Musical score printing device

Abstract

This system reliably prints musical staff paper or sheet music onto roll-type thermal paper in a standard length L suitable for pasting and management, minimizing data loss due to communication delays, and enabling reprinting of sheet music based on external input. This contributes to the increased efficiency of creating teaching materials for harmony studies and other subjects. [Solution] Layout definition data (such as a specified length L) and music information are stored in the storage unit, and based on these, the printing unit generates interpretable print data and performs printing. The control unit calculates, measures, or counts the amount of thermal paper transported based on the printing start position, and stops printing and transport when the transport amount reaches the specified length L. When music information is received from an external device, printing is performed while suppressing print loss due to communication delays, etc., and in response to a reprint trigger (operator input or external device instruction), the print data is regenerated based on the music information in the storage unit and reprinted.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a score printing device that prints ruled paper or musical scores on roll-shaped thermal paper.

Background Art

[0002] Small printers using roll paper (such as so-called mobile receipt printers) are excellent in portability and handling, and are widely used for information output at the site. On the other hand, in situations such as music learning, performance, and composition, there is a demand to output ruled paper or simple musical scores on the spot, and technologies for printing musical scores and staff lines with a printer have been studied.

[0003] For example, technologies have been proposed in which print data such as musical scores is generated based on performance information or music-related information generated by electronic musical instruments or the like, and output to a printer for printing. In addition, technologies have also been proposed in which the printer receives music-related data such as music files, and generates and provides an output related to music (including output to a paper medium) by processing the data.

[0004] However, in the operation of educational sites, workshops, etc., due to the convenience of distribution, storage, and teaching materialization, there may be cases where it is desired to handle the length of the printing result uniformly. In addition, when printing a musical score using music-related data received from an external device, printing may become unstable due to communication delays, temporary interruptions, etc., so there is room for improvement from the viewpoints of stabilizing printing and facilitating re-output.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0005]

Patent Document 1

Patent Document 2

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0006] The present invention aims to provide a musical score printing device that can reliably output staff paper or musical scores on roll-shaped thermal paper at a specified length L suitable for attachment and management, while suppressing print loss due to communication delays during external input, and also enabling reprinting of musical scores based on external input. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] A musical score printing apparatus according to one aspect of the present invention comprises a printing unit that prints on roll-shaped thermal paper, a transport unit that transports the thermal paper, a storage unit that holds layout definition data and music information, a data conversion unit that converts the music information into print data and outputs it in a format that can be stored in a print buffer, a print buffer, and a control unit. The control unit controls the printing unit based on the print data stored in the print buffer, and stops printing and transport when the amount of thermal paper transported reaches a specified length L included in the layout definition data.

[0008] In another embodiment, the music score printing device receives music information from an external device, generates print data for the music score based on the music information stored in the storage unit, and when at least one line of print data is accumulated in the print buffer, it starts printing sequentially from the beginning of the print buffer.

[0009] Furthermore, when the control unit receives a reprint trigger, it regenerates the sheet music print data based on the music information stored in the memory unit and performs reprinting. [Effects of the Invention]

[0010] According to the present invention, musical staff paper or scores can be quantitatively output at a specified length L, making it easier to paste, organize, and distribute them. Furthermore, by sequentially starting printing after accumulating at least one line of print data during external input, it contributes to suppressing print loss due to communication delays and reducing waiting times. In addition, it enables reprinting of scores based on external input. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0011] [Figure 1] It is an explanatory diagram showing an external appearance example of a music score printing device. [Figure 2] It is a block diagram showing a functional block configuration example of a music score printing device. [Figure 3] It is a flowchart showing an example of a processing procedure for printing an empty five-line template. [Figure 4] It is a flowchart showing an example of a processing procedure for music score printing by external input. [Figure 5] It is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the layout of an empty five-line template (two-stage) (including the line thickness T of the five lines). [Figure 6] It is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the layout of an empty five-line template (one-stage) (including the line thickness T of the five lines). [Figure 7] It is an explanatory diagram showing the concept of accumulation / sequential printing using a print buffer (FIFO). [Figure 8] It is an explanatory diagram showing an example of music score output of one-stage / two-stage by external input. [Figure 9] It is an explanatory diagram showing the concept of stopping printing and conveyance in response to reaching a specified length L. [Figure 10] It is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the use of pasting and managing a piece of paper of a specified length L onto a mount.

Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0012] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In addition, the same or corresponding components may be denoted by the same reference numerals, and redundant description may be omitted.

[0013] As shown in FIG. 1, a music score printing device 10 prints on a roll-shaped thermal paper 20a and discharges the printed thermal paper 20b from a discharge port 21. A cutter 23 for manually or automatically cutting the thermal paper 20b may be provided.

[0014] As shown in FIG. 2, the score printing apparatus 10 may include a printing unit 30, a conveying unit (such as conveying rollers) 31, a control unit 50, a storage unit 60, a receiving unit 70, a data conversion unit 55, a printing buffer 80, and an operator 40. The external device 90 can transmit data to the score printing apparatus 10 via the receiving unit 70.

[0015] The printing unit 30 prints on the thermal paper 20a using a print head 22 or the like. The conveying unit 31 conveys the thermal paper 20a by motor drive. The control unit 50 performs overall control of each unit.

[0016] The storage unit 60 holds layout definition data and music information. As the music information, it holds music information for templates used in the template printing mode or music information received in the external input mode. The storage unit 60 may include a non-volatile memory (such as a flash memory).

[0017] The receiving unit 70 receives music information or control information such as a reprint instruction from the external device 90. The reception method may be wired (such as USB, serial) or wireless (such as Bluetooth (registered trademark), Wi-Fi). The receiving unit 70 may receive information regarding the update of the layout definition data and information regarding the update of the correspondence table indicating the correspondence between the identifier and the music information.

[0018] Based on the music information and the layout definition data held in the storage unit 60, the data conversion unit 55 generates print data (such as a raster format bitmap or a command sequence specific to the printing unit) interpretable by the printing unit 30, and converts it into a format that can be supplied to the printing buffer 80 or a format that can be supplied to the printing unit 30.

[0019] The printing buffer 80 may be a volatile memory (such as RAM) that temporarily stores print data. The printing buffer 80 can hold print data for at least one line, where "one line" refers to a print data unit corresponding to one horizontal line printable by one scan of the thermal head. It may have a larger capacity as needed. The input to the printing unit 30 may be configured to be performed via the printing buffer 80 (to simplify the internal structure).

[0020] The control element 40 accepts user operations (mode selection, print start, reprint, etc.). For example, it may include buttons, switches, touch sensors, etc.

[0021] The layout definition data is data that specifies the layout of the staff paper or musical score on the thermal paper 20b that is printed on the thermal paper 20a and becomes printed, and includes at least a specified length L. The specified length L is the length transported in the longitudinal direction with the printing start position as the reference (transport amount 0). For example, the specified length L may be set to be variable depending on the width of the backing paper, etc. For example, if A4 paper in portrait orientation (width 210 mm) is used as the backing paper, the specified length L may be set to 200 mm (this is an example and is not limited to this).

[0022] The layout definition data may include, as necessary, top margin M1, right margin M2, bottom margin M3, left margin M4, staff line spacing D1, step spacing D2 between staves, line thickness T, number of steps (1 or 2 steps), etc. (see Figures 5 and 6). The storage unit 60 may store multiple types of layout definition data with different numbers of steps, margins, line spacing, etc. Based on the selection by the operator 40, the control unit 50 may print using the selected layout definition data from among the multiple types of layout definition data.

[0023] The control unit 50 calculates, measures, or counts the amount of thermal paper 20a being transported by controlling the transport unit 31, and stops printing and transporting when the amount of transported paper reaches a specified length L (see Figure 9). The amount of transported paper may be calculated or counted by counting the number of dots or lines of the print instruction, by converting from the counted value, or by measuring using an encoder on the transport roller.

[0024] In template printing mode, the data conversion unit 55 generates print data containing only musical staves based on music information for the template that is stored in the storage unit 60 beforehand. The music information for the template may be in the same structured data format as the music information for the external input mode described later, and may be expressed as "no music events (event column is empty)".

[0025] The control unit 50 stores the generated print data in the print buffer 80, and the printing unit 30 starts printing. In template printing mode, underruns are unlikely to occur because there is no communication, but the shared use of the print buffer 80 contributes to simplifying the internal structure.

[0026] Figure 3 shows an example of processing in template printing mode. For the sake of simplicity, Figure 3 may omit some of the internal processing, such as storage in the print buffer 80.

[0027] Figures 5 and 6 show examples of output on musical staff paper that stops at a specified length L. The number of staves (1 or 2), margins M1 to M4, line spacing D1, staves spacing D2, line thickness T, etc., may be defined in the layout definition data.

[0028] In external input mode, the receiving unit 70 receives music information from the external device 90, and the control unit 50 stores it in the storage unit 60. The music information is not image data such as raster image data, but structured data capable of representing music events (notes, rests, chords), and includes at least the start time and duration of each music event. If the music event is a note or chord, the music information includes pitch information.

[0029] The musical information may include, as necessary, voice IDs, information about beats or measures, tempo, and incidental symbols (accidentals, dynamics markings, performance markings, etc.). If incidental symbols are included, the data conversion unit 55 may generate printable data that places at least a portion of the incidental symbols on the musical score.

[0030] The data conversion unit 55 generates printable data by assigning time information to longitudinal positions, pitch information to vertical positions on the staff, and combining graphic patterns such as note heads, based on music information and layout definition data. For example, the horizontal position may be determined using a conversion parameter that converts a certain time unit (tick) to a certain number of dots. Line breaks may also be performed as needed if the specified note spacing cannot be met or if the printable range is exceeded.

[0031] Below is an example of music information (an example of JSON representation) (this is an example for illustrative purposes, and the format is not limited to this). example: { "key": "C dur", "events":[ {"type":"note","t0":0,"dur":960,"pitch":48,"voice":4}, {"type":"note","t0":960,"dur":960,"pitch":53,"voice":4}, {"type":"note","t0":1920,"dur":960,"pitch":55,"voice":4}, {"type":"note","t0":2880,"dur":960,"pitch":48,"voice":4}, {"type":"note","t0":3840,"dur":960,"pitch":53,"voice":4}, {"type":"note","t0":4800,"dur":960,"pitch":50,"voice":4}, {"type":"note","t0":5760,"dur":960,"pitch":55,"voice":4}, {"type":"note","t0":6720,"dur":960,"pitch":55,"voice":4}, {"type":"note","t0":7680,"dur":960,"pitch":57,"voice":4}, {"type":"note","t0":8640,"dur":960,"pitch":53,"voice":4}, {"type":"note","t0":9600,"dur":960,"pitch":55,"voice":4}, {"type":"note","t0":10560,"dur":960,"pitch":60,"voice":4}, {"type":"note","t0":11520,"dur":960,"pitch":55,"voice":4}, {"type":"note","t0":12480,"dur":960,"pitch":55,"voice":4}, {"type":"note","t0":13440,"dur":1920,"pitch":48,"voice":4} ] }

[0032] The control unit 50 stores the generated print data in the print buffer 80, and when at least one line of print data has been stored in the print buffer 80, it starts printing sequentially from the beginning of the print buffer 80 (see Figure 7). This reduces waiting time while suppressing print loss (underrun) even in the event of communication delays, etc.

[0033] The control unit 50 stops printing and transporting when the transported amount reaches a specified length L (see Figure 9). The specified length L facilitates the attachment and management of the output (see Figure 10).

[0034] When the control unit 50 receives a reprint trigger, it regenerates the print data based on the music information stored in the storage unit 60 and performs reprinting. The reprint trigger may be input by the operator 40 or a reprint instruction from an external device 90.

[0035] Control information from the external device 90 (print requests, reprint instructions, layout definition data updates, corresponding table updates, etc.) may be structured data such as JSON. The structured data may include information indicating the specification version (e.g., "ver") and information indicating the processing type (e.g., "op"), where "op" can take the form of "print", "reprint", "set_layout", or "set_table" (the format is not limited to these). (1) The control unit 50 may retain music information, reprint, update layout definition data, or update the correspondence table depending on the content of the structured data received from the external device 90. (2) A reprint instruction (for example, "op":"reprint") does not have to include an identifier. In this case, if the music information from the previous print run is still stored in the storage unit 60, the unit may reprint based on that music information. The reprint instruction may also include an identifier that optionally specifies the music information to be reprinted. In this case, the control unit 50 may retrieve the music information associated with that identifier based on the correspondence table and reprint it. (3) The control unit 50 may return a response to the external device 90 (acceptance response) when the update target (music information, layout definition data, or correspondence table) is stored in the storage unit 60. The response may include, for example, a result code (error code), and if the result code is 0, it may be considered a success (no error). The result code may be defined by, for example, a range (1xxx: communication / reception related, 2xxx: layout related, 3xxx: paper jam / transport related, etc.). In addition to the result code, the response may optionally include additional information such as a message. If the control unit 50 receives an unknown specification version (unknown "ver"), or if it is unable to accept processing because it is printing, etc. (for example, busy), it may reject the request and return the corresponding result code. (4) The update of the layout definition data from the external device 90 may be update information that includes at least a specified length L (hereinafter referred to as layout update information). The layout update information may include only the specified length L, or it may be information that updates the entire layout definition data including the specified length L. The control unit 50 may apply the updated layout definition data when the device is started up or after a predetermined operation by the operator 40.

[0036] The external device 90 may include, for example, a mobile terminal, a PC, an electronic musical instrument, a card reader, etc. The card reader may read music information recorded on a recording medium (for example, an NFC card) and transmit it to the receiving unit 70.

[0037] Alternatively, only an identifier that identifies the music information may be recorded on a recording medium (e.g., an NFC card), and an external device 90 may transmit the identifier to the receiving unit 70. In this case, the music score printing device 10 may obtain the music information corresponding to the identifier from a correspondence table held in the storage unit 60 and print it. The correspondence table may be configured to be able to be added, updated, or deleted by input from the external device 90 (e.g., "op":"set_table").

[0038] In yet another configuration, the score printing device 10 may be equipped with a communication interface, acquire music information corresponding to an identifier from an external server, update the storage unit 60, and use it for printing (a detailed explanation of the network configuration is omitted as well, as well-known technologies can be applied).

[0039] In external input mode, if printing is interrupted due to missing paper, paper jam, transport malfunction, etc., the control unit 50 may stop printing and record the state in the storage unit 60. Examples of interruption detection means include a paper presence sensor, a transport encoder malfunction, or an exceedance of a motor current threshold.

[0040] After an interruption, the system can be restored without requiring retransmission from the external device 90 by regenerating the print data from the music information in the storage unit 60 and reprinting it using a reprint trigger. [Examples]

[0041] For example, in template printing mode, a two-stave blank staff template is printed, and learners handwrite either the bass or soprano assignment before proceeding with the answer. In external input mode, a sequence of musical events (start time, duration, pitch, voice ID, etc.) is received from an external device 90 (e.g., a teaching material card reader), and the control unit 50 converts it into sheet music and prints it. The printed material is stopped at a specified length L, and learners paste it onto an A4 sheet of paper, add handwritten notes to the score, and submit and store it. [Industrial applicability]

[0042] This invention can be used for harmony studies, composition and arrangement education, and the creation of handouts at music universities, music schools, and school music rooms. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0043] 10: Musical score printing device 20a: Thermal paper (roll type) 20b: Pre-printed thermal paper 21: Outlet 22: Printhead 23: Cutter 30: Printing section 31: Conveying section (conveying rollers, etc.) 40: Operator 50: Control Unit 55: Data conversion section 60: Storage section 70: Receiving unit 80: Print buffer 90: External device L: Standard length M1: Upper margin M2: Right margin M3: Lower margin M4: Left margin D1: Line spacing D2: Step spacing T: Line thickness

Claims

1. A musical score printing apparatus for printing staff paper or musical scores on roll-shaped thermal paper, A printing unit that prints on the thermal paper, A transport unit for transporting the thermal paper, A storage unit that holds layout definition data and music information, A receiving unit that receives music information or reprint instructions from an external device, A data conversion unit that generates print data that can be interpreted by the printing unit based on the layout definition data and the music information stored in the storage unit, A print buffer for storing the aforementioned print data, The printing unit, the transport unit, the receiving unit, the data conversion unit, and the control unit that controls the print buffer, Equipped with, The aforementioned layout definition data includes a specified length L. The specified length L is the length of transport in the longitudinal direction with reference to the position that serves as the reference point for transport amount 0. The control unit, The receiving unit causes the music information received by the receiving unit to be stored in the storage unit. The print data generated by the data conversion unit is stored in the print buffer. When at least one line of print data is accumulated in the print buffer, printing will start sequentially from the beginning of the print buffer. The amount of thermal paper transported is calculated, measured, or counted based on the position that serves as the reference for the transport amount of 0, and when the amount of thermal paper transported reaches the specified length L, the printing and transport are stopped. In an external input mode in which the receiving unit receives the music information from the external device and performs printing by the printing unit, if the printing is interrupted before the amount of thermal paper transported reaches the specified length L and a reprint trigger is received, the printing data is regenerated based on the music information stored in the storage unit and reprinting is performed, without requiring the music information to be re-received from the external device. Musical score printing device.

2. The musical score printing device further comprises an operator, The reprint trigger is either an input from the operator or a reprint instruction from the external device. The musical score printing apparatus according to claim 1.

3. The storage unit includes a non-volatile memory, The musical score printing apparatus according to claim 1.

4. The interruption of printing in the external input mode is due to missing paper, paper jam or transport abnormality, The musical score printing apparatus according to claim 1.

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