Label printer

Abstract

To print a desired label even when a user does not grasp a combination of a template and print data.SOLUTION: A storage unit 30 of a label printer 1 stores: one or more templates 31; a first database 32 including a label ID41 and a template ID42; and a second database 33 including the label ID41 and print data 43. A control unit 20 acquires the input label ID41 (S14); acquires the template ID42 corresponding to the label ID41, from the first database 32 (S17); acquires print-data 43 corresponding to the label ID41, from the second database 33 (S22); generates image data by applying the acquired print data 43 to the template 31 having the acquired template ID42 (S23); and causes a printing unit 13 to print the generated image data on tape 7 (S26).SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 6

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a label printer that prints labels. [Background technology]

[0002] There is known a label printer that stores a plurality of templates that indicate label formats and prints data to be printed (hereinafter referred to as print data) on a sheet according to a template selected by a user (for example, Patent Document 1). When a user prints a label using the label printer described in Patent Document 1, the user separately performs an operation to specify a template and an operation to specify print data. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] JP 2014-100893 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] In the label printer described in Patent Document 1, the user specifies the template and the print data independently of each other. Therefore, the user needs to know which template and which print data should be combined to print the desired label. If the user specifies an incorrect combination of template and print data, the label printer will print an unintended label.

[0005] The present invention has been made in consideration of the above circumstances, and has as its object to provide a means for allowing a user to print a desired label even if the user does not understand the combination of a template and print data. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] (1) A label printer of the present invention includes an input unit, a printing unit, a control unit, and a storage unit. The storage unit stores one or more templates indicating a label format and having a template identifier, a label identifier, a first database including the template identifier associated with the label identifier, and a second database including the label identifier and print data associated with the label identifier. The control unit executes a first acquisition process of acquiring the label identifier of a label to be printed input from the input unit, a second acquisition process of acquiring from the first database the template identifier corresponding to the label identifier acquired by the first acquisition process, a third acquisition process of acquiring from the second database the print data corresponding to the label identifier acquired by the first acquisition process, a generation process of generating image data for label printing by applying the print data acquired by the third acquisition process to the template having the template identifier acquired by the second acquisition process, and a print process of causing the printing unit to print the image data generated by the generation process on a sheet.

[0007] With the above label printer, the label printer obtains the template and print data that correspond to the input label identifier, so the user can print the desired label simply by inputting the label identifier. Therefore, the user can print the desired label even if he or she does not know the combination of template and print data.

[0008] (2) Preferably, the label printer further includes a display unit, and the control unit executes the first acquisition process, the second acquisition process, the third acquisition process, and the generation process in response to the first database being stored in the storage unit, and executes a first display process of inputting the template identifier of the label to be printed and causing the display unit to display designation of the print data in response to the first database not being stored in the storage unit, and a fourth acquisition process of acquiring the template identifier input from the input unit and the print data designated by the input unit, and in the generation process, the print data acquired by the fourth acquisition process may be applied to the template having the template identifier acquired by the fourth acquisition process to generate the image data.

[0009] (3) Preferably, the control unit executes the third acquisition process and the generation process in response to the second database related to the template ID acquired by the second acquisition process being stored in the storage unit, and executes a second display process to cause the display unit to display a prompt to input the print data for the label to be printed, and a fifth acquisition process to acquire the print data input from the input unit in response to the second database related to the template ID acquired by the second acquisition process not being stored in the storage unit, and in the generation process, generates the image data by applying the print data acquired by the fifth acquisition process to the template having the template identifier acquired by the second acquisition process.

[0010] (4) Preferably, the control unit, in response to an error occurring in the second acquisition process or the third acquisition process, executes an error notification process to cause the display unit to display the occurrence of the error, and, in response to a return instruction being input from the input unit, executes a return process to transition to a state prior to execution of the first acquisition process.

[0011] (5) Preferably, the sheet has a release paper and a label portion cut to a predetermined shape and arranged on the release paper.

[0012] (6) Preferably, the sheet is in a roll form. Effect of the Invention

[0013] According to the present invention, a user can print a desired label even if he or she does not know the combination of a template and print data. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0014] [Figure 1] FIG. 1A is an external view of a label printer 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 1B is a diagram showing a state in which the label printer 1 and a computer 9 are connected. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2A is a block diagram showing the configuration of the label printer 1, and FIG. 2B is a diagram showing the contents stored in a storage unit 30 of the label printer 1. As shown in FIG. [Diagram 3] FIG. 3A is a diagram showing the configuration of the input unit 11 of the label printer 1, and FIG. 3B is a diagram showing an example of the tape 7 used in the label printer 1. As shown in FIG. [Figure 4] FIG. 4A is a diagram showing an example of a template 31 stored in the storage unit 30, and FIG. 4B is a diagram showing an example of a label 6 printed by the label printer 1. [Diagram 5] FIG. 5(A) is a diagram showing an example of a first database 32 stored in the storage unit 30, and FIG. 5(B) is a diagram showing an example of a second database 33 stored in the storage unit 30. As shown in FIG. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing the operation of the control unit 20 of the label printer 1. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a continuation of FIG. [Figure 8]8(A) to 8(F) are diagrams respectively showing a label ID input screen 51, a number of prints input screen 52, a template ID input screen 53, a record number input screen 54, a print data input screen 55, and an error notification screen 56, which are displayed on the display unit 12 of the label printer 1. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0015] The label printer 1 according to the embodiment of the present invention will be described below. Note that the embodiment described below is merely one example of the present invention, and it goes without saying that the embodiment of the present invention can be modified as appropriate without departing from the gist of the present invention. In the following description, the up-down direction is defined based on the state in which the label printer 1 is installed and ready for use (the state shown in FIG. 1(A)), and the front-rear direction is defined with the surface on which the discharge outlet 4 is provided as the front.

[0016] [Label Printer 1 Configuration] As shown in Fig. 1(A), the label printer 1 has a housing 2 and a lid 3. The housing 2 has a box-like shape with an open top, and defines an internal space. The lid 3 is located at the top of the housing 2 and closes the opening of the housing 2. An input unit 11 and a display unit 12 are located on the top surface of the lid 3. On the front of the label printer 1, at the position where the housing 2 and the lid 3 abut, an outlet 4 for labels 6 printed by the label printer 1 is located.

[0017] 1(B), before printing a label 6, the label printer 1 is communicatively connected to a computer 9 located outside the label printer 1 via a cable 8. The label printer 1 and the computer 9 may perform wired communication conforming to USB, for example, or may perform wired communication conforming to a standard other than USB. The label printer 1 and the computer 9 may also perform wireless communication conforming to standards such as Bluetooth (registered trademark) and Wi-Fi (registered trademark).

[0018] As shown in FIG. 2(A), the label printer 1 includes an input unit 11, a display unit 12, a printing unit 13, a cutting unit 14, a communication unit 15, a control unit 20, and a storage unit 30. The control unit 20 includes a CPU 21. The storage unit 30 includes a ROM 22, a RAM 23, and an EEPROM 24. The control unit 20 may include the ROM 22, the RAM 23, and the EEPROM 24 in addition to the CPU 21. The input unit 11, the display unit 12, the printing unit 13, the cutting unit 14, the communication unit 15, the CPU 21, the ROM 22, the RAM 23, and the EEPROM 24 are connected to an internal bus 16. As shown in FIG. 2(B), the storage unit 30 stores one or more templates 31, a first database 32, a second database 33, a control program 34, and the like.

[0019] The input unit 11 is for a user to input a label ID (described in detail later) and the like. As shown in FIG. 3(A), the input unit 11 includes a touch panel 61, an input assistant sheet 62, and a touch position detection circuit 63. The input assistant sheet 62 is attached to the surface of the touch panel 61 so as to cover the touch panel 61. The input assistant sheet 62 has the positions of a plurality of keys written thereon. The touch position detection circuit 63 detects the touch position on the touch panel 61.

[0020] There are multiple types of input assistant sheets 62. When the label printer 1 is used, the input assistant sheet 62 is replaceably attached to the touch panel 61. The type of the attached input assistant sheet 62 is set in the label printer 1. The set type is stored, for example, in the EEPROM 24. When a user presses the touch panel 61 covered with the input assistant sheet 62 with a finger or the like, the touch position detection circuit 63 detects the touch position on the touch panel 61 and outputs it to the control unit 20. The control unit 20 acquires which key of the multiple keys written on the input assistant sheet 62 has been pressed, based on the touch position detected by the touch position detection circuit 63 and the type of the input assistant sheet 62 stored in the EEPROM 24.

[0021] 3A shows the positions of a numeric keypad 64 from 0 to 9, an OK key 65, a backspace key 66, an escape key 67, and the like. The user can input numbers, OK, backspace, escape, and the like using the input unit 11. The user can also input other characters, commands, and the like by using another input help sheet 62.

[0022] The display unit 12 displays various screens under the control of the control unit 20. The display unit 12 is, for example, a liquid crystal display or an organic EL display. The type of the display unit 12 may be any type. The display unit 12 may perform either monochrome display or color display.

[0023] A tape attachment section (not shown) is located in the internal space of the housing 2. The user opens the cover section 3 upward and attaches the tape 7 (FIG. 2(A)) to the tape attachment section. The tape 7 is an example of a sheet on which an image is printed. The tape 7 is, for example, in a roll shape. The tape 7 shown in FIG. 3(B) has a release paper 71 and multiple label portions 72. An adhesive is applied to the surface of the label portion 72 facing the release paper 71. The multiple label portions 72 are cut into rectangular shapes and are arranged one-dimensionally on the release paper 71. The user uses the label printer 1 to print an image on the label portion 72, and then peels the label portion 72 from the release paper 71 to use it as a label 6.

[0024] The tape 7 may have a shape other than a roll, for example, a folded shape. The label portion 72 may have any shape other than a rectangle, for example, an oval or a heart shape. The sheet on which the image is printed is not limited to the tape 7, and may be cut to a predetermined length.

[0025] Printing unit 13 prints an image on tape 7 under control of control unit 20. Printing unit 13 is, for example, a thermal head type printing unit. A thermal head type printing unit prints an image on a print medium such as tape 7 by heating a heating element of a thermal head according to the image to be printed. Note that printing unit 13 may be a printing unit of a type other than the thermal head type (for example, an inkjet type).

[0026] The cutting unit 14 cuts the tape 7 on which an image is printed by the printing unit 13 under the control of the control unit 20. The cutting unit 14 is, for example, a cutter including a fixed blade and a movable blade that moves in the short direction of the tape 7. The cutting unit 14 may be a cutter other than the above-mentioned cutter. The cutting unit 14 may be, for example, a jagged blade located on the upper or lower side of the discharge port 4. In this case, the user cuts the tape 7 by pulling the tape 7 discharged from the discharge port 4 in an upward or downward diagonal direction and pressing the tape 7 against the jagged blade. The label printer 1 may not be provided with the cutting unit 14. In this case, the user cuts the tape 7 discharged from the discharge port 4 with scissors or the like. In the case of the tape 7 shown in FIG. 3(B), the user only needs to peel off the label portion 72 from the release paper 71.

[0027] The communication unit 15 performs wired and / or wireless communication with the computer 9 under the control of the control unit 20. The label printer 1 is communicatively connected to the computer 9 before printing the label 6 (see FIG. 1(B)). In this state, one or more templates 31, a first database 32, and a second database 33 are transmitted from the computer 9 to the label printer 1. The templates 31, the first database 32, and the second database 33 received by the label printer 1 are stored in the EEPROM 24. The control program 34 is stored in the EEPROM 24 before the label printer 1 is shipped from the factory.

[0028] In most cases, the label printer 1 operates in a state separated from the computer 9 (so-called stand-alone state). When the label printer 1 is powered on, the control program 34 stored in the EEPROM 24 is copied and transferred to the RAM 23. The CPU 21 executes the control program 34 stored in the RAM 23, and the control unit 20 executes processing related to printing the label 6 (described in detail later).

[0029] [Data stored in storage unit 30] Before the control unit 20 starts processing, the storage unit 30 stores one or more templates 31, a first database 32, and a second database 33 (see FIG. 2(B)). These data are referenced while stored in the EEPROM 24. Alternatively, before the control unit 20 starts processing, the data stored in the EEPROM 24 may be copied and transferred to the RAM 23, and the data stored in the RAM 23 may be referenced. In many cases, a plurality of templates 31 are stored in the storage unit 30. In addition, the storage unit 30 stores one or a plurality of second databases 33.

[0030] The template 31 indicates the format of the label 6. More specifically, the template 31 indicates the position of print data on the label 6. An example of the template 31 is shown in FIG. 4(A). The first to third templates 31a to 31c shown in FIG. 4(A) indicate the position of print data on the label 6 to be affixed to a bag containing bread. The first to third templates 31a to 31c allow the name and price of the product to be set. For example, the first template 31a indicates that the character string "Sweet bread for a snack" is printed in two columns on the left side of the label 6, the name of the product is printed in the center, and the price and the character "yen" are printed on the right side. When the name of the product "cream bun" and the price "130" are specified in the first template 31a, the label printer 1 prints the label 6 shown in FIG. 4(B) with "Sweet bread for a snack" printed on the left side, "cream bun" printed in the center, and "130 yen" printed on the right side.

[0031] The label printer 1 is capable of printing multiple types of labels. To distinguish between the multiple types of labels, a label identifier is assigned to each of the label types. Furthermore, a template identifier is assigned to each of the templates 31 stored in the storage unit 30. Hereinafter, the label identifier is referred to as the "label ID" and the template identifier is referred to as the "template ID."

[0032] The first database 32 and the second database 33 are data files in a table format. The first database 32 and the second database 33 are, for example, CSV files. One line of data included in the first database 32 and the second database 33 is called a record. Each record included in the first database 32 and the second database 33 is assigned a record number (not shown).

[0033] As shown in Fig. 5(A), the first database 32 includes a label ID 41 and a template ID 42 associated with the label ID 41. In other words, the first database 32 includes the label ID 41 and the template ID 42 in association with each other. The first database 32 shown in Fig. 5(A) includes, for example, a label ID 41 with a value of "10" and a template ID 42 with a value of "1" in association with each other. By searching the first database 32 using the label ID 41 as a search key, one record including the template ID 42 is obtained.

[0034] As shown in Fig. 5(B), the second database 33 includes a label ID 41 and print data 43 associated with the label ID 41. In other words, the second database 33 includes the label ID 41 and the print data 43 in association with each other. The second database 33 shown in Fig. 5(B) includes, for example, the label ID 41 with a value of "10" in association with the print data 43 including the product number "003", the product name "cream bun", and the price "130". By searching the second database 33 using the label ID 41 as a search key, one record including the product number, the product name, and the price is obtained.

[0035] [Operation of control unit 20] The control unit 20 operates according to the flowcharts shown in Figures 6 and 7. The control unit 20 executes the processes shown in Figures 6 and 7 by the CPU 21 executing the control program 34 stored in the storage unit 30. Note that "DB" in Figure 6 means database.

[0036] When the label printer 1 is powered on, the control unit 20 first executes an initialization process (S11). In S11, the control unit 20 performs processes such as controlling the printing unit 13 to a printable state and initializing the contents stored in the memory unit 30. However, in S11, the control unit 20 does not initialize the contents of the template 31, first database 32, and second database 33 stored in the memory unit 30.

[0037] Next, the control unit 20 determines whether or not the first database 32 exists (S12). In S12, the control unit 20 determines whether or not the first database 32 is stored in the storage unit 30. If the first database 32 exists (S12: Yes), the control unit 20 proceeds to S13, and if the first database 32 does not exist (S12: No), the control unit 20 proceeds to S31 shown in FIG.

[0038] In the former case, the control unit 20 causes the display unit 12 to display a label ID input screen 51 shown in Fig. 8(A) (S13). The label ID input screen 51 shown in Fig. 8(A) prompts the user to input the label ID 41, and includes a character string "Label ID?" and a display area 57 for displaying the character string input from the input unit 11.

[0039] The user looks at the label ID input screen 51 and presses the numeric keypad 64 in order to input the label ID 41 of the label 6 to be printed. At this time, the control unit 20 causes the input label ID 41 to be displayed in the display area 57. The user checks the label ID 41 displayed in the display area 57 and presses the OK key 65. In response to the pressing of the OK key 65, the control unit 20 acquires the label ID 41 input from the input unit 11 (S14).

[0040] Next, the control unit 20 searches the first database 32 using the label ID 41 as a search key (S15). In S15, the control unit 20 searches the first database 32 for a record including the label ID 41 acquired in S14. Next, the control unit 20 judges whether or not there is a record including the label ID 41 (S16). In S16, the control unit 20 judges whether or not the first database 32 includes a record including the label ID 41 acquired in S14. If there is a record (S16: Yes), the control unit 20 proceeds to S17, and if there is no record (S16: No), the control unit 20 proceeds to S51.

[0041] In the former case, the control unit 20 acquires the template ID 42 from the first database 32 (S17). In S17, the control unit 20 acquires the template ID 42 included in the record acquired in S15. Next, the control unit 20 determines whether or not there is a template 31 having the template ID 42 (S18). In S18, the control unit 20 determines whether or not the template 31 having the template ID 42 acquired in S17 is stored in the storage unit 30. If there is a template 31 (S18: Yes), the control unit 20 proceeds to S19, and if there is no template 31 (S18: No), the control unit 20 proceeds to S51.

[0042] In the former case, the control unit 20 judges whether or not there is a second database 33 related to the template ID 42 (S19). In S19, the control unit 20 judges whether or not the second database 33 related to the template ID 42 acquired in S17 is stored in the storage unit 30. There are cases where a plurality of second databases 33 are stored in the storage unit 30, and each of the second databases 33 is associated with a specific template 31. There are also cases where records within a certain range included in the second database 33 are associated with a specific template 31. In such cases, there are cases where the second database 33 related to the template ID 42 acquired in S17 is stored in the storage unit 30, and cases where it is not stored. S19 is for judging which case applies. If the control unit 20 judges that there is a second database 33 (S19: Yes), it proceeds to S20, and if it judges that there is no second database 33 (S19: No), it proceeds to S41.

[0043] In the former case, the control unit 20 searches the second database 33 using the label ID 41 as a search key (S20). In S20, the control unit 20 searches the second database 33 for a record including the label ID 41 acquired in S14. Next, the control unit 20 judges whether or not there is a record including the label ID 41 (S21). In S21, the control unit 20 judges whether or not the second database 33 includes a record including the label ID 41 acquired in S14. If there is a record (S21: Yes), the control unit 20 proceeds to S22, and if there is no record (S21: No), the control unit 20 proceeds to S51.

[0044] In the former case, the control unit 20 acquires the print data 43 from the second database 33 (S22). In S22, the control unit 20 acquires the print data 43 included in the record acquired in S20. Next, the control unit 20 generates image data for label printing (S23). In S23, the control unit 20 applies the print data 43 acquired in S22 to the template 31 having the template ID 42 acquired in S17, to generate image data to be printed on the label 6.

[0045] Next, the control unit 20 causes the display unit 12 to display a print quantity input screen 52 shown in Fig. 8(B) (S24). The print quantity input screen 52 shown in Fig. 8(B) prompts the user to input the number of labels 6 to be printed, and includes a character string "Number of prints?" and a display area 57 that displays the character string input from the input unit 11.

[0046] The user inputs the number of labels 6 to be printed by viewing the print count input screen 52 and pressing the numeric keypad 64 in order. The user checks the number of labels 6 to be printed displayed in the display area 57 and presses the OK key 65 of the input unit 11. In response to the OK key 65 being pressed, the control unit 20 obtains the number of labels 6 to be printed that was input from the input unit 11 (S25).

[0047] Next, the control unit 20 executes a label printing process (S26). In S26, the control unit 20 causes the printing unit 13 to print the image data generated in S23 onto the tape 7. The control unit 20 also controls the cutting unit 14 as necessary to cut the tape 7 on which the image data has been printed. The control unit 20 repeats the printing by the printing unit 13 and the cutting by the cutting unit 14 the number of times equal to the number of prints acquired in S25. Next, the control unit 20 proceeds to S12.

[0048] If the control unit 20 determines No in S12, the process reaches S31 (FIG. 7). In this case, the control unit 20 causes the display unit 12 to display a template ID input screen 53 shown in FIG. 8(C) (S31). The template ID input screen 53 shown in FIG. 8(C) prompts the user to input the template ID 42, and includes a character string "Template ID?" and a display area 57 that displays the character string input from the input unit 11.

[0049] The user enters the template ID 42 of the label 6 to be printed by viewing the template ID entry screen 53 and pressing the numeric keypad 64 in order. The user checks the template ID 42 displayed in the display area 57 and presses the OK key 65. In response to the OK key 65 being pressed, the control unit 20 acquires the template ID 42 entered from the input unit 11 (S32).

[0050] Next, the control unit 20 determines whether or not there is a template 31 having the input template ID 42 (S33). In S33, the control unit 20 determines whether or not the template 31 having the template ID 42 acquired in S32 is stored in the storage unit 30. If there is a template 31 (S33: Yes), the control unit 20 proceeds to S34, and if there is no template 31 (S33: No), the control unit 20 proceeds to S51 (FIG. 6).

[0051] In the former case, control unit 20 causes display unit 12 to display record number input screen 54 shown in Fig. 8(D) (S34). Record number input screen 54 shown in Fig. 8(D) prompts the user to input a record number, and includes a character string "Record number ID?" and a display area 57 that displays the character string input from input unit 11.

[0052] The user looks at the record number input screen 54 and presses the numeric keypad 64 in order to input the record number of the record containing the print data 43 to be printed on the label 6. The user checks the record number displayed in the display area 57 and presses the OK key 65. In response to the pressing of the OK key 65, the control unit 20 acquires the record number input from the input unit 11 (S35).

[0053] Next, the control unit 20 determines whether or not there is a record having the record number (S36). In S36, the control unit 20 determines whether or not the second database 33 contains a record having the record number acquired in S35. If there is a record (S36: Yes), the control unit 20 proceeds to S37, and if there is no record (S36: No), the control unit 20 proceeds to S51 (FIG. 6).

[0054] In the former case, the control unit 20 acquires the print data from the record (S37). In S37, the control unit 20 acquires the print data 43 from the record that is included in the second database 33 and has the record number acquired in S35.

[0055] Next, the control unit 20 proceeds to S23 (FIG. 6). In S23, the control unit 20 applies the print data 43 acquired in S37 to the template 31 having the template ID 42 acquired in S32 to generate image data for label printing. In other words, the control unit 20 applies the print data 43 specified in S35 to the template 31 having the template ID 42 acquired in S32 to generate image data for label printing.

[0056] If the control unit 20 judges No in S19, the process reaches S41. In this case, the control unit 20 causes the display unit 12 to display a print data input screen 55 shown in Fig. 8(E) (S41). The print data input screen 55 shown in Fig. 8(E) prompts the user to input print data 43, and includes character strings "Product name?" and "Price?", as well as two display areas 57 that display character strings input from the input unit 11. Note that if the print data 43 includes multiple data, the control unit 20 may cause the display unit 12 to display multiple print data input screens 55 in sequence.

[0057] The user looks at the print data input screen 55 and presses the keys of the input unit 11 in order to input the product name and price of the label 6 to be printed. The user checks the product name and price displayed in the display area 57 and presses the OK key 65. However, before inputting the product name, the user must replace the input help sheet 62 with one that allows input of alphabets or hiragana. In response to the OK key 65 being pressed, the control unit 20 acquires the print data 43 input from the input unit 11 (S42). The input print data 43 includes the product name and price.

[0058] Next, the control unit 20 proceeds to S23. In S23, the control unit 20 applies the print data 43 obtained in S42 to the template 31 having the template ID 42 obtained in S17 to generate image data for label printing.

[0059] If the control unit 20 judges No in S16, S18, S21, S33, or S36, the process reaches S51. In this case, the control unit 20 causes the display unit 12 to display an error notification screen 56 shown in Fig. 8(F) (S51). The error notification screen 56 shown in Fig. 8(F) includes the text "Error has occurred! Press OK key to return" in two columns. The error notification screen 56 may also include an error code or text indicating the cause of the error.

[0060] Next, the control unit 20 judges whether or not OK has been input (S52). In S52, the control unit 20 judges whether or not the OK key 65 has been pressed. If OK has been input (S52: Yes), the control unit 20 proceeds to S12, and if OK has not been input (S52: No), the control unit 20 proceeds to S52 again. In the former case, the control unit 20 transitions to the state before executing S14.

[0061] For example, when the data shown in FIG. 4(A), FIG. 5(A), and FIG. 5(B) are stored in the storage unit 30, the control unit 20 judges Yes in S12. When the user looks at the label ID input screen 51 and inputs "10", the control unit 20 acquires "10" as the label ID 41 in S14, judges Yes in S16, acquires "1" as the template ID 42 in S17, judges Yes in S18, S19, and S21, and acquires "cream bun" and "130" as the print data 43 in S22. Thereafter, the control unit 20 creates image data in which "cream bun" is assigned to the product name of the first template 31a and "130" is assigned to the price in S23, and causes the printing unit 13 to print the label 6 shown in FIG. 4(B) in S26. In this case, the user can print the label 6 simply by inputting the label ID 41 to the label printer 1.

[0062] If the first database 32 is not stored in the storage unit 30, the control unit 20 judges No in S11. If the user views the template ID input screen 53 and inputs "2", the control unit 20 acquires "2" as the template ID 42 in S32 and judges Yes in S33. If the user views the record number input screen 54 and inputs "83", and the record of record number 83 included in the second database 33 includes "12" as the label ID 41, the control unit 20 acquires "83" as the record number in S35, judges Yes in S36, and acquires "Curry Bread" and "150" as the print data 43 in S37. Thereafter, in S23, the control unit 20 creates image data by applying "Curry Bread" to the item name and "150" to the price of the second template 31b, and in S26 causes the printing unit 13 to print a label 6 (not shown) with "Very Rich Fried Bread" written on the left, "Curry Bread" in the center, and "150 yen" on the right. In this case, the user can print the label 6 by inputting the template ID 42 and record number into the label printer 1.

[0063] 4(A), 5(A), and 5(B) are stored in storage unit 30, if the user views label ID input screen 51 and inputs "15," control unit 20 acquires "15" as label ID 41 in S14, determines Yes in S16, acquires "3" as template ID 42 in S17, determines Yes in S18, and determines No in S19. If the user views print data input screen 55 and inputs the product name "Pizza Bread" and the price "160," control unit 20 acquires "Pizza Bread" and "160" as print data 43 in S42. Thereafter, in S23, the control unit 20 creates image data in which the product name of the third template 31c is "pizza bread" and the price is "160," and in S26, the printing unit 13 prints a label 6 (not shown) with "Full Stomach Side Dish Bread" written on the left, "pizza bread" in the center, and "160 yen" on the right. In this case, the user can print the label 6 by inputting the label ID 41 and print data 43 into the label printer 1.

[0064] In addition, in FIG. 6 and FIG. 7, S14, S17, S22, S23, and S26 are examples of the first to third acquisition processes, the generation process, and the print process, respectively. When it is determined No in S16, it is an example of a case where an error occurs in the second acquisition process. When it is determined No in S21, it is an example of a case where an error occurs in the third acquisition process. S31 and S34 are examples of the first display process. S32 and S37 are examples of the fourth acquisition process. S41, S42, and S51 are examples of the second display process, the fifth acquisition process, and the error notification process, respectively. OK input in S51 is an example of a return instruction. The transition from S52 to S12 is an example of a return process.

[0065] [Effects of the embodiment] As described above, the label printer 1 according to this embodiment includes an input unit 11, a display unit 12, a printing unit 13, a control unit 20, and a storage unit 30. The storage unit 30 stores one or more templates 31, a first database 32, and a second database 33. The control unit 20 executes a first acquisition process (S14) to acquire the label ID 41 of the label 6 to be printed, which is input from the input unit 11; a second acquisition process (S17) to acquire, from the first database 32, a template ID 42 corresponding to the label ID 41 acquired by the first acquisition process; a third acquisition process (S22) to acquire, from the second database 33, print data 43 corresponding to the label ID 41 acquired by the first acquisition process; a generation process (S23) to generate image data for label printing by applying the print data 43 acquired by the third acquisition process to the template 31 having the template ID 42 acquired by the second acquisition process; and a print process (S26) to cause the printing unit 13 to print the image data generated in S23 on the tape 7.

[0066] According to the label printer 1 of this embodiment, the label printer 1 obtains the template 31 and print data 43 that correspond to the input label ID 41, so the user can print the desired label 6 simply by inputting the label ID 41. Therefore, the user can print the desired label 6 even if he or she does not know the combination of the template 31 and the print data 43.

[0067] When multiple second databases 33 are stored in the storage unit 30 and each of the second databases 33 is associated with a specific template 31, or when a certain range of records contained in the second database 33 are associated with a specific template 31, if the user specifies an incorrect combination of template ID 42 and print data 43, an unintended label 6 may be printed. With the label printer 1 according to this embodiment, the user can print a label 6 simply by entering the label ID 41, preventing such unintended printing of a label 6.

[0068] Furthermore, the control unit 20 executes the first to third acquisition processes and the generation process in response to the first database 32 being stored in the storage unit 30 (S12: Yes), and executes a first display process (S31 and S34) in which the template ID 42 of the label 6 to be printed is input and the display unit 12 is caused to display designation of print data 43 in response to the first database 32 not being stored in the storage unit 30 (S12: No), and executes a fourth acquisition process (S32 and S37) in which the template ID 42 input from the input unit 11 and the print data 43 designated by the input unit 11 are acquired, and in the generation process, the print data 43 acquired by the fourth acquisition process is applied to the template 31 having the template ID 42 acquired by the fourth acquisition process to generate image data. Therefore, when the first database 32 is not stored in the storage unit 30, the user can input the template ID 42 and designate the print data 43 to print the desired label 6.

[0069] Furthermore, the control unit 20 executes a third acquisition process and a generation process in response to the storage unit 30 storing the second database 33 related to the template ID 42 acquired by the second acquisition process (S19: Yes), and executes a second display process (S41) for causing the display unit 12 to display a prompt to input print data 43 of the label 6 to be printed, and a fifth acquisition process (S42) for acquiring the print data 43 input from the input unit 11 in response to the storage unit 30 storing the second database 33 related to the template ID 42 acquired by the second acquisition process, and generates image data in the generation process by applying the print data 43 acquired by the fifth acquisition process to the template 31 having the template ID 42 acquired by the second acquisition process. Therefore, if the second database 33 related to the input template ID 42 is not stored in the storage unit 30, the user can input the print data 43 to print the desired label 6.

[0070] Furthermore, in response to an error occurring in the second or third acquisition process, the control unit 20 executes an error notification process (S51) for displaying the occurrence of the error on the display unit 12, and in response to a return instruction (OK) being input from the input unit 11 (S52: Yes), executes a return process for transitioning to the state before the execution of the first acquisition process (S12). Therefore, the user can see the content displayed on the display unit 12 and recognize that the label 6 could not be printed using the input label ID 41.

[0071] Furthermore, tape 7, which is an example of a sheet, has release paper 71 and label portions 72 that are cut to a predetermined shape and lined up on the release paper (see FIG. 3(B)). Therefore, even if a user does not know the combination of template 31 and print data 43, the user can create a desired die-cut label by printing on label portions 72. Furthermore, tape 7 is in a roll. Therefore, even if a user does not know the combination of template 31 and print data 43, the user can create a desired label 6 by printing on rolled tape 7 and cutting the printed sheet.

[0072] [Variations] Various modified examples can be configured for the label printer 1 according to this embodiment. For example, in the label printer 1 according to this embodiment, the control unit 20 acquires the template ID 42 from the first database 32, and then acquires the print data 43 from the second database 33. In a label printer according to a modified example, the control unit 20 may acquire the template ID 42 from the first database 32, and then acquire the print data 43 from the second database 33.

[0073] Furthermore, in the label printer 1 according to this embodiment, if the control unit 20 determines No in S12, it causes the printing unit 13 to print the label 6 using the template ID 42 input by the user and the print data 43 specified by the user, and if the control unit 20 determines No in S19, it causes the printing unit 13 to print the label 6 using the print data 43 input by the user. In the label printer according to the modified example, if the control unit 20 determines No in S12 or S19, it may proceed to S51 and cause the display unit 12 to display an error notification screen 56. Alternatively, in this case, the control unit 20 may cause the printing unit 13 to print the label 6 using other information input or specified by the user.

[0074] Furthermore, the template 31 is not limited to the one shown in Fig. 4(A), and the first database 32 and the second database 33 are not limited to the ones shown in Fig. 5(A) and 5(B). The storage unit 30 may store other data and programs in addition to the template 31, the first database 32, the second database 33, and the control program 34. The storage unit 30 of the label printer 1 may include other memories in addition to the ROM 22, the RAM 23, and the EEPROM 24, and the template 31, the first database 32, and the second database 33 may be stored in other memories. [Explanation of symbols]

[0075] 1. Label printer 6. Label 7. Tape (sheet) 11 Input section 12...Display section 13...Printing Department 20. Control section 30...Storage section 31··Template 32. Database 1 33. Second Database 41...Label ID 42 Template ID 43 Print data 71 Release paper 72 Label section

Claims

1. The apparatus includes an input unit, a printing unit, a control unit, and a storage unit, The storage unit is one or more templates indicating a label format and having a template identifier; a first database including a label identifier and the template identifier associated with the label identifier; storing the label identifier and a second database including print data associated with the label identifier; The control unit is a first acquisition process for acquiring the label identifier of the label to be printed, which is input from the input unit; a second acquisition process for acquiring, from the first database, the template identifier corresponding to the label identifier acquired by the first acquisition process; a third acquisition process for acquiring, from the second database, the print data corresponding to the label identifier acquired by the first acquisition process; a generation process of applying the print data acquired by the third acquisition process to the template having the template identifier acquired by the second acquisition process to generate image data for label printing; and a printing process in which the printing unit prints the image data generated by the generation process on a sheet.

2. Further comprising a display unit, The control unit is executes the first acquisition process, the second acquisition process, the third acquisition process, and the generation process in response to the first database being stored in the storage unit; In response to the first database not being stored in the storage unit, a first display process for inputting the template identifier of the label to be printed and displaying on the display unit that the print data is specified; execute a fourth acquisition process for acquiring the template identifier input from the input unit and the print data designated by the input unit; 2. The label printer according to claim 1, wherein, in the generation process, the image data is generated by applying the print data acquired by the fourth acquisition process to the template having the template identifier acquired by the fourth acquisition process.

3. The control unit is executes the third acquisition process and the generation process in response to the second database related to the template ID acquired by the second acquisition process being stored in the storage unit; In response to the second database related to the template ID acquired by the second acquisition process being not stored in the storage unit, a second display process for displaying on the display unit a message prompting input of the print data for the label to be printed; a fifth acquisition process for acquiring the print data input from the input unit; 3. The label printer according to claim 2, wherein in the generation process, the image data is generated by applying the print data acquired in the fifth acquisition process to the template having the template identifier acquired in the second acquisition process.

4. The control unit is executing an error notification process for displaying the occurrence of the error on the display unit in response to an error occurring in the second acquisition process or the third acquisition process; The label printer according to claim 2 , wherein a recovery process is executed to transition to a state before the first acquisition process was executed in response to a recovery instruction being input from the input unit.

5. 5. The label printer according to claim 1, wherein the sheet has a release paper and a label portion cut into a predetermined shape and arranged on the release paper.

6. 5. The label printer according to claim 1, wherein the sheet is in a roll form.

Images