Embossing tools and tape printers

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.

1 - 14 . (canceled) 
   
   
       15 . An embosser for embossing an image on a material, the embosser comprising:
 a selector for selecting an image to be embossed on the material;   a detector for obtaining information from the selector in dependence on the image selected;   a sound generator configured to provide an audible output in dependence on the information; and   a die set operable to emboss the image selected on the material.   
   
   
       16 . An embosser as claimed in claim  1 , wherein the sound generator is configured to provide the audible output as the image is selected. 
   
   
       17 . An embosser as claimed in claim  1 , wherein the sound generator is configured to provide an audible output in dependence on the in formation when the die set is operated to emboss the image selected on the material. 
   
   
       18 . An embosser as claimed in claim  1 , comprising a determiner configured to determine whether the material is present the embosser. 
   
   
       19 . An embosser as claimed in claim  4 , wherein the sound generator is configured to provide the audible output only when it is determined by the determiner that the material is present in the embosser. 
   
   
       20 . An embosser as claimed in claim  1 , wherein the selector comprises a rotatable wheel. 
   
   
       21 . An embosser as claimed in claim  6 , wherein the wheel comprises a first wheel on which a die of the die set is located, and a second wheel on which a punch of the die set is located. 
   
   
       22 . An embosser as claimed in claim  1 , wherein the die set is one of a plurality of die sets arranged in a ring. 
   
   
       23 . An embosser as claimed in claim  1 , wherein the detector comprises a series of contacts configured to contact one or more metal strips of the selector.) 
   
   
       24 . An embosser as claimed in claim  1 , wherein the die set is configured to be operated by actuation of an actuator, and wherein the embosser comprises a movement detector for detecting actuation of the actuator. 
   
   
       25 . An embosser as claimed in claim  1 , wherein the sound generator comprises a voice generator. 
   
   
       26 . An embosser as claimed in claim  1 , wherein the image comprises one or more of the following: a character, a numeral and a symbol. 
   
   
       27 . An embosser as claimed in claim  12 , wherein the sound generator is configured to provide a voice output for the input character, numeral and/or symbol. 
   
   
       28 . An embosser as claimed in claim  1 , comprising a handle portion, the handle portion accommodating one or more batteries. 
   
   
       29 . An embosser as claimed in claim  1 , wherein the material comprises a tape. 
   
   
       30 . An embosser as claimed in  claim 15 , configured to receive tapes of different widths. 
   
   
       31 . An embosser as claimed in  claim 15 , configured to receive the tape on a reel. 
   
   
       32 . A method of operating an embosser for embossing an image on a material, the method comprising:
 selecting an image to be embossed on the material using a selector of the embosser;   obtaining information from the selector in dependence on the image selected by a detector of the embosser;   providing an audible output in dependence on the information by a sound generator of the embosser; and   embossing the image selected on the material by operating a die set of the embosser.