Label printer

Abstract

To provide means for collectively printing multiple kinds of labels which are different in content to be printed.SOLUTION: A label printer 1 includes a printing unit 13 which prints a label 91, a control unit 20, and a storage unit 30 which stores one or more pieces of label data 31 and command data 32 including two or more commands 38. Each of the label data 31 stored in the storage unit 30 indicates a content to be printed of a one-kind label 91. Each of the commands 38 included in the command data 32 controls an operation of the printing unit 13 for the one-kind label 91. The control unit 20 analyzes the command data 32 stored in the storage unit 30 (S21), and causes the printing unit 13 to print the label 91 (S24) by controlling the operation of the printing unit 13 according to a result of the analysis.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 8

Description

[Technical Field]

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

[0002] Patent document 1 describes that, for a slip issuing device, when changing the settings of a slip issuing program, the keyboard is operated to read the slip issuing source program from a memory unit, and when a print setting mode is selected from print setting mode, simple logic setting mode, and description change program mode, the limited range in which the settings can be changed is displayed on the LCD display, and the settings of the slip issuing program within the displayed range can be changed. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2002-288582 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] Label printers need to be able to print various types of labels with simple operations. However, even if the technology described in Patent Document 1 is used, it is not possible to configure a label printer that can collectively print multiple types of labels with different print contents.

[0005] The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and its object is to provide a means for printing a plurality of types of labels with different print contents at once. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] (1) A label printer of the present invention comprises a printing unit that prints labels, a memory unit for storing one or more label data and command data including two or more commands, and a control unit. Each of the label data stored in the memory unit indicates the printing content of one type of label, and each of the two or more commands included in the command data controls the operation of the printing unit for one type of label. The control unit executes an analysis process that analyzes the command data stored in the memory unit, and a print process that causes the printing unit to print a label by controlling the operation of the printing unit in accordance with the analysis result of the analysis process.

[0007] According to the label printer, the control unit analyzes the command data stored in the memory unit and controls the operation of the printing unit according to two or more commands obtained through the analysis, thereby controlling the operation of the printing unit for each command. Therefore, multiple types of labels with different print contents can be printed at once.

[0008] (2) Preferably, the control unit executes a judgment process to determine whether the command included in the command data is executable based on the analysis result of the analysis process, and the control unit may cause the printing unit to print a label by executing the command determined to be executable in the judgment process in the printing process.

[0009] (3) Preferably, the label printer further includes a cassette mounting unit to which a cassette containing a print medium can be attached or detached, and the control unit may determine in the determination process that the command included in the command data is executable if the type of print medium required to print the label data specified in the command matches the type of print medium contained in the cassette attached to the cassette mounting unit.

[0010] (4) Preferably, the label printer further includes a cassette mounting unit to which a cassette containing a print medium can be attached or detached, and the control unit may determine in the determination process that the command included in the command data is executable if the length of the print medium required to print the label data specified in the command is equal to or less than the length of the print medium contained in the cassette attached to the cassette mounting unit.

[0011] (5) Preferably, the command data includes the command specifying a label data identifier and the number of copies to be printed, and the control unit, in the printing process, may acquire the label data having the label data identifier from the storage unit in accordance with the analysis result of the analysis process, and cause the printing unit to print the number of labels to be printed based on the acquired label data.

[0012] (6) Preferably, the storage unit further stores one or more templates indicating label formats and one or more databases, the command data includes the command specifying a template identifier that identifies the template, a database identifier that identifies the database, and a data identifier that identifies data included in the database, and the control unit, in the printing process, may acquire data having the data identifier from the database having the database identifier in accordance with the analysis result of the analysis process, generate a label image by fitting the data to the template having the template identifier, and cause the printing unit to print a label based on the generated label image.

[0013] (7) Preferably, the command data includes the command specifying parameters other than the printing unit, and the control unit may execute a setting process to set the parameters other than the printing unit in accordance with the analysis results of the analysis process.

[0014] (8) Preferably, the label printer further includes a display unit, and the control unit may execute a debug process, after executing the analysis process, to display on the display unit any syntax errors detected by the analysis process, without executing the printing process.

[0015] (9) Preferably, the label printer further includes a display unit, and the control unit may, after executing the analysis process and before executing the printing process, cause the display unit to display the type and length of the printing medium required for the printing process.

[0016] (10) Preferably, the label printer further includes a display unit, and after executing the printing process, the control unit may cause the display unit to display the type of printing medium required to execute the unexecuted command, which is included in the command data.

[0017] (11) Preferably, the label printer further includes a cassette mounting unit to which a cassette containing the print medium can be attached and detached, and a display unit, and the control unit may, after executing the analysis process and before executing the printing process, execute a consumption amount acquisition process to acquire the consumption amount of the print medium based on the analysis result of the analysis process, a remaining amount acquisition process to acquire the remaining amount of the print medium contained in the cassette attached to the cassette mounting unit, and a first warning process to display a warning on the display unit if the consumption amount acquired in the consumption amount acquisition process is greater than the remaining amount acquired in the remaining amount acquisition process.

[0018] (12) Preferably, the label printer further includes a battery mounting section to which a battery can be attached or detached, and a display section, and the control section may execute a prediction process to predict the amount of power consumption when the printing process is executed based on the analysis results of the analysis process, a voltage value acquisition process to acquire the voltage value of the battery attached to the battery mounting section, and a second warning process to display a warning on the display section in response to determining, based on the power consumption predicted in the prediction process and the voltage value acquired in the voltage value acquisition process, that the voltage value of the battery attached to the battery mounting section will be lower than a threshold value after the printing process is executed.

[0019] (13) A label printer of the present invention comprises a printing unit that prints labels, a memory unit that stores first label data, second label data, and command data, and a control unit, wherein the first label data indicates the print content of a first label, the second label data indicates the print content of a second label, the command data includes a first command and a second command, the first command is a command that controls the operation of the printing unit for the first label, and the second command is a command that controls the operation of the printing unit for the second label, and the control unit controls the operation of the printing unit in accordance with the command data stored in the memory unit, thereby executing a printing process that causes the printing unit to print the first label and the second label.

[0020] According to the label printer, the control unit controls the operation of the printing unit in accordance with the first and second commands contained in the command data stored in the memory unit, thereby controlling the operation of the printing unit for each command. This makes it possible to print multiple types of labels with different print content all at once. [Effects of the Invention]

[0021] According to the present invention, it is possible to print a plurality of types of labels with different print contents all at once. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0022] [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. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the label printer 1. [Figure 3] FIG. 3(A) is a front view of the label printer 1, and FIG. 3(B) is a view showing the inside of the label printer 1 with the cassette cover 3 open. [Figure 4] FIG. 4(A) is a diagram showing the contents stored in the memory unit 30 of the label printer 1, and FIGS. 4(B) to 4(D) are diagrams showing examples of label data 31, command data 32, and templates 33 stored in the memory unit 30, respectively. [Figure 5] FIG. 5A is a diagram showing a reserved word list 35 stored in the storage unit 30, and FIG. 5B is a diagram showing an example of a command list 36 stored in the storage unit 30. As shown in FIG. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a diagram showing some of the commands 38 that the label printer 1 can execute. [Figure 7] FIG. 7A is a diagram showing the format of a command 38 that can be executed by the label printer 1, and FIGS. 7B to 7D are diagrams showing examples of the command 38. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a flowchart of the main process executed by the control unit 20 of the label printer 1. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a flowchart of the analysis process executed by the control unit 20. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a flowchart of the printing process executed by the control unit 20. [Figure 11] 11(A) to 11(G) are diagrams showing a label data editing screen 71, a command data editing screen 72, a menu screen 73, a pre-printing screen 74, a post-printing screen 75, an analysis error screen 76, and an execution error screen 77, respectively, which are displayed on the display unit 12 of the label printer 1. [Figure 12]12(A) to 12(C) are diagrams showing a menu screen 81, a command selection screen 82, and a menu screen 83 displayed on the display unit 12, respectively. [Figure 13] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing the process executed by the control unit 20 of the label printer according to the modified example. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0023] A label printer 1 according to an 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 spirit of the present invention. In the following description, the up and down directions are defined with the surface of the label printer 1 on which the input unit 11 and display unit 12 are provided as the upper surface (see FIG. 1).

[0024] [Label Printer 1 Configuration] As shown in FIG. 1(A), the label printer 1 has a housing 2 and a cassette cover 3. The housing 2 has a box-like shape with an opening at the bottom. The cassette cover 3 fits into the housing 2 and closes the opening of the housing 2. The housing 2 and the cassette cover 3 define the internal space of the label printer 1. An input unit 11 and a display unit 12 are located on the top surface of the housing 2. An outlet 7 for labels 91 printed by the label printer 1 is located on one side of the housing 2 (see FIG. 2).

[0025] As shown in FIG. 1(B), before printing a label 91, 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 computer 9 may communicate via a wired connection conforming to USB, for example, or may communicate via a wired connection conforming to a standard other than USB. The label printer 1 and computer 9 may also communicate wirelessly via a wireless connection conforming to a standard such as Bluetooth (registered trademark) or Wi-Fi (registered trademark).

[0026] As shown in FIG. 2, the label printer 1 includes an input unit 11, a display unit 12, a printing unit 13, a cutting unit 14, a cassette loading unit 15, a cassette sensor 16, a battery loading unit 17, a voltage detection unit 18, a communication unit 19, a control unit 20, and a memory unit 30. The control unit 20 includes a CPU 21. The memory 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 elements included in the label printer 1 are connected to an internal bus 6. As shown in FIG. 4(A), the memory unit 30 stores one or more label data 31, two or more command data 32, one or more templates 33, one or more databases 34, a reserved word list 35, a command list 36, and a control program 37.

[0027] The input unit 11 is used by the user to input commands, characters, etc. As shown in FIG. 3(A), the input unit 11 has a plurality of keys. The user inputs various commands and characters to the label printer 1 by pressing the keys in sequence. The control unit 20 acquires which key has been pressed based on the output signal of the input unit 11.

[0028] The input unit 11 has a menu key 51, an escape key 52, cursor keys 53, a clear key 54, an OK key 55, a numeric keypad 56, character keys 57, function keys 58, a command key 59, and the like. The menu key 51 is a key for displaying a menu screen. The escape key 52 is a key for clearing the menu screen or canceling an operation midway. The cursor keys 53 are keys for moving the cursor displayed on the display unit 12 up, down, left, and right. The clear key 54 is a key for erasing input characters. The OK key 55 is a key for selecting an item highlighted on the display unit 12. The numeric keypad 56 is a key for inputting numbers. The character keys 57 are keys for inputting characters. The function keys 58 are keys for executing various functions supported by the label printer 1. The command key 59 is a key for executing functions related to the commands 38. Of the six keys listed on the bottom row in FIG. 3(A), the rightmost key is the command key 59, and the other keys are function keys 58.

[0029] 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. The display unit 12 may display in either monochrome or color.

[0030] A cassette mounting section 15 is located in the internal space formed by the housing 2 and the cassette cover 3 (see Figures 2 and 3(B)). A cassette 93 containing a tape 92 can be attached and detached to the cassette mounting section 15. The user opens the cassette cover 3 and attaches the cassette 93 to the cassette mounting section 15. The tape 92 is, for example, in a roll shape. The tape 92 may have a shape other than a roll shape, for example, a folded shape. The tape 92 is an example of a print medium.

[0031] The printing unit 13 prints an image on the tape 92 pulled out from the cassette 93 under the control of the control unit 20. The 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 the tape 92 by heating a heating element of the thermal head in accordance with the image to be printed. Note that the printing unit 13 may be a printing unit of a type other than the thermal head type (for example, an inkjet type).

[0032] The cutting unit 14 cuts the tape 92 on which an image has been printed by the printing unit 13 under 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 92. The cutting unit 14 may be a cutter other than the above. For example, the cutting unit 14 may be a serrated blade located on one long side of the discharge outlet 7. In this case, the user cuts the tape 92 by pulling the tape 92 discharged from the discharge outlet 7 diagonally and pressing the tape 92 against the serrated blade. The label printer 1 does not necessarily have to be equipped with the cutting unit 14. In this case, the user cuts the tape 92 discharged from the discharge outlet 7 with scissors or the like.

[0033] The cassette sensor 16 detects the type of cassette 93 loaded in the cassette loading section 15. In the configuration shown in FIG. 3(B), two cassette sensors 16 are provided on either side of the cassette loading section 15. The cassette 93 has external features (e.g., holes, recesses, notches, etc.) that correspond to the type of tape 92 stored therein. The cassette sensor 16 outputs a signal that corresponds to the external features of the cassette 93. The control section 20 detects the external features of the cassette 93 based on the output signal of the cassette sensor 16 and obtains the type of tape 92 stored in the cassette 93.

[0034] The battery mounting section 17 is located in the internal space formed by the housing 2 and the cassette cover 3 (see FIG. 3(B)). The user opens the cassette cover 3 and mounts a battery 94 in the battery mounting section 17. The voltage detection section 18 outputs a signal according to the remaining charge of the battery 94 mounted in the battery mounting section 17. The control section 20 acquires the voltage value of the battery 94 mounted in the battery mounting section 17 based on the output signal of the voltage detection section 18.

[0035] The communication unit 19 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 a label 91 (see FIG. 1(B)). In this state, a template 33 and a database 34 are sent from the computer 9 to the label printer 1. The computer 9 may also send label data 31 and command data 32 to the label printer 1. These pieces of data received by the label printer 1 are stored in the EEPROM 24. The reserved word list 35 and control program 37 are stored in the EEPROM 24 before the label printer 1 is shipped from the factory.

[0036] When the label printer 1 is turned on, the control program 37 stored in the EEPROM 24 is copied and transferred to the RAM 23. The CPU 21 executes the control program 37 stored in the RAM 23, causing the control unit 20 to execute various processes (described in detail below) related to printing the label 91.

[0037] [Data stored in storage unit 30] 4(A), the storage unit 30 can store one or more label data 31, two or more command data 32, one or more templates 33, and one or more databases 34. 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.

[0038] The label data 31 and the command data 32 are typically created by the label printer 1. The label data 31 and the command data 32 may be created by the computer 9 or the like and received from the computer 9. The template 33 and the database 34 are created by the computer 9 or the like and received from the computer 9. The command list 36 is data created by the control unit 20 of the label printer 1.

[0039] One or more label data 31 stored in the storage unit 30 each indicate the print content of one type of label 91. The label data 31 mainly includes the character string to be printed on the label 91. In addition, the label data 31 includes information such as the label type, tape width, print length, format information, and line / block information. Format information includes, for example, the character font, character size, character width, character style, and character frame. However, the label data 31 does not include information such as the number of copies to be printed or the cutting method. For example, the label data 31 shown in Figure 4(B) includes the character string "FROM TERM-A13 TO TERM-C44" to be printed on the label 91.

[0040] As shown in FIG. 4(C), each of the two or more pieces of command data 32 stored in the storage unit 30 includes two or more commands 38. Each of the two or more commands 38 included in the command data 32 controls the operation of the printing unit 13 for one type of label 91. Details of the commands 38 will be described later. Note that the storage unit 30 may store one piece of command data 32. Alternatively, each of the one or more pieces of command data 32 stored in the storage unit 30 may include one command 38.

[0041] Each of the one or more templates 33 stored in the storage unit 30 indicates the format of the label 91. For example, when printing a label 91 using the template 33 shown in FIG. 4(D), character strings can be specified for O_TERM (indicating the output terminal) and I_TERM (indicating the input terminal). By using the template 33 shown in FIG. 4(D) and specifying "TERM-A13" for O_TERM and "TERM-C44" for I_TERM, the user can print a label 91 that is identical to the label 91 printed based on the label data 31 shown in FIG. 4(B).

[0042] The one or more databases 34 stored in the storage unit 30 are each a tabular database (not shown) that stores data corresponding to multiple rows and multiple columns. The databases 34 are, for example, CSV files. Each piece of data included in the database 34 is identified by a row number and a column number. Each row of data included in the database 34 is called a record, and is identified by a row number.

[0043] The label data 31, command data 32, template 33, and database 34 are assigned a label data number, a command data number, a template number, and a database number, respectively.

[0044] As shown in Fig. 5(A), the reserved word list 35 is a list of character strings included in commands 38 that have meanings predetermined by the label printer 1 (reserved words). The reserved word list 35 includes the names of all commands 38 and the names of all options. In the reserved word list 35 shown in Fig. 5(A), the reserved word "Print" is the name of a command 38, and the reserved word "cn" is the name of an option.

[0045] The command list 36 is a list that includes the analysis results of the command data 32. Each line of the command list 36 shown in Fig. 5(B) indicates the analysis results of one command 38. For example, the first line of the command list 36 indicates that the name of the command 38 is "Print," the name of the first option is "fm," the setting value of the first option is "01," the name of the second option is "cn," the setting value of the second option is "05," the name of the third option is "co," and the setting value of the third option is "04."

[0046] [Command 38 Details] 6 shows some of the commands 38 that can be executed by the control unit 20 of the label printer 1. The control unit 20 can execute commands such as the Print command and the Setting command.

[0047] The Print command is used to print the print data being edited or specified. Options such as fm, cn, co, and lt can be specified for the Print command. The option fm specifies the file memory number. The file memory number is another name for the label data number. For example, if the file memory number is 1, label 91 will be printed using label data 31 numbered 1.

[0048] The option cn specifies the number of copies to print. The number of copies to print can be set to a number between 1 and 99. The default number of copies to print is 1. The option co specifies the cutting method. The cutting method can be set to a number between 1 and 9. The default number of copies to print is 1. The option lt specifies the label type. The label type can be set to gn (general), cw (cable wrap), cf (cable flag), fp (faceplate), pp (patch panel), and pb (punch down block).

[0049] The option tm specifies the template number. For example, if the template number is 1, label 91 will be printed using template 33, number 1. The option db-id specifies the database number. If the option tm is specified together with the option db-id, label 91 will be printed by applying the data retrieved from the specified database to the specified template. The option index specifies the row number of the record in the database. In other words, the option index specifies the data to retrieve from the specified database. The option pw specifies the power state after printing. If the power state after printing is off, the power of label printer 1 will be turned off after printing. The default value for the power state after printing is on.

[0050] The Print command does not allow the fm and tm options to be specified at the same time. If the fm option is specified, the label 91 is printed using the specified label data 31, and if the tm option is specified, the label 91 is printed using the specified template 33. If neither the fm nor the tm option is specified, the label 91 is printed using the label data 31 being edited.

[0051] The Setting command is a command for setting parameters other than those of the printing unit 13. For the Setting command, options such as ap-bat and bt-name can be specified. The option ap-bat sets the time until the power is turned off. The option bt-name sets the Bluetooth (registered trademark) local name.

[0052] Note that Figure 6 only lists some of the commands executed by the label printer 1 and some of the options supported by the label printer 1. The label printer 1 may execute commands other than those shown in Figure 6, and may support options other than those shown in Figure 6.

[0053] Command 38 basically has the format shown in Fig. 7(A). In Fig. 7(A), the character "*" indicates that the element in the brackets is repeated zero or more times. Command 38 has a format in which the name of the command is followed by zero or more pairs of the name of an option and the setting value of the option. The name of the option and the setting value of the option are separated by the character ":". Note that command 38 may include the name of the option but not the setting value of the option.

[0054] Command 38a shown in Figure 7(B) includes three options: fm, cn, and co. Command 38a specifies the value "01" as the file memory number 41, the value "05" as the number of copies 42, and the value "04" as the cutting method. Command 38a indicates that the contents of file memory 01 are to be printed on five labels 91 and then cut using cutting method 04.

[0055] 7(C) includes three options: tm, db-id, and index. Command 38b specifies the value "08" as template number 43, the value "06" as database number 44, and the value "15" as row number 45. Command 38b specifies that a label image be generated by applying the data (15th record) obtained from row 15 of database 34 No. 06 to template 33 No. 08, and that the generated label image be printed on label 91.

[0056] 7(D) includes one option, bt-name. Command 38c sets "panda-PT" as the local name 46. Command 38c indicates that the Bluetooth local name is to be set to "panda-PT".

[0057] The file memory number 41 is an example of a label data identifier. The template number 43 is an example of a template identifier. The database number 44 is an example of a database identifier. The line number 45 is an example of a data identifier. The local name 46 is an example of a parameter. The process in which the control unit 20 executes the command 38c is an example of a setting process.

[0058] [Operation of control unit 20] The control unit 20 of the label printer 1 operates according to the flowcharts shown in Figures 8 to 10 by executing the control program 37 stored in the storage unit 30. As will be described below, the control unit 20 executes processes such as editing the command data 32, analyzing the command data 32, and causing the printing unit 13 to print the label 91.

[0059] 8, 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 of the memory unit 30. However, the contents of the label data 31, command data 32, templates 33, database 34, and reserved word list 35 stored in the memory unit 30 are not initialized.

[0060] Next, the control unit 20 causes the display unit 12 to display the label data editing screen 71 shown in FIG. 11(A) (S12). The label data 31 being edited is displayed on the label data editing screen 71. Next, the control unit 20 determines the type of key that has been entered based on the output signal of the input unit 11 (S13). If the command key 59 has been entered (S13: Command), the control unit 20 proceeds to S15; if a key other than the command key 59 has been entered (S13: Other), the control unit 20 proceeds to S14. In the latter case, the control unit 20 adds the characters entered using the keys to the label data 31 being edited (S14). The entered characters are added and displayed on the label data editing screen 71. Next, the control unit 20 proceeds to S13.

[0061] If the command key 59 is input in S13 (S13: Command), the control unit 20 reaches S15. In this case, the control unit 20 causes the display unit 12 to display the command data editing screen 72 shown in FIG. 11(B) (S15). The command data editing screen 72 displays the command data 32 being edited. Next, the control unit 20 determines the type of key input based on the output signal of the input unit 11 (S16). If the escape key 52 is input (S16: Esc), the control unit 20 proceeds to S12. If the command key 59 is input (S16: Command), the control unit 20 proceeds to S18. If any other key is input (S16: Other), the control unit 20 proceeds to S17. In the last case, the control unit 20 adds the characters input using the keys to the command data 32 being edited (S17). The input characters are added and displayed on the command data editing screen 72. Next, the control unit 20 proceeds to S16.

[0062] If the command key 59 is input in S16 (S16: Command), the control unit 20 reaches S18. In this case, the control unit 20 causes the display unit 12 to display a menu screen 73 shown in FIG. 11(C) (S18). The menu screen 73 displays "Run," "Save," and "Debug" as options for the next operation. The user uses the cursor keys 53 and the OK key 55 to select one of the operations displayed on the menu screen 73.

[0063] Next, the control unit 20 determines which operation has been selected on the menu screen 73 (S19). If "Execute" has been selected (S19: Execute), the control unit 20 proceeds to S21; if "Save" has been selected (S19: Save), the control unit 20 proceeds to S26; if "Debug" has been selected (S19: Debug), the control unit 20 proceeds to S27.

[0064] If "Execute" is selected in S19 (S19: Execute), the control unit 20 reaches S21. In this case, the control unit 20 executes the analysis process shown in Fig. 9 for the command data 32 being edited (S21). In S21, the control unit 20 analyzes the command data 32 and generates a command list 36 indicating the analysis results.

[0065] Next, the control unit 20 executes a first display process (S22). In S22, the control unit 20 acquires the type and length of the tape 92 required for the printing process according to the analysis result in S21, and causes the display unit 12 to display the pre-printing screen 74 (see FIG. 11(D)) including the type and length of the tape 92.

[0066] Next, the control unit 20 executes a determination process to determine whether the command 38 is executable or not (S23). In S23, the control unit 20 determines whether the command 38 included in the command data 32 is executable or not, in accordance with the analysis result in S21, and deletes the command 38 that cannot be executed from the command list 36.

[0067] In S23, the control unit 20 determines that the command 38 included in the command data 32 is executable if, for example, the type of tape 92 required to print the label data 31 specified in the command 38 matches the type of tape 92 contained in the cassette 93 attached to the cassette mounting unit 15. The control unit 20 may also determine in S23 that the command is executable if the length of the required tape 92 is equal to or shorter than the length of the tape 92 contained in the cassette 93. The control unit 20 may also determine that the command is executable if the type of tape 92 required matches the type of tape 92 contained in the cassette 93 and the length of the required tape 92 is equal to or shorter than the length of the tape 92 contained in the cassette 93.

[0068] Next, the control unit 20 executes the printing process shown in Fig. 10 (S24). In S24, the control unit 20 controls the operation of the printing unit 13 in accordance with the analysis result in S21, thereby causing the printing unit 13 to print a label 91.

[0069] Next, the control unit 20 executes a second display process (S25). In S25, the control unit 20 acquires the type of tape 92 required to execute the unexecuted command 38, which is included in the command data 32, and causes the display unit 12 to display the post-printing screen 75 (see FIG. 11(E)) including the type of tape 92 required. Next, the control unit 20 proceeds to S15.

[0070] If "Save" is selected in S19 (S19: Save), the control unit 20 reaches S26. In this case, the control unit 20 stores the command data 32 being edited in the storage unit 30 (S26). Next, the control unit 20 proceeds to S15.

[0071] If "Debug" is selected in S19 (S19: Debug), the control unit 20 reaches S27. In this case, the control unit 20 stores the command data 32 being edited in the storage unit 30 (S27). Next, the control unit 20 executes the analysis process shown in FIG. 9 for the command data 32 being edited (S28). Next, the control unit 20 proceeds to S15. Note that S27 and S28 are the same processes as S26 and S21, respectively.

[0072] [Analysis processing] In the analysis process (FIG. 9), the control unit 20 first determines (S31) whether or not all rows included in the command data 32 have been processed. If all rows have been processed (S31: Yes), the control unit 20 ends the analysis process, and if there are any unprocessed rows (S31: No), the control unit 20 proceeds to S32.

[0073] In the latter case, the control unit 20 acquires the next line included in the command data 32 (S32). Next, the control unit 20 acquires the first character string from the line acquired in S32 (S33). Next, the control unit 20 determines whether the character string acquired in S33 is included in the reserved word list 35 (FIG. 5(A)) (S34). If the character string is included in the reserved word list 35 (S34: Yes), the control unit 20 proceeds to S35, and if the character string is not included in the reserved word list 35 (S34: No), the control unit 20 proceeds to S41.

[0074] In the former case, the control unit 20 registers the character string acquired in S33 as a command in the command list 36 (FIG. 5(B)) (S35). Next, the control unit 20 determines whether all character strings included in the line selected in S32 have been processed (S36). If all character strings have been processed (S36: Yes), the control unit 20 proceeds to S31, and if there are unprocessed character strings (S36: No), the control unit 20 proceeds to S37.

[0075] In the latter case, the control unit 20 acquires the next character string from the line acquired in S32 (S37). Next, the control unit 20 divides the character string acquired in S37 into a part before and a part after the delimiter ":" (S38). Hereinafter, in the character string acquired in S37, the part before the delimiter ":" will be referred to as the "first half," and the part after the delimiter ":" will be referred to as the "second half." Note that if the character string acquired in S37 does not include the delimiter ":," the control unit 20 acquires the entire character string as the first half.

[0076] Next, the control unit 20 determines whether the first half of the character string acquired in S37 is included in the reserved word list 35 (S39). If the first half is included in the reserved word list 35 (S39: Yes), the control unit 20 proceeds to S40, and if the first half is not included in the reserved word list 35 (S39: No), the control unit 20 proceeds to S41.

[0077] In the former case, the control unit 20 registers the first half of the character string acquired in S37 as an option and the second half of the character string as a setting value in the command list 36 (S40). Next, the control unit 20 proceeds to S36.

[0078] If the character string is not included in the reserved word list 35 in S34 (S34: No), or if the first half of the character string is not included in the reserved word list 35 in S39 (S39: No), the control unit 20 reaches S41. In this case, the control unit 20 causes the display unit 12 to display an analysis error screen 76 shown in FIG. 11(F). The analysis error screen 76 displays that a syntax error has been detected by the analysis process and the position within the command data 32 where the syntax error was detected. Next, the control unit 20 ends the analysis process.

[0079] [Printing Processing] When the control unit 20 starts the printing process (FIG. 10), the command list 36 contains only executable commands 38. In the printing process, the control unit 20 first determines whether all commands 38 contained in the command list 36 have been executed (S51). If all commands have been executed (S51: Yes), the control unit 20 ends the printing process, but if there are any unexecuted commands 38 (S51: No), the control unit 20 proceeds to S52.

[0080] In the latter case, the control unit 20 executes the next command 38 included in the command list 36 (S52). In S52, the control unit 20 controls the printing unit 13 to print an image on the tape 92 in accordance with the commands, options, and setting values ​​included in the command list 36, and controls the cutting unit 14 to cut the tape 92 with the printed image as needed. This produces the label 91. The control unit 20 determines whether an error has occurred while executing the command 38 (S53). If an error has occurred (S53: Yes), the control unit 20 proceeds to S54; if no error has occurred (S53: No), the control unit 20 proceeds to S51.

[0081] In the former case, the control unit 20 suspends the execution of the command 38 (S54). In S54, the control unit 20 stops the operation of, for example, the printing unit 13 and the cutting unit 14. Next, the control unit 20 displays an execution error screen 77 shown in FIG. 11(G) on the display unit 12 (S55). The execution error screen 77 displays that an error has occurred during the execution of the command 38, the number of the command 38 in which the error occurred, and that the next command 38 can be executed by entering "OK."

[0082] Next, the control unit 20 determines the type of key that has been input based on the output signal of the input unit 11 (S56). If the OK key 55 has been input (S56: OK), the control unit 20 proceeds to S51, and if a key other than the OK key 55 has been input (S56: Other), the control unit 20 proceeds to S56.

[0083] [Menu Processing] 8 to 10, in response to a key being pressed on the input unit 11, the control unit 20 executes a process corresponding to the type of key. For example, in response to a menu key 51 being pressed on the input unit 11, the control unit 20 causes the display unit 12 to display a menu screen 81 shown in FIG. 12(A). The menu screen 81 displays "File Memory," "Command," and "Template" as options for data to be processed. The user selects any of the data displayed on the menu screen 83 using the cursor keys 53 and the OK key 55.

[0084] When "Command" is selected on the menu screen 81, the control unit 20 causes the display unit 12 to display a command selection screen 82 shown in FIG. 12(B). The command selection screen 82 displays the contents of the commands 38 included in the command data 32 stored in the storage unit 30. The user uses the cursor keys 53 and the OK key 55 to select one of the commands 38 displayed on the command selection screen 82.

[0085] When any of the commands 38 displayed on the command selection screen 82 is selected, the control unit 20 causes the display unit 12 to display a menu screen 83 shown in FIG. 12(C). The menu screen 83 displays "Run," "Save," "Delete," and "Debug" as options for the next operation. The user uses the cursor keys 53 and the OK key 55 to select any of the operations displayed on the menu screen 83.

[0086] The control unit 20 executes S21 to S25 (FIG. 8) when "Execute" is selected on the menu screen 83, executes S26 when "Save" is selected, deletes the selected command 38 when "Delete" is selected, and executes S27 and S28 when "Debug" is selected.

[0087] In this way, when "Execute" is selected in S19 (FIG. 8) or when "Execute" is selected on the menu screen 83, the control unit 20 executes S21 to S25, and when "Debug" is selected in S19 or when "Debug" is selected on the menu screen 83, the control unit 20 executes S27 and S28. S28 is an example of a debug process in which, after the analysis process has been executed, a syntax error detected by the analysis process is displayed on the display unit 12 without executing a print process.

[0088] [Effects of the embodiment] As described above, the label printer 1 according to this embodiment includes the display unit 12, printing unit 13, cassette loading unit 15, battery loading unit 17, control unit 20, and memory unit 30. The memory unit 30 stores one or more pieces of label data 31 and command data 32 containing two or more commands 38. Each piece of label data 31 stored in the memory unit 30 indicates the printing content of one type of label 91, and each command 38 included in the command data 32 controls the operation of the printing unit 13 for one type of label 91. The control unit 20 executes an analysis process (S21) that analyzes the command data 32 stored in the memory unit 30, and a print process (S24) that controls the operation of the printing unit 13 in accordance with the analysis results of the analysis process, thereby causing the printing unit 13 to print the label 91.

[0089] According to the label printer 1 of this embodiment, the control unit 20 analyzes the command data 32 stored in the memory unit 30 and controls the operation of the printing unit 13 in accordance with two or more commands 38 obtained by the analysis, thereby controlling the operation of the printing unit 13 for each command 38. Therefore, it is possible to collectively print multiple types of labels 91 with different print contents.

[0090] Furthermore, the control unit 20 executes a determination process (S23) to determine whether or not the command 38 included in the command data 32 is executable, based on the analysis result of the analysis process, and in the printing process, executes the command 38 that is determined to be executable in the determination process, thereby causing the printing unit 13 to print the label 91. Therefore, by executing only the command 38 that is determined to be executable, errors during label printing can be prevented.

[0091] Furthermore, in the determination process, the control unit 20 determines that a command 38 included in the command data 32 can be executed if the type of tape 92 required to print the label data 31 specified in the command 38 matches the type of tape 92 contained in the cassette 93 attached to the cassette attachment unit 15. Therefore, based on the type of tape 92 specified and the type of tape 92 contained in the attached cassette 93, it is possible to determine whether or not the command 38 can be executed, preventing errors during label printing.

[0092] Furthermore, in the determination process, the control unit 20 determines that a command 38 included in the command data 32 can be executed if the length of tape 92 required to print the label data 31 specified in the command 38 is equal to or less than the length of tape 92 contained in the cassette 93 attached to the cassette attachment unit 15. Therefore, whether or not the command 38 can be executed is determined based on the specified length of tape 92 and the length of tape 92 contained in the attached cassette 93, preventing errors during label printing.

[0093] The command data 32 also includes a command 38a that specifies the file memory number 41 (label data identifier) ​​and the number of copies 42 to be printed, and the control unit 20, in the printing process, obtains the label data 31 having the file memory number 41 from the storage unit 30 in accordance with the analysis results of the analysis process, and causes the printing unit 13 to print 42 copies of labels based on the obtained label data 31. Therefore, by executing the command 38a, the specified number of copies 42 of labels 91 can be printed based on the label data 31 having the specified file memory number 41.

[0094] The storage unit 30 also stores one or more templates 33 and one or more databases 34. The command data 32 includes a command 38b that specifies a template number 43 that identifies the template 33, a database number 44 that identifies the database 34, and a line number 45 (data identifier) ​​that identifies the data included in the database 34. In the printing process, the control unit 20 acquires data having line number 45 from the database 34 having database number 44 in accordance with the analysis result of the analysis process, generates a label image by fitting the data to the template 33 having template number 43, and causes the printing unit 13 to print a label 91 based on the generated label image. Therefore, by executing the command 38b, it is possible to print a label 91 by fitting specified data included in the specified database 34 to the specified template 33.

[0095] The command data 32 also includes a command 38c that specifies local names 46 (parameters) other than the printing unit 13, and the control unit 20 executes a setting process to set parameters other than the printing unit 13 according to the analysis results of the analysis process. Therefore, by executing the command 38c, parameters other than the printing unit 13 in the label printer 1 can be set.

[0096] After executing the analysis process, the control unit 20 executes a debug process (S28) in which the control unit 20 displays the syntax error detected by the analysis process on the display unit 12 without executing a print process. Therefore, the user can see the content displayed on the display unit 12 and know whether the command data 32 contains a syntax error or not, without printing the label 91.

[0097] Furthermore, after executing the analysis process, but before executing the printing process, the control unit 20 executes a first display process (S22) that causes the display unit 12 to display the type and length of tape 92 (print medium) required for the printing process. Therefore, before printing the label 91, the user can see the content displayed on the display unit and know the type and length of tape 92 required for printing the label 91.

[0098] After executing the printing process, the control unit 20 also executes a second display process (S25) in which the control unit 20 displays on the display unit 12 the type of tape 92 required to execute the unexecuted commands 38 included in the command data 32. Therefore, after printing the labels 91, the user can see the content displayed on the display unit 12 and know the type of tape 92 required to print the remaining labels 91.

[0099] The label printer 1 according to this embodiment also includes a printing unit 13, a control unit 20, and a storage unit 30 for storing first label data, second label data, and command data 32. The first label data indicates the content to be printed on the first label, and the second label data indicates the content to be printed on the second label. The command data 32 includes a first command and a second command, where the first command controls the operation of the printing unit 13 for the first label, and the second command controls the operation of the printing unit 13 for the second label. The control unit 20 controls the operation of the printing unit 13 in accordance with the command data 32 stored in the storage unit 30, thereby executing a printing process that causes the printing unit 13 to print the first label and the second label.

[0100] According to the label printer 1 of this embodiment, the control unit 20 controls the operation of the printing unit 13 according to the first command and the second command contained in the command data 32 stored in the memory unit 30, thereby controlling the operation of the printing unit 13 for each command. This makes it possible to collectively print multiple types of labels 91 with different print contents.

[0101] 4(C), the command 38 on the first line is an example of a first command, and the command 38 on the second line is an example of a second command. The first label data 31 specified by the command 38 on the first line is an example of first label data, and the label 91 printed in accordance with the command 38 on the first line is an example of a first label. The second label data 31 specified by the command 38 on the second line is an example of second label data, and the label 91 printed in accordance with the command 38 on the second line is an example of a second label.

[0102] For example, when a user prints labels to be attached to cables, racks, etc., they often print multiple copies of multiple types of labels. To print multiple copies of multiple types of labels using a standalone label printer (without connecting to a computer, etc.), the user must select print data for each type of label, specify the number of copies to print, and issue a command to print. Users find it cumbersome to perform these operations for each type of label.

[0103] With the label printer 1 according to this embodiment, the user can create command data 32 including commands 38 without operating the computer 9 connected to the label printer 1. Furthermore, since the label printer 1 can print multiple types of labels 91 with a single operation, once the user has created the command data 32, the user does not need to operate the label printer 1 each time they switch the type of label 91 when subsequently performing the same printing. Furthermore, because the command data 32 is stored in the storage unit 30, the user can print based on the command data 32 any number of times.

[0104] [Variations] Various modifications can be made to the label printer 1 according to this embodiment. For example, in a label printer according to a modification, the control unit 20 may execute the process shown in FIG. 13 after executing the analysis process (S21) and before executing the printing process (S24). After executing the analysis process, the control unit 20 acquires the amount of tape 92 consumed when the command data 32 was executed based on the analysis results of the analysis process (S71). Next, the control unit 20 acquires the remaining amount of tape 92 contained in the cassette 93 attached to the cassette mounting unit 15 (S72). Next, the control unit 20 determines whether the consumed amount of tape 92 acquired in S71 is greater than the remaining amount of tape 92 acquired in S72 (S73). If the consumed amount is greater than the remaining amount (S73: Yes), the control unit 20 proceeds to S81. If the consumed amount is less than or equal to the remaining amount (S73: No), the control unit 20 proceeds to S74.

[0105] In the latter case, the control unit 20 predicts the amount of power consumption when the printing process is executed based on the analysis results of the analysis process (S74). Next, the control unit 20 acquires the voltage value of the battery 94 installed in the battery installation unit 17 based on the output signal of the voltage detection unit 18 (S75). Next, the control unit 20 acquires the voltage value of the battery 94 after printing based on the amount of power consumption predicted in S74 and the voltage value of the battery 94 acquired in S75 (S76).

[0106] Next, the control unit 20 determines whether the voltage value of the battery 94 after printing acquired in S76 is lower than a predetermined threshold value (S77). If the voltage value of the battery 94 after printing is lower than the threshold value (S78: Yes), the control unit 20 proceeds to S82, and if the voltage value of the battery 94 after printing is equal to or higher than the threshold value (S78: No), the control unit 20 proceeds to printing processing.

[0107] If the control unit 20 determines Yes in S73, the process proceeds to S81. In this case, the control unit 20 causes the display unit 12 to display a first warning screen (not shown) indicating that the remaining amount of tape 92 is insufficient to perform printing (S81).

[0108] If the control unit 20 determines Yes in S77, the process proceeds to S82. In this case, the control unit 20 causes the display unit 12 to display a second warning screen (not shown) indicating that the remaining charge of the battery 94 is insufficient to execute printing. After executing S81 or S82, the control unit 20 proceeds to a step of executing error processing.

[0109] With the label printer according to the modified example, the user can see the warning displayed on the display unit 12 before printing the label 91 and know that there is not enough tape 92 or the voltage of the battery 94 to print the label 91. Note that S71, S72, S74, S75, S81, and S82 are examples of consumption amount acquisition processing, remaining amount acquisition processing, prediction processing, voltage value acquisition processing, first warning processing, and second warning processing, respectively.

[0110] Furthermore, in a label printer according to a modified example, the control unit 20 may execute a determination process in the analysis process. For example, if the control unit 20 judges Yes in S34 (FIG. 9), it may determine whether or not the command 38 indicated by the character string acquired in S33 is executable, and proceed to S35 if the command 38 is executable, or proceed to S31 if the command 38 is not executable.

[0111] Furthermore, in a label printer according to a modified example, the control unit 20 may execute a command 38 corresponding to the type of tape 92 with a single user operation. Specifically, the control unit 20 acquires the type of tape 92 required to execute each command 38 included in the command data 32, and predetermines the command 38 to be executed for each type of tape 92. When a cassette 93 containing a new type of tape 92 is loaded into the cassette loading unit 15, the control unit 20 displays a confirmation screen on the display unit 12. When the user operates the input unit 11 to input a confirmation command, the control unit 20 executes the command 38 corresponding to the type of tape 92 contained in the loaded cassette 93.

[0112] Furthermore, in a label printer according to a modified example, the control unit 20 may perform predictive conversion when editing the command data 32. Specifically, the control unit 20 detects, from among the reserved words included in the reserved word list 35, a reserved word that starts with a character or character string entered by the user operating the input unit 11, and displays the detected reserved word on the display unit 12. When the user selects one of the displayed reserved words using the cursor keys 53 and the OK key 55, the control unit 20 adds the selected reserved word to the command data 32 being edited.

[0113] In a label printer according to a modified example, a command 38 may be written across multiple lines of the command data 32. For example, if the last character of a line of the command data 32 is a backslash, the control unit 20 may treat the line containing the backslash and the next line as one continuous line. In a label printer according to a modified example, a single line of the command data 32 may contain multiple commands 38. For example, if a semicolon is written in the middle of a line of the command data 32, the control unit 20 may treat the portion before the semicolon and the portion after the semicolon as different commands 38. In a label printer according to a modified example, a comment may be written in the command data 32. For example, if two consecutive slashes are written in the middle of a line of the command data 32, the control unit 20 may ignore the portion after the two consecutive slashes as a comment. [Explanation of symbols]

[0114] 1. Label printer 12...Display section 13...Printing Department 14...cutting section 15 Cassette mounting section 17 Battery compartment 20 Control unit 30...Storage section 31 Label data 32 Command data 33···Template 34 Database 38 Commands 41 File memory number (label data identifier) 42...Number of prints 43 Template number (template identifier) 44 Database number (database identifier) 45 Line number (data number) 46 Local name (parameter) 91...Label 92 Tape (printing medium) 93···Cassette 94...battery

Claims

1. A printing unit that prints labels; a storage unit for storing one or more label data and command data including two or more commands; A control unit, The label data stored in the storage unit each indicate print content of one type of label, each of the two or more commands included in the command data controls an operation of the printing unit for one type of label; The control unit is an analysis process for analyzing the command data stored in the storage unit; and a printing process for causing the printing section to print a label by controlling the operation of the printing section in accordance with the analysis result of the analysis process.

2. the control unit executes a determination process to determine whether or not the command included in the command data is executable according to the analysis result of the analysis process; 2. The label printer according to claim 1, wherein the control unit causes the printing unit to print the label by executing the command determined to be executable in the determination process in the printing process.

3. The printer further includes a cassette mounting portion to which a cassette containing a print medium can be detachably attached, 3. The label printer according to claim 2, wherein the control unit, in the determination process, determines that the command included in the command data is executable if the type of print medium required to print the label data specified in the command matches the type of print medium contained in a cassette attached to the cassette attachment portion.

4. The printer further includes a cassette mounting portion to which a cassette containing a print medium can be detachably attached, 3. The label printer according to claim 2, wherein the control unit, in the determination process, determines that the command included in the command data is executable if the length of the print medium required to print the label data specified in the command is equal to or less than the length of the print medium contained in the cassette attached to the cassette attachment portion.

5. the command data includes the command specifying a label data identifier and the number of copies to be printed, 2. The label printer according to claim 1, wherein, in the printing process, the control unit obtains the label data having the label data identifier from the storage unit in accordance with an analysis result of the analysis process, and causes the printing unit to print the number of labels based on the obtained label data.

6. the storage unit further stores one or more templates indicating label formats and one or more databases; the command data includes the command specifying a template identifier that identifies the template, a database identifier that identifies the database, and a data identifier that identifies data included in the database; 2. The label printer according to claim 1, wherein, in the printing process, the control unit acquires data having the data identifier from the database having the database identifier in accordance with an analysis result of the analysis process, generates a label image by fitting the data to the template having the template identifier, and causes the printing unit to print a label based on the generated label image.

7. the command data includes the command specifying a parameter other than that of the printing unit, 2. The label printer according to claim 1, wherein the control unit executes a setting process for setting parameters other than those of the printing unit, in accordance with a result of the analysis process.

8. Further comprising a display unit, 2. The label printer according to claim 1, wherein the control unit, after executing the analysis process, executes a debug process for displaying a syntax error detected by the analysis process on the display unit without executing the printing process.

9. Further comprising a display unit, 2. The label printer according to claim 1, wherein after executing the analysis process, the control unit executes a first display process that causes the display unit to display a type and a length of the printing medium required for the printing process before executing the printing process.

10. Further comprising a display unit, 2. The label printer according to claim 1, wherein, after executing the printing process, the control unit executes a second display process that causes the display unit to display a type of print medium that is included in the command data and is necessary to execute the command that was not executed.

11. a cassette mounting section to which a cassette containing a print medium can be detachably attached; A display unit, After executing the analysis process, the control unit executes the printing process. A consumption amount acquisition process for acquiring a consumption amount of the printing medium based on an analysis result of the above analysis process; a remaining amount acquisition process for acquiring a remaining amount of the print medium contained in the cassette mounted in the cassette mounting portion; a first warning process for displaying a warning on the display unit when the consumption amount acquired in the consumption amount acquisition process is greater than the remaining amount acquired in the remaining amount acquisition process.

12. A battery attachment section into which a battery can be attached and detached; A display unit, The control unit is a prediction process for predicting the amount of power consumption when the printing process is executed based on an analysis result of the analysis process; a voltage value acquisition process for acquiring a voltage value of a battery mounted in the battery mounting section; 2. The label printer according to claim 1, further comprising: a second warning process for displaying a warning on the display unit in response to determining that a voltage value of the battery attached to the battery attachment unit will be lower than a threshold value after executing the printing process, based on the power consumption predicted in the prediction process and the voltage value acquired in the voltage value acquisition process.

13. A printing unit that prints labels; a storage unit for storing the first label data, the second label data, and the command data; A control unit, The first label data indicates the printing content of the first label, The second label data indicates the printing content of the second label, the command data includes a first command and a second command; the first command is a command for controlling an operation of the printing unit for the first label, the second command is a command for controlling an operation of the printing unit for the second label, The control unit controls the operation of the printing unit in accordance with the command data stored in the memory unit, thereby executing a printing process that causes the printing unit to print the first label and the second label.

Images