Tape printing apparatus and method of forming print image for tape

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

This invention relates to a tape printing apparatus and a method of forming a tape print image, which are capable of deforming an image to be printed, in the direction of width of a tape and then printing the deformed image on the tape.

2. Prior Art

Conventionally, a tape printing apparatus is capable of decorating an entered image such as characters by the use of various methods such as “italicization”, “emphasis”, “hollow characters”, etc. and then printing the decorated image on a tape as a printing medium, thereby enabling creation of labels picturesque and rich in variety. A character image to be printed is formed of a dot matrix. The character image has image portions formed of positive dots and blank portions formed of negative dots. Therefore, when decoration by “italicization” (hereinafter referred to as “italic decoration”) is set for decorating the character image, the positive dots are shifted in longitudinal directions of the tape by predetermined amounts to deform the character image in this direction, and then the deformed image is printed on the tape.

As described above, as far as the decoration of an image carried out by the conventional tape printing apparatus, especially the decoration by deforming an image, such as italic decoration, is concerned, the image is always deformed along the length of the tape. That is, the conventional tape printing apparatus assumes that a character string extends linearly, which makes it impossible to carry out printing of images rich in variety, such as images having undulations, etc.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

It is a first object of the invention to provide a tape printing apparatus which is capable of deforming an image in the direction of width of a tape, thereby allowing creating of labels richer in variety.

It is a second object of the invention to provide a method of forming an image, which enables deformation of an image in the direction of width of a tape, thereby allowing creation of labels richer in variety.

To attain the first object, according to a first aspect of the invention, there is provided a tape printing apparatus for deforming a basic image in the direction of width of a tape, based on a specific modification pattern, and then printing the deformed basic image on the tape.

The tape printing apparatus according to the first aspect of the invention is characterized by comprising:

modification pattern storage means for storing modifying data of the modification pattern;

data-developing means for developing basic image data representative of the basic image into a dot matrix corresponding to a print area of the tape; and

print image-forming means for forming a print image from the basic image by shifting each dot of each dot line of the basic image data developed into the dot matrix, the each dot line extending in a direction corresponding to the direction of the width of the tape, in the direction corresponding to the direction of the width of the tape, based on the modification pattern.

To attain the second object, according to a second aspect of the invention, there is provided a method of forming a print image to be printed on a tape, the method comprising the steps of:

developing basic image data representative of a basic image into a dot matrix corresponding to a print area of the tape: and

shifting each dot of each dot line of the basic image data developed into the dot matrix, the each dot line extending in a direction corresponding to a direction of the width of the tape, in the direction corresponding to the direction of the width of the tape, based on a specific modification pattern, to thereby form the print image.

According to the tape printing apparatus and the method, data of a basic image (basic image data) is developed into a predetermined dot matrix, and each dot of each dot line forming part of the basic image data and extending in a direction corresponding to the direction of width of a tape is shifted in the direction along the dot line, based on a specific modification pattern. Therefore, it is possible to form a print image (tape print image) obtained by deforming the basic image in the direction of width of the tape.

Preferably, the print image-forming means includes image correction means for scaling down the basic image, the image correction means scaling down the basic image in a manner such that the print image is fitted in the print area if the print image extends off the print area of the tape.

According to this preferred embodiment, the correction means scales down to the basic image to a predetermined size when the print image extends off a print area of the tape (in the direction of width of the tape). This enables the print image to be adjusted in size so as to be fitted in the print area, and thereby enhance the appearance of the print image. The basic image may be reduced in size only in the direction corresponding to the direction of width of the tape instead of reducing the whole thereof.

Preferably, the print image-forming means includes dot-shifting means for shifting the each dot of each dot line of the dot matrix in a state of both ends of the each dot line being imaginarily linked to each other, the data-shifting means circularly moving dots forming portions of the print image outside the print area of the tape if the print image extends off the print area.

According to this preferred embodiment, each dot of each dot line of the dot matrix is shifted in a state of both ends of the dot line being imaginarily linked to each other, so that if the print image extends off a print area of the tape, dots forming portions of the print image which spread outward from one side of the print area are circularly moved. This enables the portions of the image to be formed in an opposite side portion of the print area. Therefore, even if a character image or the like extends off a print area of the tape, for instance, a portion of the character image lying out of the print area can be printed at a predetermined location in the print area, so that it is possible to recognize the character image based on the thus modified image.

Preferably, the print image-forming means includes image correction means for scaling down the basic image, the image correction means scaling down the basic image in a manner such that the print image is fitted in the print area if the print image extends off the print area of the tape, and dot-shifting means for shifting the each dot of each dot line of the dot matrix in a state of both ends of the each dot line being imaginarily linked to each other, the data-shifting means circularly moving dots forming portions of the print image outside the print area of the tape if the print image extends off the print area, and the tape printing apparatus includes function selection means for selecting between an image-correcting function performed by the image correction means and a dot-shifting function performed by the dot-shifting means.

According to this preferred embodiment, the user can selectively employ the predetermined image-correcting function and the dot-shifting function. This makes it possible to form a print image with a high degree of freedom.

Preferably, the modification pattern storage means stores modifying data of a plurality of modification patterns, the tape printing apparatus further including modification pattern selection means for selecting the specific modification pattern from the modification patterns as desired.

According to this preferred embodiment construction, the user can select the specific modification pattern from a plurality of modification patterns as desired. This allows a print image which suits the user's preference to be easily printed with a high degree of freedom.

More preferably, the modification patterns include a pattern for deforming the whole of the basic image into a wavy shape in which the basic image is undulated in the direction of the width of the tape.

According to this preferred embodiment, it is possible to undulate the whole of a print image to thereby transform the print image to one effectively expressing its contents. For instance, if an image of a song title on a stave is processed to be undulated, a print image giving a melodious impression can be obtained.

More preferably, the modification patterns include a pattern for deforming the whole of the basic image into a sawtooth shape in which the basic image is serrated in the direction of width of the tape.

According to this preferred embodiment, it is possible to serrate the whole of a print image to thereby transform the print image to one effectively expressing its contents. For instance, if an image containing a horrifying word is serrated, a print image giving a fearful impression can be obtained.

Preferably, the modifying data includes data of a maximum total shift amount by which the basic image is shifted as a whole.

According to this preferred embodiment, based on the maximum total shift amount, it is possible to scale down the basic image.

More preferably, the maximum total shift amount is set according to the width of the tape.

According to this preferred embodiment, it is possible to set the maximum total shift amount in advance for the dots of each dot line according to the width of each tape, i.e. according to the tape types having respective different tape widths, thereby enabling each print image to be formed to have a size suitable for each tape type.

Preferably, the modifying data comprises data defining a shift amount by which the each dot of the each dot line is shifted in the direction corresponding to the direction of the width of the tape.

More preferably, the data defining the shift amount comprises an equation for calculating the shift amount for the each dot line.

Alternatively, the data defining the shift amount comprises a table of data of the shift amount associated with the each dot line of the basic image data.

More preferably, the data-developing means comprises a print buffer for storing data of the each dot of the each dot line of the basic image, and the print image-forming means comprises reading means for reading the data of the each dot from an address of the print buffer shifted from an original address in an amount corresponding to the shift amount, and a modifying buffer for storing the data of the each dot read from the address of the print buffer by the reading means.

The above and other objects, features, and advantages of the invention will become more apparent from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1

is a perspective view showing an appearance of a tape printing apparatus according to an embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 2

is a perspective view showing a compartment of the

FIG. 1

tape printing apparatus and component parts associated with the compartment;

FIG. 3

is a plan view showing an internal construction of a tape cartridge;

FIG. 4

is a block diagram schematically showing a control system of the

FIG. 1

tape printing apparatus;

FIG. 5A

shows an image printed in normal printing;

FIGS. 5B

to

5

E show images printed in special printing;

FIG. 6

is a diagram which is useful in explaining operations of a keyboard for special printing and changes in screen display corresponding to the operations;

FIG. 7

is a diagram continued from

FIG. 6

;

FIG. 8A

shows an image printed in “undulating printing” after setting of size correction;

FIG. 8B

shows an image printed in “serrating printing” after setting of size correction;

FIG. 9A

shows an image printed in “undulating printing” after setting of circulation;

FIG. 9B

shows an image printed in “serrating printing” after setting of the circulation;

FIG. 10A

imaginarily shows a character string image stored in a print buffer;

FIG. 10B

shows part of the

FIG. 10A

character string image on an enlarged scale;

FIG. 11

is a flowchart showing a routine for internal processing and print processing executed in special printing;

FIG. 12

is a continued part of the

FIG. 11

flowchart;

FIG. 13

is a plan view of a tape having cut marks printed thereon;

FIG. 14

is a diagram which is useful in explaining sequential processes of reading and writing of data in the print buffer;

FIG. 15

is a diagram which is useful in explaining sequential processes of reading and writing of data in the print buffer, executed when the circulation is set;

FIG. 16A

is a diagram which is useful in explaining shifts of dots of each dot line in normal printing;

FIG. 16B

is a diagram which is useful in explaining shifts of dots of each dot line in undulating printing;

FIG. 17

is a diagram which is useful in explaining shifts of dots of each dot line in serrating printing;

FIG. 18

is a diagram which is useful in explaining how each dot of each dot line is shifted when a shift amount is set to be continuously increased;

FIG. 19

is a flowchart of a variation of the embodiment which corresponds to the

FIG. 12

flowchart;

FIG. 20

is a plan view showing a plurality of labels produced after setting of the circulation and placed in a manner continuous with each other;

FIG. 21A

is a plan view showing an example of a label produced by normal printing;

FIG. 21B

is a plan view showing an example of a label produced by undulating printing; and

FIGS. 22A and 22B

are plan views each showing an example of a label produced by serrating printing.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The invention will now be described in detail with reference to the drawings showing an embodiment thereof. A tape printing apparatus of the embodiment is a thermal transfer type that carries out printing of desired characters and the like entered via a keyboard thereof on a tape by a thermal transfer printing method and then cuts off the printed portion of the tape to thereby make a label.

Referring first to

FIG. 1

, the tape printing apparatus

1

includes a casing

2

having upper and lower divisional portions, an electronic block

3

arranged in the form of an inverted L-shape from a front half portion of the apparatus

1

to a rear right half portion of the same, and a mechanical block

4

arranged in a rear left half portion of the apparatus

1

. As shown in

FIG. 2

, the mechanical block

4

is comprised of a compartment

6

for receiving therein a tape cartridge

5

and a lid

7

for opening and closing the compartment

6

, which is formed with a window. The lid

7

has a left side wall thereof formed with an inverted U-shaped opening

7

a,

while the compartment

6

has a left side wall thereof formed with a U-shaped opening

6

a.

The two openings

6

a

and

7

a

form a tape exit

10

through which a printed tape T is sent out of the tape printing apparatus

1

.

The electronic block

3

has an operating block

11

formed on a top thereof and includes a control block

200

, referred to hereinbelow (see FIG.

4

). The operating block

21

includes a key board

8

connected to a peripheral control circuit (P-CON)

250

of the control block

200

, and a display

9

connected to the P-CON

250

via a display driver

271

of a driving circuit

270

, referred to hereinafter.

On the keyboard

8

, there are arranged a character key group

810

including a lot of keys

810

for use in entering characters such as letters, symbols and simple figures and a function key group

820

for use in giving instructions for editing, printing, etc. of the entered characters. The function key group

820

includes cursor keys

830

(left arrow key

830

a,

right arrow key

830

b,

up arrow key

830

c,

and down arrow key

830

d

) for moving a cursor on the display

9

, a selection key

840

for selecting a desired one out of a plurality of options, and so forth. The display

9

has a rectangular display screen

91

on which are displayed images of entered characters as well as various operational modes and options to be selected during editing and printing of the images.

Next, description will be made of a printing block

12

which carries out printing on the tape T of the tape cartridge

5

. The tape cartridge

5

is constructed such that it is removable from the mechanical block

4

, and it is replaceable together with a casing thereof when the ink ribbon C is used up. Further, as the tape cartridge

5

, there are supplied various types which contain tapes T different in width or color.

FIG. 3

shows the tape cartridge

5

from which an upper casing thereof is removed. The tape cartridge

5

has a casing comprised of the upper casing

5

a

(see

FIG. 2

) and a lower casing

5

b.

The inside of the casing is divided into a tape-holding block

21

for holding the tape T therein and an ink ribbon-holding block

22

for holding an ink ribbon R therein. The ink ribbon-holding block

22

is formed with a rectangular head opening

23

through which a head unit

45

having a print head

46

, described hereinafter, is fitted in when the tape cartridge

5

is mounted in the compartment

6

.

The ink ribbon-holding block

22

contains a ribbon supply reel

24

around which the ink ribbon R is wound, and a ribbon take-up reel

25

for taking up used part of the ink ribbon R therearound, each arranged in a rotatable manner. The ink ribbon R rolled out from the ribbon supply reel

24

is guided by a first guide pin

26

and a second guide pin

27

to a platen roller

39

, referred to hereinafter, and then makes a U-turn in a manner traveling along a peripheral wall

23

a

of the head opening

23

to be taken up by the ribbon take-up reel

25

.

The tape-holding block

21

formed to have a generally circular shape has a cylindrical reel support portion

32

formed at a central portion thereof in the lower casing

5

b

in a protruding manner, for rotatably supporting a tape reel

31

around which the tape T is wound. The tape reel

31

has a cylindrical shape, and a rib

34

having a through hole

33

extending therethrough is formed on an inner peripheral wall of the tape reel

31

at a central portion along the thickness of the reel

31

. The rim of the rib

34

surrounding the through hole

33

is formed with numerous projections

35

continuously arranged to form a generally annular shape.

The tape reel

32

constructed as above is loosely fitted over the reel support portion

32

having a coiled spring

36

fitted therein from above. The coiled spring

36

has one end (upper end) thereof abutting an inner surface of the upper casing

5

a

and another end (lower end)

36

a

thereof bent in a manner crossing the reel support

32

. An extreme end of the lower end

36

a

reaches into the projections

35

of the rib

34

through a cutaway portion formed in an upper end of the support portion

32

. When the tape cartridge

5

is not mounted in the apparatus body, the extreme end of the lower end

36

a

of the coiled spring

36

is caught between the projections

35

,

35

. This engagement of the lower end

36

a

of the coiled spring

36

with the projections

35

prohibits the tape reel

31

from moving, thereby preventing the tape T from sagging due to rotation of the tape reel

31

when the tape cartridge is not loaded in the apparatus body.

At an end of a boundary between the tape-holding block

21

and the ink ribbon-holding block

22

in a side wall of a casing

37

, there is formed a tape exit

38

in the form of a slit through which the tape T is sent out of the tape-holding block

21

. Further, the platen roller

39

is rotatably arranged at the vicinity of the tape exit

38

in a downstream portion of the tape-holding block

21

, where the tape T and the ink ribbon R are placed one upon the other and printing is carried out by pressing the print head

46

against the ink ribbon R. At a location remote from the tape exit

38

with respect to the platen roller

39

is formed a curved guide portion

40

via which the tape T is guided to the platen roller

39

for sliding contact therewith and sent out through the tape exit

38

.

On the other hand, in the compartment

6

for receiving the tape cartridge

5

, there is formed a positioning pin

41

projecting upward as shown in FIG.

2

. The positioning pin

41

is fitted into the reel support portion

32

of the lower casing

5

b

from below to thereby facilitate proper mounting of tape cartridge

5

in the compartment

6

. When the tape cartridge

5

is loaded in the compartment

6

, an upper end of the positioning pin

41

urges the lower end

36

a

of the coiled spring

36

upward, whereby the lower end

36

a

is disengaged from the projections

35

of the rib

34

to permit free rotation of the tape reel

31

for smooth feeding of the tape T.

Further, in the compartment

6

, there are provided a platen roller-driving shaft

42

and a ribbon take-up reel-driving shaft

43

in a manner extending perpendicularly from the bottom of the compartment

6

. The platen roller-driving shaft

42

engages with the platen roller

39

to drive the same for rotation, while the ribbon take-up reel-driving shaft

43

engages with the ribbon take-up reel

25

to drive the same for rotation. The platen roller-driving shaft

42

and the ribbon take-up reel-driving shaft

43

are operated by a DC motor

44

(see

FIG. 4

) via a reduction gear train not shown. During printing, the shafts

42

and

43

each rotate by a predetermined amount to feed the tape T and the ink ribbon R by a corresponding predetermined amount, respectively.

As shown in

FIG. 2

, the head unit

45

accommodates the print head

46

comprised of a thermal head. The print head

46

can move between an original or waiting position thereof and a printing position in which it presses the tape T and the ink ribbon R against the platen roller

39

. More specifically, the print head

46

is held in the original or waiting position when printing is not carried out, and is moved to the printing position in response to a print command to effect a predetermined print on the tape T based on print data supplied to the print head

46

via the P-CON

250

and a head driver

272

.

Next, a cutting block

13

for cutting off the printed portion of the tape T will be described. The cutting block

13

includes a tape cutter

131

provided on a compartment side of the tape exit

10

for cutting the tape T and a cutter motor

132

for driving the tape cutter

131

for a cutting operation. When a printing process is terminated, the tape T is further fed by a predetermined amount, and then stopped, whereupon the cutter motor

132

starts driving the tape cutter

131

for cutting off the printed portion of the tape T automatically (automatic cutting). In the tape printing apparatus

1

, it is also possible to cancel an automatic cutting mode and cut the tape T manually. In this case, when the tape T is sent out by a predetermined amount after completion of printing, a cutting button

133

arranged in a rear left corner of the tape printing apparatus

1

is depressed so as to drive the tape cutter

131

for cutting operation (manual cutting).

Next, a basic construction of a control system of the tape printing apparatus

1

will be described with reference to FIG.

4

. As shown in the figure, in the tape printing apparatus

1

, the control block

200

controls the display

9

, the printing block

12

, and the cutting block

13

, via the driving circuit

270

in response to input signals from the keyboard

8

. The control block

200

includes a CPU

210

, a ROM

220

, a character generator ROM (CG-ROM)

230

, a RAM

240

and the P-CON

250

, all of which are connected to each other by a bus

260

.

The ROM

220

includes a control program memory area

221

storing control programs executed by the CPU

210

, a control data memory area

222

storing various control data items, and so forth. The CG-ROM

230

stores font data of characters, such as letters, symbols and graphics, provided for the tape printing apparatus

1

, and outputs corresponding font data when code data identifying a character is given thereto.

The RAM

240

is used as a work area for carrying out control processes. The RAM

240

includes a register group

241

, a text data memory area

242

for storing text data entered by the user via the keyboard

8

, a display image data memory area

243

for storing image data corresponding to contents displayed on the display screen

91

, a print buffer

244

which is an area for forming an image to be printed on the tape T (i.e. a print image), and a one-line buffer

245

which is an area for temporarily storing data of each dot line, referred to hereinbelow, of the image formed in the print buffer

244

. The RAM

240

is supplied with power by a backup circuit, not shown, even when the power is turned off, so as to preserve stored data therein.

The P-CON

250

includes a logical circuit comprised of a gate array, a custom LSI, etc. for complementing the function of the CPU

210

as well as dealing with signals for interface with peripheral circuits. The P-CON

250

is connected to the keyboard

8

and various sensors, not shown, for delivering various commands and input data from the keyboard

8

and various detection signals from the sensors to the CPU

210

or the RAM

240

via the bus

260

, after processing or without any processing. The P-CON

250

also delivers data and control signals received from the CPU

210

, etc. via the bus

260

, to the driving circuit

270

after processing or without any processing.

The driving circuit

270

is comprised of the display driver

271

, the head driver

272

, and a motor driver

273

. The display driver

271

controls the display screen

91

in response to control signals outputted from the control block

200

. Similarly, the head driver

272

drives the print head

46

in accordance with instructions from the control block

200

. Further, the motor driver

273

drives the DC motor

44

of the print block

12

to control the platen roller-driving shaft

42

and the take-up reel-driving shaft

43

and at the same time drives the cutter motor

132

of the cutting block

13

to control the tape cutter

131

.

In the control system configured as above, the CPU

210

receives via the P-CON

250

various commands and data items entered via the keyboard

8

in accordance with control programs read out from the ROM

220

, processes font data from the CG-ROM

230

and various data items stored in the RAM

240

, and delivers control signals to the driving circuit

270

via the P-CON

250

to thereby carry out print control and display control of the display screen

91

, and at the same time control the print head

46

to cause the same to carry out printing on the tape T under predetermined printing conditions. In short, the CPU

210

controls the overall operation of the tape printing apparatus

1

.

In the case of the tape printing apparatus

1

, the apparatus and method according to the present invention are implemented mainly by the operating block

11

and the control block

200

. Now, features of operations executed by the tape printing apparatus

1

will be described with reference to

FIGS. 5A

to

18

, following operating procedures up to label making.

First, when the power is turned on, the tape printing apparatus

1

is started to e placed in an operating status (operational mode) in which key entry is permitted, i.e. in an entry mode. In this entry mode, the keyboard

8

can be operated as required to enter desired characters (hereinafter referred to as “a character string” (including a case in which the character string is formed of a single character)). The printing apparatus

1

is capable of not only printing an image of an entered character string (character string image) on the tape T just as it is, but also decorating part or the whole of the character string image e.g. by the technique of “italicization”, “emphasis”, “hollow characters” or the like and then printing the decorated character string on the tape T. To carry out decoration of a character string, a decoration mode key

821

for changing modes is depressed to switch the operational mode from the entry mode to a decoration mode. Then, when a desired decoration is displayed by operating the cursor keys

830

(left arrow key

830

a,

right arrow key

830

b,

up arrow key

830

c,

and down arrow key

830

d

) as required, the selection key

840

is depressed to finally determine the decoration.

Further, the tape printing apparatus

1

enables setting of various outer frames each of which is used for enclosing a character string image to be printed on the tape T. To set an outer frame, a frame-setting key

822

is depressed, similarly to the case of decoration, to switch the operational mode from the entry mode to an outer frame-setting mode. Then, when a desired outer frame is displayed by operating the cursor keys

830

as required, the selection key

840

is depressed to fix the outer frame.

Printing is carried out by depressing a print key

823

when entry of a character string is completed, or after completion of setting of a decoration or an outer frame if it is desired. The tape printing apparatus

1

is provided with two kinds of print keys

820

. One of them is a normal print key

823

a

for printing an entered character string on the tape T as it is (or in a decorated state e.g. if the decoration of the character string is set), and the other is a special print key

823

b

for printing a character string in a manner such that it is undulated or serrated in the direction of width of the tape T. Hereinafter, printing carried out by depressing the normal print key

823

a

is referred to as “normal printing”, while printing carried out by depressing the special print key

823

b

is referred to as “special printing”.

Next, description will be made of a method of printing a character string image of an entered character string on the tape T, particularly in special printing.

Now, let it be assumed that a character string “UNDULATION” is entered in the tape printing apparatus

1

. If the character string is entered and then the normal print key

823

a

is depressed for carrying out printing (normal printing), without a decoration or an outer frame being set, an image of the character string “UNDULATION” is printed on the tape T as shown in FIG.

5

A. On the other hand, after entry of the same character string, if the special print key

823

b

is depressed for carrying out printing (special printing), without a decoration or an outer frame being set, the character string image is printed in a undulated manner as shown in

FIGS. 5B

,

5

C or in a serrated manner as shown in

FIGS. 5D

,

5

E. Hereinafter, printing in which a character string image is printed in a undulated manner is referred to as “undulating printing”, while printing in which a character string image is printed in a serrated manner is referred to as “serrating printing”.

FIGS. 6 and 7

are for explaining keyboard operations in the special printing and show the resulting screens of the screen display caused by the keyboard operations. In the figures, G

1

to G

11

each schematically show an image of a screen displayed on the display screen

91

, while S

1

to S

11

each represent a keyboard operation described hereinbelow.

Referring to

FIG. 6

, when the special print key

823

b

is depressed (S

1

) after the character string is entered (G

1

), the operational mode is switched from the entry mode to a special printing mode. At this time point, “Special Print” is displayed as a title on an upper half portion of the display screen

91

, and “Undulate” is displayed in reverse video on a lower half portion of the same (G

2

). The displayed image “Undulate” represents an option for selecting the undulating printing. Selection of the option enables the character string image to be printed in undulating printing.

Further, if the down arrow key

830

a

is depressed (S

2

) when the screen display displays the G

2

, the screen display changes to a screen G

3

, in which “Serrate” is displayed in reverse video in place of “Undulate”. Similarly to “Undulate”, the displayed image “Serrate” represents an option for selecting the serrating printing. Selection of the option enables the character string image to be printed in serrating printing.

When the screen G

2

or G

3

is displayed, the screen can be switched between G

2

and G

3

each time the down arrow key

830

d

or the up arrow key

830

c

is selectively depressed. Arrows “↓↑” in

FIGS. 6 and 7

indicate that it is possible to switch the screen alternately between G

2

and G

3

.

Now, let it be assumed that the selection key

840

is depressed (S

3

) for selection of “Undulate” in the display G

2

. By depression of the selection key

840

, the operational mode is switched to an “undulating printing mode”, whereby the screen display changes to G

4

. In undulating printing, it is possible to print a print image selectively in long undulations (see

FIG. 5B

) and in short undulations (see FIG.

5

C), so that the cursor key

830

may be depressed (S

4

) for selecting either “Big Wave”, i.e. printing in long undulations (G

4

) or “Small Wave”, i.e. printing in short undulations (G

5

). In the illustrated example, it is assumed that “Big Wave” is selected (S

5

). If “Serrate” is selected in place of “Undulate” at the step S

3

, “Big Tooth”, i.e. printing in deep serrations (see

FIG. 5D

) and “Small Tooth”, i.e. printing in shallow serrations (see

FIG. 5E

) are displayed in the screen displays G

4

and G

5

, respectively.

As described above, the tape printing apparatus allows the user to select a desired one out of the four kinds of modification patterns, i.e. “Big Wave”, “Small Tooth”, “Big Tooth”, and “Small Tooth” and then print a character string image based on the selected pattern. Thus, modification pattern-selecting means of the invention is implemented by the keyboard

8

, the display

9

, and a program for forming and displaying the various modification patterns on the display screen

91

and enabling selection of a desired modification pattern.

If a desired modification pattern (“Big Wave” in the present case) is selected in the undulating printing mode (S

5

), the operational mode is switched to a “size correction-setting mode” which enables setting of correction of the character size of each character image, and a screen G

6

is displayed. Size correction in the size correction-setting mode is performed in the case of part of a character string image extends off a printable area (print area) of the tape T in undulating or serrating printing of the character string (see

FIGS. 5B

to

5

E), so as to reduce the size of the character images before the special printing is carried out, thereby preventing the character string image printed in special printing from extending off the print area of the tape T. Therefore, once size correction has been set, the character string image can be printed on the tape T without extending off the print area (see FIG.

8

). In the size correction-setting mode, the cursor key

830

(S

6

) is operated to select between “on” (G

6

) for setting size correction and “off” (G

7

) for prohibiting size correction. In the illustrated example, it is assumed that “off” is selected (S

7

).

When “off” is selected in the size correction-setting mode (S

7

), the operational mode is switched to a “circulation-setting mode”, and a screen G

8

is displayed. The function of circulation to be set in the circulation-setting mode enables a portion of a character string image for undulation or serration which extends off one side of the print area of the tape T to be printed on an opposite side of the same. In short, the circulation function causes each portion of the character string image which lies out of the print area of the tape T to be moved to the opposite side portion of the print area with its orientation preserved, and printed on the tape T (see

FIGS. 9A

,

9

B). In the circulation-setting mode, the cursor key (S

8

) is operated to select between “on” (G

8

) for setting the circulation and “off” (G

9

) for prohibiting the circulation.

On the other hand, if “on” is selected in the size correction-setting mode, the operational mode is switched not to the circulation-setting mode but to a “print execution mode”, referred to hereinafter, and a screen G

10

is displayed. When the size correction is set, a character string image is fitted in or adapted in size to the print area of the tape T, and hence the character string image printed on the tape T does not need the circulation. For this reason, when the size correction is set, the operational mode is switched directly to the “print execution mode”. Thus, the size correction and the circulation are alternatively set.

When “on” or “off” is selected (S

9

) in the screen display G

8

or G

9

, the operational mode is switched from the circulation-setting mode to the print execution mode, whereby the screen display G

10

is displayed. The print execution mode is a mode for making a final decision as to whether or not printing should be executed. In this mode, it is possible to depress the cursor key

830

(S

10

) to thereby select between “EXECUTE” (G

10

) for permitting printing and “CANCEL” (Gll) for prohibiting printing. If “EXECUTE” is selected (S

11

), the character string image is printed on the tape T, based on the various setting described above.

Next, a process for forming a print image in “undulating printing” and “serrating printing” will be described in detail with reference to

FIGS. 10A

to

18

. In these printing methods, data (basic image data) of a basic image, i.e. an image identical to one to be printed in normal printing is stored in the print buffer

244

of the RAM

240

in a manner developed or transformed into a dot matrix, and then respective dots forming the basic image are shifted based on a selected modification pattern to form a desired print image.

The print buffer

244

includes an area corresponding to the print area of the tape T, and the CPU

210

reads data associated with the basic image from the CG-ROM

230

, etc., develops the data into a dot matrix, and stores the developed data in the print buffer

244

. Therefore, data-developing means of the invention is implemented by the CPU

210

, the print buffer

244

, the CG-ROM

230

, and a program for developing data into a dot matrix and storing the developed data in the print buffer

244

.

FIG. 10A

imaginarily shows a basic image of the entered character string in a state stored in the print buffer

244

, while

FIG. 10B

shows a character image of “U” of the character string on an enlarged scale. A print image in “undulating printing” or “serrating printing” is formed by shifting each dot of each dot line forming part of the basic image shown in FIG.

10

B and extending in a direction corresponding to the direction of width of the tape T (vertical direction in FIG.

10

A), in a direction along the dot line by a predetermined amount. Hereinafter, the amount of shifting of each dot of each dot line is referred to simply as “the shift amount”.

Next, a method of calculating the shift amount will be described. First, in the case of “undulating printing”, if the number of dots of the print buffer

244

aligned in the direction corresponding to the direction of width of the tape T (hereinafter referred to as “the width dot number”) is represented by W, and numbers

1

,

2

,

3

, . . . (hereinafter referred to as “the line numbers”) sequentially assigned to the respective dot lines of the print buffer

244

each extending in the direction corresponding to the direction of width of the tape T, starting from a dot line at a forward end (left side end in

FIG. 10A

) of the print buffer

244

with respect to a direction corresponding to the direction of length of the tape T are generically represented by ln, the shift amount S for “Big Wave” printing and that for “Small Wave” printing can be calculated respectively by the use of the following equations 1 and 2:

S

=(

W/

3) sin {(

ln/

8

W

)×2π} (1)

S

=(

W/

4) sin {(

ln/

4

W

)×2π} (2)

The shift amounts S obtained from the equations 1 and 2 when the width dot number W is set to 64 are shown in the following tables 1 and 2, respectively.

TABLE 1

Line Number ln

1

2

3

. . .

127

128

129

. . .

(ln/8W) × 2π

0.012

0.024

0.037

. . .

1.559

1.571

1.583

. . .

Sin{(ln/8W) × 2π}

0.012

0.025

0.037

. . .

1.000

1.000

1.000

. . .

(W/3)sin{(ln/8W) × 2π}

0.261

0.524

0.785

. . .

21.33

21.33

21.33

. . .

Shift Amount S (Dots)

0

1

1

. . .

21

21

21

. . .

Line Number ln

255

256

257

. . .

383

384

385

. . .

(ln/8W) × 2π

3.129

3.142

3.154

. . .

4.700

4.712

4.725

. . .

Sin{(ln/8W) × 2π}

0.012

0.000

−0.012

. . .

−1.000

−1.000

−1.000

. . .

(W/3)sin{(ln/8W) × 2π}

0.262

0.000

−0.262

. . .

−21.33

−21.33

−21.33

. . .

Shift Amount S (Dots)

0

0

0

. . .

−21

−21

−21

. . .

Line Number ln

511

512

513

. . .

639

640

641

. . .

(ln/8W) × 2π

6.271

6.283

6.295

. . .

7.842

7.854

7.866

. . .

Sin{(ln/8W) × 2π}

−0.012

0.000

0.012

. . .

1.000

1.000

1.000

. . .

(W/3)sin{(ln/8W) × 2π}

−0.262

0.000

0.262

. . .

21.33

21.33

21.33

. . .

Shift Amount S (Dots)

0

0

0

. . .

21

21

21

. . .

W = 64

Line numbers in values of which are actually shown in the table 1 or 2 are ones whose shift amounts S are equal to “0”, the maximum, and the minimum, as well as ones immediately before and after these line numbers ln. The shift amount S is obtained by rounding off a result of calculation by the use of the equation (1) or 2. When the shift amount S is positive, each dot of each dot line shown in

FIG. 10B

is shifted upward, whereas when the shift amount S is negative, each dot is shifted downward.

As shown by the equations 1, 2 and the tables 1, 2, the shift amounts S are each calculated by the use of the equation including a sine function, and hence the shift amount S increases or decreases according to the sine function. Therefore, if each dot of each dot line forming part of the basic image is shifted according to the calculated shift amount, the basic image is deformed to be undulated in the direction of width of the tape T, based on a sine curve, whereby a print image for undulating printing is formed. It should be noted that a data table defining values of the shift amount on a dot line-by-dot line basis may be searched to obtain the shift amount S instead of calculating the sine function by the equation (1) or 2. This makes it possible to speed up calculation of the shift amount S.

On the other hand, in the case of “serrating printing”, the shift amount S for “Big Tooth” printing and that for “Small Tooth” printing can be calculated, respectively, e.g. by the use of the following equations 3 and 4:

S

=mod{

ln

/(

W/

4)}×mod[{int(

ln

/(

W/

4))+1}/2]+[(

W/

4)−mod{

ln

/(

W/

4)}]×mod[int{

ln

/(

W/

4)}/2] (3)

where “mod” represents a remainder resulting from a division within the following brace or bracket, and “int” a quotient obtained by a division within the following brace or bracket. The symbols “mod” and “int” in the equation (4) also represent a remainder and a quotient, respectively.

S

=mod{

ln

/(

W/

8)}×mod[{int(

ln/(W/

8))+1}/2]+[(

W/

8)−mod{

ln

/(

W/

8)}]×mod [int{

ln

/(

W/

8)}/2] (4)

The shift amounts S obtained from the equations 3 and 4 when the width dot number W is set to 64 are shown in the following tables 3 and 4, respectively. In the tables 3 and 4, line numbers ln values of which are actually shown in the table 1 or 2 are ones whose shift amounts S are equal to “0”, the maximum, and the minimum, as well as ones immediately before and after these line numbers ln.

TABLE 3

Line Number ln

1

2

3

. . .

15

16

17

. . .

31

32

33

. . .

47

48

49

. . .

63

64

65

. . .

α: mod{ln/(W/4)}

1

2

3

. . .

15

0

1

. . .

15

0

1

. . .

15

0

1

. . .

15

0

1

. . .

β: mod[{int(ln/(W/4)) + 1}/2]

1

1

1

. . .

1

0

0

. . .

0

1

1

. . .

1

0

0

. . .

0

1

1

. . .

γ: [(W/4) − mod{ln/(W/4)}]

15

14

13

. . .

1

16

15

. . .

1

16

15

. . .

1

16

15

. . .

1

16

15

. . .

δ: mod[int{ln/(W/4)}/2]

0

0

0

. . .

0

1

1

. . .

1

0

0

. . .

0

1

1

. . .

1

0

0

. . .

Shift Amount S (Dots) α × β + γ × δ

1

2

3

. . .

15

16

15

. . .

1

0

1

. . .

15

16

15

. . .

1

0

1

. . .

W = 64

TABLE 4

Line Number ln

1

2

3

. . .

7

8

9

. . .

15

16

17

. . .

23

24

25

. . .

31

32

33

. . .

α: mod{ln/(W/4)}

1

2

3

. . .

7

0

1

. . .

7

0

1

. . .

7

0

1

. . .

7

0

1

. . .

β: mod[{int(ln/(W/4)) + 1}/2]

1

1

1

. . .

0

1

1

. . .

0

1

1

. . .

1

0

0

. . .

0

1

1

. . .

γ: [(W/4) − mod{ln/(W/4)}]

7

6

5

. . .

1

8

7

. . .

1

8

7

. . .

1

8

7

. . .

1

8

7

. . .

δ: mod[int{ln/(W/4)}/2]

0

0

0

. . .

0

1

1

. . .

1

0

0

. . .

0

1

1

. . .

1

0

0

. . .

Shift Amount S (Dots) α × β + γ × δ

1

2

3

. . .

7

8

7

. . .

1

0

1

. . .

7

8

7

. . .

1

0

1

. . .

W = 64

As shown by the equations 3, 4 and the tables 3, 4, each of the equations for calculating the shift amount S for “serrating printing” has a right side including a first term from which a continuously increasing shift amount S is obtained (α×β: see the tables 3, 4) and a second term from which a continuously decreasing shift amount S is obtained (γ×δ: see the tables 3, 4). Further, the expression β of the first term and the expression δ of the second term each assume “0” or “1” depending on the line number ln, whereby the values of the first and second terms are alternately reflected in the shift amount S. Therefore, calculation by combination of the first and second terms makes it possible to obtain a print image formed by serrating the basic image. The above equations (1), (2), (3) and (4) are stored in advance in the ROM

220

(modification pattern storage means) as shift amount-calculating programs. In short, these equations (1), (2), (3) and (4) define the four modification patterns “Big Wave”, “Small Wave”, “Big Tooth” and “Small Tooth” referred to hereinabove.

Next, description will be made of internal processing executed by the control block

200

for forming a print image and print processing executed based on the internal processing, with reference to

FIGS. 11 and 12

. When “EXECUTE” of special printing is selected at S

11

in

FIG. 7

, it is determined at a step S

21

whether or not the size correction is set. If the size correction is set (Yes to S

21

), the basic image is scaled down or decreased in size at a step S

22

to prevent the basic image from spreading beyond the print area of the tape T when the dots of all the dot lines are shifted based on any one of the modification patterns.

More specifically, the basic image is scaled down such that the maximum number of dots of the basic image along the direction corresponding to the direction of width of the tape T (i.e. the number of dots between an upper end of the basic image and a lower end of the same) becomes smaller than a value obtained by subtracting a maximum value of the shift amount S from the width dot number W of the print buffer

244

. In the case of “undulating printing”, it often happens that the shift amount S becomes negative, so that the maximum value of the shift amount S is obtained by adding the shift amount of dots shifted upward and that of dots shifted downward. Therefore, e.g. when the “Big Wave” printing is selected, the maximum value of the shift amount calculated based on the table 1 is equal to 42 (=21+21) dots.

In general, a basic image can be scaled down by thinning out the dots of each dot line extending in the direction corresponding to the direction of width of the tape, by a predetermined number of dots. Further, when a basic image is formed only by a character string image as in the present embodiment, the basic image may be scaled down by changing the size of the characters to a smaller one.

Thereafter, the basic image data is stored in the print buffer

244

, and print data of the same kind as used in normal printing is produced at a step S

23

.

Then, at a step S

24

, a line number counter for counting the line number ln and a print data R/W pointer for designating an address of a predetermined dot line in the print buffer

244

and reading and writing data associated with the dot line are each initialized. More specifically, a certain variable is defined as a line number counter, and “0” is assigned to the variable. Similarly, a certain variable is defined as a print data R/W pointer, and this variable is set such that an address of the first dot line (dot line number ln=1) in the print buffer

244

can be designated by the variable.

Then, as shown in

FIG. 12

, it is determined at a step S

25

whether or not a dot line having an address actually designated by the print data R/W pointer is within an area permitting special printing, i.e. “undulating printing” or “serrating printing”. More specifically, print data is stored in the print buffer

244

in view of lengths of respective margins between a print image to be printed and an extreme forward end and between the print image and an extreme backward end of a label, so that at the step S

25

, it is determined by the use of the line number whether or not the dot line having the address designated by the print data R/W pointer is within a margin. Since a dot line in such a margin has no dots to be shifted, the dot line is judged to be out of the area permitting special printing (No to S

25

), and the shift amount associated with the dot line is not calculated.

The tape printing apparatus

1

allows the user to set the margin lengths freely. However, if the length of the margin on the forward end side of the tape is set to an extremely small value (e.g. approximately 1 mm), the distance between the print head

46

and the tape cutter

131

does not allow the tape T to be automatically cut such that the tape T can have the margin. For this reason, a pair of cut marks M, M are printed in upper and lower portions of the tape T along the width thereof, respectively, so as to inform the user of an imaginary cutoff line. That is, when the user cuts the tape T e.g. by scissors along the imaginary cutoff line extending through the cut marks M, M, a margin having a length set by the user is formed on the forward end side of the tape T.

In an identical dot line in the print buffer

244

, there is stored positive dot data of several dots required for printing the cut marks M, M on the tape T. If the dots forming the cut mark M are shifted, they are likely to be moved out of the tape T, forming no cut mark M. Therefore, the dot line having the cut marks M, M is also placed out of the area permitting special printing, whereby the dots of the dot line are prevented from being shifted (No to S

25

).

If it is determined that the dot line is within the area permitting special printing (Yes to S

25

), the shift amount S is calculated at a step S

26

by the use of the line number ln and one of the equations 1 to 4 which corresponds to a desired modification pattern. Then, at a step S

27

, data of the dot line at locations (addresses) designated by the print data R/W pointer are read from respective locations (addresses) displaced by the calculated shift amount S in a direction opposite to a shifting direction, and stored in the one-line buffer

245

having the same capacity as one dot line.

When the circulation has not been set in the circulation-setting mode (No to S

28

), the data stored in the one-line buffer

245

are written into the print buffer

244

at the addresses designated by the print data R/W pointer at a step S

30

.

FIG. 14

schematically shows the sequential processes executed at steps S

27

, S

28

and S

30

when the shift amount is set to 2 dots. As shown in the figure, data items of a third dot from the top of the dot line in the print buffer

244

and dots subsequent thereto of the same dot line are designated by the print data R/W pointer and stored in the one-line buffer

245

in a manner arranged in sequence from the top of the one-line buffer

245

. Then, at the step S

30

, the data items are written into the print buffer

244

at the addresses designated by the print data R/W pointer in a manner arranged in sequence from the top of the print buffer

244

. In each of last two dots of the one-line buffer

245

is stored a value (e.g. NULL) indicating that there is no data. Thus, when the circulation is not set, the data extending off the print area (in the case of the illustrated example, the data of the first and second dots of the dot line from the upper end thereof as viewed in

FIG. 14

, which is originally stored in the print buffer

244

), is discarded or not printed.

On the other hand, when the circulation has been set in the circulation-setting mode (Yes to S

28

), dots of each dot line in the print buffer

244

are shifted circularly in a state of both ends of the dot line being imaginarily linked to each other. More specifically, at a step S

29

, the data of the dot line at the addresses designated by the print data R/W pointer are read from respective locations displaced by the calculated shift amount S in the direction opposite to the shifting direction, and stored in the one-line buffer

245

. At the same time, data of dots displaced from the print area due to the shifting are stored in an opposite end portion (bottom end portion in the illustrated example) of the one-line buffer

245

. Then, at the following step S

30

, the data stored in the one-line buffer

245

are written into the print buffer

244

at the address designated by the print data R/W pointer.

FIG. 15

schematically shows sequential processes executed at the steps S

27

, S

28

, S

29

and S

30

when the shift amount is set to 2 dots similarly to the case in FIG.

14

. Differently from the case in which circulation has not been set, the data items of the two displaced dots are stored in the last two elements of the one-line buffer

245

in each of which the NULL value would be stored if the circulation were not set. Thereafter, at the step S

30

, the data stored in the one-line buffer are written into the print buffer

244

at the addresses designated by the print data R/W pointer.

Then, the dot line data, i.e. one dot line (one line) of data, written into the print buffer

244

from the one-line buffer

245

are printed on the tape T via the print head

46

at a step S

31

. Thereafter, the line number counter and the print data R/W pointer are updated respectively at the following step S

32

such that the line number counter is incremented by 1, and the print data R/W pointer designates the following next set of addresses.

The above processing from the steps S

25

to S

32

is executed repeatedly, whereby the print image is formed and printed on the tape T on a dot line-by-dot line basis.

FIG. 16A

schematically shows a shift of each dot line in normal printing, while

FIG. 16B

shows one in undulating printing. The undulating printing in

FIG. 16B

is carried out without using any one of the above equations. Similarly,

FIG. 17

schematically shows a shift of each dot of each dot line in serrating printing. As shown in the figure, each dot of the each dot line is shifted based on the shift amount S, and then the dot lines are printed on the tape T on a line-by-line basis. Then, when printing of a last one of the dot lines forming the print image is completed (Yes to S

33

), the internal processing is terminated, and a label bearing the print image obtained by undulating or serrating the basic image (see

FIGS. 5B

to

5

E,

8

and

9

) is produced.

Although detailed description is omitted, the equations for calculating the shift amount S can be altered as required, to shift each dot of each dot line according to a continuously increasing shift amount S as shown in FIG.

18

.

It should be noted that as a variation of the above embodiment, the flow of the print process shown in the

FIG. 12

flowchart may be changed, as shown in

FIG. 19

, such that immediately after the calculation of the shift amount (S

26

), the determination as to the setting of the circulation may be carried out at a step S

27

′, and depending on the result of the determination, the program proceeds to a step S

28

′, wherein the print data is stored in the one-line buffer

245

by discarding data extending off the print area, or to a step S

29

′, wherein the print data is stored in the one-line buffer while also storing the data extending off the print area at an opposite side of the one-line buffer.

As described above, the present invention makes it possible to shift each dot of each dot line forming part of a basic image in the direction along the dot line based on a desired modification pattern, to thereby form a print image deformed in the direction of width of a tape, enabling creation of labels richer in variety than conventional ones.

Further, since size correction can be set before forming a print image, the print image is prevented from spreading beyond the print area of the tape T, and hence a good-looking label can be produced. Still further, the circulation can be set before forming a print image, so that even if part of a character string image or the like is displaced from the print area of the tape T, one or more displaced portions can be each printed as a print image in a predetermined portion of the print area, which makes it possible to recognize the original character string image. Moreover, as shown in

FIG. 20

, if a plurality (three in the figure) of labels made after the setting of the circulation are placed in a manner continuous with each other in the direction of width of the tape, each displaced portion of a print image on a label is complemented by a corresponding portion of the print image printed on an adjacent label. Therefore, it is possible to make a label having thereon the identical print images printed parallel to each other in the direction of width of the tape.

Another advantage of the invention concerns printing of e.g. an image having a song title enclosed by a staff as an outer frame. If the image is printed in normal printing, a label as shown in

FIG. 21A

is produced. On the other hand, if the identical image is printed in “undulating printing”, the created label can give a melodious impression (see FIG.

21

B). Further, if a character string image containing a horrifying word, such as “Dracula”, is printed in “serrating printing”, it is possible to make a label giving a fearful impression (see

21

A). Similarly, if a character string “CAUTION” is printed in “serrating printing”, it is possible to make a label giving a feeling of danger of electric shock (see FIG.

22

B).

Although in the present embodiment, the equations 1 to 4 are used for calculating the shift amount, this is not limitative, but any other equation may be used so long as it can be used for shifting the dots of respective dot lines in a direction corresponding to the direction of width of a tape. Further, the maximum shift amount of each dot may be preset according to the width of the tape. In this case, it is possible to form a print image having a proper size according to the difference in width of each type of tape. Further, although in the print processing of the embodiment, the dot lines in the print buffer are subjected to printing and shift processing on a line-by-line basis, the data in the print buffer may be printed in a single operation after the shift processing has been executed for all the dot lines.

Still further, although in the embodiment, the character string image is formed as a print image, this is not limitative, but the invention can be applied to cases where print images of various kinds of images such as graphics and pictures are formed.

Moreover, in the embodiment, each dot of each dot line extending in the direction corresponding to the direction along the width of the tape is shifted in the direction along the dot line. However, each dot of each dot line orthogonal to the above dot lines, i.e. each dot of each dot line extending in a direction corresponding to the direction of length of the tape may be shifted in the direction along the dot line. In this case, the basic image is deformed in the direction of length of the tape to form a print image.

It is further understood by those skilled in the art that the foregoing is a preferred embodiment of the invention, and that various changes and modifications may be made without departing from the spirit and scope thereof.

Tape printing apparatus and method of forming print image for tape

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