Abstract:
A tape printer for providing an image on a tape medium, the tape printer permitting inputting an image; providing the image on the tape medium; obtaining input image information; and using the input image information to provide an audible output in dependence on the input image.

Description:
REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    This is a Continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/487,920, which is the U.S. National Phase of International Patent Application No. PCT/EP2002/09641, having an international filing date of Aug. 28, 2002, and claims priority to United Kingdom application GB01210277, filed Aug. 30, 2001. The entire disclosure of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/487,920 is incorporated herein by reference. 
     
    
     FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE 
       [0002]    The present disclosure relates to tools such as embossing tools or tape printers. 
       BACKGROUND 
       [0003]    Known embossing tools are generally hand held and mechanically operated. Embossing tools are designed to emboss selected characters or numbers on an elongated strip of embossable material. This embossable material can be of any suitable construction and may for example be of a thermoplastic resin. The tape is mechanically deformed by squeezing the tape between a die set of a selected character, number or the like. The die set is carried by first and second wheels. The tape passes between the first and second wheels. To emboss an image on the tape, a portion of one of the wheel is urged against the opposite wheel to deform the tape therebetween. The wheels are rotated so that the selected character or like is at the embossing position. 
         [0004]    Tape printing apparatus of the type with which the present disclosure is generally concerned are disclosed for example in EP-A-322918 and EP-A-322919 (Brother Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha) and EP-A-0267890 (Variatronics). The printers each include a printing device having a cassette receiving bay for receiving a cassette or tape holding case. The ink ribbon may be included in the same cassette as the image receiving tape or in a different cassette. 
         [0005]    In these known tape printing apparatus, an image is input via a keyboard. The image is printed onto the image receiving tape using a thermal printhead. In these known tape printers, the heat from the thermal printhead causes ink from the ink ribbon to be transferred to the image receiving tape. It is also known for an image to be transferred directly to thermally sensitive image receiving tape, without the need for an ink ribbon. 
         [0006]    Both of these products can be designed to be relatively small. As the embossers and tape printers are relatively small, it can be difficult to see the numbers or characters of the respective input means. In the case of the tape printer, the input means usually comprises a keyboard or a dial. In the case of an embosser, the input means comprises a rotatable wheel which can be moved. Additionally, visually impaired people can have problems in ascertaining whether or not the right letter or symbol has been printed. A further problem exists hen the embosser or tape printer is used by someone who is learning to write. This may be for example a young child or someone learning a new language. 
       SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE 
       [0007]    It is the aim of embodiments of the present disclosure to address one or more of these problems. 
         [0008]    According to an aspect of the present disclosure there is provided a tool for providing an image on a tape medium, said tool comprising means for inputting an image, means for providing said image on said tape medium, means for obtaining input image information from said input means, and sound generation means for using said information to provide an audible output in dependence on said input image. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWING 
         [0009]    For a better understanding of the present disclosure and as to how the same may be carried into effect, reference will now be made by way of example to the accompanying drawings in which: 
           [0010]      FIG. 1  shows an embosser embodying the present invention; 
           [0011]      FIG. 2  shows part of the embosser of  FIG. 1  in more detail, with no tape present; 
           [0012]      FIG. 3  is a diagrammatic representation of the circuitry of the embosser of  FIG. 1 ; 
           [0013]      FIG. 4  is schematic view of the embosser of  FIG. 1  showing its construction; 
           [0014]      FIG. 5  shows a tape printer embodying the present invention; 
           [0015]      FIG. 6  shows the cassette receiving bay of the tape printer of  FIG. 5  with a cassette in place; and 
           [0016]      FIG. 7  is a diagrammatic representation of the circuitry of the tape printer of  FIG. 5 . 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
       [0017]    Reference is made to  FIGS. 1 to 4  which show a hand operated embossing tool  10 . The tool  10  is designed to emboss selected indicia, such as characters, symbols, numbers or the like, on an elongated strip of embossable material such as a plastic tape  14  or the like. Some embodiments of the present invention are able to deal with more than one width of tape. Other embodiments of the present invention are arranged to deal with a single width of tape. In the embodiment shown in the Figures, precut lengths of tape are inserted into the tool and are embossed. Alternatively or additionally, he embosser can be used with a reel of tape. That reel may be external to the tool or in alternative embodiments of the present invention may be incorporated in the embosser. For example, in some embodiments of the present disclosure, the tape may be received in the handle of the embosser. 
         [0018]    Embossing of the tape is accomplished at an embossing station  26  where there is located embossing means in the form of an embossing die set  28  actuated by a actuating member  30 . Die set  28  is one of a series of die sets located in a ring on a selector wheel  32 . The selector wheel  32  is rotatable about its central axis  33  and comprises an upper  35  and a lower wheel  37 . One part of a die set is on the upper wheel  35  and the other is arranged opposite thereto on the other wheel  37 . In particular, one of these wheels carries the die and the other of which carries the punch of each die set. In this way, any one of the series of die sets can be located at the embossing station  26  to emboss the selected indicia on the tape  14 . 
         [0019]    As can be seen from  FIG. 4 , the actuating member  30  is part of the handle  31 . When the handle in actuated, it pivots about point  53  causing the actuating member to move upwardly to move the part of the die set of the lower ring toward the upper ring. 
         [0020]    The handle is additionally arranged to receive batteries  70  which are used to supply the circuitry illustrated in  FIG. 3 . 
         [0021]    Reference is made to  FIG. 2  which shows the view from above of the embosser with no tape medium  14  being present. A switch  50  is provided. The switch  50  is a plunger switch. When tape medium is present, the plunger is depressed thus closing a contact. When no tape is present, the switch is open. 
         [0022]    Reference is made to  FIG. 3  which shows the circuitry for controlling the embosser. The switch  50  is connected to detection circuitry  60  which receives an input therefrom. In particular, the detection circuitry  60  determines whether or not the plunger switch  50  is depressed or not. If the switch is depressed, then the contact will be closed and it can be determined that tape is present. If, on the other hand, the switch is not depressed, the contact is open and the detection circuitry determines that no tape is present. Any other suitable mechanism may alternatively be used. 
         [0023]    In preferred embodiments of the present invention, the voice generator  62  is arranged only to operate when the tape is present. 
         [0024]    The circuitry comprises a character detector  64  which is arranged to detect which character or the like is at the embossing station. The underside of the wheel is coded with a coding ring  39  having metal strips. Six contacts  41  are provided. Depending on whether or not a contact  41  is in contact with a metal strip depends on whether or not a signal is provided. In this way, the output of the contacts  41  provides a binary output which is unique for each position of the wheel. This binary output is used by the detection circuitry  60  to identify the letter or the like at the embossing station. It should be appreciated that the character detector can be replaced by any other type of detector. 
         [0025]    The detection circuitry  60  is arranged to use the information from the character detector  64  to determine which character or symbol has been selected. Also provided is a movement detector  66  which is arranged to determine when the handle has been activated to emboss a character on the tape. This is done by a switch  66 . When the handle is in its unactivated position, the switch is open. When the handle is squeezed, the switch is closed. Again any other suitable arrangement may be alternatively used. 
         [0026]    The detection circuitry thus provides an output to a voice generator  62  identifying that a character is being embossed, that tape is present and the identity of the character. The voice generator  62  then provides an output to a speaker  68  and the speaker outputs the selected letter or the like. The voice generator may in some embodiments of the invention only provide an output if tape is present. However this is optional. The voice generator preferably only provides an output when the handle is activated and the image is embossed on the tape. 
         [0027]      FIG. 5  shows a simplified plan view of a tape printing apparatus  102 . The tape printing apparatus  102  comprises a keyboard  104 . The keyboard  104  has a plurality of data entry keys and in particular comprises a plurality of numbered, lettered and punctuation keys  106  for inputting data to be entered as a label and function keys  108  for editing the input data. The keyboard  104  also comprises a print key  110  which is operated when it is desired that a label be printed as well as tape feeding keys  112 . Additionally, the keyboard  104  has an on/off key  114  for switching the tape printing apparatus  102  on and off. The function keys  108  allow the attributes of the label to be altered. For example, the function keys  108  can control the size or font of the input data, underlining, boxing or the like. 
         [0028]    The tape printing apparatus  102  also has a liquid crystal display  118  which displays the data as it is entered. The display  118  allows the user to view all or part of the label to he printed which facilitates the editing of the label prior to its printing. Additionally, the display  118  can also display messages to the user, for example, error messages or an indication that the print key  110  should be pressed. The display  118  is driven by a display driver  128  which can be seen in  FIG. 7 . In certain embodiments of the present invention, the display can be omitted. 
         [0029]    On the underside of the tape printing apparatus  102 , which can be seen from  FIG. 6 , there is a cassette receiving bay  140 . The cassette receiving bay  140  includes a thermal printhead  142  and a platen  144  which cooperate to define a print zone  146 . The printhead  142  is pivotable about a pivot point  148  so that it can be brought into contact with the platen  144  for printing and moved away from the platen  144  to enable a cassette to be removed and replaced. A cassette inserted into the cassette bay  140  is denoted generally by reference numeral  150 . The cassette  150  holds a supply spool  152  of image receiving tape  154 . The image receiving tape  154  comprises an upper layer for receiving a printed image on one of its surfaces and has its other surface coated with an adhesive layer to which is secured a releasable backing layer. The image receiving tape  154  is guided by a guide mechanism (not shown) through the cassette  150 , out of the cassette  150  through an outlet O, past the print zone  146  to a cutting location C. The same cassette  150  also has an ink ribbon supply spool  156  and ink ribbon takeup spool  158 . The image receiving tape  154  and ink ribbon  160  are arranged to pass in overlap between the printhead  142  and the platen  144 . In particular, the image receiving layer of the image receiving tape  154  is in contact with the ink ribbon  160 . 
         [0030]    The platen  144  is driven by a motor  130  (see  FIG. 7 ), for example a DC motor or a stepper motor no that it rotates to drive the image receiving tape  154  in a direction which is parallel to the lengthwise extent of the image receiving tape  154  through the print zone  146 . In this way, an image is printed on the image receiving tape  154  and the image receiving tape is fed from the print zone  146  to the cutting location C provided at a location on a portion of the wall of the cassette  150  which is close to the print zone  146 . The portion of the wall of the cassette  150  where the cutting location C is defined is denoted by reference  162 . A slot  164  is defined in the wall portion  162  and the image receiving tape  154  is fed past the print zone  146  to the cutting location C where it is supported by facing wall portions on either side of the slot  164 . 
         [0031]    A cutting mechanism  166  s provided and includes a cutter support member  168  which carries a blade  170 . The blade  170  cuts the image receiving tape  154  and enters the slot  164 . 
         [0032]    In those embodiments where the motor  130  is a DC motor, the image receiving tape  154  is driven continuously through the print zone  146  during printing. Alternatively in those embodiments where the motor is a stepper motor, the platen  144  rotates stepwise to drive the image receiving tape  154  in steps through the print zone  146  during the printing operation. 
         [0033]    The print head  142  is a thermal printhead comprising a column of a plurality of printing elements which are selectively activatable in dependence on the image to be printed. The printhead  142  is preferably only one printing element wide and the column extends in a direction perpendicular to the lengthwise direction of the image receiving tape  154 . The height of the column of printing elements is preferably equal to the width of the image receiving tape  154  to be used with the label printing apparatus  102 . Where more than one width of image receiving tape  154  is used, the printhead column has a height equal to the largest width of tape  154 . An image is printed on the image receiving tape  154  column by column by the printhead  142 . 
         [0034]    The printhead  142  has a printing cycle having a first part (strobe type) in which the selected printing elements are activated and a second part in which none of the printing elements are activated. 
         [0035]    As an alternative to the one cassette system shown in  FIG. 6 , the cassette receiving bay may be arranged to receive a separate image receiving tape cassette and a separate ink ribbon cassette which are arranged so that the ink ribbon and image receiving tape are passed in overlap through a print zone. This particular cassette arrangement is described for example in our European Patent Application No 578372, the contents of which are herein incorporated by reference. Any other suitable arrangement for providing a supply of image receiving tape can of course be used with embodiments of the present invention. 
         [0036]      FIG. 7  shows the basic control circuitry for controlling the tape printing apparatus of  FIGS. 5 and 6  There is a microprocessor chip  120  having a read only memory (ROM)  122 , a microprocessor  124  and random access memory capacity indicated diagrammatically by RAM  126 . The microprocessor  124  is controlled by programming stored in the ROM  122  and when so controlled acts as a controller. The microprocessor chip  120  is connected to receive label data input to it from the keyboard  104 . The microprocessor  120  outputs data to drive the display  118  via the display driver chip  128  to display a label to be printed (or apart thereof) and/or a message or instruction for the user. The display driver chip  128  may be incorporated in the microprocessor chip  120 . Additionally, the microprocessor chip  120  also outputs data to drive the printhead  142  which prints an image onto the image receiving tape  154  to form a label. The data output to the printhead  142  defines which of the printing elements are to be activated and the duration of the first part of the printing cycle. Finally, the microprocessor chip  120  also controls the motor  130  for driving the image receiving tape  154  through the tape printing apparatus  102 . The microprocessor chip  120  may also control the cutting mechanism  166  to allow lengths of image receiving tape  154  to be cut off after the image has been printed thereon. It should be appreciated that the cutter mechanism can alternatively be manually operated. 
         [0037]    It should be appreciated that in alternative embodiments of the present invention, an image can be printed directly onto a thermally sensitive image receiving tape, thus avoiding the need for an ink ribbon. 
         [0038]    The microprocessor  124  comprises a voice generation processor  143 . The voice generation processor may be part of the microprocessor  124  or may be provided by a separate processor. If the voice generation processor  143  is provided by a separate processor, that may be provided on a different integrated circuit to the microprocessor  124 . The voice generation processor  143  is arranged to receive information from the keyboard  104 , via the microprocessor  124  in preferred embodiments of the present invention, identifying the key which has been pressed. The microprocessor  124  may be arranged to receive the information from the keyboard  104  and identify the key which has been pressed. 
         [0039]    For those keys associated with characters or letters, the associated letter or character is identified. Information identifying the character or number is output to the voice generation processor  143  which outputs a signal to a speaker  117 . The speaker  117  thus outputs the letter or number which has been activated by the user. Thus, if the user presses a key for the letter “K” the speaker will broadcast the sound of the letter “K”. 
         [0040]    Additionally or alternatively, the functions selected using the keys  108  may be also output by the speaker  117 . For example, the speaker  117  may say that there is a “box” when boxing is selected, indicate the font, size of font or the like.