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 which are arranged in the link field. The information processing device displays a plurality of sample images corresponding to one print image so that they are simultaneously arranged or they are switched one by one. The plurality of sample images are different in data indicated as the link object.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 5

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 a plurality of data items 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 plurality of sample images on the display unit, either simultaneously or by switching between them one by one. The plurality of sample images are samples of a plurality of print images whose data, indicated as link objects, differ from one another.

[0011] The plurality of sample images include a first sample image and a second sample image. The first sample image is a sample of a print image when a link object indicates first data of the plurality of data. The second sample image is a sample of a print image when a link object indicates second data different from the first data of the plurality of data.

[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 print image is associated with a database, multiple sample images of the print image are displayed. Therefore, by viewing the multiple sample images, it is easy to recognize that the print image is associated with a database. Then, based on the recognition result, it is easy to determine, for example, whether or not to print the print image. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0013] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a configuration diagram of a printing system according to a first 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 schematically showing switching of sample images. [Figure 6] 10 is a flowchart of a main process. [Figure 7] 10 is a flowchart of a template list display process. [Figure 8] FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram schematically showing switching of sample images in the second embodiment. [Figure 9] FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram schematically showing switching of sample images in the third embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0014] Exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure will now be described. [1. First embodiment] (1-1) Printing system configuration 1, the printing system of the first 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 the first embodiment is, for example, in the form of a label printer or label writer. That is, the print medium 110 of the first 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 the first 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 the first embodiment, the OS, printer driver, and label image creation application 5a are installed in the information processing device 1 and used.

[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. In the following description, the entity that executes the 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. 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 via wireless or wired communication in accordance with the above-mentioned communication method. The above-mentioned print command is received by the communication unit 105.

[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, thermal printing, or inkjet printing. In the first embodiment, the printing unit 106 prints an image on the print medium 110 using, for example, thermal transfer printing. 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 the label image 115 based on the print command.

[0030] (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.

[0031] 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.

[0032] 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.

[0033] Fig. 2 shows one embodiment of a template provided by the server 150. This template includes a label image 120 and a database 130 associated therewith. The label image 120 in Fig. 2 is an exemplary embodiment of a label image 115 that can be printed on the print medium 110. The database 130 in Fig. 2 is also an exemplary embodiment of a database that can be associated with the label image 115. Fig. 2 shows the label image 120 in its current state after it has been downloaded from the server 150 and has not yet been edited by the user.

[0034] The label image 120 in FIG. 2 includes, for example, a first object 121, a second object 122, a third object 123, and a fourth object 124. 2 includes, as an example, a first data field F1, a second data field F2, and a third data field F3. The database 130 also has a first row R0, a first record R1, a second record R2, a third record R3, a fourth record R4, a fifth record R5, and so on. The first row R0 specifies the names of each data field. Note that the first row R0 may also be used as a record.

[0035] The first to third objects 121 to 123 are all link objects associated with the database 130. In other words, the database 130 has link fields associated with the objects in the label image 120. The first to third data fields F1 to F3 are all link fields.

[0036] 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.

[0037] The user can cause the printing device 101 to print one or more label images 120, each of which represents 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 data "printer" in the first record R1 is displayed as the first object 121. Alternatively, the user can cause the printing device 101 to print five label images 120, each of which represents the data in the first to fifth records R1 to R5. The same applies to the second and third objects 122 and 123.

[0038] 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.

[0039] (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.

[0040] 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 various information such as paper size information, the position of each object included in the label image 115, the specific content (i.e., appearance, shape, pattern, color scheme, etc.), and size.

[0041] 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.

[0042] The sample image file 58 includes sample image data, which is data of a first sample image. The first sample image is a sample (in other words, a preview image) of the label image 115 of the template. The first 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 the first embodiment, the first sample image is provided in the form of a thumbnail. The extension of the sample image data is, for example, ".png."

[0043] 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 the first embodiment, the extension of the database file 57 is, for example, ".csv." In other words, the database file 57 in the first embodiment is a CSV file. The template in FIG. 2 is downloaded in the form of the extended template file 52.

[0044] The layout information of the LBX file 56 contained in the SLBX file 55 includes, in addition to the various types of information mentioned above, information indicating the database (for example, the file name of the database), link information and display format information for each link object.

[0045] The link information indicates information (for example, a field name) indicating the link field to which the link object is associated, and the first data. The first data indicates data of a specific row in the associated link field. The first data is displayed as the aforementioned link sample object in the first sample image. The first data may be, for example, data of the first record R1 in the link field. The first data is predetermined, for example, in the server 150.

[0046] 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 the first 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 the first 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.

[0047] (1-6) Home screen When the label image creation application 5a is started, it displays the home screen 10 shown in Fig. 4 on the display unit 3. More specifically, the home screen 10 is completed while a template download process is performed in parallel as a synchronization process.

[0048] 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.

[0049] 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.

[0050] 4, the home screen 10 includes a template list screen 11. 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.

[0051] 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.

[0052] In the template display area 13, template overview images (hereinafter abbreviated as "overview images") for each downloaded template are displayed in a list in a predetermined direction (for example, the vertical direction of the screen).

[0053] 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.

[0054] 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.

[0055] Furthermore, when any of the category icons 12a is selected via the input unit 4, the display content of the template display area 13 jumps to an overview image of a predetermined (for example, the top) template in the corresponding category.

[0056] 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. In other words, this summary image 13a is a summary image of the template downloaded in the form of the extended template file 52. As shown in Fig. 4, this summary image 13a includes a first sample image 20 and content information 25. The content information 25 includes various information related to the template that may be useful to the user.

[0057] The first sample image 20 is displayed based on the above-mentioned sample image data downloaded from the server 150. The first sample image 20 includes first to fourth sample objects 21, 22, 23, and 24 corresponding to the first to fourth objects 121 to 124 of the label image 120, respectively. As described 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.

[0058] In the first embodiment, the first data is preset to, for example, the data of the first record R1, so that each of the sample objects 21 to 23 indicates the data of the first record R1 in the corresponding data field (see FIG. 4).

[0059] 4 corresponds to a label image that is not associated with a database. This summary image 13b includes a sample image 100 that is a sample of the label image, and content information (not shown).

[0060] 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. 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.

[0061] The user can edit the label image provided as a template via the editing screen. For example, the user can add new objects to the label image, delete existing objects, or change the object's position or form (size, font, color, etc.). Furthermore, if the template being edited is based on the extended template file 52, the user can associate a desired data field with a newly added object, or conversely, cancel the database association for a linked object. The user can also instruct the printing of the edited label image. When printing is instructed, a print command is generated and sent to the printing device 101.

[0062] (1-7) Sample image switching display On the home screen 10, in the initial state, the overview image 13a of the template based on the SLBX file 55 displays the above-mentioned first sample image 20 as shown in Fig. 4. In the first embodiment, the first sample image 20 is periodically or irregularly switched to the second sample image 30 as shown in Fig. 5. That is, on the overview image 13a, the first sample image 20 and the second sample image 30 are repeatedly switched periodically or irregularly.

[0063] The second sample image 30 differs from the first sample image 20 in the content of one of the link sample objects. This one link sample object is hereinafter referred to as the "switching target sample object." The switching sample object may be determined in any manner, but in the first embodiment, it is predetermined to be, for example, the second sample object 22.

[0064] The second sample object 22 in the first sample image 20 indicates the first data in the second data field F2, i.e., the data in the first line, "2023 / 03 / 22." In contrast, the switching target sample object (i.e., the second sample object 22) in the second sample image 30 indicates the second data in the second data field F2 that is different from the first data, specifically, for example, "2023 / 12 / 04" in the third line.

[0065] As described above, the first sample image 20 is downloaded from the server 150 as part of the extended template file 52, whereas the second sample image 30 is created by the label image creation application 5a. The second data to be displayed in the second sample image 30 as the switching target sample object is also determined by the label image creation application 5a.

[0066] The label image creation application 5a may determine the second data from the second data field F2 in any manner. The label image creation application 5a of the first embodiment determines the second data as follows: First, the label image creation application 5a selects the cell in the second data field F2 immediately below the cell in which the first data (i.e., the data "2023 / 03 / 22" of the first record R1) is stored (i.e., the cell of the second record R2).

[0067] Basically, the data in the selected cell may be determined as the second data. However, in this first embodiment, it is determined whether the data in the selected cell is suitable as the second data. In this first embodiment, if the data in the selected cell has the same value as the first data or the cell is null (i.e., a blank state with no data stored), it is determined that the data in the selected cell is not suitable as the second data, and the data is not determined as the second data. In this first embodiment, the data in the cell of the second record R2 in the second data field F2 is "2023 / 03 / 22," which is the same as the first data. Therefore, this data is not suitable as the second data.

[0068] In this way, if the data in the selected cell does not match the second data, the next cell down (i.e., the cell in the third record R3) is selected, and whether the data in that selected cell matches the second data is determined in the same manner as above.

[0069] In this way, cells in the second data field F2 are selected sequentially in the descending order of record number until data that matches the second data is found. When data that matches the second data is found, that data is determined to be the second data. However, if no data that matches the second data is found even after selecting the specified number of times, the determination of the second data is stopped. In this case, the overview image constantly displays the first sample image 20, and no other sample images are displayed.

[0070] In the first embodiment, as shown in Figure 2, the data "2023 / 12 / 04" in the cell of the third record R3 in the second data field F2 is different from the first data. Therefore, this data "2023 / 12 / 04" is determined to be the second data.

[0071] When the second data is determined, a second sample image 30 (see FIG. 5) is generated in which the second data is displayed as a switching target sample object (second sample object 22 in the first embodiment). The generated second sample image 30 and the first sample image 20 downloaded from the server 150 are then alternately displayed in the overview image 13a as shown in FIG.

[0072] (1-8) 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, it executes the main processing, for example, repeatedly.

[0073] When the control unit 2 starts the main processing, in S110, the home screen 10 is displayed on the display unit 3. However, in S110, the home screen 10 is not immediately displayed completely, but is displayed partially. Specifically, all of the category icons 12a are displayed, but the overview images are not yet displayed. The home screen 10 is displayed completely by performing the processing of S120, which will be described later. "Displayed completely" means that the overview images of all templates held by the information processing device 1 become viewable on the home screen 10.

[0074] After the process of S110, the control unit 2 executes the event response process of S130 and, as a synchronous process, executes the template list display process of S120. In other words, S120 and S130 are executed in parallel in a multitasking manner.

[0075] In the event response process of S130, the control unit 2 performs processing according to the event that has occurred. Examples of 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 on the home screen 10, and the like.

[0076] Details of the template list display process at S120 are as shown in Figure 7. When the control unit 2 moves on to the template list display process, it executes the template download process at S210. As already explained, this template download process includes the process of downloading template files that have not yet been downloaded, updated template files, and the like.

[0077] In S220, the control unit 2 determines whether or not the template file was downloaded in S210. If the template file was not downloaded, the process proceeds to S300. If the template file was downloaded, the process proceeds to S230.

[0078] In S230, the control unit 2 selects one unprocessed template file from the downloaded template files. "Unprocessed" here means that the processing from S240 onwards has not yet been carried out.

[0079] In S240, the type of template file selected in S230 is determined. Specifically, it is determined whether it is a standard template file 51 or an extended template file 52 that includes an SLBX file 55. If the type is a standard template file 51, the control unit 2 executes a save process in S280. Specifically, the control unit 2 saves the standard template file 51 in the storage unit 5. After the process of S280, the process proceeds to S290.

[0080] If the type is an extended template file 52, the control unit 2 unpacks the extended template file 52 in S250. Specifically, the SLBX file 55 is unpacked. As a result, the LBX file 56, database file 57, and sample image file 58 contained in the extended template file 52 are individually obtained.

[0081] In S260, the control unit 2 stores in the storage unit 5 the LBX file 56, the database file 57, and the sample image file 58 that were developed in S250. In S270, the control unit 2 executes a switching sample image generation process. This process is a process for generating a switching sample image separate from the first sample image 20. A plurality of switching sample images may be generated as in the third embodiment described below, but in the first embodiment, one second sample image 30 is generated as described above. The method for generating a switching sample image is as described in item (1-7).

[0082] In S290, the control unit 2 determines whether any unprocessed template files remain among the template files downloaded in S210. If unprocessed template files remain, the process proceeds to S230. That is, a positive determination is made in S290 and the process proceeds to S230 until the processes from S240 onwards have been performed on all downloaded template files. Once the processes from S240 onwards have been performed on all template files, the process proceeds to S300.

[0083] In S300, the control unit 2 lists the overview images of all saved templates in the template display area 13 of the home screen 10. As a result, the home screen 10 is in a fully displayed state, as shown in FIG. 4, in other words, in a state in which the desired overview image can be viewed.

[0084] In S310, the control unit 2 executes a sample image extended display process. This process is a process for displaying a sample image different from the first sample image 20 in a summary image of a template based on the extended template file 52, when the summary image is displayed on the home screen 10. Specifically, in this embodiment, as described above, the second sample image 30 is generated in S270. Therefore, in S310, the control unit 2 periodically or irregularly switches between the generated second sample image 30 and the first sample image 20 in the summary image. The sample image switching shown in FIG. 5 is realized by the process of S310.

[0085] The processing of S310 is continuously executed while the home screen 10 is displayed. If the overview image 13a of FIG. 5 is no longer displayed on the home screen 10 due to scrolling of the overview image or the like during execution of S310, at least the switching of sample images for that overview image 13a is stopped. However, if a first sample image of another overview image based on the extended template file 52 is displayed on the home screen 10, the switching of the overview image between the first sample image 20 and the second sample image 30 is performed for that overview image, as in FIG. 5. If an event occurs that requires a transition from the home screen 10 to another screen, this processing is terminated. In this case, the processing of S130 corresponding to the event that occurred is executed.

[0086] (1-9) Effects of the First Embodiment According to the first embodiment described above, the label image creation application 5a can easily process the label image 115 associated with database data. Specifically, when a database is associated with the label image 115, multiple sample images are displayed in alternating order in the overview image of the label image 115. Conversely, when a label image 115 is not associated with a database, one sample image is displayed in the overview image.

[0087] Therefore, based on whether one or multiple sample images are displayed, it is easy to recognize whether a database is associated with the label image 115. Then, based on the recognition result, it is easy to select a template for the label image 115 that you want to print from the home screen 10.

[0088] Of the multiple sample images that are alternately displayed, the first sample image 20 is downloaded from the server 150. Therefore, the label image creation application 5a can easily obtain the first sample image 20.

[0089] In the first embodiment, when the second sample image 30 is created, data that is different from the first data and is in a cell that is not null is determined as the second data. Therefore, when the first and second sample images 20 and 30 are alternately displayed, the user can clearly recognize the differences between the individual sample images, and can easily recognize that the corresponding label image 115 is associated with a database.

[0090] (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 S310 corresponds to an example of a first display processing in the present disclosure. The processing of S210 corresponds to an example of a communication processing and a file acquisition processing in the present disclosure. The processing of S260 corresponds to an example of a storage processing in the present disclosure. The processing of S270 corresponds to an example of a sample generation processing in the present disclosure. The processing of S130 corresponds to an example of a second display processing in the present disclosure.

[0091] [2. Second Embodiment] The second embodiment has the same basic configuration as the first embodiment, so differences will be described below. Note that the same reference numerals as those in the first embodiment indicate the same configuration, and reference will be made to the preceding description.

[0092] In the first embodiment described above, the first sample image 20 and the second sample image 30 are alternately displayed in the overview image corresponding to the extension template file 52. In contrast to this, in the second embodiment, the first sample image 20 and the second sample image 30 are simultaneously displayed as shown in Fig. 8. This simultaneous display is performed in the sample image expansion display process of S310 in Fig. 7.

[0093] By looking at the overview image 13a in FIG. 8, the user can easily recognize that this template has a database. 3. Third Embodiment The third embodiment has the same basic configuration as the first embodiment, so differences will be described below. Note that the same reference numerals as those in the first embodiment indicate the same configuration, and reference will be made to the preceding description.

[0094] In the first embodiment described above, the first sample image 20 and the second sample image 30 are alternately displayed in the overview image corresponding to the extension template file 52. In contrast to this, in the third embodiment, as shown in FIG. 9, a third sample image 40 is also created, and the first to third sample images 20, 30, 40 are displayed alternately one by one, periodically or irregularly.

[0095] Moreover, in the third embodiment, as schematically shown in Fig. 9, the first sample image 20 is normally continuously displayed. When the first sample image 20 is designated by the pointer 200, the first to third sample images 20, 30, and 40 are displayed alternately one by one while the first sample image 20 is designated. When the designation of the pointer 200 is released, the switching of the sample images ends, and the first sample image 20 is again continuously displayed. Such switching of the sample images is performed in S310 of Fig. 7. Designation by the pointer 200 means that at least a part of the pointer 200 is within the display area of the first sample image 20.

[0096] 7, the creation of the third sample image 40 may be performed following the creation of the second sample image 30. Specifically, after the second data for the second sample image 30 is determined, the third data may be determined in the same manner as the second data, starting from the cell immediately below the second data.

[0097] According to the third embodiment, the user can easily recognize that this template has a database by seeing the change of sample images in the overview image as shown in FIG.

[0098] 4. 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.

[0099] (2-1) The specific method for switching between and displaying a plurality of sample images one by one, and the number of sample images, are not limited to those described in the above embodiments. For example, part of the method of the third embodiment (see FIG. 9) may be applied to the first embodiment (see FIG. 5). Specifically, the first sample image 20 may basically be continuously displayed. Then, while the first sample image 20 is designated by the pointer 200, the first and second sample images 20, 30 may be alternately displayed. Alternatively, the first sample image 20 may be normally displayed continuously, and while the area of the first sample image 20 is designated by the pointer 200, the second sample image 30 may be continuously displayed.

[0100] Also, for example, in the second embodiment (see FIG. 8), two or more sample images may be created in addition to the first sample image 20 and displayed simultaneously with the first sample image 20.

[0101] Also, for example, in the third embodiment (see FIG. 9), the first to third sample images 20, 30, 40 may be alternately switched one by one, regardless of whether they are designated by the pointer 200. Also, although the number of sample images in the third embodiment is three, it may be two, or four or more.

[0102] (2-2) In the above embodiments, one of the three linked sample objects (i.e., the second sample object 22) changes between the multiple sample images. However, two or more linked sample objects may change between the multiple sample objects. For example, the first sample object 21 in the first sample image 20 may be a "printer," while the first sample object 21 in the second sample image 30 may be a "scanner."

[0103] (2-3) In the above embodiments, the first sample image 20 is downloaded from the server 150. However, the first sample image 20 may also be created by the label image creation application 5a, similar to the second sample image 30. In other words, all of the multiple sample images may be created by the label image creation application 5a.

[0104] (2-4) The present disclosure is not limited to application to printing devices in the form of label printers. The present disclosure can be applied to various printing devices in forms other than label printers. (2-5) 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. Also, at least part of the configuration of the above embodiments may be added to or substituted for the configuration of another of the above embodiments. [Explanation of symbols]

[0105] 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...first sample image, 21...first sample object, 22...second sample object, 23...third sample object, 30...second sample image, 40...third sample 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, 110...printing medium, 115, 120...label image, 121...first object, 122...second object, 123...third object, 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, and the one or more objects include a link object associated with the link field and indicating a selected one of a plurality of data arranged in the link field; The image processing program causes the control unit to a first display process of displaying, on the display unit, a plurality of sample images which are samples of the plurality of print images each having different data indicated as the link object, side by side at the same time or by switching between them one by one; is configured to execute The plurality of sample images are a first sample image that is a sample of the print image when the link object indicates a first data item among the plurality of data items; a second sample image that is a sample of the print image when the link object indicates second data that is different from the first data among the plurality of data; Image processing programs, including

2. 2. The image processing program according to claim 1, the first display process displays one of the plurality of sample images on the display unit while repeatedly switching the sample images periodically or irregularly; Image processing program.

3. 2. The image processing program according to claim 1, The first display process includes: displaying the first sample image; displaying the second sample image in place of the first sample image in response to a predetermined area including the first sample image being designated via the input unit; Including, Image processing program.

4. 4. The image processing program according to claim 3, the first display process displays the plurality of sample images while switching them one by one in sequence while the predetermined area is being designated via the input unit; Image processing program.

5. The image processing program according to any one of claims 1 to 4, 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 other information processing device has sample image data that is data of the first sample image, the image processing program is configured to cause the control unit to execute a communication process of acquiring the sample image data from the other information processing device via the communication unit, the first display process displays the first sample image based on the sample image data acquired by the communication process; Image processing program.

6. The image processing program according to any one of claims 1 to 4, the image processing program is configured to cause the control unit to execute a sample generation process for generating the second sample image; The sample generation process includes: a first selection process for selecting one cell from among a plurality of cells in the link field that is different from the cell in which the first data is stored; a second selection process for sequentially selecting other unselected cells in the link field until data different from the first data is selected, if the data of the cell selected by the first selection process is the same as the first data or no data is stored in the cell; a determination process for determining, when the other cell selected by the second selection process includes data different from the first data, the data as the second data; Including, Image processing program.

7. The image processing program according to any one of claims 1 to 4, The storage unit is configured to further store the print image information indicating a non-associated print image, which is the print image to which no database is associated; and the first display process displays, for the non-related print image, a non-related sample image that is a sample of the non-related print image on the display unit. Image processing program.

8. The image processing program according to any one of claims 1 to 4, 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. The image processing program according to any one of claims 1 to 4, The control unit a second display process of displaying on the display unit a designated image processing screen that accepts editing of the print image and / or a printing instruction for the print image in response to a designation input for designating the print image being made via the input unit; An image processing program configured to cause the

10. 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, and the one or more objects include a link object associated with the link field and indicating a selected one of a plurality of data arranged in the link field; The control unit a first display process for displaying, on the display unit, a plurality of sample images which are samples of the plurality of print images each having different data indicated as the link object, side by side at the same time or by switching between the sample images one by one; a second display process of displaying on the display unit a designated image processing screen that accepts editing of the print image and / or a printing instruction for the print image in response to a designation input for designating the print image being made via the input unit; is configured to execute The plurality of sample images are a first sample image that is a sample of the print image when the link object indicates a first data item among the plurality of data items; a second sample image that is a sample of the print image when the link object indicates second data that is different from the first data among the plurality of data; an image processing device comprising:

Images