(12) United States Patent
`Block
`
`111111
`
`1111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111
`US006890113B2
`
`(10) Patent No.:
`(45) Date of Patent:
`
`US 6,890,113 B2
`May 10,2005
`
`(54) TAPE PRINTERS
`
`(75)
`
`Inventor: David Block, El Cerrito, CA (US)
`
`(73) Assignee: Esselte, Sint-Niklaas (BE)
`
`( *) Notice:
`
`Subject to any disclaimer, the term of this
`patent is extended or adjusted under 35
`U.S.C. 154(b) by 0 days.
`
`12/1997 Beadman eta!.
`5,700,098 A
`5,720,157 A * 2/1998 Ross ........................... 53/445
`5,967,679 A * 10/1999 Beadman eta!. ........ 400/615.2
`6,079,889 A * 6/2000 Beadman eta!. ........ 400/615.2
`6,296,406 B1
`10/2001 Kurashina
`6,375,306 B1 * 4/2002 Tsukagoshi .................. 347/40
`6,459,943 B1 * 10/2002 Suetani eta!. ................ 700/96
`6,567,088 B2 * 5!2003 Hayama ..................... 345/472
`
`FOREIGN PATENT DOCUMENTS
`
`(21) Appl. No.: 10/323,830
`
`(22) Filed:
`
`Dec. 20, 2002
`
`(65)
`
`Prior Publication Data
`
`US 2003/0143012 A1 Jul. 31, 2003
`
`(30)
`
`Foreign Application Priority Data
`
`Dec. 21, 2001
`
`(GB) ............................................. 0130689
`
`Int. Cl? ................................................. B41J 11/44
`(51)
`(52) U.S. Cl. ........................ 400/615.2; 400/61; 400/70;
`400/76
`(58) Field of Search ................................ 400/615.2, 61,
`400/70, 76
`
`(56)
`
`References Cited
`
`U.S. PATENT DOCUMENTS
`
`4,875,174 A
`5,503,482 A
`5,544,287 A
`5,584,591 A
`5,609,424 A
`
`10/1989 Olodort et a!.
`* 4/1996 Kawakami et a!.
`........... 400/83
`* 8/1996 Roth ......................... 358/1.15
`* 12/1996 Mori et a!.
`.............. 400/615.2
`* 3/1997 Sakuragi et a!. .............. 400/61
`
`EP
`EP
`EP
`EP
`EP
`* cited by examiner
`
`267 890
`322 918
`322 919
`587 372
`1 040 928
`
`5/1988
`7/1989
`7/1989
`1!1994
`10/2000
`
`Primary Examiner--Charles H. Nolan, Jr.
`(74) Attorney, Agent, or Firm-Morgan, Lewis & Bockius
`LLP
`
`(57)
`
`ABSTRACT
`
`The present invention relates to a tape printing system for
`printing an image on an image receiving tape comprising
`means for receiving a supply of image receiving tape; means
`for generating a plurality of labels from a data source, said
`generating means comprising means for receiving said data,
`means for processing said data to identify individual label
`data to be printed on said plurality of labels and means for
`generating label date from the identified individual label
`data; and means for printing said plurality of labels.
`
`22 Claims, 7 Drawing Sheets
`
`81
`
`Blank
`spaces?
`
`Yes
`
`No
`
`83
`
`Generate
`Labels
`
`82
`
`Are There
`Commas
`In Lines?
`
`84
`
`No
`
`85
`
`Generate
`Labels
`(Single Line)
`
`Generate
`Multiline
`Lab1els
`
`Esselte Exhibit 1001
`Page 1
`
`

`

`U.S. Patent
`
`May 10,2005
`
`Sheet 1 of 7
`
`US 6,890,113 B2
`
`17
`
`116
`
`5
`
`/1
`
`108
`
`Cl Cl
`
`=~=
`120
`106
`
`CJ
`l:l
`CJ
`
`111
`
`13
`
`Fig. 1
`
`123
`
`18- ,_ Stepper
`Motor
`
`..__.
`
`106
`
`120
`110
`111 '-"... ~
`, ')-------, B ..
`112
`K;:::==::::;-]
`I
`-
`"
`116
`
`17-- Cutter r¢--
`
`.. "' 102
`104
`'7 J
`t
`RAM ROM
`
`I
`
`I
`
`16-- Print
`Head
`
`1"
`
`•
`..
`
`Fig. 3
`
`Display
`
`I
`
`f--s-.100
`
`123--
`
`109-
`
`LCD
`Driver
`
`Esselte Exhibit 1001
`Page 2
`
`

`

`U.S. Patent
`
`May 10,2005
`
`Sheet 2 of 7
`
`US 6,890,113 B2
`
`13
`
`Fig. 2
`
`0
`
`5
`
`0
`
`2
`
`7'
`
`Fig. 6
`
`252
`
`250
`
`Esselte Exhibit 1001
`Page 3
`
`

`

`U.S. Patent
`
`May 10,2005
`
`Sheet 3 of 7
`
`US 6,890,113 B2
`
`204
`r1
`
`Processor (CPU) Board
`
`Tape Printer
`
`Keyboard
`
`Display
`
`Fig. 4!
`
`~ 206
`
`81
`
`r1
`208
`
`Blank
`spaces?
`
`Generate
`Labels
`
`82
`
`54
`
`Fig. 5
`
`No
`
`53
`
`Are There
`Commas
`In Lines?
`
`Generate
`Labels
`(Single Line)
`
`Gene,rate
`Multiline
`Lab1e/s
`
`Esselte Exhibit 1001
`Page 4
`
`

`

`N
`~
`~
`1--"
`
`-..= 1--"
`\0
`00
`-..a-..
`rJ'l
`e
`
`-..J
`0 ......,
`~
`
`~ .....
`'JJ. =(cid:173)~
`
`N c c
`'"""' ~=
`'-<
`~
`~
`
`Ul
`
`~ = ......
`~ ......
`~
`•
`\Jl
`d •
`
`60
`
`I
`
`Unit
`
`Reader Writer
`
`Chip Card
`
`t;123
`
`I
`G
`
`I
`I
`
`Data transfer
`
`Label Printer
`
`Within
`
`Card Held
`
`Memory Chip
`
`123
`
`Fig. 7
`
`application
`
`Label Data Transfer
`
`files. In Addition,
`
`Computer With Data
`
`602
`
`Esselte Exhibit 1001
`Page 5
`
`

`

`N
`~
`~
`1--"
`
`-..= 1--"
`\0
`00
`-..a-..
`rJ'l
`e
`
`-..J
`0 ......,
`Ul
`~ .....
`'JJ. =(cid:173)~
`
`N c c
`'"""' ~=
`'-<
`~
`~
`
`Ul
`
`~ = ......
`~ ......
`~
`•
`\Jl
`d •
`
`I
`
`Printer To Produce Label
`User Selects Print On Label
`
`I
`
`~ T4
`
`stored on Chip Card)
`
`Change Print Style Settings
`
`(Changes may be
`
`User Can Edit Label Or
`
`Navigation Keys On
`Using LCD And
`User Selects Label1______--,
`
`Label Printer
`
`Into Printer
`
`Installed
`Chip Card
`
`T3
`
`Fig. 8
`
`T2
`
`T1
`
`Esselte Exhibit 1001
`Page 6
`
`

`

`N
`~
`~
`1--"
`
`-..= 1--"
`\0
`00
`-..a-..
`rJ'l
`e
`
`-..J
`0 ......,
`0'1
`~ .....
`'JJ. =(cid:173)~
`
`N c c
`'"""' ~=
`'-<
`~
`~
`
`Ul
`
`~ = ......
`~ ......
`~
`•
`\Jl
`d •
`
`So Chooses
`
`The Buffer-If He
`
`The User Can Edit
`
`ihe Label In
`
`From The Keypad -
`User Seiects Print
`
`f
`
`Q4
`
`Are Illuminated
`
`Relevant Annunciators
`
`Edit Buffer.
`
`Displayed In The
`
`Label Is Then
`
`A Memory Position.
`The User Selects
`With The Keypad
`
`Q3
`
`Q5 r
`
`Data Held In ASCII Format
`
`Pages I Boxes
`
`GptieBaiSiaemaSF}Ryt
`
`Label Memory Positions
`
`Onto Chip Card.
`
`A Series Of Named
`Data Transferred As
`
`~6
`
`Or Text File Held
`Excel Spread sheet
`Series Of Labels In
`
`On Computer
`
`Q2
`Fig. 9
`
`Q1
`
`Attributes Of Size
`u-:n--rh~ o,-,:""1
`Label Is Printed
`
`Have Been Set
`And Style That
`
`IIIL
`
`tr::: r
`
`Sl I!:J I
`
`Esselte Exhibit 1001
`Page 7
`
`

`

`N
`~
`~
`1--"
`1--"
`
`\0
`00
`-..a-..
`rJ'l
`e
`
`-..=
`
`-..J
`0 ......,
`-..J
`~ .....
`'JJ. =(cid:173)~
`
`N c c
`'"""' ~=
`'-<
`~
`~
`
`Ul
`
`~ = ......
`~ ......
`~
`•
`\Jl
`d •
`
`Graphic at the back of the label
`
`Label
`
`My own written text
`
`r
`
`Save Label
`
`I
`
`I
`-·---------1
`
`Graphic 4
`Graphic 3
`!Jil>lj Graphic 2
`
`I
`
`1..-11
`
`Graphic in front of label
`
`Memory 10
`
`Format Label
`
`Fig. 11
`
`Save to memory
`
`Format label(s)
`
`Graphic 4
`Graphic 3
`Graphic 2
`
`0 Underlined 0 Rounded Box
`
`OPointed Box
`
`Gitalic
`
`GSquare Box
`
`0Bold
`
`Graphic at the back of the label
`
`Graphic in front of label
`
`--------------------------------~
`
`Labels
`
`Fig. 10
`
`ONo Box
`
`l 3; 10-15 I 0Normal
`
`Esselte Exhibit 1001
`Page 8
`
`

`

`US 6,890,113 B2
`
`1
`TAPE PRINTERS
`
`The present invention relates to a tape printer. The tape
`printer may be a stand-alone tape printer or a tape printer
`which is arranged to be used with a PC or the like.
`Tape printers of the general type with which the present
`invention is concerned are disclosed in EP-A-322918 and
`EP-A-322919 (Brother Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha) and
`EP-A-0267890 (Varitronics). These printers each include a
`printing device having a cassette receiving bay for receiving 10
`a cassette or a tape holding case. In EP-A-0267890, the
`tape-cassette has an ink ribbon and a substrate tape, the
`substrate tape comprising an upper image receiving layer
`secured to a backing layer by adhesive. In EP-A-322918 and
`EP-A-22919, a tape cassette houses an ink ribbon, a trans- 15
`parent image receiving tape and a double-sided adhesive
`tape, which is secured at one of its adhesive coated sides to
`the image tape after printing and which has a backing layer
`peelable from its other adhesive coated side. The image is
`printed on the side of the image receiving tape, which is 20
`adhered to the adhesive coated tape. Thus, the printed image
`is covered by a protective layer. In both of these tape
`printers, the image transfer medium (ink ribbon) and the
`image receiving tape (substrate) are in the same cassette.
`The present applicants have developed a different type of 25
`tape printer, which is described in, for example, European
`Patent Application No. 578372. In this printer, the substrate
`tape has a structure similar to that described in EP-A-267890
`but is housed in its own cassette, whilst the ink ribbon is
`similarly housed in its own cassette.
`In all of these cases, the image receiving tape passes in
`overlap with the ink ribbon through a print zone consisting
`of a fixed print head and a platen against which the print
`head can be pressed to cause an image to transfer from the
`ink ribbon to the image receiving tape. There are many ways 35
`of doing this, including dry lettering or dry film impression,
`but the most usual way at present is by thermal printing,
`where the print head is heated and the heat causes ink from
`the ink ribbon to be transferred to the image receiving tape.
`It should be appreciated that it is also known to apply an 40
`image directly using a thermal print head to thermally
`sensitive image receiving tape.
`Tape printers fall into two categories: stand-along tape
`printers and tape printers which can be used in conjunction
`with a PC. With the stand-along tape printers, information 45
`defining the image to be printed can be entered via a
`keyboard or the like. In those cases where the tape printer is
`controlled by a PC, the label data is entered via the PC and
`then downloaded to the tape printer, which prints the
`required labels. In this latter case, the tape printer is under 50
`the control of the PC. Some tape printers are able to operate
`in two different modes. In one mode of operation, the tape
`printer can be controlled by the PC, and in another mode of
`operation, the tape printer can operate in a stand-alone
`mode.
`Currently, when a user wishes to print a batch of labels,
`it is necessary for the user to input each label. Whilst some
`tape printers have a number or letter incrementing facility,
`labels having different information can only be obtained by
`the separate input of that information This is particularly
`disadvantageous where a number of labels need to be
`printed.
`It is therefore an aim of embodiments of the present
`invention to at least address the above described problem.
`According to a first aspect of the present invention there
`is provided a tape printing system for printing an image on
`an image receiving tape comprising means for receiving a
`
`2
`supply of image rece1vmg tape, means for generating a
`plurality of labels from a data source, said generating means
`comprising means for receiving said data, means for pro(cid:173)
`cessing said data to identify data to be printed on said
`5 plurality of labels; and means for printing said plurality of
`labels.
`According to a second aspect of the present invention
`there is provided a tape printing method for printing an
`image on an image receiving tape comprising the steps of
`receiving data containing information for a plurality of
`labels, processing said data to identify individual label data
`to be printed on said plurality of labels; generating a
`plurality of labels from the identified data; and printing said
`plurality of labels.
`According to a further aspect of the present invention
`there is provided a tape printing system for printing a label
`on an image receiving tape comprising means for receiving
`a supply of image receiving tape, means for inputting at a
`graphic image to be printed on said image receiving tape,
`commons means allowing a user to select the size of said
`graphic image, and printing means for printing said graphic
`image with the size selected by said user.
`For a better understanding of the present invention and as
`to how same may be carried into effect, reference will now
`be made by way of example only to the accompanying
`drawings, in which:
`FIG. 1 shows a plan view of the top surface of a
`stand-alone printing device;
`FIG. 2 is a plan view showing two cassettes inserted in
`30 the printing device of FIG. 1;
`FIG. 3 is a diagrammatic sketch showing the control
`circuitry for the tape printer FIG. 1;
`FIG. 4 is a view of a tape printer when controlled by a
`PC;
`FIG. 5 is a flow diagram illustrating the method embody(cid:173)
`ing the present invention;
`FIG. 6 shows schematically an image of a tape as
`displayed on a display;
`FIG. 7 shows a further embodiment of the present
`invention;
`FIG. 8 shows a flow diagram associated with the embodi(cid:173)
`ment of FIG. 7;
`FIG. 9 shows a more detailed flow diagram of some of
`the steps of FIG. 8;
`FIG. 10 illustrates the addition of a graphic element; and
`FIG. 11 shows a format label display.
`Reference is made first to FIG. 1, which shows a stand-
`alone printer 1 embodying the present invention. The tape
`printer 1 has a cassette receiving bay 13, which is arranged
`to receive two cassettes, as will be described in more detail
`with reference to FIG. 2. The cassette receiving bay 13 is
`covered by a lid 15, which is hinged along the line 17 at the
`rear of the printer and which can be opened from the front
`to reveal the cassette in the cassette receiving bay 13. It
`55 should be appreciated that in alternative embodiments of the
`present invention, the cassette receiving bay can be provided
`In alternative locations. For example, the cassette receiving
`bay can be provided at a different position with respect to the
`keyboard and display. Alternatively, the cassette receiving
`60 bay can be located on the underside of the tape printer.
`The tape printer 1 has a keyboard 106, which has a
`plurality of character keys CK designated generally by
`arrow 111. The keyboard 106 also has a plurality of function
`keys FK, which are designated by way of example with
`65 reference numerals 110, 112, 116 and 120. Using the key(cid:173)
`board 106, the user is able to control the tape printer. For
`example, the user is able to enter data defining a label to be
`
`Esselte Exhibit 1001
`Page 9
`
`

`

`US 6,890,113 B2
`
`3
`printed. The label can comprise characters, numbers, sym(cid:173)
`bols or the like. The function keys can control the appear(cid:173)
`ance of the data and may control the label attributes, i.e
`attributes such as boxing, underlining or the like, or char(cid:173)
`acter attributes such as font, style, size, etc. As will be 5
`described in more detail hereinafter, in preferred embodi(cid:173)
`ments of the present invention, the keyboard 106 is also able
`to control the tape printer 106 to automatically generate
`labels from a data file.
`The tape printer 1 also has a display 108, which is able 10
`to display information for the user. The information dis(cid:173)
`played by the display may be the label which is to be printed.
`For example, as the user inputs label data, this may be
`displayed on the display. Alternatively, the display may
`provide information to the user, for example, indicating that 15
`the tape printer is processing, printing, or other such infor(cid:173)
`mation.
`Reference is made to FIG. 2, which shows in plan view
`two cassettes arranged in the cassette receiving bay 13 of the
`printing device. The upper cassette 2 contains a supply of 20
`image receiving tape 4, which passes through a print zone 3
`of the tape printer to an outlet 5. The image receiving tape
`4 comprises an upper layer for receiving a printed image on
`one of its surfaces and having its other surface coated with
`an adhesive layer to which is secured a releasable backing 25
`layer. The cassette 6 has a recess 6 for accommodating a
`platen of the printer. The platen 8 is mounted for rotation
`within a cage moulding 10. The lower cassette 7 contains a
`thermal transfer ribbon which extends from a supply spool
`to a take-up spool within the cassette 7. The thermal transfer 30
`ribbon 12 extends through the print zone 3 in overlap with
`the Image receiving tape 4. The cassette 7 has a recess 14 for
`receiving a print head 16 of the printer. The print head is
`movable between an operative position shown in FIG. 2, in
`which it abuts against the platen and holds the thermal 35
`transfer ribbon 12 and the image receiving tape in overlap
`between the print head and the platen and an inoperative
`position in which it is moved away from the platen to release
`the thermal transfer ribbon and image receiving tape. In the
`operative position, the platen is rotated by the action of a 40
`stepper motor to cause image receiving tape to be driven past
`the print head, and the print head is controlled to print an
`image onto the image receiving tape by the thermal transfer
`of ink from the ribbon 12. The print head is a conventional
`thermal print head having a column of pixels, each of which 45
`can be thermally activated in accordance with the desired
`image to be printed.
`It should be appreciated that in alternative embodiments
`of the present invention, a single cassette system may be
`used. The single cassette may house thermal transfer ribbon 50
`and image receiving tape.
`In alternative embodiments of the present invention, the
`two cassette may be replaced by a single cassette, which
`houses only image receiving tape. The image receiving tape
`is thermally sensitive in this embodiment.
`The tape printer 1 may be arranged so as to be capable
`of printing an image on different widths of image receiving
`tape. The tape printer may include a mechanism for detect(cid:173)
`ing the width of the tape present. This may be done by
`making a determination of the characteristic of the cassette. 60
`Alternatively, this information may be provided to the tape
`printer by the user.
`Reference is made to FIG. 3, which shows schematically
`the basic circuitry for controlling the tape printer of FIG. 1
`and FIG. 2. There is a microprocessor chip 100, having a 65
`read-only memory (ROM) 102, a microprocessor 101 and
`random access memory capacity, indicated diagrammati-
`
`55
`
`4
`cally by RAM 14. Additional ROM and RAM capacity can
`be provided by separate ROM and RAM chips connected to
`the microprocessor. The microprocessor 101 is connected to
`receive data input to it from a data input device such as the
`keyboard 106. The microprocessor chip 100 outputs data to
`drive the display 108 via the display driver chip 109 and also
`to drive the print head 16 and the stepper motor 18 for
`controlling the platen. The microprocessor chip also controls
`a cutting mechanism indicated diagrammatically in FIG. 3
`by cutter 17 to cut the printer to tape. The cutter is not shown
`in FIG. 2, but would be located adjacent the outlet 5. In this
`embodiment, the cutter is electrically operated. However, in
`alternative embodiments in the present invention, a manu(cid:173)
`ally operated cutter may be provided.
`Reference is made to FIG. 4, which shows a tape printer
`200, which is controlled by a PC 202 or any other suitable
`type of computer. The PC 202 comprises a processor board
`204, which is arranged to control both the PC 202 and the
`tape printer 200. Connected to the processor board 204 is a
`keyboard 206, which allows information to be input to the
`processor board. Also connected to the processor board 204
`is a display 208. The display 208 is driven by the processor
`board. The processor board 204 is arranged to send print
`information to the tape printer 200 and some control infor(cid:173)
`mation to the tape printer. The processor board 204 will be
`arranged to receive data via a disk drive a CD drive
`network connection or by any other kno~n method, i~
`addition to via the keyboard.
`It should be appreciated that if the tape printer 200 is
`arranged only to be used in conjunction with the PC 202,
`then the tape printer 200 needs not be provided with a
`keyboard or a display. Additionally, the control circuitry of
`the tape printer may be simplified compared to that of FIG.
`3. In particular, at least some of the control functions can be
`omitted, for example those relating to the display and
`keyboard.
`Additionally, some of the microprocessor functions
`described in relation to FIG. 3 may be provided in the hard
`disk drive.
`In alternative embodiments of the present invention, the
`tape printer 200 may be arranged to have two modes of
`operation. In the first mode of operation, the tape printer
`would be controlled by the PC 202. In the second mode of
`operation, the tape printer would function as a stand-alone
`tape printer. In that case, the tape printer may have a
`configuration of the type shown in relation to FIGS. 1 to 3
`Both of the tape printers shown in FIGS. 1 to 4 are
`arranged to have a mode of operation in which a number of
`labels can be automatically generated. The labels can origi(cid:173)
`nate from a data file, a "clipboard function" supported by a
`computer operating system, or another application. This
`label data can, for example, consist of a list of names, lists
`of addresses, lists of names and addresses, lists of articles to
`be labelled or the like. The data is generally plain ASCII text,
`but need not be limited to such.
`Consider the following examples:
`The data contained in the data file may be printed such
`that the data to be printed on each label is contained in a
`single line of the data file.
`Consider the following example of a data file:
`Pencils, US $100
`Pens, US $0.50 each
`Erasers, US $1
`This would generate three labels. The first label would be
`"Pencils, US $100". The second label would be "Pens, US
`$0.50 each". The third label would be "Erasers, US $1.00".
`In one modification to this embodiment, the PC or label
`printer software can be arranged to determine if any of the
`
`Esselte Exhibit 1001
`Page 10
`
`

`

`US 6,890,113 B2
`
`5
`
`5
`lines contain a comma. Where a comma is located, it can be
`determined that a new line is required. Thus, the three labels
`outlined above would each have two lines, each new line
`beginning after the comma.
`Label 1 would thus be:
`Pencils,
`us $100
`Label 2 would be:
`Pens,
`US $0.50 each
`Label 3 would be:
`Erasers,
`us $1
`In some embodiments of the present invention, the 15
`comma can be omitted from the two-lined labels.
`In one further modification of this embodiment, lines of
`the label which are to contain commas are themselves in
`quoted text. For example, consider the following list:
`Dymo Corporation, 44 Commerce Road, "Stamford, 20
`Conn. 06902"
`Esselte Nev., Sint-Niklaas, "9100, Belgium".
`In embodiments of the present invention, this would give
`rise to the following two labels:
`Labell:
`Dymo Corporation,
`44 Commerce Road,
`Stamford, Conn. 06902
`The second label, Label 2, would be:
`Esselte Nev.,
`Sint-Niklaas,
`9100, Belgium
`In summary, the data can be presented in a list, with each
`new line representing a new label. Within each label, a new
`line is started every time a comma is encountered. If a single
`line on the label is to contain a comma, then the part of the
`text is Included in inverted commas or the like. The inverted
`commas are not printed, although the commas are. It should
`be appreciated that any other indicators other than commas 40
`or inverted commas can be used in embodiments of the
`present invention.
`Reference will now be made to a second type of data file
`from which labels can be automatically generated. In this,
`the data for each label appears on subsequent lines separated
`by a carriage return, line feed, or both. Subsequent labels
`within the data are separated by blank lines. Firstly, the data
`in the document is examined to see if there are any blank
`lines in the data. If so, the text is assumed to consist of a
`plurality of labels, each of which is separated by the blank 50
`lines. Consider the following example of a data file:
`Pencils
`us $1.00
`<blank line>
`Pens
`US $0.50 each
`The software is arranged to take the presence of the blank
`line and would provide labels 1 and 2 as outlined in the
`respective previous example. Consider the following
`example:
`Tom Smith
`Bob Jones
`Mike Smith
`In this situation, each line becomes its own label, in other 65
`words, three labels are provided, one with each of the three
`names. It is assumed that this is the case if it is detected that
`
`6
`there are no blank lines within the data. The data in this latter
`case may be generated by copying information from a
`column of a spreadsheet, a word processing document, or
`other data source.
`Embodiments of the present invention may be able to
`support the generation of labels from any of the data files
`mentioned previously FIG. 5 shows a flow chart illustrating
`how this may be achieved in practice. The data file is
`considered and in step Sl a determination is made as to
`10 whether or not there are any blank lines between the data in
`the data file. By "blank lines" it is meant an empty line or
`the like. If it is determined that there are empty lines, then
`labels are generated as already outlined. Each label consists
`of the data between two blank lines. This is carried out in
`step S2.
`In step S3, which is the next step if there are no blank
`lines, then a determination is made as to whether or not there
`are any commas in each line of data. If no commas are
`detected, then step S4 is the next step. In step S4, each line
`represents a single line label, which are then generated. This
`is as previously outlined. If it is determined in step S3 that
`there are commas within each line, then the next step is S5.
`Each line again represents a single label but a determination
`as to the number of lines of the label is made from the
`25 determination of the number of commas. Commas in
`inverted commas are of course ignored, as outlined previ(cid:173)
`ously.
`In alternative embodiments of the present invention, only
`one or some of the various types of data file can be
`30 processed.
`The data file can take any suitable format. For example,
`in the case of the tape printer controlled by a PC, the data
`may be a word processing document, for example a Word or
`Word Perfect document or the like. Alternatively, the data
`35 may be in spreadsheet form, for example, an Excel spread(cid:173)
`sheet or the like. Data may be provided to the stand-alone
`tape printer via any suitable means. Including a "Clipboard"
`buffer to which the data is copied. Alternatively, the user can
`enter the data into the tape printer via, for example, the
`keyboard. That data file may be stored in memory in the tape
`printer as required.
`It should be appreciated that embodiments of the present
`invention may use other indicators other than the examples
`of blank spaces to determine the commencement of a new
`45 label. Any suitable marker can alternatively be used.
`The processing of the data file is done in the micropro(cid:173)
`cessor of the tape printer, in the case of the stand-alone tape
`printer, or the processor of the processor board 204, in the
`case of the PC controlled tape printer
`In embodiments of the present invention, it is also pos-
`sible to include pictures, graphics, images or the like in the
`label. In this regard, reference is made to FIG. 6, which
`shows an example of a label which includes a graphic
`element 250. In embodiments of the present invention, the
`55 graphic element 250 is treated as a character. In particular,
`the size of the graphic element is controlled by the character
`size. For example, if the user wishes to make the graphic
`smaller or larger, the curser 252 is moved so that it is over
`the symbol. The image shown in FIG. 6 is either displayed
`60 on the display of the tape printer, if it is operating in the
`stand-alone mode, or on the display of the PC. The move(cid:173)
`ment of the cursor is controlled by movement keys on the
`keyboard associated with the tape printer or the PC, respec-
`tively. In order to change the size of the image, the change
`in size is achieved by a change in character size. This may
`be achieved in any way. For example, in some embodiments
`of the present invention, a character size menu is obtained
`
`Esselte Exhibit 1001
`Page 11
`
`

`

`US 6,890,113 B2
`
`25
`
`7
`and the appropriate size selected. In other embodiments of
`the present invention, a key can be actuated, which allows a
`character size to be selected. In some embodiments of the
`present invention, this can be done on a character by
`character basis. It should be appreciated that in this context
`character includes alphanumeric, numbers or symbol. If the
`image is in a string of characters, the string of characters and
`image can be selected and the size of the characters and the
`image are altered together. In this embodiment, both the
`character size and the Image size will be changed together. 10
`In other words, the image and the character are treated in the
`same way.
`It should be appreciated that the maximum height of the
`graphic is controlled by the size of tape.
`As shown schematically in FIG. 1, the tape printer has a
`slot 122 in which a memory card 123 can be slotted. The
`memory card may store data as described hereinbefore or the
`generated labels. The memory card can take any suitable
`format and may for example be a card having an integrated
`circuit thereon such as a smart card card or a card similar to 20
`a SIM card. Alternatively, the card 122 may be a memory
`card similar to a floppy disk, CD or mini disk or any other
`suitable data storage medium. In alternative embodiments of
`the present invention, the memory or integrated circuit may
`be incorporated in a format other than a card-like format.
`In one embodiment of the present invention, the memory
`card or the like contains bit map images or any other suitable
`type of image. These images can be used as the basis of a
`label. In one preferred embodiments of the present
`invention, the image cannot be altered by the user but the 30
`user is able to add additional text. The image can be text,
`graphics or the like
`Reference is made to FIG. 7 which shows an arrangement
`embodying the present invention. In this arrangement, a
`docking station 600 is arranged to be connected to a PC 602 35
`or any other suitable computer device. The docking station
`is arranged to receive the memory card, integrated circuit or
`the like and is in practice a chip card writer and optionally
`a reader. Information downloaded from the PC 602 is
`downloaded via the docking station onto the card 123. The
`docking station 600 simply provides a connection between
`the PC 602 and the memory card or the like 123. This
`information can take any of the forms outlined hereinafter
`may be labels, image data, fonts or may be programming if
`the card is an integrated circuit with microprocessor capacity
`or the like. Once the card has received the downloaded
`information, the card can be used with the tape printer 604
`which includes a slot 608 to receive the card 123 or the like.
`In one modification also shown in FIG. 7, the tape printer
`604 is itself able to act as a docking station. The information
`form the PC is downloaded via the tape printer onto the
`memory card 123 or the like. In yet an alternative embodi(cid:173)
`ment of the present invention, the memory card or the like
`is inserted into the tape printer 604 and the memory card or
`the like is connected to the PC via a SUB or similar
`connection. Data from the PC can then be downloaded
`directly to the memory card or the like. In the latter case, the
`memory card or the like may be factory fitted or may be
`fitted and/or changed by the user. This latter option would
`require a serial R48 or RJll jack or the like built into the 60
`tape printer.
`It should be appreciated that a separate card writer which
`is able to write multiple copies of the same data may be
`advantageous where a common one or more data cards need
`to be given to a number of people. For examples, a garage 65
`chain may provide each of its outlets with all the retail SKU
`items listed.
`
`8
`As can be seen from FIG. 3, there is a connection between
`the memory card 123 and the microprocessor chip 100. The
`microprocessor 100 is able to access the prestored labels,
`fonts, graphic images or the like stored in the memory chip
`5 123 in a similar manner to the way in which it is able to
`retrieve data from the RAM 104 or ROM 102.
`Tape printers embodying the present invention may be
`used In a number of different environments. For example,
`some tape printers may be used in the home. The tape printer
`may be primarily used by adults or by children. The tape
`printer may be used in an office environment or may be used
`by electricians, plumbers, workers on oil rigs or the like. The
`same printers can therefore be used by quite different people
`who have different requirements. Accordingly, a different
`15 memory card can be provided for different groups of people.
`Of course, different labels may be required in an office
`environment to, for example, label computers, shelves, files,
`packages, to produce address labels, to provide notices or
`the like.
`Electricians may require different labels for example to
`label cables, fuse boxes, circuits. Likewise, plumbers may
`have different label requirements. A different card can be