Image processing program and image processing device

Abstract

To provide a technique for easily processing a print image associated with data in a database.SOLUTION: An information processing device stores information indicating a print image and a database associated therewith. The database includes a link field associated with the print image. The print image includes a link object. The link object indicates one of a plurality of pieces of data in the link field. The information processing device displays an outline image and provides information relating to the print image, to a user. The outline image includes a sample image and a database image. The sample image is a sample of the print image in a state in which a specific piece of data of the plurality of pieces of data is indicated as the link object. The database image indicates the database.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a technique for processing, by an information processing device, an image to be printed by a printing device. [Background technology]

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a technique in which a list screen of templates including objects to be printed by a label printer is displayed, and when a template is selected from the list screen, an editing screen for that template is displayed.

[0003] Patent Document 2 discloses a technique for allocating data from a database to any object in a template and printing the template including that data using a label printer. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2023-037244 [Patent Document 2] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2019-211904 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] Being able to select a template to which database data has been assigned from a template list screen is convenient as it reduces the effort required to create labels that include database data. However, if the template list screen simply displays a list of templates as in Patent Document 1, it is difficult for users to know which database is assigned to which template, and it is also difficult to know whether a database is assigned to a template in the first place, making it difficult to use for users.

[0006] One aspect of the present disclosure is the desirability of being able to easily process printed images that have associated data from a database. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided an image processing program executable by an information processing device including a storage unit, a display unit, an input unit, and a control unit. The storage unit stores print image information and a database associated with the print image information.

[0008] The print image information indicates a print image that can be printed on a print medium by a printing device. The database includes one or more data fields, including a link field, which is a data field associated with a print image.

[0009] The print image includes one or more objects, including a link object, which is an object associated with a link field and indicates a selected one of the one or more pieces of data arranged in the link field.

[0010] The control unit is capable of executing an image processing program. The image processing program causes the control unit to execute a first display process. The first display process displays a summary image on the display unit. The summary image is information for providing information about the print image to a user of the image processing program.

[0011] The overview image includes a sample image and a database image. The sample image is a sample of a print image in which specific data among the one or more data is displayed as a link object. The database image shows a database.

[0012] By executing such an image processing program, an information processing device can easily process a print image associated with database data. Specifically, when a sample image of a print image including a link object is displayed, the database image is also displayed. This allows the user to easily know that the print image is associated with a database. Furthermore, the user can also know the specific contents of the associated database. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0013] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a configuration diagram of a printing system according to an embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a label image and a database associated with the label image; [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram showing the structure of a template file. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of a home screen. [Figure 5] FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram showing a template outline image. [Figure 6] 10 is a flowchart of a main process. [Figure 7] FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram of template list information. [Figure 8] 10 is a flowchart showing details of a template merge information generation process. [Figure 9] FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of template merge information. [Figure 10] 10 is a flowchart showing details of a template list display process. [Figure 11] 10 is a flowchart showing details of highlighting processing. [Figure 12] FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a template overview image in which parts of a sample image and a database image are highlighted. [Figure 13] FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram showing another example of a template overview image in which parts of a sample image and a database image are highlighted. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0014] Exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure will now be described. [1. Embodiment] (1-1) Printing system configuration 1, the printing system of this embodiment includes an information processing device 1, a printing device 101, and a server 150. The information processing device 1 is capable of communicating with the printing device 101 and the server 150.

[0015] When the printing device 101 receives a print command including image data from the information processing device 1, it can print an image represented by the image data on the print medium 110. The printing device 101 of this embodiment is, for example, in the form of a label printer or label writer. That is, the print medium 110 of this embodiment is in the form of a long tape. The printing device 101 prints a label image 115 on the print medium 110 according to its intended use as a label. The label image 115 is printed on the print medium 110 along its length (hereinafter referred to as the "medium length direction"). Note that the print medium 110 may be in a form other than a long tape.

[0016] The print medium 110 on which the label images 115 are printed is automatically or manually cut for each label image 115. Each label is affixed to various objects, such as name tags, file spines, store price tags, mailing envelopes, industrial materials, fixtures, notebooks, signs, and the like.

[0017] The server 150 provides the user with templates (i.e., models) of various label images 115. Each template includes one or more pre-arranged objects. The objects may be, for example, text, symbols, figures, illustrations, photographs, frames, tables, or barcodes. The server 150 provides one or more templates for each of a number of categories classified according to their intended use. Each template is provided to the user in the form of a template file containing information about the template.

[0018] The information processing device 1 can execute a label image creation application 5a. The label image creation application 5a is software including a computer program for creating a label image 115 to be printed by the printing device 101. A user of the printing system can use the label image creation application 5a to realize various functions in the information processing device 1.

[0019] Specifically, the user can download a desired template file belonging to a desired category from the server 150 to the information processing device 1. The user can create a label image 115 based on the template included in the downloaded template file. The user can also save the created label image 115, open and edit the saved label image 115, and issue a print instruction for the label image 115. When a print instruction is issued, a print command for the label image 115 is sent to the printing device 101.

[0020] The information processing device 1 may communicate with the printing device 101 using any communication method. The information processing device 1 and the printing device 101 may, for example, be capable of wireless or wired communication with each other. Wireless communication methods may include, for example, wireless LAN and Bluetooth. "Bluetooth" is a registered trademark. Wired communication methods may include, for example, USB (Universal Serial Bus) and wired LAN. The same applies to communication between the information processing device 1 and the server 150. The information processing device 1 may be, for example, in the form of a desktop personal computer, or in the form of an easily portable so-called laptop computer, tablet, smartphone, or the like.

[0021] (1-2) Configuration of information processing device 1, the information processing device 1 includes a control unit 2, a display unit 3, an input unit 4, a storage unit 5, and a communication unit 6. The control unit 2 includes a CPU 2a and a memory 2b. The CPU 2a as a processor executes processing in accordance with computer programs stored in the memory 2b and the storage unit 5. The memory 2b may include semiconductor memory such as a ROM, a RAM, an NVRAM, or a flash memory.

[0022] The storage unit 5 includes storage devices such as a solid state drive (SSD) and a hard disk drive (HDD), and stores various computer programs and data. In this embodiment, the programs stored in the storage unit 5 include an operating system (hereinafter referred to as "OS") and a printer driver. The printer driver is software for controlling the printing device 101 from the information processing device 1. The storage unit 5 also stores the above-mentioned label image creation application 5a. In this embodiment, the OS, printer driver, and label image creation application 5a are installed in the information processing device 1 for use.

[0023] The label image creation application 5a may be stored in any manner in the storage unit 5. For example, the label image creation application 5a may be read into the information processing device 1 from a storage medium such as a CD, DVD, or USB memory and stored in the storage unit 5. Alternatively, for example, the label image creation application 5a may be downloaded to the information processing device 1 from an external device (for example, a server 150) and stored in the storage unit 5. Alternatively, for example, the label image creation application 5a may be stored in advance in the storage unit 5 when the information processing device 1 is shipped. In the following description, the entity that executes a program (for example, the control unit 2 in the information processing device 1) may be referred to simply by the program name or software name. For example, the expression "the label image creation application 5a" may specifically mean "the control unit 2 that executes the label image creation application 5a."

[0024] The display unit 3 displays various screens to the user of the information processing device 1. An example of the display unit 3 is a liquid crystal display. An example of the various screens is a home screen 10 (see FIG. 4), which will be described later. The input unit 4 includes one or more input devices for receiving input operations from the user. Specifically, the input unit 4 may include, for example, a keyboard, a mouse, and / or a touch panel, or may include an input device of a different form.

[0025] The communication unit 6 performs wireless or wired communication with the communication unit 105 of the printing device 101 according to the above-mentioned communication method. The above-mentioned print command is transmitted from the communication unit 6. The communication unit 6 also performs wireless or wired communication with the server 150 as described above.

[0026] (1-3) Printer configuration As shown in FIG. 1, the printing device 101 includes a control unit 102, a display unit 103, an input unit 104, a communication unit 105, and a printing unit 106.

[0027] The control unit 102 includes a CPU 102a and a memory 102b. The memory 102b may include semiconductor memory such as ROM, RAM, NVRAM, or flash memory. Computer programs and data for implementing various functions of the printing device 101 are stored in a non-volatile memory (e.g., flash memory) in the memory 102b. The CPU 102a as a processor performs overall control of the printing device 101 by executing processes in accordance with the computer programs stored in the memory 102b.

[0028] The display unit 103 displays various information to the user operating the printing device 101. The input unit 104 accepts various input operations from the user. The communication unit 105 communicates with the communication unit 6 of the information processing device 1 by wireless or wired communication in accordance with the above-mentioned communication method. The communication unit 105 receives the above-mentioned print command.

[0029] The printing unit 106 prints a label image 115 on the print medium 110. The printing unit 106 prints an image using any of various printing methods, such as thermal transfer, direct thermal, or inkjet. In this embodiment, the printing unit 106 prints an image on the print medium 110 using, for example, thermal transfer. In this embodiment, the print medium 110 is provided in the form of a roll in which the print medium 110 is wound up. The print medium 110 is stored in a cassette (not shown). The cassette is detachably attached to the printing device 101.

[0030] When the control unit 102 receives a print command from the information processing device 1 via the communication unit 105, it causes the printing unit 106 to print a label image 115 based on the print command. The printing unit 106 prints the label image 115 on the print medium 110 while pulling the print medium 110 out of the cassette in accordance with various commands from the control unit 102.

[0031] (1-4) Label images associated with the database The label image 115 includes one or more objects. The user can arbitrarily decide where and what kind of objects to place.

[0032] Furthermore, a database may be associated with the label image 115. A database has one or more data fields (i.e., columns) and one or more records (i.e., rows). A link object may be placed on the label image 115 associated with a database. A link object is an object associated with a specific data field in a database (or one cell in that data field). A link object is an image (e.g., text) that indicates the data of one of the cells in the link field, which is the data field associated with the link object.

[0033] The server 150 also provides templates of label images 115 with databases pre-associated. The databases included in the templates are themselves provided to the user as prototypes. The label image creation application 5a can download the templates from the server 150 and process them according to the user's instructions. The user can edit the databases included in the templates. The user can then use the templates to easily create label images 115 associated with desired data fields in the database.

[0034] Fig. 2 shows one embodiment of a template provided by server 150. The template includes a label image 120 and an associated database 130. Label image 120 in Fig. 2 is an exemplary embodiment of a label image 115 that can be printed on print medium 110. Database 130 in Fig. 2 is also an exemplary embodiment of a database that can be associated with label image 115.

[0035] The label image 120 in Fig. 2 includes three objects, namely, a first object 121, a second object 122, and a third object 123. The label image 120 in Fig. 2 shows the state in which it has just been downloaded from the server 150 and has not yet been edited by the user.

[0036] The database 130 in FIG. 2 includes three data fields: a first data field F1, a second data field F2, and a third data field F3. The database 130 also has three records: a first record R1, a second record R2, and a third record R3. The database 130 further includes a first row R0. The first row R0 specifies the names of each data field (hereinafter referred to as "field names"). The first row R0 may also be used as a record.

[0037] The first to third objects 121 to 123 in the label image 120 in Fig. 2 are all link objects associated with the database 130 in Fig. 2. In other words, the database 130 in Fig. 2 has link fields associated with the objects in the label image 120. The first to third data fields F1 to F3 in Fig. 2 are all link fields.

[0038] Specifically, the first object 121 is associated with a first data field F1 and represents a selected one of the one or more pieces of data arranged in the first data field F1, the second object 122 is associated with a second data field F2 and represents a selected one of the one or more pieces of data arranged in the second data field F2, and the third object 123 is associated with a third data field F3 and represents a selected one of the one or more pieces of data arranged in the third data field F3.

[0039] The user can cause the printing device 101 to print one or more label images 120, each showing one or more specific data in the first data field F1 as a first object 121. For example, the user can cause the printing device 101 to print a label image 120 in which the cell data "2019 / 04 / 25" of the first record R1 in the first data field F1 is shown as the first object 121. Alternatively, for example, the user can cause three label images 120, each showing the data of the first to third records R1 to R3, to be printed individually. The same applies to the second and third objects 122 and 123.

[0040] The label image 120 in FIG. 2 is merely an example, and the label image 115 provided as a template may not include a link object, or may contain a mixture of objects not associated with a database and link objects.

[0041] (1-5) Template file A more detailed description will be given below of the template files that can be downloaded from the server 150. The template files are provided in the form of a standard template file 51 or an extended template file 52, as shown in FIG.

[0042] The standard template file 51 includes an LBX file 56 and a sample image file 58, but does not include a database file 57, which will be described later. The LBX file 56 includes layout information (print image information of the present disclosure). The layout information indicates the specific content of the label image 115 provided as a template. The layout information includes, for example, paper size information and an object list. The paper size information indicates the size of the print medium 110 on which the label image 115 is to be printed.

[0043] The object list includes object information for each object included in the label image 115. In other words, the object list is a collection of object information for each object. The object information is information that indicates the corresponding object, and includes various information such as the position, specific content (i.e., appearance, shape, pattern, color scheme, etc.), size, etc.

[0044] The LBX file 56 has an extension of ".lbx," for example. The LBX file 56 may also be called a standard label file or a standard layout file. Note that the label image 115 provided in the form of the standard template file 51 is an example of an unrelated print image of the present disclosure, and is not associated with a database.

[0045] The sample image file 58 includes sample image data, which is data of a sample image. The sample image is a sample (in other words, a preview image) of the image of the template (i.e., the label image 115 indicated by the layout information). The sample image includes one or more sample objects each representing one or more objects included in the label image 115. Note that a sample object representing a link object is specifically referred to as a link sample object. In this embodiment, the sample image data is provided in the form of a thumbnail. The extension of the sample image data is, for example, ".png."

[0046] The extended template file 52 includes an SLBX file 55 and a sample image file 58. The SLBX file 55 includes an LBX file 56 and a database file 57. The database file 57 represents a database. In this embodiment, the extension of the database file 57 is, for example, ".csv." In other words, the database file 57 in this embodiment is a CSV format file. The template in FIG. 2 is downloaded in the form of the extended template file 52.

[0047] The layout information of the LBX file 56 included in the SLBX file 55 may include information indicating a database (for example, a database file name) in addition to the paper size information and object list described above. Also, the object information in the object list corresponding to a link object further includes link information and display mode information.

[0048] The link information indicates information (for example, a field name) indicating the link field to which the link object is associated, and default display data. The default display data indicates data in a specific row in the associated link field. The default display data is data that is displayed as the aforementioned link sample object in the sample image. The default display data may be, for example, data in the first record R1 (i.e., the first row) in the link field. The default display data may be predetermined, for example, in the server 150.

[0049] The SLBX file 55 is a single file in which the LBX file 56 and the database file 57 are integrated. Specifically, the SLBX file 55 is a compressed file in which the LBX file 56 and the database file 57 are compressed in a predetermined compression format. In this embodiment, the predetermined compression format is the ZIP format. The SLBX file 55 may have the extension ".zip," which is the standard extension for the ZIP format. However, in this embodiment, the SLBX file 55 has a different extension, such as ".slbx," so that the user can easily recognize it as an SLBX file 55. The SLBX file 55 may also be referred to as an extended label file or an extended layout file. The label image 115 provided in the form of the extended template file 52 is an example of a print image of the present disclosure.

[0050] (1-6) Home screen When the label image creation application 5a is started, it performs a template download process and then displays the home screen 10 shown in FIG.

[0051] The template download process is a process for downloading, as necessary, a new template file that has not been downloaded to the information processing device 1 from the server 150. Note that the template download process does not have to be executed every time the information processing device 1 is started, and may be executed, for example, when a predetermined download execution requirement (for example, a predetermined period of time has passed since the previous execution) is met.

[0052] The template download process may be performed, for example, as follows. That is, the label image creation application 5a transmits language information (e.g., Japanese) of the template to be downloaded to the server 150 and acquires category list information of the template corresponding to the language information. The label image creation application 5a determines the categories for which download should be requested (e.g., some or all of the categories managed by the label image creation application 5a) based on the category list information. The label image creation application 5a requests a content list for each determined category from the server 150, thereby acquiring the content list from the server 150. The content list is a list of templates held by the server 150. For each category, the label image creation application 5a compares the acquired content list with templates already downloaded to the information processing device 1 and extracts templates that have not yet been downloaded. If there is a template that has already been downloaded but has been updated on the server 150 since downloading, the label image creation application 5a may also extract the template. Then, the label image creation application 5a requests the extracted templates from the server 150, and downloads the templates from the server 150.

[0053] As shown in FIG. 4 , the home screen 10 includes a template list screen 11. The template list screen 11 displays a list of templates downloaded to the information processing device 1. The template list screen 11 includes a category selection area 12 and a template display area 13. A mouse pointer (hereinafter abbreviated as "pointer") 200 is displayed on the home screen 10. The user can move the pointer 200 via the input unit 4.

[0054] A plurality of category icons 12a are displayed in the category selection area 12. Each category icon 12a corresponds to one of the plurality of categories described above. Each category icon 12a is associated with a template belonging to the corresponding category.

[0055] In the template display area 13, template overview images (hereinafter abbreviated as "overview images") for each downloaded template are displayed in a predetermined direction. The predetermined direction is, for example, the vertical direction of the screen. Figure 4 shows an example of a state in which two overview images 13a and 13b are displayed.

[0056] Basically, one overview image corresponds to one template. The overview image contains various information about the label image 115 of the corresponding template. By looking at each overview image, the user can learn what templates are available.

[0057] The template display area 13 is divided into categories in a predetermined direction. In each category area, summary images of templates belonging to that category are listed. For example, a maximum of three summary images can be displayed simultaneously on the home screen 10. FIG. 4 illustrates a state in which two summary images 13a and 13b of the multiple summary images belonging to category A are displayed. The user can scroll the template display area 13 up and down to display other summary images of category A and even summary images of categories other than category A.

[0058] Furthermore, when any of the category icons 12a is selected via the input unit 4, the display content in the template display area 13 jumps to an overview image of a predetermined template (for example, the top one) in the corresponding category. The category icon 12a may be selected, for example, by performing a predetermined selection operation (for example, double-clicking the mouse or double-tapping the touch panel) with the pointer 200 superimposed on the category icon 12a. Any number of category icons 12a may be displayed, and even just one may be displayed.

[0059] The summary image 13a illustrated in Fig. 4 corresponds to the template illustrated in Fig. 2, i.e., the label image 120 associated with the database 130. As shown in Figs. 4 and 5, this summary image 13a includes a sample image 20, a database image 30, and content information 35. The content information 35 includes various information about the template, such as the category, the type of recommended printing medium 110, and other information that may be useful to the user.

[0060] 5, a label sample display area 16 and a database display area 17 are set in the template overview image 13a downloaded in the form of an extended template file 52. A sample image 20 is placed in the label sample display area 16, and a database image 30 is placed in the database display area 17.

[0061] The sample image 20 is displayed based on the above-mentioned sample image data. The sample image 20 includes first to third sample objects 21, 22, and 23 corresponding to the first to third objects 121 to 123 of the label image 120, respectively. As mentioned above, the first to third objects 121 to 123 of the label image 120 are all link objects. Therefore, the first to third sample objects 21, 22, and 23 are all link sample objects.

[0062] In this embodiment, the default display data is set to, for example, the data in the first line. Therefore, as illustrated in FIGS. 4 and 5, the first sample object 21 shows the data in the first line of the first data field F1, "2019 / 04 / 25." The second sample object 22 shows the data in the first line of the second data field F2, "12:45." The third sample object 23 shows the data in the first line of the third data field F3, "'AIU'."

[0063] The database image 30 includes one or more field images each representing one or more fields contained in the corresponding database. A field image representing a link field is specifically referred to as a link field image. The database image 30 is displayed based on the database file 57 described above.

[0064] 4 and 5 represents the database 130 (see FIG. 2). Therefore, this database image 30 includes first to third field images 31 to 33 representing the first to third fields F1 to F3, respectively, contained in the database 130. The first to third field images 31 to 33 are all link field images.

[0065] In the sample image 20, as will be described later with reference to FIGS. 12 and 13, some of the linked sample objects may be highlighted. The highlighting may be performed in any manner. For example, the highlighting may be performed by displaying the linked sample object itself and / or a predetermined area around it in a manner different from the normal state when the link sample object is not highlighted. In this embodiment, the highlighting is performed for each sample object by superimposing a highlighting image on a predetermined sample object area including the sample object.

[0066] That is, as shown in FIG. 5, a first sample object region 21a is set for the first sample object 21, which includes part or all (all in this embodiment) of the first sample object 21. The first sample object 21 is highlighted by superimposing a highlighting image on the first sample object region 21a (see FIG. 12). The highlighting image may be, for example, a monochromatic or multicolored image, or an image depicting a specific design or pattern. The highlighting image has a transparency that allows the first sample object 21 to be visible. Therefore, even if a highlighting image is superimposed on the first sample object region 21a, the user can still see the first sample object 21.

[0067] Similarly, a second sample object region 22a is set for the second sample object 22, which includes a part or all (all in this embodiment) of the second sample object 22. The second sample object 22 is highlighted by superimposing a highlighting image on the second sample object region 22a (see FIG. 13). Furthermore, a third sample object region 23a is set for the third sample object 23, which includes a part or all (all in this embodiment) of the third sample object 23. The third sample object 23 is highlighted by superimposing a highlighting image on the third sample object region 23a.

[0068] In the database image 30, one of the linked field images may also be highlighted. Highlighting may be performed in any manner, for example, by superimposing a highlighted image, as in the case of the highlighted sample image 20. In this embodiment, however, highlighting is performed by changing the background color of the relevant linked field image. That is, in this embodiment, the background color of the database image 30 is normally a specified color (e.g., white). In contrast, when one of the linked field images is highlighted, the background color of the linked field image is changed to a color different from the specified color. FIG. 12 shows a state in which the first field image 31 is highlighted, and FIG. 13 shows a state in which the second field image 32 is highlighted.

[0069] The summary image 13b shown in Figures 4 and 5 corresponds to a label image that is not associated with a database. As shown in Figure 5, this summary image 13b includes a sample image 40 and content information 45, but does not include a database image. Like this summary image 13b, a summary image of a template downloaded in the form of a standard template file 51 does not include a database image.

[0070] When one of the outline images listed in the template display area 13 is selected via the input unit 4, an editing screen (not shown) on which the template corresponding to the selected outline image can be edited is displayed on the display unit 3. The outline image may be selected by, for example, double-clicking or double-tapping as described above. Such selection of an outline image corresponds to an example of a designated input in the present disclosure. The editing screen corresponds to an example of a designated image processing screen in the present disclosure. The editing screen accepts a user's instruction to edit a label image and / or print the label image.

[0071] The user can edit the label image provided as a template via the editing screen. For example, the user can add new objects, delete existing objects, or change the position or form (size, font, color, etc.) of objects. Furthermore, if the template to be edited is based on the extended template file 52, the user can associate a desired data field with a newly added object, or conversely, disassociate a data field from a linked object that already has an associated data field. The user can also instruct the printing of the edited label image. When printing is instructed, a print command for the label image is generated and sent to the printing device 101.

[0072] (1-7) Main processing The main processing executed by the control unit 2 (more specifically, the CPU 2a) of the information processing device 1 to realize the various functions described above will be described with reference to Fig. 6. The main processing is realized by executing a program corresponding to the main processing, which is included in the label image creation application 5a. When the control unit 2 is started up, it executes the main processing.

[0073] When the control unit 2 starts the main processing, it executes the template download processing at S110. As already explained, part of this template download processing includes the processing of downloading template files that have not yet been downloaded and updated template files.

[0074] Furthermore, in S110, the downloaded template file is saved in the storage unit 5. If the extended template file 52 is downloaded, in S110, the SLBX file 55 included in the extended template file 52 is decompressed. Then, the decompressed LBX file 56 and database file 57 are stored in the storage unit 5 together with the sample image file 58.

[0075] The control unit 2 also creates template list information, an example of which is shown in FIG. 7, and stores it in the storage unit 5. The template list information includes template information 61, 62, ... for each downloaded template. If template list information has already been created, the control unit 2 maintains or updates it. That is, if a new template file is downloaded, the control unit 2 adds the template information of the new template file to the template list information. If an updated template file of an already saved template is downloaded, the control unit 2 updates the already saved template information in accordance with the updated template file.

[0076] As illustrated in FIG. 7 , each piece of template information 61, 62, ... includes a label file path, a sample image path, category information, content information, etc. The label file path includes the path of the label file 71. The label file 71 includes the LBX file 56. Therefore, the label file path includes the LBX file path, which is the path of the LBX file 56. If the template information corresponds to the extended template file 52, the label file 71 also includes the database file 57. Therefore, the label file path in this case also includes the database path, which is the path of the database file 57.

[0077] 7, template information 61 is information about the template corresponding to the overview image 13a in FIG. 5 (i.e., the template in FIG. 2). Therefore, the label file path in this template information 61 includes an LBX file path and a database path. On the other hand, template information 62 is information about the template corresponding to the overview image 13b in FIG. 5. Therefore, the label file path in this template information 62 includes an LBX file path but does not include a database path.

[0078] In each piece of template information, the sample image path is the path of the sample image file 58. The category information indicates the category to which the corresponding template belongs. The content information indicates the content information displayed in the summary image. In template information 61 in FIG. 7, the sample image path indicates the path of the sample image file 58 of sample image 20 in FIG. 5, the category information indicates category A, and the content information indicates content information 35 in FIG. 5. In addition, in template information 62, the sample image path indicates the path of the sample image file 58 of sample image 40 in FIG. 5, the category information indicates category A, and the content information indicates content information 45 in FIG. 5.

[0079] Returning to FIG. 6, the explanation continues. After the template download process described above, the control unit 2 executes a template merge information generation process at S120. This process involves generating template merge information 90, an example of which is shown in FIG. 9, for each piece of template information (i.e., for each template). The template merge information 90 includes individual object merge information 91 for each link object. The object merge information 91 is information about the corresponding link object, and specifically includes field name 91a and object region information 91b, which will be described later. Details of the template merge information generation process are as shown in FIG. 8.

[0080] That is, in S210, the control unit 2 acquires, from the template list information 60 (FIG. 7), one piece of template information from among the templates for which template merge information 90 has not yet been generated, as the processing target, and then performs the processes of S220 to S280 on the acquired template information.

[0081] In S220, the control unit 2 acquires the LBX file path from the template information acquired in S210. In S230, the control unit 2 acquires layout information from the LBX file 56 stored in the LBX file path acquired in S220.

[0082] In S240, the control unit 2 obtains the layout size 90a of the label image 115 based on the layout information obtained in S230, and saves it as one of the template merge information 90 corresponding to the template information to be processed (see FIG. 9). As mentioned above, the layout information includes paper size information. Therefore, for example, the size of the print medium 110 indicated by the paper size information may be used as the layout size 90a.

[0083] In S250, the control unit 2 selects one of the unprocessed objects as the target object and acquires object information for that target object from the target object list. "Unprocessed" here means that the processing in S260 has not yet been performed. The target object list refers to the object list included in the layout information most recently acquired in S230.

[0084] In S260, the control unit 2 determines whether or not the object information acquired in S250 includes link information, in other words, whether or not the target object is a link object. If the object information does not include link information (i.e., the target object is not a link object), the process proceeds to S280. If the object information includes link information (i.e., the target object is a link object), the process proceeds to S270.

[0085] In S270, the control unit 2 generates object merge information 91 (see FIG. 9) for the target object, and saves it as part of the template merge information 90 for the template to be processed.

[0086] As shown in FIG. 9, the object merge information 91 includes a field name 91a and object region information 91b. The field name 91a indicates the field name of the data field associated with the target object. As described above, the object information of a link object includes the field name as information indicating the link field.

[0087] The object region information 91b indicates the object region where the target object exists within the entire label image 115 of the template to be processed (or the entire print medium 110 including the label image 115). As described above, the object information includes the position and size of the corresponding object. The object region information 91b may be generated based on the position and size. Alternatively, the object region information 91b indicating the position and size may be included in the object information in advance and saved.

[0088] In this way, if the target object is a link object, object merge information 91 of that link object is generated. Then, in S280, the control unit 2 determines whether or not there are any unprocessed objects remaining. If there are any unprocessed objects remaining, the process proceeds to S250. In this way, the processes from S250 to S280 are performed for all objects included in the template to be processed.

[0089] If there are no unprocessed objects in S280, the process proceeds to S290. In S290, the control unit 2 determines whether there are any unprocessed templates, i.e., templates that have not been selected for processing in S210. If there are no unprocessed templates, the process ends. If there are any unprocessed templates, the process proceeds to S210. In this way, the processes from S210 onwards are performed for all saved templates, and template merge information 90 is generated.

[0090] Returning to FIG. 6, the description will continue. When the template merge information generation process of S120 is completed, the process proceeds to S130. In S130, the control unit 2 executes a template list display process. The template list display process is a process for sequentially arranging (i.e., displaying) outline images of each template in the template display area 13 of the home screen 10. Details of the template list display process are as shown in FIG. 10.

[0091] When the control unit 2 proceeds to the template list display process, in S410, it acquires, from the template list information 60 (see FIG. 7), template information of a template for which a summary image has not yet been generated and which is at the top of the list, as the processing target. In the template list information 60, template information 61, 62, ... of each template is arranged in a predetermined order. The summary images are displayed on the home screen 10 in that order.

[0092] In S420, the control unit 2 sets a placement area for the overview image of the template to be processed in the template display area 13 of the home screen 10. In S430, it is determined whether the template to be processed has a database connection. Having a database connection means that a database is associated with the label image 115, in other words, that the template has been downloaded in the format of an SLBX file.

[0093] If there is no database connection in the template to be processed, the process proceeds to S450, and if there is a database connection, the process proceeds to S440. In S440, the database image 30 is placed in the database display area 17 (see FIG. 5) in the layout area of the overview image determined in S420. In S450, the control unit 2 places the sample image 20 in the label sample display area 16 in the layout area. In S460, the control unit 2 displays other information including content information in the layout area of the overview image. This completes the display of the overview image of the template to be processed.

[0094] In S470, the control unit 2 determines whether there is unprocessed template information, i.e., template information for a template that has not yet been processed in S410. If there is no unprocessed template information, this processing ends. If there is still unprocessed template information, this processing proceeds to S410. In this way, overview images of all saved templates are arranged in the template display area 13. This allows the user to view the overview image of the desired template by scrolling as appropriate, for example.

[0095] Returning to FIG. 6 , the description continues. In S140, the control unit 2 determines whether a highlighting-related event has occurred. A highlighting-related event is an event that requires highlighting or de-highlighting. In this embodiment, highlighting events include sample area designation, database area designation, and area departure. Sample area designation refers to the label sample display area 16 being designated by the user, and includes, for example, the pointer 200 entering the label sample display area 16. Database area designation refers to the database display area 17 being designated by the user, and includes, for example, the pointer 200 entering the database display area 17. Area departure refers to the user canceling the designation of the label sample display area 16 or the database display area 17, and includes, for example, the pointer 200 in the label sample display area 16 or the database display area 17 leaving the display area.

[0096] If no highlighting-related event has occurred in S140, the process proceeds to S160. In S160, the control unit 2 determines whether or not an event other than a highlighting-related event has occurred. Examples of other events include a selection operation of the category icon 12a, a scrolling operation of the template display area 13, a selection operation of each button in the home screen 10, and an end event. The end event is a predetermined operation for ending the label image creation application 5a.

[0097] If no other event has occurred, the process proceeds to S140. If another event has occurred, the control unit 2 determines in S170 whether the other event is an end event. If the other event is an end event, the control unit 2 terminates the main process. If the other event is not an end event, the control unit 2 executes event-responsive processing in S180. That is, various processes corresponding to the event that has occurred are executed. The various processes include, for example, displaying an editing screen to accept editing of the label image 115, and sending a print command for the created label image 115 to the printing device 101. After the event-responsive processing is executed, the main process terminates. Note that if the system is set to return to the home screen 10 after the event-responsive processing is terminated, or if a user operation to return to the home screen 10 is performed during the execution of the event-responsive processing, the process proceeds to S140.

[0098] If a highlighting event occurs in S140, the control unit 2 executes highlighting processing in S150. Details of the highlighting processing are as shown in FIG. When the control unit 2 shifts to the highlighting process, it determines the type of event that has occurred in S510. Specifically, it determines whether a sample area designation, a database area designation, or an area departure has occurred.

[0099] If the generated highlighting event is a sample area designation, the control unit 2 proceeds to S520. In S520, the control unit 2 acquires the position of the pointer 200. In S530, the control unit 2 acquires the sample object area of the link sample object included in the sample image 20 in the specified label sample display area 16. For example, if the processing target is the sample image 20 in Fig. 5, the first to third sample object areas 21a to 23a are acquired.

[0100] In S540, the control unit 2 determines whether the position of the pointer 200 is included in any of the sample object areas acquired in S530. If the pointer 200 is not included in any of the sample object areas, the process proceeds to S620. In S620, the control unit 2 cancels the highlighting of all the sample images and / or database images, if any. If the pointer 200 is included in any of the sample object areas, the process proceeds to S550.

[0101] In S550, the control unit 2 highlights the sample object area containing the pointer 200 and the corresponding link field image in the database image 30. Specifically, as described above, a highlighting image is superimposed on the sample object area, and the background color of the link field image is changed. Note that the "corresponding link field image" refers to the image of the link field associated with the link object in the sample object area containing the pointer 200.

[0102] In S560, if there is any highlighted area other than the area highlighted in S550, the control unit 2 cancels the highlighting of that area. If the generated highlighting event is a database area designation in S510, the control unit 2 proceeds to S570. In S570, the control unit 2 acquires the position of the pointer 200.

[0103] In S580, the control unit 2 acquires the area of the link field image in the database image 30 in the specified database display area 17. For example, if the processing target is the database image 30 in Fig. 5, the first to third field images 31 to 33 are acquired.

[0104] In S590, the control unit 2 determines whether the position of the pointer 200 is included in any of the link field images acquired in S580. If the pointer 200 is not included in any of the link field images, the process proceeds to S620. If the pointer 200 is included in any of the link field images, the process proceeds to S600.

[0105] In S600, the control unit 2 highlights the link field image containing the pointer 200 and the sample object area of the corresponding sample object in the sample image 20. In S610, if there is an area that is highlighted other than the area highlighted in S600, the control unit 2 cancels the highlighting of that area.

[0106] If the highlighting event that has occurred in S510 is area departure, the control unit 2 proceeds to S620.

[0107] (1-8) Highlighting example Specific examples of highlighting will be described with reference to FIGS. 12 and 13. The example in FIG. 12 illustrates highlighting performed when the pointer 200 points within the first sample object region 21a. In this case, the first sample object region 21a is highlighted. That is, the first sample object 21 is highlighted. The first sample object 21 corresponds to the first object 121 in the label image 120, and the first object 121 is associated with the first field F1 in the database 130. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 12, the first field image 31 corresponding to the first field F1 in the database image 30 is also highlighted. When the pointer 200 moves from the state shown in FIG. 12 to, for example, the third sample object region 23a, the highlighting of the first sample object 21 and the first field image 31 is canceled, and the third sample object 23 and the corresponding third field image 33 are highlighted. Such highlighting is performed by the processes of S520 to S560 in FIG. 11.

[0108] When the pointer 200 moves from the state shown in FIG. 12 to outside the label sample display area 16, all highlighting is cancelled by the process of S620 shown in FIG. 13, when the pointer 200 points within the second field image 32 in the database image 30, the second field image 32 is highlighted. Furthermore, the second sample object region 22a of the second sample object 22 corresponding to the second field image 32 in the sample image 20 is also highlighted. When the pointer 200 moves from the state shown in FIG. 13 to, for example, the first field image 31, the highlighting of the second sample object 22 and the second field image 32 is canceled, and the first field image 31 and the corresponding first sample object region 21a are highlighted. Such highlighting in FIG. 13 is performed by the processes of S570 to S610 in FIG. 11.

[0109] (1-9) Effects of the embodiment According to the embodiment described above, the label image creation application 5a can easily process label images 115 associated with database data. Specifically, when displaying the overview image of each template on the home screen 10, for templates associated with a database, a database image is also displayed in addition to a sample image. On the other hand, a database image is not displayed for overview images of templates not associated with a database. Therefore, when selecting a template from the template display area 13, the user can easily recognize whether or not a database is associated. This allows the user to efficiently select a template associated with a database when needed. Conversely, when a template not associated with a database is needed, the user can efficiently select that template.

[0110] Furthermore, when a link sample object in the sample image is designated with the pointer 200, the link sample object and the corresponding link field image in the database image are highlighted. Conversely, when a link field image in the database image is designated with the pointer 200, the link field image and the corresponding link sample object in the sample image are highlighted. This allows the user to easily see which object in the label image 115 is associated with which data field in the database.

[0111] (1-10) Correspondence of words The label image creation application 5a corresponds to an example of an image processing program in the present disclosure. The server 150 corresponds to an example of another information processing device in the present disclosure. The SLBX file 55 corresponds to an example of a database integration file in the present disclosure. The processing of S110 corresponds to an example of a file acquisition processing and storage processing in the present disclosure. The processing of S130 corresponds to an example of a first display processing in the present disclosure. The processing of S180 corresponds to an example of a second display processing in the present disclosure.

[0112] 2. Other Embodiments Although the embodiments of the present disclosure have been described above, the present disclosure is not limited to the above-described embodiments and can be implemented in various modified forms.

[0113] For example, the highlighting may be performed in any manner. Specifically, a frame may be displayed that surrounds part or all of the highlighted target area. Alternatively, for example, a predetermined mark may be displayed in the target area.

[0114] Furthermore, although the home screen 10 in FIG. 4 simultaneously displays the category icon 12a and the overview images 13a, 13b, etc., the category icon 12a and the overview images 13a, 13b, etc. may be displayed separately on separate screens.

[0115] Furthermore, the present disclosure is not limited to application to printing devices in the form of label printers, but can be applied to various printing devices in forms other than label printers. Furthermore, multiple functions possessed by one component in the above embodiments may be realized by multiple components, or one function possessed by one component may be realized by multiple components. Also, multiple functions possessed by multiple components may be realized by one component, or one function realized by multiple components may be realized by one component. Also, part of the configuration of the above embodiments may be omitted. [Explanation of symbols]

[0116] 1...information processing device, 2...control unit, 2a...CPU, 2b...memory, 3...display unit, 4...input unit, 5...storage unit, 5a...label image creation application, 6...communication unit, 10...home screen, 13a, 13b...overview image, 20...sample image, 21...first sample object, 21a...first sample object area, 22...second sample object, 22a...second sample object area, 23...third sample object, 23a...third sample object area, 30...database image, 31...first field image, 32...second field image, 33...third field image, 51...standard template file, 52...extended template file, 55...SLBX file, 56...LBX file, 57...database file, 58...sample image file, 101...printing device, 115,120...label image, 130...database, 150...server, 200...pointer.

Claims

1. A memory unit; A display unit; an input unit; A control unit; An image processing program executable by the control unit in an information processing device comprising: the storage unit is configured to store print image information and a database associated with the print image information; the print image information indicates a print image that can be printed on a print medium by a printing device; the database includes one or more data fields, the one or more data fields including a link field that is a data field associated with the print image; the print image includes one or more objects, the one or more objects including a link object associated with the link field and indicating a selected one of the one or more pieces of data arranged in the link field; The image processing program causes the control unit to a first display process for displaying an overview image on the display unit to provide information about the print image to a user of the image processing program; is configured to execute The overview image is a sample image that is a sample of the print image in which specific data among the one or more data is indicated as the link object; a database image showing the database; Image processing programs, including

2. 2. The image processing program according to claim 1, the sample image includes one or more sample objects corresponding to the one or more objects included in the print image, the one or more sample objects include a link sample object that is a sample object corresponding to the link object; the database image includes one or more field images each representing one or more data fields; the one or more field images include a linked field image that is a field image corresponding to the linked field, The image processing program causes the control unit to a highlighting process for highlighting the linked sample object in the sample image and / or the linked field image in the database image; configured to run Image processing program.

3. 3. The image processing program according to claim 2, The highlighting process includes superimposing a highlighting image having a transparency that allows the link sample object to be visible on the link sample object. Image processing program.

4. 4. The image processing program according to claim 2, further comprising: When the link sample object in the sample image is designated via the input unit, the highlighting process highlights the designated link sample object and / or the link field image associated with the designated link sample object in the database image. Image processing program.

5. 5. The image processing program according to claim 4, The highlighting process includes: When the link sample object in the sample image is designated via the input unit, the designated link sample object and the link field image associated with the designated link sample object are highlighted; When a link sample object other than the currently highlighted link sample object is designated via the input unit, highlighting of the currently highlighted link sample object is canceled and the other link sample object is highlighted, and highlighting of the currently highlighted link field image is canceled and the link field image associated with the other link sample object is highlighted. Image processing program.

6. 4. The image processing program according to claim 2, further comprising: When the link field image in the database image is designated via the input unit, the highlighting process highlights the designated link field image and / or the link sample object in the sample image to which the link field image is associated. Image processing program.

7. 7. The image processing program according to claim 6, The highlighting process includes: When the link field image in the database image is designated via the input unit, the designated link field image and the link sample object associated with the designated link field image are highlighted; When a link field image other than the currently highlighted link field image is designated via the input unit, the highlighting of the currently highlighted link field image is cancelled and the other link field image is highlighted, and the highlighting of the currently highlighted link sample object is cancelled and the link sample object associated with the other link field image is highlighted. Image processing program.

8. The image processing program according to any one of claims 1 to 3, the information processing device includes a communication unit configured to be able to communicate with another information processing device different from the information processing device; The image processing program causes the control unit to a file acquisition process for acquiring an integrated database file in which the print image information and the database are compressed in a predetermined compression format from the other information processing device via the communication unit; a storage process of decompressing the database-integrated file acquired by the file acquisition process and storing the print image information and the database included in the database-integrated file in the storage unit; an image processing program configured to cause the program to execute

9. 9. The image processing program according to claim 8, the other information processing device has sample image data that is data of the sample image, the file acquisition process acquires the sample image data in addition to the database integration file; the first display process displays the overview image including the sample image based on the sample image data acquired in the file acquisition process; Image processing program.

10. The image processing program according to any one of claims 1 to 3, The storage unit is configured to further store the print image information of a non-associated print image, which is the print image to which no database is associated; the summary image corresponding to the non-related printed image includes the sample image of the non-related printed image and does not include the database image; Image processing program.

11. The image processing program according to any one of claims 1 to 3, The control unit a second display process of displaying, on the display unit, a designated image processing screen for receiving an instruction to edit the print image and / or print the print image in response to a designation input for the outline image being made via the input unit; An image processing program configured to cause the

12. The image processing program according to any one of claims 1 to 3, The printing device is configured to print the print image along the length of the long print medium while transporting the print medium in the length direction, and to cut a treatment area on the print medium including the print image automatically or in response to a user's request each time the print image is printed. Image processing program.

13. A memory unit; A display unit; an input unit; A control unit; An image processing device comprising: the storage unit is configured to store print image information and a database associated with the print image information; the print image information indicates a print image that can be printed on a print medium by a printing device; the database includes one or more data fields, the one or more data fields including a link field that is a data field associated with the print image; the print image includes one or more objects, the one or more objects including a link object associated with the link field and indicating a selected one of the one or more pieces of data arranged in the link field; the control unit is configured to execute a first display process of displaying on the display unit an overview image for providing information about the print image to a user of the image processing device; The overview image is a sample image that is a sample of the print image in which specific data among the one or more data is indicated as the link object; a database image showing the database; an image processing device comprising:

Images