Print Information Processing System, Method for Processing Print Information, and Server

Abstract

The present invention relates to a print information processing system, a method for processing print information, and a server. The print information processing system includes a terminal device and a server. A terminal controller controls an image capturing device to capture an image representing at least a part of a cartridge and obtains the captured image. The cartridge accommodates print media therein. A server storage device stores information related to specific content, the specific content including at least one of print data and information available for editing the print data. The system performs a detection process of detecting the cartridge by analyzing the captured image, and a determination process of determining whether the detected cartridge satisfies a specific condition. In a case where the determination process determines that the detected cartridge satisfies the specific condition, a server controller performs an information sending process that sends the information related to the specific content to the terminal device. In a case where the detected cartridge does not satisfy the specific condition, the information sending process is not performed.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a print information processing system including a server and a terminal device. The present disclosure also relates to a method of processing print information, and also relates to a server that is particularly suitable for use in the system and method. Background Art

[0002] Printing devices known in the art detect the type of a cassette that houses an elongated print medium wound in a roll, and permit the use of print data, as well as fonts and templates that can be used to edit the print data depending on the detected type of cassette.

[0003] Such a conventional printing device requires the task of attaching the cassette that houses the print medium to the main body of the printing device in order to detect the type of cassette. Summary of the Invention

[0004] In view of the foregoing, an object of the present disclosure is to provide a print information processing system, a print information processing method, and a server that permit the use of content that can be used to edit print data without attaching the cassette to the main body of the printing device when the cassette satisfies a specific condition.

[0005] To achieve the above and other objects, the present disclosure provides a printing information processing system. The printing information processing system includes a terminal device and a server. The terminal device includes an image capturing device, a terminal communication interface, a terminal controller, and a terminal storage device. The terminal communication interface is capable of communicating with the server and the printer. The terminal controller is configured to control the image capturing device and the terminal communication interface. The terminal storage device stores terminal instructions which, when executed by the terminal controller, cause the terminal controller to control the image capturing device to capture an image representing at least a part of a cartridge and to acquire the captured image. The cartridge accommodates printing media therein. The server includes a server communication interface, a server controller, and a server storage device. The server communication interface is capable of communicating with the terminal device. The server controller is configured to control the server communication interface. The server storage device stores information related to specific content, the specific content including at least one of print data and information usable for editing the print data. The server storage device further stores server instructions for controlling the server controller. The printing information processing system is configured to perform: a detection process of detecting the cartridge by analyzing the image captured by the image capturing device; and a determination process for determining whether the detected cartridge meets a specific condition. Wherein, when the server instructions are executed by the server controller, in a first case where the determination process determines that the detected cartridge meets the specific condition, the server controller performs an information sending process for sending information related to the specific content stored in the server storage device to the terminal device through the server communication interface. In a second case where the determination process determines that the detected cartridge does not meet the specific condition, the information sending process is not performed. When the terminal instructions are executed by the terminal controller, the terminal controller further performs receiving information related to the specific content sent from the server controller.

[0006] Preferably, the detection process detects a logo including at least one of a symbol, a sign, and an identification by analyzing the image captured by the image capturing device, and based on the detected logo, detects the cartridge from the captured image.

[0007] Preferably, in addition to detecting the logo by analyzing the image captured by the image capturing device, the detection process further detects identification information for identifying the cartridge, and based on the identification information and the detected logo, detects the cartridge from the captured image.

[0008] Preferably, the detection process detects a matrix two-dimensional code, and based on the detected matrix two-dimensional code, detects the identification information.

[0009] Preferably, when the server instructions are executed by the server controller, the server controller further stores identification information for identifying the cartridge detected in the detection process and management information for managing the cartridge such that the identification information and the management information are associated with each other.

[0010] Preferably, the print medium is a strip-shaped print medium elongated in the longitudinal direction. The management information of the cartridge includes the type of the print medium accommodated in the cartridge, the length of the print medium in the longitudinal direction at the time when the print medium is unused, and the width of the print medium in the direction orthogonal to the longitudinal direction.

[0011] Preferably, when the server instruction is executed by the server controller, the server controller further stores the usage history of the print medium in the server storage device as management information such that the usage history is associated with the identification information for identifying the cartridge. The specific condition includes a condition that the usage history associated with the identification information for identifying the detected cartridge satisfies a specified condition.

[0012] Preferably, the usage history includes an initial access date that indicates the date when the detection process is first performed on the cartridge identified by the identification information. The specified condition includes a condition of performing the determination process within a time range from the initial access date.

[0013] Preferably, the usage history includes the number of accesses that indicates the number of times the detection process is performed on the cartridge identified by the identification information. The specified condition includes a condition that the number of accesses is less than a specified number.

[0014] Preferably, the print medium is a strip-shaped print medium elongated in the longitudinal direction. The usage history includes the remaining amount of the print medium accommodated in the cartridge. The specified condition includes a condition that the remaining amount in the usage history is greater than a specified amount. The print information processing system is configured to further perform an update process for updating the remaining amount of the print medium in the usage history stored in the server storage device according to the print data sent from the terminal device to the printer.

[0015] Preferably, the print information processing system is configured to further perform an editing process for editing the print data based on the information related to the specific content stored in the server storage device.

[0016] Preferably, when the terminal instruction is executed by the terminal controller, the terminal controller further performs: the editing process; and sending the print data to the printer via the terminal communication interface.

[0017] Preferably, the information related to the specific content includes at least one of a template, a font, and an external character, and the template is used to define an image. The editing process edits the print data using the information related to the specific content stored in the server storage device.

[0018] Preferably, when the terminal instruction is executed by the terminal controller, the terminal controller further performs: the determination process; and in a first case where the determination process determines that the detected cartridge satisfies a specific condition, sending a transmission request to the server for transmitting information related to specific content stored in the server storage device. In a second case where the determination process determines that the detected cartridge does not satisfy the specific condition, no transmission is performed. In the case where the server receives a transmission request from the terminal device, the information transmission process transmits information related to the specific content to the terminal device. In the case where the server does not receive a transmission request from the terminal device, the information transmission process does not transmit information related to the specific content to the terminal device.

[0019] Preferably, the detection process detects the shape of the cartridge by analyzing the image captured by the image capture device, and detects the cartridge from the captured image based on the detected shape. The specific condition includes the condition that the detected shape matches a specified shape.

[0020] According to another aspect, the present disclosure provides a method for processing print information. The method includes: controlling an image capture device to capture an image representing at least a part of a cartridge that houses print media therein; detecting the cartridge by analyzing the image captured by the image capture device; and determining whether the detected cartridge satisfies a specific condition; in a first case where the detected cartridge satisfies the specific condition in the determination, allowing the use of specific information among a plurality of pieces of information stored in a storage device, the plurality of pieces of information being related to corresponding content in the content, and the specific information being related to specific content. In a second case where the detected cartridge does not satisfy the specific condition, no allowing is performed.

[0021] Preferably, the specific information includes at least one of a template, a font, and external characters, and the template is used to define an image. The method further includes: editing print data by using the specific information; and transmitting the print data edited in the editing to a printer.

[0022] Preferably, the specific information includes specific print data. The transmission sends the specific print data to the printer.

[0023] Preferably, the detection detects a logo including at least one of a symbol, a sign, and an identifier from the image captured by the image capture device, and detects the cartridge from the captured image based on the detected logo.

[0024] Preferably, in addition to detecting the logo from the image captured by the image capture device, the detection also detects identification information for identifying the cartridge, and detects the cartridge from the captured image based on the identification information and the detected logo.

[0025] Preferably, the print medium is a strip-shaped print medium that is elongated in the longitudinal direction. The storage device stores identification information of the identification cartridge and the remaining amount of the print medium stored in the cartridge such that the identification information and the remaining amount are associated with each other. The specific condition includes a condition that the remaining amount is greater than a specified amount. The method further includes updating the remaining amount of the print medium stored in the storage device according to print data that is edited during editing and sent to the printer.

[0026] According to another aspect, the present disclosure provides a server. The server includes: a server communication interface, a server controller, and a server storage device. The server communication interface is capable of communicating with a terminal device. The server controller is configured to control the server communication interface. The server storage device is configured to store information related to specific content, the specific content including at least one of print data and information usable for editing the print data. The server storage device stores server instructions that, when executed by the server controller, cause the server controller to: receive an image from the terminal device; a detection process for detecting a cartridge that houses a print medium by analyzing the received image; and, in a first case where the detected cartridge satisfies a specific condition, send information related to the specific content stored in the server storage device to the terminal device through the server communication interface. In a second case where the detected cartridge does not satisfy the specific condition, no sending is performed. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0027] Specific features and advantages of the present invention and other objects will become apparent from the following description in conjunction with the drawings, wherein:

[0028] Figure 1 is a block diagram showing the electrical configuration of a terminal device, a media management server, and a content management server provided in a print information processing system;

[0029] Figure 2 is a plan view showing a tape cartridge to be attached to a printer and used for the printer;

[0030] Figure 3 is an exemplary diagram for illustrating a table stored in a storage device of a media management server;

[0031] Figure 4 is an exemplary diagram for illustrating a content database stored in a storage device of a content management server;

[0032] Figure 5 is a first part of a flowchart showing processes executed in a print information processing system and a printer;

[0033] Figure 6is the second part of the flowchart showing the processes executed in the print information processing system and the printer;

[0034] Figure 7 is the last part of the flowchart showing the processes executed in the print information processing system and the printer;

[0035] Figure 8 is an exemplary diagram showing the transition of the screen displayed on the LCD of the terminal device of Example 1; and

[0036] Figure 9 is an exemplary diagram showing the transition of the screen displayed on the LCD of the terminal device of Example 2.

[0037] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the following description, the image data for displaying an image may be simply referred to as an image. Detailed Description of the Invention

[0038] As Figure 1 shown, the print information processing system 1 includes a terminal device 2, a medium management server 5, and a content management server 6. The print information processing system 1 is configured to detect a cassette to be used in the printer 7 based on an image captured by the terminal device 2. The printer 7 and the terminal device 2 reside on the LAN 3. The printer 7 can communicate with the terminal device 2 via the LAN 3. In a case where the detected cassette satisfies a specific condition, the print information processing system 1 allows the terminal device 2 to use information related to specific content selected from multiple pieces of information related to respective contents stored in the content management server 6. Here, the multiple pieces of information related to the content can be used for editing print data.

[0039] The terminal device 2 is, for example, a conventional smart phone, and includes a CPU 21, a ROM 22, a RAM 23, a storage device 24, a touch panel 25, a microphone 26, a speaker 27, an LCD 28, a camera 29, and a communication interface 30. The CPU 21 controls the processing of the terminal device 2 and is electrically connected to the components of the terminal device 2 via an interface circuit (not shown). The ROM 22 stores programs such as a boot program. The RAM 23 stores timers, counters, flag data, and temporary data. The storage device 24 includes a storage medium such as a flash memory and stores programs for the processing executed by the CPU 21. The storage device 24 stores an OS and various applications running on the OS. The touch panel 25 is configured to detect the position being touched. The microphone 26 converts ambient sound into sound data and outputs the sound data. The speaker 27 outputs sound based on the input sound data. The LCD 28 displays an image based on image data. The camera 29 captures an image falling within a photographing range and generates and outputs the captured image. The communication interface 30 includes a communication module to be connected to the LAN 3 and the public network 4 via an access point 8, and another communication module to be directly connected to the public network 4.

[0040] The media management server 5 includes a CPU 51, a ROM 52, a RAM 53, a storage device 54, and a communication interface 55. The CPU 51 is used to control the processing of the media management server 5. The CPU 51 is electrically connected to the ROM 52, the RAM 53, the storage device 54, and the communication interface 55 via an interface circuit (not shown). The ROM 52 stores programs such as a boot program. The RAM 53 stores timers, counters, flag data, and temporary data. The storage device 54 has a storage medium such as a flash memory and stores programs for the processing executed by the CPU 51. The communication interface 65 is a communication module to be connected to the public network 4.

[0041] The content management server 6 includes a CPU 61, a ROM 62, a RAM 63, a storage device 64, and a communication interface 65. The CPU 61 is used to control the processing of the content management server 6. The CPU 61 is connected to the ROM 62, the RAM 63, the storage device 64, and the communication interface 65 via an interface circuit (not shown). The ROM 62 stores programs such as a boot program. The RAM 63 stores timers, counters, flag data, and temporary data. The storage device 64 has a storage medium such as a flash memory and stores programs for the processing executed by the CPU 61. The communication interface 65 is a communication module to be connected to the public network 4.

[0042] The printer 7 is a small label printer capable of printing characters (letters, symbols, numbers) on the adhesive tape 104, which is an elongated strip-shaped printing medium with a release paper. The printer 7 performs printing based on the print data sent from the terminal device 2. The printer 7 includes a CPU 71, a ROM 72, a CGROM 73, a RAM 74, a storage device 75, and a communication interface 76. The ROM 72, the CGROM 73, the RAM 74, the storage device 75, and the communication interface 76 are connected to the CPU 71.

[0043] The ROM 72 stores various programs required to control the printer 7. Based on these programs, the CPU 71 performs various arithmetic operations. The CGROM 73 stores a set of print dot pattern data representing various dot patterns, such that the stored set of print dot pattern data is classified according to format and size and is associated with each code data set in the set of code data. The RAM 74 has a plurality of storage areas, such as a text memory and a print buffer. The text memory is configured to store data to be printed. The print buffer is configured to store dot pattern data to be printed. Other storage areas are configured to store various arithmetic operation data. The communication interface 76 is a communication module to be connected to the LAN 3 and the public network 4 via the access point 8.

[0044] The printer 7 further includes a detection unit 77, a conveyance motor 79, a thermal head 80, a cutter motor 81, and drive circuits 82 - 84. The detection unit 77 and the drive circuits 82 - 84 are connected to the CPU 71. The detection unit 77 is a conventional sensor for detecting the type of the tape 104 installed on the printer 7 and outputting the detected type of the tape 104 to the CPU 71. The drive circuit 82 is an electronic circuit for driving the conveyance motor 79 provided for conveying the tape 104 along the conveyance path. The drive circuit 83 is an electronic circuit for driving the thermal head 80. The drive circuit 84 is an electronic circuit for driving the cutter motor 81. The cutter motor 81 operates a moving blade (not shown) for cutting the printed tape segment of the print tape 104 discharged from the printer 7.

[0045] Refer to Figure 2, the cassette 9 attachable to the printer 7 will be described. Hereinafter, the cassette is simply referred to as a cassette. The cassette 9 includes a cassette container 91 that houses an elongated strip of print medium therein. The cassette 9 houses one type of print medium among a variety of print media. The types of print media include, for example, a laminated type and a receptor type. For the laminated print medium, printing is performed on a transparent film tape 101 made of resin, and thereafter, a double-sided adhesive tape 102 is adhered to the printing surface of the transparent film tape 101 in the printer 7. In the case where the laminated print medium is used for the cassette 9, the cassette container 91 houses the film tape 101, the double-sided adhesive tape 102, and the ink ribbon 103. For the receptor print medium, printing is performed on a single-sided adhesive tape. Specifically, the single-sided adhesive tape has a base film made of resin. An adhesive layer is formed only on one surface of the base film, and printing is performed on the other surface of the base film. In the case where the receptor print medium is used for the cassette 9, the cassette container 91 houses the single-sided adhesive tape and the ink ribbon 103 therein. The types of print media are also classified according to the width W of the print medium, the color of the print medium, the color of the ink ribbon 103, and the material of the print medium. The structure of the cassette 9 will be described by taking the use of the laminated print medium as an example.

[0046] As Figure 2 shown, the cassette container 91 has a substantially rectangular parallelepiped-shaped housing (box-shaped housing) with rounded corners in a plan view. The cassette container 91 includes support portions 92 - 96, holes 97, arms 98, a head insertion portion 99, a tape discharge port 89, and a window 100. Each of the support portions 92 - 96 is a cylindrical shape having a circular shape in a plan view. The support portion 92 is provided at the left front corner portion of the cassette container 91 (such as the lower left corner portion in Figure 2 ), for rotatably supporting the tape drive roller 86. The tape drive roller 86 conveys the film tape 101 and the double-sided adhesive tape 102 as the print medium 101. The support portion 93 is provided in the left rear corner portion of the cassette container 91 (such as the upper left corner portion in Figure 2 ), for rotatably supporting the reel around which the double-sided adhesive tape 102 is wound. The double-sided adhesive tape 102 has an elongated tape having a surface to which a release paper is attached.

[0047] The support portion 94 is provided in the right rear corner portion of the cassette container 91 (such as Figure 2In the upper right corner portion) for rotatably supporting a reel around which a film tape 101 is wound. The film tape 101 is a transparent elongated tape and printing is performed on one of its surfaces. The thermal head 80 prints an image on the film tape 101 using an ink ribbon 103 that overlaps the film tape 101. The double-sided adhesive tape 102 is adhered to the printing surface of the film tape 101. The support portion 96 is located in the right front portion of the cassette container 91 for rotatably supporting a reel around which the ink ribbon 103 is wound. The support portion 95 is located on the left front side of the support portion 94 and the left rear side of the support portion 96. The support portion 95 is provided for winding the ink ribbon 103 pulled out from the reel supported by the support portion 96. A hole 97 is formed in the right rear side of the support portion 94 and penetrates the cassette container 91 along its thickness direction (vertical direction). The hole 97 has an elliptical shape in a plan view. An arm 98 extends from the right front portion of the cassette container 91 to the left. On the left rear side of the arm 98, the cassette container 91 has an opening 87 that penetrates in the vertical direction. The thermal head 80 is inserted into the head insertion portion 99. The tape discharge port 89 is an opening elongated in the vertical direction and is formed in the front portion of the left side wall of the cassette container 91. The window 100 is an opening formed on the right side of the support portion 93 and elongated in the left-right direction on the upper surface 88 of the cassette container 91. Through the window 100, the user can identify the remaining amount (length) of the film tape 101 and both the double-sided adhesive tapes 102 are accommodated in the cassette container 91.

[0048] The cassette 9 includes marker labels 111, 112 pasted on the rear end portion of the upper surface 88 of the cassette container 91. More specifically, the marker label 111 is positioned at the central portion in the left-right direction in the rear end portion of the upper surface 88. A logo 113 is printed on the marker label 111. The logo 113 includes at least one of a symbol, a sign, an identifier (word or letter) of the cassette 9. The logo 113 indicates, for example, the type of the printing medium (tape width W, color, material, and model number) provided in the cassette 9. Instead of or in addition to the logo label 113 printed on the marker label 111, the marker label 111 may represent a string (text) including at least one of the product name of the cassette 9, the product number of the cassette 9, and the type of the printing medium. Alternatively, the marker label 111 may represent an image of a graphic and / or an illustration. The marker label 112 is pasted on the rear end portion of the upper surface 88 of the cassette container 91 and is located on the left side of the marker label 111. A matrix-type two-dimensional code 114 is printed on the marker label 112. The two-dimensional code 114 indicates the identification number (identification information) of the cassette 9 for identifying the cassette. For example, the manufacturing number of the cassette 9 may be used as the identification number of the cassette 9. The matrix-type two-dimensional code 114 may be a QR code.

[0049] When the cartridge 9 is attached to the printer 7 and a print operation is instructed, the CPU 71 drives the conveyance motor 79, the thermal head 80, and the cutter motor 81 based on the print data to perform printing. More specifically, the belt drive roller 86 is rotated by a drive shaft (not shown) of the conveyance motor 79. The film belt 101 and the double-sided adhesive belt 102 are pulled by the belt drive roller 86 in cooperation with a conveyance roller (not shown). Synchronously with the drive of the belt drive roller 86, a ribbon take-up shaft (not shown) rotates to pull the ink ribbon 103.

[0050] The conveyance of the film belt 101 and the ink ribbon 103 is guided together inside the arm portion 98. The film belt 101 and the ink ribbon 103 are stacked at the opening 87 formed at the end of the arm portion 98, and are then discharged outside the arm portion 98. The thermal head 80 uses the ink ribbon 103 stacked on the film belt 101 to print on the film belt 101 that has been discharged outside the opening 87. The ink ribbon 103 that has been used for printing is wound around a reel supported by the support portion 95. The film belt 101 on which printing has been performed is conveyed in the direction toward the belt drive roller 86. The double-sided adhesive belt 102 is guided to a position between the drive roller 86 and the movable conveyance roller, and the double-sided adhesive belt 102 is stacked on the printing surface of the film belt 101 such that the double-sided adhesive belt 102 is adhered to the film belt 101. The print belt 104, which is the film belt 101 on which printing has been performed and to which the double-sided adhesive belt 102 is adhered, is conveyed toward the belt discharge port 89 and is cut by a cutter mechanism (not shown) of the printer 7.

[0051] Referring to Figure 3 , a description will be made of the table 59 stored in the storage device 54 of the media management server 5. The table (or database) 59 stored in the storage device 54 is used to provide the relationship between the identification information (ID) of the cartridge 9 and the management information for managing the cartridge 9. The identification information of the cartridge 9 is used to identify the cartridge 9. The identification information of the cartridge 9 can be, for example, a manufacturing number. For example, the identification information of the cartridge 9 can be a character string represented by a combination of alphabetic characters and numbers. The management information according to the embodiment includes the print medium type, the longitudinal length of the print medium when the print medium remains unused, and the belt width W that is the transverse length orthogonal to the longitudinal direction of the print medium as the print medium. The management information according to the embodiment further includes the usage history of the print medium. The usage history includes the initial access date, the number of accesses, and the remaining amount (length) of the belt. The initial access date indicates the date on which the detection process is first performed on the installed cartridge identified by the identification information. The initial access date is represented by a Western calendar date in the form of, for example, YYYY / MM / DD. The number of accesses indicates the number of times the cartridge detection process is performed on the cartridge identified by at least the identification information. Here, the cartridge detection process is performed by using the captured image of the cartridge. The remaining amount of the belt indicates the remaining length of the print medium accommodated in the cartridge identified by the identification information.

[0052] Referring to Figure 4 , a description will be given of the content database stored in the storage device 64 of the content management server 6. The content database 69 stores information related to content, which includes at least one of print data and information that can be used to edit the print data. The content includes at least one of a template, a font, and an external character that can be used to edit the print data. Here, the template is used to define an image and may include a background image, information about the layout of objects in the image, and the format of objects such as text. The external character is a character not registered in the printer 7 and / or the terminal device 2. The content may be print data. In addition, the information related to the content may be the content itself, and / or may be information related to the content, such as information about the attributes of the content, title information of the content, explanatory information of the content, usage example information of the content, and / or thumbnail information. The content database 69 according to the embodiment includes an ID, a type, content information (name or title of the content), and a content file. The ID is identification information for identifying the content. For example, the ID is represented by a string having a combination of alphabetic characters and numbers. The type indicates the type or kind of information related to the content. In this embodiment, the type includes a selective one of a specific type and a general type. The specific type indicates content that allows the terminal device 2 to be used when the type of the cartridge is specified based on an image transmitted from the terminal device 2. The general type indicates content that allows the terminal device 2 to be used regardless of whether the type of the cartridge is specified or not based on an image transmitted from the terminal device 2. Alternatively, the specific type may indicate content that allows the terminal device 2 to be used when the type of the cartridge specified based on an image transmitted from the terminal device 2 is one of a predetermined specific type that includes, for example, the new cartridge 9. In this case, the general type indicates content that allows the terminal device 2 to be used regardless of whether the type of the cartridge is detected or not and the detected type of the cartridge.

[0053] Referring to Figures 5 to 9 , a description will be given of the processing performed by the print information processing system 1 and the printer 7. Figure 8 and 9Examples 1 and 2 according to these processes are respectively shown. When one or more programs read from the ROM 22 and / or the storage device 24 are stored in the RAM 23 by the CPU 21, the process of the terminal device 2 is executed by the CPU 21. When one or more programs read from the ROM 52 and / or the storage device 54 are stored in the RAM 53 by the CPU 51, the process of the media management server 5 is executed by the CPU 51. When one or more programs read from the ROM 62 and / or the storage device 64 are stored in the RAM 63 by the CPU 61, the process of the content management server 6 is executed by the CPU 61. When one or more programs read from the ROM 72 are stored in the RAM 74 by the CPU 71, the process of the printer 7 is executed by the CPU 71. In the following description, the steps will be abbreviated as "S". Example 1 is an example in the case where the camera 29 of the terminal device 2 captures an image of the new type cartridge 9 from its upper side. Example 2 is an example in the case where the camera 29 captures an image of the old type cartridge 10 from its upper side. The old type cartridge 10 is different from the cartridge 9. The old type cartridge 10 has the same outer contour (outer shape) as the new type cartridge 9. However, the old type cartridge 10 is not formed with the hole 97 formed in the cartridge 9. The processes in Examples 1 and 2 are performed at different times. However, in the following description, for simplicity, the two processes will be described in parallel.

[0054] As Figure 5 shown, in S1, the CPU 21 of the terminal device 2 displays the image (video image) currently captured by the camera 29 on the LCD 28. In Example 1, as Figure 8 shown, the CPU 21 displays the screen E1 on the LCD 28. As Figure 9 shown, in Example 2, the CPU 21 displays the screen H1 on the LCD 28. Both the screen E1 and the screen H1 have a display area J1 and an input key J2. The display area J1 displays the image (video image) currently captured by the camera 29. The input key J2 is a shutter button selected when instructing to capture an image (still image). Hereinafter, the captured still image is referred to as a captured image. After the user confirms the image representing the entire cartridge from its upper side on the display area J1, the user selects the input key J2 to capture an image (still image). In S2, the CPU 21 determines whether an image (the captured image) has been acquired. The CPU 21 repeats the determination in S2 until an image is acquired (S2: No). After the image of the cartridge is captured by the terminal device 2, the user attaches the cartridge to the printer 7. This attachment of the cartridge can be performed at any time after the image is captured and before the process of S25 (described later) is executed.

[0055] When the selection of the input key J2 is detected, the CPU 21 acquires the captured image represented by the image data output from the camera 29 (S2: Yes). In Example 1, the CPU 21 acquires the image data representing the captured image that represents the entire cassette 9 viewed from its upper side. In Example 2, the CPU 21 acquires the image data representing the captured image that represents the entire cassette 10 viewed from its upper side. In S3, the CPU 21 sends the acquired image data to the media management server 5, and in S4, an image screen E2 is displayed on the LCD 28, as Figure 8 and Figure 9 shown. The image screen E2 displays a message J3 stating "Processing" to notify the user that the processing is in progress. In S41, the CPU 51 of the media management server 5 receives the image data sent from the terminal device 2 in S3.

[0056] In S42, the CPU 51 analyzes the image received in S41 and detects the cassette from the received image. Specifically, the CPU 51 analyzes the captured image and detects the cassette 9 based on the contour lines of the figures included in the image. Conventional well-known techniques can be used to detect the cassette 9 from the image. For example, the CPU 51 binarizes the image, extracts a set of contour lines representing the figures from the binarized image, and detects the shape of the cassette. Here, each contour line of the figure in the binarized image indicates the boundary line of the figure in the image. That is, the contour line is a line defined by pixels with strong edge intensity. The storage device 54 stores a set of reference contour lines representing the cassette 9. The set of reference contour lines stored in the storage device 54 includes an outer contour line representing the outer outline of the cassette 9 and contour lines within the outer contour line representing the structure in the outer outline of the cassette 9. The CPU 51 compares the set of reference contour lines representing the cassette 9 stored in the storage device 54 with the extracted set of contour lines. When the similarity of the two sets of contour lines based on this comparison is within a predetermined range, the CPU 51 identifies the type of the cassette detected from the image as the new type of cassette 9. In this embodiment, the CPU 51 can distinguish the new type of cassette 9 from the old type of cassette 10 by determining whether the contour line representing the hole 97 exists within a specified range from the outer contour line representing the outer outline of the cassette based on the extracted set of contour lines.

[0057] The CPU 51 can detect the logo 113 included in the marker label 111 in the image. Conventional well-known techniques for detecting the logo 113 can be adopted. In this case, in S42, the CPU 51 identifies the type of the cartridge from the captured image based on the detected logo 113. The CPU 51 detects the type of the cartridge (printing medium) based on the correlation between the logo and the types of cartridges (printing media) stored in the storage device 54, and further based on the comparison between this correlation and the logo 113 extracted from the image.

[0058] In addition, in S42, the CPU 51 detects the two-dimensional code 114 included in the marker label 112. Conventional well-known techniques for detecting this two-dimensional code can be adopted. The CPU 51 obtains the identification information of the cartridge based on the detected two-dimensional code 114. The CPU 51 detects the string specified by the two-dimensional code 114 as the identification information of the cartridge for identifying the cartridge.

[0059] In S43, the CPU 51 sets the medium information based on the detection results in S42. The medium information includes information such as the identification information of the cartridge specified in S42, information on whether the cartridge detected in S42 is a specific medium (or a specific cartridge), and the management information of the cartridge specified in S42. The case where the cartridge specified in S42 is a specific medium indicates that a set of contour lines of the graphics extracted from the image match a set of reference contour lines stored in the storage device 54, and thus the detected cartridge is, for example, the cartridge 9 that can be used in the printer 7. For example, the specific medium can be determined when the type of the detected cartridge is one of the specified specific types by using the detection results of the marker labels 111 and 112. If at least one of the above information is not specified in S42, the medium information may not be set. Alternatively, the medium information can be set for one or more pieces of information that can be specified in S42.

[0060] In S44, the CPU 51 determines whether the cartridge detected in S42 is a specific medium (specific cartridge) based on the medium information set in S43. In Example 1, the cartridge detected in S42 is determined to be a specific medium (S44: Yes), and in S45, the CPU 51 determines whether the cartridge 9 specified in S42 is registered in the storage device 54 (Table 59) based on the medium information (identification information) set in S43. In the case where the identification information of the detected cartridge 9 is not registered in the storage device 54 (S45: No), in S47, the CPU 51 registers the medium information set in S43 in Table 59 of the storage device 54 and proceeds to the process of S48 described later. In Example 2, the cartridge specified in S42 is not determined to be a specific medium (S44: No), and in S46, the CPU 51 adds a warning to the medium information set in S43. For example, the warning is a message stating "The type of the cartridge cannot be specified". The warning for Example 2 may be a message stating "An old-type cartridge is specified". Note that the use of this cartridge is not recommended for the printer. In S48, after performing the process of S46 or S47, the CPU 51 sends the medium information to the terminal device 2. In Example 1, in the case where the identification information of the cartridge 9 specified in S42 is B001, the cartridge 9 (specifically, the identification information "B001") is determined to be stored in the storage device 54 (S45: Yes), then the CPU 51 increments the number of accesses corresponding to the identification information B001 by 1 (one), and in S48, the CPU 51 sends the medium information set in S43 to the terminal device 2 that received the image in S41. Therefore, the number of accesses indicates the number of times the captured image of the cartridge 9 is sent from the terminal device 2 to the medium management server 5.

[0061] In S5, the CPU 21 of the terminal device 2 receives the medium information sent from the medium management server 5, and in S6, stores the medium information in the storage device 24. In S7, the CPU 21 determines whether a warning is included in the medium information. In Example 2, the warning is included in the medium information (S7: Yes), and in S8, the CPU 21 controls the LCD 28 to display the warning message on the LCD 28. For example, the CPU 21 displays on the LCD 28 as in Figure 9The warning message J4 stating "The type of the cartridge cannot be specified" shown in the screen H3. After making a determination of "No" in S7 or after the process of S8 is executed, the CPU 21 executes the process in S10. Specifically, in Example 1, since the warning is not included in the medium information (S7: No), in S10, the CPU 21 determines whether the cartridge detected in S42 satisfies specific conditions. In the embodiment, the specific conditions include multiple conditions. When all the conditions included in the specific conditions are satisfied, it is determined that the specific conditions are satisfied. The specific conditions include a condition regarding the shape of the cartridge specified in S42. That is, for example, the specific conditions include a condition that the shape (a set of contour lines) of the cartridge specified in S42 is the same as or similar to the reference shape (a set of reference contour lines) of the cartridge 9 stored in the storage device 54. When the similarity between the shape (a set of contour lines) of the cartridge specified in S42 and the reference shape (a set of reference contour lines) of the cartridge 9 stored in the storage device 54 falls within a predetermined range, it is determined that the cartridge specified in S42 is the same as or similar to the cartridge 9 stored in the storage device 54. The CPU 21 determines whether the shape of the cartridge specified in S42 is the same as or similar to the shape of the cartridge 9 based on whether a warning is set (included) in the medium information. The specific conditions according to the present embodiment further include a condition that the usage history (the usage history in the medium information received in S5) associated with the identification information of the detected cartridge satisfies a specified condition. The specified condition includes multiple conditions. The specified condition includes a condition of executing the current determination process in S10 at a timing within a predetermined number of days from the initial access date included in the usage history of the received medium information. The specified condition further includes a condition that the number of accesses included in the usage history of the received medium information is less than a predetermined number. The specified condition further includes a condition that the remaining amount (length) of the tape included in the usage history of the received medium information is greater than (longer than) a predetermined amount (length). The predetermined number of days, the predetermined number, and the predetermined amount (length) can be appropriately determined depending on the type of the print medium accommodated in the cartridge, the initial length of the print medium, etc.

[0062] In an embodiment, for example, the predetermined number of days is half a year, the predetermined number of times is thirty (30), and the predetermined length is 0.2 m. In Example 1, the CPU 21 determines that the cartridge detected in S42 satisfies all the conditions included in the specific conditions (S10: Yes), and in S11, sends a specific content information acquisition request to the content management server 6. The specific content information acquisition request is a request for instructing the content management server 6 to send one or more pieces of specific content information selected from among a plurality of pieces of content information (names or titles of content) stored in the content management server 6 to the terminal device 2. Here, the piece of specific content information is content information associated with a specific type in the content database 69. The specific content information acquisition request may specify the type of the cartridge (print medium) to be used for printing. In S61, the CPU 61 of the content management server 6 receives the specific content information acquisition request, and in S62, acquires one or more pieces of specific content information from the database 69. In the case where the content database 69 stores pieces of information related to content while classifying each piece of information related to content according to the type of the cartridge (print medium), in S62, the CPU 61 may acquire one or more pieces of specific content information corresponding to the type of the cartridge (print medium) specified by the specific content information acquisition request from the content database 69. In S63, the CPU 61 sends the one or more pieces of specific content information acquired in S62 to the terminal device 2 from which it received the specific content information acquisition request in S61. In S12, the CPU 21 of the terminal device 2 receives the one or more pieces of specific content information sent from the content management server 6 and executes the process in S13. In Example 2, the medium information includes a warning, and the shape of the cartridge specified in S42 does not satisfy the condition regarding the shape of the cartridge 9 stored in the storage device 54 (S10: No), and the CPU 21 of the terminal device 2 skips the processes in S11 and S12. After determining No in S10 or executing the process in S12, in S13, the CPU 21 sends a general content information acquisition request to the content management server 6. The general content information acquisition request is for requesting the content management server 6 to send one or more pieces of general content information selected from among the pieces of content information (names or titles of content) stored in the content management server 6 to the terminal device 2. Here, the piece of general content information is content information associated with a general type in the content database 69. The general content information acquisition request may specify the type of the cartridge (print medium) to be used for printing.

[0063] In S64, the CPU 61 of the content management server 6 receives a general content information acquisition request sent from the terminal device 2, and in S65, acquires one or more pieces of general content information from the content database 69. In the case where the content database 69 stores information related to content while classifying each piece of information related to content according to the type of cartridge (printing medium), in S65, similar to the processing in S62, the CPU 61 can acquire one or more pieces of general content information corresponding to the type of cartridge (printing medium) specified by the general content information acquisition request from the content database 69. In S66, the CPU 61 sends the one or more pieces of general content information acquired in S65 to the terminal device 2 from which it received the general content information acquisition request in S64. In S14, the CPU 21 of the terminal device 2 receives one or more pieces of general content information sent from the content management server 6, and in S15, displays a list of each piece of content information on the LCD 28. In Example 1, as shown in the screen E3 depicted in Figure 8 , the CPU 21 displays a list of each piece of content information including each piece of specific content information J5 received in S12 and each piece of general content information J6 received in S14. Each piece of specific content information J5 includes content A - C, and each piece of general content information J6 includes content a - c. In Example 2, as shown in the screen H4 of Figure 9 , the CPU 21 of the terminal device 2 displays a list of each piece of content information including only each piece of general content information J6.

[0064] In S16, the CPU 21 determines whether a selection of one piece of content information among the pieces of content information displayed on the LCD 28 is detected. The user selects the desired content information (content) while viewing the LCD 28. The CPU 21 repeatedly executes the determination in S16 until a selection of one piece of content information (content) is detected (S16: No). In Example 1, when a selection of content A is detected, in S17, the CPU 21 sends a content file acquisition request to the content management server 6 to request acquisition of the content file of the selected content A. In Example 2, when a selection of content a is detected (S16: Yes), in S17, the CPU 21 sends a content file acquisition request to the content management server 6 to request acquisition of the content file of the selected content a.

[0065] In S67, the CPU 61 of the content management server 6 receives a content file acquisition request, and in S68, acquires the content file specified by the content file acquisition request from the content database 69. In S69, the CPU 61 sends the content file acquired in S68 to the terminal device 2 from which the content file acquisition request was received in S67. In S18, the CPU 21 of the terminal device 2 receives the content file sent from the content management server 6, and in S19, determines whether the content file received in S18 is a specific content file (specific content) corresponding to the specific content information. The CPU 21 may execute the process of S19 based on the content of each piece of content information selected in S16 and / or based on the content file received in S18.

[0066] In the present embodiment, the specific content includes, for example, image data representing a pattern-decorated background. On the other hand, ordinary content different from the specific content does not include image data representing a pattern. When the content file received in S18 is specific content (S19: Yes), in S20, the CPU 21 executes a process for preparing to display a pattern on the LCD 28 based on the image data included in the content file (for example, a process for rendering the pattern). When the content file received in S18 is not specific content (S19: No) or when the process of S20 has been executed, in S21, the CPU 21 displays an edit screen for editing the image data representing the content file received in S18 on the LCD 28. Edit print data refers to a concept including newly generated image data, a change in the layout of the print object, and a change in the display content on the LCD 28 caused by a change in the image data.

[0067] In Example 1, as Figure 8 shown, the screen E4 displayed by the CPU 21. The screen E4 has a display area J7 and input keys J8, J9. The display area J7 displays the image represented by the content file received in S18. In Example 1, the display area J7 displays the image G1 represented by the content file F1 corresponding to Content A. The image G1 is a combination of alphanumeric characters and the pattern rendered in the process of S20. Select the input key J8 to input an instruction for editing the content file displayed in the display area J7. Editing the content file includes, for example, adding an object such as a character and / or a graphic to the displayed image, rotating the object in the displayed image, and scaling the object in the displayed image. Select the input key J9 to input an instruction for generating print data based on the content file displayed in the display area J7 and sending the generated print data to the printer 7. In Example 2, as Figure 9As shown, the CPU 21 displays a screen H5 on the LCD 28. The screen H5 has a display area J7 and input keys J8, J9. In Example 2, the display area J7 displays an image g1 represented by a content file f1 corresponding to the content "a". The image g1 includes alphanumerics but does not include patterns.

[0068] In S23( Figure 7 ), the CPU 21 determines whether a selection of the input key J8 is detected. If a selection of the input key J8 is detected (S23: Yes), in S24, the CPU 21 performs an editing process. For example, the CPU 21 displays an editing menu for commands to add an object such as a character and / or a graphic to the displayed image, a command to rotate the object, and a command to scale the object. The CPU 21 performs a process according to the command selected in the editing menu. If a selection of the input key J8 is not detected (S23: No) or when the process in S24 ends, in S25, the CPU 23 determines whether a selection of the input key J9 is detected. If a selection of the input key J9 is not detected (S23: No), the process returns to S23. When the user finishes editing the content file and then wishes to instruct printing based on the content file displayed in the display area J7, the user selects the input key J9. If a selection of the input key J9 is detected (S25: Yes), in S26, the CPU 21 determines whether the terminal device 2 (or the CPU 21) can communicate with the printer 7.

[0069] If the CPU 21 sends a predetermined communication start signal to the printer 7 and receives a reply to the communication start signal, the CPU 21 determines that the terminal device 2 (CPU 21) can communicate with the printer 7. If the terminal device 2 (CPU 21) cannot communicate with the printer 7 (S26: No), in S27, the CPU 21 displays a communication error on the LCD 28 to prompt the user to perform the operations required to enable communication between the printer 7 and the terminal device 2, and returns to S26. If the terminal device 2 (CPU 21) can communicate with the printer 7 (S26: Yes), in S28, as Figure 8 or Figure 9As shown in screen E5, CPU 21 displays a processing screen with message J3 (“Processing”) on LCD 28. In S29, CPU 21 generates print data based on the content file on display area J7 and sends the generated print data to printer 7. If the editing process is executed in S24, the print data is based on the result of the editing process. In S81, CPU 71 of printer 7 receives the print data sent from terminal device 2, and in S82, controls drive circuits 82 - 84 based on the received print data to perform the printing process. In S83, CPU 71 sends the print result to terminal device 2 from which it received the print data in S81. The print result includes the printing process result, which indicates information on whether the printing was successful or failed, information on whether the cartridge (printing medium) used for printing is a specific medium (specific cartridge), and the length of the printing medium used determined according to the print data.

[0070] In S30, CPU 21 of terminal device 2 receives the print result, and in S31 determines whether the received print result indicates successful printing. If the received print result indicates successful printing (S31: Yes), in S32, CPU 21 determines whether the cartridge (printing medium) used for printing is a specific medium (specific cartridge) based on the print result. In Example 2, it is determined that the printing medium used for printing is not a specific medium (specific cartridge) (S32: No). In this case, as Figure 9 shown in screen E6, in S35, CPU 21 displays message J10 of “Printing Completed” on LCD 28 as the print result received in S30. In Example 1, it is determined that the printing medium used for printing is a specific medium (specific cartridge) (S32: Yes), and in S33, CPU 21 sends the print information to media management server 5. The print information includes the identification information of the cartridge and the length of the printing medium used for printing. In S51, CPU 51 of media management server 5 receives the print information sent from terminal device 2. In S52, CPU 51 updates the remaining amount (length) of the tape registered in the management information as shown in Figure 3 Table 59 registered in the management information and corresponding to the identification information included in the print information received in S51 by subtracting the length of the printing medium included in the print information from the current remaining amount (length) registered in the management information. Subsequently, in S53, CPU 51 sends the processing completion information to terminal device 2 from which it received the print information in S51. In S34, CPU 21 of terminal device 2 receives the processing completion information. As Figure 8As shown in the screen E6 in, in S35, the CPU 21 displays a message J10 of "Printing completed" on the LCD 28 as the print result received in S30. In the case where the print result indicates a print failure (S31: No), for example, in S35, the CPU 21 displays a message of "Print failure" on the LCD 28. The print information processing system 1 and the printer 7 end the processing.

[0071] In the print information processing system 1 including the terminal device 2 and the servers 5 and 6 according to the embodiment, the terminal device 2, the camera 29, the communication interface 30, the CPU 21, and the storage device 24 respectively exemplify a terminal device, a capturing device, a terminal communication interface, a terminal controller, and a terminal storage device. The process of S2 is an example of an image acquisition and capturing step. The content management server 6, the communication interface 65, the CPU 61, and the storage device 64 respectively exemplify a server, a server communication interface, a server controller, and a server storage device. The media management server 5, the communication interface 55, the CPU 51, and the storage device 54 respectively exemplify a server, a server communication interface, a server controller, and a server storage device. The process of S42 is an example of a detection and detecting step. The process of S10 is an example of a determination and determining step. The process of S63 is an example of an information sending process and an information sending step. The process of S12 is an example of receiving information related to specific content. The process of S24 is an example of an editing process and an editing step. The process of S29 is an example of sending print data or a communication step. The processes of S10 and S11 are examples of a request sending process. The process of S52 is an example of an update process and an update step.

[0072] As described above, the print information processing system 1 includes the terminal device 2, and the servers 5 and 6. The terminal device 2 includes the camera 29, the communication interface 30 capable of communicating with the printer 7, the CPU 21 capable of controlling the camera 29 and the communication interface 30, and the storage device 24 that stores instructions for controlling the CPU 21. The CPU 21 acquires an image by controlling the camera 29 according to the instructions stored in the storage device 24 (S2). The medium management server 5 includes the communication interface 55 capable of communicating with the terminal device 2, the CPU 51 capable of controlling the communication interface 55, and the storage device 54. The storage device 54 stores instructions for controlling the CPU 51. The content management server 6 includes the communication interface 65 capable of communicating with the terminal device 2, the CPU 61 capable of controlling the communication interface 65, and the storage device 64. The storage device 64 stores instructions for controlling the CPU 61 and information related to content having at least one of print data and information that can be used to edit the print data. The print information processing system 1 executes a detection process (S42) of analyzing the image acquired in S2 and detecting a cassette (a container that houses print media), and a determination process (S10) of determining whether the detected cassette satisfies a specific condition.

[0073] In the case where it is determined in the determination process of S10 that the detected cassette satisfies the specific condition (S10: Yes), the content management server 6 transmits information related to specific content stored in the storage device 64 to the terminal device 2 via the communication interface 65 according to the instructions stored in the storage device 64 (S63 and S69). On the other hand, in the case where it is determined that the detected cassette does not satisfy the specific condition (S10: No), the content management server 6 does not transmit information related to specific content stored in the storage device 64 to the terminal device 2 via the communication interface 65. The CPU 21 of the terminal device 2 executes a process of receiving information related to the specific content transmitted from the content management server 6 according to the instructions stored in the storage device 24 (S12 and S18). Therefore, the print information processing system 1 can detect the cassette 9 by analyzing the image captured in the terminal device 2 without installing the cassette 9 that houses the print media into the printer 7. In this case, in the case where the cassette satisfies the specific condition, the print information processing system 1 can allow the use of information related to specific content that can be used to edit the print data.

[0074] The CPU 51 of the media management server 5 analyzes the image captured by the camera 29 to detect the logo 113 including at least one of symbols, signs, and logos in the image, and detects the cartridge 9 based on the detected logo 113 (S43). The logo 113 is printed on the label 111 pasted to the cartridge 9 to be installed on the printer 7 for use. Here, the logo 113 is used to identify the type of the cartridge or the printing medium (tape width W, color, material, and model number). Therefore, the print information processing system 1 can detect the logo 113 in the image by analyzing the image captured by the terminal device 2, and detect the cartridge 9 based on the detected logo 113.

[0075] The CPU 51 of the media management server 5 analyzes the image captured by the camera 29 to detect the identification information of the cartridge or the printing medium other than the logo 113, and detects the cartridge 9 based on the detected logo 113 and the identification information. There is a case where the identification information (for example, product number or manufacturing number) for identifying the cartridge 9 is attached to the cartridge 9 to be installed on the printer 7 for use. Therefore, the print information processing system 1 can detect the identification information and the logo 113 in the image by analyzing the image captured by the terminal device 2, and detect the cartridge 9 based on the detected logo 113 and the identification information. According to the print information processing system 1, compared with the conceivable case of analyzing at least two images to separately detect the logo 113 and the identification information from these images, the number of images required to detect the cartridge 9 can be reduced.

[0076] The CPU 51 of the media management server 5 detects the identification information based on the detection result of the matrix-type two-dimensional code 14 (for example, QR code). Therefore, the print information processing system 1 can detect the identification information by analyzing the image captured by the terminal device 2 based on the detection result of the matrix-type two-dimensional code 14 (for example, QR code).

[0077] The storage device 54 of the media management server 5 stores the identification information of the cartridge and the management information for managing the cartridge so that the identification information and the management information are associated with each other. The CPU 51 of the media management server 5 stores the identification of the cartridge or the printing medium detected in S42 in the storage device 54 according to the instruction stored in the storage device 54 so as to be associated with the management information of the cartridge or the printing medium (S47). Therefore, the print information processing system 1 can manage the information about the cartridge whose captured image is sent to the media management server 5 based on the identification information and the management information of the cartridge stored in the storage device 54.

[0078] The cassette 9 accommodates a strip-shaped print medium therein. The management information of the cassette includes the type of the print medium accommodated in the cassette, the longitudinal length of the print medium when the print medium remains unused, and the tape width W which is the lateral length orthogonal to the longitudinal direction of the print medium. Thus, the print information processing system 1 can manage the type of the print medium accommodated in the cassette, the longitudinal length of the print medium when the print medium remains unused, and the tape width W as management information.

[0079] The CPU 51 stores, as management information, the usage history of the print medium accommodated in the cassette detected from the image in the storage device 54 in accordance with the instructions stored in the storage device 54, such that the usage history is associated with the identification information for identifying the cassette (S47). The specific condition includes a condition that the usage history associated with the identification information of the cassette satisfies a specified condition. Thus, the print information processing system 1 can manage the usage history as management information. In the case where the usage history associated with the identification of the detected cassette satisfies the specific condition, the print information processing system 1 can permit the use of information related to specific content that can be used for editing print data.

[0080] The usage history includes at least an initial access date which indicates the date on which the detection process for detecting the installed cassette identified by the identification information is first executed. The specified condition includes a condition that the determination process in S10 is executed at a certain time within a predetermined number of days from the initial access date. The print information processing system 1 can store the initial access date. In the case where the determination process is executed within a predetermined number of days from the initial access date associated with the identification information of the cassette, the print information processing system 1 can permit the use of information related to specific content that can be used for editing print data. The print information processing system 1 can prompt the user to execute the determination process within a predetermined number of days from the initial access date.

[0081] The usage history includes the number of accesses indicating the number of executions of the cartridge detection process. The specified condition includes the condition that the number of accesses is less than a predetermined number. The media management server 5 in the print information processing system 1 can store the number of transmissions of the captured image of the same cartridge 9 from the terminal device 2 to the media management server 5 as the number of accesses. The print information processing system 1 can permit the use of information related to specific content when the number of accesses in the usage history associated with the identification information of the cartridge 9 detected based on the captured image is within the predetermined number. The print information processing system 1 can increase the probability of an appropriate determination as to whether to permit the use of information related to specific content based on the detection result of the captured image of the cartridge 9 used for printing. In other words, compared with a conceivable case where the use of information related to specific content is permitted regardless of the number of accesses, the print information processing system 1 can increase the probability of transmission of information related to specific content suitable for the cartridge or the print medium housed in the cartridge detected from the image captured by the terminal device 2.

[0082] The usage history includes the remaining amount of the tape indicating the remaining length of the print medium housed in the cartridge. The specified condition includes the condition that the remaining amount (length) of the tape stored in the usage history is greater than a predetermined amount (length). The print information processing system 1 performs the update process of S52 to update the remaining amount of the tape included in the usage history stored in the storage device 54 according to the print data transmitted from the terminal device 2 to the printer 7. The print information processing system 1 can store the remaining amount (length) of the tape. The print information processing system 1 can permit the use of information related to specific content when the remaining amount (length) of the tape stored in the usage history associated with the identification information of the cartridge detected based on the image is greater than a predetermined amount (length). The print information processing system 1 restricts the use of information related to specific content when the remaining amount (length) of the tape is less than (shorter than) or equal to a predetermined amount (length). Thus, the print information processing system 1 can increase the probability of appropriately determining whether to use information related to specific content based on the detection result of the captured image of the cartridge used for printing. In other words, compared with a conceivable case where the use of information related to specific content is permitted regardless of the remaining amount (length) of the tape, the print information processing system 1 can increase the probability of transmission of information related to specific content suitable for the cartridge or the print medium housed in the cartridge detected from the image captured by the terminal device 2.

[0083] The printing information processing system 1 performs editing processing (S24) for editing print data based on information related to the content stored in the content management server 6. The printing information processing system 1 can edit print data based on information related to specific content. Compared with the conceivable situation where the user edits the print data from a clean state, the printing information processing system 1 can improve the usability of the user in editing the print data.

[0084] The CPU 21 of the terminal device 2 executes the editing processing of S24 according to the instructions stored in the storage device 24. The printing information processing system 1 can use the terminal device 2 to edit print data based on information related to specific content. That is, the terminal device 2 can execute the processing for photographing the cartridge (capturing an image of the cartridge), the processing for editing print data based on information related to specific content, and the processing for sending the edited print data to the printer. Therefore, compared with the conceivable situation where the editing processing is executed by a device other than the terminal device 2, the printing information processing system 1 can improve the usability of the user in operating the editing processing. Compared with the case where the servers 5 and 6 execute the editing processing, the printing information processing system 1 can reduce the load on the servers 5 and 6.

[0085] The information related to specific content includes at least one of a template, a font, and external characters, and the editing processing of S24 can edit the print data by using the information related to specific content. The printing information processing system 1 can edit the print data based on the template, font, and external characters included in the information related to specific content.

[0086] The CPU 51 of the media management server 5 analyzes the image captured by the camera 29 to detect the shape of the cartridge in the image, and detects the cartridge in the image based on the detected shape (S42). The specific conditions include the condition that the shape of the cartridge specified in the detection processing has a specified shape. There are some cartridges for the printer 7, and no logo (tape width W, color) for identifying the type of the cartridge or the print medium accommodated in the cartridge is attached to the printer 7. Even in this case, the printing information processing system 1 can detect the cartridge based on the shape of the cartridge in the image. The printing information processing system 1 can reduce the probability of using an old - type cartridge 10 such as Example 2 that is not suitable for use in the printer 7 in the printer 7.

[0087] According to the printing information processing system 1, when the information related to specific content is specific print data, the CPU 21 sends the specific print data received from the content management server 6 or the edited specific print data to the printer (S29). Therefore, when the cartridge detected from the image meets the specific conditions, the CPU 21 can send the specific print data to the printer 7. The printer 7 can perform printing based on the specific print data.

[0088] Although the disclosure of the print information processing system, the print processing method, and the server has been described in detail with reference to specific embodiments of the print information processing system, the print processing method, and the server, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various changes and modifications can be made therein without departing from the scope of the present invention. For example, the following modifications can be made. Note that the following modifications can be combined arbitrarily.

[0089] (A) The configuration of the print information processing system 1 can be modified. For example, the medium management server 5 and the content management server 6 can be unified into one server, that is, one server executes the functions or processes of the server 5 and the server 6. The print information processing system 1 may or may not include the printer 7. The print information processing system 1 may include a plurality of terminal devices 2.

[0090] (B) Any program having instructions for executing the processing of the corresponding device in the print information processing system 1 can be stored in the corresponding device 1 before the program is executed. The method for obtaining the program, the path through which the program is obtained, and the device in which the program is pre-stored can be appropriately modified. Any program executed in the print information processing system 1 can be sent from another device to a device that executes the program via a cable or wireless communication, or can be pre-stored in a storage device such as a flash memory. Here, the other device may include a server connected to a device that executes the program via a PC or a network.

[0091] (C) Each step executed in the processing in the print information processing system 1 is executed in the corresponding CPU in the print information processing system 1 according to the embodiment. However, the configuration is not limited thereto. For example, one or more steps can be executed by other electronic devices such as an ASIC. Each step in the print information processing system 1 can be executed according to distributed processing performed by a plurality of electronic devices (for example, a plurality of CPUs). The order of the steps in the embodiment can be changed accordingly. Adding new steps or omitting any steps can be allowed accordingly. The present disclosure covers a configuration in which an operating system (OS) running on the print information processing system 1 executes all or part of the processing according to instructions from a controller (CPU) included in the print information processing system 1. For example, the following modifications can be made in the processing in the print information processing system 1.

[0092] The terminal device 2 can execute the detection processing performed in the medium management server 5 in the embodiment to detect a cassette (or a container that houses print media) and an image thereof is captured by the camera 29. In this case, the terminal device 2 sends a specific content information acquisition request based on the detection result.

[0093] The media management server 5 can send at least one of a specific content information acquisition request and a general content information acquisition request to the content management server 6 based on the media information set in S43.

[0094] The servers 5 and 6 can perform a process for determining whether the cartridge detected in S42 satisfies a specific condition.

[0095] In the case where the cartridge detected based on the image captured by the terminal device 2 does not satisfy the specific condition, the print information processing system 1 may not send information about general content.

[0096] The print information processing system 1 may not store all or part of the management information, and may omit all or part of the process for determining whether the detected cartridge satisfies a specific condition based on the management information. The management information may not include the usage history. In the case where the management information does not include the usage history, the print information processing system 1 may appropriately omit the process of updating the usage history.

[0097] The shape, size, or type of the cartridge installed in the printer 7 can be appropriately modified. The types and arrangements of the marker labels 111 and 112 can be modified. The number of each of the marker labels 111 and 112 can be greater than one. Further, the drawing patterns, texts, and their arrangements printed on the marker labels 111 and 112 can be appropriately modified. The terminal device 2 can capture two or more images to detect the cartridge. The images captured by the terminal device 2 can be any images that enable the detection of the cartridge, and thus can be any captured images representing the entire cartridge observed from any angle, or any captured images representing the characteristic part of the cartridge. Here, for example, the characteristic part of the cartridge can be at least one marker label. In this case, the print information processing system 1 can detect the cartridge by detecting the marker labels in the images captured by the terminal device 2. The specific condition can be modified according to the type of the cartridge. The specific condition can include only one condition. When a predetermined number of conditions are satisfied among multiple conditions, the specific condition can be satisfied. In the case where the content management server 6 stores information related to content, the content management server 6 can directly send the print data specified by the terminal device 2 according to an instruction from the terminal device 2 to permit the printer 7 to perform printing based on the sent print data.

Claims

1. A printing information processing system, comprising: A terminal device; And A server, Wherein, the terminal device includes: An image capture device; A terminal communication interface capable of communicating with the server and a printer; A terminal controller configured to control the image capture device and the terminal communication interface; and A terminal storage device storing terminal instructions, which when executed by the terminal controller, cause the terminal controller to control the image capture device to capture an image representing at least a part of a cartridge, and obtain the captured image, wherein the cartridge houses printing medium therein, Wherein, the server includes: A server communication interface capable of communicating with the terminal device; A server controller configured to control the server communication interface; and A server storage device storing information related to predetermined content, the predetermined content including at least one of printing data and information available for editing the printing data, and the server storage device further storing server instructions for controlling the server controller, Wherein, the printing information processing system is configured to perform: A detection process for detecting the cartridge by analyzing the image captured by the image capture device; and A determination process for determining whether the detected cartridge meets a predetermined condition, wherein, when the server instructions are executed by the server controller, in a first case where the determination process determines that the detected cartridge meets the predetermined condition, the server controller performs an information sending process for sending the information related to the predetermined content stored in the server storage device to the terminal device through the server communication interface, Wherein, in a second case where the determination process determines that the detected cartridge does not meet the predetermined condition, the information sending process is not performed, Wherein, when the terminal instructions are executed by the terminal controller, the terminal controller further performs receiving the information related to the predetermined content sent from the server controller, Wherein, the detection process detects a logo including at least one of a symbol, a sign, and an identifier by analyzing the image captured by the image capture device, and based on the detected logo, detects the cartridge from the captured image, Wherein, in addition to detecting the logo by analyzing the image captured by the image capture device, the detection process further detects identification information for identifying the cartridge, and based on the identification information and the detected logo, detects the cartridge from the captured image, Wherein, when the server instructions are executed by the server controller, the server controller further performs storing the identification information for identifying the cartridge detected in the detection process and management information for managing the cartridge, such that the identification information and the management information are associated with each other, Wherein, when the server instruction is executed by the server controller, the server controller further stores the usage history of the print medium in the server storage device as the management information, such that the usage history is associated with the identification information for identifying the cartridge. Wherein, the predetermined condition includes a condition that the usage history associated with the identification information for identifying the detected cartridge satisfies a predetermined condition. Wherein, the usage history includes the number of accesses, and the number of accesses indicates the number of times the detection process is performed on the cartridge identified by the identification information. Wherein, the predetermined condition includes a condition that the number of accesses is less than a predetermined number.

2. The printing information processing system according to claim 1, wherein, The detection process detects a matrix-type two-dimensional code and detects the identification information based on the detected matrix-type two-dimensional code.

3. The printing information processing system according to claim 1, wherein, The print medium is a strip-shaped print medium elongated in the longitudinal direction. Wherein, the management information of the cartridge includes the type of the print medium accommodated in the cartridge, the length of the print medium in the longitudinal direction at a time when the print medium is not in use, and the width of the print medium in a direction orthogonal to the longitudinal direction.

4. The printing information processing system according to claim 1, wherein, The usage history includes an initial access date, and the initial access date indicates the date when the detection process is first performed on the cartridge identified by the identification information. Wherein, the predetermined condition includes a condition that the determination process is performed within a time range starting from the initial access date.

5. The printing information processing system according to claim 1, wherein The print medium is a strip-shaped print medium elongated in the longitudinal direction. Wherein, the usage history includes the remaining amount of the print medium accommodated in the cartridge. Wherein, the predetermined condition includes a condition that the remaining amount in the usage history is greater than a predetermined amount. Wherein, the print information processing system is configured to further perform an update process for updating the remaining amount of the print medium in the usage history stored in the server storage device according to the print data sent from the terminal device to the printer.

6. The printing information processing system according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein, The print information processing system is configured to further perform an editing process for editing the print data based on the information related to the predetermined content stored in the server storage device.

7. The printing information processing system according to claim 6, wherein, When the terminal instruction is executed by the terminal controller, the terminal controller further performs: The editing process; and Sending the print data to the printer via the terminal communication interface.

8. The printing information processing system according to claim 6, wherein, The information related to the predetermined content includes at least one of a template, a font, and external characters, and the template is used to define an image. Wherein, the editing process edits the print data using the information related to the predetermined content stored in the server storage device.

9. The printing information processing system according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein, When the terminal instruction is executed by the terminal controller, the terminal controller further performs: The determination process; And In the first case where the determination process determines that the detected cartridge satisfies the predetermined condition, a transmission request for transmitting the information related to the predetermined content stored in the server storage device is sent to the server. Wherein, in the second case where the determination process determines that the detected cartridge does not satisfy the predetermined condition, the transmission is not performed. Wherein, when the server receives the transmission request from the terminal device, the information transmission process transmits the information related to the predetermined content to the terminal device. Wherein, when the server does not receive the transmission request from the terminal device, the information transmission process does not transmit the information related to the predetermined content to the terminal device.

10. The printing information processing system according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein, The detection process detects the shape of the cartridge by analyzing the image captured by the image capture device, and detects the cartridge from the captured image based on the detected shape. Wherein, the predetermined condition includes a condition that the detected shape matches a predetermined shape.

11. A method for processing print information, comprising: Controlling an image capture device to capture an image representing at least a part of a cartridge that houses print media in the cartridge; Detecting the cartridge by analyzing the image captured by the image capture device; Determining whether the detected cartridge satisfies a predetermined condition; And In a first case where the detected cartridge satisfies the predetermined condition in the determination, allowing the use of predetermined information among a plurality of pieces of information stored in a storage device, the plurality of pieces of information being related to corresponding contents in the content, and the predetermined information being related to a predetermined content. In a second case where the detected cartridge does not satisfy the predetermined condition, not performing the allowing. Wherein, the detecting the cartridge includes: detecting a logo including at least one of a symbol, a sign, and an identification by analyzing the image captured by the image capture device, and detecting identification information for identifying the cartridge, and detecting the cartridge from the captured image based on the identification information and the detected logo. Wherein, the method further includes: storing the identification information for identifying the detected cartridge and management information for managing the cartridge such that the identification information and the management information are associated with each other. Wherein, the method further includes: storing the usage history of the print media as the management information such that the usage history is associated with the identification information for identifying the cartridge, and the predetermined condition includes a condition that the usage history associated with the identification information for identifying the detected cartridge satisfies a predetermined condition. The usage history includes the number of accesses, and the number of accesses indicates the number of times the detection process is performed on the cartridge identified by the identification information. Wherein, the predetermined condition includes a condition that the number of accesses is less than a predetermined number.

12. The method according to claim 11, wherein, The predetermined information includes at least one of a template, a font, and external characters, and the template is used to define an image. The method further includes: Editing print data by using the predetermined information; and Send the print data edited in the editing to the printer.

13. The method according to claim 12, wherein, The predetermined information includes predetermined print data, wherein the sending sends the predetermined print data to the printer.

14. The method according to claim 12, wherein, The print medium is a strip-shaped print medium elongated in the longitudinal direction, wherein the storage device further stores the remaining amount of the print medium stored in the cartridge, such that the identification information and the remaining amount are associated with each other. wherein the predetermined condition includes a condition that the remaining amount is greater than a predetermined amount. The method further includes updating the remaining amount of the print medium stored in the storage device according to the print data, the print data being edited in the editing and sent to the printer.

15. A server, comprising: A server communication interface capable of communicating with a terminal device; A server controller configured to control the server communication interface; And A server storage device configured to store information related to predetermined content, the predetermined content including at least one of print data and information available for editing the print data, the server storage device storing server instructions, which when executed by the server controller, cause the server controller to perform: Receive an image from the terminal device; A detection process for detecting a cartridge that houses a print medium in the cartridge by analyzing the received image; And In a first case where the detected cartridge satisfies a predetermined condition, send the information related to the predetermined content stored in the server storage device to the terminal device through the server communication interface. wherein, in a second case where the detected cartridge does not satisfy the predetermined condition, the sending is not performed. wherein the detection process detects a logo including at least one of a symbol, a sign, and an identification by analyzing the image, and based on the detected logo, detects the cartridge from the image. wherein the detection process, in addition to detecting the logo by analyzing the image, also detects identification information for identifying the cartridge, and based on the identification information and the detected logo, detects the cartridge from the image. wherein the server instructions, when executed by the server controller, cause the server controller to further store the identification information for identifying the cartridge detected in the detection process and the management information for managing the cartridge, such that the identification information and the management information are associated with each other. wherein the server instructions, when executed by the server controller, cause the server controller to further store the usage history of the print medium in the server storage device as the management information, such that the usage history is associated with the identification information for identifying the cartridge. wherein the predetermined condition includes a condition that the usage history associated with the identification information for identifying the detected cartridge satisfies a predetermined condition. Among them, the usage history includes the number of accesses, and the number of accesses indicates the number of times the detection process is performed on the cartridge identified by the identification information. Among them, the predetermined condition includes the condition that the number of accesses is less than a predetermined number.

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