Tape printing device

The present invention relates to a tape printing system, in particular, but not exclusively, to a thermal printing system for printing on a tape.

Thermal printing devices of the general type with which the present invention is concerned, are known. Such devices operate with a supply of tape to record an image and a means for transferring an image onto the tape. At a known apparatus comprises a tape holding case a supply of image receiving tape and a supply of image transfer ribbon, the image receiving tape and the image transfer belt in mutual overlap through a printing zone of Printing apparatus are performed. In the pressure zone acts a thermal print head with a Counter-pressure roller together to an image from the transfer ribbon to the image receiving tape transferred to. A method operating with a tape holding case of this type A printing apparatus, for example, in EP-A-0267890 (Varitronics, Inc.). There are other printing devices have been made in which by means of a Dry lettering or dry film impression process letters on an image receiving tape be transmitted. In all of these printing devices, the construction is the Image receiving tape substantially equal. That is, it comprises an upper, an image-receiving layer, said releasable means of an adhesive layer at a Back layer is attached.

Once an image or message is printed on the tape, is this belt section cut off in order to use as a label. The releaseable backing layer is then stripped from the upper layer to enable the upper layer can be attached by means of the adhesive layer on a surface.

From EP-A-0322918 (Brother Kogyo KK) a printing apparatus is also known in which a tape holding case a supply of transparent image receiving tape and contains a supply of image transfer ribbon. The tape holding case also receives a supply of backing tape, the backing layer with a comprising an adhesive layer on its underside, on the rear side of a peelable is attached, as well as an adhesive layer on its upper side, which on the Image receiving tape can be attached after printed with an image has been. With this device, the image is a mirror image on the image receiving tape printed, wherein, when viewed through the image receiving tape therethrough is again properly read. This device provides protection of the pressure when using of the label.

In all above mentioned devices, a single unit containing the printing mechanism for carrying out the thermal printing process, a feed mechanism, the guides the tape through the print zone, an input device for inputting text data defining the characters to be printed, etc., a display to display the text, and a processor for controlling the printing operations corresponding to the input data with the input device. Usually the input device is a keyboard. The display is usually a fairly small LCD display. Some well-known printing device of this type have nevertheless fairly sophisticated advertisements, then for example in EP 574 225 a printing apparatus described with a so-called WYSIWYG display.

It is also known in other type of printing device, such as in EP 680 010 (Esselte) and US 5,538,352 described (Brother) in which the input device and the display being spaced apart from the printing mechanism itself. A conventional PC, the display and the input device to provide in the form of a keyboard. A stand-alone printing unit, which is connected to the PC, provides the Printing mechanism, the feed mechanism for the tape and the cassette receiving space or the cassette receiving spaces ready. The software, which together is with the products described in these applications, sold, does not allow to rotate the view of the strip on the screen of the PC. The text is entered (or edited) as shown and printed on the tape becomes. This has some disadvantages, which will be described.

The thermal printing devices and systems described above allow a text enter in various ways. So the text can be entered in the "horizontal" format be in the running, the character in the direction of belt length and in which the characters can be read normally (s. word "BOOK" in Figure 1a). When shown as typed text on a WYSIWYG display is, ie, on a display on which the label is shown substantially as it is printed, the horizontal text can in normal orientation by the user to be read. Figure 1b shows the text in a "twisted" format. In the above Pressure equipment described is achieved this format in that the text in horizontal format is entered, is highlighted and a "rotation function" is performed. In the rotated format, the characters extend toward the bandwidth can normally transversely (in the direction of the pressure feed) and the text be read on the tape. If such a text on a WYSIWYG display is displayed, it can not be read normally by the user, it is because he tilts his head by 90 ° or turned in to read the text.

Figure 2a shows a label with a first form of a "vertical" format. To extend about the character of the word "FILE" transversely lengthwise the Band and the text is normally read top to bottom.

To enter text vertically, the user enters the text of a Character or a sequence of characters is, the input device in normal horizontal mode (such as BOOK in Figure 1a). Then, the "vertical" Function is executed to rotate the characters 90 degrees so that the text now is read vertically.

As in the example shown in Figure 1b, the user can the word FILE in Figure 2a read on a WYSIWYG display only good when the head is rotated.

Figure 2b shows the word "FILE" in a second form of the vertical format.

So it is with the existing printing devices (especially in text format difficult of Figure 2a) to write labels or edit, particularly complex labels that include a combination of different text format forms, since the user can the individual characters do not look good or the out the characters formed words can not read well, while the characters enters or written the label.

According to the present invention is a printing system for producing printed Labels provided includes the printing system<sl><li>a printing mechanism for printing input text to an image receiving medium, while the image receiving medium at a printing mechanism is passed;</li><li>a display for displaying the text to be printed along with a Image of the image receiving medium onto which the text to be printed;</li><li>an input device for inputting text data forming the text define characters, text format data on the format of the text in relation define the image receiving medium, and image orientation data, the orientation of the define the image on the display;</li><li>Storage means for storing the text data, text format data and image orientation data; and</li><li>a processor which is connected to the input device to the text data, receiving format data and image orientation data and in the storage means to store, and which is operable to display so that it the controls that the image is displayed, wherein the processor is operable, the image on the display to rotate according to the image orientation data and the print data to send to the print mechanism.</li></sl>

In the present invention thus proposes the image of the band together to rotate with the entered text on the screen so that the user the text can read the tape regardless of its orientation. The input device therefore, can be used to input image orientation data define the orientation of the image with respect to the user.

If the user enters a (new) Text, the text format data, among other things, can the orientation of the text to the band define, on the orientation of the currently selected ie depending on the image orientation data of the image.

If the user enters a new text or an existing text edited, the display by the processor is preferably controlled so that the input or edited text is displayed so that it regardless of the orientation the characters can be read normally. This may mean that a own box opens, in the text entered or edited horizontally is displayed, regardless of its orientation with respect to the tape and independently whether it is a "normal" or "vertical" Text (s. further down).

The input device may also be used to enter text rotation data, defining the rotation of the text relating to the user. A memory it can be provided stored in the text along with the text rotation data is, the image in a selected orientation relative to the user can be called up and displayed. The image orientation data may additionally are stored in memory, so that the image in the selected orientation can be called.

In the described embodiment, a cursor is displayed that represents the position, to which an input character is displayed. The cursor position can be controlled so that it moves horizontally on the display.

The printing system may consist of a stand-alone printing apparatus, wherein the printing mechanism, the input device, the display and the processor form a unit. Alternatively, the pressure mechanism provided as a printer be the set from the PC input device, display and processor is. The data for printing and the data for controlling the printing mechanism then by means of a cable connection or other transfer device transmitted to the printing mechanism.

The present invention also provides a method for printing labels to an image receiving medium before; this method comprising the following steps:<sl><li>Inputting text data defining the text-forming characters of Text format data, the format of the text relative to the image receiving medium define, and image orientation data corresponding to the orientation of the image on define display;</li><li>Storing the text data, text format data and image orientation data in a memory means;</li><li>Displaying the text to be printed along with a picture of the image receiving medium, the text will be printed;</li><li>Rotate the image on the screen according to the image orientation data; and</li><li>entered Sending print data to the printing mechanism and the printing Text according to the text data and the text format data on an image receiving medium.</li></sl>

For a better understanding of the invention and to show how the Feasibility are the following embodiments of the invention explained in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Show it:<sl><li>Figure 1a and 1b Examples of labels with text in a "horizontal" format;</li><li>Figure 2a and 2b Examples of labels with text in a "vertical" format;</li><li>Figure 3 is a representation of a two cartridge printing system;</li><li>Figure 4 is a block diagram of the control circuit of the printing system;</li><li>5 to 7 and 9 to 16 displays and printed tapes with different Text options;</li><li>Figure 8 shows a view of the format of a label file; and</li><li>Figure 17 is a view of the displayed menu options.</li></sl>

Figure 3 shows in plan view two arranged in a printing device 1 cassette. The upper cassette 2 is located in the first cassette receiving part 26 and includes a Supply of image receiving tape 4 to through a print zone 3 of the printer to a Outlet 5 of the printer is performed. The image receiving tape 4 comprises a upper layer for receiving a printed image on one of its surfaces, while on the other surface an adhesive layer is applied, on the one releaseable backing layer is secured. The cassette 2 has a recess 6 for Accommodating a platen 8 of the printer and guides 22, 24 for guiding the tape on through the print zone 3rd The platen 8 is in a cage-type Mold part 10 is rotatably mounted. Alternatively, the platen could 8 be rotatably mounted on a pin.

The lower cassette 35 is located in a second cassette receiving portion 28 and contains a thermal transfer ribbon 12 which is to be from a supply spool 30 a take 32 extends inside the cassette 35th The thermal transfer ribbon 12 extends through the print zone 3 in overlap with the image receiving tape 4. The cassette 35 has a recess 14 for receiving a Printhead 16 of the printer and guides 34,36 for guiding the transfer belt 12 through the print zone 3. The print head 16 is movable between a Operating position, in which it is in contact with the platen roller and the thermal transfer ribbon 12 and the image receiving tape 4 in mutual coverage between the print head and the platen roller holds, and an inoperative position, in which it is lifted from the platen roller to the thermal transfer ribbon and to release the image receiving tape. In the operating position is the counter-pressure roller is rotated to the image receiving tape at Printhead passing out, and the print head is controlled so that it the image receiving tape by thermal transfer of color particles from the tape 12 printed with an image. If the print head is a conventional Thermal printhead having an array of pixels, the desired the Print image can be thermally activated in accordance with each. The printing apparatus has a lid which is not shown. This is at the rear of the cassette receiving spaces fixed and covered, when it is closed, both cassettes from.

The counter-pressure roll 8 is driven by a motor so that the successive Pressure series are printed on the image receiving tape 4 when this is moved past the print head. The platen 8 takes the image receiving tape by its rotational movement through the print zone 3. The rotation of the Counter-pressure roll 8 and the activation of the printhead 16 are of a Microprocessor controlled, as described in European Patent Nos. 0578372 and no. 0580322, whose content is hereby incorporated by reference, is described.

The printing apparatus 1 further comprises an interface 50, the control and print data replaced by a cable 52 from the PC 54th The PC includes a microprocessor chip 100 (4), a display 108 and a keyboard 106. The keyboard includes a Set of data input keys, which in the drawing schematically block the 56 is characterized, but in practice a plurality of alphanumeric Keys comprises. In the existing PCs as would the QWERTY keyboard the Block 56 represents. The keyboard also includes mode keys for calling Menus, described to Bildorientierungs- and text formatting options, as in the other, select.

The basic circuitry for controlling the printing device is shown in FIG. 4 The microprocessor chip 100 includes a read only memory (ROM) 102, a Microprocessor 101 and a random access memory, which in the drawing as a RAM is marked 104 on. The ROM 102 includes font data in compressed form for each character. The microprocessor 101, the compressed font data expand into pixel data to be displayed and printed character. The microprocessor 101 is connected to the data input device such as the keyboard 106, connected and thus obtains the data entered. The microprocessor chip 100 transmits data to control the display 108; transmitted through the cable 52 he data for driving the print head 16 and the control motor 7 of the backing roll 8. The microprocessor chip 100 controls via the cable 52 and a Cutting mechanism with cutter 17 so that portions of the tape are cut for the production of a label.

Now, the operation of the printer will be described. The printed Data using the data input keys 56 of the keyboard 106 entered. Once the data is entered at the keyboard, they are to the microprocessor 101 passed, the display 108 so controls that the Data as they are inputted, are displayed. For this purpose, in the RAM 104 for every created label applied a label file. This label file will be described in more detail below. The format of the label file allows the microprocessor 100, a bitmap to be printed and displayed the produce the image. This bitmap can be stored in RAM 104th The Pixel data from the bitmap to be sent to the print head, when a printing operation is performed. First, the characters are on the label using the Function keys on the keyboard 106 and the display input and laid 108th

To write a label, the printing device by pressing the corresponding Button set to edit mode on the keyboard 106th Of the User selects the TEXT mode and an I-shaped cursor 61 is displayed. In the Figures of the cursor is, however, in the form of a - shown "". click with the mouse the user to a screen area of ​​a horizontal blank edit box can arise in which the cursor is 61st The horizontal blank edit box represents an image of the band. In the initial display mode, extends the image of the tape horizontally on the screen 108 (output orientation); Lines show the width of the tape. This is illustrated in FIG. 5 As seen from the Prior art is known, for the tape, which in the printing apparatus is loaded, many different widths can be selected. The image on the Tape is marked with I; to indicate that it is shown horizontal, is the additional hours used. The user now with the aid of data input keys the word HELLO A. This is done in the horizontal format, in which the Text rotation 0 °, so that the text horizontally within the width of the strip Ih extends (see FIG. 5). The cursor 61 moves with each character, ie, in the direction of the arrow Ah. In Figure 5, the cursor is under the Letter "O". To stop editing, the user clicks on a Arrow cursor, which brings him to the HAND mode. In HAND mode the user clicks on the "Vertical Text" option in Textmenu 208 (Figure 17), whereby the text then, as shown in Figure 6, vertically displayed on the screen.

Figure 7 illustrates the label that would be obtained when the pressure instruction at the had been given to see Figure 6, that is, the letters H and E would appear on the printed label exactly as on the image of the label in FIG. 6

This is so because a label file that the image of the label on the screen equivalent, is stored in the RAM 104th Character data for characters in the image on the display together in the label file in the RAM 104 with the text rotation data defining the rotation of characters with respect to the defining image stored. The stored character data and text rotation data in the label file can be used to change the image that appears on the label is printed to produce.

Figure 8 shows the layout of an information stored in RAM 104 label file. The RAM 104 stored label file for each written by the user label contains information the software version 300, a definition of the label 302, label data 304 and object data 306th

The information about the software version includes information about the used Upper and lower version and revision. So the software can analyze, if they can read the stored label file or not.

The definition of the label contains the following information:<sl><li>Orientation (true if label view = 90 ° rotated incorrectly in normal view);</li><li>Color of the label (background color, shown with the label on the screen becomes);</li><li>Height of the label;</li><li>Horizontal Label distance (when using label sheets, the distance between the left edges of adjacent labels); </li><li>Number of columns (when using label sheets);</li><li>Label type (using a tape or label sheets, in addition will distinguish between Labels for inkjet printers and labels for laser printers);</li><li>Horizontal label edge (when using Eitkettenbögen);</li><li>Label (to differentiate between A4 and letter format);</li><li>Vertical edge of the label (if using Eitkettenbögen);</li><li>Number of rows (when using Eitkettenbögen);</li><li>Unit (mm or inch);</li><li>Labels ID (identity label);</li><li>Vertical Label distance (when using Eitkettenbögen);</li><li>Label width;</li><li>Car width (true if the length of a to be printed on a tape label automatically is defined, and false if the length is determined, ie the user is entered);</li><li>Round label (true if the label of a label sheet is round, and wrong, if it is at right angles).</li></sl>

So give the orientation data also indicate whether the label horizontally or to be displayed rotated. The type of label data allow also labels to write for different types of printers, such as inkjet and label printers, in which the pressure medium is an A4 sheet or a tape.

The tag data can contain the following information:<sl><li>Date on which the label has been created;</li><li>Date on which the last change of the label is based;</li><li>Number of interruptions to change the ink ribbon;</li><li>The following part will be repeated N times, where N is the number of interruptions to the Change the ribbon is:</li><li>Color of the ink ribbon, which is inserted in the ribbon loading;</li><li>Position the interruption to change the ink ribbon;</li></sl>

The principle of interruptions to change the ink ribbon is in the British Patent application no. 9701306.4 and in the German utility model application No. 29722272.4 disclosed included the contents hereby incorporated by reference becomes. These interrupts allow the image to be printed in different to share sections, where different inks are assigned. The interruptions extend vertically and share these sections from each other.

Finally, the object data defining objects, ie the parts of the image on the label to be printed. The following data are stored so:<sl><li>Number of objects on the label;</li><li>Different types of objects that are supported by the software.</li></sl>

If three objects are to be defined on a label, this means that on a 3 (ie an integer representing the value 3) followed by three objects. Such Objects can be so picture objects, line objects, text objects, barcode objects, wherein various other objects are possible.

An image object can be defined as follows:<sl><li>Art (indicating an image object);</li><li>Filename of the image;</li><li>Height;</li><li>Left coordinate;</li><li>Image Name;</li><li>Name of the path;</li><li>Supreme coordinate;</li><li>Width;</li><li>Rotational angle (0, 90, 180, 270 °).</li></sl>

A line object is defined as follows: <sl><li>Type (which indicates a line object);</li><li>Height;</li><li>Left coordinate;</li><li>Color of the line;</li><li>Type of line (solid, dashed-dotted line, etc.);</li><li>Linewidth;</li><li>Line type;</li><li>Supreme coordinate;</li><li>Width;</li><li>Angle (0, 90, 180, 270 °);</li></sl>

A text object can be defined as follows:<sl><li>Type (which indicates a text object);</li><li>Supreme coordinate;</li><li>Left coordinate;</li><li>Width;</li><li>Height;</li><li>Alignment (left, center, right);</li><li>Vertical text (normal or vertical text, wherein at letzerem the Script are rotated 90 °);</li><li>Angle (0, 90, 180, 270 °);</li><li>Number of characters (N); the following lines are repeated N times:</li><li>character;</li><li>Font of the character;</li><li>Color of the character.</li></sl>

The principle of vertical text is detailed in British Patent Application 96111569.8 describes no. 9701429.4 and in the European Patent Application No... The content of these declarations we hereby incorporated by reference.

Therefore, this object data includes text data (character, font of the characters) Text Format data (Vertical Text) and text rotation data (angular).

Various other objects are also possible, such as serial or Date objects (Sequential numbering or date and time) Form objects (edged objects), database objects (read in from a database Objects) and barcode objects.

According to the embodiments described herein, the text can only be edited be when he is in a horizontal orientation legible. Figure 9 shows a display 108 with an image of a strip Ih, the vertical text contains, represents. To edit this text, has the mouse on the selected text object (In this case, the vertical word DYMO) is double-clicked, then the Text object to a horizontal edit box; the input cursor 61 blinks now. This brings the user automatically to text mode with an I-beam cursor. As shown in Figure 10, the object has been rotated into a horizontal position, with the cursor 61 blinks. In this form, the text can be modified as described earlier will. The editing of the text is completed as described above. When editing of the text is completed, the text object will automatically in the original text format, as shown in Figure 10, transferred back.

Figure 11 shows the result when the text object "HELLO" is rotated in FIG. 5 This is accomplished by providing a text object simply by clicking on the text or Pointer mode is selected and by selecting the required text format features. If a text rotation is selected, you get a result as shown in Figure 11th Figure 12 shows the expression of the label of Figure 11th

Figures 13 and 14 show the result when the term " left-aligned" according the precisely defined mode is selected to select a feature. That a text, which is not aligned on a single left-hand edge, is set to a left edge aligned, as shown by the dashed line in FIG LHM fourteenth can be aligned left middle a horizontal viewing image (Figures 13 and 14) or a vertical image (Figures 15 and 16).

Thus, with the run as described with reference to Figures 5 to 16 are text objects output so that they can be edited, or so that they can not be edited. If a processing not possible is, all format settings of the text object are enabled in the label file. If the text object can be edited, the format settings are disabled, so that they can be changed. But they are nevertheless stored, so that they can be used when switched to "not working" becomes.

While the label is created and edited, is a bitmap image in the RAM 104 applied. To print the original image orientation of the bitmap applied and the pixel data row by row from the left side of the transferred image on the printing device.

The text rotation data determine the rotation of letters relating to the user, while the text format the input mode of the text intended, ie whether the successive characters arranged horizontally or vertically to each other will. The image orientation mode allows the image of the band on the rotating screen. These parameters together define the orientation and the position of the character relative to the belt, that is, whether they respect the Longitudinal axis of the belt are vertically or horizontally to read.

The text orientation data, which are stored along with the characters and which are used in the rotation of the image of the strip on the screen, also can be used as the label for subsequent processing is called from the memory. So these are additional data that together with the characters in an appropriate manner to save, recall, and display Edit are stored.

Using the Text Format mode, the text rotation mode and the image orientation mode will now be described with reference to FIG 17th Figure 17 shows the Menus as they are sequentially displayed on the display. A selection menu 200 appears at the top of the display; it can be adjusted so that it always is displayed. The user can from this menu a number of options for Select Create the label, for example, arranging, Label, Edit, View and Format. The options "label" and "Edit" are not described here, although, it is noted that the label displayed on the display in the edit mode can be created and edited. If the user selects option "View" selects the Ansichtsmenu appears 202. The view mode is the Image orientation mode as described above. In Ansichtsmenu 202, the Option to select the orientation of the label. If this option is selected is a Ansichtsauswahlmenu appears 204 from the user to select may, if the image to be displayed horizontally or vertically.

When the user "Format" selects a Formatmenu appears 206 different Options, including an option for the text format includes. If this option is selected, a Textauswahlmenu 208 options that appear "Horizontal" or "vertical" offering. When the user "arranging" dials appear the menu 210, which offers several options for text, including the ability to rotate the text. If this option is selected, appears Menu to select the angle of rotation (0 °, 90 °, 180 °, 270 °) and anti-rotation clockwise.