Image formation apparatus

Abstract

To provide an image formation apparatus which allows a printing image to be confirmed in detail.SOLUTION: An image formation apparatus includes a memory, an external interface, a processor, and a display device. The memory stores fixed data for printing an image. The external interface is connected to an external input device for inputting data to be synthesized with the fixed data. The processor generates a preview image that shows an image to be printed using print data obtained by synthesizing data inputted by the external input device and the fixed data. The display device displays access information for accessing the preview image.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

Technical Field

[0001] Embodiments of the present invention relate to an image forming apparatus.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, there is a barcode printer as an image forming apparatus for printing labels attached to products and the like. The barcode printer has a function called stand-alone printing for printing an image of print data generated by the apparatus itself on a label. Stand-alone printing generates print data for label printing by combining variable data input from various input devices such as a code reader and a keyboard with fixed data.

[0003] However, due to constraints such as cost and the size of the housing, it is difficult for a barcode printer to provide a display device having a large display screen. Also, it is difficult for a barcode printer to use an expensive display device with a touch panel in order to suppress costs. For this reason, conventional barcode printers have a problem that it is difficult to confirm in detail even when a label image generated for stand-alone printing is displayed on a display device.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] An object of the present invention is to provide an image forming apparatus capable of confirming a print image in detail in order to solve the above-described problems.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] According to an embodiment, the image forming apparatus includes a memory, an external interface, a processor, and a display device. The memory stores fixed data for printing an image. The external interface is connected to an external input device for inputting data to be combined with the fixed data. The processor generates a preview image showing an image to be printed with print data obtained by combining the data input by the external input device and the fixed data. The display device displays access information for accessing the preview image.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0007]

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[0008] Hereinafter, this embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings. First, a configuration example of a printing system including a barcode printer (label printer) 11 according to the embodiment will be described. FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a configuration example of a printing system including a barcode printer 11 according to the embodiment. The barcode printer 11 according to the embodiment is an image forming apparatus that prints an image to be displayed as a label on a medium to be used as a label. The barcode printer 11 has a stand-alone printing function of generating print data (hereinafter, also referred to as label data) of an image to be printed on a label by itself and printing the print data on a medium in accordance with an instruction from an operator generated by itself.

[0009] As shown in FIG. 1, the barcode printer 11 has an interface for connecting to an external input device 12. The external input device 12 is, for example, a code reader 121, a scanner 122, a keyboard 123, a scale 124, a thermometer 125, a digital multi-functional peripheral (MFP) 126, and the like.

[0010] The code reader 121 is a device that reads code images such as barcodes or two-dimensional codes. The scanner 122 is a device that reads images. The keyboard 123 is a device for an operator to input text information. The scale 124 is a device that measures weight. The thermometer 125 is a device that measures temperature. The digital multifunction peripheral (MFP) 126 is a device having a scanner and the like.

[0011] In stand-alone printing, the barcode printer 11 acquires information such as text information, symbol images, and barcodes to be printed on a label from the external input device 12. The barcode printer 11 generates label data by setting various information acquired from the external input device 12 at predetermined positions of fixed data. The barcode printer 11 creates a label by printing an image as a label on a medium using the generated label data.

[0012] The barcode printer 11 has an interface for communicating with the smart device 13. The smart device 13 is an information processing device (external device) such as a smartphone or a tablet PC. The smart device 13 includes a display unit, an operation unit, an imaging unit, etc. in addition to a control unit and a communication interface provided in the main body. For example, in the configuration example shown in FIG. 1, the smart device 13 shows a display device 131 with a touch panel and a camera 132 as components on the exterior.

[0013] The control unit of the smart device 13 is composed of a computer including a processor such as a CPU and a memory. The control unit of the smart device 13 performs various processes by the processor executing a program stored in the memory. For example, the control unit realizes processes such as reading a two-dimensional code described later and displaying a preview image (PNG) by the processor executing a program stored in the memory.

[0014] The communication interface of the smart device 13 is, for example, a communication interface that performs wireless communication. The control unit of the smart device 13 communicates with a device connected to a network such as the Internet via the communication interface.

[0015] The display unit and the operation unit of the smart device 13 are, for example, constituted by a display device 131 with a touch panel. The display unit of the smart device 13 is realized by, for example, the display device of the display device 131 with a touch panel. Also, the operation unit of the smart device 13 is realized by the touch panel of the display device 131 with a touch panel. Also, the operation unit of the smart device 13 may include a hard key provided on the housing of the smart device 13.

[0016] Also, the imaging unit of the smart device 13 is constituted by, for example, a camera 132. The camera 132 of the smart device 13 is used as an imaging unit for imaging a two-dimensional code described later. In this case, the control unit of the smart device operates as a two-dimensional code reader that reads a two-dimensional code using the camera 132.

[0017] The barcode printer 11 stores the data of the preview image in a location (storage destination) accessible by the smart device. The barcode printer 11 provides the smart device 13 with access information (for example, a URL) for accessing the data of the preview image. The barcode printer 11 includes an operation panel 25 including a display unit and an operation unit. The barcode printer 11 has a function (preview image providing function) of providing the smart device 13 with access information for accessing (linking to) the preview image of the printed image on the display unit of the operation panel 25.

[0018] For example, the barcode printer 11 displays access information for the smart device 13 to access the preview image and a coded two-dimensional code on the operation panel 25. The smart device 13 acquires the access information by reading and decoding the two-dimensional code displayed on the operation panel 25. The smart device 13 acquires the preview image located at the location indicated by the access information, and displays the acquired preview image on its own display unit such as a display device with a touch panel.

[0019] The barcode printer 11 may be configured to have an interface for communicating with a cloud server (external server) 14. The cloud server 14 is a device capable of communicating with the smart device 13 via a network such as the Internet. For example, the cloud server 14 provides a website for displaying a preview image to be described later on the smart device. In this case, the barcode printer 11 transfers the preview image to the cloud server 14 and causes the cloud server 14 to store the preview image to be displayed on the smart device 13. When the barcode printer 11 stores the preview image in the cloud server 14, the barcode printer 11 identifies access information indicating the storage destination of the preview image in the cloud server 14. The barcode printer 11 provides the smart device 13 with access information indicating the storage destination (access destination) of the preview image in the form of a code image or the like.

[0020] The cloud server 14 provides the preview image to the smart device 13 accessed according to the access information provided by the barcode printer 11. Further, the cloud server 14 may accept corrections such as image (label data) corrections in response to instructions from the smart device 13 for the preview image on the website. The cloud server 14 may supply correction data (or corrected label data) of the label data indicating the correction content for the preview image to the barcode printer 11. In this case, the barcode printer 11 may correct the label data according to the correction data of the label data from the cloud server 14.

[0021] Next, the configuration of the barcode printer 11 in the label printing system 1 according to the embodiment will be described. FIG. 2 is a block diagram for explaining a configuration example of a control system in the barcode printer 11 of the label printing system 1 according to the embodiment. The barcode printer 11 includes a processor 21, a system memory 22, a storage unit 23, a printer 24, an operation panel 25, an external interface 26, a communication interface 27, and the like.

[0022] The processor 21 executes control and information processing of each unit. The processor 21 is, for example, a CPU. The processor 21 executes a program stored in the system memory 22 or the storage unit (memory) 23. By executing the program, the processor 21 outputs operation instructions to each unit and processes various information from each unit.

[0023] The system memory 22 includes memories such as a RAM (Random Access Memory), a ROM (Read Only Memory), and an NVM. The RAM functions as a working memory or a buffer memory. The ROM is a non-rewritable non-volatile memory. The ROM functions as a program memory. The NVM is a rewritable non-volatile memory. The NVM stores data such as programs, control data, and setting information.

[0024] The storage unit 23 is composed of a rewritable non-volatile memory. For example, the storage unit 23 is composed of a storage device such as an HDD (Hard Disk Drive) or an SSD (Solid State Drive). The storage unit 23 stores, for example, image data. Further, the storage unit 23 may store data such as programs, control data, and setting information.

[0025] The storage unit 23 of the barcode printer 11 according to the embodiment is assumed to have a storage area 231, a storage area 232, and a storage area 233. The memory area 231 stores label data in a state where no data is input to the variable data area (initial state). When performing stand-alone printing, label data for printing is selected from the label data stored in the memory area 231.

[0026] The memory area 232 stores label data (synthesized data) in a state where data is embedded (synthesized) in the variable data area. The memory area 233 stores display data of a preview image as a print image to be printed based on the label data. The memory area 233 may store, as preview data, the image data of the preview image, or may store information indicating the storage destination of the preview image.

[0027] The printer 24 prints an image on a medium used as a label. The printer 24 prints, for example, a label image on a medium having a predetermined width (label width) used as a label. The printer 24 prints an image on a medium used as a label based on the label data described later. Note that the printer 24 is not limited to a specific image forming method, and may be configured to form an image on a medium by any image forming method.

[0028] The operation panel 25 includes a display unit (display device) 251 and an operation unit (operation device) 252. The display unit 251 is composed of a display device such as a liquid crystal display. The display content of the display unit 251 is controlled according to an operation instruction from the processor 21. The operation unit 252 is composed of a touch panel or operation buttons, etc. For example, the display unit 251 and the operation unit 252 are composed of a display device with a touch panel. For example, the processor 21 displays an icon selectable by the touch panel as the operation unit 252 on the display screen of the display unit 41 together with operation guidance. Thereby, the processor 21 acquires input data corresponding to the touch position detected by the touch panel.

[0029] The external interface 26 is an interface for connecting the external input device 12. The external interface 26 may be connected to the external input device 12 by wire or wirelessly. Further, the external interface 26 may include a plurality of types of interfaces corresponding to various external input devices 12.

[0030] The communication interface 27 is an interface for communicating with an external device. For example, the communication interface 27 includes an interface for communicating with the smart device 13. Further, the communication interface 27 also includes an interface for communicating with the cloud server 14. The communication interface 27 may communicate by wire or wirelessly.

[0031] Next, the label data for the barcode printer 11 in the label printing system 1 according to the embodiment to print labels will be described. FIGS. 3 and 4 are diagrams for explaining label data before synthesizing variable data with fixed data. FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of label data (PDL: Printer Description Language, print command).

[0032] In the label data shown in FIG. 3, regions (variable data regions) 301-304 for inputting variable data are defined in a data sequence (format) composed of fixed data. The label data shown in FIG. 3 is label data in an initial state before variable data is embedded. In the storage area 231 of the storage unit 23, label data in the initial state as shown in FIG. 3 (label data before synthesizing variable data) is stored.

[0033] Each of the variable data areas 301 - 304 is defined as to which external input device (e.g., the code reader 121, the keyboard 123, etc.) inputs data. For example, the variable data area 301 is defined such that data as ProductID (product ID) is input by the code reader 121. The variable data area 302 is defined such that data as Price (price) is input by the code reader 121. Also, for the variable data areas 303 and 304, it is defined that data is input by the code reader 121.

[0034] Figure 4 is a diagram showing a printed image corresponding to the label data shown in Figure 3. The label data shown in Figure 3 is in a state where no data is entered in each of the variable data areas 301 - 304 in the data string composed of fixed data. Therefore, in the printed image shown in Figure 4, each image area 411 - 413 corresponding to each of the variable data areas 301 - 304 in the label data shown in Figure 3 is blank.

[0035] Figures 5 and 6 are diagrams for explaining the label data after synthesizing variable data with fixed data. Figure 5 is a diagram illustrating the label data after embedding data (variable data) in the variable data areas 301 - 304 shown in Figure 3. The label data shown in Figure 5 is an example of the label data (synthesized data) after embedding variable data in the variable data area in the initial label. In the storage area 232 of the storage unit 23, the label data (synthesized data) after synthesizing variable data as shown in Figure 5 is stored.

[0036] As described above, in the variable data area of the label data, data acquired by the externally connected input device 12 set for each is input. For example, in the variable data areas 301-304 shown in FIG. 3, a code reader 121 is set as the externally connected input device 12. In this case, the data read by the code reader 121 is embedded in the variable data areas 301-304. Specifically, in the example shown in FIG. 5, "12345670" read by the code reader 121 is embedded as the Product ID in the variable data area 301. Also, "10", which is the data read by the code reader 121, is embedded as the Price in the variable data area 302.

[0037] FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating a printed image when label data with data embedded in the variable data area shown in FIG. 5 is printed. The label data shown in FIG. 5 is in a state where data is contained in each of the variable data areas 301-304 in the data string composed of fixed data. Therefore, in the printed image of the label data of FIG. 5 shown in FIG. 6, images are displayed in the respective image areas 411-413 corresponding to the variable data areas 301-304. For example, the data in the variable data areas 301 and 302 is displayed in the image areas 411 and 412. Also, the data in the variable data areas 303 and 304 is displayed as a barcode image in the image area 413.

[0038] Next, a user interface provided to the operator when the barcode printer 11 according to the embodiment executes stand-alone printing will be described. FIGS. 7 to 9 show examples of transitions of the display screen displayed on the operation panel 25 in stand-alone printing. When executing stand-alone printing on the barcode printer 11, the operator selects stand-alone printing using the operation unit 252 of the operation panel 25. Further, the operator designates the label data to be printed by stand-alone printing. For example, the barcode printer 11 stores label data printable by stand-alone printing in the storage area 231 of the storage unit 23.

[0039] The processor 21 reads the label data selected by the operator from the label data stored in the storage area 231. The processor 21 causes the display unit 251 to display a guidance screen (data reading screen) that prompts for input of data by the external input device 12 set in the variable data area of the label data selected by the operator.

[0040] FIG. 7 is a diagram showing a display example of a data reading (input) screen displayed on the display unit 251 of the operation panel 25 in the barcode printer 11. In the display example shown in FIG. 7, the display unit 251 displays a guidance prompting reading of a barcode indicating the product ID (Product ID) and price by the code reader 121. In the display example shown in FIG. 7, a guidance indicating that it is a stand-alone printing is displayed in the display area 51. A guidance prompting reading of data by the code reader is displayed in the display area 52. A display column for the product ID (Product ID) is displayed in the display area 53. A display column for the price is displayed in the display area 54.

[0041] The operator scans a barcode indicating the product ID and price using the code reader 121 as a barcode reader connected to the barcode printer 11. The code reader 121 connected to the barcode printer 11 supplies data indicating the read product ID and price to the barcode printer 11.

[0042] The barcode printer 11 acquires data indicating the product ID and price read by the code reader 121 through the external interface 26. The processor 21 of the barcode printer 11 causes the display unit 251 to display a screen (reading result screen) that displays the product ID and price acquired from the code reader 121 as the data reading (input) result. Further, after acquiring the data read by the code reader 121, the processor 21 may transition to the data reading result screen in response to an instruction of the Next button 61.

[0043] FIG. 8 is a diagram showing a display example of a data reading result screen to be displayed on the display unit 251 of the operation panel 25 in the barcode printer 11. In the display example shown in FIG. 8, the display unit 251 displays, as a reading result (input result), data indicating a product ID and a price as information read by the code reader 121. In the display area 52, a guidance indicating that data is read by the code reader is displayed. In the display area 53, the product ID (Product ID) read by the code reader 121 is displayed. In the display area 54, the price (Price) read by the code reader 121 is displayed.

[0044] Also, in the display example shown in FIG. 8, the operation unit 252 accepts inputs to the Next button 61 and the Prev button 62 for transitioning to the next screen. The Next button 61 and the Prev button 62 may be configured as hard keys or may be configured to be selectable on a touch panel.

[0045] If the data displayed on the display unit 251 as the data reading result screen does not satisfy the operator, the operator instructs the Prev button 62. When the Prev button 62 is instructed, the processor 21 returns to the data reading screen as shown in FIG. 7 and accepts another data input by the code reader 121. Also, if the data displayed on the display unit 251 as the data reading result screen satisfies the operator, the operator instructs the Next button 61. When the Next button 61 is instructed (when data input is completed), the processor 21 transitions to a screen (preview link screen) that displays access information indicating a link destination to the preview image on the display unit 251.

[0046] FIG. 9 is a diagram showing a display example of a preview link screen to be displayed on the display unit 251 of the operation panel 25 in the barcode printer 11. In the display example shown in FIG. 9, the display unit 251 displays a code image (two-dimensional code) indicating access information for accessing (linking to) the preview image. When the input of the data to be input into the variable data area is completed, the processor 21 of the barcode printer 11 generates label data (synthesized data) obtained by synthesizing the input data. When the processor 21 generates the synthesized data, the processor 21 generates a preview image as a print image image indicating the print image by the synthesized data.

[0047] The processor 21 stores the generated preview image in a storage destination (link destination) accessible from the smart device 13. The processor 21 generates a two-dimensional code in which the access information indicating the storage destination where the preview image is stored is encoded. The processor 21 displays on the display unit 251 a preview link screen including the two-dimensional code in which the access information indicating the storage destination of the preview image is encoded.

[0048] The operator causes the smart device 13 to read the two-dimensional code displayed on the display unit 251. For example, the smart device 13 activates an application program for reading the two-dimensional code (hereinafter referred to as an application for reading the two-dimensional code) and captures the two-dimensional code with the camera 132. The smart device 13 decodes the two-dimensional code captured by the camera 132 and accesses the storage destination of the preview image based on the access information indicated by the two-dimensional code. The smart device 13 displays the preview image at the storage destination indicated by the access information of the two-dimensional code on the display device 131 or the like.

[0049] FIG. 10 shows an example in which the smart device 13 displays a preview image 81 acquired from the storage destination indicated by the access information of the two-dimensional code. Here, assume that the smart device 13 displays the preview image 81 on the display device 131 with a touch panel. The smart device 13 may not only display the preview image 81 on the display device 131, but also change the display state of the preview image 81 according to the operation of the operator. For example, the smart device 13 enlarges or reduces the preview image 81 according to the pinch-in or pinch-out operation detected by the touch panel. Thereby, the operator can check the preview image displayed on the display device 131 of the smart device 13 in detail.

[0050] In addition, the operator who has checked the preview image displayed on the display device 131 of the smart device 13 selects and instructs whether to print the preview image. For example, in the screen shown in FIG. 9, when the operator executes the printing of the preview image, the next button 61 is instructed, and when the printing is canceled, the return button 62 is instructed. When the printing execution is instructed, the processor 21 of the barcode printer 11 performs printing based on the label data indicated by the preview image, and when the printing cancellation is instructed, the printing (generation of label data) is canceled. Thereby, the operator can instruct the execution or cancellation of printing after checking the preview image on the smart device.

[0051] Next, the operation of the entire printing system including the barcode printer 11, the code reader 121, and the smart device 13 according to the embodiment will be described. FIG. 11 is a sequence for explaining an operation example of a printing system including the barcode printer 11, the code reader 121, and the smart device 13 according to the embodiment. First, assume that the operator (user) designates the label data to be printed by stand-alone printing using the operation unit 252 in the barcode printer 11. The processor 21 reads the label data designated by the user from the label data in the initial state stored in the storage area 231.

[0052] The processor 21 of the barcode printer 11 causes the display unit 251 to display a guidance screen (for example, the data reading screen shown in FIG. 7) that prompts to acquire data to be input into the variable data area of the read label data. Here, it is assumed that the processor 21 prompts to acquire data to be input into the variable data area by using the code reader 121 as the external input device 12.

[0053] The user instructs to read a barcode indicating data to be variable data by using the code reader 121 as the external input device 12 in accordance with the guidance on the data reading screen (ACT11). The code reader 121 connected to the barcode printer 11 reads a barcode indicating data to be variable data in response to the user's instruction. The code reader 121 that has read the barcode supplies the read data (read data) to the barcode printer 11 (ACT12).

[0054] The barcode printer 11 acquires the read data (input data to be embedded in the variable data area) read by the code reader 121 through the external interface 26. When the processor 21 of the barcode printer 11 acquires the read (input) data from the code reader 121, the processor 21 causes the display unit 251 to display a data reading (input) result screen indicating the acquired read data (ACT13). For example, the processor 21 causes the display unit 251 to display a screen as shown in FIG. 8 as the data reading result screen.

[0055] When the processor 21 of the barcode printer 11 acquires the data to be embedded in the variable data area, the processor 21 generates label data obtained by synthesizing the read (input) data (ACT14). The processor 21 stores the label data obtained by synthesizing the input data in the storage area 232 of the storage unit 23 as synthesized data.

[0056] When the processor 21 of the barcode printer 11 generates the synthesized data, the processor 21 generates a preview image as a print image image indicating the print image by the synthesized data (ACT15). The processor 21 stores the generated preview image in a storage destination accessible from the smart device 13.

[0057] The processor 21 of the barcode printer 11 generates a two-dimensional code (ACT16) that encodes access information indicating the storage destination (link destination) where the preview image is stored. Also, when the data reading result screen is displayed on the display unit 251, the processor 21 receives a display request for the two-dimensional code indicating the access information to the preview image.

[0058] The user checks the data reading result screen displayed on the display unit 251 of the barcode printer 11. If the user is satisfied with the read (input) data displayed on the display unit 251, the user instructs the operation unit 252 to request the display of the two-dimensional code indicating the access information to the preview image (ACT17). For example, in a state where the data reading result screen shown in FIG. 8 is displayed, the user requests the display of the two-dimensional code by instructing the next button 61.

[0059] When the display request for the two-dimensional code is instructed, the processor 21 of the barcode printer 11 displays on the display unit 251 a two-dimensional code indicating the link destination of the preview image (ACT18). For example, the processor 21 displays on the display unit 251 a preview link screen including a two-dimensional code indicating the link destination of the preview image as shown in FIG. 9.

[0060] When the two-dimensional code is displayed on the display unit 251 of the barcode printer 11, the user performs an operation to cause the smart device 13 that displays the preview image to read the two-dimensional code (ACT19). For example, the user activates an application for reading the two-dimensional code on the smart device 13. When the application for reading the two-dimensional code is activated, the user performs an operation to image the two-dimensional code with the camera 132 of the smart device 13.

[0061] When the application for reading two-dimensional codes is launched, the smart device 13 captures an image of the two-dimensional code displayed on the display unit 251 with the camera 132 according to the user's operation (ACT20). The smart device 13 obtains access information as the code information indicated by the two-dimensional code by decoding the two-dimensional code extracted from the image captured by the camera 132 (ACT21).

[0062] When the smart device 13 obtains the access information indicated by the two-dimensional code, it accesses the preview image of the link destination indicated by the access information according to the user's operation (ACT22). When the smart device 13 accesses the link destination indicated by the access information, it obtains the display data of the preview image at the link destination (ACT23). The smart device 13 displays the preview image obtained from the link destination on the display device 131 (ACT24). For example, as shown in FIG. 10, the smart device 13 displays a preview image on the display device 131. The smart device 13 changes and displays the state of the preview image displayed on the display device 131 according to the user's operation.

[0063] The user checks the preview image displayed on the display device 131 of the smart device 13 and gives a selection instruction to execute or cancel printing. For example, when the preview link screen shown in FIG. 9 is displayed, the user instructs the next button 61 to execute printing and instructs the back button 62 to cancel printing.

[0064] When printing is instructed to be executed (ACT25), the processor 21 of the barcode printer 11 creates a label by executing printing based on the label data indicated by the preview image (ACT26). Also, when printing is instructed to be canceled by the operation unit 252 (ACT27), the processor 21 of the barcode printer 11 cancels printing using the generated label data.

[0065] According to the printing system as described above, when the user performs stand-alone printing with the barcode printer, the user can check the preview image in detail on the smart device. Further, after the user checks the printed image on the display device of the smart device, the user can instruct printing execution or printing cancellation, and it is possible to prevent a label different from the user's intention from being printed.

[0066] Next, the operation of the barcode printer 11 as an image forming apparatus according to the embodiment will be described. Here, the operation of the barcode printer 11 as the one in the printing system operating as shown in FIG. 11 described above will be described with a focus on it. FIG. 12 is a flowchart for explaining an operation example of the barcode printer 11 as an image forming apparatus according to the embodiment. The processor 21 of the barcode printer 11 selects label data to be printed by stand-alone printing in response to a user instruction at the operation unit 252 (ACT51).

[0067] The processor 21 reads the initial state label data as the selected label data from the storage area 231. The processor 21 displays, on the display unit 251, a guidance screen (for example, the data reading screen shown in FIG. 7) that prompts to acquire data to be input to the variable data area of the read label data. The processor 21 receives the input of the data acquired by the external input device 12 in a state where the guidance screen for data input is displayed (ACT52).

[0068] When there is data input from the external input device 12 connected to the external interface 26 (ACT52, YES), the processor 21 acquires the data from the external input device 12 as input data to be embedded in the variable data area. The processor 21 displays, on the display unit 251, a screen (data input result screen) showing the data acquired as the data to be embedded in the variable data area from the external input device 12 (ACT53).

[0069] Further, the processor 21 generates synthesized data (ACT54) by embedding (synthesizing) the data acquired from the external input device 12 into the variable data area of the label data being selected. The processor 21 stores the synthesized data as the generated synthesized label data in the storage area 232 of the storage unit 23.

[0070] When the processor 21 generates synthesized data, it generates a preview image as a print image image indicating the print image by the generated synthesized data (ACT55). The processor 21 stores the generated preview image in a storage destination accessible from the smart device 13. For example, the processor 21 may store the preview image in the storage unit 23 in the barcode printer 11, or may store it in the cloud server 14.

[0071] When the processor 21 stores the preview image, it generates access information indicating the storage destination (link destination) where the preview image is stored. Here, it is assumed that the processor 21 provides the access information to the smart device 13 in the form of a two-dimensional code. In this case, the processor 21 generates a two-dimensional code obtained by encoding the access information indicating the link destination of the preview image (ACT56).

[0072] After the processor 21 generates the two-dimensional code, it receives an instruction to display the access information (two-dimensional code) of the preview image by an operation of the operation unit 252 (ACT57). For example, the processor 21 receives an instruction to the next button 61 as an instruction to display the two-dimensional code in a state where the data reading result screen shown in FIG. 8 is displayed.

[0073] When the display of the two-dimensional code, which is the access information of the preview image, is instructed, the processor 21 displays the two-dimensional code obtained by encoding the access information on the display unit 251 (ACT58). For example, the processor 21 displays the two-dimensional code on the preview link screen shown in FIG. 9 to be displayed on the display unit 251.

[0074] After the processor 21 displays the two-dimensional code on the display unit 251, it receives a request to display a preview image by accessing the link destination of the access information indicated by the two-dimensional code (ACT59). For example, assume that the processor 21 has received a request for a preview image by accessing the link destination indicated by the two-dimensional code by the smart device 13. When the link destination indicated by the two-dimensional code displayed on the display unit 251 is accessed (ACT59, YES), the processor 21 provides the preview image at the link destination to the device serving as the access source (ACT60).

[0075] That is, the processor 21 provides the preview image to the smart device 13 that accesses the link destination indicated by the two-dimensional code. For example, the processor 21 provides the preview image to the smart device 13 as display data that can be displayed by a web browser. Thereby, the barcode printer 11 can provide (display) the preview image based on the label data after variable data synthesis to the smart device. Note that the processor 21 may transmit the display data of the preview image to the smart device 13 by short-range wireless communication or the like.

[0076] Also, when the preview image is stored in the cloud server 14, the cloud server 14 may provide the preview image to the smart device 13. For example, the cloud server 14 stores the preview image supplied from the barcode printer 11 in its own memory and receives a request to display the preview image. In this case, the cloud server 14 may provide the preview image specified by the URL according to a dedicated website to the smart device 13, for example.

[0077] Also, the processor 21 of the barcode printer 11 receives instructions for executing label printing (printing instruction), canceling label printing, and modifying label data (ACT61, 63, 64). When an instruction to execute label printing based on the synthesized label data is given (ACT61, YES), the processor 21 executes printing based on the synthesized label data selected by the user (ACT62).

[0078] Also, when an instruction to cancel label printing using the synthesized label data is given (ACT63, YES), the processor 21 discards the synthesized label data and ends the series of processes. For example, when an instruction to cancel label printing using the synthesized label data is given, the processor 21 may return to ACT51 and accept the selection of label data again.

[0079] Also, when an instruction to modify the synthesized label data is given (ACT64, YES), the processor 21 modifies the data for the synthesized label data (label data being created) (ACT65). For example, the processor 21 may accept the modification of label data on a website that displays a preview image. In this case, the processor 21 modifies the label data according to the content indicated by the user for the preview image using the touch panel of the smart device 13 or the like.

[0080] Specifically, the processor 21 changes the preview image according to instructions such as moving, enlarging, or reducing a partial area of the preview image using the touch panel of the smart device 13. When the user instructs the reflection of the changed preview image, the processor 21 can modify the label data according to the changed preview image. Also, the processor 21 may accept changes to an external input device that acquires data to be input to a specific variable data area on the website.

[0081] When the processor 21 receives the correction of the synthesized label data, it corrects the synthesized label data (the label data being created) according to the instruction content for the user. When the processor 21 corrects the label data, it stores the corrected label data as synthesized data in the storage area 232 of the storage unit 23 and returns to ACT52.

[0082] As described above, the barcode printer as the image forming apparatus according to the embodiment inputs data to be synthesized with the fixed data stored in the memory from an external input device. The barcode printer generates a preview image showing an image to be printed with the print data obtained by synthesizing the input data input from the external input device and the fixed data. The barcode printer displays access information for accessing the preview image on the display device.

[0083] Thereby, the user can acquire the access information displayed on the display device of the barcode printer with the smart device and can display the preview image with the smart device. As a result, the user can confirm in detail with a smart device or the like the print image printed with the synthesized data before executing the printing.

[0084] Although some embodiments of the present invention have been described, these embodiments are presented as examples and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. These novel embodiments can be implemented in various other forms, and various omissions, replacements, and changes can be made without departing from the gist of the invention. These embodiments and their modifications are included in the scope and gist of the invention and are included in the invention described in the claims and the equivalent scope thereof.

Explanation of Reference Numerals

[0085] 11…Barcode printer (image forming apparatus, label printer), 12…External input device, 121…Code reader, 122…Scanner, 123…Keyboard, 124…Scale, 125…Thermometer, 126…Multifunction Digital Machine (MFP), 13…Smart Device (External Device), 131…Display Device with Touch Panel, 132…Camera, 14…Cloud Server, 21…Processor, 22…System Memory, 23…Memory Unit, 24…Printer, 25…Operation Panel, 251…Display Section (Display Device), 252…Operation Section (Operation Device), 26…External Interface, 27…Communication Interface.

Claims

1. A memory for storing fixed data for printing an image, An external interface connected to an external input device for inputting data to be synthesized with the fixed data, A processor for generating a preview image showing an image to be printed with print data synthesized from the data input by the external input device and the fixed data, A display device for displaying access information for accessing the preview image, An image forming apparatus having the same.

2. The processor generates a code image encoding access information for accessing the preview image, The display device displays the code image, The image forming apparatus according to claim 1.

3. Further, a printer for printing an image based on print data synthesized from the data input by the external input device and the fixed data on a medium, An operation device for inputting an operation instruction, and having, When the processor is in a state where the code image is displayed on the display device and printing execution is instructed by the operation device, the processor executes printing of an image based on the print data by the printer, and when cancellation is instructed by the operation device, printing based on the print data is canceled, The image forming apparatus according to claim 2.

4. Further, having a communication interface for communicating with an external device, The processor causes an external device accessed by access information indicated by the code image via the communication interface to display a preview image, The image forming apparatus according to claim 2.

5. Further, having a communication interface for communicating with an external server, ​The processor stores the preview image in the external server and generates a code image encoding access information for accessing the storage destination of the preview image stored in the external server. The image forming apparatus according to claim 2.

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