Information processing device, display processing method, and program

Abstract

To support determining whether printed medium where a print image is printed is fit within a paste area at a print image creation step.SOLUTION: An information processing device includes: an image creation unit 111 that creates a print image; an acquisition unit 112 that obtains size information of a candidate area where a printed medium where the print image is printed is to be pasted; and a display control unit 113 that causes a display unit to display, based on the size information obtained by the acquisition unit 112, the print image so that a part that is displayed superimposed on an image corresponding to the candidate area of the print image and a part that is displayed not superimposed on the image corresponding to the candidate area are displayed in different manners.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 4

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The disclosure of this specification relates to an information processing device, a display processing method, and a program. [Background technology]

[0002] Regarding a printing device that creates labels by printing characters, images, etc. on tape, which is a long, thin strip of printing medium, for example, Patent Document 1 describes a preview function that displays the created label image (print image) superimposed on an image of the object to which the label will be affixed. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2017-097587 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] By using the technology described in Patent Document 1, it is possible to determine in advance the size balance between the label with the print image printed on it and the object to which it is to be attached, but it can be difficult to determine whether the label will fit within the object to which it is to be attached.

[0005] In light of the above-described situation, an object of one aspect of the present invention is to provide a technology that assists in determining whether the printing medium on which the print image is printed will fit within the area to be pasted during the print image creation stage. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] An information processing device according to one aspect of the present invention comprises an image creation unit that creates a print image, an acquisition unit that acquires size information of a candidate area onto which a printing medium on which the print image is printed is to be attached, and a display control unit that, based on the size information acquired by the acquisition unit, displays the print image on a display unit in different ways, with a portion of the print image that is displayed superimposed on an image corresponding to the candidate area and a portion that is not displayed superimposed on the image corresponding to the candidate area.

[0007] A display processing method of an information processing device according to one aspect of the present invention creates a print image, acquires size information of a candidate area for pasting a printing medium on which the print image is printed, and, based on the acquired size information, displays the print image on a display unit in different ways, with a portion of the print image being displayed superimposed on an image corresponding to the candidate area and a portion not being displayed superimposed on the image corresponding to the candidate area.

[0008] A program according to one aspect of the present invention causes an information processing device to create a print image, acquire size information of a candidate area onto which a printing medium on which the print image is printed is to be attached, and, based on the acquired size information, execute a process of displaying the print image on a display unit in different ways, with the portion of the print image that is displayed superimposed on an image corresponding to the candidate area and the portion that is not displayed superimposed on the image corresponding to the candidate area. [Effects of the Invention]

[0009] According to the above aspect, it is possible to assist in determining whether the print medium on which the print image is printed will fit within the area to be pasted, at the print image creation stage. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0010] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of a system according to an embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a partial plan view of a printing device according to an embodiment with the cover open. [Figure 3] FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a hardware configuration of an information processing apparatus according to an embodiment. [Figure 4] 1 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a configuration of an information processing device related to a display processing method according to a first embodiment. [Figure 5] 4 is an example of a flowchart illustrating a display processing method according to the first embodiment. [Figure 6] 10 is an example of an editing screen. [Figure 7] 10 is an example of a workspace area when a label image extends beyond the candidate area. [Figure 8] FIG. 10 is a block diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of an information processing device related to a display processing method according to a second embodiment. [Figure 9] 10 is an example of a flowchart illustrating a display processing method according to a second embodiment. [Figure 10] 10 is an example of a workspace area when a label image is contained in a candidate area. [Figure 11] 10 is an example of a workspace area when a label image extends beyond the candidate area. [Figure 12] 10 is another example of a workspace area when a label image extends beyond the candidate area. [Figure 13] FIG. 10 is a block diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of an information processing device related to a display processing method according to a third embodiment. [Figure 14] 10 is an example of a workspace area when a label image extends beyond the candidate area. [Figure 15] 10 is a modified example of an area in the editing screen where a paste target is set. [Figure 16] 10 is an example of a flowchart illustrating a display processing method according to a fourth embodiment. [Figure 17] 10 is an example of a workspace area when a label image extends beyond a candidate area in a setting where candidate areas are not displayed. [Figure 18]10 is an example of a workspace area when a label image is placed in a candidate area in a setting for automatically adjusting the label image. [Figure 19] 10 is another example of a workspace area when a label image is placed in a candidate area in a setting for automatically adjusting the label image. [Figure 20] 10 is an example of a workspace area when a label image extends beyond the candidate area. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0011] An embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. The following describes an embodiment of the present invention using as an example a system including a printing device that can print characters, images, etc. on tape, which is a printing medium, and cut and discharge the printed tape (label) to the outside of the device, and an information processing device on which an application (label creation support application) that supports the creation of the label runs.

[0012] In this specification, tape refers to a thin, strip-shaped print medium made of plastic, paper, or any other material. Tape typically has an adhesive layer and is affixable. However, tape does not have to have an adhesive layer. Furthermore, a label refers to tape used as a print medium with some information printed on it. The printing method of the printing device according to the embodiment is not particularly limited. The printing device is, for example, a thermal printer that prints using a thermal transfer method or a thermal method. However, the printing device is not limited to a thermal printer, and may be an inkjet printer, a laser printer, or the like.

[0013] The system shown in FIG. 1 includes a printing device 1 and information processing devices (information processing devices 100a and 100b). Hereinafter, when there is no need to distinguish between the information processing devices 100a and 100b, they will be referred to as information processing devices 100. In the system shown in FIG. 1, the information processing device 100 sends a print instruction for a label image to the printing device 1, which then prints the label image on tape 13 and creates a label on which the label image is printed. The label image is a print image that is printed on a print medium (here, tape 13) to create a label.

[0014] Each of the information processing devices 100 is a device that creates a label image to be printed on the tape 13 by the printing device 1, and runs a label creation support application. The information processing device 100a is a notebook terminal, and the information processing device 100b is a portable tablet terminal. However, the information processing device 100 is not limited to a notebook or tablet terminal, and may be any mobile terminal such as a smartphone, or may be a desktop (stationary) terminal.

[0015] As shown in FIG. 1, each of the information processing devices 100 and the printing device 1 exchange data, for example, via wireless communication. The standard of wireless communication between the printing device 1 and the information processing device 100 is not particularly limited. For example, a wireless LAN standard such as Wi-Fi (registered trademark) may be adopted. The information processing device may communicate with the printing device 1 in ad hoc mode, or may communicate with the printing device 1 in infrastructure mode via an access point (not shown). Furthermore, a short-range wireless communication standard such as Bluetooth (registered trademark) Low Energy (hereinafter referred to as BLE) may be adopted for the wireless communication between the printing device 1 and the information processing device. Furthermore, communication between the printing device 1 and the information processing device is not limited to wireless communication, and may also be communication using a wired cable.

[0016] The printing device 1 illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2 has a device housing 2 and a lid 4 attached to the device housing 2. The device housing 2 is provided with a recessed adapter mounting section 21 into which a tape adapter 11 is attached. The tape adapter 11 is a container that stores a roll of tape 13 (hereinafter referred to as a "tape roll 12") and supplies the tape 13 to the printing device 1. The adapter mounting section 21 of the device housing 2 is connected to an outlet 22 provided on the side of the device housing 2. The printing device 1 transports the tape 13 drawn out from the tape adapter 11 attached to the adapter mounting section 21 along a transport path provided in the device housing 2 and discharges it from the outlet 22. The device housing 2 is provided with a platen roller (transport roller) 6 that transports the tape 13 drawn out from the tape adapter 11, a printing unit 7 that prints on the tape 13, and a cutting unit 8 that cuts the tape 13.

[0017] The lid 4 is attached to the device housing 2 so that the adapter mounting section 21 can be opened and closed. In the printing device 1, a keyboard 3 is provided on the device housing 2, and a display 5 is provided on the surface of the lid 4. The keyboard 3 is an input device having a plurality of keys for inputting and selecting various information related to the operation of the printing device 1. The display 5 is a display device that displays various information input or selected using the keyboard 3. Although an example in which the printing device 1 is equipped with the keyboard 3 and the display 5 is shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the printing device 1 does not have to be equipped with the keyboard 3 and the display 5, and it is sufficient that the printing device 1 has at least a configuration for executing printing processing in response to a print command from the information processing device 100.

[0018] For example, when the printing device 1 configured as above receives a print instruction including a label image from the information processing device 100, it performs a process (operation) of printing the label image on the tape 13 to create a label.

[0019] 3, the information processing device 100 includes, for example, a processor 110, a storage device 120, an input device 130, a display device 140, and a communication device 150. The processor 110 includes, for example, a central processing unit (CPU) and executes a program 121 stored in the storage device 120. The processor 110 may include any electric circuit such as a graphics processing unit (GPU), an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a field-programmable gate array (FPGA), or a digital signal processor (DSP).

[0020] The storage device 120 is a non-transitory computer-readable medium, such as any semiconductor memory. The one or more storage devices 120 include volatile memory such as RAM (Random Access Memory), and non-volatile memory such as ROM (Read Only Memory), flash memory, etc. The storage device 120 may also include a magnetic storage device, an optical storage device, or other types of storage device. The storage device 120 stores a program 121 and data 122. The program 121 is, for example, an application (label creation support application) that supports label creation using a display processing method described below. The data 122 includes, for example, a created label image.

[0021] The input device 130 is, for example, a keyboard, a mouse, etc. The display device 140 is a display unit of the information processing device 100, and is, for example, a liquid crystal display, etc. The input device 130 and the display device 140 may form a touch panel display. The communication device 150 is, for example, a communication unit compatible with wireless communication such as WiFi or BLE.

[0022] In the system configured as described above, the user can have the information processing device 100 create a label image by inputting the necessary information into the label creation support application executed by the processor 110. Furthermore, the user can have the printing device 1 create a label on which the label image is printed by instructing the printing device 1 to print the label image created by the information processing device 100.

[0023] Labels created with the system shown in Figure 1 are often used by attaching them to objects such as files and notebooks. For this reason, it is desirable to be able to check at the time of creating the label image (before creating the label) whether the label will fit inside the object when it is attached to the object. If it is possible to check whether the label will fit inside the object, it will be possible to prevent situations in which work has to be redone because the label does not fit inside the object.

[0024] For this reason, the label creation assistance application described above has a function for displaying a label image on the screen where the label image is created, in a way that allows the user to distinguish between portions that fit within the area of the object to which the label is to be affixed and portions that do not. Hereinafter, the area of the object to which the label is to be affixed will be referred to as a candidate area. A candidate area is an area arbitrarily designated by the user and is not limited to a pre-defined area. A candidate area may be an area arbitrarily determined by the user, such as a portion of the spine of a file. It may also be a physically defined area, such as the entire spine of a file, or a visually defined area, such as the portion of the cover of a notebook where a title is written.

[0025] The following describes in detail in each embodiment the overflow confirmation function that displays a label image stored in the information processing device 100 in a manner that allows a user to distinguish between portions of the label image that fit within a candidate area and portions that do not, and the display processing method performed by the information processing device 100 to realize the overflow confirmation function. The processor 110 shown in FIG. 4 includes an image creation unit 111, an acquisition unit 112, and a display control unit 113, which are realized when the processor 110 executes a program 121. The image creation unit 111 creates a label image to be printed on the tape 13. The image creation unit 111 creates the label image based on, for example, a user operation input via the input device 130.

[0026] The acquisition unit 112 acquires size information of a candidate area to which the tape 13 on which the label image created by the image creation unit 111 is printed is to be affixed. The acquisition unit 112 acquires the size information of the candidate area based on, for example, a user operation input via the input device 130. Note that the user may, for example, input the length and width of the candidate area to the information processing device 100, and the acquisition unit 112 may acquire the size information of the candidate area based on the input length (numerical value). Also, the user may, for example, input a standardized size such as A4 or B5 to the information processing device 100, and the acquisition unit 112 may acquire the size information of the candidate area based on the input standardized size.

[0027] The display control unit 113 causes the display device 140 to display the print image. Specifically, based on the size information acquired by the acquisition unit 112, the display control unit 113 causes the display device 140 to display an image corresponding to the candidate area (hereinafter referred to as a candidate area image) and superimposes a label image on the image. More specifically, based on the size information acquired by the acquisition unit 112, the display control unit 113 causes the display device 140 to display the label image in different formats for the portion of the label image that is superimposed on the candidate area image and the portion that is not superimposed on the candidate area image. In other words, based on the size information of the candidate area acquired by the acquisition unit 112, the display control unit 113 causes the display device 140 to display the label image in different formats for the portion that fits within the candidate area and the portion that protrudes from the candidate area. Here, the portion that fits within the candidate area refers to the portion that would fit within the candidate area if the tape 13 on which the label image is printed were attached to the candidate area. More specifically, when the tape 13 is affixed to a candidate area so that the label image fits as closely as possible within the candidate area, this portion is within the candidate area.

[0028] Here, "different modes" refers more strictly to visually different display modes. Examples of different display modes for label images include a label image with a background that is different in color, density, pattern, etc., a label image with a foreground that is different in color, density, pattern, etc. (i.e., text or image), or a combination of these. Display in different modes can be achieved by partially changing the label image itself, as described above, or by something other than the label image. For example, if the background of the label image is transparent, the label image can be displayed in different modes by changing the color, density, pattern, etc., of the area where the label image is displayed.

[0029] The information processing device 100 has an image creation unit 111, an acquisition unit 112, and a display control unit 113, so that the portion of the label image that fits within the candidate area and the portion that protrudes are displayed in different ways. In other words, when the label image protrudes from the candidate area, the label image is displayed in two different ways, so by checking this, the user can determine at a glance whether the tape 13 on which the label image is printed will fit within the area to be pasted (candidate area) during the label image creation stage. Therefore, the information processing device 100 can assist in determining whether the label will fit within the candidate area during the label image creation stage, in other words, during the stage before label creation that involves printing, etc.

[0030] Furthermore, because the information processing device 100 displays the fitted portion and the protruding portion in different ways, the user can see at a glance which part of the label image protrudes from the candidate area, and can also recognize at the same time how much modification is required to fit the label image within the candidate area. Therefore, the information processing device 100 allows the user to smoothly modify the label image, which also reduces the need for rework.

[0031] As described above, the display control unit 113 displays a candidate area image on the display device 140 and superimposes a label image on the image based on the size information acquired by the acquisition unit 112. By having the display control unit 113 display a candidate area image corresponding to the candidate area, the user can create the label while recognizing the balance in size between the candidate area and the label image during label creation. This makes it possible to warn the user not to let the label image overflow the candidate area even before the label image overflows the candidate area. It also makes it possible to prevent situations in which the user has to redo the work after printing the label because the size balance between the label and the target object is poor.

[0032] The process shown in Fig. 5 is started by the processor 110 executing the program 121. When the program 121 is started, the edit screen shown in Fig. 6 is displayed on the display device 140. The edit screen is one of the application screens displayed on the display device 140, and includes areas 210, 220, 230, and 240. Area 240 is a workspace area for editing the label image. Area 240 displays the label image, an image corresponding to the candidate area (candidate area image), a scale, and the like.

[0033] Area 210 contains buttons 211 for the save operation, button 213 for print preview, and buttons (buttons 212a to 212h) for specifying objects to be used as parts of the label image. Area 220 is an area for specifying the size of the label to be created. Area 220 contains input controls for specifying the label width and label length, as well as a button for setting whether to automatically extend the label length if the label image does not fit on the label. Area 230 is an area for specifying the size of the area (candidate area) to which the label will be pasted. Area 230 contains input controls for specifying the vertical and horizontal lengths of the candidate area.

[0034] When the user inputs information in area 230 to specify the size of the candidate area, processor 110 acquires size information of the candidate area based on the information input by the user in area 230 (step S1). In this example, processor 110 acquires, for example, information such as (length, width) = (30 mm, 80 mm) as size information of the candidate area.

[0035] Once the size information is acquired, processor 110 generates a candidate area image (step S2) and displays the candidate area image on display device 140 (step S3). The candidate area image generated in step S2 is, for example, a monochrome rectangular image of the size specified by the size information acquired in step S1. The candidate area image may be any image that can be distinguished from the background of area 240 of display device 140 in which the candidate area image is displayed in step S3. If the background of area 240 is white, for example, a gray candidate area image 400 of 30 mm x 80 mm in size is generated and displayed, as shown in FIG. 6.

[0036] Thereafter, processor 110 generates a label image (step S4) and displays the generated label image on display device 140, superimposed on the candidate area image (step S5). If the user has not performed an input operation to specify the content of the label image, processor 110 generates a label image representing the outline of a label of the size specified in area 220 in step S4, and superimposes it on the candidate area image in step S5. On the other hand, if an input operation to specify the content of the label image has been performed, processor 110 generates a label image of the specified content in step S4, and superimposes the label image on the candidate area image in step S5.

[0037] 6 shows how the text "ABCDEFG" is input as the content of the label image, and how the label image 300 containing the text "ABCDEFG" is superimposed on the candidate area image 400. In the example shown in FIG. 6, the background of the label image 300 is set to transparent, and the foreground (i.e., the text "ABCDEFG") is set to black. Therefore, the color of the candidate area image 400 (e.g., gray) is visible in the parts of the label image 300 other than the text.

[0038] 5 (step S6), and if not, repeats the processes of steps S4 and S5. Here, consider the case where further text is added after the text "ABCDEFG" and the text "ABCDEFGHIJKLMNOP" is specified as the content of the label image.

[0039] In this case, in step S4, processor 110 generates a new label image 301 including the text "ABCDEFGHIJKLMNOP." The label length of label image 301 created in step S4 is automatically extended so that the text "ABCDEFGHIJKLMNOP" can fit within it. As a result, the label length is extended beyond the length of the candidate area (the horizontal length in this example), and in step S5, processor 110 displays label image 301 on display device 140 in such a way that a portion 301a of label image 301 that fits within the candidate area and a portion 301b that extends beyond the candidate area are displayed in different formats, as shown in FIG. 7 . In other words, label image 301 is displayed on display device 140 in such a way that a portion that is displayed superimposed on candidate area image 400 and a portion that is not displayed superimposed on candidate area image 400 are displayed in different formats.

[0040] Figure 7 shows an example in which part 301a of label image 301, which has a transparent background, that fits within the candidate area is shown through the color (gray) of candidate area image 400, and part 301b of label image 301 that extends beyond the candidate area is shown through the color (white) of area 240, resulting in parts 301a and 301b being displayed in different ways.

[0041] 5, the information processing device according to the first embodiment can display the label image on the screen where the label image is created so that the part that fits within the area of the object to which the label is to be affixed and the part that does not can be distinguished. Therefore, in the print image creation stage, it is possible to help determine whether the print medium on which the print image is printed will fit within the candidate area.

[0042] 8 includes an image creation unit 111, an acquisition unit 112, a display control unit 113, a determination unit 114, and an image processing unit 115, which are realized by the processor 110 executing a program 121. The processor 110 according to the second embodiment differs from the processor 110 according to the first embodiment in that it includes the determination unit 114 and the image processing unit 115.

[0043] The determination unit 114 determines whether the label image fits within the candidate area. The determination unit 114 is configured to make this determination based on the label image created by the image creation unit 111 and the size information acquired by the acquisition unit 112. By including the determination unit 114, the information processing device 100 can perform additional processing when the label image does not fit within the candidate area. As a result, the information processing device 100 can more reliably let the user know that the label image does not fit within the candidate area and more easily let the user know the protruding range, as will be described later.

[0044] When the determination unit 114 determines that the label image does not fit within the candidate area, the image processing unit 115 processes the label image created by the image creation unit 111. The image processing unit 115 may process the label image so that the portion of the label image that fits within the candidate area (the portion that is displayed superimposed on the candidate area image 400) and the portion that extends beyond the candidate area (the portion that is not displayed superimposed on the candidate area image 400) are displayed in different forms, and may process at least one of the portion that fits within the candidate area and the portion that extends beyond the candidate area. The image processing unit 115 may, for example, process only the portion that extends beyond the candidate area.

[0045] In the second embodiment, when the determination unit 114 determines that the label image does not fit within the candidate area, the display control unit 113 causes the image processing unit 115 to display the processed label image on the display device 140. By including the image processing unit 115, the information processing device 100 can process the label image so that when the label image does not fit within the candidate area, the part that fits and the part that protrudes are clearly different. As a result, the information processing device 100 makes it possible to more reliably let the user know that the label image does not fit within the candidate area and to more easily understand the protruding range, as will be described later.

[0046] The process shown in FIG. 9 starts when the processor 110 according to the second embodiment executes the program 121. Note that the processes from step S11 to step S14 are the same as the processes from step S1 to step S4 in FIG. 5. Once the label image is generated, the processor 110 determines whether the label image fits within the candidate area (step S15). Here, the processor 110 may make this determination by, for example, comparing the size of the label image generated in step S14 with the size specified by the size information acquired in step S11. If it is determined that the label image fits within the candidate area, the processor 110 causes the display device 140 to display the generated label image superimposed on the candidate area image 400 (step S16). The process of step S16 is the same as the process of step S5 in FIG. 5.

[0047] 10 shows how the text "ABCDEFG" is entered as the content of the label image, and how the label image 302 containing this text is superimposed on the candidate area image 400. In the example shown in FIG. 10, the background of the label image 302 is set to white rather than transparent, and the foreground (i.e., the text "ABCDEFG") is set to black.

[0048] If it is determined that the label image does not fit within the candidate area, processor 110 processes the protruding portion of the label image (step S17) and displays the processed label image on display device 140, superimposed on the candidate area image (step S18). Note that in step S17, processor 110 may, for example, perform processing to change the color of the background of the portion of the label image created in step S14 that protrudes from the candidate area, or may perform processing to change the colors of both the background and foreground.

[0049] In the changing process in step S17, for example, as shown in Fig. 11, the background color of a portion 303b of the label image 303 containing the text "ABCDEFGHIJKLMNOP" that protrudes from the candidate area image 400 is changed from the white background color of the portion 303a in which it fits to gray (more specifically, a gray that is darker than the color of the candidate area image 400). Alternatively, as shown in Fig. 12, the background color of a portion 304b of the label image 304 containing the text "ABCDEFGHIJKLMNOP" that protrudes from the candidate area image 400 is changed from the white background color of the portion 304a in which it fits to black, and further, the foreground color of the protruding portion 304b is changed from the black foreground color of the portion 304a in which it fits to white.

[0050] Thereafter, processor 110 determines whether or not to terminate the processing shown in Fig. 9 (step S19), and if not, repeats the processing from step S14 onwards. The information processing device according to the second embodiment, which performs the display processing method shown in Fig. 9, can also achieve the same effects as the information processing device according to the first embodiment. In particular, according to the information processing device according to the second embodiment, when it is determined that the label image does not fit within the candidate area, the label image can be processed so that the part that fits and the part that protrudes are displayed in different modes. This makes it possible to more reliably let the user know that the label image does not fit within the candidate area.

[0051] Furthermore, when it is determined that the label image does not fit within the candidate area, the information processing device according to the second embodiment processes the portion of the label image that protrudes. As a result, when the state transitions from a fit state to a protruding state, the display mode of the protruding portion changes, allowing the user to easily notice that the label image has protruded.

[0052] The processor 110 according to the third embodiment includes an image creation unit 111, an acquisition unit 112, a display control unit 113, a determination unit 114, an image processing unit 115, and a notification unit 116, which are realized by the processor 110 executing a program 121. The processor 110 according to the third embodiment differs from the processor 110 according to the second embodiment in that the processor 110 according to the third embodiment includes the notification unit 116.

[0053] The notification unit 116 issues a warning when the determination unit 114 determines that the label image does not fit within the candidate area. The warning issued by the notification unit 116 is, for example, an error message 500 displayed on the display device 140 as shown in FIG. 14 . However, the method of warning is not limited to displaying an error message. The notification unit 116 may issue a warning by sound emitted from a speaker provided in the information processing device 100, or by illuminating an LED light provided in the information processing device 100. By including the notification unit 116 in the information processing device 100, the user can be more reliably made aware that part of the label image will protrude than if only a display-related measure was taken for the label image.

[0054] The information processing device according to the fourth embodiment is similar to the information processing device according to the third embodiment in that it has the functional configuration shown in Fig. 13 which is realized by the processor 110 executing the program 121. The information processing device according to the fourth embodiment differs from the information processing device according to the third embodiment in that it can switch between displaying and hiding the candidate area image using buttons 231 and 232 provided in an area 230 on the editing screen, as shown in Fig. 15, and in that it can switch between enabling and disabling a function for automatically adjusting the size of the label image when the label image protrudes from the candidate area.

[0055] The processing shown in FIG. 16 is started by the processor 110 according to the fourth embodiment executing the program 121. The processing in step S21 is similar to the processing in step S1 in FIG. 5. Next, the processor 110 determines whether or not the setting is to display the candidate areas (step S22). Here, the processor 110 makes this determination based on the state of the button 231 provided in the area 230 shown in FIG. 15. Thereafter, if the processor 110 determines that the setting is to display the candidate areas, it generates a candidate area image (step S23) and causes the display device 140 to display the candidate area image (step S24). On the other hand, if the processor 110 determines that the setting is not to display the candidate areas, the processor 110 omits the processing in steps S23 and S24. The processing in steps S23 and S24 is similar to the processing in steps S2 and S3 in FIG. 5.

[0056] Furthermore, processor 110 creates a label image (step S25) and determines whether the label image fits within the candidate area (step S26). The processes of steps S25 and S26 are the same as the processes of steps S14 and S15 in FIG. 9. If it is determined that the label image fits within the candidate area, processor 110 causes display device 140 to display the generated label image (step S27). Note that in step S27, if a candidate area image is displayed in step S24, the label image is displayed superimposed on the candidate area image. On the other hand, if step S24 is omitted and no candidate area image is displayed, only the label image is displayed.

[0057] If it is determined that the label image does not fit within the candidate area, processor 110 further determines whether a function for automatically adjusting the label length when the label image protrudes from the candidate area is ON (step S28). Here, processor 110 makes this determination based on the state of button 232 provided in area 230 shown in FIG.

[0058] If the processor 110 determines in step S28 that the automatic adjustment function is ON, it processes the label image so that it fits within the candidate area (step S29). In step S29, the processor 110 may process the label image so that it fits within the candidate area, for example, by reducing the font size. Alternatively, the processor 110 may compress the label image in the horizontal direction (label length direction) to destroy the aspect ratio of the label image and shorten the label length, thereby fitting the label image within the candidate area.

[0059] If processor 110 determines in step S28 that the automatic adjustment function is OFF, it processes the protruding portion of the label image (step S30). The processing in step S30 is the same as the processing in step S17 of FIG. 9. Then, processor 110 causes display device 140 to display the processed label image (step S31). Note that in step S31, if a candidate area image is displayed in step S24, the processed label image is displayed superimposed on the candidate area image. On the other hand, if step S24 is omitted and no candidate area image is displayed, only the processed label image is displayed.

[0060] Furthermore, processor 110 issues a warning (step S32). Here, processor 110 causes, for example, an error message to be displayed on display device 140. Note that, as shown in Fig. 17, if candidate area image 400 is not displayed, for example, error message 500 is displayed as the warning issued in step S32.

[0061] 18, if the font size of the label image 305 is reduced in step S29 so that it fits within the candidate area image 400, then an error message 501, for example, is displayed as the warning issued in step S32. Also, as shown in Fig. 19, if the label image 306 is compressed horizontally in step S29 so that it fits within the candidate area image 400, then an error message 501, for example, is displayed as the warning issued in step S32. Thereafter, processor 110 determines whether or not to end the processing shown in Fig. 16 (step S33), and if not, repeats the processing from step S25 onwards.

[0062] The information processing device according to the fourth embodiment, which performs the display processing method shown in Fig. 16, can also provide the same effects as the information processing devices according to the first to third embodiments described above. Furthermore, the information processing device according to the fourth embodiment allows the user to change various settings on the editing screen, such as displaying / hiding candidate areas and turning on / off automatic adjustment of label images.

[0063] The above-described embodiments are illustrative examples provided to facilitate understanding of the invention. The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and should be understood to encompass various modifications and alternative forms of the above-described embodiments. For example, it will be understood that the above-described embodiments can be embodied by modifying the components without departing from the spirit of the invention. It will also be understood that various embodiments can be implemented by appropriately combining multiple components disclosed in the above-described embodiments. Furthermore, those skilled in the art will understand that various embodiments can be implemented by deleting some components from all the components shown in the embodiments or by adding some components to the components shown in the embodiments. In other words, the above-described information processing device and display processing method can be variously modified and changed without departing from the scope of the claims.

[0064] In the above-described embodiment, an example was shown in which an information processing device other than the printing device 1 performs the display processing method, but the printing device 1 may also perform the above-described display processing method. That is, the information processing device may be a printing device equipped with a printing unit that prints a label image on a print medium, or the printing device alone may achieve the above-described effects. In the above-described embodiment, an example was shown in which the portion that protrudes from the candidate area and the portion that fits within the candidate area are displayed in different ways, but as shown in FIG. 20, once the label image 307 protrudes from the candidate area, the entire label image 307 may be displayed in a different way from before it protruded. In this case, the user can also be sure that the label image protrudes from the candidate area.

[0065] In the above-described embodiment, when the label image fits within the candidate area, the position of the label image on the candidate area image is maintained in the center, as shown in FIG. 6, and when the label image does not fit within the candidate area, the left edge of the candidate area image is aligned with the left edge of the label image, as shown in FIG. 7, for example. However, the positional relationship between the label image and the candidate area image is not limited to this example. When it is determined that the label image fits within the candidate area, the label image may be positioned at a predetermined position on the candidate area image and displayed on the display unit. When it is determined that the print image does not fit within the candidate area, the label image may be displayed on the display unit with any one of the left edge, right edge, top edge, or bottom edge of the candidate area image and the label image aligned. In this case, the edge positions (left edge, right edge, top edge, bottom edge) at which the candidate area image and the label image are aligned may be set according to the writing direction of the label image (e.g., vertical writing, horizontal writing, etc.). Furthermore, even when a label image fits within a candidate area, instead of displaying the candidate area image so that the center of the label image coincides with the center of the label image, the left edge of the candidate area image may be aligned with the left edge of the label image. Also, it may be possible to set the distance by which the left edge of the label image is separated from the left edge of the candidate area image.

[0066] In the above-described embodiment, an example was shown in which the position of the label image in the candidate area was determined automatically, but the label image may be movable to a position specified by the user. That is, the position of the label image may be freely moved on the screen by drag and drop. This allows the user to check in advance the balance when the label is attached in the desired arrangement within the candidate area. [Explanation of symbols]

[0067] 100, 100a, 100b information processing device, 111 image creation unit, 112 acquisition unit, 113 Display control unit

Claims

1. an image creation unit that creates a print image; an acquisition unit that acquires size information of a candidate area to which the print medium on which the print image is printed is to be attached; a display control unit that displays the print image on a display unit in different modes, based on the size information acquired by the acquisition unit, such that a portion of the print image that is displayed superimposed on an image corresponding to the candidate area and a portion that is not displayed superimposed on an image corresponding to the candidate area are displayed in different modes.

1. An information processing device comprising:

2. 2. The information processing device according to claim 1, further comprising: a determination unit that determines whether the print image fits within the candidate area; an image processing unit that processes the print image when the determination unit determines that the print image does not fit within the candidate area so that a portion of the print image that is displayed superimposed on the image corresponding to the candidate area and a portion that is not displayed superimposed on the image corresponding to the candidate area are displayed in different ways, The display control unit causes the display unit to display the print image processed by the image processing unit when the determination unit determines that the print image does not fit within the candidate area.

1. An information processing device comprising:

3. 3. The information processing device according to claim 2, further comprising: a notification unit that issues a warning when the determination unit determines that the print image does not fit within the candidate area; 1. An information processing device comprising:

4. 3. The information processing device according to claim 2, The display control unit If the determination unit determines that the print image fits within the candidate area, the print image is arranged at a predetermined position on the image corresponding to the candidate area and displayed on the display unit; When the determination unit determines that the print image does not fit within the candidate area, the image corresponding to the candidate area and the print image are displayed on the display unit with any one of the left edge, right edge, top edge, and bottom edge of each of the image and the print image aligned.

1. An information processing device comprising:

5. 5. The information processing device according to claim 1, The display control unit displaying an image corresponding to the candidate area on the display unit based on the size information acquired by the acquisition unit; Superimposing the print image on the image.

1. An information processing device comprising:

6. an image creation unit that creates a print image; an acquisition unit that acquires size information of a candidate area to which the print medium on which the print image is printed is to be attached; a display control unit that displays the print image on a display unit in different ways for a portion of the print image that fits within the candidate area when the print medium is pasted on the candidate area and a portion that protrudes from the candidate area, based on the size information acquired by the acquisition unit.

1. An information processing device comprising:

7. A display processing method for an information processing device, comprising: Create a print image acquiring size information of a candidate area to which the printing medium on which the print image is printed is to be pasted; Based on the acquired size information, the print image is displayed on a display unit in such a manner that a portion of the print image that is displayed superimposed on an image corresponding to the candidate area and a portion that is not displayed superimposed on an image corresponding to the candidate area are different from each other. A display processing method comprising:

8. A display processing method for an information processing device, comprising: Create a print image acquiring size information of a candidate area to which the printing medium on which the print image is printed is to be pasted; Based on the acquired size information, the print image is displayed on a display unit in such a manner that a portion of the print image that fits within the candidate area when the print medium is attached to the candidate area and a portion that protrudes from the candidate area are displayed in different forms. A display processing method comprising:

9. In the information processing device, Create a print image acquiring size information of a candidate area to which the printing medium on which the print image is printed is to be pasted; Based on the acquired size information, the print image is displayed on a display unit in such a manner that a portion of the print image that is displayed superimposed on an image that corresponds to the candidate area and a portion that is not displayed superimposed on an image that corresponds to the candidate area are different from each other. A program characterized by executing a process.

10. In the information processing device, Create a print image acquiring size information of a candidate area to which the printing medium on which the print image is printed is to be pasted; Based on the acquired size information, the print image is displayed on a display unit in such a manner that a portion of the print image that fits within the candidate area when the print medium is attached to the candidate area and a portion that protrudes from the candidate area are displayed in different forms. A program characterized by executing a process.

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