Information processing apparatus, printer, control method of information processing apparatus, and program

Abstract

To prevent, when an object is repeatedly printed, the last repeatedly printed object from being cut off due to an object print length or a print medium length.SOLUTION: A mobile terminal obtains input information, an input space, and an input length, and generates print data such that an object OJ based on the input information is repeatedly disposed on a tape T in an X-axis direction with a disposition space SJ corresponding to the mutual input space to establish a maximum number to be printed in an object area OE within a range accommodated in the object area OE, which is an area on the tape T, and in which an area length corresponding to the input length is set as the length in the X-axis direction.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an information processing device, a printing device, a control method for an information processing device, and a program. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventionally, as disclosed in Patent Document 1, there is known a print data creation device that includes an input means for inputting a character string to be printed on a tape-like print medium line by line, and a creation means for creating print data for repeatedly printing the input character strings for each line in the length direction of the tape-like print medium in the corresponding lines. When a label length is specified, this print data creation device creates print data such that the input character strings for each line are repeatedly printed in the length direction of the tape-like print medium until the specified label length is reached. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] JP 2009-233884 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] In conventional technology, depending on the input print length of the character string or the specified label length, the last character string of the repeatedly printed character string may be cut off, resulting in a poor appearance of the printed matter. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] The information processing device of the present invention comprises an acquisition unit that acquires input information, an input interval, and an input length, and a generation unit that generates print data based on the acquired input information, input interval, and input length so that objects based on the input information are repeatedly arranged in the media direction of the printing medium with an arrangement interval corresponding to the input interval between them, and are printed in the object area, which is an area on the printing medium having an area length in the media direction that is equivalent to the input length, with the maximum number of objects that can fit within the object area.

[0006] The printing device of the present invention comprises an acquisition unit that acquires input information, an input interval, and an input length, a generation unit that generates print data based on the acquired input information, input interval, and input length so that objects based on the input information are repeatedly arranged in the media direction of the printing medium with an arrangement interval corresponding to the input interval, and are printed in the object area, which is an area on the printing medium whose length in the media direction is equivalent to the input length, with the maximum number of objects that can fit within the object area, and a printing unit that prints the objects on the printing medium based on the print data.

[0007] The control method of the information processing device of the present invention executes the steps of: the information processing device acquiring input information, an input interval, and an input length; and generating print data based on the acquired input information, input interval, and input length so that objects based on the input information are repeatedly arranged in the media direction of the printing medium with an arrangement interval corresponding to the input interval between them, and are printed in the object area, which is an area on the printing medium having an area length in the media direction that is equivalent to the input length, with the maximum number of objects that can fit within the object area.

[0008] The program of the present invention causes an information processing device to execute the steps of acquiring input information, an input interval, and an input length, and generating print data based on the acquired input information, input interval, and input length so that objects based on the input information are repeatedly arranged in the media direction of the printing medium with an arrangement interval corresponding to the input interval, and are printed in the object area, which is an area on the printing medium having an area length in the media direction that is equivalent to the input length, with the maximum number of objects that fit within the object area. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a system configuration diagram of a tape printing system. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is an external view of the tape printing device and the tape cartridge. [Diagram 3] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of a tape on which an object is printed. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the hardware configuration of the portable terminal and the tape printing apparatus. [Diagram 5] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a functional configuration of the mobile terminal. [Figure 6] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of an editing screen including a function selection area. [Figure 7] FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating an example of an editing screen on which a setting dialog is displayed. [Figure 8] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of an editing screen including a text input area. [Figure 9] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of an editing screen in a state where the text "1" is input in a text input area. [Figure 10] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of an editing screen in which the text "1234" has been input in a text input area. [Figure 11] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of an editing screen in a state where an object editing area is displayed and a layout tab is selected in the object editing area. [Figure 12]12 is a diagram showing an example of an edit screen in a state where an area length has been changed from the edit screen state shown in FIG. 11. FIG. [Figure 13] FIG. 13 is an explanatory diagram of the print preview shown in FIG. 12. [Figure 14] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of an editing screen in a state in which an object image group has been copied. [Figure 15] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of an editing screen in a state in which a plurality of object images included in an object image group are rotated. [Figure 16] FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram regarding rotation of an object image. [Figure 17] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of an editing screen in which an object editing area is displayed and a layout tab is selected in the object editing area. [Figure 18] 10 is a flowchart showing a print data transmission process by a portable terminal. [Figure 19] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of an editing screen on which a selection dialog is displayed. [Figure 20] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of an editing screen in a state in which an abbreviated object image area is displayed. [Figure 21] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of an editing screen in a state where a shortened object image area is right-justified with respect to a print display area when the tape length setting is a fixed length. [Figure 22] FIG. 13 is an explanatory diagram of a print preview according to Modification 3. [Diagram 23] FIG. 13 is an explanatory diagram of a print preview according to Modification 4. [Figure 24] FIG. 13 is an explanatory diagram of a print preview according to Modification 5. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0010] Hereinafter, an information processing device, a printing device, a control method for an information processing device, and a program will be described with reference to the attached drawings. Note that in some drawings, directions based on an XYZ orthogonal coordinate system or an XZ orthogonal coordinate system are used for the sake of convenience of explanation, but these directions are not intended to limit the following embodiments in any way.

[0011] 1 is a system configuration diagram of a tape printing system SY. The tape printing system SY includes a mobile terminal 1 and a tape printer 2, which are communicatively connected via a cable 5. The mobile terminal 1 is a smart device such as a smartphone, and is an example of an "information processing device." The tape printer 2 is an example of a "printing device." Note that the mobile terminal 1 and the tape printer 2 may be connected via wireless communication, instead of the cable 5, or via a network.

[0012] The portable terminal 1 generates print data for printing on a tape T (see FIG. 3), which is a print medium for the tape printer 2, and transmits the generated print data to the tape printer 2. The tape printer 2 prints an object OJ on the tape T based on the print data transmitted from the portable terminal 1. An object OJ refers to a display element such as text or an image.

[0013] The mobile terminal 1 displays an editing screen 50 for editing the object OJ on the touch panel 11 (see FIG. 6). The touch panel 11 is an example of a "display unit." The editing screen 50 displays a print preview PP in which an object image OI that resembles the object OJ is superimposed on a tape image TI that resembles the tape T (see FIG. 9). The print preview PP allows the user to edit the object OJ while checking the print result of the tape T.

[0014] 2 is an external view of the tape printer 2 and the tape cartridge C. The tape printer 2 includes an operation key group 21, a printer-side display 22, a cartridge mounting section 23, and a tape ejection port 24.

[0015] The operation keys 21 accept various operations from the user. The printing device display 22 displays various information. Although the user can edit the object OJ using the operation keys 21 and the printing device display 22, in this embodiment, the editing is performed on the mobile terminal 1. The tape printing device 2 receives the result of editing the object OJ by the mobile terminal 1 as print data, and performs printing based on the received print data.

[0016] A tape cartridge C is removably mounted in the cartridge mounting portion 23. The tape cartridge C contains a tape T and an ink ribbon R in its case. The tape cartridge C also includes a platen roller 17 that feeds the tape T.

[0017] The cartridge mounting portion 23 is provided with a platen driving shaft 25 and a thermal head 26. The platen driving shaft 25 is engaged with the platen roller 17 when the tape cartridge C is mounted in the cartridge mounting portion 23. The platen roller 17 feeds the tape T in the -X direction.

[0018] The thermal head 26 is disposed in a position facing the platen roller 17 when the tape cartridge C is attached to the cartridge mounting portion 23. The thermal head 26 is driven to generate heat in accordance with the print data transmitted from the mobile terminal 1. As a result, the ink of the ink ribbon R is transferred to the tape T, and an object OJ based on the print data is printed on the tape T.

[0019] The printed tape T is discharged from the tape discharge port 24. A cutter 27 is provided between the cartridge mounting section 23 and the tape discharge port 24. The cutter 27 cuts the tape T in the Z-axis direction. This causes the printed portion of the tape T to be cut off, and a printed matter is created. The Z-axis direction includes the -Z direction and the +Z direction.

[0020] Fig. 3 is a diagram showing an example of a tape T on which an object OJ is printed. Fig. 3 shows a tape T on which a plurality of objects OJ are repeatedly printed in the X-axis direction by a repeat text printing function described later. The X-axis direction includes the -X direction and the +X direction, and is an example of a "medium direction." The example in Fig. 3 shows an object OJ that is printed when the text "1234" is entered as input information.

[0021] Here, the repeat text printing function will be described. When executing the repeat text printing function, the mobile terminal 1 acquires input information, an input interval, and an input length based on a user operation. When the user designates the repeat text printing function, the mobile terminal 1 generates print data so that objects OJ based on the input information are repeatedly arranged in the X-axis direction of the tape T with an arrangement interval SJ corresponding to the input interval between them. In FIG. 3, an individual area OE1 indicated by a dashed dotted line indicates an arrangement area of ​​the object OJ based on the input information, and is a rectangular area consisting of two sides parallel to the X-axis direction and two sides parallel to the Z-axis direction. The arrangement interval SJ corresponds to the interval between the individual areas OE1 in the X-axis direction.

[0022] At this time, the mobile terminal 1 generates print data so that the maximum number of objects OJ based on the input information is printed in the object area OE within the object area OE having an area length OEL corresponding to the input length. The object area OE is an area indicated by a dashed line in FIG. 3, and is a rectangular area consisting of two sides parallel to the X-axis direction and two sides parallel to the Z-axis direction. The function of generating print data so that the objects OJ are arranged repeatedly in the object area OE in this manner is the repeated text printing function. By using this repeated text printing function, the user can easily create a highly decorative tape-like printed matter, such as a packaging ribbon, in which multiple objects OJ are arranged repeatedly.

[0023] As described above, the mobile terminal 1 places a plurality of objects OJ in the object area OE so that the number of objects OJ based on the input information is the maximum number that can fit within the object area OE having an area length OEL corresponding to the input length. For example, when the mobile terminal 1 repeatedly places objects OJ from the end of the object area OE in the -X direction, it does not place in the object area OE any object OJ that does not fit entirely within the object area OE. This allows the user to obtain a good-looking printout in which the objects OJ are printed without interruption.

[0024] Incidentally, a printing area A in which an object OJ can be printed is defined on the tape T. The printing area A is an area indicated by a two-dot chain line in FIG. 3. The printing area A is an area extending in the X-axis direction from a position that is the first margin length XL away from the end of the tape T in the -X direction in the +X direction to a position that is the first margin length XL away from the end of the tape T in the +X direction in the -X direction. Also, the printing area A is an area extending in the Z-axis direction from a position that is the second margin length ZL away from the end of the tape T in the +Z direction in the -Z direction to a position that is the second margin length ZL away from the end of the tape T in the -Z direction in the +Z direction.

[0025] The first margin length XL can be set in a setting dialog 80, which will be described later. In this embodiment, the second margin length ZL is a fixed length. The first margin length XL may be a fixed length or a length that is uniquely set according to the tape width.

[0026] Furthermore, the print area A, object area OE, and individual area OE1 are shown in FIG. 3 for the purpose of explanation, and are not actually printed on the tape T.

[0027] As described above, the mobile terminal 1 displays an editing screen 50 for editing the object OJ on the touch panel 11. A print preview PP is displayed on this editing screen 50, and the tape image TI, print display area AI, object image OI, and object image area EI (all see FIG. 9) included in the print preview PP correspond to the tape T, print area A, object OJ, and object area OE shown in FIG. 3, respectively. Therefore, in the following explanation of the editing screen 50, directions are indicated using the X-axis and Z-axis shown in FIG. 3. The tape image TI is an example of a "medium image."

[0028] In the following description, the length of the tape T in the X-axis direction is referred to as the "tape length," and the length of the tape T in the Z-axis direction is referred to as the "tape width."

[0029] 4 is a block diagram showing the hardware configuration of the mobile terminal 1 and the tape printing apparatus 2. The mobile terminal 1 includes a touch panel 11, a mobile terminal side communication unit 12, and a mobile terminal side control unit 13.

[0030] The touch panel 11 functions as a display unit and an operation unit. For example, the touch panel 11 displays an edit screen 50 and is used for various operations on the edit screen 50.

[0031] The mobile terminal communication unit 12 communicates with the tape printing device 2 via the cable 5. For example, the mobile terminal communication unit 12 transmits print data to the tape printing device 2 and receives cartridge information indicating the type of tape cartridge C installed in the tape printing device 2 from the tape printing device 2.

[0032] The mobile terminal control unit 13 includes a mobile terminal central processing unit (CPU) 13a, a mobile terminal read only memory (ROM) 13b, and a mobile terminal random access memory (RAM) 13c.

[0033] The mobile terminal CPU 13a performs various controls by expanding various programs stored in the mobile terminal ROM 13b into the mobile terminal RAM 13c and executing them. Note that the mobile terminal control unit 13 may use a hardware circuit such as an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit) as a processor instead of the mobile terminal CPU 13a. The processor may also be configured such that one or more CPUs and a hardware circuit such as an ASIC work together to operate.

[0034] The mobile terminal side ROM 13b is a rewritable ROM, and stores a dedicated application 31 and includes a data storage area 32. The dedicated application 31 is an example of a "program".

[0035] The dedicated application 31 is an application program for displaying the editing screen 50, generating print data, and communicating with the tape printing device 2. The data storage area 32 stores various setting values ​​in the dedicated application 31 and edited data generated by the dedicated application 31.

[0036] The tape printing device 2 includes a printing device side communication section 41, a cartridge information reading section 42, a printing section 43, and a printing device side control section 44.

[0037] The printing device communication unit 41 communicates with the mobile terminal 1 via a cable 5 .

[0038] The cartridge information reading unit 42 optically reads out cartridge information from a code image (not shown) provided on the outer surface of the tape cartridge C loaded in the cartridge loading unit 23. Alternatively, the cartridge information reading unit 42 reads out cartridge information from a circuit board (not shown) having a memory element provided in the tape cartridge C. The cartridge information includes information indicating the tape width of the tape T stored in the tape cartridge C.

[0039] The printing unit 43 is a mechanism for printing on the tape T, and includes a thermal head 26, a feed motor 43a, and a cutter motor 43b. The thermal head 26 has a plurality of heating elements, and performs printing by thermally transferring ink from the ink ribbon R to the tape T. The feed motor 43a is a drive source that feeds the tape T. The cutter motor 43b is a drive source that drives the cutter 27.

[0040] The printing device control unit 44 includes a printing device CPU 44a, a printing device ROM 44b, and a printing device RAM 44c.

[0041] The printer CPU 44a performs various controls by expanding control programs such as firmware stored in the printer ROM 44b into the printer RAM 44c and executing them. Note that the printer control unit 44 may use a hardware circuit such as an ASIC as a processor instead of the printer CPU 44a. The processor may also be configured such that one or more CPUs and a hardware circuit such as an ASIC work together to operate.

[0042] The printing device CPU 44a uses a control program stored in the printing device ROM 44b to print on the tape T unwound from the tape cartridge C based on the print data transmitted from the portable terminal 1. Furthermore, when the printing device CPU 44a receives a cartridge information request signal from the portable terminal 1, it obtains cartridge information via the cartridge information reading unit 42 and transmits the obtained cartridge information to the portable terminal 1.

[0043] The functional configuration of the mobile terminal 1 will be described with reference to Fig. 5. The mobile terminal 1 includes an acquisition unit 310, a display control unit 320, and a generation unit 330. All of these functions are realized by the mobile terminal side CPU 13a executing a dedicated application 31.

[0044] The acquiring unit 310 acquires input information, an input interval, and an input length. The acquiring unit 310 acquires this information when a user designates a repeat text printing function. In this embodiment, the input information is assumed to be text information.

[0045] The acquiring unit 310 also acquires format information indicating format settings of an object image group OIG including multiple object images OI repeatedly arranged in the X-axis direction on the editing screen 50. The object image group OIG is a collective term for multiple object images OI arranged in the object image area EI when the repeated text printing function is specified.

[0046] The acquiring unit 310 acquires, as the format information, for example, rotation information indicating the rotation of the object image OI. In addition, the format information includes information indicating format settings such as font settings, character decoration settings, character spacing settings, and line spacing settings.

[0047] The acquisition unit 310 also acquires a copy command for the object image group OIG. The acquisition unit 310 acquires the above-mentioned input information, input interval, input length, format information, and copy command based on a user operation on the editing screen 50.

[0048] When the user specifies the repeated text printing function, the display control unit 320 performs display control of the touch panel 11 as follows, based on the input information, input interval, and input length acquired by the acquisition unit 310. The display control unit 320 performs display control of the touch panel 11 so that object images OI based on the input information are repeatedly arranged in the X-axis direction of the tape image TI with a display arrangement interval SI (see FIG. 13) corresponding to the input interval between them. The X-axis direction is an example of a "display direction." At this time, the display control unit 320 performs display control of the touch panel 11 so that the maximum number of object images OI based on the input information that can fit within the object image area EI are displayed in the object image area EI. The object image area EI is an area that can be displayed on the tape image TI, and has a length in the X-axis direction that is a display area length EIL (see FIG. 13) corresponding to the input length.

[0049] Furthermore, when the format information is acquired by the acquisition unit 310, the display control unit 320 reflects the format setting indicated by the format information for the multiple object images OI included in the object image group OIG on an object image group OIG basis, and causes the multiple object images OI to be displayed on the touch panel 11. For example, when the display control unit 320 acquires rotation information by the acquisition unit 310, the display control unit 320 rotates each of the multiple object images OI included in the object image group OIG, thereby reflecting the format setting indicated by the rotation information on the multiple object images OI.

[0050] Furthermore, when the acquisition unit 310 acquires a copy command, the display control unit 320 copies the object image group OIG and causes the touch panel 11 to display a plurality of object image groups OIG.

[0051] Furthermore, the display control unit 320 causes the object image area EI to be displayed on the touch panel 11. In this embodiment, when the object image group OIG is in a selected state, the display control unit 320 causes the object image area EI in which the object image group OIG is arranged to be displayed on the touch panel 11. On the other hand, when the object image group OIG is in a non-selected state, the display control unit 320 does not cause the object image area EI in which the object image group OIG is arranged to be displayed on the touch panel 11.

[0052] When the user specifies the repeated text printing function, the generation unit 330 generates print data as follows, based on the input information, input interval, and input length acquired by the acquisition unit 310. The generation unit 330 generates print data so that objects OJ based on the input information are repeatedly arranged in the X-axis direction of the tape T with an arrangement interval SJ corresponding to the input interval between them, and the maximum number of objects that can fit within the object area OE is printed in the object area OE.

[0053] 6 to 17, the display and operation of the editing screen 50 will be described with specific examples. Fig. 6 shows a screen that is displayed when the user selects a menu selection button that indicates the creation of a new tape on a menu screen (not shown) that is displayed immediately after the dedicated application 31 is started. A print preview area 51 and a function selection area 53 are displayed on the editing screen 50 shown in Fig. 6.

[0054] A tape information display area 60 and a print preview PP are displayed in the print preview area 51. Tape length setting information 61, tape size information 62, and a setting button 63 are displayed in the tape information display area 60. Of these, the tape length setting information 61 and tape size information 62 display standard values ​​that are set in advance in the dedicated application 31 until an object selection button 71, which will be described later, is selected.

[0055] The tape length setting information 61 is information indicating whether the tape length setting is "free length" or "fixed length". "Free length" is a tape length setting that determines the tape length according to the position of the end of the object area OE (see FIG. 3) in the +X direction. When the tape length setting is "free length", the mobile terminal 1 determines the tape length so that the end of the tape T in the +X direction is located at a position away from the end of the object area OE in the +X direction by the first margin length XL. On the other hand, "fixed length" is a tape length setting that determines the tape length to be the fixed length specified by the user. In the following description, it is assumed that the tape length setting is set to "free length".

[0056] The tape size information 62 includes tape length information and tape width information. When the tape length setting is "free length", the tape length information changes according to the length in the X-axis direction of the tape image TI included in the print preview PP. When the tape length setting is "fixed length", the tape length information displayed is the tape length set in a setting dialog 80 (see FIG. 7) described later. When the tape width information displayed is the tape width set in the setting dialog 80 described later or the tape width based on the cartridge information acquired from the tape printer 2.

[0057] The setting button 63 is a button for displaying a setting dialog 80. The setting dialog 80 will be described later.

[0058] The print preview PP includes a tape image TI that imitates the tape T, and a print display area AI that is an area within the tape image TI and indicates a print area A of the tape T. In FIG. 6, the print display area AI is a white area in the center of the tape image TI. When the portable terminal 1 acquires information required for printing the object OJ, such as input information, it displays an object image OI that imitates the object OJ as part of the print preview PP (see FIG. 9). Furthermore, when the object image OI is selected, the portable terminal 1 displays an object image area EI that indicates the area of ​​the object image OI (see FIG. 9).

[0059] In the function selection area 53, an object selection button 71, a save button 73, and a print button 75 are displayed. The object selection button 71 includes a text button 71a, a repeat text button 71b, and an image button 71c. When the text button 71a is selected, the mobile terminal 1 displays one object image OI indicating text based on the input information as part of the print preview PP. When the repeat text button 71b is selected, the mobile terminal 1 displays the maximum number of object images OI indicating text based on the input information within the object image area EI as part of the print preview PP. In other words, the repeat text button 71b is a button for specifying a repeat text print function. When the image button 71c is selected, the mobile terminal 1 displays an object image OI indicating an image selected by the user as part of the print preview PP.

[0060] When the save button 73 is selected, the portable terminal 1 stores the image of the print preview PP displayed in the print preview area 51 and various setting values ​​used to generate the print preview PP in the data storage area 32 in the portable terminal side ROM 13b. When the print button 75 is selected, the portable terminal 1 generates print data corresponding to the print preview PP displayed in the print preview area 51 and transmits the generated print data to the tape printing device 2. The selection of the print button 75 is an example of a "print command".

[0061] When the setting button 63 is selected on the editing screen 50 shown in FIG. 6, the mobile terminal 1 displays a setting dialog 80 in the print preview area 51 as shown in FIG.

[0062] The setting dialog 80 displays a tape length setting area 81, a margin setting area 82, a tape width setting area 83, a cancel button 84, and a first OK button 85. The tape length setting area 81 is an area for setting whether the tape length setting is to be "free length" or "fixed length", and includes an automatic button 81a, a fixed button 81b, and a tape length input field 81c. When the automatic button 81a is selected, the portable terminal 1 sets the tape length setting to "free length". When the fixed button 81b is selected, the portable terminal 1 sets the tape length setting to "fixed length" and sets the tape length to the length input in the tape length input field 81c.

[0063] The margin setting area 82 is an area for setting the first margin length XL, and includes a margin input field 82a. The mobile terminal 1 sets the length input in the margin input field 82a as the first margin length XL.

[0064] The tape width setting area 83 is an area for setting the tape width, and includes a tape width selection field 83a and a tape width acquisition button 83b. The portable terminal 1 displays a plurality of tape width options in the tape width selection field 83a. When the user selects one of the plurality of tape width options, the portable terminal 1 displays the tape width indicated by the selected tape width option in the tape width selection field 83a. Furthermore, when the user selects the tape width acquisition button 83b, the portable terminal 1 transmits a cartridge information request signal to the tape printer 2 and acquires cartridge information from the tape printer 2. The portable terminal 1 displays the tape width indicated by the acquired cartridge information in the tape width selection field 83a.

[0065] When the cancel button 84 is selected, the mobile terminal 1 cancels the settings in the setting dialog 80 and hides the setting dialog 80. When the first OK button 85 is selected, the mobile terminal 1 updates the display of the print preview area 51 and various setting values ​​in accordance with the settings in the setting dialog 80.

[0066] Fig. 8 shows the editing screen 50 that is displayed when the repeat text button 71b is selected on the editing screen 50 shown in Fig. 6. The editing screen 50 shown in Fig. 8 displays a print preview area 51 and a text input area 55.

[0067] The print preview area 51 of the editing screen 50 shown in Fig. 8 reflects the setting value when the repeat text button 71b was selected last time. Hereinafter, the setting value when the repeat text button 71b was selected last time will be referred to as the "previous setting value." Specifically, the previous setting values ​​are reflected in the tape length information and tape width information included in the tape size information 62, and in the tape image TI, print display area AI, and object image area EI included in the print preview PP. At this time, the length of the print display area AI in the X-axis direction is equal to the length of the object image area EI in the X-axis direction.

[0068] In the text input area 55, a text input field 91, a done button 92, and a keyboard 94 are displayed. The keyboard 94 is an on-screen keyboard including text keys and numeric keys. Text is entered into the text input field 91 using the keyboard 94. Multiple lines of text can be entered into the text input field 91. The done button 92 is a button that is selected by the user when the input of text is completed.

[0069] When the text "1" is entered in the text input field 91, the mobile terminal 1 displays an object image OI as part of the print preview PP, as shown in Fig. 9. The mobile terminal 1 displays a print preview PP for implementing a repeated text printing function based on the input information, that is, the text "1", and the input length and input interval of the previous settings. In the example of Fig. 9, the print preview PP includes an object image group OIG including six object images OI.

[0070] As shown in Fig. 9, when the text "234" is further input into the text input field 91, that is, when the text "1234" is input into the text input field 91, the mobile terminal 1 displays the editing screen 50 shown in Fig. 10. In this case, the mobile terminal 1 displays a print preview PP for implementing a repeated text printing function based on the input information, that is, the text "1234", and the input length and input interval of the previous settings. In the example of Fig. 10, the print preview PP includes an object image group OIG including two object images OI.

[0071] When the done button 92 is selected with the text "1234" input in the text input area 55 as shown in Fig. 10, the mobile terminal 1 displays the editing screen 50 shown in Fig. 11. That is, the mobile terminal 1 displays the object editing area 57 on the editing screen 50 in place of the text input area 55.

[0072] An edit button area 100, a tab group 110, and a close icon 105 are displayed in the object editing area 57. When the close icon 105 is selected, the mobile terminal 1 hides the object editing area 57 and displays the function selection area 53 (see FIG. 6) on the editing screen 50.

[0073] When the repeat text button 71b is selected from the function selection area 53 and text is entered in the text input field 91 while an object image group OIG is displayed in the print preview area 51, the mobile terminal 1 can display a new object image group OIG in the print preview area 51. In other words, the mobile terminal 1 can display a plurality of object image groups OIG in the print preview area 51.

[0074] The edit button area 100 includes a copy button 101 , a rotate button 102 , and a delete button 103 .

[0075] When the copy button 101 is selected, the mobile terminal 1 copies the object image group OIG displayed in the selected object image area EI in the print preview area 51 (see FIG. 14). The selection of the copy button 101 is an example of a "copy command."

[0076] When the rotate button 102 is selected, the mobile terminal 1 rotates each of the multiple object images OI included in the object image group OIG displayed in the selected object image area EI in the print preview area 51 (see FIG. 15). The information acquired by the acquisition unit 310 when the rotate button 102 is selected is an example of "rotation information" and "format information."

[0077] When the delete button 103 is selected, the mobile terminal 1 deletes the object image group OIG displayed in the selected object image area EI in the print preview area 51.

[0078] The tab group 110 includes a layout tab, a font tab, a spacing tab, and an alignment tab.

[0079] When the layout tab is selected in the tab group 110, the mobile terminal 1 displays an area length setting area 111 and an arrangement interval setting area 112 in the object editing area 57. The area length setting area 111 includes an input length input field 111a. The mobile terminal 1 sets the area length OEL of the object area OE and the display area length EIL of the object image area EI according to the input length input in the input length input field 111a.

[0080] The layout interval setting area 112 also includes an input interval input field 112a. The mobile terminal 1 sets the layout interval SJ of the plurality of objects OJ included in the object group OJG and the display layout interval SI of the plurality of object images OI included in the object image group OIG in accordance with the input interval input in the input interval input field 112a.

[0081] When the Font tab is selected in the tab group 110, the mobile terminal 1 displays a selection field for selecting a font type, a selection field for selecting a font size, and a selection field for selecting a character decoration in the object editing area 57 (not shown). When the Spacing tab is selected in the tab group 110, the mobile terminal 1 displays a setting field for setting the text spacing in the X-axis direction and a setting field for setting the line spacing between text lines in the object editing area 57 (not shown). The display of the object editing area 57 when the Alignment tab is selected in the tab group 110 will be described later (see FIG. 17).

[0082] Note that the information acquired by acquisition unit 310 when the font tab is selected and a selection is made in each selection field, and the information acquired by acquisition unit 310 when the spacing tab is selected and settings are made in each setting field, are examples of "format information."

[0083] When the input length is changed from the previous setting value of "90 mm" to "130 mm" in the area length setting area 111 of the editing screen 50 shown in Fig. 11, the mobile terminal 1 displays the editing screen 50 shown in Fig. 12. The editing screen 50 shown in Fig. 12 displays a print preview PP for realizing a repeat text printing function based on the input information, that is, the text "1234", the input length "130 mm" displayed in the input length input field 111a, and the input interval "10 mm" displayed in the input interval input field 112a.

[0084] Fig. 13 is an explanatory diagram of the print preview PP shown in Fig. 12. The mobile terminal 1 displays the print preview PP so that object images OI showing the text "1234" are repeatedly arranged in the X-axis direction of the tape image TI with a display arrangement interval SI corresponding to the input interval "10 mm" between them. At this time, the mobile terminal 1 displays the print preview PP so that the maximum number of object images OI showing the text "1234" are displayed in the object image area EI, whose length in the X-axis direction is the display area length EIL corresponding to the input length "130 mm".

[0085] 13, individual image area EI1 indicated by a dashed line indicates the arrangement area of ​​object image OI based on input information, and is a rectangular area consisting of two sides parallel to the X-axis direction and two sides parallel to the Z-axis direction. Display arrangement interval SI corresponds to the interval between individual image areas EI1 in the X-axis direction. Note that individual image area EI1 is shown in FIG. 13 for the purpose of explanation, and is not actually displayed on editing screen 50. Also, when multiple lines of text are input as input information, the length in the X-axis direction of individual image area EI1 is the length in the X-axis direction of the longest line that has the longest length in the X-axis direction.

[0086] 12 and 13 show the case where the area length OEL (see FIG. 3) of the object area OE is set to "130 mm" and the first margin length XL is set to "5 mm" in the setting dialog 80 (see FIG. 7). Therefore, as shown in FIG. 12, the tape length displayed in the tape information display area 60 is "130+5+5=140 mm."

[0087] Fig. 14 shows the editing screen 50 that is displayed when the Duplicate button 101 is selected on the editing screen 50 shown in Fig. 12. When the Duplicate button 101 is selected in a state in which an object image area EI is selected, the mobile terminal 1 duplicates the object image group OIG that is displayed in the selected object image area EI.

[0088] 14, object image group OIGa is the original object image group OIG, and object image group OIGb is the duplicated object image group OIG. When the Duplicate button 101 is selected, the duplicated object image group OIGb is selected, and an object image area EI of the object image group OIGb is displayed as part of the print preview PP. The duplicated object image group OIGb is displayed slightly shifted in position in the +X and -Z directions relative to the original object image group OIGa. As a result, the tape length information displayed in the tape size information 62 has changed from "140 mm" to "141 mm."

[0089] Fig. 15 shows the editing screen 50 displayed when the rotate button 102 is selected on the editing screen 50 shown in Fig. 12. When the rotate button 102 is selected in a state in which an object image area EI is selected, the mobile terminal 1 rotates each of the multiple object images OI included in the object image group OIG displayed in the selected object image area EI. When the object image OI is rotated, a part of the object image OI in the +Z direction and a part of the object image OI in the -Z direction may protrude from the object image area EI, but the length of the object image area EI in the Z-axis direction does not change. The object image area EI is an area that includes the object image group OIG when the rotation angle of the object image OI is 0°.

[0090] 16 is an explanatory diagram regarding the rotation of the object image OI. When rotating the object image OI by selecting the rotation button 102, the mobile terminal 1 rotates the object image OI by 90° counterclockwise around the center EC of the individual image area EI1. Therefore, when the rotation button 102 is selected twice, the object image OI is rotated half a half from the state shown in FIG. 12. In this way, the mobile terminal 1 rotates the object image OI by 90° counterclockwise each time the rotation button 102 is selected. The center EC means the center of the individual image area EI1 in the X-axis direction and the Z-axis direction.

[0091] Fig. 17 shows the editing screen 50 when the Layout tab is selected in the tab group 110 of the editing screen 50 shown in Fig. 12. In this case, the mobile terminal 1 displays a layout selection area 121 and a rotation angle setting area 122 in the object editing area 57.

[0092] The layout selection area 121 includes a left alignment button 121a, a horizontal center alignment button 121b, a right alignment button 121c, a top alignment button 121d, a vertical center alignment button 121e, and a bottom alignment button 121f.

[0093] When the left justification button 121a is selected, the mobile terminal 1 moves the object image area EI so that the end of the selected object image area EI in the -X direction coincides with the end of the print display area AI in the -X direction. When the left-right center alignment button 121b is selected, the mobile terminal 1 moves the object image area EI so that the center position of the selected object image area EI in the X-axis direction coincides with the center position of the print display area AI in the X-axis direction. When the right justification button 121c is selected, the mobile terminal 1 moves the object image area EI so that the end of the selected object image area EI in the +X direction coincides with the end of the print display area AI in the +X direction. The -X direction is an example of the "first display direction", and the +X direction is an example of the "second display direction".

[0094] Furthermore, when the top align button 121d is selected, the portable terminal 1 moves the object image area EI so that the end of the selected object image area EI in the +Z direction coincides with the end of the print display area AI in the +Z direction. Furthermore, when the top-bottom center align button 121e is selected, the portable terminal 1 moves the object image area EI so that the center position of the selected object image area EI in the Z axis direction coincides with the center position of the print display area AI in the Z axis direction. Furthermore, when the bottom align button 121f is selected, the portable terminal 1 moves the object image area EI so that the end of the selected object image area EI in the -Z direction coincides with the end of the print display area AI in the -Z direction.

[0095] The rotation angle setting area 122 includes a rotation angle display field 122a and a rotation angle adjustment slider 122b. The rotation angle adjusted by the rotation angle adjustment slider 122b is displayed in the rotation angle display field 122a. When the slider operator of the rotation angle adjustment slider 122b is moved in the +X direction, the mobile terminal 1 increases the set value of the rotation angle. Also, when the slider operator of the rotation angle adjustment slider 122b is moved in the -X direction, the mobile terminal 1 decreases the set value of the rotation angle. In the rotation angle adjustment slider 122b, the rotation angle can be adjusted from "0°" to "360°".

[0096] The mobile terminal 1 rotates the object image OI displayed in the object editing area 57 in response to the operation of the rotation angle adjustment slider 122b. In this case, the mobile terminal 1 also rotates the object image OI counterclockwise around the center EC of the individual image area EI1. The information acquired by the acquisition unit 310 as a result of the operation of the rotation angle adjustment slider 122b is an example of "rotation information" and "format information."

[0097] 18 is a flowchart showing print data transmission processing by the mobile terminal 1. The print data transmission processing is an example of a "method of controlling an information processing device." The print data transmission processing is triggered by a user operating the object selection button 71 (see FIG. 6).

[0098] In step S01, the mobile terminal 1 determines whether or not the repeat text button 71b has been selected. If the mobile terminal 1 determines that the repeat text button 71b has been selected, the mobile terminal 1 proceeds to step S02. If the mobile terminal 1 determines that the repeat text button 71b has not been selected, the mobile terminal 1 performs a process corresponding to the selected object selection button 71.

[0099] In step S02, the mobile terminal 1 acquires the input information, the input interval, and the input length.

[0100] In step S03, the mobile terminal 1 displays the object image group OIG on the editing screen 50 based on the input information, input interval, and input length acquired in step S02.

[0101] In step S04, the mobile terminal 1 determines whether or not an edit operation of the object OJ has been performed. The edit operation of the object OJ refers to an operation of changing various setting values ​​in the setting dialog 80 and the object edit area 57. If the mobile terminal 1 determines that an edit operation of the object OJ has been performed, the mobile terminal 1 proceeds to step S05. On the other hand, if the mobile terminal 1 determines that an edit operation of the object OJ has not been performed, the mobile terminal 1 proceeds to step S06.

[0102] In step S05, the mobile terminal 1 updates the display on the editing screen 50 in response to the editing operation of the object OJ performed in step S04.

[0103] In step S06, the mobile terminal 1 determines whether or not a print command has been acquired. If the mobile terminal 1 determines that a print command has been acquired, the process proceeds to step S07. If the mobile terminal 1 determines that a print command has not been acquired, the process returns to step S04.

[0104] In step S07, the mobile terminal 1 generates print data based on the input information, input interval, and input length acquired in step S02. Also, when an editing operation of the object OJ is performed, the mobile terminal 1 generates print data based on the editing result.

[0105] In step S08, the mobile terminal 1 transmits the print data generated in step S07 to the tape printing device 2.

[0106] As described above, the portable terminal 1 according to this embodiment generates print data so that objects OJ based on input information are repeatedly arranged in the X-axis direction of the tape T with an arrangement interval SJ corresponding to the input interval between them. At this time, the portable terminal 1 generates print data so that the maximum number of objects OJ based on input information that can fit within the object area OE, whose length in the X-axis direction is the area length OEL corresponding to the input length, are printed in the object area OE. This allows the user to obtain a good-looking printout in which the objects OJ are repeatedly arranged in the X-axis direction of the tape T and are printed without interruption.

[0107] The portable terminal 1 also displays the print preview PP so that the object images OI based on the input information are repeatedly arranged in the X-axis direction of the tape image TI with a display arrangement interval SI corresponding to the input interval between them. At this time, the portable terminal 1 displays the print preview PP so that the maximum number of object images OI based on the input information that can fit within the object image area EI, whose length in the X-axis direction is the display area length EIL corresponding to the input length, are displayed in the object image area EI. This allows the user to predict the print result from the display of the print preview PP.

[0108] Furthermore, when the mobile terminal 1 acquires format information indicating the format setting of the object image group OIG, the mobile terminal 1 reflects the format setting indicated by the format information to the multiple object images OI included in the object image group OIG for each object image group OIG. This allows the user to collectively perform format setting for the multiple object images OI included in the object image group OIG for each object image group OIG.

[0109] Furthermore, when the mobile terminal 1 acquires rotation information indicating the rotation of the object image OI as the format information, the mobile terminal 1 rotates each of the multiple object images OI included in the object image group OIG, allowing the user to collectively rotate the multiple object images OI included in the object image group OIG.

[0110] Furthermore, when the mobile terminal 1 acquires the copy command, it copies the object image group OIG and displays a plurality of object image groups OIG on the editing screen 50. This allows the user to display a plurality of object image groups OIG on the editing screen 50 without newly inputting input information, input length, and input interval.

[0111] Furthermore, the mobile terminal 1 displays the object image area EI on the editing screen 50. This allows the user to confirm the arrangement area of ​​the object image group OIG.

[0112] The following modifications may be adopted without being limited to the above-described embodiment. The following modifications may be implemented in combination. [Variation 1] 13, when a margin occurs between an end in the +X direction of an object image OI located furthest in the +X direction among multiple object images OI included in an object image group OIG and an end in the +X direction of an object image area EI, the mobile terminal 1 may perform a process of deleting the margin. Hereinafter, this margin will be referred to as an "area margin."

[0113] This modification will be described with reference to Fig. 19 to Fig. 21. In this modification, among the multiple object images OI included in the object image group OIG, the object image OI located furthest in the -X direction is called a leading object image OIa, and the object image OI located furthest in the +X direction is called a trailing object image OIb (see Fig. 20 for both). When the user designates a repeat text printing function, the mobile terminal 1 arranges the multiple object images OI so that the end of the leading object image OIa in the -X direction matches the end of the object image area EI in the -X direction. Note that the end of the leading object image OIa in the -X direction corresponds to the end of the individual image area EI1 of the leading object image OIa in the -X direction.

[0114] When an area margin occurs between the end of the last object image OIb in the +X direction and the end of the object image area EI in the +X direction, the display control unit 320 according to this modification causes the touch panel 11 to display a shortened object image area EIs (see FIG. 20) in which the end of the object image area EI in the +X direction is moved in the -X direction by the amount of the area margin. In this modification, the shortened object image area EIs is displayed on the touch panel 11 as follows. Note that the end of the last object image OIb in the +X direction corresponds to the end of the individual image area EI1 of the last object image OIb in the +X direction.

[0115] When a blank area occurs between the end of the last object image OIb in the +X direction and the end of the object image area EI in the +X direction, the display control unit 320 causes the touch panel 11 to display a message 131 (see FIG. 19 ) prompting the user to select whether or not to display the abbreviated object image area EIs on the touch panel 11. Then, when the user selects to display the abbreviated object image area EIs, the display control unit 320 causes the touch panel 11 to display the abbreviated object image area EIs. Also, when the user selects not to display the abbreviated object image area EIs, the display control unit 320 causes the touch panel 11 to display the object image area EI without displaying the abbreviated object image area EIs.

[0116] Fig. 19 is a diagram showing an example of an editing screen 50 according to this modified example. When text is input in the text input field 91 and the done button 92 is selected (see Fig. 8), if an area margin occurs, the mobile terminal 1 displays the selection dialog 130 shown in Fig. 19 on the editing screen 50. Also, when a setting value is changed in the area length setting area 111 or the arrangement interval setting area 112 of the object editing area 57 (see Fig. 11), if an area margin occurs, the mobile terminal 1 displays the selection dialog 130 on the editing screen 50. Here, it is assumed that the input length is changed to "130 mm" in the area length setting area 111, causing an area margin (see Fig. 12).

[0117] The selection dialog 130 displays a message 131, a second OK button 132, and a NO button 133. The message 131 prompts the user to select whether or not to display the abbreviated object image area EIs.

[0118] When the second OK button 132 is selected, the mobile terminal 1 determines that the user has selected to display the abbreviated object image area EIs, and displays the abbreviated object image area EIs in the print preview area 51 (see FIG. 20). When the NO button 133 is selected, the mobile terminal 1 determines that the user has selected not to display the abbreviated object image area EIs, and displays the object image area EI in the print preview area 51 (see FIG. 12).

[0119] In this way, the mobile terminal 1 according to this modification allows the user to check the shortened object image area EIs. Also, when the tape length setting is "free length", the end of the print display area AI in the +X direction can be matched with the end of the shortened object image area EIs in the +X direction as shown in Fig. 20, so that the user can obtain a good-looking printout with no area margins.

[0120] 21, when the tape length setting is "fixed length", the end of the print display area AI in the +X direction may not match the end of the abbreviated object image area EIs in the +X direction simply by displaying the abbreviated object image area EIs. However, according to the mobile terminal 1 of this modification, since the abbreviated object image area EIs is displayed, the user can easily align the print display area AI with the abbreviated object image area EIs by moving the abbreviated object image area EIs.

[0121] [Variation 2] When a blank area occurs, the mobile terminal 1 may display the abbreviated object image area EIs in the print preview area 51 without displaying the selection dialog 130 shown in FIG.

[0122] [Variation 3] When an area margin occurs, the mobile terminal 1 may additionally display an object image OI. For example, assume that the input length is changed to "130 mm" in the area length setting area 111 of the editing screen 50 shown in Fig. 11, causing an area margin. In this case, the mobile terminal 1 displays a print preview PP shown in Fig. 22.

[0123] In the print preview PP shown in Fig. 22, one object image OI is additionally displayed in the +X direction of the object image group OIG shown in the print preview PP in Fig. 13 with a display arrangement interval SI corresponding to the input interval. In Fig. 22, this object image OI is shown as an additional object image OIx. In addition, in accordance with this, the end of the object image area EI in the +X direction is moved in the +X direction so that the end of the additional object image OIx in the +X direction and the end of the object image area EI in the +X direction coincide with each other. In Fig. 22, this object image area EI is shown as an extended object image area EIx. Thus, according to the mobile terminal 1 of this modification, although the length of the object image area EI is extended, the user can obtain a good-looking printed matter without any area margin.

[0124] As an application of this modified example, the mobile terminal 1 may additionally display an option for additionally displaying an object image OI to the options in the selection dialog 130 (see FIG. 19). When this option is selected, the mobile terminal 1 may additionally display one object image OI in the +X direction of the last object image OIb.

[0125] As an application of this modified example, the mobile terminal 1 may automatically update the input length displayed in the area length input field 111a in accordance with the display area length EIL of the extended object image area EIx.

[0126] [Variation 4] When an area margin occurs, the mobile terminal 1 may extend the length of the display layout interval SI in the X-axis direction. For example, assume that the input length is changed to "130 mm" in the area length setting area 111 of the editing screen 50 shown in Fig. 11, causing an area margin. In this case, the mobile terminal 1 displays a print preview PP shown in Fig. 23.

[0127] In the print preview PP shown in Fig. 23, when the number of object images OI included in the object image group OIG is "n", the length of the area margin in the X-axis direction is divided into "n-1", and the length of the display layout interval SI at the "n-1" locations is extended by each divided length. In Fig. 23, the extended display layout interval SI is shown as extended display layout interval SIy. Thus, with the mobile terminal 1 according to this modification, although the length of the display layout interval SI is changed, the user can obtain a good-looking printed matter without area margins.

[0128] As an application of this modified example, the mobile terminal 1 may additionally display an option for widening the display arrangement interval SI to the options of the selection dialog 130. When this option is selected, the mobile terminal 1 may extend the length of the display arrangement interval SI of the "n-1" position.

[0129] As an application of this modified example, the mobile terminal 1 may automatically update the input interval displayed in the input interval input field 112a in accordance with the length of the extended display arrangement interval SIy.

[0130] [Variation 5] When an area margin occurs, the mobile terminal 1 may arrange the object image group OIG so that the center of the object image group OIG in the X-axis direction is located at the center of the object image area EI in the X-axis direction. For example, assume that the input length is changed to "130 mm" in the area length setting area 111 of the editing screen 50 shown in Fig. 11, causing an area margin. In this case, the mobile terminal 1 displays a print preview PP shown in Fig. 24.

[0131] In the print preview PP shown in Fig. 24, a 1 / 2 margin, which is a margin obtained by dividing the length of the area margin in the X-axis direction by two, is added in the -X and +X directions of the object image group OIG. In Fig. 24, the length of the 1 / 2 margin in the X-axis direction is shown as margin length ML. In this way, with the portable terminal 1 according to this modification, the user can obtain a good-looking printout with uniform margins at both ends in the X-axis direction of the tape T.

[0132] As an application of this modified example, the mobile terminal 1 may additionally display an option for arranging the object image group OIG so that the center of the object image group OIG in the X-axis direction is located at the center of the object image area EI in the X-axis direction, to the options of the selection dialog 130. When this option is selected, the mobile terminal 1 may add a 1 / 2 margin to each of the -X direction and +X direction of the object image group OIG.

[0133] [Variation 6] The mobile terminal 1 may constantly display the object image area EI on the editing screen 50. That is, the object image area EI may be displayed on the editing screen 50 not only when the object image area EI is in a selected state, but also when the object image area EI is in a non-selected state.

[0134] [Variation 7] When rotating the object image OI, the mobile terminal 1 does not necessarily have to rotate the object image OI around the center EC of the individual image area EI1. For example, the mobile terminal 1 may rotate the object image OI around a corner of the individual image area EI1.

[0135] [Variation 8] The above embodiment may be applied to the tape printing device 2. That is, the tape printing device 2 may realize each function shown in Fig. 5. In this modification, each function shown in Fig. 5 is realized by the printing device side CPU 44a executing a control program stored in the printing device side ROM 44b.

[0136] [Variation 9] Instead of the mobile terminal 1, the "information processing device" may be an information processing terminal that is difficult to carry, such as a desktop personal computer. The "print medium" may be a medium other than tape T, such as copy paper. The object OJ may be an image, such as a GIF file, instead of text. The dedicated application 31 may be provided to the customer as a program. A storage medium on which the dedicated application 31 is recorded may be provided to the customer. Other modifications may be made as appropriate without departing from the spirit of the present invention.

[0137] [Note] The following additional information will be provided regarding an information processing device, a printing device, a control method for the information processing device, and a program. The mobile terminal 1 includes an acquisition unit 310 that acquires input information, an input interval, and an input length, and a generation unit 330 that generates print data based on the acquired input information, input interval, and input length so that objects OJ based on the input information are repeatedly arranged in the X-axis direction of the tape T with an arrangement interval SJ corresponding to the input interval between them, and are printed in the object area OE, which is an area on the tape T and has an area length in the X-axis direction that is equivalent to the input length, with the maximum number of objects OJ that can fit within the object area OE.

[0138] The tape printing device 2 includes an acquisition unit 310 that acquires input information, an input interval, and an input length, a generation unit 330 that generates print data based on the acquired input information, input interval, and input length so that objects OJ based on the input information are repeatedly arranged in the X-axis direction of the tape T with an arrangement interval SJ corresponding to the input interval between them, and are printed in the object area OE, which is an area on the tape T whose length in the X-axis direction is equivalent to the input length, with the maximum number of objects OJ that can fit within the object area OE, and a printing unit 43 that prints the objects OJ on the tape T based on the print data.

[0139] The control method of the portable terminal 1 includes the steps of: the portable terminal 1 acquiring input information, an input interval, and an input length; and generating print data based on the acquired input information, input interval, and input length so that objects OJ based on the input information are repeatedly arranged in the X-axis direction of the tape T with an arrangement interval SJ corresponding to the input interval between them, and are printed in the object area OE, which is an area on the tape T and has an area length in the X-axis direction equivalent to the input length, with the maximum number of objects OJ that can fit within the object area OE.

[0140] The dedicated application 31 causes the mobile terminal 1 to execute the steps of acquiring input information, an input interval, and an input length, and generating print data based on the acquired input information, input interval, and input length so that objects OJ based on the input information are repeatedly arranged in the X-axis direction of the tape T with an arrangement interval SJ corresponding to the input interval between them, and are printed in the object area OE, which is an area on the tape T whose length in the X-axis direction is equivalent to the input length, with the maximum number of objects OJ that can fit within the object area OE.

[0141] According to this configuration, the mobile terminal 1 generates print data so that objects OJ based on the input information are repeatedly arranged in the X-axis direction of the tape T with an arrangement interval SJ therebetween, and are printed in the object area OE in the maximum number that can fit within the object area OE, which has the area length OEL as its length in the X-axis direction. This allows the user to obtain a good-looking printout in which the objects OJ are repeatedly arranged in the X-axis direction of the tape T and are printed without interruption.

[0142] It is preferable that the above-mentioned mobile terminal 1 further comprises a touch panel 11 that displays a tape image TI that imitates a tape T and an object image OI that imitates an object OJ, and a display control unit 320 that controls the display of the touch panel 11 based on the acquired input information, input interval, and input length so that the object images OI based on the input information are repeatedly arranged in the X-axis direction of the tape image TI with a display arrangement interval SI corresponding to the input interval between them, and are displayed in the object image area EI, which is an area that can be displayed on the tape image TI and has a display area length in the X-axis direction that corresponds to the input length, as the maximum number that can fit within the object image area EI.

[0143] According to this configuration, the mobile terminal 1 controls the display of the touch panel 11 so that the object images OI based on the input information are repeatedly arranged in the X-axis direction of the tape image TI with a display arrangement interval SI between them, and are displayed in the object image area EI in the maximum number that can fit within the object image area EI, whose length in the X-axis direction is the display area length EIL. This allows the user to predict the print result from the display on the touch panel 11.

[0144] In the above-mentioned mobile terminal 1, the acquisition unit 310 acquires format information indicating the format setting of the object image group OIG including a plurality of object images OI repeatedly arranged in the X-axis direction, and upon acquiring the format information, the display control unit 320 preferably displays the plurality of object images OI included in the object image group OIG on an object image group OIG basis, reflecting the format setting indicated by the format information.

[0145] According to this configuration, the user can reflect formatting for a plurality of object images OI included in an object image group OIG on an object image group OIG basis.

[0146] In the above-mentioned mobile terminal 1, it is preferable that the acquisition unit 310 acquires rotation information indicating the rotation of the object image OI as the format information, and when the rotation information is acquired, the display control unit 320 rotates each of the multiple object images OI included in the object image group OIG, thereby reflecting the formatting indicated by the rotation information in the multiple object images OI and displaying them on the touch panel 11.

[0147] According to this configuration, the user can collectively rotate a plurality of object images OI included in the object image group OIG.

[0148] In the above mobile terminal 1, it is preferable that the acquisition unit 310 acquires a copy command for the object image group OIG, and when the copy command is acquired, the display control unit 320 copies the object image group OIG and displays a plurality of object image groups OIG on the touch panel 11.

[0149] According to this configuration, the user can display a plurality of object image groups OIG on the touch panel 11 by duplicating the object image groups OIG, without having to newly input input information, input length, and input intervals.

[0150] In the above mobile terminal 1, it is preferable that the display control unit 320 causes the touch panel 11 to display the object image area EI.

[0151] According to this configuration, the user can confirm the object image area EI.

[0152] In the above mobile terminal 1, when the display control unit 320 arranges the multiple object images OI included in the object image group OIG so that the end in the -X direction of the leading object image OIa that is located furthest in the -X direction matches the end in the -X direction of the object image area EI, if a margin is generated between the end in the +X direction of the last object image OIb that is located furthest in the +X direction among the multiple object images OI and the end in the +X direction of the object image area EI, it is preferable to display on the touch panel 11 a shortened object image area EIs in which the end in the +X direction of the object image area EI is moved in the -X direction by the amount of the margin.

[0153] According to this configuration, the user can confirm the shortened object image area EIs obtained by deleting the blank area where the object image OI does not exist in the object image area EI.

[0154] In the above-mentioned mobile terminal 1, when the display control unit 320 arranges multiple object images OI so that the end of the first object image OIa in the -X direction matches the end of the object image area EI in the -X direction, when a margin occurs between the end of the last object image OIb in the +X direction and the end of the object image area EI in the +X direction, it is preferable that the display control unit 320 displays a message 131 on the touch panel 11 prompting the user to select whether or not to display the abbreviated object image area EIs on the touch panel 11, and if the user selects to display the abbreviated object image area EIs on the touch panel 11, the abbreviated object image area EIs is displayed on the touch panel 11, and if the user selects not to display the abbreviated object image area EIs on the touch panel 11, the object image area EI is displayed on the touch panel 11.

[0155] According to this configuration, the user can select whether or not to display the abbreviated object image area EIs on the touch panel 11. [Explanation of symbols]

[0156] 1...mobile terminal, 2...tape printing device, 31...dedicated application, 43...printing unit, 310...acquisition unit, 320...display control unit, 330...generation unit, A...printing area, AI...printing display area, EC...center, EI...object image area, OE...object area, OI...object image, OIG...object image group, OIa...first object image, OIb...last object image, OJ...object, SI...display arrangement interval, SJ...arrangement interval, T...tape, TI...tape image.

Claims

1. an acquisition unit for acquiring input information, an input interval, and an input length; an information processing device comprising: a generation unit that generates print data based on the acquired input information, the input interval, and the input length so that objects based on the input information are repeatedly arranged in the medium direction of the printing medium with an arrangement interval corresponding to the input interval, and are printed in the object area, which is an area on the printing medium having an area length in the medium direction that is equivalent to the input length, in the maximum number that fits within the object area.

2. a display unit that displays a medium image that imitates the print medium and an object image that imitates the object; The information processing device of claim 1, further comprising a display control unit that controls the display of the display unit based on the acquired input information, the input interval, and the input length so that the object images based on the input information are repeatedly arranged in the display direction of the medium image with a display arrangement interval corresponding to the input interval between them, and are displayed in the object image area, which is an area that can be displayed on the medium image and has a display area length in the display direction that is equivalent to the input length, in the maximum number that fits within the object image area.

3. the acquiring unit acquires format information indicating a format setting of an object image group including a plurality of the object images repeatedly arranged in the display direction, The information processing device according to claim 2, characterized in that when the format information is acquired, the display control unit causes the display unit to display, on a per-object-image-group basis, the plurality of object images included in the object image group, reflecting the format setting indicated by the format information.

4. the acquiring unit acquires, as the format information, rotation information indicating a rotation of the object image; The information processing device according to claim 3, characterized in that, when the rotation information is acquired, the display control unit rotates each of the multiple object images included in the object image group, thereby reflecting the formatting indicated by the rotation information in the multiple object images and displaying them on the display unit.

5. The acquisition unit acquires a copy command for the object image group, The information processing apparatus according to claim 3 , wherein the display control unit, when receiving the copy command, copies the object image group and causes a plurality of the object images to be displayed on the display unit.

6. The display control unit is The information processing apparatus according to claim 3 , wherein the object image area is displayed on the display unit.

7. The display control unit is The information processing device of claim 6, characterized in that when one of the display directions is a first display direction, and when the object images are arranged so that an end in the first display direction of a leading object image among the object images included in the object image group is located closest to the first display direction and an end in the first display direction of the object image area coincides with an end in the first display direction of the object image area, when a margin is generated between an end in the second display direction of a last object image among the object images that is located closest to the first display direction and an end in the second display direction of the object image area, the display unit displays a shortened object image area in which the end in the second display direction of the object image area is moved in the first display direction by the amount of the margin.

8. The display control unit is when a margin is generated between an end of the last object image in the second display direction and an end of the object image area in the second display direction in a case where the object images are arranged so that an end of the first object image in the first display direction matches an end of the object image area in the first display direction, a message is displayed on the display unit prompting a user to select whether or not to display the shortened object image area on the display unit, The information processing device according to claim 7, characterized in that, when the user selects to display the abbreviated object image area on the display unit, the abbreviated object image area is displayed on the display unit, and, when the user selects not to display the abbreviated object image area on the display unit, the object image area is displayed on the display unit.

9. an acquisition unit for acquiring input information, an input interval, and an input length; a generating unit that generates print data based on the acquired input information, the input interval, and the input length so that objects based on the input information are repeatedly arranged in a medium direction of the print medium with an arrangement interval corresponding to the input interval, and are printed in an object area, which is an area on the print medium and has an area length in the medium direction that is equivalent to the input length, with the maximum number of objects that can fit within the object area; a printing unit that prints the object on the printing medium based on the print data; A printing device comprising:

10. An information processing device, obtaining input information, an input interval and an input length; a step of generating print data based on the acquired input information, the input interval and the input length so that objects based on the input information are repeatedly arranged in the media direction of the printing medium with an arrangement interval corresponding to the input interval, and are printed in the object area, which is an area on the printing medium whose length in the media direction is equivalent to the input length, in the maximum number that fits within the object area.

11. In the information processing device, obtaining input information, an input interval and an input length; a step of generating print data based on the acquired input information, the input interval, and the input length so that objects based on the input information are repeatedly arranged in the media direction of the printing medium with an arrangement interval corresponding to the input interval, and are printed in the object area, which is an area on the printing medium whose length in the media direction is equivalent to the input length, in the maximum number that fits within the object area.

Images