JP2003109020A - Data string editing device and program - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To automatically store a data string in an image forming medium of a predetermined prescribed size. SOLUTION: A significance granting part 57a grants significance to respective items constituting the data string. An image formation deciding part 57b decides that an item with significance equal to or greater than a threshold stored in a RAM is formed in an image forming medium, and meanwhile, in an item with significance lower than the threshold, decides that the item is not formed in the image forming medium until the data string is decided to be stored in the image forming medium of a prescribed size. A data string constructing part 57c constructs a data string to be stored in the prescribed size of the image forming medium on the basis of decision results of the image formation deciding part.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a data string editing apparatus for editing a data string such as a character string or a graphic pattern formed on an image forming medium, and a program therefor.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, there is known a tape printer for printing a character string or the like having a predetermined length on a tape by running a wound long tape while unwinding it by a motor. As an application of this tape printer, for example, in order to provide the purchaser with food information such as the food processing date and the expiration date, character string data such as the food processing date and the expiration date, and a barcode pattern based on them are printed. It has been practiced to produce such a label and attach the produced label to food, its package, or the like. The production of this label, while using a database consisting of multiple items such as processing date and expiration date, rearrange the information of the items in the database according to a predetermined format, or by converting into a barcode pattern, This is performed by editing a data string such as a character string or a graphic pattern and printing the edited data string on a tape.

[0003]

However, there is the following problem when the tape length of the tape for printing the data string is not predetermined. That is, even in the case where the predetermined format includes items that are not important information (for example, items of information that need not be provided to the purchaser by displaying them on a label), There is a problem in that all items including items that are not important information are printed on the label in accordance with the defined format, and as a result, the tape consumption for creating the label increases.

Further, when the tape length of the tape for printing the data string is predetermined, there are the following problems. That is, when the user edits the data string and then tries to print the edited data string on the tape, the data string length of the data string edited by the user may exceed a predetermined tape length of the tape. In such a case, there is a problem that the user must manually re-edit the data string so that the data string fits within the tape having a predetermined tape length.

According to the present invention, when the tape length (size of the image forming medium) of the tape for printing the data string is not predetermined, the consumption amount of the tape (image forming medium) is reduced while the information of important items is left. It is possible to reduce the data, and when the tape length of the tape for printing the data string is predetermined, the data string can be automatically stored in the tape having the predetermined tape length. An object of the present invention is to provide a column editing device and its program.

[0006]

A data string editing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the data string editing apparatus is for editing a data string such as a character string or a graphic pattern formed on an image forming medium. With respect to each unit element constituting the data string, at least the above-mentioned importance assigning means for assigning an importance degree to each of a plurality of constituent parts included in the column and each of which is composed of one or more unit elements, An image formation judging means for judging whether or not to form on the image forming medium, based on the importance given to each of the plurality of constituent parts by the importance giving means, and a unit forming the data string. To form a new data string that does not include a unit element that has been determined not to be formed on the image forming medium by the image forming determination means among the elements Characterized in that it comprises a chromatography data string configuration means.

A program for editing a data string formed on an image forming medium according to claim 11 is a program for causing a computer to function as the data string editing device according to claim 1.

According to the first or eleventh aspect of the present invention, since the unit element formed on the image forming medium is determined based on the degree of importance given to the constituent parts constituting the data string, the degree of importance is increased. It is possible to reduce the amount of use of the image forming medium while leaving the information about the high-constant components. In addition, it becomes possible to automatically store the data string in the image forming medium having a predetermined size, and as a result, the user himself / herself rewrites the data string in order to fit the data string in the image forming medium having the predetermined size. There is no need to edit, improving user convenience.

According to another aspect of the data string editing apparatus of the present invention, when each unit element forming the data string is formed on the image forming medium in a predetermined size, the data string falls within a predetermined range. The image forming determination unit further includes a formation range determination unit for determining whether or not the image formation determination unit determines that the formation range determination unit determines that the data string does not fall within the predetermined range. It is characterized in that the judgment is performed.

A program for editing a data sequence formed on an image forming medium according to a twelfth aspect is a program for causing a computer to function as the data sequence editing apparatus according to the second aspect.

According to the second or the twelfth aspect of the present invention, the data sequence can be stored in the image forming medium of a predetermined size while forming the information on the constituent parts of high importance on the image forming medium. Moreover, the data string is automatically re-edited, and as a result, the user does not need to re-edit the data string, which improves the convenience of the user.

In the data string editing apparatus according to the present invention, the image formation judging means can judge that only some of the unit elements in one of the constituent parts should not be formed on the image forming medium. It is characterized by

A program for editing a data sequence formed on an image forming medium according to a thirteenth aspect is a program for causing a computer to function as the data sequence editing apparatus according to the third aspect.

According to the third or thirteenth aspect of the present invention, some of the unit elements in one constituent part of the data string may be formed on the image forming medium. Information that cannot be obtained when all the unit elements in the inside are deleted can be acquired from the data string formed on the image forming medium.

A data string editing apparatus according to a fourth aspect is a data string editing apparatus for editing a data string such as a character string or a graphic pattern formed on an image forming medium, and each unit forming the data string. Forming range determination means for determining whether or not the data string falls within a predetermined range when an element is formed on the image forming medium in a predetermined size, and the data string is within the predetermined range. And a layout changing unit for executing a layout changing process for changing the layout of the data string within the predetermined range when the formation range determination unit determines that the size does not fall within the predetermined range. And

A program for editing a data sequence formed on an image forming medium according to a fourteenth aspect is a program for causing a computer to function as the data sequence editing device according to the fourth aspect.

According to the invention described in claim 4 or claim 14, the layout of the data string is automatically changed so that the data string fits in the image forming medium of a predetermined size, and as a result, the data edited by the user is changed. Even when the column does not fit in the image forming medium having the predetermined size, the user does not need to re-edit the data column so that the data column fits in the image forming medium having the predetermined size, thereby improving the convenience for the user.

According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a data string editing device, wherein the layout changing means assigns importance to each of a plurality of constituent parts which are included in the data string and each of which is composed of one or a plurality of unit elements. For assigning an importance degree for giving, and for making at least one of the constituent parts extracted from the lowest importance given to each of the plurality of constituent parts by the importance giving means a plurality of lines It is characterized by having a line feed means.

A program for editing a data sequence formed on an image forming medium according to a fifteenth aspect is a program for causing a computer to function as the data sequence editing apparatus according to the fifth aspect.

According to the fifth or fifteenth aspect of the present invention, among the constituent parts constituting the data string edited by the user, the less important ones are formed in a plurality of lines on the image forming medium. , The data string including all the constituent parts edited by the user is automatically re-edited so that the data string fits within the image forming medium of a predetermined size, and as a result, the user does not need to re-edit the data string. The convenience of is improved.

According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, in the data string editing device, the layout changing means further comprises size reducing means for reducing the size of the constituent portion made into a plurality of lines by the line feed means. Characterize.

A program for editing a data sequence formed on an image forming medium according to a sixteenth aspect is a program for causing a computer to function as the data sequence editing apparatus according to the sixth aspect.

According to the sixth or sixteenth aspect of the present invention, among the constituent parts of the data string edited by the user, the less important ones are formed on the image forming medium in a small size. , The data string including all the constituent parts edited by the user is automatically re-edited so that the data string fits within the image forming medium of a predetermined size, and as a result, the user does not need to re-edit the data string. The convenience of is improved.

According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, in the data string editing device, the layout changing means assigns importance to each of a plurality of constituent parts which are included in the data string and each of which is composed of one or a plurality of unit elements. Importance assigning means for giving the plurality of constituent parts such that the constituent parts are arranged in the upper row from the highest importance given to each of the plurality of constituent parts by the importance giving means. Is arranged in a plurality of rows.

A program for editing a data sequence formed on an image forming medium according to a seventeenth aspect is a program for causing a computer to function as the data sequence editing apparatus according to the seventh aspect.

According to the invention of claim 7 or claim 17, the less important one of the constituent parts of the data string edited by the user is formed in the lower row on the image forming medium. However, the data string including all the constituent parts edited by the user is automatically re-edited so that the data string fits in the image forming medium of a predetermined size, and as a result, the user does not need to re-edit the data string. As a result, user convenience is improved.

In the data string editing apparatus according to the present invention, the layout changing unit further comprises a size reducing unit for reducing the size of the constituent portion arranged in the lower row by the data column arranging unit. It is characterized by

A program for editing a data string formed on an image forming medium according to claim 18 is a program for causing a computer to function as a data string editing device according to claim 8.

According to the invention described in claim 8 or claim 18, among the constituent parts constituting the data string edited by the user, the less important ones are formed in a small size on the image forming medium. , The data string including all the constituent parts edited by the user is automatically re-edited so that the data string fits within the image forming medium of a predetermined size, and as a result, the user does not need to re-edit the data string. The convenience of is improved.

According to a ninth aspect of the data string editing apparatus, the layout changing means is capable of performing a plurality of layout changing processes, and the data string is predetermined by the forming range determining means. It is characterized in that the plurality of layout changing processes are sequentially executed in accordance with the priority order, which is the order of executing these processes, until it is determined that the layout changing processes fall within the range.

A program for editing a data sequence formed on an image forming medium according to a nineteenth aspect is a program for causing a computer to function as the data sequence editing device according to the ninth aspect.

According to the ninth or nineteenth aspect of the present invention, by providing a plurality of layout avoiding processes, the rate at which a data string can be automatically stored in an image forming medium of a predetermined size is increased. (If there is one layout avoiding process, the process may not be able to fit the data string in the image forming medium of a predetermined size).

A data string editing apparatus according to a tenth aspect is
It is characterized by further comprising priority changing means for changing the priority of the plurality of layout changing processes.

A program for editing a data sequence formed on an image forming medium according to a twentieth aspect is a program for causing a computer to function as the data sequence editing apparatus according to the twentieth aspect.

According to the tenth or twentieth aspect of the present invention, since it is possible to change the priority order for executing a plurality of layout avoidance processes, the layout avoidance processes can be performed in the order of the layout avoidance processes desired by the user. This has the advantage that the data sequence executed and formed on the image forming medium is closer to the data sequence desired by the user.

The program as described in each of claims 11 to 20 can be distributed by being recorded on a removable recording medium such as a CD-ROM or a fixed recording medium such as a hard disk, or by wire. Alternatively, it can be distributed through a communication network such as the Internet by wireless telecommunication means.

[0037]

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

FIG. 1 is an external perspective view showing the outline of a personal computer (hereinafter referred to as a computer) that functions as a data string editing apparatus according to the present embodiment and a printing apparatus. As shown in FIG. 1, the computer 1 and the printing device 2 are connected to each other by a connection cable 3, and data is exchanged via the connection cable 3.

Also, as shown in FIG.
Is a control body 4 having a CPU, RAM, etc. inside thereof, a liquid crystal display 5 having a display unit (liquid crystal panel) 5a, and a keyboard 6 including a large number of keys such as character keys and control keys on its upper surface. , A mouse 7 for pointing and inputting specific coordinate values, and the liquid crystal display 5, the keyboard 6, and the mouse 7 are connected to the control main body 4 by connecting lines.

As shown in FIG. 1, the printer 2 is provided with a discharge port 2b for discharging the tape 8 on the front surface of its housing 2a. Then, the printing apparatus 2 can detachably mount a tape storage cassette 30 described below therein, and the tape drive printing mechanism 10 and a cutter 17 for cutting the tape (see FIG. 2 together). Included, tape storage cassette 3
The tape 8 printed by pulling out from 0 is a cutter 17
After being cut by, it is discharged from the discharge port 2b.

FIG. 2 is a plan view for explaining the structures of the printing mechanism 10 and the tape accommodating cassette 30 which are arranged inside the printing apparatus 2 shown in FIG. As shown in FIG. 2, a tape storage cassette 30 is detachably attached to the cassette storage frame 11 in the printing apparatus 2. The tape accommodating cassette 30 includes a tape spool 32 wound with a transparent surface tape 31 such as a PET (polyethylene terephthalate) film, a ribbon supply spool 34 wound with an ink ribbon 33, and a used ink ribbon 33. Double tape 3 in which a take-up spool 35 and a double-sided adhesive tape having the same width as the surface tape 31 and having adhesive layers on both sides and a release tape attached to one side
A base material supply spool 37, in which the peeling tape 6 is wound outside, and a joining roller 38 for joining the double tape 36 and the surface tape 31 in an overlapping manner are rotatably provided.

The tape accommodating cassette 30 is provided with a projecting piece 39 which is a combination of three projecting claws used for determining the tape width of the tape accommodated in the tape accommodating cassette 30. The printing device 2 includes a tape width detection sensor 46 (see FIG. 3) that detects the tape width from the state of the protruding claw of the protruding piece 39. The tape may have a width of 6 mm, 9 mm, 12 mm, 18 mm or 24 mm.

As shown in FIG. 2, an arm 20 is attached to the cassette housing frame 11 so as to be swingable about a shaft 20a. A platen roller 21 and a feed roller 22 each having a flexible member such as rubber on the surface thereof are rotatably attached to the tip of the arm 20. At a position where the arm 20 swings most clockwise, the platen roller 21 comes into pressure contact with the thermal head 13 arranged on the plate 12 described later via the surface layer tape 31 and the ink ribbon 33, and the feed roller 22 causes the surface roller tape 31 and It is pressed against the joining roller 38 via the double tape 36.

A plate 12 is erected from the cassette housing frame 11. On the platen roller 21 side of the plate 12, a large number of heating elements are arranged in the direction perpendicular to the paper surface of FIG.
The thermal heads 13 arranged in rows are arranged.
The plate 12 is provided in the recess 14 of the tape storage cassette 30 when the tape storage cassette 30 is mounted at a predetermined position.
Be fitted into. A ribbon take-up roller 15 and a joining roller driving roller 16 are erected from the cassette housing frame 11. When the tape storage cassette 30 is mounted at a predetermined position, the ribbon take-up roller 15 and the joining roller drive roller 16 are inserted into the take-up spool 35 and the joining roller 38, respectively.

When electric power is supplied to the tape feed motor 48a (see FIG. 3) provided in the printer 2, the ribbon take-up roller 15 is used, the take-up spool 35 and the joining roller drive roller 16 are used. The joining roller 38, the platen roller 21, and the feed roller 22 rotate, and the driving force generated by these rotations unwinds the surface tape 31, the ink ribbon 33, and the double tape 36 in the tape storage cassette 30 to the downstream side. Be transported. The surface tape 31 and the ink ribbon 33 pass between the platen roller 21 and the thermal head 13 after being superposed on each other. While these are conveyed while being sandwiched between the platen roller 21 and the thermal head 13, a large number of heating elements arranged in the thermal head 13 are selectively and intermittently energized, whereby the surface tape 3
The ink of the ink ribbon 33 is transferred to the unit 1 in dot units, and a desired dot image is formed as a mirror image there. Also,
After the ink ribbon 33 that has passed through the thermal head 13 is taken up by the ribbon take-up roller 15, the surface tape 31 is superposed on the double tape 36 and passes between the feed roller 22 and the joining roller 38. As a result, the printed surface side of the dot-printed surface tape 31 is firmly superposed on the double tape 36.

The tape 8 in which the surface tape 31 and the double tape 36 are superposed is such that the normal image of the printed image can be seen from the side opposite to the printing surface of the surface tape 31, and the tape 8 of the feed roller 22 can be seen. Further, it is cut by the cutter 17 arranged on the downstream side and then discharged from the discharge port 2b. The cutter 17 has a rotary blade 17 with respect to the fixed blade 17a.
b is a scissors type that rotates to shear the object to be cut, and the rotating blade 17b cuts the tape 8 by reciprocally swinging around a fulcrum by a cutter driving motor 49a (see FIG. 3). The cut tape 8 can be used as an adhesive label that can be attached to any place by peeling off the peeling tape.

Next, the control system of the computer 1 functioning as the data string editing apparatus according to this embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 3 is a block diagram for explaining the control system of the computer 1.

As shown in FIG. 3, the control main body 4 is
U41, CG-ROM 42, hard disk 43, RA
An M44 and an input / output interface (hereinafter referred to as I / F) 45 are provided.

A liquid crystal display controller (LCDC) 5b, a keyboard 6 and a mouse 7 are connected to the I / F 45 provided in the control body section 4. The LCDC 5b connected to the I / F 45 includes a video RAM, and the bit pattern of the video RAM corresponds to the dot pattern of the liquid crystal display (LCD) 5.
Then, the LCDC 5b performs control for displaying on the LCD 5 an image related to the data stored in the video RAM based on the data stored in the video RAM.

Further, the I / F 45 drives the drive circuit 47 for driving the thermal head 13 of the printing apparatus 2, the drive circuit 48b for driving the tape feed motor 48a, and the cutter drive motor 49a. The drive circuit 49b for doing so and the tape width detection sensor 46 described above are connected.

The CPU 41 performs various controls and calculations, and the main functions in this embodiment are shown in FIG.
Will be described with reference to. However, FIG. 4 is a block diagram for explaining the main functions of the CPU in the present embodiment.

As shown in FIG. 4, the CPU 41 has a fixed length setting ON / OFF flag setting unit 51, a fixed length setting ON / OF.
F flag determination unit 52, formation range determination unit 53, fixed length over avoidance method selection unit 54, fixed length over avoidance method determination unit 55,
It functions as the priority changing unit 56, the layout changing unit 57, and the like.

Fixed length setting ON / OFF flag setting section 51
On the basis of a push signal from the keyboard 6 or a coordinate signal from the mouse 7 input via the I / F 45.
M44 constant length setting ON / OFF flag storage area 44a
The information stored in (see FIG. 5) is updated. That is,
The user has chosen to execute the fixed length over avoidance process described below, in which a data string (consisting of items that are components that consist of character strings and graphic patterns) is stored in a tape of a predetermined size. In this case, the fixed length setting ON / OFF flag setting unit 51 sets the fixed length setting ON / OF.
The storage content of the F flag storage area 44a is set to "1" (the constant length setting ON / OFF flag is set to ON). On the other hand, when the user selects not to execute the fixed length overshooting process, the fixed length setting ON / OFF flag setting unit 51 sets the storage content of the fixed length setting ON / OFF flag storage area 44a to "0" ( Set fixed length ON / OFF flag to O
Set to FF). Note that, for example, if a button or the like for the user to select whether or not to execute the fixed length overshooting process is displayed on the display screen of the liquid crystal display 5, whether the user executes the fixed length overshooting process or not. It becomes possible to easily select whether or not.

Fixed length setting ON / OFF flag determination unit 52
Is a fixed length over avoiding process for storing a data string in a tape of a predetermined size determined in advance based on the information stored in the fixed length setting ON / OFF flag storage area 44a (see FIG. 5) of the RAM 44. Determine whether to execute.

In the formation range determination unit 53, the data string is RAM
A tape length direction determination unit 53a for determining whether or not a tape having a tape length corresponding to a value stored in a constant length storage area 44b (see FIG. 5) of 44 and a data string are designated by the user. The tape width direction determining unit 53b determines whether or not the tape width fits within the tape width or the tape width accommodated in the printing device 2.

The fixed length over avoidance method selecting unit 54 is a RAM.
Fixed length over avoidance method storage area 44e of 44 (FIGS. 5 and 6)
The fixed length overrun avoiding method is selected from a plurality of fixed length overrun avoiding methods, which will be described later, in descending order of priority. However, the priority order is the order in which a plurality of prepared fixed length overrun methods are executed.

The fixed length over avoiding method determining unit 55 determines which of the plural fixed length over avoiding methods selected by the fixed length over avoiding method selecting unit 54 is prepared.

The priority order changing unit 56, in accordance with the designation by the user, stores the fixed length overrun method storage area 44 of the RAM 44.
e (see FIGS. 5 and 6), the priority of each fixed length over avoidance method stored therein is changed.

Note that, for example, a priority order input area 5c as shown in FIG. 8 for inputting the priority order of a plurality of fixed length overrun avoiding methods (a user is "1" from the highest priority order, The priority order input screen including "2", ... is displayed on the liquid crystal display 5. Then, the priority order changing unit 56 sets R based on the input information of the user.
Fixed length over avoidance method storage area 44e of AM44 (FIG. 5,
The information stored in FIG. 6) is updated. As a result, the user can specify the order in which a plurality of fixed length overrun avoiding methods are executed, and the fixed length overrun avoiding method can be executed in the order specified by the user.

The layout changing unit 57 "drops the less important ones" in the fixed length over avoiding method (see FIG. 17), "reduces the overall size" in the fixed length over avoiding method (see FIG. 18), and ". A method of avoiding the fixed length over that makes the less important ones more than one line (see Fig. 19), "A smaller number of lines makes the whole less important and lowers the size" Fixed length over Avoidance method (see Fig. 20), "Fill space between items" Fixed length over avoidance method (see Fig. 22), "Reduce barcode format size" Fixed length over avoidance method (see Fig. 23), "Date" The fixed length over avoiding method such as “only fixed length over avoiding method” (refer to FIG. 24) and “reduce left and right margins” (refer to FIG. 25) is executed, and RAM 44
Importance storage areas 61b, 62b, 63b, ... (See FIG. 7), the importance of each item forming the data sequence, and the threshold storage area 44d of the RAM 44 (see FIG. 5).
Based on the threshold value stored in the item, a method of deleting the items having the importance level equal to or lower than the threshold value from the items forming the data string (see FIG. 1).
4: execute steps S103 to S105). The details of each method of avoiding the constant length will be described with reference to a flowchart, and therefore the description thereof is omitted here, and only a part of the function of the layout changing unit 57 will be described.

The layout changing unit 57 includes the importance level assigning unit 5
7a, the image formation determining unit 57b, the data string forming unit 57c,
Line feed part 57d, data string arrangement part 57e, size reduction part 5
It functions as 7f.

The importance assigning section 57a assigns importance to a plurality of items forming a data string, and stores the importance information assigned to each item in the importance storage area 61 of the RAM 44.
b, 62b, 63b, ... (See FIG. 7).

Here, a method of assigning importance to a plurality of items forming a data string by the importance assigning section 57a will be described with reference to FIG.
Will be described with reference to. However, FIG. 9 is an explanatory diagram for explaining the importance degree giving method by the importance degree giving unit.

As shown in FIG. 9, the degree of importance is set in advance for a plurality of items forming the data string, and the plurality of items and the degree of importance set in advance for the items are associated with each other to be RA.
It is stored in M44. The importance assigning unit 57a is a RAM
Based on the importance of each item stored in 44, a predetermined importance is given to each of the items forming the data string. Then, the importance assigning unit 57a assigns the importance assigned to each item constituting the data string to the importance storage areas 61b, 62b, 63b of the RAM 44 corresponding to the item.
... (see FIG. 7).

For example, as shown in FIG. 9, for "illustration", "bar code", and "article name",
The importance levels of 30, 100, and 50 are assigned, and the importance level storage areas 61b, 62b, and 63 of the RAM 44 are assigned.
If each of b (see FIG. 7) corresponds to “illustration”, “bar code”, and “article name”, the importance storage areas 61b, 62b, 63b have 30, 100,
50 will be stored.

It should be noted that, for example, an importance input screen including an importance input area 57a as shown in FIG. 10 for inputting importance to a plurality of items forming a data string is displayed on the liquid crystal display 5. Then, the importance degree giving unit 5d
The information stored in the importance storage areas 61b, 62b, 63b, ... Of the RAM 44 is updated based on the user's input information. This allows the user to specify the importance of each item that makes up the data string, and
It is possible to automatically edit the data string with the importance specified by the user. As a result, there is an advantage that items that the user thinks contain important information can be preferentially included in the data string to be printed on the tape.

The image formation judging section 57b has the importance storage areas 61b, 62b, 63b, ... Of the RAM 44 (see FIG. 7).
And the threshold storage area 44d of the RAM 44 stored in the RAM 44
It is determined whether or not each item forming the data string is included in the data string to be printed on the tape based on the threshold value stored in. The data string configuration unit 57c is the image formation determination unit 57b.
The data string is reconstructed based on the judgment result of.

Then, the image formation judging section 57b and the data string constructing section 57c are integrated, and the drop method is to drop "all below threshold", the drop method to select "combination containing the most items", Drop method to drop in "Format layout order (after)", Drop method to "Format layout order (from front)", Drop method to "Database arrangement order (after)", "Database" Execute each drop method such as the drop method in which the drop order is "(from the front)".

Here, each of the drop methods will be described with reference to FIG.
This will be described with reference to 1. However, FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram for explaining the drop method. The threshold is "80"
Is set.

FIG. 11A shows an example of the format of the data string, and the arrangement of each item in the format shown in FIG. 11A is "bar code", "processing date", in order from the front. "Expiration date", "product name", "production place number", "producer number", and "classification". Incidentally, the tape 71
Represents a tape having a predetermined tape length, and also includes a barcode 71a, a processing date 71b, a shelf life 71c, a product name 71d, a production number 71e, and a producer number 71.
f and classification 71g are represented by relative dimensions to the tape 71.

FIG. 11B shows an example of the degree of importance of each item forming the data string. As shown in FIG. 11B, the “bar code” is assigned the degree of importance “100”. “Processing date”, “Best before date”, “Product name”,
The degree of importance “50” is assigned to “production place number”, “producer number”, and “classification”.

FIG. 11 (c) shows an example of a database of items forming a data string, and the arrangement of each item in the database shown in FIG. 11 (c) is "bar code",
"Product name", "Classification", "Processing date", "Best before date", "Production number", "Producer number".

The drop method of "all less than or equal to threshold" is a method of leaving all the items with the importance above the threshold in the data string to be printed on the tape and deleting all the items with the importance below the threshold from the data string. . 11A to 11
In the case of (c), the "bar code" having the importance level higher than the threshold is left in the data string, and the "processing date", "expiration date", "product name", "production place number", " Delete “Producer number” and “Classification” from the data string. Therefore,
As shown in FIG. 11D, the data string printed on the tape is only the “bar code”.

The drop method for selecting the "combination in which the most items are included" is such that all the items having the importance level equal to or higher than the threshold value are left in the data string to be printed on the tape, while the importance level items less than the threshold value are important. The items are taken out one by one in ascending order, and the taken items are deleted from the data string. At this time, if there are items having the same importance, a combination in which the items having the same importance are contained in the tape 71 most is selected, and the items included in the combination having the most importance are included in the data string to be printed on the tape. Is the way. It should be noted that the process of selecting a combination that contains the most items of the same importance is to check whether or not all combinations including at least one item of the same importance can fit within the tape of a predetermined tape length. , Among the combinations determined to fit on the tape, the one with the largest number of items is selected. An example of the data string obtained by executing the drop method of selecting the "combination containing the most items" is shown in FIG. 11 (e).

The drop method of dropping in the "format arrangement order (afterwards)" is as follows. While leaving all the items with the degree of importance greater than the threshold value in the data string to be printed on the tape, the items with the degree of importance less than the threshold value are taken out one by one in ascending order of importance, and the taken-out items are deleted from the data string. At this time, if there are items having the same importance, one item is taken out from the items having the same importance after the arrangement order according to the arrangement order of the format, and the taken-out item is deleted from the data string. And
This process is repeated until the data string after deletion fits within a tape having a predetermined tape length.

In the case of FIG. 11A to FIG. 11C, the “bar code” having the degree of importance equal to or higher than the threshold is left in the data string. And, "Processing date", "Expiration date", "Product name",
Since "production number,""producernumber," and "classification" are less than the threshold and have the same importance, one item "classification" is extracted after the arrangement order according to the arrangement order of the format, and the data string Remove from. Even if the "classification" is deleted, the data string after deletion does not fit in the tape of the predetermined tape length, so one item "producer number" is taken out after the arrangement order according to the arrangement order of the format. Delete from the data column. Even if the "Producer number" is deleted, the data string after deletion does not fit in the tape of the predetermined tape length. Therefore, according to the arrangement order of the format, add one item "Place of origin number" after the arrangement order. Take it out and delete it from the data string. Since the data string after deleting the "production number" fits within the tape of the predetermined tape length,
The "processing date", "expiration date", and "product name" remain as a data string to be printed on the tape. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 11 (f), the data string printed on the tape is “bar code”, “processing date”, “expiration date”, and “article name”.

The drop method of dropping in the "format arrangement order (from the front)" is as follows. While leaving all the items with the degree of importance greater than the threshold value in the data string to be printed on the tape, the items with the degree of importance less than the threshold value are taken out one by one in ascending order of importance, and the taken-out items are deleted from the data string. At this time, if there are items of the same importance, one item is taken out from the items of the same importance according to the arrangement order of the format, and the taken item is deleted from the data string. And
This process is repeated until the data string after deletion fits within a tape having a predetermined tape length.

In the cases shown in FIGS. 11A to 11C, the "bar code" having the degree of importance equal to or higher than the threshold is left in the data string. And, "Processing date", "Expiration date", "Product name",
Since "Place of origin number", "Producer number", and "Classification" are less than the threshold and have the same importance, one item "Processing date" is extracted from the arrangement order before the data according to the arrangement order of the format. Remove from column. Even if the "Processing date" is deleted, the data string after deletion does not fit in the tape of the predetermined tape length, so one item "Expiration date" is taken out from the front of the arrangement order according to the arrangement order of the format. Delete from the data column. Even if you delete the "expiration date", the data string after deletion does not fit in the tape with the predetermined tape length. Therefore, according to the layout order of the format, take out one item "product name" from the front of the layout order. Delete from the data column. Since the data string after the "product name" is deleted fits within the tape having a predetermined tape length, the "production place number", "producer number", and "classification" remain as the data string to be printed on the tape. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 11G, the data string printed on the tape is a "bar code",
"Producer number", "Producer number", "Classification".

The drop method of dropping in the "database order (later)" is as follows. While leaving all the items with the degree of importance greater than the threshold value in the data string to be printed on the tape, the items with the degree of importance less than the threshold value are taken out one by one in ascending order of importance, and the taken-out items are deleted from the data string. At this time, if there are items of the same importance, one item is taken out from the items of the same importance after the arrangement order according to the arrangement order of the database, and the taken-out item is deleted from the data string. And
This process is repeated until the data string after deletion fits within a tape having a predetermined tape length.

In the case of FIG. 11A to FIG. 11C, the “bar code” having the degree of importance equal to or higher than the threshold is left in the data string. And, "Processing date", "Expiration date", "Product name",
Since "Producer number", "Producer number", and "Classification" are less than the threshold and have the same importance, one item "Producer number" is extracted after the arrangement order in the database according to the arrangement order. Delete from the data column. Even if the “Producer number” is deleted, the data string after deletion does not fit in the tape with the predetermined tape length. Therefore, one item “Producer number” is added after the arrangement order according to the arrangement order of the database. Take it out and delete it from the data string. Even if you delete the "Production number", the deleted data string will not fit in the tape with the predetermined tape length. Therefore, one item "Expiration date" is taken out after the arrangement order according to the arrangement order of the database. Delete from the data column. Since the data string after the "expiration date" is deleted fits within the tape having a predetermined tape length, the "product name", "classification", and "processing date" remain as the data string to be printed on the tape. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 11 (h), the data string printed on the tape is "bar code", "product name", "classification", and "processing date".

The drop method of dropping in the "database order (from the front)" is as follows. While leaving all the items with the degree of importance greater than the threshold value in the data string to be printed on the tape, the items with the degree of importance less than the threshold value are taken out one by one in ascending order of importance, and the taken-out items are deleted from the data string. At this time, if there is an item of the same importance, one item is taken out from the items of the same importance according to the order of arrangement of the database, and the taken item is deleted from the data string. And
This process is repeated until the data string after deletion fits within a tape having a predetermined tape length.

In the case of FIG. 11A to FIG. 11C, the “bar code” having the degree of importance above the threshold is left in the data string. And, "Processing date", "Expiration date", "Product name",
Since "Producer number", "Producer number", and "Classification" are less than the threshold and have the same importance, one item "Product name" is extracted from the order of arrangement according to the database arrangement order and the data string Remove from. Even if you delete the "product name", the data string after deletion does not fit in the tape with the predetermined tape length. Therefore, in accordance with the database arrangement order, one item "classification" is retrieved from the front of the arrangement order and the data Remove from column. The data string after the "classification" is deleted fits within the tape of a predetermined tape length, so the "processing date", "expiration date", "production place number", and "producer number" are printed on the tape. It remains as a data string. Therefore, FIG.
As shown in 1 (i), the data string printed on the tape is "bar code", "processing date", "expiration date", "production area number", and "producer number".

The line feed portion 57d removes the line of the item taken out based on the importance from the items forming the data string in the method of avoiding the fixed length over "to make the lines of low importance a plurality of lines" (see FIG. 19). increase. Data string arranging unit 57e
Is a method of avoiding a fixed length over ("Let the whole line be multiple lines and the one with less importance is the lower line and the size is smaller" (Fig. 2
In 0), the item retrieved based on the importance is moved to the line below. The size reduction unit 57f reduces the size of the items forming the data string.

In the CG-ROM 42, a character pattern for displaying characters on a liquid crystal display (LCD) 5 for a large number of characters is stored in association with the character code. Hard disk 4
In addition to GUI (Graphical User Interface) -based OS (Operating System) software, 3 stores various programs such as a data string editing program according to an embodiment of the present invention and data tables.

The RAM 44 has a plurality of storage areas, the details of which will be described with reference to FIG. However, FIG.
FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram for explaining the stored contents of the RAM 44.

As shown in FIG. 5, the RAM 44 includes a fixed length setting ON / OFF flag storage area 44a, a fixed length length storage area 44b, a drop method storage area 44c, a threshold storage area 44d, and a fixed length overshooting method storage area. 44e, a format information storage area 44f, a text area 44g, a work area 44h, and the like.

Fixed length setting ON / OFF flag storage area 44
An area a stores information about whether or not to execute a fixed length over avoidance process, which will be described later, in which a data string is stored in a tape having a predetermined size. And fixed length setting ON
In the / OFF flag storage area 44a, "1" is stored when the fixed length over avoidance process is executed, while "0" is stored when the fixed length over avoidance process is not executed.

The constant length storage area 44b stores a tape length value of a predetermined tape used in the constant length avoidance processing described later.

The drop method storage area 44c stores information (value assigned to each drop method: see FIG. 12) for specifying the drop method to be executed among the plurality of drop methods described above with reference to FIG. This is the area to be used. As shown in FIG. 12, "0" is assigned to the drop method of "all less than or equal to the threshold value", and "1" is assigned to the drop method of selecting the "combination containing the most items". Has been assigned. Also,
"2" is assigned to the drop method that drops in the "format placement order (from the front)", and "3" is assigned to the drop method that drops in the "format placement order (from the back)" There is. In addition, "4" is assigned to the drop method that drops in the "database order (from before)", and "5" is assigned to the drop method that drops in the "database order (after)". Has been.

The threshold storage area 44d stores a threshold used when selecting an item to be dropped (deleted) from the items forming the data string.

In the fixed length over avoiding method storage area 44e, the numbers (see FIG. 13) assigned to a plurality of fixed length over avoiding methods to be described later, which are performed in the fixed length over avoiding processing, are stored in the order in which the fixed length over avoiding method is performed. 6, an avoidance method storage area 65a for storing the number assigned to the fixed length over avoidance method to be executed first, and an assigned number for the fixed length over avoidance method to be executed second, as shown in FIG. The avoidance method storage area 65b stores the number, and the avoidance method storage area 65c stores the number assigned to the third fixed length overrun avoiding method.

Note that, as shown in FIG. 13, "1" is assigned to the fixed length over avoiding method of "dropping a less important one", and "decrease the overall size" of fixed length over avoidance. “2” is assigned to the method. In addition, "3" is assigned to the fixed length over avoidance method of "making less important ones into multiple lines", and "the entire line is less important in the lower line, "4" is assigned to the "fixed length over-avoidance method" for reducing the size. Also, "5" is assigned to the fixed length over avoidance method that "closes the space between items", and "6" is assigned to the "reduce the barcode format size" fixed length over avoidance method. There is. Further, "7" is assigned to the method of avoiding the fixed length over that "only the date is used", and "8" is assigned to the method of avoiding the fixed length over that "reduces the left and right margins". Further, "0" is assigned to "no setting" in which the order of performing each fixed length overshooting method is not set.

The format information storage area 44f is shown in FIG.
, The item information storage areas 61, 62, 63, ... Are assigned to the respective items constituting the data string. Then, each item information storage area 61, 62, 63, ...
Is an arrangement information storage area 61a, 62a, 63 for storing information indicating at which position in the data string the item is arranged.
..., and the importance storage area 6 for storing the importance of the item
1b, 62b, 63b, ...

The text area 44f is an area for storing information about characters (unit elements) included in the items constituting the data string. Further, the work area 44h is C
It is a work area used by the PU 41 for various controls and calculations.

The data string editing process performed by the CPU 41 of the computer 1 will be described below with reference to FIG. FIG. 14 is a flowchart for explaining the operation procedure in the data string edit processing performed by the CPU of the computer.

In step S101, the CPU 41 identifies the record designated by the user to print on the tape. The user can select a plurality of records.

In step S102, the constant length setting ON / OFF flag determining section 52 of the CPU 41 causes the RAM 44 to operate.
Whether or not the content stored in the fixed length setting ON / OFF flag storage area 44a is “1”, that is, the fixed length setting ON / O
It is determined whether the FF flag is ON. Fixed length setting ON / OFF flag determination unit 52 sets fixed length setting O
If it is determined that the N / OFF flag is ON (step S102: YES), step S106 for executing a process for storing the data string corresponding to the record in the tape of a predetermined size. Process shifts to. On the other hand, the fixed length setting ON / OFF flag determination unit 52
When it is determined that the fixed length setting ON / OFF flag is not turned on, that is, the fixed length setting ON / OFF flag is turned off (step S102: N
O), the process proceeds to step S103 in order to execute the process for shortening the tape length of the tape used for printing.

In step S103, the image formation determination unit 57b of the CPU 41 extracts one item from the data string, and the importance assigned to the extracted item is RA.
It is determined whether or not the threshold value is equal to or larger than the threshold value stored in the threshold value storage area 44d of M44 (whether or not the extracted item is included in the data string to be printed on the tape). When the image formation determination unit 57b determines that the importance of the item is equal to or higher than the threshold value (step S103: YE
S) and the process proceeds to step S105. On the other hand, when the image formation determining unit 57b determines that the importance of the item is not equal to or more than the threshold value (step S103: NO),
The process proceeds to step S104.

Returning to the explanation of the flow chart of FIG.
In step S104, the data string configuration unit 57c of the CPU 41 deletes the item whose importance is determined to be less than the threshold value in step S103 from the data string to be printed on the tape.

In step S105, the layout changing section 57 of the CPU 41 determines whether or not the process of step S103 has been performed on all the items forming the data string. When the layout changing unit 57 determines that the process of step S103 has been performed on all items (step S105: YES), step S11.
The process shifts to 2. On the other hand, when the layout changing unit 57 determines that the process of step S103 has not been performed for all items (step S105:
NO), the process returns to step S103, and the processes of step S103, step S104 and step S105 are repeated again.

If it is determined in step S105 that the processing in step S103 has been performed on all the items forming the data string, the importance of all the items forming the data string to be printed on the tape is stored in the threshold value of the RAM 44. Area 44
It is equal to or larger than the threshold value stored in d.

Here, from step S103 to step S
FIG. 15 shows an example in which the items constituting the data string are only those items which are equal to or more than the threshold value by the processing of 105. As shown in FIG. 15A, "expiration date", "processing date", and "illustration"
The importance of is 100, 50, and 20, respectively.
Further, FIG. 15B shows a record selection screen in which the user selects a record in step S101. The user selects a record by moving the cursor 76 to a desired record position on this record selection screen.

If the threshold value stored in the threshold storage area 44d of the RAM 44 is 0, as shown in FIG. 15C, none of the items are deleted from the data string, and all items are printed on the tape. To be done. Further, when the threshold value stored in the threshold storage area 44d is 40, as shown in FIG. 15D, the “illustration” with the degree of importance less than the threshold is deleted from the data string and the “illustration” is excluded. "expiration date",
The "processing date" is printed on the tape. Furthermore, when the threshold value stored in the threshold storage area 44d is 80,
As shown in FIG. 5 (e), the “illustration” and the “processing date” with the importance less than the threshold value are deleted from the data string, and only the “expiration date” is printed on the tape.

In step S106, the tape length direction determination unit 53a of the CPU 41 determines that the data string length of the data string corresponding to the record is the constant length storage area 44b of the RAM 44.
It is determined whether or not the tape length (fixed length) of the tape stored in is exceeded. When the tape length length direction determination unit 53a determines that the data string length exceeds the fixed length (step S106: YES), step S107.
Process shifts to. On the other hand, the tape length / length direction determination unit 53
When it is determined by a that the data string length does not exceed the fixed length (step S106: NO), the data string to be printed on the tape already fits in the tape of a predetermined size, so that the fixed length overshoot is avoided. It is not necessary to execute the process, and the process proceeds to step S112.

In step S107, the CPU 41 executes a fixed length overshooting process (see FIG. 16).

In step S108, the tape length direction determination unit 53a of the CPU 41 stores the data string length of the data string after the fixed length overshooting process is executed in step S107 in the fixed length storage area 44b of the RAM 44. It is determined whether or not it exceeds the tape length (fixed length) of the existing tape. When the tape length direction determination unit 53a determines that the data string length exceeds the fixed length (step S1
08: YES), and the process of step S111 is executed.
On the other hand, when the tape length direction determination unit 53a determines that the data string length does not exceed the fixed length (step S
108: NO), and proceeds to the process of step S109.

In step S109, the CPU 41
On the liquid crystal display 5, the data string after the fixed length overshooting process is executed in step S107 is displayed as an image (print preview), and a message confirming whether to execute printing (print execution confirmation message) is displayed. To do.

In step S110, the CPU 41
The mouse 7 indicates whether printing has been instructed by the user.
Is determined based on the coordinate signal from the keypad and the pressing signal from the keyboard 6. When the CPU 41 determines that the user has instructed printing (step S110: YE
S) and the process proceeds to step S112. On the other hand, CP
If it is determined by U41 that the user has not instructed printing (step S110: NO), step S
The processing moves to 113.

Whether or not the user has instructed to print is determined by, for example, displaying a print button to be clicked when the user instructs to print on the liquid crystal display 5, and clicking this print button with the mouse 7 by the user. It can be realized by determining whether or not it has been performed based on the coordinate signal from the mouse 7.

In step S111, the CPU 41
Since the data string could not be stored in the tape of the predetermined size even if the fixed length over-avoidance process was executed in step S107, the user should store the data string in the tape of the predetermined size. A liquid crystal display 5 displays an error message notifying that it has failed (display of error message of fixed length over-failure).

In step S112, the CPU 41
Controls the printing device 2 so that the data string is printed on the tape. As a result, a label on which the data string is printed is produced.

In step S113, the CPU 41
Determines whether or not the print processing (the processing from step S102 to step S112) has been attempted for all the records selected by the user in step S101. When the CPU 41 determines that the print processing has not been attempted for all the records (step S113: NO), the record for which the print processing has not been attempted is taken out, and the processing returns to step S102.
The processing from step S102 to step S112 is executed on the retrieved record. On the other hand, when the CPU 41 determines that the print processing has been attempted for all the records (step S113: YES), the print processing has been attempted for all the records selected by the user, and thus the data string editing processing is performed. To finish.

Next, the fixed length over avoidance processing in the flowchart of FIG. 14 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 16 is a flowchart for explaining the operation procedure of the CPU in the constant length overshooting process.

In step S201, the fixed length overrun avoiding method selection unit 54 of the CPU 41 determines the fixed length overrun avoiding method having the highest priority based on the information stored in the fixed length overrun avoiding method storage area 44e of the RAM 44. Select.

In step S202, the fixed length overshooting method determination unit 55 of the CPU 41 determines the fixed length overrunning method selected in step S201 (once step S202.
After performing the processing of (1), it is determined whether or not the fixed length over avoidance method selected in step S220, which will be described later, is a fixed length over avoidance method of "dropping a less important one". When the fixed length over avoidance method determination unit 55 determines that the fixed length over avoidance method is to “drop a less important one” (step S202: YES), the process proceeds to step S203. On the other hand, when the fixed length over avoidance method determination unit 55 determines that the method is not the fixed length over avoidance method of “dropping a less important one” (step S202: NO), the process proceeds to step S204.

In step S203, the CPU 41
Executes the fixed length over avoidance method (see FIG. 17) of “dropping one with low importance”, and shifts to the processing of step S218.

In step S204, the fixed length overshooting method determination unit 55 of the CPU 41 determines the fixed length overrunning method selected in step S201 (once step S204
After performing the processing of (1), it is determined whether or not the fixed length over avoidance method selected in step S220, which will be described later, is the “reduced overall size” fixed length over avoidance method. When it is determined by the fixed length over avoidance method determination unit 55 that the “overall size reduction” is the fixed length over avoidance method (step S204: YES), step S20.
The process moves to step 5. On the other hand, when it is determined by the fixed length over avoidance method determination unit 55 that the fixed length over avoidance method is “to reduce the overall size” (step S20).
4: NO), and the process proceeds to step S206.

In step S205, the CPU 41
Executes the constant length overshooting method of "reducing the overall size" (see FIG. 18), and shifts to the processing of step S218.

In step S206, the fixed length overshooting method determination unit 55 of the CPU 41 determines the fixed length overrunning method selected in step S201 (once step S206.
After performing the processing of (1), it is determined whether or not the fixed length over avoidance method selected in step S220 described later is the “fixed length over avoidance method in which a less important item is made into a plurality of lines”. When it is determined by the fixed length over avoidance method determination unit 55 that the fixed length over avoidance method is “make less important ones into a plurality of lines” (step S206: YES), the process proceeds to step S207. On the other hand, when it is determined by the fixed length over avoidance method determination unit 55 that the fixed length over avoidance method does not "make less important ones into a plurality of lines" (step S206: NO), the process proceeds to step S208. .

In step S207, the CPU 41
Executes the fixed length over avoidance method (refer to FIG. 19) of “making less important ones into plural lines”, and shifts to the processing of step S218.

In step S208, the fixed length overshooting method determining unit 55 of the CPU 41 determines the fixed length overrunning method selected in step S201 (once step S208.
After performing the processing of (1), the fixed length over avoidance method selected in step S220, which will be described later, is “to reduce the size in the lower row if the whole is made into a plurality of rows and the degree of importance is lower”.
It is determined whether the method is a method of avoiding the constant length over. By the fixed length over avoidance method determination unit 55, "the entire line is made into a plurality of lines and the one having a lower importance is the lower line and the size is reduced"
When it is determined that the method for avoiding the constant length is exceeded (step S208: YES), the process proceeds to step S209. On the other hand, when it is determined by the fixed length over avoidance method determination unit 55 that the fixed length over avoidance method is not “the entire line is made up of a plurality of lines and the one having lower importance is the lower line and the size is reduced” ( (Step S208: NO), the process proceeds to step S210.

In step S209, the CPU 41
Is a method of avoiding a fixed length over ("Let the whole line be multiple lines and the one with less importance is the lower line and the size is smaller" (Fig. 2
0 (see 0) is executed, and the process proceeds to step S218.

In step S210, the fixed length overshooting method determination unit 55 of the CPU 41 determines the fixed length overrunning method selected in step S201 (once step S210.
After performing the processing of step S <b> 220, it is determined whether the fixed length over avoidance method selected in step S <b> 220, which will be described later, is a “closed space between items” fixed length over avoidance method. When the fixed length over avoidance method determination unit 55 determines that the fixed length over avoidance method is to "fill the space between items" (step S210: YES), step S21.
The processing shifts to 1. On the other hand, when it is determined by the fixed length over avoidance method determination unit 55 that the fixed length over avoidance method of "filling the space between items" is not performed (step S21).
0: NO), the process proceeds to step S212.

In step S211, the CPU 41
Executes the fixed length over avoidance method of "filling the space between items" (see FIG. 22) and shifts to the processing of step S218.

In step S212, the fixed length overshooting method determination unit 55 of the CPU 41 determines the fixed length overrunning method selected in step S201 (once step S212.
After performing the processing of (1), it is determined whether the fixed length over avoidance method selected in step S220, which will be described later, is the “fixed length over avoidance method of reducing the format size of the barcode”. When it is determined by the fixed length over avoidance method determination unit 55 that the “reduced barcode format size” is the fixed length over avoidance method (step S212: YES), the process proceeds to step S213. On the other hand, when the fixed length over avoidance method determination unit 55 determines that it is not the “reduce the barcode format size” fixed length over avoidance method (step S212: NO), the process proceeds to step S214.

In step S213, the CPU 41
“Reduce the barcode format size”
The fixed length over avoidance method (see FIG. 23) is executed, and the process proceeds to step S218.

In step S214, the fixed length overshooting method determination unit 55 of the CPU 41 determines the fixed length overrunning method selected in step S201 (once step S214.
After performing the processing of (1), it is determined whether the fixed length over avoidance method selected in step S220, which will be described later, is the “only date” fixed length over avoidance method. When it is determined by the fixed length over avoidance method determination unit 55 that the “only date is set” is the fixed length over avoidance method (step S2).
14: YES), and proceeds to the process of step S215.
On the other hand, when the fixed length over avoidance method determination unit 55 determines that it is not the “only date” fixed length over avoidance method (step S214: NO), the process proceeds to step S216.

In step S215, the CPU 41
Executes the "only date" avoiding fixed length over (see FIG. 24), and proceeds to the processing of step S218.

In step S216, the fixed length overshooting method determination unit 55 of the CPU 41 determines the fixed length overrunning method selected in step S201 (once step S216.
After performing the processing of (1), it is determined whether the fixed length over avoidance method selected in step S220, which will be described later, is the “reduced left / right margin” fixed length over avoidance method. When it is determined by the fixed length over avoidance method determination unit 55 that the “reduced left / right margin” is the fixed length over avoidance method (step S216: YES), the process proceeds to step S217. On the other hand, when it is determined by the fixed length over avoidance method determination unit 55 that the fixed length over avoidance method is not to “reduce the left and right margins” (step S216: N
O), the process proceeds to step S218.

In step S217, the CPU 41
Executes the fixed length over avoidance method of "reducing the left and right margins" (see FIG. 25), and proceeds to the processing of step S218.

In step S218, the tape length direction determining unit 53a of the CPU 41 determines the fixed length over avoiding method selected in step S201 (after the process of step S218 is once executed, the fixed length selected in step S220 described later is selected). It is determined whether or not the data string length of the data string after execution of the (over-avoidance method) exceeds the tape length (fixed length) of the tape stored in the threshold value storage area 44d of the RAM 44. When the tape length direction determination unit 53a determines that the data string length exceeds the fixed length (step S
218: YES) The process moves to step S219.
On the other hand, when the tape length direction determination unit 53a determines that the data string length does not exceed the fixed length (step S
218: NO), the fixed length over avoidance method selected in step S201 (the fixed length over avoidance method selected in step S220, which will be described later, once the processing in step S218 has been executed) is executed, so that the data string is Since it fits within the tape of a predetermined size, the fixed length over avoiding process is ended, and the process proceeds to step S108 described with reference to FIG.

In step S219, the fixed length overrun avoiding method selection unit 54 of the CPU 41 determines the fixed length overrun avoiding method that has been executed so far based on the information stored in the fixed length overrun avoiding method storage area 44e of the RAM 44. Next, it is determined whether or not the fixed length overrun prevention method with the next highest priority is set. If it is determined by the fixed length over avoidance method selection unit 54 that the fixed length over avoidance method having the next highest priority is set next to the fixed length over avoidance method that has been executed so far (step S219: YES), The process proceeds to step S220. On the other hand, if the fixed length over avoidance method selecting unit 54 determines that the fixed length over avoidance method having the next highest priority is not set (step S2).
19: NO), since all the set fixed length over avoiding methods have been executed, the fixed length over avoiding process is ended, and the process proceeds to step S108 described with reference to FIG.

In step S220, the fixed length overrun avoiding method selecting unit 54 of the CPU 41 determines the fixed length overrun avoiding method that has been executed so far based on the information stored in the fixed length overrun avoiding method storage area 44e of the RAM 44. Next, the fixed length over avoidance method having the next highest priority is selected, the process returns to step S202, and the series of processes from step S202 to step S220 is repeated.

Further, a fixed length over avoiding method of "dropping a less important one" in the flowchart of FIG. 16 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 17 is a flowchart for explaining the operation procedure of the CPU in the fixed length over avoiding method of “dropping a less important one”.

In step S301, the image formation determining unit 57b of the CPU 41 configures a data string based on the importance levels stored in the importance level storage areas 61b, 62b, 63b, ... Of the RAM 44 (already in step S3).
When the process of 01 is performed, one item with the lowest importance is taken out from the items (excluding the items already taken out).

In step S302, the image formation determination unit 57b of the CPU 41 determines whether or not the importance of the item extracted in step S301 is smaller than the threshold value stored in the threshold storage area 44d of the RAM 44 ( Determine whether to remove the retrieved item from the data string to be printed on the tape). When the image formation determination unit 57b determines that the importance of the item extracted in step S301 is smaller than the threshold value (step S302: Y
ES), and the process proceeds to step S303. On the other hand, when the image formation determination unit 57b determines that the importance of the item extracted in step S301 is not smaller than the threshold value (step S302: NO), an item having the importance level smaller than the threshold value already exists in the data string. Since it has disappeared, the fixed length over avoiding method of "dropping a less important one" is ended, and the process proceeds to step S218 described with reference to FIG.

In step S303, the data string forming unit 57c of the CPU 41 forms a new data string by dropping (deleting) the item extracted in step S301 from the item of the data string to be printed on the tape.

In step S304, the tape length direction determination unit 53a of the CPU 41 stores the data string length of the data string after the item extracted in step S301 is deleted from the data string in the fixed length storage area 44b of the RAM 44. It is determined whether or not it exceeds the tape length (fixed length) of the tape being recorded. When the tape length direction determination unit 53a determines that the data string length exceeds the fixed length (step S304: YES), the process returns to step S301 and the processes from step S301 to step S304 are repeated. On the other hand, when the tape length direction determination unit 53a determines that the data string length does not exceed the fixed length (step S304: NO), the data string after the item taken out in step S301 is deleted is predetermined. Since it fits within the tape of the specified length, the fixed length over avoiding method of "dropping a less important one" is ended, and step S218 described with reference to FIG.
Process shifts to.

Further, a method of avoiding the fixed length over in the flow chart of FIG. 16 to "reduce the overall size" will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 18 is a flow chart for explaining the operation procedure of the CPU in the method of avoiding the fixed length over to “reduce the overall size”.

In step S351, the layout changing section 57 of the CPU 41 determines whether or not the size of the data string can be reduced. Layout change section 5
When it is determined that the size of the data string can be reduced by 7 (step S351: YES),
Then, the process proceeds to step S352. On the other hand, when the layout changing unit 57 determines that the size of the data string cannot be reduced (step S351:
NO), since the size of the data string cannot be further reduced, the method of avoiding the fixed length over which "reduces the overall size" is terminated, and the process proceeds to step S218 described with reference to FIG. Note that, for example, the size of the data string is reduced depending on whether or not the size of the data string at present is larger than a predetermined minimum size by a predetermined size (a size for reducing the size of the data string in step S352 described later). It is determined whether it can be done.

In step S352, the layout changing section 41 of the CPU 41 reduces the size of the data string by one level (predetermined size).

In step S353, the tape length direction determination unit 53a of the CPU 41 determines that the data string length of the data string after the size is reduced by one step in step S352 is R.
It is determined whether the tape length (fixed length) of the tape stored in the fixed length storage area 44b of the AM 44 is exceeded. If the tape length direction determination unit 53a determines that the data string length exceeds the fixed length (step S35).
3: YES), returning to the process of step S351, the processes of steps S351 to S353 are repeated. On the other hand, when the tape length direction determination unit 53a determines that the data string length does not exceed the fixed length (step S353: NO), the data string whose size has been reduced by one step in step S352 is predetermined. Since it fits within the tape of the specified length, the method of avoiding the fixed length over to "reduce the overall size" is ended, and the process proceeds to step S218 described with reference to FIG.

Further, a method of avoiding the fixed length over in which "low importance is made into a plurality of lines" in the flowchart of FIG. 16 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 19 is a flowchart for explaining the operation procedure of the CPU in the method of avoiding the fixed length over in which “a less important item is made into a plurality of lines”.

In step S401, the layout changing unit 57 of the CPU 41 configures the data string based on the importance levels stored in the importance level storage areas 61b, 62b, 63b, ... Of the RAM 44 (already in step S4).
When the process of 01 is performed, one item with the lowest importance is taken out from the items (excluding the items already taken out).

In step S402, the tape width direction determining portion 53b of the CPU 41 determines whether or not the number of lines of the item taken out in step S401 can be further increased. When it is determined by the tape width direction determination unit 53b that the number of lines of the item extracted in step S401 can be further increased (step S402: YE
S) and the process proceeds to step S403. On the other hand, when the tape width direction determination unit 53b determines that the number of lines of the item taken out in step S401 cannot be further increased (step S402: NO), the process proceeds to step S405.

In step S403, the line feed portion 57d of the CPU 41 increments the number of lines of the item extracted in step S401 by one (see FIG. 26 (f)). That is, when the number of rows of the item fetched in step S401 is "n" rows, the number of rows of the item becomes "n + 1" rows by the processing of step S403.

In step S404, the tape length direction determination unit 53a of the CPU 41 stores the data string length of the data string after increasing the number of rows of the item extracted in step S401 in the constant length storage area 44b of the RAM 44. It is determined whether or not it exceeds the tape length (fixed length) of the existing tape. When the tape length direction determination unit 53a determines that the data string length exceeds the fixed length (step S4
04: YES), returning to the process of step S402, an attempt is made to increase the number of lines of the item extracted in step S401 again. On the other hand, when the tape length direction determination unit 53a determines that the data string length does not exceed the fixed length (step S404: NO), the data string after increasing the number of rows of the item extracted in step S401 is Since it fits in a tape of a predetermined length,
The method of avoiding the fixed length over in which “less important items are made into a plurality of lines” is completed, and step S2 described with reference to FIG.
The process moves to 18.

In step S405, the layout changing section 57 of the CPU 41 determines whether or not there is an item that has not been taken out in step S401 among the items forming the data string. When the layout changing unit 57 determines that there is an item that has not been extracted (step S405: YES), the process proceeds to step S401, and the item with the lowest importance is extracted from the items that have not been extracted yet. Etc. From step S401 to step S
The processing of 405 is performed. On the other hand, when the layout changing unit 57 determines that there is no item that has not been taken out (step S405: NO), it means that the process for making all the items forming the data string into a plurality of lines is attempted. Therefore, the method of avoiding the fixed length over in which “low importance is set to a plurality of lines” is ended, and the process proceeds to step S218 described with reference to FIG.

Further, referring to FIG. 20, a method for avoiding the fixed length over will be described in which "the entire line is a plurality of lines and the less important one is the lower line in the lower line" in the flowchart of FIG. FIG. 20 is a flow chart for explaining the operation procedure of the CPU in the method of avoiding the fixed length over in which “the entire row is a plurality of rows and the less important one is the lower row, and the size is smaller”.

In step S451, the layout changing unit 57 of the CPU 41 causes the line of the longest item among the lines (the line of the line of items) of the items forming the data string to be arranged in the longitudinal direction of the tape. Find out. For example, in the case of FIG. 21, a line (a line of a line of items) including items 77c, 77d, and 77e is found.

In step S452, the layout changing section 57 of the CPU 41 determines whether or not the line of the item sequence found in step S451 is the bottom line.
When the layout changing unit 57 determines that the line of the item array found in step S451 is the bottom line (step S452: YES), the process proceeds to step S453. On the other hand, when the layout changing unit 57 determines that the line of the item sequence found in step S451 is not the bottom line (step S452: N
O), and the process proceeds to step S455. When the data string is one row, the process always proceeds to step S453.

In step S453, the tape width direction determination unit 53b of the CPU 41 determines whether or not a row of data columns can be added, that is, whether or not the number of data rows can be increased and the data rows can fit within the tape width of the tape. To judge. When the tape width direction determination unit 53b determines that the row of the data string can be added (step S453: YES), the process proceeds to step S454. On the other hand, when the tape width direction determination unit 53b determines that the row of the data string cannot be added (step S453: NO), if the process of adding the row of the data string further is performed, the data string has the tape width of the tape. Therefore, the method of avoiding the fixed length over is ended, and "the whole line is made up of a plurality of lines and the one having a lower degree of importance is the lower line and the size is reduced".
The process shifts to the process of step S218 described with reference to.

In step S454, the data string arranging unit 57e of the CPU 41 adds one row of the data string,
Then, the process proceeds to step S455.

In step S455, the layout changing section 57 of the CPU 41 stores the items included in the line of the items found in step S451 in the importance storage areas 61b, 62b, 63b, ... Of the RAM 44. The one with the lowest importance is taken out based on the importance.

In step S456, the size reduction unit 57f of the CPU 41 reduces the size of the item fetched in step S455 to the size assigned to the row below, and the data string arrangement unit 57e reduces the size of the item. Move down one row.

In step S457, the tape length direction determination unit 53a of the CPU 41 determines that the data string length of the data string after the process of step S456 is stored in the fixed length storage area 44b of the RAM 44. It is determined whether the tape length (fixed length) is exceeded. When the tape length direction determination unit 53a determines that the data string length exceeds the fixed length (step S457: YES),
Returning to the processing of step S451, the processing of steps S451 to S457 is repeated. On the other hand, when the tape length direction determination unit 53a determines that the data string length does not exceed the fixed length (step S457: N
O), the data string after the process of step S456 is to be stored in the tape having a predetermined length. Line, the size is reduced ", the fixed length over avoiding method is completed, and step S21 described with reference to FIG.
The process shifts to the process of 8.

Here, referring to FIG. 20, an example of a method of avoiding the fixed length over is described in which “the whole line is made up of a plurality of lines and the one having a lower importance is the lower line and the size is reduced” described with reference to FIG. The description will be made with reference. However, FIG. 21 is a diagram showing an example of a fixed length over avoidance method in which "the entire line is a plurality of lines and the one having a low importance is the lower line and the size is reduced". In the figure, the tape 8a corresponds to the tape length of the tape stored in the fixed length storage area 44b of the RAM 44, and items 77a, 77b, 77c, 77d,
It is assumed that 77e, 77f and 77g are represented by relative sizes to the size of the tape 8a.

Assuming that the data string is in the state as shown in FIG. 21A, the row of the item array consisting of the items 77c, 77d and 77e is taken out (step S45).
1), it is determined that it is not the bottom line (step S45)
2). Then, if the item 77e has the lowest degree of importance among the items 77c, 77d, and 77e, the item 77e is extracted (step S455), the size of the item 77e is reduced, and the items 77f and 77g are arranged in a row. The line is moved (step S456). As a result, FIG.
The data string shown in 1 (a) becomes the data string shown in FIG. 21 (b).

It is determined that the data string shown in FIG. 21 (b) does not fit in the tape having the predetermined tape length (step S457), and the row of the item array consisting of the items 77e, 77f, 77g is taken out. (Step S45
1). Then, it is determined that the line of the line of items including the items 77e, 77f, and 77g is the bottom line (step S
452). Further, assuming that the line can be added, it is determined that the line can be added (step S
453), and one row of the data column is added (step S4)
54). Then, if the item 77g is the least important among the items 77e, 77f, and 77g, the item 77g is taken out (step S455), and the size of the item 77g is reduced and moved to the newly added row (step S455). S
456). As a result, the data string shown in FIG. 21 (b) becomes the data string shown in FIG. 21 (c).

It is determined that the data string shown in FIG. 21 (c) fits within the tape having a predetermined tape length (step S457), and "the whole is a plurality of lines, the one having the lower importance is the lower one". End the "fixed length over avoidance method" to reduce the size.

Further, a method of avoiding the fixed length over in which the space between items is filled in the flowchart of FIG. 16 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 22 is a flowchart for explaining the operation procedure of the CPU in the method of avoiding the fixed length over in which the space between items is reduced.

In step S501, the layout changing section 57 of the CPU 51 determines whether or not the space between items forming the data string can be reduced. When the layout changing unit 57 determines that the space between the items forming the data string can be reduced (step S501: YES), the process proceeds to step S502. On the other hand, when the layout changing unit 57 determines that the space between the items forming the data string cannot be reduced (step S501: N
O), since the space between the items forming the data string cannot be narrowed any more, the "close the space between items" avoiding method of fixed length over is ended, and the process of step S218 described with reference to FIG. Move to. Note that, for example, the layout changing unit 57 is configured such that the distance between the items forming the data string is a certain value or more (a value that reduces the amount of space between items in step S502 described later to a predetermined minimum distance between items). It is determined whether or not the space between items can be reduced depending on whether or not the value is greater than or equal to

In step S502, the layout changing section 57 of the CPU 41 reduces the space between the items forming the data string by a predetermined amount.

In step S503, the tape length direction determination unit 53a of the CPU 41 determines that the data string length of the data string after the space between the items forming the data string is reduced by a certain amount in step S502 is the constant length of the RAM 44. It is determined whether the tape length (fixed length) of the tape stored in the storage area 44b is exceeded. Tape length direction determination unit 53
When it is determined by a that the data string length exceeds the fixed length (step S503: YES), step S5
Returning to the processing of 01, from step S501 to step S501
The process of 503 is repeated. On the other hand, when the tape length direction determination unit 53a determines that the data string length does not exceed the fixed length (step S503: NO), the data string after the space between items is reduced by a certain amount in step S502. Is to be accommodated in the tape having a predetermined length, the method of avoiding the fixed length over of "filling the space between items" is ended, and the process proceeds to step S218 described with reference to FIG. To do.

Further, a method of avoiding the fixed length over in which the format size of the bar code is reduced in the flowchart of FIG. 16 will be described with reference to FIG. Figure 2
FIG. 3 is a flow chart for explaining the operation procedure of the CPU in the method of avoiding the fixed length over to “reduce the format size of the barcode”.

In step S551, the layout changing section 57 of the CPU 41 determines whether or not the item forming the data string includes a bar code. When the layout changing unit 57 determines that the bar code is included in the items forming the data string (step S551: YES), the process proceeds to step S552. On the other hand, if the layout changing unit 57 determines that the barcode is not included (step S
551: NO), the fixed length over avoidance method of “reducing the barcode format size” is ended, and the process proceeds to step S218 described with reference to FIG.

In step S552, the layout changing unit 57 of the CPU 41 takes out the item relating to the barcode from the items forming the data string, changes the format size of the fetched barcode to a predetermined size, and changes the format of the barcode. Reduce the format size. This completes the method of avoiding the fixed length over to "reduce the format size of the barcode", and the process shifts to step S218 described with reference to FIG.

Further, a method of avoiding the fixed length over in the flow chart of FIG. 16 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 24 is a flow chart for explaining the operation procedure of the CPU in the method of avoiding the fixed length over of “only date”.

In step S601, the layout changing unit 57 of the CPU 41 has enumerated all the items that make up the data string (for all items, the following step S60).
Whether the processing from step 602 to step S604 has been performed) is determined. When the layout changing unit 57 determines that all the items forming the data string are not listed (step S601: NO), the process proceeds to step S602. On the other hand, when it is determined by the layout changing unit 57 that all the items forming the data string are listed (step S601: YES), the items including the date among the items forming the data string are already only the date. Therefore, the method of avoiding the fixed length over of “making only the date” ends, and step S21 described with reference to FIG.
The process shifts to the process of 8.

In step S602, the layout changing section 57 of the CPU 41 selects one from a plurality of items forming the data string (excluding the item taken at that time when the process of step S602 has already been performed). Take out the item.

In step S603, the layout changing section 57 of the CPU 41 determines whether the item retrieved in step S602 is an item including a date. When the layout changing unit 57 determines that the item extracted in step S602 is an item including a date (step S603: YES), the process proceeds to step S604. On the other hand, when the layout changing unit 57 determines that the item extracted in step S602 does not include the date (step S603: N
O), and the process returns to step S601.

In step S604, the layout changing unit 57 of the CPU 41 deletes the characters included in the item extracted in step S602 other than the characters related to the date, and changes the extracted item into the item including only the date. Then, the process returns to step S601.

Further, FIG. 2 shows a method for avoiding the fixed length over in which "the left and right margins are reduced" in the flowchart of FIG.
This will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 25 is a flow chart for explaining the operation procedure of the CPU in the method of avoiding the fixed length over to “reduce the left and right margins”.

In step S651, the layout changing unit 57 of the CPU 41 determines whether or not the margin width (left and right margins) at both ends in the longitudinal direction of the tape when the data string is printed on the tape can be reduced. When the layout changing unit 57 determines that the left and right margins can be reduced (step S651: YE
S) and the process proceeds to step S652. On the other hand, when the layout changing unit 57 determines that the left and right margins cannot be reduced (step S651: N
O), because the left and right margins cannot be reduced any further, the method of avoiding the fixed length over to “reduce the left and right margins” is ended, and the process proceeds to step S218 described with reference to FIG. Note that, for example, the layout changing unit 57
Is equal to or greater than a certain value of the left and right margins (the value of the predetermined minimum left and right margin widths is set to the step S652 which will be described later).
It is determined whether or not the left and right margins can be reduced by determining whether or not the left and right margins are added or more).

In step S652, the layout changing section 57 of the CPU 41 reduces the left and right margins by a predetermined amount.

In step S653, the tape length direction determination unit 53a of the CPU 41 stores the data string length of the data string after the left and right margins have been reduced by a certain amount in step S652 in the fixed length storage area 44b of the RAM 44. It is determined whether or not the tape length (fixed length) of the existing tape is exceeded. If the tape length direction determination unit 53a determines that the data string length exceeds the fixed length (step S6).
53: YES), the process returns to step S651, and the processes of steps S651 to S653 are repeated. On the other hand, when the tape length direction determination unit 53a determines that the data string length does not exceed the fixed length (step S653: NO), the character string after the left and right margins have been reduced by a certain amount in step S652 is previously stored. Since it fits in the tape having the defined length, the method of avoiding the fixed length over to "reduce the left and right margins" is ended, and the process proceeds to step S218 described with reference to FIG.

FIG. 26 shows an example of each of the fixed length over avoidance methods. However, FIG. 26 is a diagram showing an example of a data string after each fixed length overshooting method is executed. still,
It is assumed that the threshold is set to "60".

FIG. 26A shows an example of the format of the data string. The arrangement of each item in the format shown in FIG. 26A is "bar code", "processing date", in order from the front. It has "best before date" and "product name". The tape 78 represents a tape having a tape length corresponding to the value stored in the constant length storage area 44b of the RAM 44, and also has a barcode 78a, a processing date 78b, a shelf life 78c, and a product name 78d. Are shown relative to the tape 78.

FIG. 26B shows an example of the degree of importance of each item constituting the data string. As shown in FIG. 26B, "bar code", "processing date", and "best before date". ",
100, 50, 7 as the degree of importance for each "product name"
0 and 30 are assigned.

FIG. 26 (c) shows an example of a database of items forming a data string. The arrangement of each item in the database shown in FIG. 26 (c) is "bar code",
"Processing date", "Best before date", and "Product name". Here, the user has a “bar code” of “FOS21001”.
It is assumed that the record is selected in step S101.

In the case shown in FIGS. 26A to 26C, a case where the fixed length over avoiding method of "dropping a less important one" is executed will be briefly described. First, the "product name" having the lowest importance is extracted (step S301), and it is determined that the importance of the extracted "product name" is smaller than the threshold value (step S302).
“Product name” is deleted from the data string (step S30)
3). Then, it is determined that the data string after the "product name" is deleted fits within the tape having a predetermined tape length (step S304). Then, a data string including items other than the "product name" is printed on the tape as shown in FIG.

In the case shown in FIGS. 26 (a) to 26 (c), a brief description will be given of the case of executing the method of avoiding the fixed length over "to reduce the overall size".
It should be noted that the size of the data string can be reduced by at least one step, and if the size of the data string is reduced by one step, the data string will fit within the tape having a predetermined tape length.

First, it is determined that the size of the data string can be reduced (step S351), the size of the entire data string is reduced by one step (step S352), and the data string after the size is decreased by one step is stored in advance. It is determined that the tape fits within the tape having the determined tape length (step S
353). Then, the data string after the size is reduced by one step is printed on the tape as shown in FIG.

In the case as shown in FIGS. 26 (a) to 26 (c), "a row having a low importance is made into a plurality of rows".
A brief description will be given for the case where the fixed length over avoidance method is executed. It should be noted that the "cherry" of the "product name" can be made into two lines, and if the "cherry" is made into two lines, the data string will fit within the tape of a predetermined tape length.

First, the "product name" having the lowest importance is extracted from the data string (step S401), and it is determined that the number of lines of the extracted "product name" (cherries) can be increased (step S402). Then, the number of lines of "cherries" is set to 2 (step S403), and it is determined that the data string after the lines of "cherries" are set to fit within a tape having a predetermined tape length (step S40).
4). Then, the data string after "cherry" is made into two rows is printed on the tape as shown in FIG. 26 (f).

In the case shown in FIGS. 26 (a) to 26 (c), "the whole row is made up of a plurality of rows and the one having a lower importance is the lower row, and the size is reduced". The case where the method is executed is briefly described. It should be noted that it is possible to have two data rows, and if the data rows are two rows, the data rows will fit within a tape having a predetermined tape length.

First, the longest line of items arranged (the line consisting of items 78a, 78b, 78c, 78d) is taken out (step S451), and the taken line of items is judged to be the bottom line. (Step S452). Further, it is determined that the number of rows of the data string can be increased (step S453), and the row of the data string is added (step S454). Then, the "product name", which has the lowest importance in the sequence of items, is extracted from the data string (step
In step S4455, a new data string is created by reducing the size of the extracted "product name" (cherry) and moving "cherry" to the newly added row (step S456). It is determined that the new data string fits within the tape having the predetermined tape length (step S457). Then, the new data string is shown in FIG.
As shown in (g), it will be printed on the tape.

In the case as shown in FIGS. 26 (a) to 26 (c), a case where the fixed length over avoidance method of "filling spaces between items" is executed will be briefly described.
Note that it is possible to fill the space between items in the data string at least once, and if the space between items is reduced by one level,
It is assumed that the data string fits within a tape having a predetermined tape length.

First, it is determined that the space between items forming the data string can be reduced by a certain amount (step S
501), the space between items is reduced by a certain amount (step S502). Then, it is determined that the data string after the space between items has been reduced by a certain amount can be accommodated within the tape having a predetermined tape length (step S503). And
The data string after the space between items is reduced by a certain amount,
As shown in FIG. 26 (h), the tape is printed.

In the case shown in FIGS. 26 (a) to 26 (c), a case will be briefly described in which the fixed length over avoidance method of "reducing the format size of the bar code" is executed.

First, the items 78a and 7 which form the data string.
It is determined whether or not there is an item regarding "bar code" in 8b, 78c, 78d, and it is determined that there is an item regarding "bar code" (step S501). Then, the item 78a relating to the "bar code" is taken out from the items 78a, 78b, 78c, 78d forming the data string, and the size of the taken item 78a is reduced to a predetermined format size (step S502). Then, the data string after the format size of the “bar code” is reduced is printed on the tape as shown in FIG.

In the case shown in FIGS. 26 (a) to 26 (c), the case where the "only date" constant length over avoiding method is executed will be briefly described.

First, items 78a, 78b, 78c, 78.
One item is taken out in order from d (step S60
2). If the retrieved items are "processing date" and "expiration date", it is determined that the date is included (step S6).
03), the characters other than the date are deleted from the characters forming the item to make only the date (step S604). And
As for the item including the date, the data string after only the date is printed on the tape as shown in FIG. 26 (j).

In the case as shown in FIGS. 26 (a) to 26 (c), the case of executing the method of avoiding the fixed length over to "reduce the left and right margins" will be briefly described. still,
The left and right margins can be reduced at least once, and if the left and right margins are reduced once, the data string will fit within a tape having a predetermined tape length.

First, it is determined that the left and right margins can be reduced by a fixed amount (step S651), and the left and right margins are reduced by a fixed amount (step S652). And
It is determined that the data string after the left and right margins have been reduced by a certain amount fits within the tape having a predetermined tape length (step S653). Then, the data string after the left and right margins have been reduced by a certain amount is printed on the tape as shown in FIG.

As described above, when it is not necessary to store a data string in a tape having a predetermined tape length, an item based on the degree of importance given to an item (component part) forming the data string When the importance of is less than the threshold value, the item is deleted from the data string, so that it is possible to reduce the tape usage while leaving the item of high importance in the data string. In addition, when it is necessary to store a data string in a tape of a predetermined tape length,
In the fixed length over avoidance method that "drops the ones with low importance", the items with the importance higher than the threshold value are always left in the data string, but the items with lower importance are deleted from the data string in order. The data string is automatically re-edited so that the data string can be accommodated in the tape having a predetermined size while including the high item in the data string to be printed on the tape. As a result, it is not necessary for the user to re-edit the data string by himself / herself in order to store the data string in a tape of a predetermined size, which improves the convenience for the user.

Also, since a plurality of fixed length over avoiding methods (layout avoiding processing) are provided, the rate at which a data string can be automatically stored in a tape of a predetermined size increases (the fixed length over avoiding method is In one case, depending on the method, the data string may not fit in the tape of a predetermined size. Since the user can change the order in which a plurality of fixed length overrun avoiding methods are executed, the fixed length overrun avoiding method is executed in the order of the fixed length overrun avoiding method desired by the user, and a data string to be printed on the tape. Has the advantage that it is closer to the data sequence desired by the user.

<< Modification: Importance Assigning Method >> An importance assigning method for assigning an importance to an item constituting a data string different from the above embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. However, FIG. 27 is an explanatory diagram for explaining another importance degree assigning method.

The importance degree assigning method shown in FIG. 27A determines the importance degree of each item based on the position on the format 81 of each item forming the data string, and is arranged on the format 81. This is a method of giving higher importance to items that are located earlier. In this method, FIG.
In the case of the data string format 81 as shown in,
Illustration 81a is the most important and barcode 81b
Has the second highest importance, and the product name 81c has the lowest importance.

The importance degree assigning method shown in FIG. 27B determines the importance degree of each item based on the position on the format 81 of each item constituting the data string, and is arranged on the format 81. This is a method of giving higher importance to items that are located later. In this method, FIG.
In the case of the character string format 81 as shown in (1), the illustration 81a has the lowest importance, the barcode 81b has the second lowest importance, and the product name 81c has the highest importance.

Further, two other importance degree assigning methods will be described with reference to FIG. However, FIG. 28 is an explanatory diagram for explaining another importance degree assigning method.

The importance level assigning method shown in FIG. 28A determines the importance level of each item based on the position on the database 82 of each item forming a character string, and the allocation on the database 82 is performed. This is a method of giving higher importance to items that are located earlier. According to this method, in the case of the database 82 as shown in FIG. 28A, the barcode has the highest importance, the item name has the second highest importance, and the illustration has the lowest importance.

The importance level assigning method shown in FIG. 28B determines the importance level of each item based on the position of each item constituting the character string on the database 82. This is a method of giving higher importance to items that are located later. According to this method, in the case of the database 82 as shown in FIG. 28B, the bar code has the lowest importance, the item name has the second lowest importance, and the illustration has the highest importance.

Further, another method of giving importance will be described with reference to FIG.
This will be described with reference to FIG. However, FIG. 29 is an explanatory diagram for explaining another importance level assigning method.

The importance assigning method shown in FIG. 29 classifies the items forming the data string into one of the three classes described below. The first category only allows deletion of entire items from the data string (drops allowed),
The second classification does not allow deletion of items from the data string (drop is not allowed), and the third classification allows deletion of some characters (unit elements) constituting the items (may be omitted). In the case shown in FIG. 29, the illustrations are given importance so as to belong to the first classification (drop possible), and the bar codes are given importance so as to belong to the second classification (no drop). The product names are classified so as to belong to the third classification (may be omitted).

<< Modification: Item Deletion >> In the above embodiment, when deleting an item from a data string, all unit elements (characters, etc.) constituting the item are deleted. Alternatively, some of the plurality of unit elements (such as characters) may be deleted. For example, it is possible to leave only a predetermined number of characters (for example, 5 characters) before the characters included in the item and delete all other characters (see FIGS. 30 (a) and 30 (b)). . In this case, the data string as shown in FIG.
It replaces the data string consisting of the barcode and "Notebook" shown in.

[0207] Also, the characters included in the item are deleted by leaving a predetermined number of characters (for example, 3 characters) before the character and a predetermined number of characters (for example, 2 characters) after the character included in the item. (See FIGS. 30 (a) and 30 (c)).
In this case, the data string as shown in FIG.
It replaces the data string consisting of the bar code and "Note A4" shown in (c).

In such a case, since some characters in the item are printed on the tape, information that cannot be obtained if all the characters contained in the item are deleted is printed on the tape. It has the advantage that it can be obtained from a data string.

The preferred embodiments of the present invention have been described above, but the present invention is not limited to the above-mentioned embodiments, and various design changes are possible within the scope of the claims. Is. For example, in the above-described embodiment, the computer 1 and the printing device 2 are connected to each other by the connection cable 3, but it goes without saying that the above-described function can be applied to a stand-alone machine. In the above embodiment, the case where the character string edited by the user is printed on the tape has been described. However, in the present invention, when the image forming medium is a stamp material and the stamp is manufactured by making the character string on the stamp material. It goes without saying that it can also be applied to.

Further, among the constituent parts constituting the data string, the constituent parts relating to the barcode and the constituent parts associated with the barcode are always included in the data string formed on the image forming medium (not deleted from the data string). A data string to be formed on the image forming medium may be formed.

Further, a program for causing the CPU to perform the operation procedure shown in each flowchart may be stored in a recording medium such as a CD-ROM. In this case,
It becomes easy to sell a program that performs the above procedure.

[0212]

As described above, according to the invention described in claim 1 or claim 11, the unit element formed on the image forming medium based on the degree of importance given to the constituent parts constituting the data string. Is determined, it is possible to reduce the amount of use of the image forming medium while leaving the information about the constituent part having high importance. In addition, it becomes possible to automatically store the data string in the image forming medium having a predetermined size, and as a result, the user himself / herself rewrites the data string in order to fit the data string in the image forming medium having the predetermined size. There is no need to edit, improving user convenience.

According to the second or the twelfth aspect of the present invention, the data string can be contained within the image forming medium of a predetermined size while forming the information on the constituent parts of high importance on the image forming medium. Moreover, the data string is automatically re-edited, and as a result, the user does not need to re-edit the data string, which improves the convenience of the user.

According to the invention of claim 3 or claim 13, since some unit elements in a certain constituent part constituting the data string may be formed on the image forming medium, the constituent part thereof may be formed. Information that cannot be obtained when all the unit elements in the inside are deleted can be acquired from the data string formed on the image forming medium.

According to the invention described in claim 4 or claim 14, the layout of the data string is automatically changed so that the data string fits in the image forming medium of a predetermined size, and as a result, the data edited by the user is edited. Even when the column does not fit in the image forming medium having the predetermined size, the user does not need to re-edit the data column so that the data column fits in the image forming medium having the predetermined size, thereby improving the convenience for the user.

According to the fifth or fifteenth aspect of the present invention, among the constituent parts constituting the data string edited by the user, the less important ones are formed on the image forming medium in a plurality of rows. , The data string including all the constituent parts edited by the user is automatically re-edited so that the data string fits within the image forming medium of a predetermined size, and as a result, the user does not need to re-edit the data string. The convenience of is improved.

According to the sixth or sixteenth aspect of the present invention, among the constituent parts constituting the data string edited by the user, the less important ones are formed in a small size on the image forming medium. , The data string including all the constituent parts edited by the user is automatically re-edited so that the data string fits within the image forming medium of a predetermined size, and as a result, the user does not need to re-edit the data string. The convenience of is improved.

According to the invention of claim 7 or claim 17, the less important one of the constituent parts constituting the data string edited by the user is formed in the lower row on the image forming medium. However, the data string including all the constituent parts edited by the user is automatically re-edited so that the data string fits in the image forming medium of a predetermined size, and as a result, the user does not need to re-edit the data string. As a result, user convenience is improved.

According to the eighth or the eighteenth aspect of the present invention, among the constituent parts constituting the data string edited by the user, the less important ones are formed on the image forming medium in a small size. , The data string including all the constituent parts edited by the user is automatically re-edited so that the data string fits within the image forming medium of a predetermined size, and as a result, the user does not need to re-edit the data string. The convenience of is improved.

According to the ninth or nineteenth aspect of the present invention, by providing a plurality of layout avoidance processes, the rate at which a data string can be automatically stored in an image forming medium of a predetermined size is increased. (If there is one layout avoiding process, the process may not be able to fit the data string in the image forming medium of a predetermined size).

According to the tenth or twentieth aspect of the present invention, since it is possible to change the priority order for executing a plurality of layout avoidance processes, the layout avoidance processes can be performed in the order of the layout avoidance processes desired by the user. This has the advantage that the data sequence executed and formed on the image forming medium is closer to the data sequence desired by the user.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is an external perspective view showing the outline of a personal computer that functions as a character string editing device and a printing device.

FIG. 2 is a plan view for explaining the structure of a printing mechanism and a tape accommodating cassette arranged inside the printing apparatus whose appearance is shown in FIG.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram for explaining a control system of the computer whose appearance is shown in FIG.

4 is a CP in a computer whose control system is shown in FIG.
It is a block diagram for explaining operation of U.

FIG. 5 is an RA in a computer whose control system is shown in FIG.
It is explanatory drawing for demonstrating M.

6 is an explanatory diagram for explaining one storage area of the RAM shown in FIG. 5. FIG.

FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram for explaining another storage area of the RAM shown in FIG.

8 is a diagram showing an example of a priority order input screen displayed on the liquid crystal display whose appearance is shown in FIG.

9 is an explanatory diagram for explaining an importance degree giving method performed by the CPU shown in FIG. 4. FIG.

FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of an importance input screen displayed on the liquid crystal display whose appearance is shown in FIG.

FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram for explaining a drop method performed by the CPU shown in FIG.

FIG. 12 is a diagram describing the types of drop methods performed by the CPU shown in FIG.

FIG. 13 is a diagram showing types of fixed length over avoidance methods performed by the CPU shown in FIG. 4;

14 is a flowchart for explaining an operation procedure of a data string editing process of the CPU shown in FIG.

FIG. 15 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of a data string created in a data string editing process.

16 is a flowchart for explaining an operation procedure of constant length overshooting processing of the CPU shown in FIG.

FIG. 17 is a flow chart for explaining an operation procedure of a method of avoiding a fixed length over of the CPU shown in FIG.

FIG. 18 is a flowchart for explaining an operation procedure of another fixed length over avoidance method of the CPU shown in FIG.

19 is a flowchart for explaining the operation procedure of still another method of avoiding a fixed length over of the CPU shown in FIG.

20 is a flowchart for explaining an operation procedure of still another method of avoiding a fixed length over of the CPU shown in FIG.

FIG. 21 is an explanatory diagram for explaining the fixed length over avoiding method whose flowchart is shown in FIG. 20.

22 is a flowchart for explaining the operation procedure of still another method of avoiding the fixed length over of the CPU shown in FIG.

FIG. 23 is a flowchart for explaining an operation procedure of still another method of avoiding a fixed length over of the CPU shown in FIG. 4.

FIG. 24 is a flowchart for explaining the operation procedure of still another method of avoiding a fixed length over of the CPU shown in FIG. 4;

FIG. 25 is a flowchart for explaining the operation procedure of still another method of avoiding a fixed length over of the CPU shown in FIG.

26 is an explanatory diagram for explaining each fixed length over avoidance method performed by the CPU shown in FIG. 4;

FIG. 27 is an explanatory diagram for explaining another importance degree giving method performed by the CPU shown in FIG. 4;

28 is an explanatory diagram for explaining still another importance degree giving method performed by the CPU shown in FIG. 4. FIG.

FIG. 29 is an explanatory diagram for explaining still another importance degree giving method performed by the CPU shown in FIG. 4;

30 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a deletion method for deleting one or more characters included in an item performed by the CPU illustrated in FIG.

[Explanation of symbols]

1 personal computer 2 printing devices 3 connection cable 4 Control body 5 display 6 keyboard 7 mice 8 tapes 41 CPU 42 CG-ROM 43 hard disk 44 RAM 45 I / O interface 51 Fixed length setting ON / OFF flag setting section 52 Fixed length setting ON / OFF flag determination unit 53 formation range determination unit 53a Tape length direction determination unit 53b Tape width direction determination unit 54 Fixed length over avoidance method selection section 55 Fixed Length Over Avoidance Method Judgment Section 56 Priority judgment section 57 Layout change section 57a Importance assigning section 57b Image formation determination unit 57c Data string configuration unit 57d line feed 57e Data string arrangement section 57f size reduction unit

Claims (20)

[Claims] 1. A data string editing apparatus for editing a data string such as a character string or a graphic pattern formed on an image forming medium, comprising: one or a plurality of unit elements which are included in the data string. And a degree-of-importance means for giving a degree of importance to each of the plurality of constituent parts, and for each unit element forming the data string, at least the degree of importance is given to each of the plurality of the constituent parts An image formation determining means for determining whether or not to form on the image forming medium based on importance, and an image forming determination means for forming the data sequence on the image forming medium among the unit elements constituting the data sequence. And a data sequence constructing means for constructing a new data sequence that does not include a unit element determined not to be valid. Data row editing device. 2. A formation range determination for determining whether or not the data sequence falls within a predetermined range when each unit element forming the data sequence is formed in a predetermined size on the image forming medium. The image forming determination means further comprises means, and the image formation determination means makes the determination only when the formation range determination means determines that the data string does not fall within the predetermined range. Item 1. The data string editing device according to item 1. 3. The image forming determination means is capable of determining that only some of the unit elements in one of the constituent parts should not be formed on the image forming medium. A data string editing device described in. 4. A data string editing apparatus for editing a data string such as a character string or a graphic pattern formed on an image forming medium, wherein each unit element constituting the data string has a predetermined size on the image forming medium. Forming range determining means for determining whether the data string falls within a predetermined range when formed, and the forming range determining means if the data string does not fall within the predetermined range If the determination is made, the data string editing device is provided with a layout changing means for executing a layout changing process for changing the layout of the data string within the predetermined range. 5. The layout changing unit, and an importance assigning unit for assigning an importance to each of a plurality of constituent parts included in the data string and each of which includes one or a plurality of unit elements, A line feed means for making at least one of the constituent parts extracted from the lowest importance given to each of the plurality of constituent parts by the importance giving means into a plurality of lines. The data string editing device according to claim 4. 6. The data according to claim 5, wherein the layout changing unit further comprises a size reducing unit for reducing the size of the constituent part formed into a plurality of lines by the line feed unit. Column editing device. 7. The layout changing unit, and an importance assigning unit for assigning an importance to each of a plurality of constituent parts included in the data string and each of which includes one or a plurality of unit elements, A data string for arranging a plurality of the constituent parts in a plurality of rows so that the constituent parts are in the upper row from the highest importance given to each of the plurality of the constituent parts by the importance degree giving means. 5. The data string editing device according to claim 4, further comprising an arranging unit. 8. The layout changing means further comprises size reducing means for reducing the size of the constituent portion arranged in the lower row by the data column arranging means. A data string editing device described in. 9. The layout changing unit is capable of performing a plurality of layout changing processes, and until the formation range determining unit determines that the data string falls within the predetermined range, 5. The plurality of layout changing processes are sequentially executed in accordance with a priority order which is the order of executing these processes.
A data string editing device described in. 10. The data string editing apparatus according to claim 9, further comprising priority order changing means for changing a priority order of the plurality of layout changing processes. 11. A degree of importance for assigning a degree of importance to a plurality of constituent parts, each of which includes a computer and is included in a data string such as a character string or a graphic pattern, and each of which includes one or a plurality of unit elements. Unit and each unit element forming the data string, it is determined whether or not to form on the image forming medium based on at least the degree of importance given to each of the plurality of constituent parts by the degree of importance giving unit. And a new data sequence that does not include a unit element that has been determined by the image formation determination means not to be formed on the image forming medium by the image formation determination means among the unit elements that form the data sequence. A program for editing a data string formed on an image forming medium, characterized in that the program functions as a data string forming unit for the. 12. A computer for determining whether or not the data string falls within a predetermined range when each unit element forming the data string is formed on the image forming medium in a predetermined size. Further functioning as a formation range determination means, the image formation determination means makes the determination only when the formation range determination means determines that the data string does not fall within the predetermined range. A program for editing a data string formed on the image forming medium according to claim 11. 13. The image forming determination means is capable of determining that only some of the unit elements in one of the constituent parts should not be formed on the image forming medium. A program for editing a data string formed on the image forming medium according to [1]. 14. A computer, if each unit element forming a data sequence such as a data sequence or a graphic pattern is formed in a predetermined size on the image forming medium, the data sequence falls within a predetermined range. Forming range determining means for determining whether or not the layout of the data string within the predetermined range when the forming range determining means determines that the data string does not fall within the predetermined range A program for editing a data string formed on an image forming medium, which functions as a layout changing unit for executing a layout changing process for changing the. 15. The layout changing unit, and an importance assigning unit for assigning an importance to each of a plurality of constituent parts included in the data string and each of which includes one or a plurality of unit elements, It is characterized in that at least one of the constituent parts extracted from the one having the lowest importance given to each of the plurality of constituent parts by the importance giving means functions as a line feed means for making a plurality of lines. A program for editing a data string formed on the image forming medium according to claim 14. 16. The image forming apparatus according to claim 15, wherein the layout changing unit is further caused to function as a size reducing unit for reducing the size of the constituent portion formed into a plurality of lines by the line feed unit. A program for editing a data string formed on a medium. 17. The layout changing unit, and an importance assigning unit for assigning an importance to each of a plurality of constituent parts included in the data string and each of which includes one or a plurality of unit elements, A data string for arranging a plurality of the constituent parts in a plurality of rows so that the constituent parts are in the upper row from the highest importance given to each of the plurality of the constituent parts by the importance degree giving means. The program for editing a data string formed on an image forming medium according to claim 14, which functions as an arrangement unit. 18. The layout changing means is further caused to function as a size reducing means for reducing the size of the component arranged in the lower row by the data column arranging means. A program for editing a data string formed on the described image forming medium. 19. The layout changing unit is capable of performing a plurality of layout changing processes, and until the formation range determining unit determines that the data string falls within the predetermined range, The program for editing a data string formed on an image forming medium according to claim 14, wherein the plurality of layout changing processes are sequentially executed in accordance with a priority order which is an order of executing the layout changing processes. 20. A data string formed on an image forming medium according to claim 19, further comprising causing a computer to function as a priority changing unit for changing a priority of a plurality of the layout changing processes. A program for editing.