Computer-readable storage medium, printing device and method of creating a print label thereof

Abstract

A computer-readable storage medium, a printing device, and a method of creating print labels thereof. A computer-readable storage medium storing a set of program instructions, the set of program instructions comprising: (a) generating; (b) generating; (c) setting; and (d) displaying. The (a) generating generates a plurality of print data sets corresponding to respective print labels of a plurality of print labels used in an overlapped state; the (b) generating generates a plurality of media type information sets for the respective print labels of the plurality of print labels, each media type information indicating a type of print media used to create the respective print label; the (c) setting sets a hierarchical order for the plurality of print labels; and the (d) displaying displays a list of the plurality of media type information sets on a display. The plurality of media type information sets are arranged in the hierarchical order set for the plurality of print labels corresponding to respective media type information sets of the plurality of media type information sets.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a computer-readable storage medium storing a set of program instructions to create a plurality of printed labels by a printing device, a printing device, and a method of creating a plurality of printed labels by a printing device. BACKGROUND

[0002] Techniques for creating a plurality of printed labels to be overlaid are well known in the art. In this technique, a printed label is created by printing each of a plurality of print bands of mutually different types.

[0003] When creating a plurality of printed labels designed to be overlaid with each other, as in the above-described conventional technique, the band cassettes housing the print bands are installed one at a time in the printing device, and the print bands of each of the plurality of cassettes are sequentially printed while the cassettes are sequentially replaced between printing. Thus, in order to create these printed labels, the user must prepare all of the corresponding cassettes in advance. However, it can be difficult to understand the order in which each of the plurality of cassettes must be inserted into the printing device. SUMMARY

[0004] In view of the foregoing, it is an object of the present disclosure to provide a computer-readable storage medium storing a set of computer-readable instructions, a printing device, and a printing method that can facilitate a user's visual recognition of the order in which each of the medium-housing bodies must be installed in the printing device to create a plurality of printed labels for use in an overlaid state.

[0005] (1) To achieve the above and other objects, the present disclosure provides a computer-readable storage medium storing a set of program instructions. The set of program instructions is installed on and executed by a controller provided in a terminal device. The terminal device is configured to communicate with a printing device. The set of program instructions includes: (a) generating; (b) generating; (c) setting; and (d) displaying. The (a) generating generates a plurality of sets of print data corresponding to corresponding ones of a plurality of printed labels for use in an overlaid state. The (b) generating generates a plurality of sets of medium type information for the corresponding ones of the plurality of printed labels. Each of the plurality of sets of medium type information indicates a type of print medium used to create a corresponding one of the plurality of printed labels. The (c) setting sets a layering order of the plurality of printed labels. The layering order indicates an order in which the plurality of printed labels are to be overlaid. The (d) displaying displays a list of the plurality of sets of medium type information on a display. The plurality of sets of medium type information are arranged in the layering order set for the plurality of printed labels corresponding to the corresponding ones of the plurality of sets of medium type information.

[0006] (2) In the computer-readable storage medium according to aspect (1), preferably, the program instruction set further comprises: (e) determining; and (f) emphasizing. (e) determining determines a print order of the plurality of print labels. The print order indicates an order of printing the plurality of print labels with the printing device. The print order is determined according to the layering order of the plurality of print labels. (f) emphasizing emphasizes, in the list displayed on the display, specific media type information compared to the rest of the plurality of media type information sets. The specific media type information corresponds to a specific print label. The printing of the specific print label is to be performed next.

[0007] (3) In the computer-readable storage medium according to aspect (2), preferably: the plurality of print labels comprises a first print label and a second print label, the printing of the second print label is performed immediately after the printing of the first print label, the plurality of media type information sets comprises first media type information for the first print label and second media type information for the second print label; and when the printing of the first print label is completed, (f) emphasizing emphasizes the second media type information more than the first media type information.

[0008] (4) In the computer-readable storage medium according to any one of aspects (1) to (3), preferably, the program instruction set further comprises (g) de-emphasizing. (g) de-emphasizing de-emphasizes, in the list displayed on the display, printed media type information compared to the rest of the plurality of media type information. The printed media type information corresponds to a printed print label. The printing of the printed print label is already completed.

[0009] (5) In the computer-readable storage medium according to aspect (4), preferably: the plurality of print labels comprises a third print label and a fourth print label, the printing of the fourth print label is performed immediately after the printing of the third print label, and the plurality of media type information sets comprises third media type information for the third print label and fourth media type information for the fourth print label; and when the printing of the third print label is completed, (g) de-emphasizing de-emphasizes the third media type information more than the fourth media type information.

[0010] (6) In the computer-readable storage medium according to any one of aspects (1) to (5), preferably: the terminal device comprises: an operation interface; and a communication interface, via which the terminal device is able to communicate with the printing device; and the program instruction set further comprises: (h) obtaining; (i) receiving; (j) determining; and (k) outputting. (h) obtaining, obtaining the installed media type information from the printing device via the communication interface. The installed media type information indicates a type of printing media housed in an installed media container currently installed in an installation portion of the printing device. (i) receiving, receiving a print command for the plurality of print labels via the operation interface. (j) determining, in response to receiving the print command, determining whether the initial media type information matches the installed media type information. The initial media type information corresponds to an initial print label. The print of the initial print label is performed first among the plurality of print labels. (k) outputting, in response to determining that the initial media type information matches the installed media type information, outputting the plurality of print data sets to the printing device. The printing device performs the print of the plurality of print labels based on corresponding print data sets among the plurality of print data sets.

[0011] (7) In the computer-readable storage medium according to any one of aspects (1), (4), and (5), preferably, after the print of all of the plurality of print labels is completed, (d) displaying displays a list of the plurality of media type information sets on the display.

[0012] (8) In the computer-readable storage medium according to aspect (4), preferably, the program instruction set further comprises (l) receiving. (l) receiving, receiving a print completion notification for each of the plurality of print labels from the printing device. The print completion notification indicates that the print of each of the plurality of print labels has been completed. Also preferably, (g) de-emphasizing de-emphasizes the media type information corresponding to the print completion notification received in (l) receiving.

[0013] (9) According to another aspect, the present disclosure also provides a printing device comprising: an installation portion; a printing portion; a display; and a controller. A media container is detachably installed in the installation portion. The media container houses and is able to supply a printing medium therein. The printing portion is configured to perform a desired print using the printing medium supplied from the media container. The controller is configured to perform: (a) controlling; (b) generating; (c) setting; and (d) displaying. (a) controlling, controlling the printing portion to perform a print of a plurality of print labels based on corresponding print data sets among a plurality of print data sets. The plurality of print labels are to be sequentially overlapped with each other. (d) displaying, displaying a list of a plurality of media type information sets on the display. The plurality of media type information sets are arranged in a hierarchical order set for the plurality of print labels corresponding to corresponding media type information sets among the plurality of media type information sets.

[0014] (10) In the printing device according to aspect (9), preferably, the controller is configured to further perform: (e) determining; and (f) emphasizing. The (e) determining determines a printing order of the plurality of print labels. The printing order indicates an order in which the printing of the plurality of print labels is performed. The printing order is determined in accordance with the layering order of the plurality of print labels. The (f) emphasizing emphasizes, in the list displayed on the display, specific media type information compared to the rest of the plurality of media type information sets. The specific media type information corresponds to a specific print label. The printing of the specific print label is to be performed next.

[0015] (11) In the printing device according to aspect (10), preferably: the plurality of print labels includes a first print label and a second print label, the printing of the second print label is performed immediately after the printing of the first print label, the plurality of media type information sets includes first media type information for the first print label and second media type information for the second print label; and at the completion of the printing of the first print label, the (f) emphasizing emphasizes the second media type information more than the first media type information.

[0016] (12) In the printing device according to any one of aspects (9) to (11), preferably, the controller is configured to further perform (g) de-emphasizing. The (g) de-emphasizing de-emphasizes, in the list displayed on the display, printed media type information compared to the rest of the plurality of media type information. The printed media type information corresponds to a printed print label. The printing of the printed print label is already completed.

[0017] (13) In the printing device according to aspect (12), preferably: the plurality of print labels includes a third print label and a fourth print label, the printing of the fourth print label is performed immediately after the printing of the third print label, and the plurality of media type information sets includes third media type information for the third print label and fourth media type information for the fourth print label; and when the printing of the third print label is completed, the (g) de-emphasizing de-emphasizes the third media type information more than the fourth media type information.

[0018] (14) Preferably, the printing apparatus according to any one of aspects (9) to (13) further includes an operation interface. Also preferably, the controller is configured to further perform: (h) detecting; (i) receiving; and (j) determining. The (h) detecting detects a type of the printing medium housed in the medium housing body currently installed in the installation portion. The (i) receiving receives a print command for the plurality of print labels via the operation interface. The (j) determining determines whether the type of the printing medium indicated by the initial medium type information matches the detected type of the printing medium detected in the (h) in response to the print command being received. The initial medium type information corresponds to an initial print label. The printing of the initial print label is performed first among the plurality of print labels. Also preferably, the (a) controlling is performed in response to the type of the printing medium indicated by the initial medium type information matching the detected type of the printing medium detected in the (h).

[0019] (15) In the printing apparatus according to any one of aspects (9) to (14), preferably, the controller is configured to further perform (k) switching. The (k) switching switches off the power of the apparatus when a prescribed time elapses after the printing of one print label is completed without a next medium housing body being installed in the installation portion. The next medium housing body is used for the printing of a next print label. The printing of the next print label is performed immediately after the printing of one print label is performed.

[0020] (16) Preferably, the printing apparatus according to any one of aspects (9) to (15) further includes a memory. Also preferably, the controller is configured to further perform (1) storing. The (1) storing stores unprinted print data and unprinted medium type information in the memory when the power of the apparatus is to be switched off before the printing of all of the plurality of print labels is completed. Both the unprinted print data and the unprinted medium type information correspond to an unprinted print label. The printing of the unprinted print label is yet to be completed.

[0021] (17) According to yet another aspect, the present disclosure also provides a method of creating a first print label and a second print label by a print apparatus. Each of the first print label and the second print label has: a first surface on which an image is printed by the print apparatus; and a second surface. The second print label is overlapped on the first print label, and the second surface of the second print label faces the first surface of the first print label. The method includes: (a) generating; (b) generating; (c) acquiring; (d) acquiring; and (e) displaying. (a) Generating generates first print data corresponding to the first print label. (b) Generating generates second print data corresponding to the second print label. (c) Acquiring acquires first medium type information corresponding to the first print data. The first print medium type information indicates a type of a first print medium used to create the first print label. (d) Acquiring acquires second medium type information corresponding to the second print data. The second medium type information indicates a type of a second print medium used to create the second print label. (e) Displaying displays, in an order of second display information about the second medium type information and first display information about the first medium type information, the first display information and the second display information on a display.

[0022] (18) In the method according to the method (17), preferably, (e) displaying is performed after the first print label and the second print label are created by the print apparatus.

[0023] (19) In the method according to the aspect (17) or (18), preferably, (e) displaying is performed before each of the first print label and the second print label is created by the print apparatus.

[0024] According to the above-described present configuration, when a plurality of print labels are designed to be overlapped with each other, the order in which each medium accommodating body should be installed in the print apparatus can be easily and visually recognized. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0025] Specific features and advantages of the present disclosure and other objects will be apparent from the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0026] Figure 1 The overall structure of a print system according to one embodiment of the present disclosure is shown;

[0027] Figure 2 is a block diagram showing a functional structure of a print system including an operation terminal and a label printer according to the embodiment;

[0028] Figure 3 The detailed structure of an ink cartridge in the label printer and the related structure of an ink cartridge holder are shown;

[0029] Figure 4AA side view showing a detailed external structure of the ink cartridge;

[0030] Figure 4B A perspective view showing a detailed external structure of the ink cartridge;

[0031] Figures 5A-5D An example of a composite label created by overlapping three print labels is shown, in which: Figure 5A A print label that will form the topmost layer when three print labels are overlapped is shown; Figure 5B Another print label that will form the middle layer when three print labels are overlapped is shown; Figure 5C Another print label that will form the bottommost layer when three print labels are overlapped is shown; and Figure 5D A print label in which three print labels are overlapped is shown;

[0032] Figures 6A-6C An example of a corresponding relationship between a print label to be created and a type of ink cartridge to be used is shown;

[0033] Figure 6D An example of display of an ink cartridge name on a display unit of an operation terminal according to a layering order of a print label is shown;

[0034] Figures 7A-7C An example of emphasis processing and de-emphasis processing on display of an ink cartridge name according to a recommended creation order of a print label is shown;

[0035] Figures 8A-8C Another example of a corresponding relationship between a print label to be created and a type of ink cartridge to be used is shown;

[0036] Figure 8D Another example of display of an ink cartridge name on a display unit of an operation terminal according to a layering order of a print label is shown;

[0037] Figures 9A-9C Another example of emphasis processing and de-emphasis processing on display of an ink cartridge name according to a recommended creation order of a print label is shown;

[0038] Figure 10 An example of display on a display unit of an operation terminal to indicate an instruction of a layering order of a print label is shown;

[0039] Figure 11A and Figure 11B is a sequence diagram showing steps in a control process performed by a CPU of an operation terminal and a CPU of a label printer in cooperation according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0040] Figure 12A and Figure 12Bis a sequence chart showing the order of steps in a control process performed by the CPU of the operation terminal and the CPU of the label printer in cooperation according to one modification of the embodiment, in which the type of the ink cartridge installed in the label printer is acquired in advance;

[0041] Figure 13A and Figure 13B is a sequence chart showing the order of steps in a control process performed by the CPU of the operation terminal and the CPU of the label printer in cooperation according to another modification of the embodiment, in which the type of the ink cartridge installed in the label printer is acquired each time an ink cartridge is installed; and

[0042] Figure 14 is a flowchart showing the order of steps in a control process performed by the CPU of the independent label printer according to yet another modification of the embodiment of the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0043] One embodiment of the present disclosure will be described below while referring to the accompanying drawings.

[0044] <Overall structure of the printing system>

[0045] Figure 1 The overall structure of the printing system according to the present disclosure is shown. In the example of Figure 1 , the printing system 1 includes an operation terminal 2 and a label printer 3. The operation terminal 2 is constituted by a smartphone, for example. The label printer 3 is connected to the operation terminal 2. In this example, the label printer 3 is wirelessly connected to the operation terminal 2 and can exchange information with the operation terminal 2. As an alternative to the smartphone, the operation terminal 2 can be constituted by a general-purpose personal computer or the like. The label printer 3 is configured to create a printed label L in response to a user operation performed on the operation terminal 2. The operation terminal is an example of the terminal device of the present invention, and the label printer 3 is an example of the printing device of the present disclosure.

[0046] <Operation terminal>

[0047] As shown in Figure 2 , the operation terminal 2 includes a central processing unit (CPU) 11, a memory 12, an operation unit 13, a display unit 14, a communication control unit 15, and a mass storage device 16. The memory 12 includes a random access memory (RAM) 12a, a read-only memory (ROM) 12b, and the like, for example. The CPU 11 is an example of the controller of the terminal device of the present disclosure, and the communication control unit 15 is an example of the communication interface of the present disclosure.

[0048] The user inputs instructions and information on the operation unit 13. The display unit 14 displays various information and messages. Note that the operation unit 13 and the display unit 14 can be configured as a touch screen having the functions of both the operation unit 13 and the display unit 14. The communication control unit 15 controls the exchange of signals (information) with the label printer 3.

[0049] The large-capacity storage device 16 stores various programs and information. The ROM 12b of the memory 12 stores a print processing program for the CPU 11 to execute the steps in the flowcharts of FIGS. 11, 12, and 13 described below. Alternatively, the print processing program can be stored in the large-capacity storage device 16. Note that the large-capacity storage device 16 is not limited to a built-in memory, but can be a suitable external memory such as a secure digital memory card (SD memory card).

[0050] The CPU 11 uses the temporary storage function of the RAM 12a to perform various processing according to the programs stored in advance in the ROM 12b and the large-capacity storage device 16 and exchange various signals (various information) with the label printer 3.

[0051] <Label Printer>

[0052] As shown in FIG. 1, Figure 2 The label printer 3 includes a control circuit 21, a cartridge holder 22, a cartridge sensor 31 provided in the cartridge holder 22, a communication control unit 23, and a display unit 32. The control circuit 21 includes a ROM 21a, a RAM 21b, and a CPU 21c. The cartridge 101 is detachably installed in the cartridge holder 22. The cartridge 101 is an example of the medium accommodating body of the present disclosure, and the cartridge holder 22 is an example of the mounting portion of the present disclosure. The CPU 21c is an example of the controller of the printing device of the present disclosure, and the display unit 32 is an example of the display of the present disclosure.

[0053] The cartridge sensor 31 is configured to detect the type of the cartridge 101 installed in the label printer 3 (cartridge holder 22) according to a suitable method known in the art, such as mechanical detection or optical or magnetic detection.

[0054] When the control circuit 21 is connected to the communication control unit 15 of the operation terminal 2 via the communication control unit 23, the label printer 3 can exchange information with the operation terminal 2.

[0055] <Cartridge and Cartridge Holder>

[0056] Figure 3 The detailed structure of the cartridge 101 and the related structure of the cartridge holder 22 are shown. Furthermore, Figure 4A and Figure 4B The detailed external structure of the cartridge 101 is shown. In Figure 3、 Figure 4A and Figure 4B In the ink cartridge 101, an outer case 101A, a first roller 103, a second roller 105, a ribbon supply roller 107, a ribbon take-up roller 108, and a ribbon feed roller 109 are provided.

[0057] An information indicating portion 120 is provided on the outer case 101A. The information indicating portion 120 is a suitable label, plate, or the like that displays information about the ink cartridge 101, such as ink cartridge type information. As shown in FIG. 1, the information indicating portion 120 is provided on the outer case 101A of the ink cartridge 101. Figure 1 As shown in FIG. 2, an observation window 3a is provided at a suitable position in the outer case of the label printer 3 to observe the content displayed on the information indicating portion 120 from the outside of the label printer 3.

[0058] The first roller 103 includes a spool 103A rotatably supported in the outer case 101A and a base ribbon 102 wound around the spool 103A. The base ribbon 102 is composed of, for example, a bonding adhesive layer, a base layer, a mounting adhesive layer, and a release layer. These layers are sequentially stacked from the side of the wound base ribbon 102 of the first roller 103 facing inward toward the opposite side.

[0059] The second roller 105 includes a spool 105A rotatably supported in the outer case 101A and a transparent cover film 104 wound around the spool 105A. The cover film 104 has the same width as the base ribbon 102. Note that, although depicted as concentric circles in the drawing for simplicity, the first roller 103 and the second roller 105 are actually wound in a spiral shape.

[0060] The cover film 104 and the ink ribbon 106 to be described below are examples of the print medium of the present disclosure. As described above, by mounting the ink cartridge 101 in the ink cartridge holder 22, the cover film 104, the base ribbon 102, and the like are indirectly mounted in the ink cartridge holder 22 (the label printer 3).

[0061] The ribbon supply roller 107 feeds out the ink ribbon 106. The ribbon take-up roller 108 winds up the ink ribbon 106 to be used for printing. Note that, in the case where the cover film 104 is a heat-sensitive ribbon that can produce a prescribed color upon heating, the ink ribbon 107 is not required.

[0062] The ribbon feed roller 109 is rotatably supported near the ribbon discharge portion of the ink cartridge 101. The ribbon feed roller 109 bonds the base ribbon 102 to the cover film 104 by pressure to form a print label ribbon 110 while conveying the print label ribbon 110.

[0063] The ribbon take-up roller drive shaft 27 and the ribbon feed roller drive shaft 28 are disposed in the ink cartridge holder 22. The ribbon take-up roller drive shaft 27 is disposed to take up a portion of the ink ribbon 106 that has been used for printing. The ribbon feed roller drive shaft 28 is disposed to transport the aforementioned printed label tape 110. When the driving force of the conveyor roller motor (not shown) is transmitted to the ribbon take-up roller drive shaft 27 and the ribbon feed roller drive shaft 28, the ribbon take-up roller 108 and the ribbon feed roller 109 are driven to rotate in coordination with each other.

[0064] The cartridge holder 22 is also provided with a printhead 29, which prints the desired content on the cover film 104 during delivery of the cover film 104. The printhead 29 is an example of the printing section of this disclosure.

[0065] Fixed blade 25 and movable blade 26 are disposed downstream of the feed roller 109 and pressure roller 24 along the transport path of the printed label tape 110. The movable blade 26 is configured to cooperate with the fixed blade 25 in the thickness direction to cut through the printed label tape 110.

[0066] <Summary of Label Printer Operation>

[0067] In the label printer 3 having the above-described structure, when the ink cartridge 101 is installed in the ink cartridge holder 22, the cover film 104 and the ink ribbon 106 are inserted between the print head 29 and the pressure roller 30 opposite to the print head 29. Simultaneously, the base tape 102 and the cover film 104 are inserted between the belt feed roller 109 and the pressure roller 24 opposite to the belt feed roller 109.

[0068] When the ribbon take-up roller 108 and the ribbon feed roller 109 are driven, thus along Figure 3 When the pressure roller 24 and the paper pressure roller 30 rotate synchronously in the directions indicated by the corresponding arrows B and C, the base tape 102 is fed from the first roller 103 to the tape feed roller 109, and the cover film 104 is fed from the second roller 105. The printhead 29 prints on the cover film 104 via multiple heating elements in the printhead 29, which is powered by a print drive circuit (not shown). The ribbon take-up roller drive shaft 27 drives the ribbon take-up roller 108 to take up the ink ribbon 106 that has been used to print on the cover film 104.

[0069] The printing sections of the base tape 102 and the cover film 104 are integrally joined between the feed roller 109 and the pressure roller 24 to form a printed label tape 110, which is then conveyed out of the ink cartridge 101. Through the coordinated operation of the fixed blade 25 and the movable blade 26, a portion of the printed label tape 101 that has been conveyed out of the ink cartridge 101 is cut off, producing a printed label L.

[0070] <Compound Label>

[0071] In the present embodiment, a plurality of uniquely different printed labels L created separately on the label printer 3 are overlapped in the thickness direction and combined together. In this example, three printed labels L are created on the label printer 3. In their combined state, the labels are then affixed to a desired object. More specifically, different types of ink cartridges 101 are installed in the ink cartridge holder 22 and are replaced in the present embodiment in order for the label printer 3 to create a plurality of uniquely different printed labels L to be overlapped with each other, as described above.

[0072] At this time, for example, printed labels L of different band colors can be created by selectively using a plurality of types of ink cartridges 101 that accommodate printed label bands 110 of different colors. Similarly, printed labels L can be created by selectively using a plurality of types of ink cartridges 101 provided with color bands 106 of different colors to change the print color for printing the printed object. Note that if the color band 106 is changed, at least one of the cover film 104 and the base band 102 used to create the label can be common, and if the base band 102 is changed, at least one of the cover film 104 and the color band 106 used to create the label can be common. These cases are equivalent to using mutually different types of print media. Next, an example of a printed label created according to the above-described method will be described with reference to Figures 5A-5C

[0073] Figure 5A A printed label LA that will form the topmost layer when the three printed labels are overlapped is shown. In this example, a prohibition mark Ml is formed on each longitudinal end portion of the printed label LA composed of a transparent printed label band 110. Each prohibition mark Ml is red and includes a circle with a diagonal line passing through the middle.

[0074] Figure 5B Another printed label LB that will form the middle layer when the three printed labels are overlapped is shown. In this example, a cigarette icon M2 is formed on each longitudinal end portion of the printed label LB composed of a transparent printed label band 110. Each cigarette icon M2 is blue in color and depicts a cigarette being smoked.

[0075] Figure 5C Another printed label LC that will form the bottommost layer when the three printed labels are overlapped is shown. In this example, text Tl is formed along the longitudinal center region of the printed label LC composed of a white printed label band 110. The text Tl "No Smoking" is formed in black.

[0076] As described above, the printed label band 110 in this example is transparent for both the printed label LA in Figure 5A Figure 5B Figure 5D ​​​The print label LL shown in FIG. 6 is created by sequentially superimposing the print label LA as a top layer, the print label LB as an intermediate layer, and the print label LC as a bottom layer, as described above. In the following description, the print label LL will be referred to as a "composite label LL". Further, the print label LA will be referred to as a "top label LA", the print label LB will be referred to as an "intermediate label LB", and the print label LC will be referred to as a "bottom label LC".

[0077] As a result of superimposing the three print labels, the red prohibition sign Ml and the blue cigarette icon M2, which are white in appearance, on the longitudinal both ends of the tape portion are superimposed, constituting a composite "no smoking" symbol Ml 2 in the composite label LL. Further, the black text Tl is arranged between the two "no smoking" symbols Ml 2. In the following description, the prohibition sign Ml, the cigarette icon M2, and the "no smoking" symbol Ml 2 will be simply referred to as "signs M", and these signs M and the text Tl will be referred to as "print objects".

[0078] Note that in this example, the top label LA, the intermediate label LB, and the bottom label LC have the same width and the same length. Thus, Figure 5D The composite label LL shown in FIG. 6 is created by superimposing Figure 5A the top label LA shown in FIG. 5, Figure 5B the intermediate label LB shown in FIG. 5, and Figure 5C the bottom label LC shown in FIG. 5, so they are precisely aligned with each other.

[0079] <Features of Embodiment>

[0080] One of the features of the present embodiment having the above-described configuration is a display mode used on the operation terminal 2 when creating a plurality of uniquely different print labels L, such as those described above, on the label printer 3. The case where the above-described top label LA, the intermediate label LB, and the bottom label LC are created on the label printer 3 will be described in detail below.

[0081] As described above, the top label LA, the intermediate label LB, and the bottom label LC have various different print contents, print colors, and tape colors. Therefore, three different types of ink cartridges 101 are used in the label printer 3 to create each of the top label LA, the intermediate label LB, and the bottom label LC. These three types of ink cartridges 101 are sequentially installed in the ink cartridge holder 22.

[0082] As Figure 6AAs shown in the example, when creating a top label LA with a red prohibition sign M1, a cartridge 101 with a transparent printing label tape 110 including a 12mm wide band and a red ink ribbon 106 must be used. For convenience, this cartridge 101 will be simply referred to as "Cartridge A" in the following description. The notation is used similarly in the accompanying drawings.

[0083] like Figure 6B As shown, when creating the center label LB with the blue cigarette icon M2, a cartridge 101 with a transparent printing label strip 110 including a 12mm wide band and a blue ink ribbon 106 must be used. For convenience, this cartridge 101 will be simply referred to as "Cartridge B" in the following description. The notation is used similarly in the accompanying drawings.

[0084] like Figure 6C As shown, when creating a bottom label LC with black text T1, a cartridge 101 with a white printing label band 110 including a 12mm wide band and a black ink ribbon 106 must be used. For convenience, this cartridge 101 will be simply referred to as "Cartridge C" in the following description. The notation is used similarly in the accompanying drawings.

[0085] Therefore, in order to create the composite label LL, the user must prepare the three corresponding ink cartridges A, B, and C in advance, and must install the cartridges in sequence to create the top label LA, the middle label LB, and the bottom label LC. However, when creating these labels, it may be difficult to determine the order in which each ink cartridge A, B, and C needs to be installed in the cartridge holder 22 of the label printer 3.

[0086] <Simple display of ink cartridge list>

[0087] In this embodiment, ink cartridges A, B, and C used to create labels LA to LC are displayed in a list on the display unit 14 of the operation terminal 2. At this time, "Ink Cartridge A" corresponding to the top label LA, "Ink Cartridge B" corresponding to the middle label LB, and "Ink Cartridge C" corresponding to the bottom label LC are displayed in an order corresponding to the layered order of labels LA to LC, as follows: Figure 6D As shown in the image.

[0088] In this example, a recommended order for creating labels LA to LC is preset, and emphasis processing is performed according to this preset time creation order to highlight the display of each ink cartridge A, B, and C separately, in order to help the user determine which ink cartridge to install in label printer 3. Figures 7A-7CIn the example shown in FIG. 10, the recommended creation order is top label LA→ middle label LB→ bottom label LC. However, instead, the reverse order, bottom label LC→ middle label LB→ top label LA, can be recommended. In any case, the recommended creation order of labels LA to LC should be continuous from one side to the other in a hierarchical direction corresponding to the hierarchical order of labels LA to LC.

[0089] More specifically, first, the message "Please insert the following ink cartridge" is displayed on the display unit 14, and emphasis processing is performed to distinguish the display "Ink Cartridge A" from the other displays "Ink Cartridge B" and "Ink Cartridge C", as shown in FIG. 11. In this example, the emphasis processing includes adding a solid black triangular mark immediately to the left of the ink cartridge name "Ink Cartridge A" in the display. In this way, the user can recognize that in order to create the initial top label LA, ink cartridge A must be initially installed in the ink cartridge holder 22. Thus, the user simply installs ink cartridge A in the ink cartridge holder 22 to create the top label LA. Figure 7A

[0090] After the creation of the top label LA has been completed as described above, de-emphasis processing is performed on the display unit 14 to distinguish the display "Ink Cartridge A" corresponding to the top label LA from the other displays "Ink Cartridge B" and "Ink Cartridge C", as shown in FIG. 12. In this de-emphasis processing example, the ink cartridge name "Ink Cartridge A" is grayed out so that the ink cartridge name is not recognizable or difficult to see. At the same time, emphasis processing is performed for adding a black triangular mark next to "Ink Cartridge B", which is required for the next creation of the middle label LB. Thus, the user simply installs ink cartridge B second in the ink cartridge holder 22 of the label printer 3 to create the middle label LB, as shown in FIG. 13. Figure 7B

[0091] After the creation of the middle label LB is completed, de-emphasis processing is performed on the display unit 14 for the corresponding display "Ink Cartridge B", as shown in FIG. 14. In this example, "Ink Cartridge B" is grayed out in addition to "Ink Cartridge A". At the same time, emphasis processing is performed to add a black triangular mark next to "Ink Cartridge C" on the display unit 14, as shown in FIG. 15. Thus, the user can simply install ink cartridge C third in the ink cartridge holder 22 of the label printer 3 to create the bottom label LC, as shown in FIG. 16. Figure 7C Figure 7C

[0092] <Another Simple Display of the List of Ink Cartridges>

[0093] Another example for displaying the list of the above-described ink cartridges A, B and C will be described with reference to Figures 8A-8C and Figures 9A-9C In this example, a display design similar to the display content on the information indication section 120 of the ink cartridges A, B and C is used to display the list of the ink cartridges A, B and C as shown in FIG. 18. In this example, the display of the ink cartridges A, B and C is displayed in a hierarchical order from top to bottom. In this example, the display of the ink cartridges A, B and C is displayed in a hierarchical order from top to bottom.​​​​Figures 8A-8C the list of ink cartridges A, B, and C required to create the labels LA to LC shown in

[0094] For example, in the information indicating section 120 of the ink cartridge A shown in Figure 8A In the information indicating section 120 of the ink cartridge A shown in

[0095] Similarly, in the information indicating section 120 of the ink cartridge B shown in Figure 8B In the information indicating section 120 of the ink cartridge B shown in Figure 8C Similarly, in the information indicating section 120 of the ink cartridge C shown in

[0096] As shown in Figure 6D corresponding to the above-described Figure 8D In this example, the texts and icons equivalent to the display contents in the information indicating section 120 are displayed on the display unit 14 of the operation terminal 2 in an order corresponding to the hierarchical order of the labels LA to LC. In this example, the same colors as in the above-described example are used to display the texts and icons equivalent to the display contents in the information indicating section 120.

[0097] Specifically, the text "clear" is displayed in red in the upper region of the display unit 14 with the red striped band icon in the background, and the text "12 mm" is displayed in red just above the band icon. In the central region of the display unit 14, the text "clear" is displayed in blue with the blue striped band icon in the background, and the text "12 mm" is displayed in blue just above the band icon. In the lower region of the display unit 14, the text "white" is displayed in black with the solid white band icon in the background, and the text "12 mm" is displayed in black just above the band icon.

[0098] With reference to the above-described Figures 7A-7CAs in the explanation of the above-described example, in this example, the emphasis processing and the de-emphasis processing are also performed in accordance with the creation order, which is: the top label LA→the middle label LB→the bottom label LC. However, the emphasis processing in this example does not display a triangular mark next to the ink cartridge name, but includes a flashing icon with the icon. In addition, the de-emphasis processing in this example does not gray out the ink cartridge name, but includes removing (i.e., deleting) the icon with the icon.

[0099] Thus, as with the above-described Figure 7A corresponding Figure 9A example, first, a red striped icon with the text "blank" corresponding to the ink cartridge A is highlighted on the display unit 14 to distinguish the icon with the ink cartridge A from the icons with the ink cartridges B and C. In this example, the icon with the ink cartridge A is flashed to highlight the icon. Thus, the user simply initially installs the ink cartridge A in the ink cartridge holder 22 of the label printer 3 to create the top label LA, as shown. In addition, since the information indicating portion 120 on the ink cartridge A displays a design similar to the flashed icon with the icon, the user easily visually finds the ink cartridge A, making the method very convenient.

[0100] After the creation of the top label LA is completed as described above, the de-emphasis processing is performed to remove the display of "Ink Cartridge A" corresponding thereto so that the display no longer appears on the display unit 14, as shown in Figure 7B corresponding Figure 9B example. At the same time, the CPU 11 highlights, i.e., flashes, the blue striped icon with the text "blank" that is next to be included with the ink cartridge B to create the middle label LB in order to distinguish the icon with the ink cartridge B from the icon with the ink cartridge C. Thus, the user simply installs the ink cartridge B second in the ink cartridge holder 22 to create the middle label LB. Also, at this time, the user can easily find the ink cartridge B.

[0101] Once the creation of the middle label LB is completed, "Ink Cartridge B" is eliminated from the display unit 14 in addition to "Ink Cartridge A", as shown in Figure 7C corresponding Figure 9C example. At the same time, the solid white icon with the text "Ink Cartridge C" is displayed on the display to create the bottom label LC next. Thus, the user simply installs the ink cartridge C third in the ink cartridge holder 22 to create the bottom label LC. Also, the user can easily visually find the ink cartridge C.

[0102] After the labels LA, LB, and LC have been created in the above-described order, an instruction is displayed on the display unit 14 to indicate the layering order of the labels, i.e., the order in which the labels should be overlaid, as shown in Figure 10 ​

[0103] That is, the top layer mark Mu is displayed to the left of the red striped tape icon included with the top "blank" text representing the ink cartridge A, as shown in Figure 10 The top layer mark Mu indicates that the label is used as the top layer in a three-layer structure.

[0104] Similarly, the middle layer mark Mm is displayed to the left of the blue striped tape icon included with the middle "blank" text representing the ink cartridge B. The middle layer mark Mm indicates that the label is used as the middle layer in a three-layer structure.

[0105] The bottom layer mark Md is displayed to the left of the solid white tape icon included with the bottom "white" text representing the ink cartridge C. The bottom layer mark Md indicates that the label is used as the bottom layer in a three-layer structure.

[0106] In addition, the message "Printing is complete. The labels are combined in the following order." is displayed above the layer marks Mu, Mm, and Md, and an "OK" button is provided below the layer marks Mu, Mm, and Md. The user operates the "OK" button to input confirmation. Note that the instruction indicating the layering order is not limited to the above-described layer marks Mu, Mm, and Md, but can be other text, symbols, numbers, graphics, or combinations thereof.

[0107] <Control Process>

[0108] The control process that is cooperatively executed by the CPU 11 of the operation terminal 2 and the CPU 21c of the label printer 3 to implement the method described above in Figure 11A and Figure 11B will be described with reference to the sequence charts in Figures 6A-10 . On the operation terminal 2, the CPU 11 executes the control process based on a print program according to the present embodiment. The print program is included with the program stored in the ROM 12b. By executing this process, the CPU 11 implements the following print method according to the present embodiment. On the label printer 3, the CPU 21c executes the control process based on an appropriate control program stored in the ROM 21a.

[0109] In S5 of Figure 11A , the CPU 11 of the operation terminal 2 first receives an edit operation indicating the print contents of all the print labels L via the operation unit 13. Using the above-described example, the CPU 11 receives edit operations for the top label LA, the middle label LB, and the bottom label LC with the above-described print contents. In S10, the CPU 11 generates print data corresponding to the edited contents received in S5. The processing of S10 is an example of (a) generation of the present disclosure.

[0110] In S15, the CPU 11 determines whether a print command for creating the labels LA to LC has been issued. The user issues the print command by making a prescribed operation on the operation unit 13. If the print command has been issued (S15: YES), the CPU 11 proceeds to S20.

[0111] Based on the print data generated in S10, in S20, the CPU 11 identifies the tape width, tape color, print color, and the like corresponding to each of the labels LA, LB, and LC. According to the above example, the CPU 11 identifies a tape width of 12 mm, a transparent tape color, and a red print color for the top label LA; identifies a tape width of 12 mm, a transparent tape color, and a blue print color for the middle label LB; and identifies a tape width of 12 mm, a white tape color, and a black print color for the bottom label LC. Then, the CPU 11 generates cartridge type information based on these identification results. The cartridge type information indicates the types of the cartridges A, B, and C required to create each of the labels LA to LC, that is, the types of the cartridges A, B, and C provided with the print tape 110 suitable for the labels LA to LC.

[0112] Accordingly, the CPU 11 generates cartridge type information indicating the cartridge A for the top label LA, because the cartridge A is provided with the print tape 110 having a tape width of 12 mm and a transparent tape color and the red ink ribbon 106. For the middle label LB, the CPU 11 generates cartridge type information indicating the cartridge B, because the cartridge B is provided with the print tape 110 having a tape width of 12 mm and a transparent tape color and the blue ink ribbon 106. For the bottom label LC, the CPU 11 generates cartridge type information indicating the cartridge C, because the cartridge C is provided with the print tape 110 having a tape width of 12 mm and a white tape color and the black ink ribbon 106. The process of S20 is an example of the (b) generation of the present disclosure.

[0113] In S25, the CPU 11 sets a layering order for all the print labels L edited in S5, which indicates the order in which the print labels L are combined together. In the above example, the layering order of the labels LA to LC is set to the order of the bottom label LC, the middle label LB, and the top label LA from the bottom to the top. The process of S25 is an example of the (c) setting of the present disclosure. In S27, the CPU 11 determines a recommended creation order for all the print labels L having the layering order set in S25. In the above example, the time creation order is set to the following order: top label LA → middle label LB → bottom label LC. The process of S27 is an example of the (e) determination of the present disclosure.

[0114] In Figure 11BIn S30, the CPU 11 transmits all the print data created in S10 to the label printer 3. Thus, in this example, the CPU 11 transmits the print data of the top label LA, the print data of the middle label LB, and the print data of the bottom label LC. The processing of S30 is an example of the (k) output of the present disclosure. Here, the corresponding cartridge type information generated in S20 can be attached to the print data being transmitted at this time or associated separately from the print data being transmitted. Thus, the cartridge A is associated with the print data of the top label LA, the cartridge B is associated with the print data of the middle label LB, and the cartridge C is associated with the print data of the bottom label LC.

[0115] In S35, the CPU 11 displays on the display unit 14 a list including the cartridge type information generated in S20 for all the cartridges. In this example, the list includes the names cartridges A, B, and C arranged in an order matching the layering order set in S25. The cartridge type information displayed in the list is not limited to the name of the cartridge 101, but can be any information that can identify the cartridge type, such as a product name, a model number, or a serial number. The processing of S35 is an example of the (d) display of the present disclosure. In S40, the CPU 11 performs the above-mentioned emphasis processing on the name of the next cartridge to be used in the printing order. Here, the printing order is the recommended creation order determined in S27. The processing of S40 is an example of the (f) emphasis of the present disclosure.

[0116] In the current example, step S40 is performed for the first time after proceeding from S30. Thus, the top label LA is to be printed using the cartridge A, which is the first cartridge in the creation order. Thus, the CPU 11 performs the emphasis processing to display the name of the cartridge A differently from the names of the other cartridges B and C. In this case, the top label LA is an example of the first printed label and the specific printed label of the present disclosure. After returning to S35 from S75 described below, the CPU 11 will perform the emphasis processing in S40 to emphasize the name of the cartridge B because the middle label LB is to be printed second using the cartridge B. In this case, the middle label LB is an example of the second printed label and the specific printed label of the present disclosure.

[0117] Meanwhile, in Figure 11A In S45, the CPU 21c of the label printer 3 receives all the print data transmitted by the operation terminal 2 in S30 via the communication control unit 23. In Figure 11B In S50, the CPU 21c identifies the type of the cartridge 101 currently installed in the cartridge holder 22 based on the detection result of the cartridge sensor 31.

[0118] In S55, the CPU 21c creates a print label L using the print data received in S45, which is associated with the ink cartridge type information matching the type of the ink cartridge 101 identified in S50. According to the present example, the CPU 21c creates a label LA, LB, or LC corresponding to the ink cartridge A, B, or C installed in the ink cartridge holder 22. After creating the print label L, in S60, the CPU 21c transmits a corresponding print completion notification to the operation terminal 2.

[0119] Meanwhile, after completing the emphasis processing in S40 described above, in S65, the CPU 11 receives the print completion notification transmitted from the label printer 3 in S60, and proceeds to S70. The processing of S65 is an example of (l) reception of the present disclosure. In S70, the CPU 11 performs the above-described de-emphasis processing on the name of the ink cartridge 101 corresponding to the print label L just printed, as identified by the print completion notification received above. The processing of S70 is an example of (g) de-emphasis of the present disclosure. If the print of the top label LA has been completed using the ink cartridge A as the initial ink cartridge in the above-described creation order, the CPU 11 performs the de-emphasis processing on the name of the ink cartridge A.

[0120] In S75, the CPU 11 determines whether all of the object print labels L have been created. Here, the object print label L indicates a print label L to be created. If there is still any print label L to be created (S75: No), the CPU 11 returns to S35 and repeats the above-described processing. Meanwhile, after transmitting the print completion notification in S60 described above, the CPU 21c of the label printer 3 also determines whether all of the object print labels L have been created in S80. If there is still a print label L to be created (S80: No), the CPU 21c returns to S50 and repeats the above-described processing.

[0121] Each time the above-described processing is repeated, the operation terminal 2 performs the emphasis processing to emphasize the name of the ink cartridge 101 on the display related to the next print label L being printed, and performs the de-emphasis processing on the same ink cartridge 101 on the display after the print label L has been printed. Thus, using the above-described example, the above-described procedure is repeated as follows: emphasize the ink cartridge A → create the top label LA → de-emphasize the ink cartridge A → emphasize the ink cartridge B → create the middle label LB → de-emphasize the ink cartridge B → emphasize the ink cartridge C → create the bottom label LC → de-emphasize the ink cartridge C.

[0122] Note that the ink cartridge 101 on which the emphasis processing is performed in S40 is identified according to the recommended creation order determined in S27. That is, the CPU 11 of the operation terminal 2 performs the emphasis processing to emphasize the name of the ink cartridge 101 of the print label L corresponding to the earliest creation (print) order among the print labels L not yet printed.

[0123] Once the print completion notification is received (S75: YES) that the label L has been printed for all the objects being created, in S85, the CPU 11 uniformly displays a list of the names of all the ink cartridges 101 related to all the print labels L being created in their normal mode, i.e., cancels all the emphasis processing performed in S35 and all the de-emphasis processing performed in S70. Figure 10 An example of the display unit 14 at this time is shown. In Figure 10 In this example, the list is displayed in S85 together with the above-described hierarchical order.

[0124] In S90, the CPU 11 confirms whether all the object print labels L have been printed by a suitable user operation of the operation unit 13. In the present embodiment, the user operates the "OK" button (see Figure 10 ) to input the confirmation. If the user confirms that all the print labels L have been printed (S90: YES), the CPU 11 ends the sequence of Figure 11A and Figure 11B .

[0125] Meanwhile, while the label printer 3 repeats the above-described processing, each time the ink cartridge 101 is installed in the ink cartridge holder 22, the type of the installed ink cartridge 101 is recognized, and the label printer 3 creates the corresponding print label using the print data received in S45 and the ink cartridge type information matching the recognized type of the installed ink cartridge. Thus, when the ink cartridge A is installed, the label printer 3 creates the top label LA and sends the print completion notification. When the ink cartridge B is installed, the label printer 3 creates the middle label LB and sends the print completion notification. When the ink cartridge C is installed, the label printer 3 creates the bottom label LC and sends the print completion notification. After the label printer 3 has completed the printing of all the object print labels L and has sent the print completion notifications thereof (S80: YES), the label printer 3 ends the sequence of Figure 11A and Figure 11B .

[0126] <Effects of Embodiment>

[0127] In the above-described present embodiment, the CPU 11 performs the processing of S20 to generate the ink cartridge type information corresponding to each print label L being created. In S25, the CPU 11 sets a hierarchical order for combining the plurality of print labels L together. In S35, the CPU 11 displays the list of the above-generated ink cartridge type information on the display unit 14 in an order conforming to the above-set hierarchical order.

[0128] By confirming the ink cartridge type information arranged in the same order in which the print labels L are to be combined together, the user can easily and visually recognize the order in which each ink cartridge 101 should be inserted into the label printer 3.

[0129] In S40 as a specific feature of the present embodiment, the CPU 11 performs highlighting processing so as to emphasize display of the ink cartridge type information of the ink cartridge 101 that is next to print the label L in the order of printing with respect to display of other ink cartridge type information. In this way, the user can see at a glance which ink cartridge 101 is needed for the next label L to be printed in the order of printing.

[0130] Another feature of the present embodiment is that when the CPU 11 next executes S40 after completion of printing of the first top label LA, the CPU 11 performs de-highlighting processing on the display for the ink cartridge B that will be used next for printing the middle label LB. Thus, the user can see at a glance which ink cartridge 101 is needed for the second label LB to be printed.

[0131] Another feature of the present embodiment is that in S70, the CPU 11 performs de-highlighting processing on display of the ink cartridge 101 related to the printed label L that was just printed. Thus, the user can see at a glance which ink cartridges 101 have been used for printing their corresponding label L.

[0132] That is, after having completed printing of the created top label LA for the first time as described above, the CPU 11 performs de-highlighting processing on display of the ink cartridge A related to the top label LA. Thus, the user can see at a glance which ink cartridge 101 has been used for printing the first top label LA.

[0133] Although a detailed description has been given with reference to specific embodiments, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that many modifications and variations can be made thereto without departing from the spirit and technical scope of the present disclosure. Below, some of these modifications will be described in detail, wherein like parts and components are denoted by the same reference numerals to avoid repetitive description.

[0134] (1) Displaying the list in normal mode before sending the print data

[0135] After setting the hierarchical order in S25 of the above-described embodiment, in S30, the CPU sends all the print data directly to the label printer 3, and in S35 and S40, the next ink cartridge in the order of the displayed list is emphasized. However, the present disclosure is not limited to this method.

[0136] For example, CPU 11 can set the layering order in S25 and then execute S35 to display a list of ink cartridge type information for all ink cartridges in the order conforming to the layering order. In this case, CPU 11 can then perform a new step to determine whether the user has entered confirmation of the displayed list. If the user has entered "OK", CPU 11 determines it as "yes", sends print data in S30, and performs emphasis processing in S40 to highlight the first ink cartridge already displayed in the list on display unit 14. This variation can achieve the same effect as described in the embodiment.

[0137] (2) Obtain the type of ink cartridge to be installed in advance.

[0138] Reference will be made to the embodiments Figure 11A and Figure 11B Corresponding Figure 12A and Figure 12B This section describes a control process according to this variant, executed collaboratively by the CPU 11 of the operating terminal 2 and the CPU 21c of the label printer 3. As in the embodiments described above, the CPU 11 executes the control process based on a printing program stored in ROM 12b, and the CPU 21c executes the control process based on a suitable control program stored in ROM 21a. By executing this process, the CPU 11 and CPU 21c implement the following printing method according to this variant.

[0139] exist Figure 12A and Figure 12B In this sequence, the CPU 11 of the operating terminal 2 performs steps S5 and S10 as described in the embodiment. However, unlike the execution of step S15 in the embodiment, in this variant, the CPU 11 generates cartridge information for each cartridge 101 in S20, sets the layering order in S25, and determines the recommended creation order in S27. Afterward, the CPU 11 proceeds to S15 as described in the embodiment to determine whether the user has issued a print command instructing the creation of labels LA to LC. The processing of S15 is an example of (i) reception in this disclosure. If a print command has been issued (S15: Yes), the CPU 11 proceeds to S54 as described below.

[0140] Meanwhile, the CPU 21c of label printer 3 executes... Figure 12A The new steps S51 and S53. In S51, CPU 21c, according to... Figure 11BThe same process described in S50 of the first embodiment identifies the type of ink cartridge 101 currently installed in the ink cartridge holder 22. In S53, the CPU 21c transmits the ink cartridge type information of the identified ink cartridge 101 to the operation terminal 2. In S54, the CPU 11 of the operation terminal 2 receives the ink cartridge type information transmitted by the label printer 3 in S53, and proceeds to a new step S56. The process of S54 is an example of the (h) acquisition of the present disclosure.

[0141] Using the ink cartridge type information received in S54, the CPU 11 determines in S56 whether the ink cartridge 101 currently installed in the label printer 3 matches the type of ink cartridge 101 associated with the print label L created first according to the creation order set in S27. The print label L created first is an example of the initial print label of the present disclosure, and the ink cartridge type information representing the type of ink cartridge 101 associated with this print label L is an example of the initial medium type information of the present disclosure. Further, the process of S56 is an example of the (j) determination of the present disclosure. The CPU 11 proceeds to S30 when it determines that the ink cartridge 101 currently installed in the label printer 3 matches the type of ink cartridge 101 associated with the print label L to be created first (S56: YES).

[0142] However, if the ink cartridge 101 currently installed in the label printer 3 does not match the type of ink cartridge 101 associated with the print label L to be created first (S56: NO), in S58, the CPU 11 displays a prescribed message requesting the user to replace the ink cartridge 101 on the display unit 14. When the user replaces the ink cartridge 101 installed in the ink cartridge holder 22 in response to this display, the CPU 21c of the label printer 3 determines in S42 after the completion of step S53 that the ink cartridge 101 has been replaced (S42: YES), and returns to S51 to identify the newly installed ink cartridge. In S53, the CPU 21c transmits the ink cartridge type information of the identified ink cartridge to the operation terminal 2 based on the result of the identification in S51, and the CPU 11 receives this ink cartridge type information in S54. If the CPU 11 determines in S56 that this ink cartridge type information matches the type of ink cartridge 101 to be installed first (S56: YES), the CPU 11 proceeds to S30 described in the second embodiment. Figure 11A The process from S30 of the second embodiment, including the contents of steps S30 to S40 and S65 to S90 performed by the CPU 11 of the operation terminal 2, is the same as described in the first embodiment. Figure 12B The process from S30 of the second embodiment, including the contents of steps S30 to S40 and S65 to S90 performed by the CPU 11 of the operation terminal 2, is the same as described in the first embodiment. Figure 11A and Figure 11B Therefore, the explanation of this process will not be repeated.

[0143] When the type of ink cartridge 101 installed in the ink cartridge holder 22 matches the type of ink cartridge 101 to be installed first, ink cartridge 101 will not be replaced. Furthermore, if the user replaces the ink cartridge in response to the request displayed in S58 and the type of the newly installed ink cartridge 101 matches the type of the ink cartridge 101 to be installed first, ink cartridge 101 will not be replaced again. In either case, the CPU 21c determines in S42 that ink cartridge 101 has not yet been replaced (S42: No), and proceeds to the embodiment. Figure 11A S45 as described above. The process starting from S45 includes the contents of steps S45 to S60 and S80 executed by the CPU 21c of the label printer 3, and... Figure 11A and Figure 11B The processing is the same as in the previous section. Therefore, the explanation of these processes will not be repeated.

[0144] <Transformation Effect>

[0145] This variation achieves the same effect as described in the above embodiments.

[0146] Another feature of this variant is that, in S54, CPU 11 obtains the cartridge type information of the cartridge 101 actually installed in the label printer 3. CPU 11 compares the cartridge type information associated with the label L to be printed first (the top label LA in this example) with the cartridge type information obtained in S54, and determines in S56 whether the two are compatible. If compatible, in S30, CPU 11 outputs print data to the label printer 3 to print labels LA to LC. This method prevents the creation of the label L from starting due to user misunderstanding or other reasons when the wrong cartridge 101 is installed in the cartridge holder 22 of the label printer 3.

[0147] (3) Obtain the type of ink cartridge to be installed each time an ink cartridge is installed.

[0148] The above variation (2) describes a situation where, before creating all object printing labels L, the type of the ink cartridge 101 installed in the label printer 3 is obtained and it is determined whether it matches the type of the ink cartridge 101 associated with the printing label L to be created first. However, this disclosure is not limited to this configuration. The acquisition and determination of the type of the installed ink cartridge 101 can be performed before the creation of each printing label L. (See reference...) Figure 13A and Figure 13B Describe this type of variant.

[0149] exist Figure 13A and Figure 13B In the sequence, the CPU 11 of the operating terminal 2 performs steps S5 to S25, and... Figure 12A and Figure 12B The above variant (2) shown is the same. However, compared with the one inFigure 12A In the variant, the execution step S27 in the flowchart of Fig. 9 is different, in which the CPU 11 waits for the issuance of the print command in S15, and if the print command is issued (S15: Yes), the CPU 11 proceeds to S27 to determine the recommended creation order for creating the print label L. In this variant, the recommended creation order is determined to be the following order: bottom label LC→ middle label LB→ top label LA.

[0150] After that, in S41, the CPU 11 displays the name list of the ink cartridges A, B and C according to the layering order set in S25, and performs emphasis processing to emphasize the name of the ink cartridge related to the next print label L being printed according to the recommended creation order determined in S27. In this variant, the CPU 11 first emphasizes the name of the ink cartridge C, secondly emphasizes the name of the ink cartridge B, and thirdly emphasizes the name of the ink cartridge A.

[0151] Meanwhile, in S51, the CPU 21c of the label printer 3 recognizes the type of the ink cartridge 101 currently installed in the ink cartridge holder 22, and in S53, the CPU 21c transmits the ink cartridge type information of the recognized ink cartridge 101 to the operation terminal 2. In S54, the CPU 11 of the operation terminal 2 receives the ink cartridge type information transmitted by the label printer 3 in S53, and proceeds to a new step S57.

[0152] Using the ink cartridge type information received in S54, the CPU 11 determines in S57 whether the ink cartridge 101 currently installed in the label printer 3 matches the ink cartridge 101 type associated with the print label L to be created next according to the creation order determined in S27. When it is determined that the ink cartridge 101 currently installed in the label printer 3 matches the ink cartridge 101 type associated with the print label L to be created next (S57: Yes), the CPU 11 proceeds to S31. If the ink cartridge 101 currently installed in the label printer 3 does not match the ink cartridge 101 type associated with the print label L to be created next (S57: No), in S58, the CPU 11 displays a prescribed message requesting the user to replace the ink cartridge 101 on the display unit 14, and Figure 11A and Figure 11B as in the above variant shown in Figure 11A and Figure 11B . After the user replaces the ink cartridge 101 installed in the ink cartridge holder 22 in response to this display, the CPU 21c of the label printer 3 performs the processing as described in

[0153] When the CPU 11 of the operation terminal 2 receives the ink cartridge type information again in S54 and determines in S56 that this ink cartridge type information matches the type of the ink cartridge 101 to be installed next (S57: Yes), the CPU 11 proceeds to Figure 13BS31. In S31, the CPU 11 transmits the print data for the print label L to be created next to the label printer 3. In this variant, the CPU 11 first transmits the print data for the bottom label LC, second transmits the print data for the middle label LB, and third transmits the print data for the top label LA. All of the print data is generated in S10.

[0154] Meanwhile, in Figure 13B S46, the CPU 21c of the label printer 3 receives the print data for the print label L to be created next via the communication control unit 23. In S57, the CPU 21c creates the print label L based on the received print data, and in S60, the CPU 21c transmits a print completion notification to the operation terminal 2.

[0155] After transmitting the print data in the above-described S31, in S65, the CPU 11 of the operation terminal 2 receives the print completion notification transmitted from the label printer 3 in S60. In S71, the CPU 11 displays a list of the names of the ink cartridges A, B, and C according to the layering order set in S25, and performs de-emphasis processing to de-emphasize the ink cartridge name corresponding to the print label L that has been printed, as identified by each print completion notification received in S65. If the printing of the bottom label LC has been completed using the ink cartridge C, the CPU 11 performs de-emphasis processing on the name of the ink cartridge C. If the printing of the bottom label LC and the middle label LB has been completed using the ink cartridge C and the ink cartridge B, respectively, the CPU 11 performs de-emphasis processing on both the names of the ink cartridge C and the ink cartridge B.

[0156] In S75, the CPU 11 determines whether all of the object print labels L have been created. If there are still any print labels L to be created (S75: No), the CPU 11 returns to S41 and repeats the above-described processing. Meanwhile, after transmitting the print completion notification, the CPU 21c of the label printer 3 determines whether all of the object print labels L have been created in S81. If there are still any print labels L to be created (S81: No), the CPU 21c returns to S51 and repeats the above-described processing.

[0157] Each time the above-described processing is repeated, the operation terminal 2 determines whether the type of the ink cartridge 101 currently installed in the label printer 3 matches the type of the ink cartridge 101 associated with the print label L to be created next, according to the determined creation result. Once the print completion notification has been received for all of the object print labels L being created (S75: Yes), the CPU 11 of the operation terminal 2 performs the processing of S85 and S90, as with Figure 12A and Figure 12B the variant shown in Figs. 25 and 26.

[0158] This modification achieves the same effects as described in the above modification.

[0159] Another feature of this modification is that in S54, each time the ink cartridge 101 is installed, the CPU 11 acquires the ink cartridge type information of the ink cartridge 101 actually installed in the label printer 3, and compares the ink cartridge type information associated with the print label L to be printed next with the ink cartridge type information acquired in S54. When the ink cartridge type information of the print label L to be created next matches the cartridge type information acquired in S54, in S31, the CPU 11 outputs the print data to the label printer 3 to print the print label L to be created next. This method can prevent each print label L to be used to create the composite label LL from being created when a wrong ink cartridge 101 is installed in the ink cartridge holder 22 of the label printer 3.

[0160] (4) Independent label printer

[0161] This embodiment describes a case where the method of creating a plurality of print labels L is realized by the cooperation of the operation terminal 2 and the label printer 3, but the present disclosure is not limited to this configuration. A plurality of print labels L can be created on the label printer 3 alone without using the operation terminal 2. That is, the functions of the operation unit 13 and the display unit 14 in the operation terminal 2 can be realized by an operation unit (not shown) and the display unit 32 provided in the label printer 3, and the steps in the control process performed by the CPU 11 instead can be executed by the CPU 21c. This type of modification will be described with reference to the flowchart in Figure 14 Figure 14 Figure 11A Figure 11B Steps similar to those in Figure 14 Figure 11A 11B Steps similar to those in

[0162] At the beginning of Figure 14 , the CPU 21c of the label printer 3 executes S5' to S40', which correspond to S5 to S40 executed by the CPU 11 of the operation terminal 2 in Figure 11A Figure 11B

[0163] ​​​​​​​Specifically, the CPU 21c receives the edited contents in S5' and generates the corresponding print data in S10'. When the CPU 21c determines that the print command has been issued via the operation unit described above (S15': Yes), in S20', the CPU 21c generates the ink cartridge type information for each ink cartridge 101 associated with each print data set. Note that the processing of S20' is an example of the (b) generating of the present disclosure. Next, the CPU 21c determines the layering order of the ink cartridges 101 in S25' and sets the recommended creation order of the print label L in S27'. The processing of S25' is an example of the (c) setting of the present disclosure. The processing of S27' is an example of the (e) determining of the present disclosure. In S35', the CPU 21c displays a list including the names of all the ink cartridges 101 on the display unit 32, and in S40', performs the emphasis processing to emphasize the display of the ink cartridges 101 that should be used in order next. The processing of S35' is an example of the (f) emphasizing of the present disclosure.

[0164] After completing the processing in S40', the CPU 21c performs the same processing in S50 and S55 described in the Figure 11B present disclosure. That is, in S50, the CPU 21c identifies the type of the installed ink cartridges 101 based on the detection results from the ink cartridge sensor 31, and in S55, creates the print label L using the corresponding print data. The processing of S50 is an example of the (h) detecting of the present disclosure. The processing of S55 is an example of the (a) controlling of the present disclosure.

[0165] In S70', the CPU 21c performs the de-emphasis processing on the name of the ink cartridge 101 corresponding to the just-printed print label L. The processing of S70' is an example of the (g) de-emphasizing of the present disclosure. In S75', the CPU 21c determines whether all the target print labels L have been created. If there are still any print labels L to be created (S75': No), the CPU 21c returns to S35' and repeats the above-described processing. Once the printing of all the print labels L is completed (S75': Yes), in S85', the CPU 21c uniformly displays the list of the names of all the ink cartridges 101 related to all the target print labels L in their normal mode, i.e., cancels all the emphasis processing performed in S35' and all the de-emphasis processing performed in S70'.

[0166] In S90', the CPU 21c confirms whether all the target print labels L have been printed by prompting the user to perform an operation on the operation unit. If the user confirms that all the print labels L have been printed (S90': Yes), the CPU 21c ends the sequence of Fig. 13.

[0167] The present variant achieves the same effects as described in the above-described embodiment.

[0168] Specifically, the CPU 21c performs the processing in S20' in this variant to generate the ink cartridge type information corresponding to each print label L as the created object. In S25', the CPU 21c sets the layering order for combining the plurality of print labels L together. In S35', the CPU 21c displays the list of the ink cartridge type information generated above on the display unit 14 in the order conforming to the layering order described above. Figure 14

[0169] Thus, by confirming the ink cartridge type information in the display arranged on the display unit 32 in the same order as the print labels L combined together, the user can easily and visually recognize the order in which each ink cartridge 101 should be inserted (mounted) in the label printer 3.

[0170] Further, the CPU 21c of the label printer 3 can also achieve the similar processing as in the above variant (2) by performing the steps executed by the CPU 11 in the variant (2) shown in S50 and S51. Figure 12A Figure 12B and S51. That is, the CPU 21c can perform the steps similar to S56 to determine whether the type of the previously identified ink cartridge is the ink cartridge associated with the print label L to be created first, and the label printing can be performed in S55 when the installed ink cartridge matches the type corresponding to the object print label being created. It should be noted that in this case, the print label to be created first described above is also an example of the initial print label of the present disclosure, and the ink cartridge type information corresponding to this print label L is also an example of the initial medium type information of the present disclosure. Further, the processing performed in S15' is an example of the (i) receiving of the present disclosure, and the processing performed in S53 and S54 is an example of the (h) detecting of the present disclosure. Further, the processing performed similarly to S56 is an example of the (j) determining of the present disclosure.

[0171] (Automatic shutdown)

[0172] The function referred to as automatic shutdown on the label printer 3 can be achieved while creating the plurality of print labels L as described above. Specifically, if a prescribed time elapses after printing one print label L without installing the ink cartridge 101 required to print the next print label L in the sequence in the ink cartridge holder 22, the power of the device is turned off. This processing performed by the CPU 21c is an example of the (k) switching of the present disclosure. Thus, if one of the corresponding ink cartridges 101 cannot be found when creating the plurality of print labels L, the creation of the print labels L can be interrupted.

[0173] ​​Further, as described above, when the power is turned off after a prescribed time has elapsed from the completion of printing, the data related to the unprinted print label L can be stored in a desired memory, such as the RAM of the label printer 3. That is, the print data of the unprinted print label L and the corresponding ink cartridge type information can be stored in the memory. In this case, the memory such as the above-described RAM is an example of the memory of the present disclosure, and the processing performed by the CPU 21c in this case is an example of the (l) storing of the present disclosure.

[0174] In addition to the above case, the user can intentionally turn off the power after printing one print label L while creating a plurality of print labels L. Also in this case, the print data related to the unprinted print label L and the corresponding ink cartridge type information can be stored in the RAM or the like of the label printer 3.

[0175] As a variant, when the power of the label printer 3 is automatically turned off as described above or when the creation of a plurality of print labels L is interrupted because the user intentionally cuts off the power, the print data related to the unprinted print label L and the ink cartridge type information are stored in the RAM. By storing the data of the unprinted print label L when the creation of a plurality of print labels L is interrupted, the label printer 3 can restart creating only those unprinted print labels L the next time the power is turned on, instead of starting from the beginning. In other words, this method can prevent the label printer 3 from recreating the print labels L that have already been created. Further, by interrupting the creation of a plurality of print labels L, the user can create other print labels L separate from these plurality of print labels L before completing the creation of the first print label L, as described above.

[0176] (6) Other Variants

[0177] The embodiments and variants thereof describe a lamination method in which printing is performed on the cover film 104 separate from the base tape 102, and the cover film 104 and the base tape 102 are bonded together. However, the present disclosure can be applied to a method of printing on a print tape layer provided in the base tape (non-lamination type).

[0178] Further, in Figure 11A , Figure 11B , Figure 12A , Figure 12B , Figure 13A , Figure 13B and Figure 14 The flowcharts shown in the above-described embodiments and variants are not intended to limit the present disclosure to the steps indicated therein. Steps can be added or deleted, or their order can be rearranged, without departing from the spirit and technical idea of the present disclosure.

[0179] In addition to what has been described, the methods according to the above-described embodiments and variants can be used in a suitable combination.

[0180] In addition, although not shown separately, the present disclosure can be implemented by various modifications.

Claims

1. A computer-readable storage medium storing a set of program instructions, the set of program instructions being installed on a controller provided in a terminal device and executed by the controller, the terminal device being configured to communicate with a printing device, characterized in that, The program instruction set includes: (a) generating, generating a plurality of print data sets corresponding to respective ones of a plurality of print labels to be used in an overlapped state; (b) generating, generating a plurality of media type information sets for respective ones of the plurality of print labels, each of the plurality of media type information sets indicating a type of print media used to create a corresponding one of the plurality of print labels; (c) setting, setting a layering order of the plurality of print labels, the layering order indicating an order in which the plurality of print labels are to be overlapped with each other; and (d) displaying, displaying a list of the plurality of media type information sets on a display, the plurality of media type information sets arranged in the layering order, the layering order being set for the plurality of print labels corresponding to respective ones of the plurality of media type information sets.

2. The computer-readable storage medium of claim 1, wherein, The program instruction set further includes: (e) determining, determining a print order of the plurality of print labels, the print order indicating an order in which the plurality of print labels are to be printed with the printing device, the print order being determined in accordance with the layering order of the plurality of print labels; and (f) emphasizing, in the list displayed on the display, a particular media type information corresponding to a particular print label whose printing is to be performed next, the particular media type information being emphasized more than the rest of the plurality of media type information sets.

3. The computer-readable storage medium of claim 2, wherein, The plurality of print labels includes a first print label and a second print label, the printing of the second print label being performed immediately after the printing of the first print label, and the plurality of media type information sets includes a first media type information for the first print label and a second media type information for the second print label, and wherein, upon completion of the printing of the first print label, the (f) emphasizing emphasizes the second media type information more than the first media type information.

4. The computer-readable storage medium of any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein, The program instruction set further includes: (g) de-emphasizing, in the list displayed on the display, a printed media type information corresponding to a printed print label whose printing has been completed, the printed media type information being de-emphasized more than the rest of the plurality of media type information sets.

5. The computer-readable storage medium of claim 4, wherein, The plurality of print labels includes a third print label and a fourth print label, the printing of the fourth print label being performed immediately after the printing of the third print label, and the plurality of media type information sets includes a third media type information for the third print label and a fourth media type information for the fourth print label, and wherein, upon completion of the printing of the third print label, the (g) de-emphasizing de-emphasizes the third media type information more than the fourth media type information.

6. The computer-readable storage medium of any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein, The terminal device includes: an operation interface; and a communication interface, the terminal device being able to communicate with the printing device via the communication interface, and wherein the program instruction set further includes: (h) obtaining, from the printing device via the communication interface, installed media type information indicating a type of the print media housed in an installed media housing currently installed in an installation portion of the printing device; (i) receiving, via the operation interface, a print command for the plurality of print labels; (j) determining, in response to receiving the print command, whether initial media type information matches the installed media type information, the initial media type information corresponding to an initial print label that is first in the plurality of print labels for which printing is to be performed; (k) outputting, in response to determining that the initial media type information matches the installed media type information, the plurality of print data sets to the printing device, the printing device performing printing of the plurality of print labels based on corresponding ones of the plurality of print data sets.

7. The computer-readable storage medium of claim 1, wherein, After completion of printing of all of the plurality of print labels, the (d) displaying displays the list of the plurality of media type information sets on the display.

8. The computer-readable storage medium of claim 4, wherein, The set of program instructions further includes: (l) receiving, from the printing device, a print completion notification for each of the plurality of print labels, the print completion notification indicating that the printing of each of the plurality of print labels has been completed, wherein the (g) de-emphasizing de-emphasizes the media type information corresponding to the print completion notification received in the (l) receiving.

9. A printing device, characterized by, including: an installation portion in which a media housing is detachably installed, the media housing housing a print medium therein and being capable of supplying the print medium; a printing portion configured to perform desired printing using the print medium supplied from the media housing; a display; and a controller configured to: (a) control the printing portion to perform printing of a plurality of print labels based on corresponding ones of a plurality of print data sets, the plurality of print labels to be sequentially overlapped with each other; (b) generate a plurality of media type information sets for corresponding ones of the plurality of print labels, each of the plurality of media type information sets indicating a type of the print medium housed in the media housing for creating a corresponding one of the plurality of print labels; (c) set a layering order of the plurality of print labels, the layering order indicating an order in which the plurality of print labels are to be overlapped with each other; (d) display, on the display, a list of the plurality of media type information sets, the plurality of media type information sets being arranged in the layering order set for the plurality of print labels corresponding to the corresponding ones of the plurality of media type information sets. The controller is configured to further: ​ 10. The printing device according to claim 9, wherein, ​ (e) determining, in accordance with the layering order of the plurality of print labels, a print order of the plurality of print labels, the print order indicating an order in which printing of the plurality of print labels is to be performed; and (f) emphasizing, in the list displayed on the display, a particular media type information, as compared to the rest of the plurality of media type information sets, the particular media type information corresponding to a particular print label, printing of which is to be performed next.

11. The printing device of claim 10, wherein, The plurality of print labels includes a first print label and a second print label, printing of the second print label is to be performed immediately after printing of the first print label is performed, the plurality of media type information sets includes a first media type information for the first print label and a second media type information for the second print label, and wherein, at the time when the printing of the first print label is completed, the (f) emphasizing emphasizes the second media type information more than the first media type information.

12. The printing device according to any one of claims 9 to 11, wherein, The controller is configured to further perform: (g) de-emphasizing, in the list displayed on the display, a printed media type information, as compared to the rest of the plurality of media type information, the printed media type information corresponding to a printed print label, printing of which is already completed.

13. The printing device of claim 12, wherein, The plurality of print labels includes a third print label and a fourth print label, printing of the fourth print label is to be performed immediately after printing of the third print label is performed, and the plurality of media type information sets includes a third media type information for the third print label and a fourth media type information for the fourth print label, and wherein, when the printing of the third print label is completed, the (g) de-emphasizing de-emphasizes the third media type information more than the fourth media type information.

14. The printing device according to any one of claims 9 to 11, further comprising: an operation interface, wherein the controller is configured to further perform: (h) detecting, detecting a type of the print medium accommodated in the media accommodating body currently installed in the installation portion; (i) receiving, receiving a print command of the plurality of print labels via the operation interface; and (j) determining, in response to receiving the print command, determining whether a type of the print medium indicated by initial media type information matches a detected type of the print medium detected in (h), the initial media type information corresponding to an initial print label, printing of which is to be performed first among the plurality of print labels, and wherein, in response to determining in (j) that the type of the print medium indicated by the initial media type information matches the detected type of the print medium detected in (h), the (a) controlling is performed.

15. The printing device according to any one of claims 9 to 11, wherein, The controller is configured to further perform: (k) turning off the power of the apparatus after a lapse of a prescribed time from completion of printing of one print label, the next print medium container being not installed in the installation portion, the next print medium container being used for printing of a next print label, the printing of the next print label being performed immediately after the printing of the one print label.

16. The printing apparatus according to any one of claims 9 to 11, further comprising: a memory, wherein the controller is configured to further perform: (l) storing, in the memory, unprinted print data and unprinted medium type information, both corresponding to an unprinted print label, the printing of the unprinted print label being yet to be completed, when the power of the apparatus is to be turned off before completion of printing of all of the plurality of print labels.

17. A method of creating a first printed label and a second printed label by a printing device, characterized in that, each of the first print label and the second print label has: a first surface on which an image is printed by the printing apparatus; and a second surface, the second print label being overlaid on the first print label, the second surface of the second print label facing the first surface of the first print label, the method comprising: (a) generating, generating first print data corresponding to the first print label; (b) generating, generating second print data corresponding to the second print label; (c) obtaining, obtaining first medium type information corresponding to the first print data, the first medium type information indicating a type of first print medium used for creation of the first print label; (d) obtaining, obtaining second medium type information corresponding to the second print data, the second medium type information indicating a type of second print medium used for creation of the second print label; and 18. The method of claim 17, wherein, (e) displaying, displaying, in order of second display information about the second medium type information and first display information about the first medium type information, the first display information and the second display information on a display.

19. The method of claim 17 or 18, wherein, the (e) displaying is performed after the first print label and the second print label are created by the printing apparatus. the (e) displaying is performed before each of the first print label and the second print label is created by the printing apparatus.

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