about the tape member 5 (i.e., the value of the tape width W, etc.) is detected by reading the type of tape cassette 51 housed in the cassette housing unit 21 of the printing device 1 using a detection unit such as the tape width detection unit 13 (step S31). The method for detecting the type of tape member 5a is the same as in the first embodiment, and may be a method for detecting irregularities provided on the tape cassette 51, or may be by reading various indicators such as a barcode.

[0072] When the label tape 50a is an overgrip tape to be attached to the grip portion of a tennis racket or the like, the value of the tape width W of the tape member 5 used therefor is often determined by standards. For example, the tape for overgrip of a tennis racket has a tape width of 24mm. Typically, overgrip tape is made of polyurethane or similar material and is about 0.5mm thick. Therefore, when it is detected that the tape cassette 51 housed in the cassette housing portion 21 has an overgrip tape as the tape member 5, the tape width W is determined to be 24 mm.

[0073] Next, the user inputs the length T of the wound portion where the label tape 50a is to be stuck to the three-dimensional object Ob, and the size (perimeter length, etc.) of the grip portion of the three-dimensional object Ob as "setting information." When the label tape 50a is an overgrip tape, the size (grip length, outer periphery, etc.) of the grip portion, which is the three-dimensional object Ob, is also determined by standards. Furthermore, when the three-dimensional object Ob to be affixed is a grip portion, it is unlikely that the label tape 50a will be affixed to only a portion of the grip portion, and unless the user specifies otherwise, the label tape 50a will be wrapped around the entire grip portion. For this reason, the wrapping length T, which indicates the range over which the label tape 50a is affixed, usually coincides with the length of the grip portion (grip length).

[0074] Therefore, in this embodiment, unlike the first embodiment, the user does not need to input specific numerical values ​​for the outer perimeter, winding length T, etc.; instead, the user simply selects the type of racket, grip size, etc. from the input unit 6, and the ``setting information'' such as the outer perimeter and winding length T of the three-dimensional object Ob (grip portion) to be attached is set on the device side. That is, for example, when the user sets the three-dimensional object Ob to be pasted to a "tennis racket" in the "spiral label creation mode," the display unit 4 displays a setting screen for setting grip size information of the tennis racket.

[0075] First, the user sets the grip length, which is the wrap length T, for example, for a tennis racket grip, by fine-tuning it in 1 mm increments within a range of ±9 mm, with the general standard value of 185 mm set as "0." Specifically, the adjustable range, such as "-1"..."0"..."+9," is displayed on the setting screen of the display unit 4, and the user performs an input operation on the input unit 6 to obtain the desired grip length. This causes the device to accept the grip length as "setting information" (step S32). If the grip length is determined by a standard depending on the type of racket (such as a tennis racket or a badminton racket), the grip length may be automatically accepted by selecting the type of racket. Also, if there are multiple standards for grip length, such as "standard," "long," and "short," these options may be displayed on the display unit 4 so that the user can select one.

[0076] The user also inputs the perimeter of the three-dimensional object Ob. Figure 8(a) is a horizontal cross-sectional view of the grip portion along line VIII-VIII in Figure 7(a), and Figure 8(b) is a table showing the relationship between the size numbers of standard tennis racket grip sizes and specific numerical values ​​of the thickness of the grip portion. The grip size refers to the perimeter of the cross section of the grip part shown in Figure 8(a). The grip size of a standard tennis racket is a standard common to all manufacturers, and if the three-dimensional object Ob is the grip part of a tennis racket, specifying the size number of the grip size will uniquely identify the perimeter of the grip part. For example, the setting screen of the display unit 4 displays the grip size stages as size numbers "G0" to "G4" as shown in Figure 8(b), and the user can input the circumference length simply by selecting the grip size of the racket they use from this list, and the circumference length corresponding to the input content is accepted by the device as "setting information" (step S33).

[0077] It should be noted that the options that the user can select are not limited to those shown here. When the label tape 50a is to be attached to a three-dimensional object Ob that has a single standardized standard, the outer perimeter, the winding length T, etc. can be uniquely determined simply by the user selecting the type of the three-dimensional object Ob, and therefore the outer perimeter and the winding length T may be automatically set by selecting the type of the three-dimensional object Ob. It is also possible that the custom-made grip portion that does not conform to the standard is a three-dimensional object Ob, and in such cases, as in the first embodiment, the user may be allowed to input specific numerical values.

[0078] The user also inputs information about whether the label tape 50a is to be wound "left-handed" or "right-handed" as "setting information" from the input unit 6. This causes the information about the winding direction to be received by the device (step S34). For example, as shown in the example of FIG. 7(a), when it is desired to wrap the label tape 50a around the three-dimensional object Ob in a "left winding" manner, "left" is selected and input as the winding direction. As in the first embodiment, the order of input operations for each "setting information" shown in step S32, step S33, and step S34 is not particularly limited. For example, the winding direction may be input first, and then the winding length T, outer periphery length, etc. may be input. Furthermore, each "setting information" is not confirmed until the user inputs a confirmation instruction from the input unit 6 (for example, by pressing the OK key), and it is possible to re-enter the information by inputting a cancellation instruction or a correction instruction from the input unit 6 as appropriate.

[0079] The control unit 10 determines whether a confirmation instruction has been input (step S35), and if a confirmation instruction has been input (step S35; YES), stores the setting information as the tape width W and the setting information input by the user in the memory unit 11 (step S36, storage process). On the other hand, if a confirmation instruction is not input (step S35; NO), the process returns to step S35 again, but if a cancellation instruction or a correction instruction is input from the input unit 6, the control unit 10 returns to steps S32, S33, and S34, redoes the setting of the "setting information," and repeats the determination of whether a confirmation instruction has been input in step S35.

[0080] Once the setting information for the tape width W and the setting information input by the user are determined, the control unit 10, which functions as a calculation means, calculates the tape length L of the label tape 50a based on the setting information for the tape width W and the setting information input by the user (step S37, calculation process). During the calculation, each value and the value obtained in the calculation process are stored as a 16-bit variable in the RAM or the like of the storage unit 11. Here, the details of the calculations performed by the control unit 10 will be described.

[0081] First, in the calculation process of step S37, the control unit 10 calculates the length e (see FIG. 7(b)) of the inclined portion E at the start and end of the winding of the label tape 50. The length e of the diagonal line El indicating the inclined portion E coincides with the perimeter of the three-dimensional object Ob, as in the first embodiment.

[0082] When the grip portion of a tennis racket or the like is the three-dimensional object Ob to which the label tape 50a is to be attached, the grip portion is the part that the user always holds, and so there is a possibility that the label tape 50a may shift during continued use. For this reason, in this embodiment, the label tape 50a is attached in a generally spiral shape so that part of the tape overlaps with the grip portion, which is the three-dimensional object Ob, so that even if the label tape 50a shifts, there will be no gaps between the labels. In Figures 7(a) and 7(b), the line indicating the boundary between the portion where the label tape 50a is wrapped and overlapped, i.e., the portion where the same label tape 50a is overlapped on top (hereinafter referred to as the "overlap") M, and the portion of the label tape 50a that is not overlapped is shown by a dashed line, and the width (overlap width) of the "overlap" M is shown by γ. For example, if the tape width W is 24 mm, about 4 mm of this width is secured as the overlap width γ.

[0083] In the calculation step by the control unit 10, the tape length L of the label tape 50a is calculated taking into account the overlapping margin M of the label tape 50a. Specifically, if the tape width W is 24 mm, of which 4 mm is the overlap width γ, the control unit 10 sets the tape width (W-γ) of the label tape 50a, which corresponds to the part that is exposed when wound, to 20 mm (24 mm-4 mm).

[0084] If the length of the portion of the overlap M corresponding to the overlap width γ is g, then the relationship "f:g=(W-γ):γ" holds. When the tape width (W-γ) is 20 mm and the label tape 50a is attached to the grip portion of a tennis racket with a grip size of "G2" (the outer circumference of the grip portion = 108 mm), the length e of the inclined portion E is the sum of the length f, which is 108 mm, the same as the outer circumference, and the length g of the portion of the overlap M corresponding to the overlap width γ = 4 mm (21.6 mm in the example shown here) (108 mm + 21.6 mm = 129.6 mm in the example shown here), as shown in Figure 8(b). The other methods for calculating the tape length L of the label tape 50a based on the tape width W and the setting information are the same as those described in the first embodiment, and therefore a description thereof will be omitted. Regarding the overlap width γ, if it is a fixed value and has been set in advance, there is no need to input it, but if an arbitrary value is desired, it can be input at any of steps S32 to S34.

[0085] Once the tape length L of the label tape 50a has been calculated, the process returns to FIG. 4 and proceeds to the input and determination process of the print contents (step S38). For example, FIG. 7(b) shows an example in which the string "Get points!" is set to be printed repeatedly at any interval.

[0086] When the printing contents are determined, the control unit 10 operates the head driving circuit 17, the transport motor driving circuit 18, etc. to print the printing contents determined by the user on the tape member 5 (step S39). At this time, the printable area is the area excluding the overlapping margin M of the area that will become the label tape 50a sandwiched between the inclined portions E on both sides, as set up until step S37. In this embodiment, as in the first embodiment, in the input / determination process of the print content shown in step S38, the control unit 10 causes the tape member 5 to print, in addition to the print content determined by the user, diagonal lines El indicating the inclined portions E at the beginning and end of the winding of the label tape 50a. In addition, a line indicating the boundary line with the overlapping margin M may be printed in the printing process. Then, the printed tape member 5 is fully or half-cut at the cutting position to create a label tape 50a having a tape length L (see FIG. 7(b)).

[0087] Then, the user cuts the printed label tape 50a along the diagonal line El which serves as a guide line, thereby removing the triangular areas shown in hatching on both sides of the label tape 50a, resulting in label tape 50a that can be attached in an approximately spiral shape to a three-dimensional object Ob. In this way, by creating the label tape 50a taking into consideration the overlapping amount M, it is possible to create a label tape 50a that can be attached in a roughly spiral shape so that a portion of it overlaps with a three-dimensional object Ob, such as the grip portion of a racket.

[0088] Other points are the same as those in the first embodiment, and therefore description thereof will be omitted.

[0089] As described above, according to this embodiment, in addition to the same effects as those of the first embodiment, the following effects can be obtained. That is, according to the tape setting method of this embodiment, in the calculation process by the control unit 10, the tape length L of the label tape 50a is calculated taking into account the overlap of the label tape 50a, and a label tape 50a can be created that can be attached in an approximately spiral shape so that a portion of it overlaps the three-dimensional object Ob. This allows automatic creation of label tape 50a with just the right tape length L when it is desired to apply the label tape 50a in a generally spiral manner with parts of the label tape 50a overlapping, such as overgrip tape wrapped around the grip part.

[0090] In the printing step of this embodiment, a line indicating the boundary line with the overlapping margin M may be printed. In this case, when winding the label tape 50a, the boundary line acts as a guide for the overlapping portion, and the label tape 50a can be easily wound while maintaining a constant overlap.

[0091] Furthermore, in the case where the three-dimensional object Ob is the grip portion of a tennis racket or the like, in the reception process in which the user inputs setting information and the device receives it, the input operation of the racket grip size is accepted instead of the perimeter of the three-dimensional object Ob or a numerical value from which the perimeter can be derived. This means that when there is a standard size or manufacturing size standard, such as for the grip part of a racket, the user does not need to enter specific numerical values; they can simply enter information that identifies the size standard (such as the size number or model number) to complete the input of setting information. This minimizes the effort required for the user to enter information, allowing the user to easily set printing conditions.

[0092] Also in this embodiment, as in the first embodiment, images such as any character string and any picture can be printed on the tape member 5 in the printing step. For example, if a label tape 50 is created with favorite words or messages of encouragement printed on it, and the label tape 50 is attached to the grip of a tennis racket used by a player as an overgrip tape, the player can read the text during a match to calm and relax, which is expected to provide mental support. In this embodiment, the label tape is intended for the grip of a tennis racket, but it is not limited to this and can also be applied to other athletic tools such as a pole vault grip or a jump rope grip.

[0093] Although the embodiments of the present invention have been described above, it goes without saying that the present invention is not limited to these embodiments and that various modifications are possible without departing from the spirit of the present invention.

[0094] For example, in each of the above embodiments, the three-dimensional object Ob to which the label tape 50 is attached is a cylindrical three-dimensional object, but the three-dimensional object Ob is not limited to a cylindrical object. For example, the three-dimensional object Ob to which the label tape 50 is attached may be a polygonal columnar member such as a hexagonal column as shown in FIG. 10(a). Even if the three-dimensional object Ob is a hexagonal prism or the like, the perimeter can be derived if the diameter dm (see FIG. 10(a)) or radius dm / 2 and the number of sides of the polygon are known. In the case of a polygonal prism such as a regular hexagonal prism, the perimeter can be derived if the length of one side of the polygon, ed, and the number of sides of the polygon are known. Therefore, in this case, the length of one side of the polygon, ed, and the number of sides of the polygon can also be called "numerical values ​​from which the perimeter can be derived," and the user may input these as setting information via the input unit 6. Even when the three-dimensional object Ob to which the label tape 50 is attached is a polygonal prism, the length e (see Figure 10(b)) of the inclined portion E of the label tape 50 coincides with the outer periphery of the three-dimensional object Ob, and the method for calculating the tape length L is the same as that shown in each of the above embodiments. Since it is possible to create label tape 50 that can be attached to polygonal columnar members, the tape setting method of this embodiment can be used for a wide range of purposes, such as creating label tape 50 that can be attached to stationery such as pencils.

[0095] Furthermore, in each of the above embodiments, an example is given of the case where the printing device 1 performs printing alone, and all calculations such as calculating the tape length L are performed by the control unit 10 of the printing device 1, but the printing control process is not limited to being completed by the printing device 1 alone. For example, if the printing device 1 is capable of communicating with external devices such as various terminal devices, the printing control process may be performed in cooperation with the external devices. In this case, various inputs may be made through an input unit of the external device, and various displays may be displayed on a display unit of the external device. This allows the user to check the finished image on a large screen, for example. In this case, the printing device 1 does not need to be provided with the input unit 6 or the display unit 4.

[0096] Furthermore, the calculation process for calculating the tape length L may be performed by a control unit of an external device rather than the control unit 10 of the printing device 1, and the calculation results may be output to the printing device. In this case, the program required for the printing control process such as the calculation process is stored in a memory unit or the like of the external device. This allows the printing device 1 itself to have a simple configuration.

[0097] Furthermore, once the user has input the data and the tape length L or the like is calculated, the result may be stored in the storage unit 11 or the like. In this way, when the next label tape 50 to be attached to the same three-dimensional object Ob is to be made, the label tape 50 can be made easily and quickly by simply reading out the stored data. In this case, the data of the print contents such as character strings and figures to be printed on the label tape 50 may be modified by input by the user as appropriate. This makes it possible to easily create label tapes 50 of the same shape but with different printed contents, and for example, when one gets tired of the character strings or patterns on the label tape 50 stuck on the three-dimensional object Ob, it is easy to create a label tape 50 with new contents printed on it and stick it on again.

[0098] Although several embodiments of the present invention have been described above, the scope of the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, but includes the scope of the invention described in the claims and its equivalents. The inventions described in the claims originally attached to this application are as follows. The claim numbers described in the appendix are the same as those of the claims originally attached to this application. [Note] <Claim 1> acquiring setting information including a winding length of a tape to be wound around an object as a part of the tape member in a winding axis direction of the object; A tape setting method comprising calculating a tape length to be wound around the object based on the setting information. <Claim 2> 2. The tape setting method according to claim 1, wherein the setting information includes at least one of the tape width of the tape member and the outer periphery of the object to be wound or information capable of deriving the outer periphery. <Claim 3> 3. The tape setting method according to claim 1, wherein the tape length is calculated by calculating the number of turns of the tape to be wound around the object. <Claim 4> 4. The tape setting method according to claim 1, wherein oblique lines indicating an inclined portion that will be at least one end side of the tape are printed on the tape member. <Claim 5> 5. The tape setting method according to claim 4, wherein the length of the inclined portion is calculated based on the outer periphery of the wound object or a value capable of deriving the outer periphery and the tape width of the tape member. <Claim 6> 6. The tape setting method according to claim 1, wherein the setting information includes information about a winding direction of the tape relative to the object to be wound. <Claim 7> The tape is wound in a substantially spiral shape so as to overlap a portion of the tape around the object to be wound, 7. The tape setting method according to claim 1, further comprising calculating a tape length of the tape based on an overlap of the tape. <Claim 8> 8. The tape setting method according to claim 7, wherein a line indicating the overlapping margin is printed. <Claim 9> 9. The tape setting method according to claim 1, wherein an arbitrary image is printed on the tape member. <Claim 10> a printing means for printing on the tape member; a calculation means for calculating a tape length of the tape to be wound around the object based on setting information including a winding length of the tape to be wound around the object in a winding axis direction of the object as part of the tape member; A printing device comprising: <Claim 11> The computer that controls the printing device that creates the tape a calculation function for calculating a tape length of the tape to be wound around the object based on setting information including a winding length of the tape to be wound around the object in a winding axis direction of the object as part of the tape member; A program characterized by realizing the above. [Explanation of symbols]

[0099] 1 Printing device 4 Display section 5 Tape material 50 Label Tape 6 Input section 7 Thermal head 10 Control Unit 11 Storage section 13 Tape width detector E Slope El diagonal line L Tape length H Winding height Ob 3D object T winding length W Tape width α Supplementary height β Supplementary tape length

Claims

1. receiving setting information including a length of a wound portion of a tape to be wound around an object in a winding axis direction of the object as a part of a tape member, a circumferential length of the object, and a width of the tape; calculating geometric parameters relating to the winding of the tape based on the geometric similarity relationship derived from the setting information; A tape setting method comprising calculating a tape length of the tape to be wound around the object based on the geometric parameters.

2. The geometric parameters include an end tape length, which is a length corresponding to the start and end of the winding, a winding height, which is a length in the winding axis direction in a unit winding of the tape around the wound object, and a number of turns, which is the number of turns of the tape wound around the wound object; Calculating the end tape length based on a right-angled triangle with the perimeter length as the hypotenuse and the tape width as the height; calculating the winding height based on a geometric similarity relationship according to the ratio of the end tape length to the outer periphery; Calculating the number of turns by dividing the length of the turn portion by the winding height.

2. The tape setting method according to claim 1.

3. The tape is wound in a generally spiral shape so that a portion of the tape overlaps the object to be wound, 3. The tape setting method according to claim 1, wherein the tape length is calculated based on the overlap of the tape.

4. 4. The tape setting method according to claim 1, wherein oblique lines indicating an inclined portion that will be at least one end side of the tape are printed on the tape member.

5. 5. The tape setting method according to claim 4, wherein the length of the inclined portion is calculated based on the outer periphery of the object to be wound or a value capable of deriving the outer periphery and the tape width of the tape member.

6. 5. The tape setting method according to claim 1, wherein the setting information includes information about a winding direction of the tape relative to the object to be wound.

7. 4. The tape setting method according to claim 3, further comprising the step of printing a line indicating the overlap.

8. 8. The tape setting method according to claim 1, wherein an arbitrary image is printed on the tape member.

9. a printing means for printing on the tape member; a receiving means for receiving setting information including a length of a wound portion of the tape to be wound around an object in a winding axis direction of the object, a circumferential length of the object, and a width of the tape; a calculation means for calculating geometric parameters relating to the winding of the tape based on the geometric similarity relationship derived from the setting information, and calculating a tape length of the tape to be wound around the object based on the geometric parameters; A printing device comprising:

10. The computer that controls the printing device that creates the tape a receiving function for receiving setting information including a length of a wound portion of a tape to be wound around an object in a winding axis direction of the object, a circumferential length of the object, and a width of the tape; a calculation function for calculating geometric parameters relating to the winding of the tape based on the geometric similarity relationship derived from the setting information, and calculating a tape length of the tape to be wound around the object based on the geometric parameters; A program characterized by realizing the above.

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