JP2014069365A - Printer - Google Patents

Abstract

A printing apparatus capable of easily specifying operation contents via a touch panel is provided.
A printer includes a touch panel and a keyboard. The flash memory of the printer stores a table in which operations on the touch panel and the keyboard are associated with the operation contents of the printer. The CPU of the printer determines whether or not to operate in a simultaneous operation mode that is an operation mode that operates according to different operation contents when the touch panel and the keyboard are operated simultaneously (S11). . If the CPU determines that the operation is performed in the simultaneous operation mode (S11: YES), and the touch panel and the keyboard are operated simultaneously (S13: YES), refer to the table for the operation contents related to the respective operation methods. To identify. The CPU executes processing necessary for printing on the tape by operating according to the specified operation content (S15).
[Selection] Figure 6

Description

  The present invention relates to a printing apparatus including a touch panel on a display unit.

  2. Description of the Related Art Printing apparatuses that include a touch panel on a display unit such as a liquid crystal display are known. For example, Patent Document 1 describes a printing apparatus that can execute a plurality of operations in accordance with the type and direction of a line drawn by a touch pen on a touch panel provided in a display unit. Specifically, it is as follows. When a horizontal line is drawn on the touch panel, the preview screen is scrolled in the horizontal direction. When a vertical solid line is drawn on the touch panel, a full cut cutting position is designated. When a vertical broken line is drawn on the touch panel, a half-cut cutting position is designated.

JP2011-62985A

  As the number of operation contents that can be specified via the touch panel increases, each touch method becomes complicated. Therefore, there is a possibility that the user cannot intuitively grasp the touch method for operating the printing apparatus according to the desired operation content. In this case, there is a problem that the user cannot easily specify the operation content of the printing apparatus via the touch panel.

  An object of the present invention is to provide a printing apparatus that can easily specify operation contents via a touch panel.

A printing apparatus according to the present invention is a printing apparatus that includes a touch panel and a keyboard and performs printing on a tape, and stores the operation on each of the touch panel and the keyboard and the operation content of the printing apparatus in association with each other. And means for determining whether or not to operate in a simultaneous operation mode, which is an operation mode that operates according to different operation contents when each of the touch panel and the keyboard is operated simultaneously. When it is determined by the determination means that the operation is performed in the simultaneous operation mode and the touch panel and the keyboard are operated at the same time, the operation content related to each operation is specified with reference to the storage means By operating according to the operation content specified by the specifying means and the specifying means, And an operation execution unit for executing a process required for printing to the-loop.

  According to the present invention, the printing apparatus stores the operation on the touch panel and the keyboard in association with the operation content. When the touch panel and the keyboard are operated at the same time, the printing apparatus specifies the operation content related to each operation and operates according to the specified operation content. Therefore, even when the user operates the touch panel using the same method, the user can operate the printing apparatus according to different operation contents by operating the keyboard using different methods. Therefore, the user can appropriately grasp the operation of the touch panel necessary for operating the printing apparatus with the desired operation content, and can easily operate the printing apparatus with the desired operation content.

  In the present invention, the determination means may determine that the operation is performed in the simultaneous operation mode while a predetermined key for switching the operation mode is selected. The user can easily operate the printing apparatus in the simultaneous operation mode by selecting a predetermined key.

  In the present invention, the determination unit may determine that the operation is performed in the simultaneous operation mode after a predetermined key for switching the operation mode is selected and until the predetermined key is selected again. . The user can easily operate the printing apparatus in the simultaneous operation mode by selecting a predetermined key. Once the predetermined key is selected, the user can operate the printing apparatus in the simultaneous operation mode without continuously selecting the predetermined key, so that the convenience of the user's operation can be improved.

  In the present invention, the determination means determines that the operation is performed in the simultaneous operation mode when a specific key is selected from the keyboard while the touch panel is touched, and the specification means You may specify the operation content relevant to operation. The user can operate the printing apparatus in the simultaneous operation mode in conjunction with a procedure for operating the touch panel and the keyboard at the same time. Therefore, the user can quickly operate the printing apparatus in the simultaneous operation mode.

  In the present invention, the determination means determines that the operation is performed in the simultaneous operation mode when the touch panel is selected at the same time after a state where a specific key of the keyboard is selected continues for a predetermined time or more, and the specific operation is performed. The means may specify an operation content related to an operation on the specific key. The user can operate the printing apparatus in the simultaneous operation mode in conjunction with a procedure for operating the touch panel and the keyboard at the same time. Therefore, the user can quickly operate the printing apparatus in the simultaneous operation mode.

  In the present invention, the determination means determines that the touch panel is operated in the simultaneous operation mode when the touch panel is simultaneously selected after a specific key of the keyboard is repeatedly selected within a predetermined time, and the specification means The operation content related to the operation on the specific key may be specified. Since the user does not need to select a predetermined key for operating the printing apparatus in the simultaneous operation mode, the printing apparatus can be operated in the simultaneous operation mode in conjunction with a procedure for operating the touch panel and the keyboard at the same time. . The user can operate the printing apparatus in the simultaneous operation mode by repeatedly operating the keyboard. Therefore, the user can quickly operate the printing apparatus in the simultaneous operation mode.

  In the present invention, notification means for notifying information indicating whether or not the operation state is the simultaneous operation mode may be provided. The user can easily determine whether the printing apparatus is operating in the simultaneous operation mode.

1 is a perspective view of a printer 1. FIG. FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating an electrical configuration of the printer 1. It is a figure which shows the table. It is a figure which shows the table 62. FIG. It is a display example of the display unit 5 of the printer 1 operating in the simultaneous operation mode. It is a flowchart of the main process in 1st-3rd embodiment. It is a flowchart of a specific process. It is a flowchart of a printing process. It is a flowchart of the main process in 4th, 5th embodiment. It is a flowchart of the main process in 6th embodiment.

<First embodiment>
A first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. A physical configuration of a tape printer 1 (hereinafter simply referred to as “printer 1”) will be described with reference to FIG. The lower left, upper right, upper left, and lower right directions in FIG. 1 are the lower, upper, left, and right directions of the printer 1, respectively. A tape cassette (not shown) is attached to the printer 1. The printer 1 performs printing by forming dots for each column in the tape width direction on a tape-like print medium (hereinafter simply referred to as “tape”) that is pulled out and transported from the tape cassette. It is a printer that can.

  A keyboard 3 is provided below the surface of the printer 1. The printer 1 can print various characters such as letters, numbers, and symbols. The keyboard 3 includes a character key, a confirmation key, and the like for inputting data to be printed to be printed on the tape. On the upper side of the keyboard 3, a function key group 4 including a power key, a print key, a switching key 41 (details will be described later), and the like is provided. Hereinafter, the function key group 4 and the keyboard 3 are collectively referred to as “operation unit 2”. A rectangular display unit 5 is provided above the function key group 4. The display unit 5 is a liquid crystal display that displays characters to be printed, printing style settings (typeface, character size), and the like. A touch panel 6 is provided on the surface of the display unit 5. An LED 44 is provided on the right side of the display unit 5. The LED 44 notifies the operation mode of the printer 1 by turning on / off. A cover 7 that can be opened and closed is provided at the top of the printer 1. The cover 7 covers the tape cassette mounted on the cassette mounting unit.

  The electrical configuration of the printer 1 will be described with reference to FIG. The printer 1 includes a control circuit unit 400 formed on a control board. The control circuit unit 400 includes a CPU 401 that controls each device, a ROM 402, a CGROM 403, a RAM 404, a flash memory 409, an input / output interface 411, and the like connected to the CPU 401 via a data bus 410.

  The ROM 402 stores various programs necessary for controlling the printer 1. The CPU 401 performs various calculations based on various programs. In the CGROM 403, printing dot pattern data for printing various characters and bar codes is classified for each typeface and size and stored in correspondence with the code data. The RAM 404 is provided with a plurality of storage areas such as a text memory, a setting memory, and a print buffer. The text memory stores character data to be printed input from the keyboard 3 and the touch panel 6. The setting memory stores style settings (typeface and character size) for printing characters stored in the text memory on a tape. The print buffer stores a print dot pattern to be printed. In the other storage area, various calculation data and the like are stored. The flash memory 409 stores tables 61 (see FIG. 3) and 62 (see FIG. 4) described later.

  The input / output interface 411 is connected to the operation unit 2, the touch panel 6, a liquid crystal driving circuit (LCDC) 405, driving circuits 406, 407, 408, and the like. The touch panel 6 outputs information (contact position information) that can specify the touched position to the input / output interface 411. The LCDC 405 includes a video RAM (not shown) for outputting display data to the display unit 5 and performs display control for the display unit 5. The drive circuit 406 performs printing on the tape by energizing the heating element of the thermal head 10 that performs printing on the tape. The drive circuit 407 drives the tape feed motor 23 that feeds the tape. The drive circuit 408 drives the cutter motor 24 to cut the printed tape.

  When the operation on the keyboard 3 and the touch panel 6 is performed, the printer 1 normally specifies operation contents corresponding to the respective operations separately, and operates according to the specified operation contents. For example, when the “BackSpace” key is pressed while the printer 1 is waiting for character input, the character immediately before the cursor is deleted from the character string displayed on the display unit 5. Further, when the user touches the touch panel 6 with the finger moved from left to right, the character string displayed on the display unit 5 is slid to the right. The operation mode as described above is hereinafter referred to as “normal operation mode”. In addition, an input operation for moving a finger in contact with the touch panel 6 in the left-right direction is referred to as a “flick operation”.

  The CPU 401 identifies the operation content corresponding to the operation on the touch panel 6 by referring to the table 61 (see FIG. 3). As shown in FIG. 3, the operation on the touch panel 6, the state of the printer 1, and the operation content are stored in the table 61 in association with each other. When the CPU 401 is operating in the normal operation mode and the touch panel 6 is operated, the CPU 401 specifies the operation content associated with the operation on the touch panel 6 with reference to the table 61. The CPU 401 operates according to the specified operation content.

  For example, when the left-to-right flick operation is performed on the touch panel 6, the CPU 401 refers to the table 61 and specifies “display position movement” as the operation content corresponding to the left-to-right flick operation (No .2, see FIG. The CPU 401 slides the character string displayed on the display unit 5 to the right according to the specified operation content.

  When the printer 1 operates in the normal operation mode, even when the keyboard 3 and the touch panel 6 are operated simultaneously, the printer 1 operates according to the same operation content as when each is operated separately. Therefore, for example, when the “BackSpace” key is pressed and the touch panel 6 is flicked from left to right, the character immediately before the cursor is deleted from the character string displayed on the display unit 5. The character string displayed on the display unit 5 is slid to the right.

  On the other hand, when the operation unit 2 and the touch panel 6 are operated at the same time, the printer 1 operates in an operation mode (hereinafter referred to as “simultaneous operation mode”) that operates according to different operation contents from when the operation unit 2 and the touch panel 6 are operated separately. It is possible. The operation content when operating in the simultaneous operation mode is specified based on the table 62 (see FIG. 4).

  The table 62 will be described with reference to FIG. In the table 62, key types, operations on the touch panel 6, the state of the printer 1, and operation contents are stored in association with each other. When the CPU 401 is operating in the simultaneous operation mode and the keyboard 3 and the touch panel 6 are operated at the same time, the operation content associated with the operation on the keyboard 3 and the touch panel 6 is referred to the table 62. Identify. The CPU 401 performs processing necessary for printing on a tape by operating according to the specified operation content. As an example of processing required for printing on the tape, for example, as shown in the operation content in the table 62, display control (character conversion (No. 1, 2, 3, 9), character deletion ( No. 5, 8, 11, 12)), printing (No. 10) and the like.

  For example, as shown in FIG. 5, when the printer 1 is operating in the simultaneous operation mode and the “BackSpace” key 42 is pressed, the character string 51 “ABCDEFGH” displayed on the display unit 5 is displayed. Suppose that a left-to-right flick operation (arrow 43) is performed. The CPU 401 refers to the table 62 (see FIG. 4), and specifies “delete character at flick position” as the operation content corresponding to pressing of the “BackSpace” key and flick operation from left to right (No. 5, see FIG. The CPU 401 deletes the flicked character “BCD” from the character string 51 “ABCDEFGH” displayed on the display unit 5 in accordance with the specified operation content. The CPU 401 displays the character string 52 “AEFGH” as a result of deleting “BCD” on the display unit 5.

  Similarly, for example, when the printer 1 is operating in the simultaneous operation mode and the “CapsLock” key is pressed, “R” in the character string 51 “PQRST” displayed on the display unit 5 is displayed. Suppose that it is touched. The CPU 401 refers to the table 62 (see FIG. 4), and specifies “uppercase / lowercase conversion” as the operation content corresponding to the pressing of the “CapsLock” key and the touch on the character (No. 1, FIG. 4). 4). The CPU 401 converts the touched character “R” into the lowercase letter “r” in the character string 51 “PQRST” displayed on the display unit 5 in accordance with the specified operation content. The CPU 401 displays the character string “PQrST” obtained by converting “R” to “r” on the display unit 5.

  As described above, the printer 1 can specify the operation content for each combination of operations of the keyboard 3 and the touch panel 6 by operating in the simultaneous operation mode. For example, even when the operation on the touch panel 6 is the same (for example, see No. 1 to 3, No. 4 to 6, No. 7 to 10, Table 62 (FIG. 4)), the touch panel 6 is pressed simultaneously with the operation on the touch panel 6. When the keyboard 3 is different, the printer 1 operates according to different operation contents. Therefore, the user can operate the printer 1 according to various types of operation contents while minimizing the types of operations on the touch panel 6. The user does not need to know many operations of the touch panel 6 necessary for operating the printer 1.

  In the first embodiment, when the switching key 41 (see FIG. 1) is pressed simultaneously with the keyboard 3 while operating in the normal operation mode, the CPU 401 changes the operation mode of the printer 1 from the normal operation mode simultaneously. Switch to operating mode. Further, the CPU 401 switches the operation mode from the simultaneous operation mode to the normal operation mode when the pressing of at least one of the switching key 41 and the keyboard 3 is released during the operation in the simultaneous operation mode. In this way, the CPU 401 allows the user to easily switch the operation mode of the printer 1. Note that the CPU 401 may switch the operation mode of the printer 1 by another method different from the above method. Other methods will be described in the second to sixth embodiments.

  A main process (see FIGS. 6 and 7) and a printing process (see FIG. 8) executed by the CPU 401 will be described with reference to FIGS. The CPU 401 executes main processing and printing processing by executing a program stored in the ROM 403. The CPU 401 executes main processing and printing processing in parallel. The CPU 401 starts main processing and printing processing when the power key of the printer 1 is pressed.

  The main process will be described with reference to FIGS. At the start of the main process, the CPU 401 sets the operation mode of the printer 1 to the normal operation mode. The CPU 401 turns off the LED 44 (see FIG. 1). As shown in FIG. 6, the CPU 401 determines whether the switching key 41 and the keyboard 3 are pressed simultaneously (S11). When the switch key 41 and the keyboard 3 are pressed at the same time (S11: YES), the CPU 401 switches the operation mode of the printer 1 from the normal operation mode to the simultaneous operation mode, and turns on the LED 44. (S12). The CPU 401 determines whether an operation on the touch panel 6 has been started (S13). When the operation on the touch panel 6 is not started (S13: NO), the process returns to S11. When the operation on the touch panel 6 is started (S13: YES), the CPU 401 executes a specifying process (see FIG. 7) in order to specify the operation content (S15).

  The specifying process will be described with reference to FIG. The CPU 401 specifies an operation on the pressed keyboard 3 and touch panel 6 (S31). For example, the CPU 401 specifies an operation on the touch panel 6 based on the contact position indicated by the contact position information acquired from the touch panel 6 and the tendency of change in the contact position. Specifically, for example, when the position on any character in the character string displayed on the display unit 5 matches the contact position, the CPU 401 specifies that the operation is to select the character. Further, for example, when the contact position changes from right to left in time series, the CPU 401 identifies the flick operation from right to left.

  The CPU 401 refers to the table 62 (see FIG. 4) (S33). The CPU 401 determines whether the operation content corresponding to the operation on the keyboard 3 and the touch panel 6 specified in S31 is stored in the table 62 (S35). Specifically, operations on the keyboard 3 and the touch panel 6 specified in S31 are stored in the table 62 as key types and operations, both are associated, and the corresponding operation content is stored in the table 62. If stored, the CPU 401 determines that the operation content is stored in the table 62 (S35: YES). In this case, the CPU 401 specifies the corresponding operation content based on the table 62 (S37). The CPU 401 executes processing necessary for printing on the tape by controlling the LCDC 405 and the drive circuits 406 to 408 so that the printer 1 operates according to the specified operation content (S39). When the character string displayed on the display unit 5 is changed by the process of S39, the CPU 401 stores the changed character string in the text memory of the RAM 404 (see FIG. 2). The specific process ends, and the process returns to the main process (see FIG. 6).

  On the other hand, when the operation content corresponding to the operation on the keyboard 3 and the touch panel 6 specified in S31 is not stored in the table 62 (S35: NO), the CPU 401 notifies the user that the operation content cannot be specified. Is displayed on the display unit 5 (S41). The specific process ends, and the process returns to the main process (see FIG. 6).

  The process for displaying the notification screen on the display unit 5 can be changed. For example, when it is determined in S35 that the operation content is not stored in the table 62 (S35: NO), the CPU 401 returns to the process of S31 and continues to specify the operation until the operation on the touch panel 6 is completed. May be. For example, when the CPU 401 determines in S35 that the operation content is not stored in the table 62 (S35: NO), instead of displaying the notification screen on the display unit 5, the keyboard 3 and the touch panel 6 are separately displayed. The operation may be performed in accordance with the operation content when operated.

  As shown in FIG. 6, after the specific process (S15) is completed, the CPU 401 determines whether at least one of the keyboard 3 and the switching key 41 pressed in S11 is released (S17). When both the keyboard 3 and the switching key 41 are continuously pressed (S17: NO), the simultaneous operation mode is continued. The process returns to S13. On the other hand, when at least one of the keyboard 3 and the switching key 41 is released (S17: YES), the CPU 401 switches the operation mode of the printer 1 from the simultaneous operation mode to the normal operation mode, and turns off the LED 44. (S18). The process returns to S11.

  On the other hand, if it is determined in S11 that the switching key 41 is not pressed simultaneously with the keyboard 3 (S11: NO), the printer 1 operates in the normal operation mode. The CPU 401 determines whether the operation on the touch panel 6 is started and the operation content corresponding to the operation on the touch panel 6 is specified based on the table 61 (see FIG. 3) (S19). When the operation on the touch panel 6 is specified (S19: YES), the CPU 401 operates according to the specified operation content (S21). When the character string displayed on the display unit 5 is changed by the process of S21, the CPU 401 stores the changed character string in the text memory of the RAM 404. The process returns to S11.

  When the operation on the touch panel 6 is not started in the process of S19 or when the operation content corresponding to the started operation on the touch panel 6 cannot be specified (S19: NO), the CPU 401 determines whether the operation on the keyboard 3 has been performed. (S23). When an operation is performed on the keyboard 3 (S23: YES), the CPU 401 identifies an operation content corresponding to the operation on the keyboard 3, and operates according to the identified operation content (S25). When the character string displayed on the display unit 5 is changed by the process of S25, the CPU 401 stores the changed character string in the text memory of the RAM 404. The process returns to S11. On the other hand, when the keyboard 3 is not operated (S23: NO), the process returns to S11.

  The printing process will be described with reference to FIG. The CU 401 determines whether an operation of pressing the print key has been received (S111). If an operation for pressing the print key is not accepted (S111: NO), the process returns to S111. On the other hand, when an operation of pressing the print key is received (S111: YES), the user has instructed printing on the tape. The CPU 401 reads the format settings (typeface and character size) stored in the setting memory of the RAM 404. The CPU 401 creates a dot pattern for printing for printing the character stored in the text memory on the tape based on the read style setting (S113), and stores it in the print buffer. The CPU 401 prints on the tape by driving the drive circuit 406 based on the dot pattern stored in the print buffer and energizing the heating elements of the thermal head 10. The CPU 401 drives the drive circuit 407 and drives the tape feed motor 23 to feed the tape. As a result, the character is printed on the tape (S115). The process returns to S111.

  As described above, the CPU 401 of the printer 1 stores the operation on the keyboard 3 and the touch panel 6 and the operation content in association with each other in the table 62 (see FIG. 4). When the CPU 401 is operating in the simultaneous operation mode and the touch panel 6 is operated simultaneously with the pressed keyboard 3, the CPU 401 refers to the table 62 and specifies the operation content. The CPU 401 operates according to the specified operation content. Therefore, even when the user operates the touch panel by the same operation, the user can operate the printer 1 according to different operation contents by pressing different keys on the keyboard 3. Therefore, the user can minimize the types of operations on the touch panel 6 even when the printer 1 is executed by using various operations. Therefore, the user can easily operate the printer 1 according to the desired operation content.

  Note that the CPU 401 can limit the operation candidates of the touch panel 6 based on the pressed keyboard 3. For example, when the “Caps Lock” key is pressed during operation in the simultaneous operation mode, the CPU 401 refers to the table 62 and touches the operation content of the touch panel 6 that is operated simultaneously on the characters (No. 1). Or any character (No. 9) can be limited. For this reason, it is possible to reduce a processing load performed by the CPU 401 in order to specify an operation on the touch panel 6. Therefore, the printer 1 can shorten the time from when the touch panel 6 is operated until the operation is started, and can quickly start the operation.

  The printer 1 identifies the operation content with reference to the table 62 only when operating in the simultaneous operation mode, and operates according to the identified operation content. When the printer 1 operates in the normal operation mode, the operation contents corresponding to the operation of the keyboard 3 and the touch panel 6 are separately specified, and the printer 1 operates according to the specified operation contents. For this reason, the user can efficiently perform an operation for operating the printer 1 by appropriately switching the operation mode of the printer 1 between the normal operation mode and the simultaneous operation mode.

<Second embodiment>
A second embodiment of the present invention will be described. In the second embodiment, after the switch key 41 is pressed once, the CPU 401 operates the printer 1 in the simultaneous operation mode until the switch key 41 is pressed again. In the second embodiment, in the process of S11 in the main process shown in FIG. 6, the CPU 401 determines whether the switch key 41 is pressed (S11). When the switching key 41 is pressed (S11: YES), the CPU 401 switches the operation mode of the printer 1 from the normal operation mode to the simultaneous operation mode, turns on the LED 44 (S12), and operates in the simultaneous operation mode. In step S13, the CPU 401 determines whether the keyboard 3 is pressed and the touch panel 6 is operated at the same time. When pressing of the keyboard 3 and the operation on the touch panel 3 are not performed simultaneously (S13: NO), the process returns to S11. On the other hand, when the keyboard 3 is pressed and the touch panel 6 is operated at the same time (S13: YES), the CPU 401 executes a specific process (S15). After the end of the specific process, the CPU 401 determines whether the switch key 41 is pressed again in the process of S17 (S17). When the switch key 41 is pressed again (S17: YES), the CPU 401 switches the operation mode of the printer 1 from the simultaneous operation mode to the normal operation mode and turns off the LED 44 (S18). On the other hand, when the switch key 41 is not pressed (S17: NO), the process returns to S13. Since other processes are the same as those in the first embodiment, description thereof will be omitted.

  As described above, in the second embodiment, the user can easily operate the printer 1 in the simultaneous operation mode by pressing the switching key 41. Once the switch key 41 is pressed, the user can operate the printer 1 in the simultaneous operation mode without continuing to press the switch key 41, so that the convenience of the user's operation can be improved.

<Third embodiment>
A third embodiment of the present invention will be described. In the third embodiment, the CPU 401 operates the printer 1 in the simultaneous operation mode while the switching key 41 (see FIG. 1) is pressed. In addition, the CPU 401 operates the printer 1 in the normal operation mode when the switch key 41 is not pressed. In the third embodiment, in the process of S11 in the main process shown in FIG. 6, the CPU 401 determines whether or not the switch key 41 is continuously pressed (S11). When the pressing of the switching key 41 is continued (S11: YES), the CPU 401 switches the operation mode of the printer 1 from the normal operation mode to the simultaneous operation mode, lights the LED 44 (S12), and operates in the simultaneous operation mode. On the other hand, in the process of S17, the CPU 401 determines whether the pressing state of the switching key 41 is continued (S17). When the pressed state of the switch key 41 is released (S17: YES), the CPU 401 switches the operation mode of the printer 1 from the simultaneous operation mode to the normal operation mode and turns off the LED 44 (S18). On the other hand, when pressing of the switching key 41 is continued (S17: NO), the process returns to S13. Since other processes are the same as those in the second embodiment, description thereof is omitted.

  As described above, in the third embodiment, the CPU 401 operates the printer 1 in the simultaneous operation mode while the switch key 41 is pressed (S11: YES → S12). By simultaneously operating the keyboard 3 and the touch panel 6 while pressing the switching key 41, the user can operate the printer 1 according to different operation contents from when the keyboard 3 and the touch panel 6 are operated separately. .

  In addition, said 1st embodiment-3rd embodiment can be changed. The printer 1 may include a switching key 41 on the back side. Thus, when the user uses the printer 1 while holding both sides of the printer 1 by hand, the user can easily press the switching key 41 provided on the back side, so that the printer 1 can be easily operated in the simultaneous operation mode. It becomes possible to operate. The printer 1 may include a plurality of switching keys 41. The CPU 401 may switch the operation mode of the printer 1 from the normal operation mode to the simultaneous operation mode when the plurality of switching keys 41 are pressed. Accordingly, the printer 1 can prevent the operation mode from being easily switched.

  The third embodiment can be changed. The user may be able to place the switching key 41 in a key-locked state by simultaneously pressing the switching key 41 and the “CapsLock” key. When the switching key 41 is key-locked, the CPU 401 may operate the printer 1 in the simultaneous operation mode.

<Fourth embodiment>
A fourth embodiment of the present invention will be described. In the fourth embodiment, the CPU 401 switches the operation mode of the printer 1 from the normal operation mode to the simultaneous operation mode when the keyboard 3 is pressed while the touch panel 6 is being touched. The main process in the fourth embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. The same processes as those in the first to third embodiments are denoted by the same reference numerals, and description thereof is omitted. The CPU 401 determines whether or not the touch panel 6 is touched (S51). When the touch panel 6 is touched (S51: YES), the CPU 401 determines whether a specific key on the keyboard 3 is pressed (S53). When a specific key on the keyboard 3 is pressed (S53: YES), the CPU 401 switches the operation mode of the printer 1 from the normal operation mode to the simultaneous operation mode, and turns on the LED 44 (S12). The CPU 401 executes specific processing (S15). In the specifying process, the operation content is specified by referring to the table 62 based on the combination of the specific key pressed in S53 and the operation on the touch panel 6 (S33, see FIG. 7) (see S37, FIG. 7). Then, processing necessary for printing is executed (S39, see FIG. 7).

  After the end of the specific process (S15), the CPU 401 determines whether the touch panel 6 is not touched or whether the specific key pressed in S53 is not pressed (S55). When the touch panel 6 is not touched or a specific key is not pressed (S55: YES), the CPU 401 switches the operation mode of the printer 1 from the simultaneous operation mode to the normal operation mode, and turns the LED 44 on. The light is turned off (S18). On the other hand, when the touch panel 6 is touched and the state where the specific key is pressed continues (S55: NO), the process returns to S15 in order to continuously operate in the simultaneous operation mode.

  On the other hand, when it is determined that the touch panel 6 is not touched in the process of S51 (S51: NO), or when it is determined that the specific key is not pressed while the touch panel 6 is touched in the process of S53 ( (S53: NO), the printer 1 continues to operate in the normal operation mode. The process proceeds to S19. Since the processes of S19, S21, S23, and S25 are the same as those in the first to third embodiments, the description thereof is omitted. After the processes of S21 and S25, the process returns to S51.

  As described above, in the fourth embodiment, after a specific key is selected from the keyboard 3 while the touch panel 6 is touched, until the touch panel 6 is not touched or the specific key is not pressed. During this time, the printer 1 operates in the simultaneous operation mode. Therefore, the user can switch the operation mode of the printer 1 to the simultaneous operation mode in conjunction with the procedure for operating the touch panel 6 and the keyboard 3 simultaneously. Therefore, the user can quickly switch the operation mode of the printer 1 to the simultaneous operation mode.

<Fifth embodiment>
A fifth embodiment of the present invention will be described. In the fifth embodiment, the CPU 401 changes the operation mode of the printer 1 from the normal operation mode to the simultaneous operation mode when the touch panel 6 is simultaneously touched after a specific key of the keyboard 3 is continuously pressed for a predetermined time or more. Switch. The main process in the fifth embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. The CPU 401 determines whether or not a specific key on the keyboard 3 has been continuously pressed for a predetermined time or more in the process of S51 in the main process shown in FIG. 9 (S51). When the specific key is continuously pressed for a predetermined time or longer (S51: YES), the CPU 401 determines whether the touch on the touch panel 6 is started in this state (S53). When the touch on the touch panel 6 is started (S53: YES), the CPU 401 switches the operation mode of the printer 1 from the normal operation mode to the simultaneous operation mode (S12). The CPU 401 executes specific processing (S15). In the specifying process, the CPU 401 specifies a specific key that is continuously pressed and an operation content corresponding to an operation on the touch panel 6 based on the table 62, and executes a process necessary for printing. Since the processes of S15, S18, S19, S21, S23, S25, and S55 are the same as those in the fourth embodiment, description thereof is omitted.

  As described above, in the fifth embodiment, the touch panel 6 is not touched after the touch on the touch panel 6 is started in a state where a specific key of the keyboard 3 is pressed for a predetermined time or longer. Or, it operates in the simultaneous operation mode until a specific key is not pressed. Therefore, as in the fourth embodiment, the user can switch the operation mode of the printer 1 to the simultaneous operation mode in conjunction with the procedure for operating the touch panel 6 and the keyboard 3 simultaneously. Therefore, the user can quickly switch the operation mode of the printer 1 to the simultaneous operation mode.

  In the fifth embodiment, when the touch on the touch panel 6 is not started (S53: NO) in a state where the specific key is continuously pressed for a predetermined time (S51: YES), the CPU 401 The printer 1 may be operated according to the same operation content that is normally executed when the key is pressed for a long time.

<Sixth embodiment>
A sixth embodiment of the present invention will be described. In the sixth embodiment, after the specific key on the keyboard 3 is pressed, the CPU 401 continuously presses the specific key again within a predetermined time, and then the touch panel 6 continues to be pressed. When touched, the operation mode of the printer 1 is switched from the normal operation mode to the simultaneous operation mode.

  The main process in the sixth embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. The same processes as those in the first to fifth embodiments are denoted by the same reference numerals, and description thereof is omitted. The CPU 401 determines whether a specific key on the keyboard 3 is pressed (S91). When the specific key is pressed (S91: YES), the CPU 401 cancels the specific key pressing state once, then presses the specific key continuously within a predetermined time, and then presses the specific key. It is determined whether the state continues (S93). When the specific key is continuously pressed within the predetermined time and the pressed state of the key continues thereafter (S93: YES), the CPU 401 determines whether the touch on the touch panel 6 is started (S95). When the touch on the touch panel 6 is started (S95: YES), the CPU 401 switches the operation mode of the printer 1 from the normal operation mode to the simultaneous operation mode, and turns on the LED 44 (S12). The CPU 401 executes specific processing (S15). In the specific process, the operation content is determined by referring to the table 62 based on the combination of the specific key determined to be kept pressed in S93 and the operation on the touch panel 6 (S33, see FIG. 7). The process is specified (S37, see FIG. 7), and processing necessary for printing is executed (S39, see FIG. 7).

  On the other hand, if it is determined in step S91 that the specific key has not been pressed (S91: NO), the printer 1 continues to operate in the normal operation mode. The process proceeds to S19. Further, when it is determined in the process of S93 that the specific key is not continuously pressed within the predetermined time (S93: NO), or after the specific key is pressed continuously within the predetermined time If the touch on the touch panel 6 is not started (S95: NO), the process proceeds to S23. Since the processes of S15, S18, S19, S21, S23, S25, and S55 are the same as those in the fourth and fifth embodiments, the description thereof is omitted.

  As described above, in the fifth embodiment, the touch panel 6 is not touched after the specific key of the keyboard 3 is continuously pressed within a predetermined time and then the touch on the touch panel 6 is started. It operates in the simultaneous operation mode until the key is not pressed. Therefore, as in the fourth and fifth embodiments, the user can operate the printer 1 in the simultaneous operation mode in conjunction with the procedure for operating the touch panel 6 and the keyboard 3 at the same time. It is possible to quickly switch to the simultaneous operation mode.

  The sixth embodiment described above can be changed. For example, in the process of S93, the CPU 401 operates when the touch on the touch panel 6 is not started after the specific key is continuously pressed (S95: NO), and when the specific key is continuously pressed (double click). The printer 1 may be operated.

  In addition, this invention is not limited to the said 1st-6th embodiment, A various change is possible. The printer 1 may switch the operation mode by an operation other than the operations exemplified in the first to sixth embodiments. For example, the CPU 401 may switch the operation mode from the normal operation mode to the simultaneous operation mode when a predetermined operation is performed on the touch panel 6. The printer 1 may not include the display unit 5 but may include only the touch panel 6 and the operation unit 2. The printing device may be connected to a PC. The CPU 401 may display characters to be printed on the tape, print settings, and the like on the display of the PC. The keyboard 3 includes a mechanical switch, and may detect a press through the switch, or may detect a press by another method. For example, the keyboard 3 may include a touch panel and detect a press through the touch panel.

  The flash memory 409 storing the table 62 corresponds to the “storage unit” of the present invention. The CPU 401 that performs the processes of S11, S17, S51, S53, S55, S91, S93, and S95 corresponds to the “determination means” of the present invention. The CPU 401 that performs the process of S37 corresponds to the “specifying means” of the present invention. The CPU 401 that performs the process of S39 corresponds to the “operation executing means” of the present invention. The CPU 401 that performs the processes of S12 and S18 corresponds to the “notification unit” of the present invention.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Printer 2 Operation part 3 Keyboard 4 Function key group 5 Display part 6 Touch panel 41 Switching key 44 LED
61, 62 tables

Claims (7)

A printing apparatus that includes a touch panel and a keyboard and performs printing on a tape,
Storage means for storing operations associated with each of the touch panel and the keyboard and operation contents of the printing apparatus in association with each other;
A determination means for determining whether or not to operate in a simultaneous operation mode that is an operation mode that operates according to different operation contents when each of the touch panel and the keyboard is operated at the same time;
When the determination unit determines that the operation is performed in the simultaneous operation mode, and the touch panel and the keyboard are operated simultaneously, the specification for specifying the operation content related to each operation with reference to the storage unit Means,
An operation execution unit configured to execute processing necessary for printing on the tape by operating according to the operation content specified by the specifying unit. The determination means includes
2. The printing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the printer is determined to operate in the simultaneous operation mode while a predetermined key for switching the operation mode is selected. The determination means includes
2. The printing according to claim 1, wherein after the predetermined key for switching the operation mode is selected, it is determined that the operation is performed in the simultaneous operation mode until the predetermined key is selected again. apparatus. The determination means includes
When a specific key is selected from the keyboard while the touch panel is touched, it is determined to operate in the simultaneous operation mode;
The specifying means is:
The printing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein an operation content related to an operation on the specific key is specified. The determination means includes
When the touch panel is selected at the same time after the state where a specific key is selected from the keyboard continues for a predetermined time or more, it is determined that the keyboard operates in the simultaneous operation mode,
The specifying means is:
The printing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein an operation content related to an operation on the specific key is specified. The determination means includes
After a specific key of the keyboard is repeatedly selected within a predetermined time, when the touch panel is selected at the same time, it is determined to operate in the simultaneous operation mode,
The specifying means is:
The printing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein an operation content related to an operation on the specific key is specified.   The printing apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a notification unit that notifies information indicating whether an operation state is the simultaneous operation mode.

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